Kael had spent three days hidden within the depths of the Ancient Forest.
Using the shadowy cover of his newly awakened Rastro Sombrio, he managed to evade larger predators and hunt enough spiritual insects to survive.
But something wasn't right.
Even with food in his stomach and the spiritual water dripping from mystical leaves, his body remained weak. The faint energy he gathered was barely enough to sustain him.
He needed more.
And then, in the darkness of the forest, he saw it.
A faint glow shimmered ahead, cutting through the mist like a beacon.
In the center of a small clearing, nestled on the gnarled roots of an ancient tree, a crystal hovered in the air, spinning gently.
Kael crept closer, his heart pounding as he took in the sight of the radiant object.
It was a Low-Level Spiritual Orb, its blue light pulsing softly with raw, refined energy.
Kael's sharp eyes studied it carefully. He had already grasped the basics of this world: cultivators absorbed the energy of Spiritual Orbs to strengthen their Essences. This was the first step on the path to power.
But how?
He didn't know the exact process, but instinct drove him forward. His small hand reached out and grasped the Orb.
The moment his fingers touched the smooth surface, the Dark Spiritual Lotus within him stirred to life.
And everything changed.
Kael's body convulsed as the Orb's energy surged into him.
It wasn't gentle or gradual—it was like being struck by lightning. The refined energy tore through his muscles, burned in his chest, and raced through his veins like fire.
His heart pounded violently, his vision blurred, and his entire body trembled as the power fused with his being.
The Lotus absorbed the Orb completely, leaving no trace of its physical form.
Kael fell to his knees, gasping for air.
For the first time, he felt strength coursing through his body. His muscles no longer ached with exhaustion. His senses sharpened, and a faint aura surrounded him, whispering of the changes within.
The pain had subsided. In its place was power.
But his moment of clarity was short-lived.
The forest reacted.
The air grew heavy, thick with menace.
Kael froze as the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He didn't need to turn around to know—something was watching him.
Slowly, he turned his head, his instincts screaming.
Emerging from the shadows was a creature cloaked in darkness, its massive form blending seamlessly with the gloom. Its glowing blue eyes burned with hunger.
The Frostfang Shadow Wolf was easily three times Kael's size, its black fur shimmering faintly with icy energy. Steam drifted from its open maw, its breath freezing the air as it exhaled.
Kael's body tensed. There was no escaping the truth.
He couldn't win this fight.
The wolf's muscles rippled as it lowered itself, preparing to pounce. Its claws gouged the earth beneath it, and its sharp fangs gleamed in the faint light.
Kael's mind raced. He was cornered, and the wolf wouldn't let him go.
If he didn't act, he would die.
The wolf lunged.
Kael rolled instinctively, the beast's claws grazing his side. A sharp, burning pain shot through his body as blood began to soak his torn shirt.
He gritted his teeth, dragging himself to his feet. He couldn't match the wolf's speed or power. One direct hit, and he wouldn't survive.
The wolf snarled, turning to face him again. Its predatory instincts told it that Kael was weak, and it stalked forward slowly, savoring the inevitable kill.
Kael's eyes darted around the clearing.
His gaze landed on a sturdy branch lying near a jagged rock.
An idea began to form.
Kael staggered toward the rock, his breathing labored.
The wolf's glowing eyes narrowed, sensing weakness. It crouched low, readying itself for another attack.
Kael clutched the branch in his trembling hands, every nerve in his body screaming in pain. But his mind remained focused.
He waited.
The wolf pounced, a blur of black fur and deadly claws.
At the last possible second, Kael dove to the side.
The wolf's momentum carried it forward, its head smashing into the jagged rock with a sickening thud.
Kael didn't hesitate.
Clutching the branch with both hands, he drove it into the wolf's glowing eye with all the strength his small body could muster.
The sharp crack of bone echoed through the clearing.
The wolf let out a guttural howl of pain, its massive body thrashing as blood—thick and blue—spattered the ground.
Kael stumbled back, breathing heavily.
This was his chance. He could run now. The wolf was injured and disoriented.
But something inside him refused to flee.
His body burned with adrenaline. His heart raced, his blood pounding in his ears.
For the first time since his rebirth, Kael didn't want to escape.
He wanted to fight.
The Dark Spiritual Lotus within him flared, its energy resonating with his growing resolve.
Kael gripped the branch tighter, his small figure steady against the towering beast.
He wasn't prey anymore.
He was a predator.
And he chose to finish this fight.