The moon was swallowed by clouds. The Valen estate slept soundly under the blanket of night — unaware that something terrible had already slipped past their wards.
Serena jolted awake in her bed, her system flashing like lightning behind her eyes.
> Warning: Host has been marked for elimination.
A system user is approaching.
Engagement inevitable.
Recommend activating concealment and retreating to isolated location.
She didn't waste a second. Throwing on a dark cloak, she moved swiftly, heart pounding not with fear, but readiness.
She had expected this. Just not so soon.
---
The forest behind the estate was quiet. Too quiet.
She arrived at the old boundary stones — a forgotten place where even the servants refused to step after dark. Cold mist clung to the earth, swirling like fingers around her boots.
Then he emerged.
Cassian.
But this time, he wasn't dressed in fine silks or wearing a playful smile.
He wore black.
His eyes glowed faintly red beneath the hood. His presence radiated hunger — the kind only a system driven by power could produce.
> System Detection: Cassian Ardent – Host of the Predator's Crown.
Tier: 2. Combat Type: Absorption.
Intent: Kill and consume system essence.
Serena took a step back, her cloak fluttering.
"You planned this," she said coldly.
"I watched. I waited. You showed potential." Cassian smiled, dark and full of malice. "Too much potential. My system thrives on devouring others — and your aura? Rare. I couldn't pass it up."
> System Initiating Emergency Protocol.
[Shadow Step] engaged.
[Silent Core] active.
Counter skill acquired: [Bloodline Echo I]
It wasn't enough.
He moved first.
A flash of crimson light burst from his palm, slicing through the air. Serena dodged left, activating [Shadow Step], but the blast grazed her side. She hit the ground hard, rolling behind a tree.
Pain flared instantly. Her rib — cracked. Blood trickled down her waist.
> Host health: 78% → 43%
Warning: Opponent's level exceeds host by one full tier.
Cassian laughed. "You're quick. But not quick enough."
He was toying with her.
But she didn't scream. She didn't cry.
She ran.
Not out of fear — but strategy. The system pulsed in her mind:
> Redirect to enclosed terrain. Decrease enemy mobility. Set up counterattack.
She led him deeper into the mist. Toward the broken spirit well near the hill, long abandoned after her mother died. The terrain there was uneven — and broken ley lines still shimmered faintly beneath the stone.
Cassian followed, cocky and careless.
Big mistake.
Serena ducked into the ruined shrine, bleeding, breathing hard.
> Unlocking temporary skill: [Fractured Pulse]
Effect: Disrupt nearby spiritual energy for 3 seconds. Cooldown: 12 hours.
As soon as Cassian stepped through, she released it.
A wave of unstable magic exploded outward. The mist shrieked. The air bent.
Cassian's aura flickered.
It was all she needed.
With a cry, Serena lunged, palm glowing dark purple — and slammed her strike into his shoulder.
> Host inflicted Internal Disruption (Minor). Opponent stunned for 2.7 seconds.
Retreat NOW.
She didn't wait. She vanished into the trees, limbs burning, vision blurred.
Behind her, Cassian roared in fury.
---
She collapsed at the greenhouse steps, clothes soaked in blood.
> System Status: Emergency healing engaged.
Progress: 12%… 38%... 70%…
System Progress: Tier 1 → 95%
She had survived.
But barely.
The system spoke softly now, almost like a whisper:
> Host has tasted blood. The first step is taken.
You have now entered the path of the unforgiven.
Serena stared at the sky.
She wasn't the same girl anymore.
She would never be.
---