A new skill?

Kaden was only barely able to relax for a couple of minutes before he started thinking about everything and plotting. Peace was fleeting and he had no interest in wasting even a moment. He used a stone to rub away the grim and filth that covered him and cleaned himself thoroughly from top to bottom. 

The hair was the most annoying to deal with. It clung to his scalp, matted with the remnants of filth from the dungeon. No matter how much he scrubbed, it felt like the stink of rot and death had seeped into his very skin.

Kaden dunked his head underwater again, running his fingers through his tangled strands, letting the cold river water do what it could. He'd have to cut it soon—too much length was just an inconvenience. Another thing to deal with when he had a moment.

But right now, he had to plan.

His mind ticked through everything he had gained from the dungeon. Levels, loot, the Dungeon Pioneer title, and most importantly—the Abyssal Core Fragment.

That last one was still an enigma. The System recognized it, sure, but it hadn't given him any details. That was rare. The System didn't hide things unless there was a reason.

That meant this artifact was either too dangerous, too unique, or too important for it to casually display.

Kaden exhaled, stepping out of the water. His body felt clean, but his thoughts were a tangled mess. He had sixty days before the System Event. Sixty days to prepare, to build himself into something that could survive whatever was coming.

He absent-mindedly stared at his reflection on the water's surface. The rippling surface distorted his reflection, making his features waver and shift but that did not hide the way that his body had changed.

His body had transformed in ways he hadn't fully processed yet—lean, powerful, and honed like a blade sharpened to perfection.

His once thin and frail body had filled out with compact muscle, sculpted not for bulk but for pure efficiency. There was no wasted mass, no unnecessary weight—only strength. His biceps and forearms were roped with sinewy definition, his muscles coiled beneath his skin like a predator always ready to strike.

His abdomen, once merely toned, was now a series of ridges and valleys. His legs, too, had changed—solid, durable, built for speed and agility, capable of explosive movement at a moment's notice. But it wasn't just the physical strength. His body felt lighter, faster, more responsive. 

Kaden flexed his fingers, watching the tendons shift beneath the surface of his skin. It was as if he had been forged anew. It was so painfully different from the body he had in his last life. With a wry smile, he shook his head helplessly and picked up the clean ratskin hunter's set.

[Ratskin Shirt: A lightweight, leather garment that offers flexibility and durability. Provides minor resistance to poison, disease, and environmental toxins. Enhances agility slightly.]

[Ratskin Pants: Crafted from the treated hide of a variety of rats, these pants allow for unrestricted movement. Reinforced around the knees for additional durability. Slightly increases stamina retention.]

[Ratskin Boots: Designed for silent movement in rough terrain. Slightly reduces noise while walking and grants slight resistance to environmental hazards.]

[Ratskin Gloves: Lightweight and durable, offering protection without sacrificing dexterity. Slightly enhances grip strength and provides minor resistance to acidic substances.]

Kaden ran his fingers over the material, noting the smooth yet firm texture. It wasn't exactly the best armor, with the word 'slightly' peppered about the entire description but at least they were clothes.

All of his previous clothes were almost completely torn apart and he had pretty much been running around naked. This was better than that.

He slipped the gear on, fastening the buckles and adjusting the straps until everything fit snugly against his frame. The material was strangely comfortable, despite its origins.

Once dressed, he cracked his neck and took a deep breath. The sun had fully set by now, and the cool night air carried the distant sounds of the forest waking up. It was time to move.

Kaden already had his next destination in mind as he opened his system screen to take a look. But he immediately came to a stop as he saw that something had been updated in his skill selection list.

Along with the other three options, there was now a fourth option available.

[Bestial Shift]

Bestial Shift: A primal ability that allows the user to partially or fully take on the traits of beasts, enhancing physical abilities, senses, and instincts. As the skill evolves, new forms and hybrid transformations become available.

Partial Transformation: Temporarily enhances specific body parts (claws, fangs, heightened senses, reinforced muscles).

Full Transformation: Fully assumes the form of a chosen beast, gaining its natural abilities and strengths.

Adaptive Instincts: Allows for instinctive combat reflexes, heightened agility, and enhanced perception.

Bestial Hunger: Regeneration increases based on physical exertion and predatory actions.

Warning: Overuse of the ability may cause the user's mind to be influenced by their chosen beast's primal instincts.