Ethan's newfound resolve didn't erase the lingering exhaustion in his body. The adrenaline that had carried him through the fight was now gone, leaving him drained. He sank back down by the dying embers of the fire, the events of the night replaying in his mind.
The Overgrowth System.
The words echoed in his head, accompanied by the strange visions of the serpent and the wolf. The power to grow stronger through absorbing essence was both exhilarating and terrifying. He hadn't asked for it, but if this was the only way to survive, he would have to embrace it.
Before he could think further, a new notification rang in his mind.
"Shadow Wolf essence analyzed. Basic skill unlocked: Predator's Prowess."
Ethan blinked. "Predator's Prowess?" he muttered aloud.
As if in response, a faint surge of energy coursed through his limbs. His senses sharpened, the sounds of the forest becoming clearer. The faint rustle of leaves in the breeze, the distant call of a bird, even the subtle movement of insects on the forest floor—all of it became vividly apparent.
He reached out instinctively, touching the ground. The earth felt alive under his fingers, the vibrations of tiny creatures moving through it creating an odd sense of connection.
"Whoa," he whispered, pulling his hand back.
This skill wasn't just physical—it was something deeper. A hunter's awareness.
Still, the implications unsettled him. He didn't feel like himself, not entirely. Was this what the system meant by "adapting"? Was he changing, piece by piece, into something else?
The sound of a branch snapping nearby snapped him out of his thoughts. His head whipped toward the noise, heart pounding. His sharpened senses immediately picked up more details—a soft rustle of movement, a faint growl.
Something was watching him.
He grabbed the nearest branch from the firepit, its end still glowing faintly with embers, and stood up slowly. The growl grew louder, low and threatening.
"Alright," Ethan said, holding the branch out defensively. "I know you're there. Let's not make this any harder than it has to be."
The growl stopped. For a moment, there was silence. Then, stepping out from the shadows, a creature appeared.
It wasn't a wolf this time—it was smaller, leaner, with sleek, dark fur and glowing green eyes. It moved with a predatory grace, circling him as if sizing him up.
Ethan's grip tightened on the branch. "Another one, huh?" he muttered.
The creature lunged, faster than he'd expected. He barely had time to sidestep, swinging the branch in a wide arc. The ember-tipped end struck the creature's side, causing it to snarl and back off.
"Not this time," Ethan growled, stepping forward. He didn't have the ash cloak this time—his body was too drained to summon it—but he wasn't going to go down without a fight.
The creature lunged again, and Ethan threw himself forward, meeting it head-on. The two collided, tumbling to the ground in a flurry of claws and limbs. Pain shot through his arm as the creature's claws raked against his skin, but he refused to let go of the branch.
With a desperate swing, he slammed the embered end into its face. The creature howled, stumbling backward. Ethan seized the moment, rolling to his feet and charging forward.
"Stay down!" he shouted, bringing the branch down with all his strength.
The creature yelped once, then fell still.
Ethan stood there for a moment, panting, the branch still clenched tightly in his hands. The forest was silent again, save for the sound of his own ragged breathing.
Then he saw it—the faint glow of a crystal, lying where the creature had fallen.
He staggered forward, kneeling down to pick it up. As his fingers touched the crystal, it dissolved into light, and the warmth filled his chest once more.
"Absorption complete. Shadow Lynx essence acquired. Basic skill unlocked: Silent Stride."
Ethan blinked, the words processing slowly. Another skill. Silent Stride. He focused on it, and immediately felt the difference. His movements became quieter, smoother, as if his body instinctively knew how to minimize noise.
He let out a shaky laugh, half in disbelief, half in relief.
"Alright, Overgrowth System," he muttered. "If this is how it's going to be, I guess I'm in."
The forest felt different now. Less like an overwhelming threat, and more like a challenge waiting to be mastered. He looked down at his glowing hand, the symbols pulsing faintly in the darkness.
This world might be dangerous, but he wasn't defenseless anymore.
For the first time since waking up in this strange place, Ethan allowed himself to feel something other than fear.
Hope.