The forest was darker today. The sun still hung in the sky, but something about the air felt heavier.
The old man led him to a small path between ancient trees. "Today, you hunt," he said simply.
"What am I hunting?"
"A Black Fang boar. Rank 1 beast. Thick hide. Bad temper."
The boy nodded. "And if I fail?"
"Then the boar eats well."
They said no more.
He walked the trail alone, senses sharp. His body moved better now—more balanced, more precise. Void energy hummed beneath his skin like an echo waiting to be called.
He found the tracks within minutes—massive hoof prints and torn roots. Then he heard the snort.
The boar was as big as a boulder, black tusks coated in dried blood. Its eyes locked onto him with instant fury.
He stepped sideways. The boar charged, tearing through trees like paper. He blinked behind it, summoned a void slash—and missed.
Too slow.
The boar twisted mid-run, kicking up stones. A tusk grazed his shoulder, tearing through cloth and skin.
He gritted his teeth. "Fine."
This time, he didn't dodge.
As the boar charged again, he focused all his energy into his palm. The space before him folded, then snapped back—compressing with a sudden pulse of force.
> BOOM!
The pulse hit the boar square in the snout, flipping it onto its back. Before it could rise, he blinked forward and slammed a second wave into its exposed gut.
The beast roared—but didn't rise.
He stood over it, breathing heavily—not from exhaustion, but from pressure. Killing wasn't just about power. It was about choosing to end something.
He raised his hand—and let the final void slash fall.
Silence.
Then the forest slowly exhaled.
The beast turned to dust, leaving behind a glowing tusk and a small green orb.
> Beast Core Acquired: Rank 1
Void Stabilization: +3%
Affinity Trait Unlocked: Dimensional Rip (Minor)
He didn't fully know what it meant, but it felt… right.
The old man was waiting when he returned.
"Good," he said. "Next time, bring the meat."
The boy grinned.