An Uncertain Plan

Surrounded by an all-encompassing darkness, Kai could barely discern where he stood. The world inside the Corrupted Tree felt both distant and unnervingly close, the shadows pressing in on him like a living entity. Yet, strangely, he felt no fear—only a sense of security, as though the darkness itself was embracing him, welcoming him as one of its own.

Within seconds, an unfamiliar strength coursed through his veins. His claws tingled, his senses sharpened. The oppressive atmosphere felt less burdensome, even empowering, though he knew the sensation was fleeting. The tree's malevolent aura would lend him this strength only for as long as he remained inside.

Kai took a cautious step forward, his claws gripping the slick, gnarled wood of the inner tree wall. He felt Isla's presence in his mind, her usual sharp commentary replaced by an unnerving silence as she observed him from within his Monster Core.

Should I go down further or stay here? Kai asked, his thoughts reaching out to her.

He clung to the smooth bark, his claws sinking slightly into the corrupted wood. The branches above him stretched into endless darkness, and the hollow below yawned like the maw of some ancient beast. [Shadow Cloak] remained dormant; Isla hadn't instructed him to activate it yet. There seemed little need—the immense tree provided natural cover, its shadows suffocating even the faintest hint of light. The Catalyst was somewhere below, far enough that it shouldn't sense him.

We should be safe here for now, Isla replied, her voice measured but taut. She had swept the area with her senses, confirming the absence of the powerful presence that had earlier rattled her. But her relief was tempered by unease. That being… it's gone now, but it's far stronger than the one in the alley.

Stronger didn't even begin to describe it. The first presence had been like a flicker of a candle, while this new force was a roaring inferno. Isla shuddered at the thought. What kind of being would wander to the first realm with such overwhelming power? It made no sense. Such entities belonged to higher realms, not here.

Could it be the one responsible for this realm? Isla wondered. The thought chilled her. If that were true, the situation was far worse than she'd anticipated. Beings of such power didn't act on whims.

What happened back in the alley? Kai's question broke her train of thought. You panicked. Was it because of this?

Isla hesitated, her thoughts tangling with indecision. Kai didn't need to know—not yet. His tendency to overthink would only slow them down, and they couldn't afford that. Not now.

Instead, she redirected her focus. What happens after we kill the Catalyst? The question gnawed at her. Even if they succeeded, how would they escape? The powerful being she had sensed could return at any moment, and the chaos of the Catalyst's death would surely draw attention.

Her options were grim. I'll have to use my powers, she realized reluctantly. Doing so would shatter her cover and make her return known through the entirety of the universe. If Kai failed or even succeeded, it would be the only way to ensure their survival.

I'll just have to improvise, she thought to herself with a strained smile, projecting calm as she addressed Kai once more. It's time to move. We can't waste any more time. Let's kill the Catalyst.

Kai's instinct was to press for answers, but he stopped himself. Something in Isla's voice carried an urgency he couldn't ignore. He nodded silently, trusting her judgment.

Taking a deep breath, he began his descent, his claws sinking into the tree's smooth, almost polished interior. The surface was slick but provided just enough grip for him to maneuver downward with measured caution. The silence was deafening, broken only by the faint scrape of his claws against the bark.

Tell me when to activate [Shadow Cloak], he said, his voice steady despite the tension coiling in his chest.

That skill was the linchpin of Isla's plan. With it, he could slip past the Catalyst undetected and strike with [Shadow Claws] at full strength, using the energy boost from his cultivation technique. Isla had calculated that one decisive blow would either kill or severely wound the beast, leaving it vulnerable for a finishing strike.

But calculations were one thing—reality often had its own plans.

Minutes passed as Kai descended, the tree's unnatural darkness deepening with every meter. He still couldn't see the ground, the thick shroud of shadows swallowing everything below. Finally, Isla's voice rang in his mind. Now. Activate [Shadow Cloak].

Kai obeyed without hesitation. Darkness swirled around him, enveloping his body like a living armor. He moved faster now, his claws finding purchase with ease as he crept down in near silence. The shadows clung to him, hiding him from the Catalyst's senses.

Faster, Isla urged. The Catalyst is directly below. It hasn't noticed you yet, but its aura is unstable. You need to act quickly.

Kai's heart raced as he reached the lower sections of the tree. The oppressive energy was nearly suffocating now, the air thick with the Catalyst's latent power. He reached the ground and scanned his surroundings, his eyes straining against the impenetrable darkness.

Nothing. No movement, no sound. The beast was nowhere to be seen.

Where is it? Kai's thoughts grew frantic as he realized his Monster Core was draining rapidly. Isla, help me! Where is it?

Silence.

Then, Isla's voice returned, sharp and filled with urgency. Kai, there's a problem. I can't feel its presence anymore… Run. Now! It's awake—it's sensed you!

Kai's blood turned to ice. He spun on his heel, ready to bolt, but as he took his first step, he slammed into something solid. The impact sent him sprawling onto his back, the air forced from his lungs.

Gasping, he looked up—and froze.

A monstrous figure loomed above him, its form barely discernible in the darkness. Its jagged teeth glinted like shards of bone, and its eyes burned with a malevolent light. A low, guttural growl rumbled from its throat, vibrating through the ground. The beast's presence was overwhelming, suffocating, drowning Kai in an aura of pure malice.

For the first time since entering the Corrupted Tree, Kai felt true fear.

The Catalyst had awakened, and it was ready to kill.