Clay stood in the clearing, his chest rising and falling with each labored breath. His sword was planted into the ground, keeping him steady as beads of sweat dripped from his brow. Around him lay the remnants of another intense training session—splintered tree trunks, scorched patches of earth, and shattered stones.
The jungle had become his personal battleground, each day forcing him to push his limits further. Reaching level 40 wasn't just a goal; it was a necessity.
Kavon observed from a distance, arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips. "You're improving, but you still hesitate when it matters most."
Clay wiped his brow, glancing over his shoulder. "Hesitation? I've been pushing myself non-stop. What more do you want?"
Kavon stepped forward, his expression turning serious. "It's not just about power, Clay. Strength without conviction is useless. You're holding back, afraid of what you might become if you truly embrace your potential."
Clay frowned, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. "And what happens if I lose control?"
"That's what you need to figure out," Kavon replied. "If you're going to dominate this world, you have to stop doubting yourself."
Later that day, Kavon led Clay to a new part of the jungle—a desolate area where the trees were gnarled and lifeless, their branches stretching out like skeletal fingers. The air was heavy with an unnatural stillness, broken only by the faint sound of distant growls.
"What is this place?" Clay asked, unease creeping into his voice.
"The Cursed Grove," Kavon said. "It's home to creatures far deadlier than anything you've faced before. If you want to break past your limits, this is where you'll do it."
Clay's instincts screamed at him to turn back, but he clenched his fists and forced himself to stay. "What am I supposed to do here?"
"Survive," Kavon said simply.
Before Clay could protest, a deafening roar echoed through the grove. From the shadows emerged a massive beast—a creature with the body of a wolf but covered in jagged, obsidian-like scales. Its eyes glowed with an eerie crimson light, and its claws left deep gashes in the earth as it advanced.
"Meet the Shadow Ravager," Kavon said, stepping back. "Good luck."
The Shadow Ravager lunged at Clay with terrifying speed, forcing him to leap to the side. Its claws tore through the ground where he had been standing, sending dirt and debris flying.
Clay summoned his Appraiser skill, his vision filling with glowing text.
[Shadow Ravager – Level 42]
Weakness: Exposed underbelly
Abilities: Shadow Burst, Regeneration
Clay cursed under his breath. Not only was the creature stronger than him, but it also had regeneration. This was going to be a brutal fight.
The Ravager charged again, its movements a blur. Clay barely managed to block with his sword, the impact sending a jarring vibration up his arms. He gritted his teeth and activated Domination, focusing his willpower on the beast.
"Submit!" he commanded, his voice ringing with authority.
For a brief moment, the Ravager hesitated, its movements faltering. But then it let out a guttural snarl and shook off the effect, its crimson eyes locking onto Clay with renewed fury.
"Damn it," Clay muttered. "Looks like I'll have to do this the hard way."
He focused on the creature's movements, watching for the patterns Kavon had taught him to predict. The Ravager's muscles tensed, signaling another leap. Clay sidestepped at the last second, slashing his sword across its exposed underbelly.
The beast howled in pain, but the wound began to close almost immediately. Clay's eyes widened.
"Regeneration, huh?" he said, gripping his sword tighter. "Let's see how much you can handle."
The fight dragged on, each exchange leaving Clay more battered and exhausted. But with every dodge, every strike, he began to notice something: the beast's regeneration wasn't instant. It required a brief pause after each wound.
"That's my opening," he muttered.
When the Ravager charged again, Clay didn't dodge. Instead, he braced himself and channeled all his energy into his Domination skill.
"SUBMIT!" he roared, his voice echoing through the grove.
This time, the beast froze completely, its crimson eyes flickering as it struggled against the force of Clay's will. Seizing the moment, Clay drove his sword deep into the Ravager's chest, aiming for its heart.
The creature let out a final, anguished roar before collapsing to the ground.
[Level Up]
Current Level: 45
Appraiser Skill: Level 35
Domination Skill: Level 34
Clay fell to his knees, his body trembling from the exertion. The rush of leveling up washed over him, but it was accompanied by a strange sense of unease. He had won, but the fight had taken everything he had.
Kavon approached, a satisfied grin on his face. "Now that's what I'm talking about. You're starting to understand what it takes."
Clay looked up at him, his eyes filled with determination. "I'm not done yet. I'll keep pushing until I'm ready for whatever this world throws at me."
As they made their way back to the village, Clay couldn't shake the feeling that he was changing—not just physically, but mentally. The doubts and fears that had held him back were beginning to fade, replaced by a growing confidence in his abilities.
But with that confidence came a new burden—the knowledge that his power would come with consequences.
For now, though, Clay pushed those thoughts aside. He had reached level 45, and his skills were nearing mastery. The path ahead was still uncertain, but one thing was clear: he wouldn't walk it as the same person who had arrived in this world.
Clay Klient was evolving, and the world would have to take notice.