Kai remained seated, his breath steady as he felt the surge of power coursing through his body. The successful absorption of the Crimson Direwolf's Core had changed him.
His senses were sharper, his body felt lighter, and his energy reserves had expanded beyond his previous limits.
A golden notification appeared in his mind.
[New Ability Acquired: Crimson Wolf's Fury]
—Enhances strength, speed, and reflexes in battle. When activated, grants temporary regeneration.]
Kai clenched his fist. This was a combat-related ability—something rare for a Spiritual Cook.
The Monster Core had not only strengthened his body but also granted him a power that warriors would envy.
But why?
He had heard of Monster Cores being used for cultivation, but granting new abilities? That was something unheard of.
A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts.
Kai stood up and approached cautiously. His instincts, now sharper than ever, told him something was off.
He opened the door slightly.
A hooded figure stood there, face hidden in the shadows.
"You absorbed it, didn't you?" the figure asked in a calm, yet knowing tone.
Kai's heart skipped a beat. The mysterious man from before.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Kai said, masking his surprise.
The man chuckled. "Don't play dumb. That core was not ordinary. Its power… is something even I wouldn't dare absorb without caution."
Kai narrowed his eyes. Who was this person? And how did he know so much?
The man continued. "There's a reason that core held a trial. And there's a reason you survived it. If you want to understand what you've awakened… come find me."
Before Kai could respond, the man disappeared into the night.
Kai clenched his fists. He had just stepped into something far bigger than he realized.