Velris City was a marvel—a grand fusion of ancient stonework and modern design, surrounded by looming walls carved with runes of old. It was not only one of the first cities ever established but also a historical nexus—the birthplace of many renowned powerhouses. Recently, it had become a hotbed of activity due to periodic and powerful surges of energy radiating from its vicinity.
As Adriel stepped away from the teleportation platform, the buzz of activity hit him immediately. Cultivators, cloaked in robes, armored in rare metals, or adorned with strange talismans, roamed the streets with purpose. Conversations filled the air.
"There's been an increase in Ascendants here lately."
"Yeah, those energy surges near the outskirts must be drawing them in."
"They think there are treasures waiting to be unearthed. It's going to get chaotic."
Adriel's gaze swept across the crowd, his thoughts mirroring their speculations.
So I'm not the only one chasing after the phenomenon...
These events were often signs of something ancient stirring—artifacts, lost ruins, remnants of the Old World, important plants or even slumbering beasts. Of course, there was always danger, but opportunities like these were what legends were made of.
He sighed. The travel had drained him more than expected.
Rest is very important to man, he mused and headed toward a nearby hotel. Booking a room for the night, he immersed himself in a hot bath, letting his muscles relax and his mind settle. Afterward, he collapsed into the bed and surrendered to sleep.
The next morning, he awoke feeling slightly more refreshed. After completing his routine and checking out, he summoned a hovercar.
"Destination, please," the automated voice chimed.
"The Dark Forest," Adriel replied.
Within minutes, the hovercar soared over rooftops and farmlands, eventually descending toward the forest's outskirts. It gently touched down. "Stay safe, sir," the car said as it took off again.
The Dark Forest loomed ahead like a sleeping titan. Despite its ominous name, the outer region was surprisingly beautiful. Multicolored flora blanketed the ground, bioluminescent mushrooms shimmered faintly even in daylight, and aether-rich mist floated lazily between towering, ancient trees. The air buzzed with natural energy, and beastly roars echoed occasionally from deeper within.
Adriel observed the bustling outskirts. Merchants displayed wares—potions, beast cores, exotic meat, and rare pelts. Other ascendants formed temporary teams, their goals simple: survive, explore, profit. But Adriel hesitated.
If the system awakens and causes a scene... I can't risk witnesses.
Solo it was.
The forest's outer region was the safest, home to tier-1 to tier-3 beasts. Still dangerous, but manageable. The inner zone hosted tier-4 to tier-6 threats, while the core was a death sentence—inhabited by tier-7 to tier-9 beasts, monsters among monsters.
He took a deep breath, stepping beneath the canopy.
The aether here was thick—palpable even. His body tingled in response. He muttered, "System."
---
*DING*
[ ENERGY SOURCE DETECTED ]
[ REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ABSORB ]
---
Sure, you can absorb... he thought.
---
[ PERMISSION GRANTED ]
[ ABSORBING ENERGY... ] [ CALCULATING TIME REMAINING... ]
[ 2 YEARS, 8 MONTHS, 23 DAYS, 7 HOURS, 32 MINUTES AND 16 SECONDS UNTIL COMPLETION... ]
[ SYSTEM HAS NOTICED A CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE HOST AND THE ENERGY SOURCE... ]
[ SYSTEM RECOMMENDS THAT THE HOST MOVES CLOSER TO THE ENERGY SOURCE... ]
---
Adriel groaned. Almost three years? That's glacial... But I'm far from the source. Makes sense.
---
*DING*
[ SYSTEM HAS PINPOINTED THE LOCATION OF THE ENERGY SOURCE ]
[ SYSTEM HAS TEMPORARILY UNLOCKED THE NAVIGATION FEATURE ]
[ ENERGY ABSORBED WILL BE USED TO SUSTAIN THE NAVIGATION FEATURE ]
[ SYSTEM HAS DETECTED SIGNIFICANT DANGER TO HOST...]
[ HOST ADVISED TO PROCEED WITH CAUTION... ]
---
Adriel focused. No arrow appeared, no holographic map. Instead, a pull—a strange instinct—guided him.
He advanced deeper, his senses sharp, heart steady. The forest grew denser. Aether thickened. Leaves rustled overhead. Small creatures scattered at his approach. Checking the system, he noticed the absorption time had reduced drastically—down to just over a year.
This area has at least double the aether concentration...
Up ahead, the path narrowed. A steep slope rose to his right, and a moss-covered rock wall flanked his left. The only way forward was a natural corridor between them.
That's when he saw it.
A hulking, slumbering beast lay across the path—an Ironback Rhino. Its skin was like armor, dark gray and glinting with metallic sheen. Its breathing was deep and slow, the rhythm of a creature unbothered by threats. Its horn was cracked slightly at the tip, a sign of past battles.
Adriel froze.
Mid-tier 2... I'm so dead if this thing wakes up.
He glanced around, mind racing.
If I hug the slope to the right, I might slip by. The space is wide enough... barely.
With careful, silent steps, he tiptoed along the edge, heart hammering. His fingers gripped the Celestial Fang Sword, just in case. Four steps passed. The beast didn't stir.
Five more steps and it'll be behind me, he thought, muscles tense.
Four steps.
Three.
Two...
One—
CRUNCH.
His foot landed on a brittle stone, the sound far too loud in the silence.
Adriel's face paled. He turned slowly. The Ironback Rhino's eyes were open—burning gold and brimming with rage. Their eyes locked. An oppressive aura fell upon him like a boulder. The beast's breath quickened.
Then it roared.
It was a sound that tore through trees and struck the soul. Birds scattered, and the ground seemed to tremble. It rose, towering over Adriel—massive, over two meters of muscle, armor, and raw killing intent.
Adriel didn't think.
He channeled all the aether he had, pouring it into his legs, into movement, into survival.
One word resonating with everything in his body...
RUN