The shadow moved silently through the forest, and with every step, the air itself seemed to bend, charged with a terrifying energy Kael had never felt before
His heart raced—not with fear, but with the exhilaration of challenge
"Origin Energy… focus," Kael muttered, clenching his fists. A faint blue aura flickered around him, condensing with every heartbeat
The shadow paused on a hill above, revealing its form
It was a Stonefang Alpha, a massive wolf-like beast larger than the previous one he had defeated, with jagged black fur streaked with crimson
Its eyes glowed like molten gold, and from its body radiated a power signature that Kael could feel pressing against his very bones
Enemy Detected
Stonefang Alpha
Threat Level: Extreme
Recommended Combat: Exercise Caution
Kael's mind raced
The system's warning was clear
This was the first enemy he could truly die from if he wasn't careful
Yet the boy felt a strange thrill
For the first time, he wasn't running from power—he was chasing it
He took a deep breath and darted forward, the forest blurring around him. The alpha's roar shook the treetops as it lunged
Kael sidestepped, Origin Energy flaring as he slammed his palm into the wolf's side
A shockwave rippled through the air, throwing the beast back a few meters
The wolf snarled and charged again
Kael focused every ounce of Origin Energy into a single strike—Origin Strike
A glowing blue arc formed around his fist and collided with the alpha's chest
There was a loud crack, and the wolf yelped, stumbling backward
Kael's body trembled with exertion
He could feel his energy reserves draining, but each successful attack strengthened him
His body was learning, adapting
With every beat, Origin Energy flowed smoother, faster, sharpe
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the alpha collapsed, panting heavily
Kael approached cautiously
The wolf's eyes met his for a moment, intelligent and wild, before it slumped to the ground, defeated
Enemy Defeated
Stonefang Alpha
Experience +250
Progress: Mortal Body Stage 6 → 6.8
The boy fell to one knee, chest heaving. His body was on fire with energy and pain, but the exhilaration was overwhelming
The system flashed a message
New Skill Unlocked: Origin Rush — A high-speed movement technique that enhances attack speed and reflexes exponentially for a short time
Kael's eyes gleamed
His journey had officially begun
From this moment, every forest, every ruin, every enemy was no longer a threat they were stepping stones to true power
He looked up at the sky
Beyond the mountains lay the Iron Flame Sect, a world of cultivators, geniuses, and legends
A place that had once seemed unreachable
Now… Kael knew. He would reach it
And nothing—not sects, not beasts, not fate itself—would stop him.