The System's voice cut into Luo Tian's thoughts as the truck rolled through the neon-streaked backstreets.
> [Target Detected: System Bearer – Codename "Iron Jack."]
[Rank: F+]
[Skill of Interest: Titan Frame – Increases raw physical strength and durability by 300%.]
[Recommended Action: Eliminate to absorb skill and base stats.]
Luo Tian's lips curled into a faint smile. "Titan Frame, huh? Sounds like a good warm-up."
Mei Ruo's gaze sharpened from the passenger seat. "You're hunting someone."
"Not someone," Luo Tian said. "Something."
---
They found Iron Jack at the back of an underground fight club, shirtless and glistening under the harsh warehouse lights. His skin was a map of scars, his arms as thick as tree trunks. Every punch he threw against the heavy bag sent a deep thoom through the air, the chain straining like it might snap.
> [Warning: Host's raw stats are currently insufficient to match target in direct power exchange. Optimal strategy: Exploit speed, precision, and environmental hazards.]
"Perfect," Luo Tian murmured, stepping forward.
Iron Jack turned, his grin revealing a chipped tooth. "Another challenger? Hope you signed your will."
---
The first punch came like a freight train. Luo Tian didn't block — he shifted, letting the blow rush past his cheek, close enough that the air stung. Godslayer Instinct was in full control now, painting every possible movement and counter in his vision like threads of gold.
A jab to the ribs — Jack barely flinched. A kick to the knee — he grunted but stayed up. The man was a wall.
"Not bad," Jack said, swinging a wide hook.
Luo Tian ducked, snatched a beer bottle from a nearby crate, and shattered it across the man's temple in the same breath. Jack stumbled, just enough for Luo Tian to step inside his reach. Elbow to the jaw. Knee to the gut. Palm strike to the nose.
Even with Titan Frame, Jack's balance broke.
---
> [Opportunity Window: 0.8 seconds. Fatal strike possible.]
Luo Tian didn't hesitate. He grabbed the back of Jack's neck, slammed him forward into the steel support beam, and twisted sharply. The crack of bone echoed through the warehouse. Jack dropped like a felled tree.
> [Target Eliminated.]
[Absorbing System Data…]
A rush of heat flooded Luo Tian's veins. His muscles felt denser, his pulse heavier, his senses sharper. It wasn't just technique anymore — it was raw, brutal power.
---
Attribute Panel – Display
Name: Luo Tian
Level: 4
EXP: 120 / 500
HP: 250 / 250
Qi: 300 / 300
Strength: 34 → 50 (+Titan Frame)
Agility: 38
Endurance: 36 → 52 (+Titan Frame)
Charm: 41
Luck: MAX (Infinite Fortune Domain)
Skills:
Godslayer Instinct (Combat Mastery – Perfect Execution)
Infinite Fortune Domain (Luck – Always in Advantage)
Endless Flow (Stamina – Limitless)
Titan Frame (New) – Triple strength and durability.
Skill Points: 2
Equipment Slots: 0/5
---
Mei Ruo stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "You're stronger. Not just trained — like your body just… changed."
Luo Tian flexed his hands, feeling the satisfying weight behind each movement. "Something like that."
> [Note: Titan Frame's boost is permanent. Base stat increases stack with further System Bearer eliminations.]
He looked down at Jack's body. "So every kill makes me harder to kill. Faster to grow."
> [Affirmative.]
---
The fight club crowd had scattered during the brawl, leaving the warehouse eerily quiet. Mei Ruo leaned against the wall. "What's your plan with this… hunting game?"
"Simple," Luo Tian said. "If they're weaker, I take their power. If they're stronger…" He smiled faintly. "I still take their power."
---
As they left the warehouse, the System pulsed again.
> [Alert: Another System Bearer detected.]
[Rank: C+]
[Distance: 3.1 km and closing.]
[Warning: Target's raw stats exceed host's current capabilities.]
Mei Ruo caught the change in his expression. "What is it?"
Luo Tian started the engine. "The warm-up's over."
They drove into the city lights, the streets reflecting like molten gold in the rain. Somewhere ahead, a stronger opponent was moving toward him. And this time, it wouldn't be a one-sided slaughter.