Luthendo_Muleya

Nate’s POV: The Beast Awakens

The burning started in my chest—subtle at first, like a dull ache, but it quickly spread like wildfire. My vision blurred, and every nerve in my body screamed.

Not now. Not here.

I stumbled back, gripping my arms as the pain intensified. It felt like something inside me was tearing free, clawing its way to the surface. My breath came in ragged gasps, and the world around me dimmed.

"Nate, stay with me!" Leona’s voice barely registered through the storm raging in my head.

The heat surged, and with it, a primal force I couldn’t contain. My skin prickled, muscles twisting and bones cracking as fur erupted along my arms. My hands... no, claws now, dug into the dirt. My nails were black, curved, and razor-sharp.

A deep, guttural growl escaped my throat, one I didn’t recognize as my own.

"Nate!" Leona yelled again, stepping closer. Brave, or stupid. Maybe both.

I lifted my head, locking eyes with her. Her fear hit me like a wave—but behind it, there was something else. Trust.

“Stay back,” I growled, my voice layered with something... inhuman. My lips curled back, revealing sharp teeth.

The beast wanted out. It wanted blood.

But I wasn’t ready to give it everything. Not yet.

With a shuddering breath, I forced myself to stand, claws flexing, muscles coiled like steel. I could feel the strength surging through me—powerful, untamed, and deadly.

"You wanted a monster," I snarled, glaring at the enemy ahead. "You’ve got one."


---

my beast change system

The entire guild is silent, all eyes locked onto the figure standing in the doorway.

Even I find myself staring in disbelief.

The man before us has ten Level 60 golems slung over his shoulder, and in his other hand, he's holding a Level 80 chimera like it weighs nothing.

System, who is this guy? I whisper internally, and the blue screen flickers into view.

"That is Eden Vortane. Would you like to know more about him?"

I hesitate before whispering, "No."

I don't need the system to tell me what I can already sense.

Even with his aura hidden, the sheer pressure radiating from him is enough to make my instincts scream.

Before I can react, he takes a single step forward—and in an instant, he's standing right in front of me.

"Excuse me," he says, his voice as cold as ice. His slightly long hair shifts, revealing dark, piercing blue eyes that hold an unnatural sharpness.

Everything about him radiates danger.

I… I might actually be in trouble.

Even when Eden closed the distance between them in a blink, he didn't flinch.

But I can tell—Nate isn't underestimating him.

Eden steps past Nate and effortlessly drops the slain monsters onto the counter. The heavy bodies hit the wood with a thud, sending vibrations through the guild.

And for the first time since I met him… he isn't smiling.

"Now that that's done," Eden says, turning back toward Nate. "My name is—"

"Eden Vortane, right?" Nate interrupts, his voice colder than usual.

Eden pauses, then smirks. "Amazing… so you know me. I suppose it's only fair that I know you."

Nate finally turns, locking eyes with Eden.

And the air in the guild changes instantly.

"So… how are we doing this?" Nate asks.

"Simple," I reply, my smirk fading as my eyes narrow slightly.

"You fight me. Then I'll determine what rank you truly deserve."

A wave of tension spreads through the guild.

The other adventurers exchange nervous glances.

Nate chuckles, his smirk widening. "Great. Then let's get started."

His voice is calm, but something in his golden eyes shifts—they glow even brighter, turning a deeper, more intense shade.

I stare back at him, feeling the raw confidence behind his gaze.

"Bethany," I say, sharper this time. "Prepare the arena. Tell the Guild Master I will handle this personally."

The temperature in the room drops.

I turn my head slightly, just enough for her to see the deadly expression in my eyes.

Then nods before rushing up the stairs.

I step through the guild doors with my team—only to freeze in place.

But what makes this far worse is the man standing across from him.

Eden Vortane. The Demon Gladiator.

Eden joined the Holy Knights at ten years old. By sixteen, he left to become an adventurer.

And now, he's standing toe-to-toe with Nate… staring at him like he's finally found worthy prey.

Bethany suddenly rushes back down the stairs, panting heavily.

"The arena is set, and the Master has approved!" she announces between breaths.

Eden smirks, turning back to Nate.

This version integrates Eden Vortane's full name naturally while refining the flow and impact of the scene. It keeps the tension high, making the buildup to their battle even more intense.

The demon gladiator