The forest swallowed Cain whole.
Twisted trees rose like skeletal guardians, their branches clawing at the sky. The air reeked of damp soil and decay. Faint whispers stirred with the wind—indistinct and almost human. Even without the warnings Laurifer had etched into his memory, Cain could feel it in his bones.
This place was alive. And it was watching him.
He collapsed against the base of a gnarled tree, sweat dripping from his brow. The surge from Laurifer's heart had passed, but its remnants still pulsed within him—raw and volatile.
> Warning: Essence Pathways Unstable
Recommended: Initiate Unique Essence Circulation
Cain narrowed his eyes. "What does that mean?"
Laurifer's voice echoed calmly. "You need to stabilize the flow of power before it tears you apart. Sit. Breathe. Let the Essence circulate naturally—your body will know what to do."
He obeyed. Legs crossed, palms resting on his knees, Cain focused inward.
His breathing slowed.
Darkness, fire, and lightning swirled in chaotic spirals across his internal meridians. But as he exhaled, a subtle rhythm emerged. Like rivers realigning their course, the Essence began to flow—sharp at first, then smooth. Each breath tempered the storm.
> Unique Essence Circulation Activated
Core Stability: 41%... 65%... 89%... Stabilized
Cain opened his eyes.
For the first time, he felt whole.
A low growl shattered the stillness.
From the underbrush crept a beast—massive, hunched, its fur a mess of barbed scales and moss. Its eyes glowed violet. Drool hissed where it landed, melting bark. An Epic Rank Realm Essence Beast. A Mirefang.
Cain rose slowly.
"No sword. No backup," he murmured.
"Then make do. Survive." Laurifer's voice was firm.
The Mirefang lunged.
Cain moved instinctively. A shadow surged beneath his feet, yanking him sideways. His body blurred as lightning crackled through his limbs. He skidded across the moss, fists raised.
> Skill: Shadow Constitution (Passive)
– Active shadow reaction triggered
– Host protected
Current Energy: 296/340
"Good to know," Cain muttered.
The beast charged again.
This time, Cain met it head-on. Fire blazed around his right fist, and lightning laced his left. He ducked under the snapping jaws and drove his burning fist into the beast's ribcage. Bone cracked.
The Mirefang roared, whipping its tail like a battering ram.
Cain flew into a tree.
Pain shot through his side, but he didn't stop. As the beast closed in, he thrust both palms forward.
"[Chaos Arc!]" he shouted without knowing why.
A surge of chaotic energy erupted—a violent spiral of black flame and red lightning. It struck the beast dead-on, blowing it back through the air in a shower of sparks and blood.
The forest went silent again.
Cain stood over the dying creature, chest heaving.
> Target Defeated: Epic Rank Mirefang
Gained: 110 Essence Points
[SYNTHESIS Available]
– Corpse quality: High
– Compatible with fire element
Cain knelt beside the beast.
"Synthesis?"
Laurifer spoke, curious. "An ability born from the Tyrant System… It allows you to forge beasts into something new. Hybrid creatures—made in your image."
Cain's eyes narrowed. "Let's try it."
> SYNTHESIS Initiated
Consuming corpse...
Fire element prioritized
Shadow link established through Constitution
Synthesizing…
From the fading corpse, shadow and flame weaved together—until something took form.
A wolf. Larger than a horse, cloaked in hellfire, eyes burning with dark fury.
> New Companion Created: Hellfang – Hellfire Direwolf
Realm: Mid Ruler
Bound to Cain through Shadow Constitution
Resides in host's shadow dimension when dormant
Cain watched as the beast silently bowed its head.
For the first time since the fall of his house, he didn't feel alone.
"We move at dawn," he whispered. "Let them come."
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