The Forbidden Black Forest was a place of legends and nightmares. The trees here were twisted, their bark as black as charcoal, and a thick, purple mist crawled along the ground. Legend said that those who entered never came out, but for Dayal, it was the only place to hide from the Sect's pursuit.
Dayal moved through the dense bushes, his eyes scanning every shadow. Thanks to his Level 6 cultivation and the 'Shadow Step' technique, he moved with the grace of a panther.
[Ding! Warning!]
[Detection: High-level demonic energy detected nearby.]
[The System is hungry. High-quality 'Demonic Core' detected 500 meters ahead.]
Dayal stopped. He could smell something metallic—the smell of blood. He followed the scent and reached a small clearing. There, he saw a Blood-Eyed Shadow Wolf. It was three times the size of a normal wolf, with fur that looked like sharp needles. It was currently devouring the carcass of a deer.
[Target: Blood-Eyed Shadow Wolf (Level 8).]
[Warning: Target is stronger than the Host. Direct confrontation is 70% risky.]
"Level 8?" Dayal whispered, cold sweat dripping down his neck. He was only Level 6. But then he looked at his hands. "If I want to reach the top, I cannot be afraid of a wolf."
He didn't rush in. Instead, he used his environment. He picked up several sharp stones and used his 'Devour' ability on a nearby poisonous plant he found at the base of a tree.
[Ding! Devoured 'Ghost-Nettle' poison.]
[Your next physical strike will carry a paralyzing effect.]
A wicked smile appeared on Dayal's face. He picked up a fallen branch, and as he touched it, the poison energy flowed into the wood.
Whoosh!
Dayal activated 'Shadow Step' and appeared behind the wolf. Before the beast could react, Dayal slammed the poisoned branch into the wolf's hind leg.
The wolf howled in pain, spinning around to bite Dayal's head off. But the poison was fast. The wolf's leg turned stiff, and its movements became sluggish.
"Now!" Dayal shouted. He leaped into the air, his fists glowing with a faint red light from the Fire Spirit Fruit's energy. "Iron Grip!"
He punched the wolf's skull with all his might.
CRUNCH!
The wolf's skull cracked, but it wasn't dead yet. It swiped its claws across Dayal's chest. Dayal's bronze-like skin saved his life, but three deep gashes appeared, drawing blood.
[Ding! Host is injured. Adrenaline activated.]
[Special Ability Unlocked: Blood Devour (Temporary).]
Dayal felt a sudden madness. He didn't back away. Instead, he grabbed the wolf's bleeding wound with his bare hands.
"Devour!"
Black smoke erupted from Dayal's palms, entering the wolf's body. The wolf began to wither. Its muscles shrank, its fur fell off, and its life force was sucked dry in seconds.
[Ding! Devoured Level 8 Shadow Wolf!]
[Gained 800 XP!]
[Gained Item: Shadow Wolf Core!]
[Level Up! You are now Level 7!]
[Level Up! You are now Level 8!]
Dayal collapsed on the ground, breathing heavily. His wounds were closing at a visible rate as the wolf's life force repaired his body. He felt a massive surge of power. Two levels in one fight!
But as he stood up, he felt something cold pressed against the back of his neck.
"So... this is where the little thief ran to," a female voice whispered.
Dayal froze. He hadn't heard anyone approach. He turned his head slowly and saw a beautiful girl in a white silk robe. She carried a long, elegant sword. Her eyes were not filled with anger, but with deep curiosity.
"A disciple with no talent is suddenly devouring Level 8 monsters?" she smiled, but the sword didn't move. "Tell me, Dayal Karmakar... what kind of monster are you hiding inside you?"
Dayal realized this wasn't a guard. This was Elder Meera's top disciple, the strongest genius of the Outer Sect.
[Ding! Dangerous Target Detected: Level 15 Cultivator.]
[Probability of Escape: 5%.]
Dayal's heart hammered against his ribs. He was Level 8, but she was Level 15. The gap was too big.
"I am just a man who wants to live," Dayal said, his voice steady despite the fear.
The girl lowered her sword slightly. "If you want to live, you have to prove your worth to me. Because the Sect Elders are coming, and they won't be as polite as I am."