Kai steadied his breathing as the shadowy beast loomed over him, its ember-like eyes filled with ancient power. This wasn't just a test of strength—it was a battle for survival.
The beast lunged again, its massive claws slicing through the void. Kai barely dodged, feeling the force of the attack shake his very soul. This was unlike any battle he had faced before.
He focused, gathering energy in his hands. If normal attacks wouldn't work, he needed to adapt.
Flame Strike wouldn't be enough.
Closing his eyes for a brief moment, he concentrated on his abilities as a Spiritual Cook. If the energy within the Monster Core was testing him, then he needed to use that same energy to fight back.
A sudden realization struck him—the beast was made of the very energy he was trying to absorb.
A new strategy formed in his mind.
When the beast attacked again, instead of dodging, Kai stepped forward.
With precision, he reached out, grabbing onto the beast's claw.
The moment they made contact, an intense burning sensation spread through his arm. But instead of resisting, he focused on channeling his energy into the beast.
The creature let out a deafening roar. Its form flickered, as if it were struggling to maintain its shape.
It was working.
Kai gritted his teeth, pushing his energy further. The beast thrashed, howling in agony, but Kai held on.
With a final surge of power, the beast shattered into countless embers, dissolving into pure energy that flowed directly into him.
A powerful shockwave burst through the void.
Then—silence.
Kai opened his eyes, finding himself back in his room, the Monster Core now completely drained of energy.
His body felt… different. Stronger.
Then, a golden notification appeared in his mind.
[You have successfully absorbed the Crimson Direwolf's Core. Your abilities have evolved.]
Kai exhaled slowly, a small smile forming.
This was only the beginning.