Kai stood at the doorway, his mind racing. The mysterious man's words lingered.
"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."
What did he mean? And why was he so sure Kai had absorbed the core?
Closing the door, Kai sat on his bed, staring at his hands. The energy flowing through him felt different, more refined. The Crimson Wolf's Fury wasn't just a boost—it was a transformation.
His muscles felt stronger, his instincts sharper, and when he focused, he could almost feel the beast's lingering essence within him. Had he inherited something more than just power?
His thoughts were interrupted by another notification.
[Your energy control has improved. You can now integrate beast essence into your cooking with greater efficiency.]
Kai's eyes widened. This wasn't just about battle—his cooking abilities had evolved too.
He took a deep breath. If the core had given him power, then the next step was clear—he needed to test it.
Leaving his room, he headed straight for the academy's training grounds. At this hour, it was mostly empty, save for a few dedicated students practicing their techniques.
Kai found an open space and closed his eyes, channeling his energy.
The moment he activated Crimson Wolf's Fury, his body felt weightless. His vision sharpened, and his heartbeat synchronized with his breathing.
This was on a completely different level.
Taking a step forward, he vanished from his original position and reappeared several meters away. His speed had increased drastically.
He tested his strength next, striking a training dummy with a single punch. The impact shattered the wooden target, sending splinters flying.
Kai clenched his fists, excitement rising. This power… it was real.
But the question remained—what exactly had he absorbed?
And more importantly… what price would he have to pay for it?