Chapter 39: Combat Evolving...

Feng Lin's grip tightened on the hilt of the Chaos Rune Sword as he assessed the situation. These Chaos Hunters were unlike any enemies he had faced before. Their movements were precise, and their control over chaotic energy was exceptional. He couldn't afford to let his guard down for even a moment.

The second hunter lunged at him, a blade of dark energy forming in their hand. Feng Lin parried the blow, sparks flying as chaos energy crackled around them. The clash of weapons sent shockwaves through the air, rattling the trees around them. He spun on his heel, dodging another strike as the third hunter attempted to blast him from behind.

[System Notification: Chaos Surge Detected – Combat Evolving]

The system pulsed in his mind, alerting him to the fact that the chaotic energy inside him was responding to the intensity of the battle. His connection to it was deepening with every strike, every dodge. But that also meant the risk of losing control was growing.

"Stay focused," he muttered to himself. He couldn't let the chaos overwhelm him, not now.

Yan Mei, meanwhile, was still locked in combat with the first hunter. Her blade danced in the air, but her strikes were repeatedly dodged or blocked. The frustration was evident in her eyes, and although she was skilled, these enemies were on another level.

"Feng Lin!" she called out, her voice edged with urgency. "These aren't normal fighters!"

"I know," Feng Lin replied through gritted teeth, deflecting another attack. "Just stay back and don't engage them head-on. These hunters are after me."

Yan Mei hesitated but nodded, stepping back cautiously. Her instincts were sharp, and she knew something was off about these opponents.

One of the hunters—apparently the leader—stepped forward, eyes glowing faintly beneath their hood. Their voice was cold, emotionless. "The Chaos Nexus calls to you, Feng Lin. You can't escape it."

Feng Lin's blood ran cold. They knew about the Chaos Nexus. How much more did they know?

The leader raised a hand, and a wave of chaotic energy surged toward him. Feng Lin activated Shadowstep, vanishing just in time to avoid the blast. He reappeared behind the leader, slashing with his sword, but the hunter spun, blocking the strike effortlessly.

[System Notification: Chaos Overdrive Activated]

Feng Lin's eyes widened as he felt the familiar surge of power flood his body. He hadn't intentionally activated Chaos Overdrive, but the system had done so in response to the escalating threat. His muscles tensed, and his vision sharpened as the chaotic energy coursed through him.

With renewed strength, he swung his sword with greater force, pushing the leader back. The hunter's expression didn't change, but there was a brief flicker of surprise in their movements.

Yan Mei watched in awe as Feng Lin fought with an intensity she hadn't seen before. His movements were faster, more precise, as if he were tapping into some hidden reservoir of power.

"Just what are you hiding, Feng Lin?" she whispered to herself, her grip tightening on her weapon.

The second and third hunters regrouped, moving in tandem to flank Feng Lin. He saw their approach out of the corner of his eye, his mind racing. He couldn't fight all three at once, not in his current state.

[System Notification: Chaos Manipulation – Lv 3]

The system's prompt flashed in his mind, and Feng Lin's instincts kicked in. He raised his free hand, summoning a swirling vortex of chaotic energy around him. The ground trembled as the vortex expanded, repelling the hunters for a moment.

"You've gotten stronger," the leader noted, their voice tinged with something akin to respect. "But it won't be enough."

The second hunter lunged again, their blade aimed directly at Feng Lin's chest. This time, Feng Lin was ready. He sidestepped the attack and unleashed a powerful Void Slash, the energy tearing through the air with a deadly hum.

The hunter barely managed to dodge, but the force of the attack sent them skidding back, their cloak billowing from the impact. The third hunter followed up with another chaotic blast, but Feng Lin blocked it with the vortex of chaos energy he had summoned.

For a moment, there was a standstill. The hunters, while skilled, seemed to be reassessing their approach. They weren't expecting this level of resistance.

Yan Mei took a step forward, her expression hardened. "Feng Lin, we can't keep this up forever."

"I know," Feng Lin replied, his voice steady. "But I don't think they're here to kill us. At least, not yet."

The leader's eyes glowed brighter, and they tilted their head slightly. "You're correct. We're not here to end your life. Our purpose is to guide you… or eliminate you, if necessary."

Feng Lin's heart pounded in his chest. "Guide me? To what?"

The leader's lips curled into a faint smile. "To your destiny. The Chaos Nexus will reveal all in time."

Feng Lin clenched his fists, his chaotic energy flaring. "I don't need anyone's guidance."

The leader took a step forward. "Whether you accept it or not, chaos will consume you. It's only a matter of time."

[System Notification: Chaos Energy at 80% Capacity]

Feng Lin could feel the chaos energy within him reaching dangerous levels. If he pushed too far, he might lose control, and that was a risk he couldn't afford to take—not with Yan Mei here.

"We're leaving," Feng Lin said, his voice firm.

Yan Mei shot him a glance. "Leave? But we're still in the middle of—"

"Now," he interrupted, his tone brokering no argument. He couldn't risk staying any longer. The hunters were too strong, and he was dangerously close to the edge.

Without another word, Feng Lin activated Shadowstep again, grabbing Yan Mei by the arm and pulling her with him as they vanished into the shadows.

They reappeared several hundred meters away, deep in the heart of the forest. Feng Lin's breathing was ragged, and his body felt like it was on fire. The effects of Chaos Overdrive were taking their toll.

[System Notification: Chaos Overdrive Deactivated – Health Reduced by 15%]

He stumbled forward, but Yan Mei caught him, her eyes wide with concern. "You're pushing yourself too hard."

"I'm fine," Feng Lin muttered, though his body screamed otherwise.

Yan Mei didn't argue, but she didn't look convinced. "Who were those people?"

Feng Lin shook his head. "I don't know. But they're connected to the my energy… and they won't stop until they get what they want."

"And what do they want?"

He looked into the distance, his eyes narrowing. "Me."