The forest was quiet now, birdsong drifting lazily through the air as Lin Feng sat cross-legged beneath the ancient roots. His companions rested nearby, but Lin Feng's mind was restless, replaying the battle again and again. He flexed his fingers, feeling the subtle difference in his grip—stronger, steadier, a lingering trace of the Iron Grip talent he had absorbed.
He opened his system panel again, watching the lines of glowing script shift before his eyes.
[System Panel]
Absorbed Talent: Iron Grip (Basic)
Strength: +1 (Temporary boost active)
Potential for further absorption unlocked
New notification: Absorption threshold increased. Higher danger yields greater reward.
He frowned, contemplating the message. Did this mean he could become even stronger by seeking out greater challenges? The thought was both thrilling and daunting.
"Still thinking about the fight?" Jin asked, limping over with a crooked grin.
Lin Feng nodded. "It's strange… I feel different. Like I'm carrying a piece of someone else's strength."
Min joined them, sitting heavily on a mossy log. "That kind of power is dangerous, brother. Not just for others, but for you. Don't lose yourself chasing after it."
Lin Feng smiled at the concern. "I won't. But I have to understand it. If I can control it, it could save us all."
Yu Yan knelt beside him, producing a small pouch of herbs. "Let's test your ability, then. I'll spar with you—see if you can copy anything from me."
Lin Feng's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"
She grinned, sparks dancing on her fingertips. "Don't hold back."
They cleared a patch of ground, and Lin Feng faced Yu Yan. She attacked quickly, her fists weaving flames in the air. Lin Feng dodged, focusing on her movements, then reached out as her fist grazed his arm.
Talent detected: Ember Fist (Basic Fire Affinity)
Absorption chance: 13%
Attempt absorption?
He concentrated, feeling the panel's energy pulse. For a heartbeat, his hand grew warm—a flicker of heat ran down his arm, but then faded.
Absorption failed.
Yu Yan stepped back, breathing hard but smiling. "Did you feel it?"
Lin Feng nodded. "Almost. It's harder when I'm not in real danger."
Zhang Wei, watching from the side, spoke up. "We'll have plenty of real fights soon enough. For now, keep training. The more you understand your power, the better."
As dusk fell, Lin Feng continued to practice. He sparred with Min, trying to copy Stone Skin, and with Jin, attempting to mimic his agility. Each time, the system notified him of a low chance of absorption—sometimes he felt a faint flicker, other times nothing at all.
He realized that only in the heat of battle, when his life was truly at risk, did the system unlock its full potential. But even in practice, he was learning. Each attempt sharpened his senses, honed his reflexes, and strengthened the bond with his team.
Later, as the group gathered around a small fire, Min clapped him on the back. "You're one of us now, Lin Feng. With your power and our skills, maybe we'll make it through this wild world."
Lin Feng looked up at the stars, hope swelling in his chest. The path ahead was dangerous, but for the first time, he felt ready to walk it—not alone, but with friends, and with a destiny all his own.