I had asked a few people about where the copper-toothed beasts could be found and was now heading that way.
While moving, I kept using Static Steps again and again, leaving only a short 0.1-second gap between each use. It didn't seem to have any cooldown at all.
But I hadn't even covered half the distance before I understood why. The ability didn't drain energy all at once — it slowly ate away at my stamina and focus every time I used it.
My muscles began to feel heavier, my heartbeat sped up, and my vision flickered for a second each time I teleported. The strain wasn't noticeable at first, but it built up fast as fuck.
The more I used it, the more my body trembled, as if lightning itself was trying to tear through my nerves.
I realised then that the ability didn't have a cooldown not because it was easy to use — but because my body had a limit. The moment I pushed it too far, I'd probably shit myself from exhaustion.
On top of that, every time I used Static Steps, faint burning trails appeared where my feet had touched the ground. They weren't exactly flames, but streaks of scorched marks — like lightning had licked the earth for a brief instant. It looked cool at first, but I quickly realised how bad it could be.
If anyone were to follow me, they could easily trace my path just by looking at those marks. In a fight or while escaping, that would be a massive disadvantage. It basically turned me into a walking signal flare, announcing every step I took.
Although this ability was strong, it came with serious drawbacks. I let out a sigh and stopped using it for the time being.
On my way forward, I came across a few black beetles, but I ignored them completely. There was no point wasting my time on creatures that no longer benefited me.
Not long after, I spotted a green-scaled lizard sprinting between the bushes, its movements as fast and flexible as a cat's. I dashed toward it, pairing my punch with Static Steps, and in one swift motion, I crushed it in a single blow.
As expected, my luck didn't favor me—I didn't receive its beast soul. So, I decided to hide its body inside a small pit nearby. To mark the place, I punched a few trees, leaving faint burn marks that would help me find it later.
After walking for nearly an half an hour more, I finally arrived at a valley known for being the habitat of copper-toothed beasts. The sight that greeted me wasn't pleasant—the creatures looked like something straight out of a nightmare.
A battle was already going on ahead. I noticed a group of people fighting the beasts, though it was clear they were at a disadvantage.
I summoned my only beast soul, the black beetle armor, letting it spread across my body until even my face was covered. My gaze focused sharply on the fight before me.
There were seven beasts in total, and only three humans fighting back. One more person stood in the center of their formation—a woman—who wasn't fighting. From here, I could see her leg was bitten deeply, and she was clutching it tightly to stop the bleeding.
The clash of metal and claws echoed through the valley, loud and sharp. Judging by how things were going, they wouldn't last another half a minute.
Even though I had nothing to gain by interfering, my body moved on its own. Using Static Steps repeatedly, I cut through the distance in just a few seconds, appearing near the battlefield before anyone could even notice.
POV change: Team leader of the hunters party.
"Am I really going to die here… without even protecting my friends?" The thought stabbed through my mind as I blocked the beast's claws with my sword, only to barely dodge another attack from my left.
The copper-toothed beasts were faster than I expected, their sharp fangs glinted under the sunlight, and every strike they made felt heavy enough to crush bones.
We had come here full of confidence, thinking we could handle them. After all, we had already taken one down in the forest yesterday. That victory made us believe we were strong enough to hunt a group. But looking at the chaos around me now, it was clear—we were wrong.
My heart pounded as I glanced back. One of my teammates was lying on the ground, her leg torn open by a deep bite. Blood covered her clothes, and she was holding her thigh tightly, trembling in pain. The other two were still standing, but barely. Their breathing was ragged, their movements slow and unsteady.
We weren't just a random team—we'd been friends since before entering the shelter. Meeting again here had felt like fate, like a chance to start fresh in this cruel world. But now, it seemed that fate was about to end in tragedy.
"Dammit, I can't hold on much longer!" one of my friends shouted as his sword clashed against a beast's claws, sparks flying.
"Cover me! I'll try to drag her away!" I yelled back, gritting my teeth as I stepped forward to block the creature that lunged toward him.
"Don't!" the girl on the ground cried out, her voice shaking but clear. "Leave me here! You'll all die if you stay—just run!"
"Shut up!" I barked back, swinging my sword in desperation. "We're not leaving anyone behind!"
But deep inside, I knew she wasn't wrong. We were outnumbered and outmatched. One mistake, and we'd all be dead.
As the beasts encircled us, their growls echoing through the valley, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. My arms were numb, my breathing uneven. Just as I thought it was the end—
Crack!
A faint flash of blue light split the air, and in an instant, a figure appeared between us and the beasts. His black armor shimmered faintly under the sunlight, though it didn't shine much.
The man didn't say a word. Before anyone could react, he moved—his body flickering like lightning. The next thing I saw was a copper-toothed beast being blasted backward, smoke rising from its chest.
We all froze, stunned.
'What… just happened?' I thought, staring blankly at the newcomer whose very presence seemed to hum with power.
___
Note by the author:
Sorry for the late update guys. Some festivals were ongoing in my area so I couldn't help but delay the updates.
With that being said, I'll upload the next two chapters at this evening.
Thank you all for your support.
Also, I would like you to suggest reading Super Gene webcomic if you haven't to understand the references more clearly.
I myself have read SG novel thrice and is reading the manhua now.
Once again, thank you.