Kai's breathing was uneven as he stared at the pulsing Monster Core. His fingertips tingled from the brief contact, and the ancient voice still echoed in his mind.
"You seek power… but are you worthy?"
He had never heard of a Monster Core possessing a will of its own. What kind of beast had this core belonged to?
Despite the danger, his determination burned stronger. Power was essential in this world. If he hesitated now, he would forever be at the mercy of those stronger than him.
Clenching his fists, he made his decision. He would absorb the core.
He sat cross-legged on the floor, holding the core in both hands. Closing his eyes, he activated his energy, slowly drawing the core's power into his body.
The moment the energy entered him, pain exploded in his veins.
His blood felt like it was boiling, his muscles tensed, and his heartbeat pounded like a war drum.
Then, the voice returned.
"Prove yourself."
Suddenly, everything went dark.
Kai found himself standing in a vast, empty void. A giant shadowy beast loomed before him—its eyes glowed like embers, its body was covered in pitch-black flames, and its aura was suffocating.
"Defeat me," the beast growled, its deep voice shaking the space around him.
Kai gritted his teeth. So this was the test.
Without hesitation, he summoned his energy, his hands glowing with power.
The beast lunged.
Kai dodged, barely avoiding its massive claws. The sheer force of the attack sent shockwaves through the void.
He countered with a powerful Flame Strike, sending a fiery blast at the beast. But the monster swatted it away like a mere spark.
Kai's eyes widened. This wasn't going to be easy.
He clenched his fists.
If he wanted to survive, he had to go all out.