The predator trial
Xander's body tensed as he stood face to face with the monstrous eight-meter-tall grizzly bear, its blood-red aura exuding overwhelming pressure. His instincts screamed at him to run, but his legs felt locked in place. The beast's eyes glowed with an unnatural ferocity, and its deep, rumbling growl sent a primal fear down Xander's spine.
System Notification: Host is in critical danger. Identified target: Bloodbeast Grizzly. Threat Level: C-Class. Recommended Action: Escape or Utilize Strategic Combat.
Xander clenched his fists. C-Class? That sounded far beyond the goblins he had fought earlier.
I need a plan. If I run, it'll chase me down. If I fight recklessly, I'll die. But if I can outmaneuver it...
The Bloodbeast Grizzly roared, the ground shaking beneath its weight as it lunged toward him with terrifying speed. Xander barely had time to dodge as the bear's massive claws ripped into the ground, tearing apart trees as if they were twigs.
Fast. Too fast for something that big.
Xander rolled to the side, activating his Abyss fang instinctively. His single red tendril lashed out, aiming to strike the bear's exposed flank, but before it could connect, the Bloodbeast spun with unnatural agility, swiping at Xander with one of its claws. He barely raised his arms in time before he was sent flying, crashing through trees before slamming into the ground with a heavy thud.
Health: 45/120
Damn, that thing hits like a truck. Xander groaned, pushing himself up, feeling his ribs ache from the impact. His regeneration kicked in, but the force of that hit was insane.
System Notification: Host has suffered critical impact. Healing in progress…
The Bloodbeast charged again, its massive jaws aiming to crush him.
Think! Use your speed!
Xander's instincts screamed, and he darted to the side, dodging at the last second, his Abyss fang whipping forward. This time, his attack landed, slashing deep into the Bloodbeast's side, but instead of weakening, the beast's aura flared brighter, its muscles bulging as if it was feeding off the pain.
System Notification: Warning: Bloodbeast Grizzly has entered Berserk Mode. Strength increased by 30%. Speed increased by 20%.
Xander's eyes widened. It was evolving mid-battle just like he was.
You've got to be kidding me.
The Bloodbeast roared, slamming the ground with such force that the shockwave sent Xander tumbling backward. He barely managed to regain his footing before the bear lunged at him again.
Xander had no choice.
He had to push his evolution further.
System Notification: Host has activated Adaptive Combat Response.
Processing new combat strategies…
Increasing Agility…
Increasing abyss fang Strength…
Xander's muscles tensed, his reflexes sharpening as his body adjusted to the Bloodbeast's movements. His abyss fang extended, growing longer and denser, ready for combat.
The Bloodbeast charged again, aiming to crush him beneath its weight.
But this time, Xander was ready.
He dodged under its attack, his abyss fang tendril striking its leg, slashing deep and slowing its movements. With a feral snarl, he whipped his Abyss fang toward the beast's face, slicing across its eye.
The beast roared in rage, thrashing wildly, but Xander pressed his attack. His abyss fang coiled around one of its limbs, pulling it off balance just enough for him to get into a better position.
The Bloodbeast lashed out blindly, its massive claws grazing Xander's shoulder, sending a sharp wave of pain through his body. His health dropped further.
Health: 30/120
Xander gritted his teeth. If I take another direct hit, I'm dead.
But he wasn't about to back down now.
With a final, instinct-driven motion, Xander lunged forward, using his abyss fang as leverage, wrapping it around the Bloodbeast's throat. With every ounce of strength, he tightened his tendril, restricting its airflow.
The Bloodbeast thrashed violently, its claws scraping at the ground, but Xander refused to let go. His muscles burned, his vision blurred, but he knew he was winning.
Finally, with a sickening crack, the Bloodbeast collapsed onto the ground, lifeless.
A surge of raw energy exploded through him.
System Notification: Absorbing High-Level Biomass… Processing…
Xander remained on top of the corpse, his breathing ragged, his entire body buzzing with newfound strength. He could feel his muscles growing denser, his senses sharpening, his very essence evolving.
System Notification:
[LEVEL UP!]
Host is now Level 3.
Stat Points Gained: +7
New Ability Unlocked: Bestial Ferocity (Passive – Increases strength and endurance when battling larger enemies.)
Biomass Absorption Complete…
Physical attributes enhanced. New adaptations unlocked.
---
[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Xander Kael
Race: Half-Ghoul, Half-Mutant
Title: The Predator of the Wild
Level: 3
System Rank: E-Class (Potential: SSS+)
Health: 110/130 (Enhanced Vitality from Biomass Absorption)
Stamina: 125/125 (Greater Endurance from Evolutionary Combat)
Bio-Energy: 85/85 (Expanded Kagune Reserves)
Attributes:
Strength: 22 (+5 from Biomass Absorption)
Agility: 25 (+4 from Adaptive Combat)
Endurance: 19 (+3 from Regenerative Boost)
Vitality: 20 (+2 from High-Level Absorption)
Willpower: 23 (+1 from Predator Mindset)
Abilities:
1. Bio-Symbiote Assimilation (Level 2) – Enhances physical attributes, regeneration, and adaptive combat efficiency.
2. Abyssal titan awakening (Locked )
3. BMR (Bio-Molecular Reconstruction) (Level 1) – Allows matter manipulation, healing, and structural reinforcement.
4. Abyss fang (Level 2) – Stronger, more flexible tendrils capable of greater precision and armor penetration.
5. Bestial Ferocity (Passive) – Increases strength and endurance when battling larger enemies.
---
Xander exhaled, slowly stepping off the Bloodbeast's corpse. His hands clenched and unclenched, his entire body humming with power.
I killed it. I actually killed it!
The realization sent a wave of exhilaration through him. If he could take down a monster like this at Level 2, then what else was he capable of?
With renewed determination, Xander turned away from the fallen beast and walked deeper into the forest, ready for whatever came next.
---
End of Chapter 3
Lmk what y'all think and have a blessed day