Kai stored the Tier 5 Monster Core in his bag, his mind already thinking about the possible uses. Selling it would bring a fortune, but absorbing it could enhance his abilities.
He shook his head. No rush. He needed to recover first.
Glancing at the remains of the Crimson Horned Direwolf, he decided to take some of its meat. A powerful beast like this was bound to have special properties.
After finishing the collection, Kai started heading back toward the city. The battle had drained him, and he needed rest.
As he walked through the dense forest, the air suddenly changed. A strange presence.
His instincts screamed at him—someone was watching.
Kai gripped his knife and activated Silent Step, blending into the shadows.
Then, a voice echoed.
"You can drop the stealth, I already know where you are."
Kai narrowed his eyes and slowly emerged. His gaze locked onto a man dressed in black robes, his face hidden beneath a hood.
The stranger's aura was powerful—too powerful.
Kai stayed cautious. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled. "Just a curious observer. I watched your battle. Impressive."
Kai didn't respond. Something felt off.
The man continued. "Tell me, what do you plan to do with that Monster Core?"
Kai's grip on his knife tightened. "Why do you care?"
The man took a step forward. "Because that core is special. If you absorb it, you might awaken something beyond your understanding."
Kai's heart skipped a beat. Beyond his understanding?
The man sighed. "I was going to take it, but now I'm interested in what you'll do."
Then, without warning, he vanished.
Kai stood frozen, his mind racing. Who was that? And what did he mean by 'awakening something'…?
He looked at his bag, where the Monster Core pulsed softly.
Maybe this was more than just a rare treasure.