As Kro's tentacles made contact, the energy cubes immediately sparked to life, pale-blue arcs of electricity dancing across their surfaces as the energy within was activated.
Outside the warehouse, the man watching through the surveillance feed suddenly smiled.
"As expected. These creatures can directly activate high-energy cubes."
"Make a note of it. Once they've completed our objective, we must capture at least one alive for experimentation."
"Now, let's leave."
One of the subordinates hesitated.
"Sir, according to the leader's orders, aren't we supposed to continue monitoring them?"
After getting into the vehicle, the mysterious man glanced sideways at him.
"I don't care. But if you'd like to become their first meal after they finish evolving, feel free to stay behind—just don't bring me with you."
With that, he started the engine and drove off at speed.
The others snapped out of their daze, hurried into their vehicles, and quickly left the area as well.
---
Inside the warehouse.
As Kro activated the energy cube, streams of blue-white energy poured out from within.
The many tentacles extending from his body acted like conduits, continuously siphoning the energy and channeling it into Kro's form.
As the energy surged, Kro's body began to undergo drastic mutations.
First, his originally green-gray skin gradually shifted toward a pale gray-white hue as it absorbed the blue-white energy.
The changes went far beyond coloration. His muscles writhed violently, reshaping themselves into a completely new structure.
Dense fiber-like tissues erupted from beneath the skin, rapidly assembling into newly formed muscle.
After seven or eight minutes, Kro rose from his original quadrupedal stance and stood upright, now walking on two legs.
Even his facial structure continued to evolve, gradually taking on a distinctly humanoid appearance.
Soon, a towering figure nearly four meters tall stood in the warehouse.
His deep blue skin was covered in sharply defined muscles, sculpted like a Roman statue. Beneath the skin, faint specks of blue starlight flickered.
Compared to his appearance in the films, aside from his skin color, Kro now looked almost indistinguishable from a human.
Grayish long hair had even grown from his head.
He clenched his fist—and the air exploded with a sharp cracking sound.
"A magnificent feeling," Kro said in a low voice.
"Unfortunately, I've reached the current limit of absorption."
His gaze shifted to the remaining seven or eight blue crystals, then toward the two Deviants cowering in the distance.
After emitting a series of strange signals, the two immediately rushed forward, using their tentacles to absorb the energy cubes.
Seeing how the other Deviant had evolved earlier, they had long been consumed by envy.
Before long, all three of Kro's subordinates had evolved, each growing a massive pair of wings and taking on forms resembling the dragons of Western mythology.
Yet in Kro's presence, they lowered their heads, not daring to show even the slightest disrespect.
Kro waved his hand lightly.
A violent gust of wind erupted, blasting the iron warehouse doors straight off their hinges.
"The hunt begins."
---
Outside Hamilton Middle School.
Sersi, dressed in casual clothes, walked out of the school gates while holding Carrie's hand.
"Sister Sersi, I'm hungry," Carrie said, rubbing her small belly.
"What would you like to eat? I'll drive you there," Sersi replied with a smile, clearly enjoying the moment.
"There's a new fried chicken place in that neighborhood! I want to go there!" Carrie said excitedly.
"Alright, we'll go right now," Sersi said, gently pinching Carrie's nose.
Inside the car, Ikaris watched the scene in silence, lost in thought.
In the back seat, Sprite stared at Ikaris's profile, equally deep in contemplation.
Just as they were less than five meters from the vehicle, a dark shadow suddenly appeared overhead.
"Look out!"
Sersi scooped Carrie into her arms and leapt backward.
In the next instant, the shadow rapidly expanded before slamming into the ground.
The massive impact shattered the pavement, sending concrete fragments flying everywhere.
"I've finally found you, Sersi!"
Kro turned toward her, a bloodthirsty grin spreading across his face.
Whoosh—!
As violent air currents surged, three Deviants descended from the sky, beating their massive wings as they landed.
The familiar aura instantly told Sersi that these were their ancient enemies—the Deviants.
"Kro?!"
Sersi was shocked. She hadn't expected Kro to evolve to such an extent.
"Sersi, take her and find Lucas—now!"
Ikaris suddenly stepped in front of her, facing Kro alone as he loomed above them.
Without hesitation, Sersi rushed toward the car with Carrie, activating the alarm device in her arms.
Sprite reacted immediately, unleashing a vast field of illusions.
"Pointless struggle," Kro sneered.
With a flick of his hand, countless appendages shot forward, racing toward Sersi's retreating figure.
Ikaris's eyes flashed as two golden energy beams erupted forth.
The beams slammed into Kro's tendrils, finally halting their advance.
Yet Ikaris's heart sank.
In the past, his attacks could easily pierce a Deviant's flesh—but now, they no longer could.
"If you're so eager to die," Kro said coldly,
"then I'll grant your wish first."
Retracting his tendrils, Kro vanished in a blur and charged straight at Ikaris.
Twin golden beams fired again from Ikaris's eyes—but this time, Kro casually raised an arm and blocked them.
As Kro closed the distance at terrifying speed, the battle shifted into close combat.
Ikaris, who once matched Deviants in raw physical combat, was sent flying by a single punch.
He skidded several meters, tumbling across the ground before barely regaining his footing.
"You are no longer a match for me," Kro said, advancing step by step.
"So many of our kind have died by your hands. Today, you will repay that blood debt!"
Ikaris shot upward, firing another barrage of golden energy.
"I told you—it's useless."
This time, Kro didn't even bother defending, pushing forward directly through the beams.
In that moment, Ikaris felt his heart sink completely.
Once again, he tasted defeat and helplessness.
In thousands of years of existence, his pride had been trampled—twice in rapid succession.
As Kro appeared directly before him, Ikaris gathered every ounce of strength he had left and threw a desperate punch.
__
T/N:
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