The glowing forest was quiet now, but Prince could feel it in the air—something was watching.
"Prince, this way!" Mira whispered, waving from behind a large glowing root. "We found a small cave. Let's regroup there."
He nodded and followed, but a faint rustle made him freeze.
A shadow leapt from the bushes.
It was a beast—wolf-like with crystal claws and glowing blue eyes. It growled softly, its breath leaving a cold mist in the air.
[Species: Frost Wolf]
[Grade: Ordinary]
[Threat Level: Moderate]
[Suggestion: Engage. Defeating and absorbing gene point possible.]
"Prince, run!" Mira shouted.
But Prince stood still. His smartwatch screen flashed:
[Beginner Mission Update: Defeat your first beast.]
[Reward: 1 Ordinary Gene Point.]
---
🌠 The First Fight
Prince tightened his grip on the stick in his hand.
The Frost Wolf lunged forward with a snarl. But this time, Prince's body felt lighter, faster.
Is this… the system's effect?
He dodged to the side and swung the stick. It struck the beast's side with a loud thump, sending it stumbling into the dirt.
"Good hit!" the system chimed.
[Reflexes +5%. Strength +3%. Temporary boost active.]
The beast turned and lunged again. This time, Prince feinted left, then jabbed the stick into the ground like a spear as the beast leapt.
The Frost Wolf crashed into the stick, yelping as it tumbled to the ground. It struggled weakly but didn't rise again.
Prince panted, his arms trembling.
I… I did it.
---
🧬 The First Absorption
A soft glow rose from the Frost Wolf's body and floated toward Prince.
[Absorption Complete.]
[Ordinary Gene Point: +1 (1/100).]
As the light entered his chest, warmth spread through his veins. His muscles felt firmer. His breath came easier. Even his vision sharpened slightly.
"Prince! Are you okay?" Mira and Rhea came running, their eyes wide.
"I'm fine," Prince said, forcing a small smile. "The beast ran away after I hit it."
Mira stared at him, impressed. "Didn't know you had it in you, Prince. Maybe you're not as soft as you look."
Rhea giggled. "Soft? He's still softer than a pillow."
Prince blushed faintly. "Stop teasing me."
---
🌌 A New Understanding
As they walked toward the cave, the system's voice spoke quietly in Prince's mind:
[Host has absorbed 1 Ordinary Gene Point.]
[Reminder: As gene points increase, host's body will grow stronger. Defeating higher-grade beasts will eventually be possible.]
So this is how it works… Prince thought.
Once you powered up, the gap between grades wasn't as impossible as people believed.
If others knew this secret, the world would change.
But for now, Prince kept silent.
---
🌠 The Cave
When they reached the cave, Arjun, Kabir, and Anaya were already there, looking tired but unharmed.
"Did you all run into any trouble?" Anaya asked.
"A few beasts," Kabir said. "We managed to beat them back and grab some energy crystals."
Prince glanced at his hands.
I'm different now… Even if they don't see it yet.
Far away, deep in the glowing forest, a pair of fiery red eyes opened.
It wasn't an Ordinary beast.
It wasn't even Primitive.
And it had already caught Prince's scent.