The dense woodland stretched for miles, a primeval forest untouched by civilization. Towering trees loomed over them, their ancient bark gnarled and scarred by countless battles between predator and prey. The thick canopy above let only slivers of light through, bathing the land in perpetual twilight. Every rustling leaf, every distant howl, reminded Zarphinion that they were no longer training within safe confines. This was a battlefield where only the strong survived.
Their target: the Titanfang Bear, a beast of legend. It was not just a hunt—it was a test of his newfound strength.
[Titanfang Bear - Level 25]
Strength: 50
Endurance: 70
Speed: 20
Skills: Earthshatter Roar, Titan's Regeneration, Berserker Fury
Zarphinion gripped his sword tightly, its steel glinting with the faint blue hue of his mana reinforcement. Asira stood beside him, her body subtly shifting, her form fine-tuning itself based on his subconscious desires. Her violet eyes gleamed with predatory focus, her muscles coiled like a spring ready to unleash devastation.
The moment they entered the beast's domain, a guttural growl shook the earth. Massive, clawed feet crushed the underbrush as the Titanfang Bear emerged from its den—a hulking titan of fur and muscle, its jagged fangs dripping with saliva. Its deep, bestial eyes locked onto them, assessing whether they were intruders or prey.
The system chimed.
Zarphinion inhaled deeply. He had two options: battle and weaken it for taming, or attempt submission outright. He chose the former.
"Asira, flank left," he commanded, his voice unwavering.
She blurred into motion, her speed unnatural, her shifting abilities giving her unparalleled agility. The bear roared, the force of its cry sending shockwaves through the air—
Zarphinion staggered, ears ringing, vision swimming. But his training took over. He rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the beast's bone-crushing swipe. Asira recovered faster, shifting mid-motion into a lithe warrior form, her blade slicing across the bear's exposed flank.
The beast howled in pain, but Titan's Regeneration activated almost instantly, its wound sealing within moments.
This would not be an easy fight.
Zarphinion's grip tightened.
"Time to prove my worth," he whispered, charging forward.