The wolf staggered back, one of its eyes destroyed by Kael's attack. Its breathing was heavy, but even so, it refused to retreat.
Kael recognized the look in the beast's remaining eye.
Pride.
Even injured, the wolf wouldn't accept being hunted by something so small.
It growled low, baring its icy fangs, and lunged forward again.
Kael didn't back down.
This time, Kael didn't wait.
The Dark Spiritual Lotus pulsed within him, its energy thrumming in harmony with his instincts. His sharp mind anticipated the wolf's movements before they even began.
Shadows coalesced around his hands, the energy sharp and volatile.
Kael could feel it—the power, the hunger.
The wolf lunged, its jaws wide as it aimed to rip out his throat.
But instead of retreating, Kael charged forward.
His body moved on its own, driven by instinct. As the wolf's fangs closed in, Kael twisted his small frame, narrowly avoiding the deadly bite.
And then, he struck.
The shadows surrounding his hands flared, forming claws as sharp as blades.
Kael's fingers pierced the wolf's throat, sinking deep into its flesh.
A spray of thick, blue blood splattered across his face as the beast let out a strangled howl. It writhed and thrashed, trying desperately to shake him off.
Kael held firm.
With a feral snarl, he pulled.
A grotesque rip echoed through the forest as Kael tore through the wolf's neck.
The beast collapsed, its massive body hitting the ground with a dull thud.
Kael stood motionless, his chest heaving as adrenaline surged through him. His hands were slick with blood, the warmth of it contrasting with the cold rain beginning to fall.
And then, he smiled.
Kael felt the wolf's energy dissipating, its essence drawn into him.
The Dark Spiritual Lotus stirred, absorbing a fragment of the beast's power.
A strange warmth spread through Kael's body, accompanied by a faint whisper of strength.
You have killed a Mid-Tier Spiritual Beast.
New Ability Acquired: Shadow Steps.
The knowledge came to him instinctively—how to silence his movements, to blend seamlessly with the shadows for a short time.
Kael clenched his fists, his mind racing.
Killing spiritual creatures didn't just ensure his survival. It made him stronger. The Lotus didn't just refine energy from Orbs; it devoured the essence of his enemies, turning their strength into his own.
This changed everything.
Kael wiped the blood from his face, his sharp eyes scanning the dark forest around him.
He wouldn't merely survive anymore.
He would evolve.
Through blood and death, he would grow stronger.
But then, Kael's body tensed.
Even with the rain falling softly on the leaves, he could feel it—someone was watching him.
A presence, sharp and focused, pressed down on him.
A voice broke the silence.
"Interesting."
Kael whirled around, his senses heightened, and saw a man standing in the shadows.
The stranger was unlike anyone Kael had ever seen.
He was tall, his long silver hair shimmering faintly in the moonlight. His black, tattered cloak swayed gently with the breeze, but the aura he exuded was anything but ragged. Power radiated from him in waves, subtle yet suffocating.
The man's sharp eyes studied Kael, appraising him like a rare specimen.
His gaze flicked to the dead wolf at Kael's feet, and a faint smirk tugged at his lips.
"You didn't hesitate," the man said, his voice calm but tinged with amusement.
Kael remained silent, every muscle in his body coiled.
This man was strong.
Too strong.
"How old are you?" the man asked suddenly, his piercing gaze unwavering.
Kael narrowed his eyes. "Why does it matter?"
The man let out a low chuckle. "Because if you're as young as you look, it means you have ridiculous talent."
Kael didn't trust him, but there was something undeniably magnetic about the stranger's presence.
Then the man reached into his cloak, pulling out a small object.
Kael's breath caught.
It was a Spiritual Orb—but unlike any he had ever seen. Its surface glowed a deep red, its energy almost oppressive.
The man tossed it to Kael, who caught it reflexively.
Name: Abyssal Night Orb
Classification: Red (Legendary)
Effect: ???
The Orb radiated power, and Kael's fingers tightened around it.
The man's smirk widened. "I can teach you to become stronger... or I can kill you here and now. Your choice."
Kael's jaw tightened, his sharp eyes never leaving the stranger's face.
He didn't trust this man. But he needed power.
With a steady voice, Kael said, "Teach me."
The man's smile grew sharper.
"Good."
And in that moment, Kael's true training began.