The gate at the edge of Qingye City's southern border loomed ahead like the silent maw of a slumbering beast.
Ye Wuchen stood still for a moment, facing the sprawling forestland beyond. The stars overhead were dim, lost behind the haze of the city, but the air here smelled different—raw, real, and full of untamed energy.
His hand rested inside his coat pocket, fingers brushing against the broken spirit cube his mother had given him.
> "I'll come back stronger. I promise."
The words from his note echoed in his chest. He turned once, just once, to look back at the distant glow of the city.
Then he stepped forward, vanishing into the shadows of the wild.
---
The Wild Zone – Outer Layer
The trees here were thick, their roots rising from the earth like twisted arms. Strange insects buzzed in the air, and faint sounds of distant beast calls drifted through the woods. Somewhere to the west, a mechanical hum buzzed overhead—Spirit Tower patrol drones.
Wuchen moved quietly, crouched low, every step deliberate.
He had no soul rings. No training in wilderness survival.
But the system guided him.
> [Tracking optimal path… Complete.]
[Local beast activity detected – Range: 500 meters.]
[Target Type: Shadow Mouse Pack – Average Age: 80 years]
[Risk Level: Low-Moderate]
> "Too weak," Wuchen murmured. "I need something stronger… but not reckless."
He continued deeper into the zone.
---
An Hour Later
His legs ached. The ground was uneven. Several times, he slipped on wet roots or had to climb over fallen trees. His uniform clung to him, damp with sweat.
> [Temperature drop detected. Beast energy signature rising.]
Wuchen stopped.
Ahead, a faint glow shimmered in the air, like heat waves. He moved closer, parting the tall grass slowly.
There, in a clearing surrounded by dead trees, stood a beast.
It was sleek, black, with four legs and a thin tail. Its body radiated a dark, smoky aura. Eyes glowing blue, it sniffed the air cautiously.
> [Beast Identified: Night Claw Panther]
[Age: 230 Years]
[Affiliation: Shadow Element]
[Temperament: Cautious-Aggressive]
[Compatibility: 86% – Suitable for first ring fusion]
Wuchen's heart pounded.
This was it.
> "System," he whispered. "What happens if I fail?"
> [Injury. Possible death. You are currently weaponless.]
He took a deep breath.
> "Then give me a way to fight."
> [Activating Shadow Dragon Wolf – Phase 1 Partial Release]
Dark smoke burst from his right arm. His fingernails sharpened slightly. A faint black aura coiled around his body like a cloak. His eyes turned a shade darker.
> [Temporary stat boost: Speed +10%, Reflex +12%, Pain Tolerance +20%]
> [Warning: Duration limited to 3 minutes]
---
The Hunt Begins
He stepped forward.
A twig snapped underfoot.
The Night Claw Panther turned sharply, baring its fangs. For a moment, both predator and prey stared at each other—and neither was sure which was which.
Then it lunged.
Wuchen rolled sideways, barely avoiding the claws that tore through the air where he had stood. He pushed off the ground and dashed toward a nearby rock, using it as cover.
> "Think. Think!"
The beast charged again.
He waited until the last second, then ducked under its swipe and slammed his elbow into its ribcage using the system-boosted strength. It staggered slightly.
> [Time Remaining: 1 minute 22 seconds]
His breath grew ragged.
The panther circled him warily now. It recognized his movement was unnatural—enhanced.
> "I need an opening…"
The beast lunged again—but this time Wuchen moved forward, surprising it.
He dove low, grabbing a broken branch, and jammed it into the beast's shoulder. It howled, leaping back.
> [Weak point struck: Stability reduced]
Wuchen didn't hesitate. He pounced, grabbing the beast's neck with both arms, using his full weight to drag it down.
The two rolled, growling, clawing. Wuchen took a slash to the arm, but didn't let go.
> [System Ready – Begin Soul Ring Fusion?]
"Do it!" he shouted.
---
Fusion Begins
The beast howled one last time as its body burst into motes of black light. The air trembled. A glowing black ring, filled with spiraling energy, formed in front of Wuchen's chest.
It pulsed like a heartbeat. Slowly, it began to descend toward him.
> [First Ring Fusion Initiating… Standby.]
His body shivered violently. Every nerve lit up like fire.
But inside his soul sea, the Shadow Dragon Wolf stirred.
The ring merged into its chest—and then into Wuchen's own.
> [First Ring Fusion Complete.]
[Soul Power +2.1]
[Spirit Skill Acquired: Shadow Step (Lv.1)]
[Physical Enhancement: Night Vision – Tier I]
---
Ye Wuchen collapsed backward, panting, body aching—but alive.
He looked at his palm.
A faint black ring now encircled his wrist—a sign of his first step.
He smiled faintly.
> "One step down…"
> "Many more to go."