Kai stood over the remains of the colossal Water Toad, his breath heavy, his muscles burning from the battle. As its body dissolved into shimmering particles, the familiar system notification flashed before his eyes.
**[Level Up!]**
**Current Level: 15**
Strength surged through his veins, a tangible proof of his growth. Pulling up his stats, he scanned the improvements—his agility had sharpened, his beast energy pool expanded, and endurance fortified. Then, before he could process further, a bronze package materialized before him.
Without hesitation, he tapped it, and the rewards unveiled themselves:
- **Ancient Beast Skill: Skycleaver Wings** – A pair of majestic wings infused with the essence of ancient beasts, capable of swift flight and aerial combat.
- **Health Potions (x3)** – Essential for recovery during intense battles.
- **Mysterious Key** – Its purpose remains unknown.
Kai unfolded the shimmering, translucent wings that extended from his back, their edges pulsating with a primal glow. The thought of soaring through the skies, untouchable, sent a thrill through him. Yet doubt clouded his excitement—flight was often associated with dark-element users, feared and shunned by society. If he used them openly, suspicion would follow.
He clenched his fists. **Not yet.** He would wait, strategize, and wield his power wisely. His vengeance required patience.
---
**[Kai's Updated Stats]**
- **Level:** 15
- **Health:** 275/275
- **Beast Energy:** 190/190
- **Strength:** 42
- **Agility:** 38
- **Endurance:** 36
- **Intelligence:** 31
- **Vitality:** 40
- **Ancient Beast Skill:** Wrath of Fenrir, Skycleaver Wings (Flight ability, currently unused)
- **Inventory:**
- Health Potions (x3)
- Mysterious Key (Unknown function)
Kai's wings vanished and he immediately put Talonfang Blade back in the system inventory.
Then, his vision flickered.
A wave of energy surged through him, and suddenly, bright golden text illuminated his sight.
**[New Quest Alert!]**
---
**Quest: Break the Chains**
**Objective:** Rescue Jasmine, Bella, and Cadel from the Gyakiris War Camp.
**Restrictions:** Stealth is highly recommended. Direct combat may attract overwhelming enemies.
**Rewards:**
- **+3 Level Increase**
- **Ancient Beast Skill Upgrade**
- **Rare Beast Relic (??? Unknown Ability)**
- **Reputation Boost**
Kai frowned as he saw the quest. This was the first time a quest was given to him and the system was obviously testing him.
"I don't know who they are." He said,glancing at the rewards.
The rewards were tempting—especially the Ancient Beast Skill Upgrade. If his Skycleaver Wings evolved, his power could grow beyond anything he imagined. But rewards aside, this mission wasn't optional.
"You are very lucky, you three." Kai grinned, muttering yo himself. "Or else I would have left you to your death.
He stretched then lightly jumped to on a huge branch and immediately started moving In the trees.
Kai pushed through the dense jungle, his senses sharpened and his instincts razor-edged after his recent battle. The jungle had a way of whispering secrets to those who listened, and tonight, the wind carried a sound that froze him in place—voices, distant but distinct, laced with pain and defiance.
He dropped low, pressing himself against the moss-covered roots of a towering tree, his breath steady, his heart pounding. Beyond the foliage, an eerie glow illuminated the clearing ahead. What he saw made his blood run cold.
A camp, sprawling and fortified, marked with the banners of the Gyakiris clan. Crimson-armored warriors patrolled its borders, their weapons glinting under the torchlight. But it wasn't the soldiers that held Kai's attention—it was the prisoners.
Three figures were bound to a massive stone pillar at the center of the camp, their bodies bruised, their clothes torn, but their spirits unbroken. Jasmine. Bella. Cadel.
"Time to have some fun."
But before he could shift forward, a second presence entered the clearing.
Towering, cloaked in shadows, and radiating an unnatural aura—someone far more dangerous than the guards. Someone Kai never expected to see here.
The Gyakiris bowed as the figure stepped forward.
Who was he?