The ground cracked open as Levi slammed his blade into the concrete, a shockwave tearing through the battlefield and sending Whisperers flying. His lungs burned, his vision blurred but his grip never faltered. Ragnar stood beside him, fur bristling with raw energy, his crimson eyes glowing brighter than ever before.
The Abyssal Devourer loomed ahead, its grotesque form pulsing with corrupted energy, each movement warping the air like heat waves. Its roar split the skies, echoing across the ruins like the cry of an ancient god.
Then—the chime.
[System Alert: Hidden Evolution Path Available.]
[Condition Met: Mental Corruption resisted at 78%.]
[Condition Met: Synchronization with Bonded Entity (Ragnar) achieved.]
[Skill Compatibility: 99%.]
[Warning: Accepting this path will permanently alter your being.]
[Do you accept? Y/N.]
Levi's lips curled into a smirk despite the blood on his tongue. Like I'd say no.
"Do it," he growled.
[System: Initiating Evolution Sequence…]
[Warning: Physical and Mental Overload Imminent.]
[Adapting Host DNA…]
[Synchronizing Core Essence with Entity Ragnar… 32%... 68%... 100%.]
[Evolution Complete.]
A blinding surge erupted from Levi's core, hurling debris into the air. Crimson and obsidian energy spiraled around him like a living storm, his veins glowing as if molten fire coursed through them. His hair shimmered with streaks of black and silver; his eyes ignited with a feral glow that wasn't entirely human anymore.
Ragnar's body elongated, muscles rippling as crimson flames wrapped around his fur. A second pair of spectral fangs jutted from his maw, dripping with raw, lethal power.
[System Notification: New Form Acquired – "Bloodbound Vanguard."]
[Passive Skill: Blood Resonance unlocked.]
[Active Skill: Crimson Dominion unlocked.]
[Bonded Entity Ragnar – Tier Ascension: Fenrir-Class.]
Levi flexed his fingers as the power settled into his bones—a weight and a freedom all at once. The whispers clawing at his mind shattered like brittle glass, leaving only clarity—and hunger.
The Abyssal Devourer stilled, its glowing eyes narrowing as if recognizing a predator of equal standing.
Levi cracked his neck, his voice low, dripping with venom and exhilaration.
"Round two, you ugly bastard."
[System Objective Updated: Slay the Abyssal Devourer.]
[Reward: ???]
[Penalty for Failure: Death.]
The monster lunged with a speed that belied its size, talons cleaving through the air like scythes. Levi met the strike head-on, his blade now wrapped in crimson energy, colliding with the beast's claw in an explosion that shook the skyline. Sparks cascaded like falling stars.
"Ragnar!" Levi barked.
The hound roared—a sound that wasn't entirely mortal—then vanished in a blur, reappearing behind the beast and tearing into its hind leg with jaws wreathed in flame. Black ichor splattered the ground, sizzling like acid.
Above them, the storm raged darker, lightning streaking crimson as if the heavens themselves acknowledged the birth of something monstrous.
Levi grinned through blood and chaos, eyes locked on the abyss ahead.
"This city… it's mine to protect. And you?" He spat to the ground, blade humming with power.
"You're just the first of many I'll send back to hell."
[System Alert: Overdrive Mode Available – 60 seconds.]
[Activate Overdrive? Y/N.]
Levi's fingers tightened on the hilt. His grin widened.
"Let's burn this world bright."