The northern trails were treacherous, not for their terrain — but for what they stirred within Rayden. As he ventured deeper into the wilds, far from the village and the mocking eyes of his people, the voice of the Berserk System grew louder, more distinct.
It didn't speak in full sentences now — but in emotions. Urges. Tides of rage that would rise in him when he least expected it.
He came upon a ruined campfire one dusk. There were signs of a struggle — scorched ground, scattered blades, and a blood trail leading into a cave. Rayden's instincts screamed danger, but something else compelled him forward.
Inside the cave, the air was heavy with smoke. It clung to his skin and invaded his lungs. He followed the blood deeper until he found a young man, barely older than himself, leaning against the wall with a shattered sword in his hand and fear in his eyes.
Rayden stepped closer. "What happened?"
The man coughed violently, eyes wide. "A—A beast… it wasn't natural. Red eyes. Skin like ash. I tried… tried to burn it. But fire doesn't work on things born of corruption."
Corruption. The word rang in Rayden's ears like a prophecy.
Before he could ask more, the cave trembled. A howl echoed from within the darkness — deep and guttural. A creature stalked into view. It was unlike anything Rayden had seen. Six limbs, coal-black fur, and eyes that shimmered with crimson hunger.
[SYSTEM WARNING: High-Level Corrupted Entity Detected]
[Fury Level: 12%]
[Unchained Fury: Available]
Rayden didn't hesitate.
He launched himself forward, ducking under the beast's claws. His hands glowed red with energy as he activated his newly gained passive — Blood-Bound Oath. Every strike became heavier, faster, more vicious. The Berserk System reveled in the chaos.
But the beast was smart. It twisted around, tail sweeping his legs. Rayden hit the cave wall hard, ribs cracking. Pain blinded him.
And that's when the system whispered: Release it.
[Skill Available: Rage Spike]
[Trigger: Pain Threshold Exceeded]
[Warning: Sanity Stability Drop Imminent]
He gritted his teeth — and released it.
A red wave burst from his core. His eyes glowed. The cave flickered with violent energy as he tore into the beast, screaming like something primal. His strikes were no longer precise — they were savage.
Within minutes, the creature lay in pieces.
Rayden stood panting, body steaming, vision blurred. His hands trembled — not from fear, but from exhilaration.
The Berserk System purred in satisfaction.
The young man stared at him in awe and horror. "What… what are you?"
Rayden didn't answer. He turned, stepping back into the light outside. The wind had changed.
He wasn't the same boy who had walked into the cave.
The ashes of restraint had burned away.
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