The monstrous Primordial Green Crocodile finally succumbed, its massive body creating a turbulent swell in the river before going limp. Kai, still panting from the exertion of his first battle as an Aquatic Dragon Soul, watched its form drift lifelessly. A rush of system notifications flooded his vision, confirming his victory and new gains.
You have defeated Primordial Green Crocodile Level 9!
Received 100 experience points!
Experience Points: 260/100 (Level 17).
Congratulations! You have reached Level 18! All attributes slightly increased.
You have absorbed skill 'Spiked Hydro Armor' (Level 1) from Primordial Green Crocodile!
You have absorbed skill 'Tidal Burst' (Level 1) from Primordial Green Crocodile!
Spiked Hydro Armor? Tidal Burst? Incredible! Kai mentally cataloged his new abilities: increased defense in water and a powerful area-of-effect water attack. His evolution was already paying off, making him far more adaptable than he could have imagined.
Arthur, his warhammer dripping with murky water, stood over the fallen beast, his breathing heavy. He looked at Kai, a mix of awe and lingering suspicion in his eyes. "You truly are... a unique dragon, Kai. I've never seen one that can speak, let alone evolve like that in the middle of a fight."
He offered Kai a rare, gruff smile. "A deal's a deal. You saved my hide, and I kept my end of the bargain. So, what's our next move, ally?" The way he emphasized 'ally' showed a grudging acceptance, a nascent trust forming between them.
"We need to get out of this river," Kai replied, his voice still reedy, but now more confident. "The scent of blood will attract more, and my senses tell me we're approaching denser swampland."
Arthur nodded, sheathing his hammer. "Agreed. The 'Lizard Mire' is notorious. It's crawling with creatures adapted to the wetlands, and the visibility can be treacherous."
As they began to move towards the shallower banks, where gnarled mangrove roots clawed at the mud, Kai noticed Arthur glancing at him curiously.
"So, this 'Infinite Evolution System' of yours," Arthur began, his voice lowered. "Is it how you... otherworlders... gain your power?"
Kai hesitated. Sharing information was a risk, but Arthur had proven himself. "Not all. It's... unique to me. Most Otherworlders rely on their past lives' training or innate 'cheat' abilities." He quickly pivoted, "Speaking of Otherworlders, you're still looking for Zane, aren't you?"
Arthur's expression grew serious. "Yes. He disappeared after a major conflict. There are rumors... concerning the 'Shadow Syndicate' and a 'Gateway' he was searching for. He was a good man, if a bit aloof. A powerful Swordsman, too. He'd be invaluable in this place."
Kai's internal system processed this: Shadow Syndicate, a Gateway, and Zane was being hunted. This world was far more complex than just monster hunting. "I saw Zane," Kai admitted, repeating what he'd said earlier. "He was injured, heading west. He mumbled about needing to find a 'Gateway.'"
Arthur's eyes widened. "A Gateway... He never mentioned that to me." He looked back at the dense, foggy swamp ahead. "That adds another layer to this. He must have been desperate."
The two continued, the tension of the recent battle giving way to a shared sense of purpose. As they ventured deeper, the ground grew softer, the air heavier with humidity, and a thick, creeping mist began to settle, obscuring the path ahead. It was the kind of mist that played tricks on the eyes, turning familiar shapes into monstrous shadows.
Kai, using his enhanced senses, detected faint sounds through the fog. Not just the croaks of unseen amphibians or the hum of insects, but something else—a faint clinking of metal, a strained grunt, and then a muffled cry for help.
"Someone's in trouble," Kai whispered, halting. "Humanoid. Otherworlder, I think."
Arthur immediately tensed, drawing his hammer. "Let's move. Quickly." He knew all too well the dangers that lurked in such an environment. As they pushed through the swirling mist, the sounds became clearer: the snarls of aggressive beasts, the twang of a bowstring, and the unmistakable voice of a human struggling for survival. Their uneasy alliance was about to face its first true test, and perhaps, gain another member.