The morning sun bathed the village in light, the air filled with the scent of grass and earth, giving an impression of vitality. However, for Lian Shi, today's sun brought an unfamiliar sense of oppression. The immense power within him, like a hidden serpent, coiled around his limbs, constantly reminding him of its presence.
He stood on a large stone outside the village, the surroundings silent and still, only the gentle breeze caressing the grass. The carved runes in his hands had lost their luster, as though abandoned by time. His gaze, however, was fixed on the village that he once called "home." The villagers' daily lives continued as usual; in the distance, his father was discussing farming matters with some villagers, children played happily nearby—everything seemed unchanged.
But inside Lian Shi, turmoil brewed. Ever since awakening his talent yesterday, he felt as though the world was becoming different, especially the power he had absorbed from the beast, which was increasingly clear within him. It felt like some irresistible desire was calling to him, telling him that this was his true fate.
"Lian Shi, wake up!" A bright voice broke his thoughts. Lian Shi turned his head to see his friend, Liu Qing. She was the smartest and most lively girl in the village, her eyes always gleaming with intelligence.
"Liu Qing..." Lian Shi responded softly, his tone distant. He vaguely remembered how she had encouraged him when he received his father's support, but now, his heart had been invaded by that power, and it was almost impossible for him to connect with anyone.
"What's wrong? You don't look right," Liu Qing observed closely, her brow furrowing slightly.
Lian Shi forced a smile, trying to hide his unease. "It's nothing. I just felt a bit unwell last night."
Liu Qing clearly didn't believe him. Her gaze became sharper, laced with curiosity. "Could it be that your talent is causing you some trouble? I heard that once a talent awakens, it brings immense power, and some people even feel like they can't control themselves."
Lian Shi fell silent, but a chill ran through his body. Liu Qing was right—this power indeed made him feel uncontrollable, both excited and fearful. He still vividly remembered the moment when the beast's bones turned into light and fused into his body. He couldn't forget the pain he had never experienced before. And now, he could feel that power quietly changing everything within him, even his own personality and emotions.
"Lian Shi, you don't need to worry, everyone will understand you," Liu Qing said gently, sensing his anxiety, her eyes flashing with tenderness.
Lian Shi lowered his head, his mood growing heavier. He didn't know how to face his own transformation, nor how to interact with Liu Qing. He feared she would see the terror and confusion hidden in his eyes. He was no longer that carefree child; he was already bound by the power from the beast.
"I'll go to the hunting ground for a while, clear my mind," Lian Shi suddenly said, feeling a little relief from the thought.
Liu Qing nodded, seemingly not overly concerned. "Alright, but be careful. The aura of beasts is growing stronger, and it's not safe outside."
Lian Shi took a deep breath and turned toward the hunting grounds. He wasn't really going to clear his mind; he just wanted to go there and see if he could relieve the internal conflict through battle.
The hunting grounds were located on the west side of the village, a wide forested area. Normally, there wouldn't be many beasts here, just occasional weak creatures. For Lian Shi, fighting had become the only way to resist the strange power within him.
When he arrived at the hunting grounds, the air was moist, and the surroundings were eerily quiet. He crouched down, carefully observing his environment, his mind alert. Just then, a faint rustling sound came from the depths of the forest, as if some creature was approaching.
Lian Shi sprang to his feet, his eyes sharpening. His body tensed instinctively, and that power within him made him especially sensitive. Almost in the next instant, a huge, fierce beast lunged out. Its massive body, sharp teeth, and steel-like fur radiated a chilling aura.
The beast seemed to sense Lian Shi's presence and charged at him. His heart raced, and he instinctively raised his hand to summon a countermeasure. However, at that moment, the power of "plundering" surged within him, and it seemed as though a connection had been formed between him and the beast.
Without thinking too much, Lian Shi's body reacted instantly. He lunged at the beast with swift precision, his fear and impulse nearly overwhelming his reason. He felt his body become light and quick, each movement precise and flawless. He stretched out his arm, grabbing the beast's neck, and with a sound of tearing, the beast's body bent sharply and then became a stream of light that fused into Lian Shi's body.
The intense pain struck again, this time even more excruciating than before. Lian Shi could hardly suppress a scream as he collapsed to the ground, sweat dripping down his forehead. Every bone in his body seemed to be torn apart, and every nerve burned with agony. He felt as though he was being shattered into pieces.
"Plunder..." The cold voice echoed again in his mind. Lian Shi gritted his teeth and endured the excruciating pain. He knew that this suffering might become a lifelong shackling burden.
However, as the pain gradually subsided, Lian Shi was finally able to rise again. Breathing heavily, he sensed the power inside him gradually stabilizing. The image of the beast faded from his vision, replaced by a profound sense of satisfaction. But behind this satisfaction lay endless pain and emptiness.
Lian Shi took a deep breath and gazed at the distant mountains, silently swearing to himself: he would grow stronger, for survival, and to rid himself of this endless pain and confusion.
He knew that his fate had already changed.