2
"Like a serpent in the grass, I wait, silent and patient—strike first, strike fast, and let my enemies feel the venom before they even realize they've been bitten."
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The days had stretched on, the wilderness surrounding Kallias growing quieter with each passing hour. It had been several days since he left the cave, and the silence was almost oppressive. He hadn't encountered any animals, not a single sign of life in the dense forest. He had stretched his rations as far as they would go, but he knew he couldn't keep relying on the gods to provide. It was time to take matters into his own hands.
Kallias set his jaw and glanced down at the small serpent coiled around his arm, Aquerius, who had grown accustomed to his presence over the past few days. He hadn't expected much from the serpent, certainly not companionship. But somehow, in a strange way, they'd developed a bond. The serpent, despite being young, was intelligent—surprisingly so. And Kallias was starting to realize just how much he could understand from the serpent's gestures and subtle movements.
He crouched down beside Aquerius, his voice low. "Go hunt for me. Find something for us to eat."
To his surprise, the serpent's voice, childlike and soft, echoed in his mind. "I hunt for you, Father."
Kallias blinked, his eyes wide with confusion. Father? He'd spoken to the creature only as a joke, never expecting a response. But there it was, the word father ringing in his mind.
"Father?" Kallias asked aloud, more to himself than to the serpent.
Aquerius slithered in a tight circle, its greenish scales glimmering faintly under the sunlight that broke through the canopy. The serpent nodded, its large, gleaming eyes locking with Kallias's. "I hunt for Father."
Kallias chuckled, unsure of what to make of this development. "Alright, Aquerius. Go find something. We'll talk more when you get back."
The serpent slipped away into the underbrush with surprising speed. Kallias watched it disappear, his mind swirling. He never imagined that his bond with the creature would grow this strong. But he couldn't let that distract him. He had his own tasks to focus on.
The days of solitude had given him time to practice, to hone his skills. Without the need to feed Aquerius anymore, he devoted more of his energy to his mana control. He'd quickly realized that fire magic, while powerful, drained his mana reserves faster than he could replenish them. So, he worked on making his fire more efficient, trying to use less mana but achieve the same result.
His mind wandered back to the system, hoping for some guidance. "System, what else can I do with mana? How can I improve faster?"
The system's voice was clear, but still impersonal. "You may learn spells, but you do not have grimoires or spellbooks to use them. You must continue practicing the fundamentals to grow your mana."
Kallias sighed, slumping slightly as he stared into the small fire he had created. "Right. I'll just keep practicing. Hopefully, it'll be enough."
As he focused on his water manipulation, he realized that there was more potential in this ability than he initially thought. His first attempts had been with the water in the small satchel he carried, but now, he could feel the moisture in the air. It was subtle, like an invisible current around him, but it was there.
Sitting down, Kallias closed his eyes, focusing inwardly. He could sense the water particles, each one vibrating with potential. Slowly, he extended his mana, coaxing the water to move in response. A soft breeze shifted around him, the air humid, and the first droplets of water began to float toward his hand. His pulse quickened with excitement as the water formed into a small sphere above his palm.
"I did it," Kallias murmured, a grin spreading across his face.
He continued practicing, pushing the water into various shapes—spinning it into a small whirlpool, guiding it to hover in the air, and learning to control it with more precision. His control over the element was growing rapidly, and he was eager to see what other abilities he could unlock.
As he took a moment to assess his progress, he opened his status screen.
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Status Screen:
Strength: 10/100
Speed: 12/100
Dexterity: 9/100
Mana: 55/100
Water Manipulation: Moderate (Progressing)
Water Healing: Improving
Parselmouth: Unlocked – Ability to speak with snakes and serpents.
•• ━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━ ••
His strength had increased, though not by much. His speed had also seen some improvement, and his mana pool was growing steadily with each use. But it was the water manipulation that truly caught his attention. It had progressed quickly, and he could feel it becoming easier with every attempt. He could sense his affinity with water strengthening, perhaps even more than he'd realized.
"Looks like I'm getting better," he muttered to himself, satisfaction in his voice.
Just as he thought to focus on his next training session, Aquerius returned, holding a small, furry creature in his mouth. The serpent dropped it at Kallias's feet, its scales shining under the soft light.
Kallias grinned. "Good work, Aquerius. You actually came through."
Aquerius tilted his head, the serpent's voice tinged with childish pride. "I hunt for Father."
Kallias knelt, inspecting the animal Aquerius had brought. It wasn't large, but it would provide enough for a meal. "I'll take it from here," he said, more to himself than to Aquerius.
As he began the process of gutting and skinning the creature, he asked the system about his next steps. "System, anything else I should be focusing on?"
The response came quickly. "Your water skills are progressing well. However, without proper training or guidance, you may struggle to unlock advanced abilities. Continue practicing and refining."
"Right," Kallias muttered, focusing on his task. "I'll keep at it."
With the meat prepared, Kallias set it to cook over the fire, and as he ate, his mind wandered back to his new skill—Parselmouth. The ability to speak to serpents, to understand them on a deeper level than he had ever imagined. It was strange, but in a way, it felt natural. The bond between him and Aquerius had grown unexpectedly strong, and he was curious to see what else he could learn.
He looked down at the small serpent, its bright green eyes gazing back at him. "Hey, Aquerius, what's it like... being able to speak to me?"
Aquerius slithered closer, its small body coiling around Kallias's legs. "I understand you, Father. I always hear you. I hunt for you."
Kallias smiled softly. "I'm glad to have you around, Aquerius."
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Kallias had learned a hard truth: survival meant constant motion. He couldn't stay in one place for too long. The longer he remained in any area, the more likely it was that someone or something would find him. So, he kept moving, staying in a single spot just long enough to practice his skills and rest. Each new area was a new chance to refine his abilities, to grow stronger. And with each day, his bond with Aquerius deepened.
One morning, as the sun peeked through the trees, Kallias pulled out the celestial sword that had been resting at his side. The blade was still unfamiliar in his hands, though it pulsed with untapped power. He had practiced with it before, but now he needed to master it.
"Aquerius," Kallias murmured, calling the serpent over. "Stay close. I'm going to practice."
The serpent slithered to his side, watching him with its bright, intelligent eyes. "Father," Aquerius hissed softly, "be careful. Monsters come."
Kallias nodded, taking a deep breath. He held the sword in both hands, adjusting his grip. The celestial blade was long, sleek, and unnaturally light—easier to wield than he had expected. It seemed to respond to his will, and after a few practice swings, he felt more comfortable with it. The sword had an almost sentient quality, as if it anticipated his movements, guiding him as he practiced slashing through the air.
Just as he began to grow confident, a sudden tremor in the air made him stop. Aqueirous hissed, its body coiling in a defensive posture.
Alert!Monster detected.
Level 28 Harpy.
Kallias tensed. He had been so absorbed in his training that he hadn't sensed the creature approaching. The wind shifted, and the sharp screech of the harpy filled the air, followed by the sound of wings beating furiously. The monstrous creature appeared above them, its talons glinting in the sunlight.
Without wasting a second, Kallias reacted. "Aquerius!" he shouted. "Get her!"
The serpent's eyes glowed as it slithered forward, moving quicker than the harpy could react. Aquerius struck first, sinking its fangs deep into the harpy's exposed wing. The venom coursed through the creature's veins, slowing it down, its screech faltering as its wings began to weaken.
Kallias rushed forward, swinging the celestial sword with precision. The blade cut through the harpy's flesh like butter, severing a wing with a single stroke. The harpy shrieked in pain, but its movements were sluggish now, the poison taking hold.
With a final, decisive slash, Kallias drove the blade deep into the harpy's chest, and it crumpled to the ground.
He stood over the fallen creature, panting. The fight had been over quickly, but the victory had cost him—his body had taken a few hits, and the harpy's talons had left long, deep gashes across his arms.
Aquerius slithered up to Kallias, its eyes filled with pride. "We won, Father."
Kallias nodded, his breath steadying as he looked down at the defeated harpy. "You did well, Aquerius."
He took a moment to tend to his wounds, using his water manipulation to speed up the healing process. The cuts slowly closed up, but they wouldn't disappear entirely. He'd acquired a few scars that would mark him, reminding him of each victory, each monster he'd slain.
As he finished patching himself up, the system chimed in again.
Congratulations!You have gained the following levels:Level 8 → Level 12
New Skill Unlocked: Swordsmanship Talent – Your ability to wield a sword has improved dramatically. Combat with bladed weapons will feel more intuitive and precise.
Kallias couldn't help but smile. His skill with the celestial sword had improved after the fight, and now it was even easier to maneuver the blade. That was one more step toward becoming a true warrior.
He took a moment to inspect his status screen.
•• ━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━ ••
Status Screen:
Level: 12
Strength: 10/100
Speed: 12/100
Dexterity: 9/100
Mana: 62/100
Water Manipulation: Advanced
Water Healing: Moderate
Monster Eater: Unlocked – By consuming monsters, you immediately gain knowledge of their weaknesses and abilities. This skill strengthens with each monster consume d.
Swordsmanship Talent: Unlocked – Your combat abilities with swords have become enhanced. You move more fluidly and with greater precision.
Parseltongue: Unlocked – You can speak and understand serpents and magical serpentine creatures.
•• ━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━ ••
Kallias grinned, feeling the surge of power within him. He was leveling up faster than he'd anticipated, and with each monster he defeated, he grew stronger. He couldn't stay in one place too long, but the cycle was working for him. He would kill, eat, and grow more powerful.
As he stripped the harpy's feathers from its body, he prepared to cook the meat. Surprisingly, the harpy tasted like chicken—strange, but not unpleasant. He ate it with a sense of satisfaction. The monsters had attacked him first. It wasn't as though he had a choice.
The system chimed again as he began cooking.
Alert! Monsters nearby:
Level 15 Goblin
Level 18 Troll
Level 22 Dire Wolf
He frowned as he finished cooking. More monsters? This cycle never ended, but it worked to his advantage. He could keep getting stronger. He stood up, looking down at Aquerius, who was already slithering in anticipation. "Ready for round two?" Kallias asked with a grin.
Aquerius's eyes gleamed. "Ready, Father."
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The next few months passed in a blur. The cycle repeated: find a place to rest, train, kill monsters, eat them, grow stronger. Each time he fought, he learned more about his abilities. Aquerius's venom grew stronger, and the serpent's power increased with each successful poisoning. It became easier to use his serpent's song, disorienting the monsters even further.
Kallias's water manipulation skills flourished. He began using water not just to heal but to attack, drawing moisture from the air and using it to drown his foes. The water ball technique became his preferred method of finishing off enemies—surrounding them in water, squeezing the life out of them as they struggled to breathe.
He leveled up, gaining new abilities with each monster he consumed. His body became more powerful, but it also became scarred. The healing could only do so much. But that was part of the process.
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Status Screen:
Level: 12
Strength: 14/100
Speed: 14/100
Dexterity: 11/100
Mana: 80/100
Water Manipulation: Mastered
Water Healing: Advanced
Monster Eater: Enhanced – Knowledge of monsters and their weaknesses is immediate. Consuming monsters increases your strength and endurance.
Swordsmanship Talent: Advanced – Your combat skills with swords are exceptional. You move like a seasoned warrior.
Parseltongue: Unlocked – You can speak and understand serpents and magical serpentine creatures.
Hydrated Mind: Your water manipulation abilities enhance your cognitive functions when you're near water. When in proximity to water sources, you experience increased clarity, focus, and heightened problem-solving abilities. Your mind works at an accelerated pace when near water.
Quickstrike Reflexes: Your combat instincts are sharp. In battle, you can react to incoming attacks with heightened reflexes, allowing you to parry or dodge with greater precision. Your body reacts as if it already knows what your opponent will do next.
Kallias looked over his status screen once again, a faint sense of accomplishment washing over him as he took in the new skills he'd unlocked. His body felt stronger, his senses sharper. It wasn't just the physical gains; he could feel a shift in his mind, the clarity he had when near water now something he could rely on.
"Another couple of skills," he muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the list. "The Hydrated Mind... That'll be useful when I'm near water. More focus, better problem-solving." He let out a low breath as he recalled how, during his recent encounters, he'd noticed his mind working faster when surrounded by water. It was almost as if it allowed him to think three steps ahead.
Then there was Quickstrike Reflexes. His body had felt sharper in battle lately, every dodge and parry almost instinctive. His movements flowed like they had been practiced for years, even though he hadn't been training for that long. "Guess these instincts will save me a lot of trouble," he muttered with a small smirk.
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Aquerius had also leveled up significantly, growing stronger with each hunt. The serpent was now a force to be reckoned with in its own right, and the two of them were an unstoppable pair.
As Kallias surveyed the wilderness around him, he could feel the change within himself. He was stronger, faster, and more powerful than ever. But deep down, he knew this was just the beginning. There were more challenges ahead, and he was ready for them. With Aquerius by his side, nothing would stop him.
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Kallias had been moving swiftly through the dense forest, his mind focused on the task at hand—survival, training, and maintaining his distance from anything that could bring unwanted attention. The world around him was quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves or the far-off screech of a predator hunting in the distance. But then, it came: the unmistakable sound of screams.
They were young, high-pitched, and filled with terror—a child's scream. Kallias froze. He couldn't ignore it. He quickly assessed the situation, and his instincts kicked in. It wasn't just a call for help—it was something more urgent.
Suddenly, the system chimed in with a stark, mechanical voice.
Alert: Save the demigod from the monster.
Level 69 Minotaur detected.
Reward: Guaranteed.
He didn't need to be told twice. Without a second thought, Kallias set off toward the sound, his senses sharp as he drew closer. As he neared the clearing, he saw the small figure of a girl, no older than five or six, sprinting as fast as she could with wide, panicked eyes. A monstrous form loomed behind her—its hulking frame and horns unmistakable. The Minotaur.
The girl tripped and fell, her small body hitting the ground hard. Kallias's heart skipped a beat, but before he could move, Aquerius had already slithered into action. The serpent lunged, sinking its fangs into the Minotaur's leg. The creature roared in pain and anger, but the venom spread quickly, and the Minotaur staggered, confused.
Kallias seized the opportunity.
With a swift motion, he drew the celestial sword, its blade humming as it sliced through the air. He rushed forward, his speed enhanced by his training, and slashed the Minotaur across its exposed side. The beast howled, its eyes flashing in fury. But Kallias could see the venom taking its toll—it slowed, its movements becoming sluggish.
"Ha!" Kallias's grin was sharp. He pressed the attack, cutting deep into the Minotaur's flesh. The monster's blood spilled onto the ground, staining the earth beneath them.
As the Minotaur faltered, it growled in a guttural voice. "You smell like a monster... but also smell like a halfling."
Kallias froze, his sword still poised. The creature's words hung in the air, perplexing and strange. halfling.
The creature's words hung in the air, perplexing and strange. halfling. He quickly dismissed the thought, not wanting to waste any more time on it. His target was weakening, and he needed to end this.
He stepped back a few paces, raising his hand to manipulate the water in the air around him. The Minotaur was panting, barely able to move, its strength waning under the venom's effects.
With a focused thought, Kallias conjured a ball of water from the moisture in the air. It swelled quickly, pressing in around the Minotaur's throat. The creature's eyes widened as it struggled, thrashing in vain against the water surrounding it.
It tried to scream, but its breath was choked off, the life slowly draining from its massive frame. The Minotaur's roar turned to a gurgle as the water closed in around it. In moments, it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
Ding!Level 69 Minotaur defeated.
Experience earned: 6000 XP.
Level 12 → Level 16.
Kallias stood still, breathing heavily as he looked down at the fallen beast. As the system updated, he could feel the power coursing through him, his strength and abilities growing.
He thought about the Minotaur's last words—halfling. His mind briefly flitted to the monsters he'd consumed over the past months. Could it be that their blood was leaving some trace on him? That didn't make sense. No matter how many monsters he ate, he would remain who he was. Still, the thought lingered.
Kallias stood there, his heart still racing from the Minotaur battle, his sword glistening with the creature's blood. He turned toward the trembling little girl, staring at him with wide, fearful eyes. The raw, unfiltered disgust and hatred surged through him, unbidden and strong. His fingers clenched tightly around the hilt of his sword as he fought to push the feelings down.
Why is she looking at me like that?
The girl's innocent gaze only added to the weight of his discomfort. I didn't ask for this.
He felt it—his revulsion toward the sight of her, the helplessness in her expression. His mind screamed to turn and walk away. Yet he stood frozen, torn between instinct and the strange pull of his responsibility.
Shoving the feelings aside, Kallias refocused. There was something important here, something beyond his discomfort. His eyes narrowed, and his hand brushed the air as if commanding the system to display her stats.
[Anabeth Chase]
Race: Demigod
Parent: Athena
Level: 3/100
Strength: 5/100
Speed: 6/100
Intelligence: 86/100
Skills:
Tactical Genius: Anabeth can now assess the strategic potential of individuals, their strengths and weaknesses, and make more informed decisions in combat.
Combat Instincts: Anabeth can react to threats with increased accuracy and speed.
Strategic Planner: Anabeth is skilled in planning ahead and understanding her environment.
Kallias stared at the system display, his eyes narrowing as he read through the girl's stats. The name Anabeth Chase flashed before him, a name he recognized all too well—the female love interest, the one who would be with Percy, the one who had saved the world, who had held up the sky for 24 hours. She was the stuff of legends, heroes, and prophecies. And here she was, standing in front of him, a trembling little girl, whose life he had just saved.
Kallias took in the numbers, but his expression was unreadable. Tactical Genius? His gaze flicked to her with a mix of irritation and begrudging respect. She was a daughter of Athena, no surprise there. Her intelligence was clearly off the charts, something he hadn't expected from a child this young. Still, the thought of being saddled with a demigod—especially one with such potential—was not appealing. He'd rather be alone, but here she was, somehow standing in front of him with those damn stats.
Strength: 5/100
Speed: 6/100
Intelligence: 86/100
The rest of her stats were basic for her age, but it was clear that her mind would be her most significant asset, even if her body was still weak. He thought of Strategic potential, his eyes flicking back to her again. He could use someone like her—if she didn't get in the way.
Kallias sighed, pushing the lingering disgust down, focusing instead on the strategic value of keeping her alive. His life had been solitary for too long, but now he saw that things might be different. She wasn't just a little girl needing saving—she was the daughter of one of the most powerful gods of wisdom. That meant she had potential, and he had to use it.
Kallias felt his irritation rising again, his jaw tightening as the girl's small, trembling hand tugged at his shirt. He had been about to walk away, the weight of his thoughts already pulling him toward solitude, but she wouldn't let him go.
"Please," Anabeth's voice cracked, her grip on his shirt soft but firm. "Don't leave me."
Kallias paused, his body stiffening as a wave of frustration surged through him. I don't have time for this, he thought. He hadn't expected to find himself in this situation. His irritation bubbled up, a strange mix of emotions—disgust, anger, and something else. It was almost like instinct, something primal, pushing him to get away from her. But then, he saw her eyes—wide and vulnerable, pleading.
He sighed, pushing the frustration aside. She was a child, a scared little girl who had just nearly lost her life, who a monster had chased. She didn't deserve the weight of his harsh emotions.
"Fine," Kallias muttered, gritting his teeth. He reached down, his hand hovering for a moment before she took it. She held on tightly, as if her life depended on it. Kallias didn't pull away. She was just a kid, after all. "I'm not going to leave you out here alone. But don't expect me to carry you through everything. You'll need to be useful."
Anabeth nodded earnestly, though the fear in her eyes didn't fade. She was still shaking a little, but she seemed to gather some strength when he spoke.
Kallias's mind raced as he thought about what to do next. I don't even know where I am, he thought bitterly. And I'm supposed to take her to Camp Half-Blood? It's all the way in New York. The idea seemed impossible—he didn't even know the way, let alone if he could make the journey with her in tow. He didn't have the time or the patience for this.
After a long pause, he shook his head. "We'll have to figure it out," he muttered more to himself than to her. "For now, just stay close."
He quickly set about making camp. The fire crackled as Kallias worked with efficiency—gutting the deer that Aquerius had brought back to him, expertly skinning it and preparing the meat. It was quiet except for the occasional rustling from Aquerius, who had slithered off to the side, keeping his watchful eyes on the surroundings.
Anabeth sat at the edge of the fire, her face drawn in exhaustion, her earlier fear still hanging over her. Kallias didn't know what to say to her, and to be honest, he didn't want to. This wasn't supposed to be his responsibility. His mind kept replaying the words the Minotaur had said earlier. You smell like a halfling...
It bothered him more than he cared to admit, but there was no time to focus on that. He had a meal to prepare and a new set of problems on his hands.
A few hours later, they sat around the fire, the roasted deer meat crackling in the flames. Kallias ate in silence, his thoughts swirling, occasionally glancing over at Anabeth. She had barely touched her portion at first, her hands shaking from the earlier terror, but after a while, she finally took a few hesitant bites, her hunger outweighing her fear. Kallias noticed the quiet relief on her face as she ate, but she remained withdrawn, lost in her thoughts.
When she finished, Anabeth looked up at Kallias, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," she said quietly, the words soft but sincere. "I... I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't come."
Kallias merely nodded in acknowledgment, the words catching in his throat. He wasn't used to being thanked, especially not for something as simple as saving a life. But there was something about her sincerity, the way she looked at him, that made him feel uneasy—like he had just opened a door he couldn't close.
Without another word, Anabeth curled up beside him, too tired to even speak. She had been running for her life, fighting back tears, and now, with the safety of the fire and a full belly, exhaustion overtook her. She pulled herself closer, instinctively seeking warmth and comfort in the unfamiliar. Kallias felt her tiny form press against him, her shivering body desperately craving the warmth of another human being.
He looked down at her, his brows furrowing slightly. She was just a kid. A scared, confused child who didn't deserve any of this. But still, she stayed by his side, trusting him despite his cold exterior. Kallias gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the soft weight of her head against his arm. The touch was foreign, but he didn't pull away.
The night stretched on, the fire flickering and crackling as the sounds of the forest faded into the distance. Anabeth shifted in her sleep, her breathing uneven. Kallias could tell she was having nightmares; her body would twitch, and a soft whimper would escape her lips. It was a painful reminder of what she had been through—the terror, the monsters, the fight for survival.
He didn't know what to do. He was a killer, a survivor. He wasn't a healer. But when her whimpering grew louder, his hand moved instinctively to her head, his fingers brushing through her hair in a soothing motion. He hadn't meant to comfort her; he didn't even know why he was doing it.
"Shhh," he muttered, though he knew she couldn't hear him. "It's alright."
It wasn't alright, but Kallias didn't know how to say that. He didn't know how to offer her real comfort. He wasn't even sure he wanted to be here with her, but the words kept tumbling out of his mouth anyway.
As she settled again, quieting for the moment, Kallias glanced down at the system notification that had popped up in his mind. The reward for killing the Minotaur was still waiting for him. He hadn't bothered to check earlier, not wanting to get distracted by it, but now, with everything else quiet, his curiosity flared.
He muttered under his breath, his eyes flicking up to the stars above. "System, what was my reward?"
As Kallias tried to process the reward, he felt a sudden, sharp pain shoot through his body—an ache that was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It started in his mouth, a subtle throb that quickly escalated into something far more intense. He instinctively reached up to touch his lips, only to feel his canines elongating slightly, sharper, more pronounced. He frowned, confused. What was happening?
The pain spread downward, curling into his jaw and gnawing at his senses. He didn't understand what was going on, but before he could gather his thoughts, something even stranger began happening. His vision blurred as a sharp, burning sensation bloomed behind his eyes. His pupils contracted, shifting from their normal, human form to slitted, reptilian ones, glowing faintly in the fire's dim light.
His hair, too, began to grow rapidly. The tips of his blondelocks brushed past his shoulders, cascading down like the threads of a cloak. The heat in his body intensified, almost as though it was too much to contain. It radiated from his chest, spreading throughout his limbs, causing him to break out in a sweat.
Then, the pain hit him full force.
His mouth felt as though it were on fire, and his vision dimmed. He reached for his head, his fingers trembling, but it was no use—his body was too overwhelmed by the transformation. His heart raced in his chest, pounding so hard it almost drowned out the sound of his breathing. He felt dizzy, his limbs heavy, as if the weight of his own body had suddenly tripled.
In a desperate attempt to stay conscious, Kallias gasped, but it was too late. His vision faded to black, and he collapsed beside the fire, unconscious, as the pain enveloped him completely.
Before everything went dark, a voice echoed through his mind, cold and detached.
"Reward: Bloodline Improvement. You have unlocked a portion of your sealed bloodline."
The words barely registered before the sensation of intense pain overwhelmed him entirely.
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