《Limitless Evolution》 A New World Kaito¡¯s lungs burned as he gasped for air, his body crashing onto the cold, damp ground. The scent of earth and fresh leaves filled his nostrils, and his ears rang with a sharp, lingering hum. Groaning, he rolled onto his back, staring up at the sky. The sun was high, yet the light filtering through the trees carried an unnatural hue. A soft breeze rustled the dense foliage above, casting shifting patterns of shadow across his vision. Where am I? The last thing he remembered was the blinding headlights of an oncoming truck, the screech of tires on wet pavement, and the sickening realization that he had no time to react. Yet, he was not dead. His breath quickened. He pushed himself up on weak arms, his body trembling as a rush of panic flooded his veins. "This¡­ this isn''t right." His voice cracked as he looked around frantically. "What the hell is going on?" Towering trees stretched impossibly high, their dark trunks disappearing into a thick canopy. Their leaves were a deep shade of emerald¡ªunfamiliar, almost unnatural. Then, without warning, a voice echoed in his mind.
[Welcome to the World of Eldoria.] [User: Kaito Arata] [Race: Human] [Level: One] [Titles: None] [Abilities: None Acquired] [Mission: Survive the First Hour] [Mission Time Remaining: Fifty-Nine Minutes]
A glowing, translucent screen materialized before him, floating in midair. His heart pounded, his throat dry as he stared at the floating text. "What¡­ what the hell does that mean? Survive?" His voice trembled. He tried to wave his hands through the screen, but it remained untouched, the words glowing faintly before shifting. [Fifty-Eight Minutes Remaining.] Panic clawed at his chest. "Survive?! Survive what?!" His breathing grew erratic, his mind racing. "Is this some kind of joke? A nightmare? A coma-induced hallucination?" His voice was hoarse, rising in pitch. "No¡­ no, this isn''t possible."Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. He slapped his face hard. The sting jolted his senses. This wasn¡¯t a dream. He was awake. He was here. "But how?" He ran his fingers through his hair, gripping it tightly. "How did I even get here? What happened to me?" The words on the screen taunted him. [Survive the First Hour.] His stomach twisted. Something was coming. A rustling noise snapped his attention toward the underbrush. Kaito stilled. The sound was subtle at first, like shifting leaves. Then it grew. Heavy footsteps. A low growl. A presence lurking just beyond the trees. Slowly, red eyes emerged from the darkness. A massive, wolf-like creature stepped forward, its fur black as midnight, muscles tensed beneath its thick hide. Its fangs gleamed as drool dripped from its maw, its hungry gaze locking onto Kaito. His blood ran cold. A game-like screen appeared in his vision.
[Direfang] [Level: Three] [Threat Level: Moderate]
His breath hitched. "A wolf?! A freaking giant wolf?!" The beast let out a guttural snarl, the sound vibrating through Kaito¡¯s chest. I don¡¯t have a weapon. I don¡¯t have armor. What the hell am I supposed to do?! The Direfang crouched, ready to pounce. His instincts screamed at him. Move! His body hesitated, fear rooting him in place. The beast lunged. Kaito barely managed to roll to the side, dirt flying as the Direfang¡¯s claws tore through the ground where he had been moments ago. His heart pounded as he scrambled to his feet, his breath ragged. "I need a weapon!" He frantically scanned the forest floor. Amidst the fallen leaves, something caught his eye. A rusted sword, half-buried in the dirt. He lunged for it, fingers wrapping around the hilt just as the Direfang charged again. With no time to think, he swung wildly. The blade connected with the beast¡¯s shoulder, but the rusted edge barely cut into its thick hide. The Direfang snarled and retaliated instantly, swiping its claws at him. Kaito barely dodged, stumbling backward. His hands trembled around the sword. "This thing is stronger than me..." The Direfang lunged again, faster this time. Kaito tried to sidestep, but the beast was too quick. Claws raked across his side, burning pain erupting through his ribs. He cried out, stumbling to his knees. His vision blurred. Blood seeped into his torn shirt. Pain. It was real. Too real. The Direfang didn¡¯t stop. It lunged again. Kaito barely managed to raise his sword in time. The blade scraped against the beast¡¯s fangs, stopping it inches from his throat. His arms trembled under the pressure. The Direfang snapped its jaws, forcing him lower, its breath hot against his face. "No! Get off me!" He roared, kicking at its stomach. The blow did little, but it gave him just enough space to roll away. Gasping, Kaito pushed himself up. His grip on the sword tightened. "I¡¯m not dying here," he growled, wiping blood from his lip. The Direfang lunged again. This time, Kaito didn¡¯t dodge. He stepped into the attack. Twisting his body, he drove the rusted sword forward with everything he had. The blade plunged into the Direfang¡¯s neck. The beast let out a strangled yelp, blood spurting from the wound. It crashed onto the ground, its momentum sending Kaito stumbling backward. Panting, Kaito stared at the lifeless body, his hands shaking.
[Direfang Defeated.] [Experience Gained: 100] [Level Up: One ? Two]
His body felt lighter, a strange warmth coursing through him. Was this what leveling up felt like? Before he could process it, another notification followed.
[Additional Mission Objective: Kill the Direfang Alpha.] [Reward: Predation, Unique Skill.]
Kaito¡¯s breath hitched. The rustling in the bushes returned. More glowing red eyes. Then, from the darkness, a massive figure emerged.
[Direfang Alpha] [Level: Five] [Threat Level: High]
A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the clearing, sending a shiver down his spine. The Direfang Alpha stepped forward. Kaito¡¯s body ached. His wounds stung. His lungs burned. But there was no escaping this. Trial by Fangs Kaito barely had time to catch his breath before the rustling of leaves signaled another danger. His body screamed in protest, the lingering pain from his fight with the Alpha slowing him down. But there was no time to rest. The forest was far from finished with him. A pack of five direwolves stepped into the clearing, their glowing eyes locked onto him with unrelenting hunger. Unlike the Alpha, these creatures were slightly smaller, but the way they moved in unison, weaving through the underbrush with practiced coordination, sent a shiver down his spine. Their predatory instincts told them that he was vulnerable.
[Direwolf Scouts] [Level: Three] [Threat Level: Moderate] [Additional Mission Objective: Defeat the Direwolf Scouts] [Reward: Three Agility Points]
Kaito¡¯s fingers clenched around the hilt of his sword. His arms were numb, his legs heavy, but there was no running from this. The wolves had already spread out, forming a semi-circle to cut off any retreat. They were faster than the Alpha, and if they attacked together, he would be ripped apart before he could even swing his blade. His breathing quickened. The moment stretched, his mind racing. I barely survived the last fight. How am I supposed to take on five at once? Then a blur of fur. One of the wolves lunged. Kaito barely managed to react, raising his sword just in time to block the strike. The impact sent a jarring vibration through his arms. Another wolf darted in from his blind spot. He twisted awkwardly, trying to avoid the incoming fangs, but his foot caught on an exposed root. Damn it! Pain flared as sharp claws raked across his side. He staggered, barely able to keep his balance. The wolves were relentless. One after another, they struck, their attacks blurring into a suffocating onslaught. Kaito gritted his teeth, swinging wildly to keep them at bay. His sword connected with flesh, a glancing blow, but it was not enough to bring one down. They are too fast. Too coordinated.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Another wolf came from behind, its powerful legs pushing off the ground as it launched toward his back. Kaito barely managed to twist in time, raising his sword, but the weight of the beast sent him crashing onto the dirt. The air was forced from his lungs. His vision blurred. The scent of damp earth filled his nose as claws pinned him down. Snarling jaws snapped inches from his face. His arms trembled as he struggled to keep the wolf¡¯s teeth away from his throat. His muscles burned. His strength was failing. No. No! I cannot die here! His mind scrambled for a way out. Think! You have to move! Then, through the chaos, his gaze locked onto the fallen Alpha¡¯s corpse. [Predation Activated] A surge of raw energy flooded his body, burning through every inch of his exhausted frame. His heartbeat thundered in his ears. His vision sharpened. His instincts flared to life.
[Alpha Traits Acquired: Strength, Authority, and Instinct Enhanced]
The air around him shifted. An invisible force pulsed outward, rolling through the clearing like an unrelenting tide. The direwolves froze. Kaito could feel it. The fear in their eyes, the uncertainty in their stance. He had taken in the Alpha¡¯s essence, and the pack could sense it. A slow, predatory smirk pulled at his lips. That is right. Submit. He took a step forward, exuding an aura of dominance. One of the wolves whimpered, its tail tucking between its legs. Another took a hesitant step back. But not all of them. One of the scouts, either braver or more foolish than the rest, snapped its jaws and lunged forward. Kaito was ready this time. He sidestepped the attack with ease, his newfound instincts guiding his body. The wolf flew past him, and in one swift motion, Kaito drove his sword through its exposed flank. The beast let out a strangled yelp before collapsing into the dirt. The remaining wolves wavered. Their leader was dead. Their Alpha¡¯s essence now resided within him. Kaito did not hesitate. He moved. The second wolf tried to retreat, but Kaito was already there, his blade flashing under the dim glow of the forest. A clean strike to the throat. The creature¡¯s body slumped lifelessly to the ground. Another darted to his right, making a desperate escape. No. Not this time. Kaito dashed forward, faster than before, his agility heightened beyond his previous limits. In one fluid motion, he cleaved through its hind leg. The beast let out a pained cry, collapsing as Kaito delivered the finishing blow. The last wolf stood frozen, torn between fear and instinct. Kaito met its gaze, his bloodied sword raised. Run. It did.
[Direwolf Scouts Defeated] [Additional Mission Objective Completed] [Reward: Increased Agility] [One Thousand Experience Points Earned] [Level Up: Level Three ? Level Six] [Agility Increased: Three Points Added]
Kaito exhaled, finally allowing himself a moment of respite. His hands trembled from the rush of battle, but there was something different now. He could feel it. His body moved better. His reactions were sharper. His instincts were more attuned to his surroundings. He was growing. Changing. The forest around him fell silent once more. But for Kaito, the real fight was only just beginning.
[Mission Time Remaining: Forty-Two Minutes]
The Path to Strength The battlefield was finally silent. Kaito stood amidst the fallen direwolves, his chest heaving as he struggled to steady his breath. The pain in his body was catching up with him, the adrenaline wearing off. His fingers twitched against the hilt of his sword, but for the first time since his arrival, he was not in immediate danger. He needed to regroup. Kaito took a step back, settling against a tree for support. His body ached, his mind still reeling from the battle. He had fought desperately, on the verge of death multiple times, and yet he had survived. He had not just survived¡ªhe had grown stronger. With a deep breath, he called up his status window.
[User: Kaito Arata] [Race: Human] [Level: Six] [Health: 1,272 / 2,200] [Mana: 700 / 700] [Stamina: 730 / 900] [Vitality: 22] [Intelligence: 14] [Endurance: 18] [Strength: 22] [Agility: 29] [Perception: 23] [Titles: The System¡¯s Chosen] [Abilities: Predation]
[Passive Skills] [Adaptive Combat] ¨C The more battles the user experiences, the more instinctively efficient their fighting becomes. [Alpha¡¯s Presence] ¨C Instinctual dominance over lesser beasts. Lesser creatures may hesitate or submit in the presence of the user.
His gaze lingered on his title. The System¡¯s Chosen. He had not paid it much attention before, but something about it intrigued him. He focused on it, prompting a detailed description to appear.
[The System¡¯s Chosen] ¨C A being capable of exponential growth based on experience. The more challenges faced, the greater the rewards. Evolution is unrestricted, allowing limitless potential.
His breath caught. As long as he kept pushing himself, there was no limit to how strong he could become. The thought sent a shiver through him. In his old life, limits had been clear: his skill in kendo, his knowledge as a teacher, his own mortality. But here? He could keep growing indefinitely.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. He clenched his fists. The battle against the Alpha and the scouts had been grueling, but he had survived. More than that, he had grown from it. The pain, the struggle¡ªit had all become fuel for his strength. His gaze then shifted to his newly acquired ability.
[Predation] ¨C Absorb the essence of fallen foes to gain their traits or abilities. Stronger enemies yield greater rewards.
That explained why the scouts had submitted so easily after he used it on the Alpha. He had taken in its dominance, its authority over the pack. But could he do more with it? Could he refine its use? His fingers twitched as he looked down at the Alpha¡¯s corpse.
[Further Essence Extraction is Possible. Proceed with absorption?]
Kaito hesitated. The first time, it had been instinctual, but now he was choosing to take more. He steeled himself and confirmed. A powerful surge of energy coursed through his body, even stronger than before. His muscles tightened, his senses expanded, and his heartbeat synchronized with a primal rhythm. A deep growl rumbled in his throat, startling him.
[Further Essence Extraction Complete. Physical Strength and Reflexes Boosted.]
Kaito exhaled, his breath visible in the cool air. He flexed his fingers, feeling the raw power coursing through him. This world was dangerous, but now, he had the means to survive it. His gaze flicked to the fallen Direwolf Scouts. Taking a deep breath, Kaito stepped toward one of the scouts, placing his hand on its cold body. The System responded.
[Absorbing Essence.]
[New Passive Skill Acquired: Environmental Synchronization.]
[Effect] ¨C Enhances the user''s ability to blend into their surroundings, reducing detection in natural environments.
Kaito exhaled sharply. This was different from the Alpha. Instead of power and dominance, he had gained something stealth-based. The air around him felt lighter, his body naturally adjusting as if trying to blend into the surroundings. His movements were quieter. Encouraged, he quickly moved to another scout and activated Predation again.
[Absorbing Essence.] [Absorption failed. Essence has already been absorbed from this species.]
His breath hitched. What? He tried again, pressing his palm against the lifeless body.
[Absorbing Essence.] [Absorption failed.]
Kaito¡¯s brows furrowed, a knot of frustration and confusion forming in his chest. Why? He had absorbed twice from the Alpha. So why was he locked out from the scouts? Was it because the Alpha was stronger? Or was there another factor he was not aware of? The System was not explaining anything. He clenched his fist, staring at the bloodstained ground. There were too many unknowns. He was just grasping at theories, but right now, all he knew was that Predation had limits. One absorption per species. Unless the creature was different. The Alpha had been a higher-tier monster. Maybe that was why he had been able to extract more. Stronger enemies yield greater rewards. Or maybe, just maybe, Predation had deeper mechanics that he had yet to unlock. For now, there were too many questions and not enough answers. Kaito took a steady breath. He would figure it out later. Right now, he had to survive.
[Mission Time Remaining: Thirty-Seven Minutes]
A deep tremor pulsed through the ground beneath him, sending a ripple through the fallen leaves. His muscles tensed as he looked around, searching for the source. The tremors grew stronger, each one accompanied by a dull, rhythmic thud. It was not just the wind or the natural shifting of the land. Something was coming. Kaito tightened his grip on his sword. His newly enhanced senses picked up a distant yet distinct pattern: heavy, deliberate footsteps. And they were getting closer. The trees in the distance swayed unnaturally as something enormous moved through the forest. A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the air, vibrating in his chest. Whatever was approaching dwarfed the Direfang Alpha. Then, through the gaps in the trees, he saw it.
[Unique Monster Identified.] [Forest Behemoth] [Level: Unknown] [Threat Level: Catastrophic] [Status: Critically Injured]
The Dying Titan Kaito¡¯s breath was unsteady as he kept his eyes on the colossal creature before him. Now that he had a closer look, the extent of its injuries became even clearer. One of its eyes was profusely bleeding, the viscous dark liquid running down its furred face, and a massive gash marred its underbelly, deep enough that Kaito could see raw flesh beneath. Was it already dying? The thought crossed his mind, offering a flicker of hope. If it was on its last legs, maybe he did not need to fight it at all. Maybe he could just wait it out. His fingers flexed around the hilt of his sword as he considered his options. Fighting a monster this large, even if it was injured, was suicide. He needed to hide, to disappear, to let nature finish its work. His mind raced as he scanned the terrain. There were large roots and fallen logs that could serve as cover. The trees were thick enough that he might be able to climb and stay out of reach. But would it be enough? His enhanced perception told him that the Behemoth was still dangerous, even in its weakened state. One wrong move, and it would be the end of him. A deep groan rumbled from the beast¡¯s chest, shaking the air like distant thunder. Kaito instinctively ducked behind a boulder, pressing himself against the cool stone. He willed himself to be still, controlling his breathing, trying to suppress his presence as best he could. He remembered the skill he had obtained from the Direwolf Scouts, Environmental Synchronization. He focused on it, urging his body to blend into the surroundings. Almost immediately, he felt a subtle shift, as though his presence was fading into the background. The rustling of leaves around him, the faint scent of blood and earth, it all seemed to mask him, making him harder to detect. It worked. For a moment, it seemed as if the Behemoth would collapse, but then it took another step, the ground quaking beneath its weight. Kaito flinched. How long could this go on? Could he really just hide until it succumbed to its wounds? The idea seemed logical, but a sense of unease crept into his gut. There was something unnatural about the Behemoth¡¯s endurance. Even in such a state, it refused to die. He shifted his position carefully, moving to another hiding spot, deeper into the foliage. Every movement was calculated, his body tense with the fear of being noticed. The Behemoth sniffed the air, as if searching for something, its remaining eye glowing faintly in the dim forest light. Kaito held his breath, praying it would not detect him. But his luck did not hold. The Behemoth suddenly let out a deep, guttural snarl and swung its massive claw in his direction. The impact shattered the trees where he had been crouching just moments ago, sending splinters and debris flying. Kaito barely managed to roll away, his heart hammering as he pressed himself low against the earth. It knew he was here. A second strike came, crashing against the ground and causing the earth to quake violently. Kaito struggled to keep his balance as he scrambled to another hiding spot. He could not outrun something this large forever. Every time he shifted positions, the Behemoth would sniff the air, turn its bloodied eye, and launch another attack. Each attempt to remain hidden was met with another devastating strike, forcing him into an exhausting cycle of escape.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. His breathing was ragged, his legs burning from the constant movement. His stamina was draining dangerously fast, each dodge and sprint consuming what little remained. His health had not fully recovered from the previous battles either. One direct hit, and he would be dead. How much longer can I keep this up? The Behemoth suddenly reared back, its massive limbs coiling before slamming down with devastating force. Kaito tried to react, but he was too slow.
[Health: 432 / 2,200]
A sharp gasp tore from his throat as he collapsed onto the dirt. His vision blurred from the impact, his limbs trembling. His ribs, something was definitely broken. He coughed, his breath wheezing as a sharp pain stabbed through his chest. Move. Get up. If you stay down, you are dead. His body screamed in protest, but he forced himself to roll over. The Behemoth was not stopping. Another attack came, a sweeping motion of its massive tail. Kaito barely managed to throw himself sideways, but the shockwave sent him tumbling through the dirt. His head spun, the world tilting around him.
[Health: 298 / 2,200]
Blood dripped from a wound on his forehead, warm and sticky against his skin. His arms shook as he tried to push himself up. His stamina was almost gone, his health dangerously low. He was running on borrowed time. Another explosion of dirt erupted behind him as the Behemoth stomped the ground, forcing him into a desperate dive. His body rolled awkwardly, pain flaring through his shoulder as he landed hard against a jagged rock. Gritting his teeth, he crawled into a dense cluster of roots and tangled vines, forcing himself to stay still. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to move, to keep running, but he had no choice. He had to disappear. The Behemoth growled again, its steps slowing. It turned its head, nostrils flaring as it searched for him. Kaito pressed himself as low as possible, barely daring to breathe. His heartbeat thundered in his ears, drowning out all other sound. For several agonizing moments, the beast remained still, as if deciding whether to continue its assault. Then, after what felt like an eternity, it let out a heavy, shuddering breath and swayed on its feet. The damage it had sustained was catching up to it. It took another step, its body quivering under its own weight. It was near the end. With a final, labored breath, the Behemoth let out a deep, rumbling groan and collapsed onto its side. The impact sent a tremor through the ground, nearly knocking Kaito off his feet. Dust and loose leaves spiraled into the air as the massive creature lay motionless, its strength finally giving out. As the dust settled, Kaito¡¯s eyes were drawn to the gaping wound in the Behemoth¡¯s underbelly. It was massive, deeper than he had originally thought. The torn flesh exposed layers of muscle and bone, as if something had carved through it with terrifying precision. Whatever had inflicted this injury had done so with immense power. Kaito hesitated, gripping his sword tightly. The beast was no longer moving, but its sheer presence was still overwhelming. Was it truly dead? Or was this just another trick of endurance, another moment where he would have to flee? His instincts screamed at him to stay cautious, but another thought pushed its way into his mind. If the Behemoth had fallen, this might be his only chance to act. He kept a tight grip on his sword and kept glancing at the gaping wound in the Behemoth''s underbelly. He was not sure what to do. The minutes stretched on. His body ached from remaining crouched and still, but he dared not move carelessly. His heartbeat was the only sound he could focus on, echoing in his ears. He kept count of the time, watching as his mission clock ticked downward.
[Mission Time Remaining: Ten Minutes]
The Final Strike Kaito¡¯s breath came in ragged gasps, each inhale sharp and uneven as he forced air into his burning lungs. The Forest Behemoth, a monstrous colossus of muscle and fur, stood injured yet unbroken before him. Blood seeped from the deep gash in its underbelly, thick and dark, pooling onto the ground. Its left eye had been completely ruined, a deep wound sending rivulets of crimson trickling down its massive face. Yet, despite its injuries, it remained a towering force of destruction. Kaito¡¯s hands clenched around the hilt of his rusted sword, his knuckles white with tension. His body screamed for rest, his legs trembled beneath him, and pain coursed through his ribs, making every breath a struggle. But there was no stopping now. The Behemoth let out a slow, shuddering breath, its chest rising and falling like a dying bellows. It was nearing its limit. So was he. He swallowed hard. This is it. This is my chance to end it. Summoning what little strength remained in his battered body, Kaito forced himself into motion. His muscles burned, his stamina nearly spent, but he pressed on, each step carrying him closer to the beast¡¯s massive form. Then, the Behemoth stirred. A guttural roar of agony erupted from its throat, its body convulsing as it gathered its remaining strength for one final act of defiance. A last stand. Move! Kaito¡¯s instincts screamed at him, but his body was too slow. The Behemoth lashed out with its tail, a colossal limb that moved with terrifying force despite its wounds. The air itself seemed to rupture from the sheer velocity, tearing up the ground and uprooting trees. Kaito barely had time to react before it hit him.
[Health: 172 / 2,200]
The impact was like getting struck by a runaway truck. Pain exploded through his ribs as he was sent flying, his body twisting violently through the air before he slammed into a tree. The bark splintered on impact, shards of wood piercing his skin as the force of the blow nearly knocked him unconscious. His vision blurred, his limbs refusing to respond. His breath hitched in his throat, unable to fill his lungs properly. His body felt like dead weight against the tree trunk, every nerve in his body screaming in pain. I¡­ I can¡¯t move. The world around him spun, but he forced himself to focus. He was not dead yet. Through his blurred vision, he saw the Behemoth still thrashing, each movement slow, labored. Its injuries were finally catching up to it. It was on its last legs.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. This¡­ this is my only chance. His body refused to move, but he gritted his teeth, digging his fingers into the dirt beneath him. Move, damn it! He used the pain as fuel, forcing his legs to respond. If he did not act now, if he let the opportunity slip away, he would not survive the next attack. The tail whipped around again, demolishing another section of the forest. Kaito barely managed to roll to the side, his body sluggish, his reaction time a fraction of what it had been earlier. Dodge¡­ I need to dodge. The tail lifted again, muscles tensing. Three seconds. The beast growled, shifting its stance. Two seconds. The tail whipped forward. One! Kaito pushed off the ground with every ounce of strength he had left, narrowly avoiding the crushing force of the Behemoth¡¯s final strike. The ground behind him exploded, a massive shockwave kicking up dirt, leaves, and splintered wood. His body screamed in agony, but he could not stop now. He dashed forward, weaving through the broken battlefield with renewed focus. He could barely stand, let alone fight, but he had to finish this. As the Behemoth tried to lift itself, Kaito leaped onto its massive front limb, using its wounds as footholds to climb its staggering form. It roared, thrashing, but Kaito held on, dragging himself upward, his fingers bleeding from gripping onto the Behemoth¡¯s thick, matted fur. Higher. I need to get higher. The creature shuddered, trying to shake him off, but its movements were slow. Weakened. It was almost done. He climbed onto its head, gripping tightly to its thick mane. This is it. With the last of his strength, he drove his sword into its remaining eye, piercing straight into its skull. The Behemoth let out one final, bloodcurdling roar. Then, its entire body collapsed, shaking the earth beneath it. Kaito barely managed to leap away in time, hitting the ground hard, rolling several feet before coming to a stop. His body refused to move, his breath was shallow. But¡­ It was over.
[Forest Behemoth Defeated.] [Fifteen Thousand Experience Points Earned.] [Level Up: Six ¡ú Thirty.]
Without thinking, he activated Predation. A torrent of energy unlike anything before coursed through him, almost overwhelming his body.
[Predation Activated.] [Absorbing Essence.] New Skills Acquired:
He attempted Predation again.
[Predation Failed.] [Remaining Essence is too powerful for the current Predation skill.]
Kaito¡¯s eyes widened. He had never failed an absorption before. Was the Behemoth simply too strong? He let out a tired, bitter laugh. I¡¯m still too weak. Dragging himself upright, he staggered over to the Direfang Alpha and the fallen Direwolf Scouts, forcing his shaking hands to harvest whatever materials he could. Claws, fangs, pelts, bones, all of it. His wounds burned, but he refused to waste the spoils of his battles. Finally, his gaze fell upon the Behemoth¡¯s corpse. Its hide was thick, like stone. Even with all his newfound strength, his sword barely scratched it. Tough as iron¡­ no, even tougher. He tried hacking at it again, but the blade only glanced off. His arms trembled, his strength failing. With a frustrated sigh, he stopped. I¡¯m not strong enough to carve this thing apart. The realization gnawed at him, but there was nothing he could do. For now. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to move. He needed to get out of this cursed forest. And he needed to get much, much stronger. The Systemss Judgement Kaito stood amidst the aftermath of battle, his body aching, his mind sharp despite the exhaustion weighing him down. His hands trembled, blood dripping from numerous wounds as he forced himself to stay upright. He had won, but the cost had been steep. His body was on the verge of collapse. His breaths were ragged, his limbs weak, and every movement sent jolts of pain through his battered frame. But he was not done yet. With a deep, shuddering breath, he reached for the items he had gathered from the fallen beasts. His eyes swept over the spoils, assessing their value. The Direfang Alpha¡¯s hide was thick and incredibly durable, far tougher than that of the scouts. Even after death, it resisted cuts, its natural resilience undeniable. The claws and fangs were sharp enough to pierce flesh with ease, and the bones, though lightweight, felt impossibly dense. The Direwolf sinews were tough and flexible, strong enough to be used for reinforced bindings or even bowstrings. He turned the Greater Mana Core over in his palm, watching the faint glow pulse from within. There was energy inside, something powerful, something useful. He had no idea how to harness it yet, but he was certain it would come in handy. Everything he had collected held value, and he would find a way to put them to use. Securing the items in his bag, he took a deep breath. The battle was over, but his war had just begun.
[Mission Timer Reached Zero.]
An unseen force wrapped around him, and before he could react, the entire battlefield dissolved. The corpses, the bloodstained ground, even the air itself was swallowed into an endless void. Weightlessness overtook him. The forest was gone. He was nowhere. A vast expanse of shifting light surrounded him, stretching infinitely in all directions. Then, a voice resonated in his mind.
[System Evaluation in Progress.]
His breath hitched. There was no ground beneath his feet, no air to breathe, no sounds other than the voice. He was floating in an abyss, his entire existence exposed before something greater than himself. A presence loomed over him, vast and inescapable. For the first time, he felt as if he was being watched. No, not just watched. Judged.
[Processing Performance Based on Survival and Combat Efficiency.]
A strange energy surged through him, scanning every fiber of his being. His victories, his struggles, his moments of desperation¡ªnothing was hidden. Another prompt flashed before him.
[Evaluation Complete. Reward Allocation Pending.]The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. [Performance Rating: SSS. Overwhelming Achievement.] [System Remark: Initial Mission Objective - Survive. Actual Outcome - Eliminated the King of the Forest, a Calamity-Level Threat.]
Kaito¡¯s mind froze. A Calamity-Level Threat. He had been fighting just to survive. He had no idea what that Behemoth truly was. It had been more than a monster. It had been a force of nature, something that was never meant to be slain by a single person. Had he changed something? A ripple of unease spread through him. Had this world expected the Behemoth to remain alive? Had someone else been meant to deal with it? What had he altered? Before he could dwell on the implications, the System pulsed, and another notification appeared.
[You have achieved a feat beyond expectations. Assigning Title.]
A list appeared before him.
[Available Titles:]
Kaito barely had time to process the list before the system flickered.
[Titles do not match achievement. Deleting selection. Recalculating.]
The previous options vanished, replaced by new ones.
[Available Titles:]
Kaito¡¯s brows furrowed, his heart pounding. Then the system flickered again.
[Titles do not match achievement. Deleting selection. Recalculating.]
The void trembled. The surrounding light pulsed, the energy around him shifting. The System''s voice rang out once more.
[User has exceeded all known classifications. Unlocking Mythic Titles.]
Kaito felt the weight of something vast pressing upon him, as if the very foundation of this world had acknowledged his existence. A new list appeared, unlike anything before.
[Available Mythic Titles:]
These were not just titles. They were choices. Each one represented a path. A destiny. He let out a shaky breath, his gaze shifting between them. His gaze lingered on one title. Eternal Monarch. A title for those who are destined to rule without end. It enhanced leadership, granted immense political and combat-based advantages, and increased longevity beyond normal limits. Loved by both space and time, granting unique abilities tied to dimensional control and temporal manipulation. His throat tightened. Was this even real? Could he truly gain such power? His mind drifted back to his past life, to the moments before his death. He had been powerless, trapped by the limits of his own existence. But here, in this world, he had a choice. If he wanted to survive, if he wanted to conquer this world, if he wanted to shape his own fate, then this was the only answer. His fingers trembled as he reached out, mentally selecting Eternal Monarch. The moment he did, a blinding light engulfed him.
[Evolution Process Initiated.]
Kaito¡¯s eyes fluttered shut as his consciousness faded. His body was undergoing a transformation beyond mortal comprehension. Echoes of a Past Life Kaito drifted in darkness, but it was not the cold, empty void of the system¡¯s domain. This time, warmth surrounded him, the scent of chalk dust and freshly polished wood filling his senses. Faint murmurs echoed around him, growing clearer with each passing second. The moment he opened his eyes, he was not in Eldoria. He was back. Rows of desks stretched before him, a blackboard at the front of the room covered in faint remnants of past lessons. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a golden glow over the quiet classroom. Students moved about, gathering their belongings, chatting about their plans after school. Kaito Arata was a teacher once more. His chest tightened as reality settled in. Was this real? Had everything in Eldoria been just a dream? The battles, the blood, the overwhelming pain¡ªhad it all been some elaborate illusion? "Sensei?" A voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to find a student standing beside his desk. Takahashi, one of his most dedicated students, clutched a bamboo practice sword. "Are we still on for kendo practice today?" Kaito blinked. Kendo practice. His mind felt sluggish, torn between the memories of Eldoria and the familiarity of the world around him. He had always stayed after school to train students, sharing his love for the art of swordsmanship alongside his lessons in mathematics. It had been a fulfilling life, one filled with purpose. "Yeah," he found himself saying, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I''ll meet you at the dojo in a few minutes." Takahashi grinned, bowing slightly before dashing out of the room, leaving Kaito in stunned silence. His fingers curled against the surface of his desk. If this was truly real, then what had he experienced? Had he imagined everything? Or was this another illusion?
Minutes later, he stood in the school dojo, dressed in his kendo uniform. The rhythmic clash of bamboo swords echoed as his students warmed up. He moved through them, offering corrections, guiding their footwork and posture. Yet something felt different. He knew these drills, these students, and the way they moved, but there was a sense of detachment. His reactions were sharper, his movements refined. It was as if his body had mastered something far beyond simple kendo forms. "Sensei," Takahashi called out, holding up his shinai. "A match?"If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Kaito hesitated before nodding. The students gathered around, anticipation clear in their eyes. The match began. Takahashi struck first, but Kaito parried with ease. Another attack came, but he sidestepped effortlessly. Each movement felt unnaturally smooth, his strikes faster than he remembered. Takahashi faltered, sweat beading his forehead. "Sensei... when did you get this fast?" Kaito did not have an answer. He was fighting on reflex, his body responding in ways that felt almost unnatural. The match ended swiftly. Though he had held back, the difference in skill was undeniable. The students exchanged glances of awe, whispering among themselves.
After practice, Kaito changed back into his regular clothes and left the school grounds, walking through the familiar streets of his city. Neon signs flickered, the scent of fresh takoyaki drifted from a nearby food stand, and the chatter of students filled the sidewalks. Despite the familiarity, something felt distant. He had arranged to meet an old friend at a caf¨¦, a former colleague who had moved to a different school but still kept in touch. The conversation had been light, filled with nostalgic reminiscing about their students and the pressures of teaching. His friend had joked about how Kaito still worked too hard, still stayed late at school, still dedicated himself fully to his students. Kaito had laughed, yet the feeling of disconnect remained, lingering beneath the surface like an itch he could not scratch. As he was leaving the caf¨¦, he reached for the door but stopped when a familiar voice called out. "Kaito-sensei?" Turning, he saw Fujihara-sensei, a senior teacher from his school, standing near the counter. She gave him a polite smile before glancing outside. "It¡¯s started pouring pretty hard. You should wait a bit before heading out," she said, adjusting her glasses. "I¡¯ll treat you to a cup of coffee while we wait." Kaito hesitated, glancing out the window where the rain had indeed grown heavier, tapping against the glass in steady sheets. The warm scent of coffee drifted through the air, inviting and familiar. But something inside him urged him to decline. "Thank you, Fujihara-sensei, but I should get going. I still need to grab dinner before heading home," he replied with a polite bow. She gave him a knowing look but nodded. "Alright, but be careful. The roads can be dangerous in weather like this." Kaito thanked her again before stepping out into the rain.
The shortcut through the alleyway was one he had taken countless times before. The pavement was slick beneath his shoes, and the distant hum of traffic was the only sound accompanying his footsteps. Headlights flashed from the corner of his vision. A truck barreled down the narrow street, its tires skidding against the wet ground. Kaito¡¯s instincts screamed at him to move, but his body failed to react in time. Years of kendo training, coupled with the reflexes that still lingered from his dream, kicked in, but it was not enough. The impact came. Pain exploded through his body as he was thrown onto the asphalt. His vision blurred, the cold rain mixing with the warmth of his blood seeping into the street. Distantly, he heard people shouting, footsteps rushing toward him. His chest heaved, breath shallow. Darkness crept in at the edges of his vision. But as he stared up at the night sky, a strange sense of peace washed over him. If this was the end, then maybe that other world had been more than just a dream. Everything faded to black.
A deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind.
[Evolution Progress: 40%.]
Memories surged forth. The Direfang Alpha. The Direwolf Scouts. The Behemoth. The system. Eldoria. He had died. He had been reborn. And now, he was evolving. As thoughts of the past and present swirled within his mind, Kaito drifted back into slumber. His evolution continued.