Chapter 3: A New Dawn in Shadows

The dim light of dawn painted the city in hues of orange and gray as Zain sat in the corner of the abandoned warehouse, his back against the cold, cracked wall. Shadow Fang perched on his shoulder, its obsidian legs twitching faintly. The air carried the smell of rust and decay, but it was better than the scent of blood from the alley.

The Tebu system interface floated in front of him, its soft glow illuminating his face.

> Host Status: Stable

Evolution Points: 5

Creatures: 1

Shadow Fang (Stage 1)

He stared at the screen, trying to make sense of what to do next. His hands were still trembling, not from fear but from the adrenaline that coursed through him. Last night, he'd survived something that should have killed him. But survival wasn't enough—not when his sister was still out there, vulnerable.

"System," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "What can I do with Evolution Points?"

The interface flickered, then displayed a new set of options:

> Evolution Options:

1. Enhance Shadow Fang (Cost: 5 Evolution Points).

2. Unlock New Creature Blueprint (Cost: 10 Evolution Points).

3. Upgrade Host Abilities (Cost: 20 Evolution Points).

Zain frowned. The cost of unlocking another creature was steep, and upgrading himself was out of reach. For now, enhancing Shadow Fang seemed like the best option.

"Enhance Shadow Fang," he said.

The system responded instantly.

> Confirm enhancement of Shadow Fang? This will consume 5 Evolution Points.

"Yes," Zain replied without hesitation.

Shadow Fang began to glow, its tiny body surrounded by a shroud of dark mist. The creature twitched and expanded slightly, its legs growing sharper and more angular. When the light faded, Shadow Fang looked more formidable—its red eyes gleamed with a new intensity.

> Enhancement complete. Shadow Fang is now Stage 1.5.

A screen popped up with additional details:

> Shadow Fang (Stage 1.5):

Enhanced speed and agility.

Poisonous bite added.

Improved bond with the Host.

Zain felt the bond between them strengthen. He could sense Shadow Fang's hunger for action, its readiness to defend him.

"You're stronger now," Zain muttered, brushing his fingers lightly against the creature's sleek body.

Shadow Fang hissed softly, as if in agreement.

---

The calm didn't last long. A sharp noise echoed from outside the warehouse—a faint creak, like a footstep on metal. Zain's heart skipped a beat. He crouched low, pulling his hood tighter over his head.

They're still looking for me.

He peeked through a crack in the wall. Two figures were approaching the warehouse, their movements cautious but purposeful. They were dressed in black, their faces obscured by masks.

Zain's mind raced. His earlier victory had been a fluke; he couldn't afford to get caught now. But he wasn't the same as before—he had Shadow Fang, and the system had given him a chance.

"Shadow Fang," he whispered, "stay hidden. We'll wait for the right moment."

The spider scurried off his shoulder, blending seamlessly into the shadows. Zain could feel its presence in his mind, a reassuring pulse of energy.

The two intruders entered the warehouse, their footsteps echoing against the concrete floor. One of them spoke, their voice low and gruff.

"Are you sure he came this way?"

"Yes," the other replied. "The boss wants him alive. Don't mess this up."

Zain's fists clenched. Alive? Why?

The two men split up, one moving toward the far end of the warehouse while the other headed straight for Zain's hiding spot.

Zain held his breath, his mind working frantically. He couldn't fight both of them head-on, but maybe he didn't have to.

"Shadow Fang," he murmured through their mental link, "take out the one at the back—quietly."

He felt Shadow Fang's acknowledgment, a ripple of determination through their bond. The spider moved with eerie silence, its dark form almost invisible against the dim surroundings.

Zain focused on the man approaching him. He grabbed a loose metal rod from the ground, its weight reassuring in his hands.

I have to time this perfectly.

A muffled grunt from the back of the warehouse told him Shadow Fang had done its job. The man in front of him froze, turning toward the sound.

"What the—"

Zain didn't wait. He sprang from his hiding spot, swinging the rod with all his strength. It connected with the man's head, sending him sprawling to the ground.

The system chimed in his mind.

> Enemy neutralized. +2 Evolution Points.

Zain stood over the unconscious figure, breathing heavily. Shadow Fang returned to his side, its red eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"We did it," Zain muttered, his voice filled with a mix of relief and disbelief.

---

As dawn fully broke, Zain knew he couldn't stay in the warehouse any longer. The city was waking up, and his pursuers wouldn't stop. He needed to find a safe place to regroup and figure out his next move.

"System," he said, looking at the glowing interface, "show me my current status."

> Host Status:

Evolution Points: 2

Creatures: 1 (Shadow Fang, Stage 1.5)

It wasn't much, but it was a start. Zain pulled his hood tighter and stepped out into the morning light, Shadow Fang close behind him.

I'll survive, he thought. And I'll find my sister. No matter what it takes.