The damp air of the Mistwood Forest clung to Kaelion's skin as he stood over the lifeless body of the Shadowfang Wolf. His chest rose and fell with deep, labored breaths, and his palm still tingled from the energy that had coursed through it during the fight. The battle had left him both exhilarated and drained, but the faint glow of the Eternal Ascension System's interface reminded him that this was only the beginning.
> "Combat proficiency increased. Ironwood Palm Technique progress: 10%."
Kaelion wiped the sweat from his brow and straightened, his gaze falling on the wolf's body. Its sleek black fur shimmered faintly under the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy. He hesitated for a moment before kneeling beside it. The system's voice chimed again.
> "Harvest the wolf's spirit core. It contains residual energy that can aid in your cultivation."
"Spirit core?" Kaelion muttered, his brows furrowing. He had heard stories of cultivators extracting spirit cores from beasts, but he had never seen it done. With the system's guidance, though, he felt a surge of confidence.
Using a small dagger he carried, Kaelion made a careful incision near the wolf's chest. After a few moments of probing, he felt the blade scrape against something hard. He pulled it free, revealing a small, orb-like gem that glowed faintly red. The core pulsed with a gentle warmth, and Kaelion could feel the raw energy contained within it.
> "Spirit core obtained. Energy absorption possible. Would you like to proceed?"
Kaelion nodded without hesitation. As soon as he held the core in his palm, a wave of warmth spread through his body. The energy seeped into him, invigorating his muscles and calming his mind.
> "Energy absorbed. Progress to Body Tempering: 5%."
He couldn't help but grin. The system wasn't just a guide—it was a tool that could make him stronger, faster than he had ever imagined.
---
Deeper into the Forest
With the spirit core absorbed, Kaelion refocused on his task. He still needed to collect eight more Spirit Herbs to complete the system's mission. Slinging his small satchel over his shoulder, he ventured deeper into the forest, his senses on high alert.
The Mistwood Forest grew darker and more oppressive as he moved away from the outskirts. The canopy above thickened, blocking out much of the sunlight, and the air became colder. Strange noises echoed around him—the rustling of leaves, the distant call of unknown beasts, and the occasional crack of branches underfoot.
Kaelion couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. Every now and then, he would pause, his hand instinctively going to the jade amulet around his neck. The artifact's gentle pulse reassured him, but it didn't dispel the unease entirely.
> "Two more Spirit Herbs detected nearby. Proceed with caution."
The system's voice cut through the silence, and Kaelion exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Following its guidance, he pushed through a thicket of bushes and entered a small clearing. There, nestled among a cluster of moss-covered rocks, were two more glowing blue plants.
He approached them cautiously, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. As he reached out to pluck the herbs, a sudden gust of wind swept through the clearing, carrying with it a faint, almost imperceptible whisper.
"Leave…"
Kaelion froze, his heart hammering in his chest. The voice was soft, barely audible, but it carried an undeniable weight of malice. He turned slowly, his eyes darting around the clearing.
Nothing.
But then, as if emerging from the very shadows themselves, a figure materialized at the edge of the clearing. It was a wraith-like entity, its form shifting and flickering like smoke caught in a breeze. Two hollow, glowing eyes stared at Kaelion, and its presence sent a chill down his spine.
---
The Shadow Wraith
Kaelion had heard stories of wraiths—malevolent spirits that haunted ancient forests and preyed on the living. They were said to be remnants of cultivators who had failed in their ascension and had been consumed by resentment and despair.
The wraith let out a low, guttural hiss, its translucent form rippling as it moved closer. Kaelion stepped back instinctively, his hand tightening around the jade amulet.
> "Danger detected. Shadow Wraith identified. Combat recommended."
"Combat? Against that thing?" Kaelion muttered, his voice shaking slightly. He had barely managed to defeat the wolf—how was he supposed to fight something like this?
> "The wraith is weak against formation arrays. Use the basic array technique provided by the system."
As the system spoke, a series of glowing symbols appeared before Kaelion, each one accompanied by detailed instructions. The array was simple but effective—a Binding Light Formation designed to trap and weaken spirit entities.
Kaelion didn't have time to hesitate. He dropped to one knee and began tracing the symbols into the dirt with his finger, his movements swift but precise. The wraith hissed again and surged forward, but the jade amulet flared with light, forming a protective barrier around Kaelion.
"Just a little more…" he muttered, his focus unwavering.
With a final stroke, the formation was complete. The symbols glowed brightly, and beams of golden light erupted from the ground, encircling the wraith. The entity let out a piercing screech as the light constricted around it, immobilizing its smoky form.
---
A Revelation
Kaelion stood, his chest heaving as he stared at the trapped wraith. The system's voice spoke again, calm and measured.
> "Wraith subdued. You may now extract its essence for further cultivation."
"Extract its essence?" Kaelion repeated, his voice laced with uncertainty.
> "The essence of a Shadow Wraith contains powerful spiritual energy. It can accelerate your progress in Body Tempering."
Kaelion hesitated. The wraith's hollow eyes seemed to bore into him, and for a moment, he thought he saw something within them—a flicker of pain, or perhaps regret. But the system's logic was undeniable. If he wanted to grow stronger, he couldn't afford to let emotions cloud his judgment.
Taking a deep breath, he extended his hand toward the wraith. The jade amulet flared once more, and a stream of dark, shimmering energy flowed from the wraith into Kaelion's palm. The sensation was overwhelming—a rush of cold fire that seemed to ignite every nerve in his body.
> "Essence absorbed. Progress to Body Tempering: 25%."
When the process was complete, the wraith dissolved into nothingness, its anguished screech fading into the wind. Kaelion staggered back, his body trembling from the influx of energy.
---
The Path Forward
As Kaelion steadied himself, he felt a newfound strength coursing through his veins. His muscles felt denser, his senses sharper. Even his breathing seemed more controlled.
The system's interface appeared again, displaying his updated status:
[Eternal Ascension System]
Body Tempering: 25% Progress
Energy Reserves: 20%
Kaelion allowed himself a small smile. He was making progress, slowly but surely. But he knew that this was only the beginning. The forest still held countless dangers, and his ultimate goal—to ascend beyond the mortal realm—was a distant dream.
"I'll make it," he murmured, his gaze hardening. "No matter what it takes."
With renewed determination, Kaelion turned and continued deeper into the Mistwood Forest, the jade amulet glowing faintly against his chest.