The sun had barely risen over the jagged peaks of the Draconis Mountains, but the training grounds were already alive with the clash of steel and grunts of effort.
Kai stood at the edge of the arena, fingers twitching. His new body thrummed with potential, like coiled lightning begging to strike.
"One hour," Lucius said, crossing his arms. "Then we head into the Shadow Vale. You'll take down a beast alone. No help."
Kai glanced at his father. The man's tone was blunt, but not cruel. A general's discipline layered with a father's belief.
"I'll handle it."
Sylvera, seated on a nearby stone pillar, scoffed. "You couldn't even hold a blade yesterday."
"I was unconscious yesterday," Kai muttered, grabbing a wooden training sword. He gave it a few test swings. "Today's different."
He wasn't lying.
---
> [SYSTEM NOTICE]
Slayer Instincts Activated.
Weapon Proficiency: Accelerated Learning Mode [ON]
Experience Gain: 200% Bonus – First Blood Pending...
---
Lucius observed silently as Kai adjusted his stance. His footwork was rough. His balance off. But with each swing, his form smoothed. Muscles learned. Movements refined.
Within twenty minutes, he moved like someone who had trained for months.
Sylvera narrowed her eyes. "That's… not normal."
Ariadne smiled faintly from the balcony above. "No. It's bloodline and will combined."
Darius let out a low whistle. "Kid's got the fire."
Lucius tossed Kai a small satchel. "That's enough. Time to earn your fangs."
---
The Shadow Vale
Kai stood at the edge of the forest as cold mist curled around the gnarled trees. Shadows writhed in unnatural patterns, and the distant howl of a beast made the ground tremble.
Slay a monster. Unlock the system. Prove yourself.
He took a step in.
---
> [New Zone Discovered: Shadow Vale – Tier 1]
Danger Rating: Low to Moderate
Active Creatures: Lesser Nightfangs, Bone Rats, Shadow Vipers
Caution: Solo entry recommended for Level 1-5 adventurers.
---
Minutes passed in silence. The deeper he walked, the quieter the world became—until the birds stopped singing.
Then it pounced.
A flash of gray fur and fangs lunged from the underbrush—eyes glowing red.
> [Lesser Nightfang – Level 3]
HP: 150
Status: Aggressive
Kai reacted on instinct. He ducked, rolled, and slashed upward.
The blade caught the beast's flank, drawing blood.
The Nightfang yowled and spun, snapping its jaws toward his throat.
Kai blocked—barely—and was thrown back against a tree. Pain flared through his ribs.
His grip tightened on the wooden blade.
"Alright," he growled. "Let's dance."
The Nightfang lunged again. This time, Kai didn't retreat.
He sidestepped, kicked off a tree trunk, and slammed the sword across its skull.
Crack.
The beast staggered.
Kai followed up with a downward smash that broke its jaw.
Then, breathing hard, he stepped back—waiting.
The Nightfang whimpered, tried to rise—
—and he rammed the blade through its neck.
---
> [Lesser Nightfang Slain]
+120 EXP
+1 Slayer Core (Feral Type)
Skill Unlocked: [Predator's Focus – Rank F]
Bloodline Awakening Progress: 3%
Slayer Title Progress: 1/100
---
Kai dropped the blade, chest heaving.
His body trembled—not from fear, but adrenaline. Exhilaration.
He'd fought. Killed. Survived.
He'd won.
---
> [Slayer System Upgrade Triggered]
Choose 1 Evolutionary Perk: – Hunter's Reflexes (+10% dodge speed, 5% critical rate)
– Bonebreaker Strength (+20% damage to beasts)
– Bloodlust Surge (Gain 5% attack power per kill, resets after battle)
Kai didn't hesitate.
"Bloodlust Surge."
---
Back at the forest edge, Lucius stood with arms crossed, watching his son return with a bloodied tunic and a triumphant smirk.
"Well?"
Kai dropped the Nightfang's head on the ground. "Took me longer than I wanted."
Lucius raised an eyebrow. "And how do you feel?"
Kai looked down at his bloodied hands, then back at the looming towers of Draconis Keep.
"Alive."
Sylvera, despite herself, offered a single approving nod.
Ariadne appeared beside Lucius. "Then he's ready. Valkyros Academy starts in three days."
Kai tilted his head. "What exactly is this academy?"
Lucius smiled for the first time.
"Where monsters are forged into kings."