《Devolved:Path of the beast》


 1 Ego death

    As his eyes slowly dimmed, each passing second felt longer and heavier. The once clear silver buildings formed themselves into a spiralling tunnel, with only the sky as the end of it. Dragging his eyes downwards, he took one last look at the barely discernible man in front of his body.


    The arrogant and aloof expression plastered on the guy''s face said it all. "Not so tough now, eh?" the slightly more viewable middle aged man let out a coarse chuckle, making the hoodie he wore shake ever so slightly.


    "You can only blame yourself, boy. Even though the boss''s brat is something else, you shouldn''t have layed your hands on him".


    A second went by, sinking the sentence in the boy''s mind. Further clearing the dizziness.


    ''What? What is this guy talking about?'' the boy muttered in his head whilst the concrete beneath his back dug deeper.


    The minor pain jolted him slightly more awake. Now trying to find how he ended up here. Slowly, the image of him saving his friend from getting beat up by some unkown thugs the other day played in his mind.


    As he kept reviewing the faint but vivid memory, what felt like a eternity ended in just a second. By the time he was done replaying it the thousandth time, the boy finally found something ammis, causing the luster in his dark gold eyes to grow stronger. Demanding an answer.


    The attacker registered this, and a smirked was formed in the corner of his mouth, further strengthening his aloof expression.


    "Ha?" his smirked shaped itself into a triumphent smile. "You want to know, don''t you? Well, since you are a goner anyway, it wouldn''t hurt. Your friend ratted you out. We didn''t even need to question him. He gave us all the information he had. And best of all, he was smiling as he did. Ha! can you belive it? Too bad you picked some trash as your brother, Mr. Michael Wiik."


    As he heard the sentence, the luster in Michael''s eyes grew more radiant. Realisation came over him. Enlightenment seeped into every cell of his unmoving body. The white, lifeless skin regained some color, and his heavy, callus covered hands formed themselves into small clubs.


    While rapidly converting his growing loath and regret into fuel for his body, he flung his right foot in the attackers knee. With that came a heavy *crack* causing the man to trip backwards.


    "AAAAAAHH! S***, BOY!" the man roared venomously. his short silver hair waving back and forth a couple of times. "You really did it now!" He spat out with a hostile tone while covering his knee. Both eyes driping with resentment and confusion.


    However, as the attacker was shifting his surprised and pained gaze from the cracked knee to Michael, he noticed that the boy which he just mocked and taunted was now stand in front of him. His towering and powerful frame blocked the sunlight from touching his skin, from reaching the ground. The aura emitted from the boy''s body casued all the flight receptors in his brain to fire uncontrollably.


    The once arrogant man now felt cold sweat run down his back, and shiveres of regret invade the bone. While weakly trembling on the ground, starring at Michael, he noticed the now red knife handle sticking out from the center of the boy''s chest.


    As if trying to comfort himself, he formed a smirk with his lips, covering the unease. Masking the pain and fear he felt. "You should just give it up!" the man laughed. Gaining more confidence back. "That knife is not just some cheap piece of grinded metal!".


    Building up some of the previous domineering attitude, the man continued while letting out a shaking but fitting chuckle. "That''s what you call a Tri-Edged dagger! The wound on your chest can only be closed by a number of surgeons working together. Hell, with the amount of blood you have lost there won''t even be.."


    *DUNK


    Before he could finish, Michael glued the head of the man perfectly beetween his shoe and the cold yet slightly jagged grey pavement. The impact created a weak tremor, making the small rocks that covered the edges of the sidewalk to jolt like small dices.


    Unfortunately, as the power dispersed, more blood flowed out from his wounded chest. It further staining the gray cardigan he wore. *cough *cough he let out.


    In spite of this though, Micheal hardend is gaze and kept going. Slowly, he removed the back-end of his shoe from the attacker''s face. The once arrogant expression now shared it''s appearance with that of a crushed clay brick.


    Michael, feeling reasured of his victory, breathed out a sigh of relief from his mouth. Sadly, it was followed by a small river of red liquid. Despite knowing he would not stand much longer, a smile was formed on his face.


    "I really did it this time, huh?" He comforted himself with a slightly shaken voice.


    Standing there, Michael took a second the fully feel the emptiness of his surroundings. This was not his first battle, but it would be his last. Looking up towards the sky once again, he loosened his hard expression, as there was no tunel coming for him yet.


    "Forgive me, father.. mother.. I could not keep my promise to you, and I will also not see you again." Tears formed in his eyes as he reminisced of the times he spendt with them and his younger siblings.


    From the time he was but a child, to day he became an adolescent.


    Looking back at the memories shared with his 9 year old sister Ingvel and 4 year old brother Cinder, he felt warmth in his heart. Moving on in his mind, like a breeze, he revisited the past. Memories of when his parents divorced stood out firmly in his thoughts like bad weather.


    Yet, surprisingly, the one carrying the most weight, the one''s that gave of most light, was those where he spent time with his father. The times where they would go jogging in the mountains, or have small verbal confrontations. Where he would buy him games which they would play togheter. He always taught him that even though strenght is good to have, smart people get to lead the best life. That he must strive to become the best person he could ever be.


    He repeated the words his father told him while closing his eyes again, causing the last tear he had to fall alongside a drop of blood from the leather handle sticking out of his chest.


    Once again, the tunnel formed itself. His mother appeard infront of him, telling him how much she loved both him, his sister, and brother, before going to off to work.


    "Both of them resembled mom. Both with their brown hair and green eyes, while I stuck out like a sore thumb with dad''s dark gold eyes and goldish brown hair" he muttered with a gentle smile.


    However, neither did this gentle expression or stupid smile last long, as he remembered that he would never see any of them again. Once more, Michael was baptized by the strong enlightening which hammered itself beneath his skin.


    His eyes violently threw themselves open like a thundering storm, shimmering like a weak but a dying candle.


    His expression formed itself into that of an enraged direwolf. Imprinting the face of the once sworn brother inside the flickering embers dispersing in the dying gold eyes.


    The feeling of regret was burning up his entire body. His teeth started grinding together, making the same noise as a sawblade being pulled against old rubber.


    Despite being on his last breath, Michael''s entire body shook violently, his conditioned muscles convulsed and expanded, causing the now half red cardigan to rip ever so slightly.


    "JUST YOU WAIT CARTEL HARDLEY!!!! I WILL NOT LET THIS GO!!! EVEN IN MY GRAVE!!!" he screamed whilst shaking.


    The echo of his roar was the last ting he heard as a weak ringing noise laid itself over his mind. The tunnel he starred at slowly neared its end. His pupils dilated. Once more, Michael found himself in the embrace of the familiar cold concrete. His consciousness disappeared.


    Though he was considered dead, the ringing noise he heard before passing was emitting from the body. The rapid ringing grew louder and louder, until vibrations formed around his corpse, like a sort of cage. The ground began trembling, and the surrounding building waved slightly. But just then, the sound vanished. Disappearing, as if it got what It came for.

 2 The leaders plan

    In the deep void of the universe, there was a slight but noticeable ringing sound. Tracing it, one would find a small spark, varming up the empty space around it.


    As one approached closer, a small human figure would be visible from within the light source, twitching slightly in tact with the flickering glow.


    Michael slowly woke up from his slumber, only to be greeted by the strong ringing noise which covered his body.


    "Dammit, let me sleep.." he muttered, further awakening him from the slumber.


    Finally, Michael opend his eyes entirely. Absorbing the emptiness of his new environment with all senses available.


    Neither panic nor worry emerged on his face. only a simple question was born out of his slow thoughts.


    "Is this hell? well, I was never religious, so it wouldn''t really matter" he sighed, not letting his emotions start to run.


    "But this damn ringing. Where does it originate from?" he whispered to himself, trying to focus his mind onto atleast something in this void place, as to not start worrying.


    Just then, as he turned towards the direction where the sound was most present, a transparend yet viewable face started forming. It was made out of grey or silver like lines, and had the appearance and facial traits of an old man on his last steps.


    Michael, as if satisfied yet more curious, was left starring at the mighty figure which would cover a building with ease.


    The figure seemed to only then take notice of him, but its next action left Michael speechless.


    *cough *cough. The head let out.


    As the tiny Michael opened his eyes more, planning to speak, he was suddenly interrupted.


    "Michael Wiik.." The old head let out with a dark and hoarse voice, yet so mighty the space around them trembled.


    "Michael Wiik. First son of Aeren Wiik and Charlotte Frell. Brother of Cinder and Ingvel Frell". As the old head spoke further, the void began quaking more before setlling once again. Leaving Michael with now more questions.


    "You lived your early life as a people pleaser, but was shaken awake by the crude reality that no one supported you except your parents. Due to continuously being looked down upon and bullied, you stepped on the path towards both strenght and knowledge. Rarely taking in any form of companions, detaching yourself from the public''s eye. You were aiming for the vantage point which would overshadow all whomst you came across". The head, as if trying to laugh at his own joke, let out a dry chuckle.


    "While you could not make amends for your past doings, you singlehandedly sowed the seed of success in your life, despited the ground lacking a proper foundation. You arouse from the dirt and savored the fruit of your labor while looking down on all". The head did not laugh this time. Instead, it looked towards Michael with an approving gaze, causing its eyes to glimmer.


    "but.." the head continued as it shook its head. "you choose your criminal friend''s wellbeing over your own, and burnt the fields which were so painstakingly cultivated". Disapproval was distinctive in its facial expression. Michael could only shake his head at his own foolishness, yet he choose not to dwell on it.


    "You knew he was a good for nothing. You knew he held you back. You knew that boy would beat and rob people with his fellow outcasts. Yet YOU belived in him, only because he was good towards you as young, only because his mask would not slip when around your loved ones".


    The familiar burning sensation of regret emerged from his heart. Causing his fist to spasm uncontrollably. His eyes became wary, however with tiredness surroundings them. His actions said he already knew what he had done.


    The old head closed his eyes and frowned. Seemingly more disappointed at the ant of a boy infront of him.


    *Sigh* "Michael Frell Wiik. Dying at the age of 20 from a fatal stab wound and further blood loss, fall of 2020. You left your parents crushed, and your siblins scarred". The head opened its transparent eyes which were formed out of grayish white lines.


    Tears formed in the edge of Michael''s eyes, and his body trembled with self loathing. As he blamed himself silently, the head let out a last sentence which shook him awake.


    "Young man, I do not have much time left".


    Left speechless, Michael was about to ask him his piled up questions, but the head already knew what was to come.


    "Haha, let me answer those for you, Young man". A sincere laugh escaped the giant, barely visible mouth. Brightening up the space around the two.


    "Yes, I am what you, or what some call God. No, I am not here to pass judgement, and no, I am also not here to devoure you" The old one smiled, yet instantly hardening his expression.


    "The universe you live in, or more precisely, my universe, is at war with several other ones with ther own gods, overlords and sovereigns. As I and many of my fellow allies and underlings have fallen, the pressure keeps increasing. As we speak, the once vast and ever growing universe gets claimed and ''eaten'' by them...*cough *cough". Finally, he finished his sentence with a long, held in cough, almost causing the head to choke.


    Before Michael had a chance to open his mouth, the head followed up.


    "I do not know how much longer until those bastards reach your world, but they have already wiped out or enslaved several other planets which inhabited intelligent life. You are the 703 401th one I will send over, Michael. To infiltrate them".


    Before the head continued, he noticed Michael absorbing every word he said with a stern expression. His swollen eyes also shrank slightly, together with his widening pupils.


    The head once again regained his sincere smile. "You sure have alot of questions piling up, even though you processes everything I say like some machine".


    "Anyways, the most important one on your mind, why would I send 703 401 uninvolved organisms to their death? Well, I would not send anyone who is unwilling over to fight my battles, or act as my eyes". Old head, as Michael was now refering to it as, began to immerse his thoughts more thoroughly in what the head said.


    "Let me get straight to the point, Michael. Do this for me, and if you go, I will grant you a power of your choosing without any drawbacks. Come back triumphant, and not only will I grant you your most desired wish, I will also reunite you with your family, as if nothing has ever happened". Just then, only for a second, a sense of victory was born in the gaze of the head, and the light in Michael''s eyes grew stronger yet more wary.


    "Can I not just go back?" he muttered.


    "No, you should have originally been sendt trough the cycle, but I have made new plans for you. You may refuse if that is what you want. However, never will you see them again".


    Michael, who realized he was both baited and tempted into walking a path of strings, choose not to waver in the least. The memories of his parents and siblings fuelled the impulsive fire which burnt inside his core.


    "I accept you offer!" He said, with firmness binding his actions, further walking out of his own hands.


    Emotionlessy, the head noded, as he confirmed what was said.


    The void shook once more. And Michael found the darkness now replaced by a hazy white glow which infinitely streched out in every direction.


    "Now Michael". The old head appeard more detaled and empowered.


    "What is your wish?"

 3 The Tasked

    "I understand" Old head replied. The lines which formed his face grew brighter, while slowly becoming less visible.


    Michael only stood there, waiting for the process to end.


    As the world around him shifted once more, he heard the voice of the old head in his mind.


    "The world I am sending you to is called Farleng. You may find it familiar with some games you played in your teenage years while still alive on earth. Civilization there is, from my knowledge, much less developed than the one on your planet. However, the strenght of the inhabiting races and species far exceed earth''s by a very large margin. Evolution has taken a more unorthodox turn than we are familiar with. The rest is unkown, even to me".


    "Although you choose a rather strange power, it has amazingly high growth potential. Furthermore, the inborn system of those worlds will intigrate with it quite nicely". Old head''s voice then slowly left his mind. As if having faith in the new champion.


    "good luck, Michael. I will leave you some more minor information we gathered not too long ago. Do not get caught, for I am unable to save you now. Remember the plan..". The voice then completely disappeared.


    The last thing Michael remembered before all went black was the feeling of his brain beeing warmed over a campfire.


    After an unknown amount of time....


    Michael, now slowly coming back his senses, tried opening his eyes once more.


    However, despite his effort, nothing seemed to happen. He kept commanding his body to proceed with the feeling he was most familiar with, only to be left question why it wouldn''t work.


    Slowly trying to move bit by bit, he finally felt his body tingle slightly, calming him.


    Just then, however, as if being intensly starred upon by something equal to that of a hungry beast, he felt a shock travel trough his limbs. Throwing him awake.


    The once glued eyelids now let some small rays of light reach his moist eyeballs, causing the pupils to shrink.


    Temporarily blinded, he quickly closed his eyes again, as to ajust towards the new environment. The body gained more strength by the minute, which caused his skin to be able to feel a familiar grassy texture benath him him. He could now hear the tree''s surrounding his body as the weakly bristled. Completely confirming their whereabouts.


    Just then, he opened his eyes, looking around for the origin of the sudden gaze he felt some moment ago. Sadly, he was unable to find the source of it.


    Trying to bring himself back, he began scanning this new body which he found himself inside.


    Unbeknownst to Michael, as he began pondering over his new body, a voice entered his mind


    [System Error!]


    [Error dismissed...Calculation proceeded]


    [Calculation completed]


    [Adjusting body....]


    [Host awakened]


    Dumbfounded, Michael only starred into the air, trying familiarize himself with the new text appearing in front of him. Although it was easy to understand, it was continuously read out loud by the neither feminine nor masculine voice in his head.


    Before he had time to adjust, the voice clicked once more, and a new image was displayed infront of him.


    [Welcome to Farleng]


    Layer:none


    Lvl:1/10


    Name:Marss Wiik


    Race:Human/???? Age:15


    Mental status:Normal (dazed)


    Body status:Normal (healing)


    Energy:100


    Bloodline:???


    [ABILITIES] (active)


    (Sprint LvL 3) (Punch LvL 1) (Trick LvL1) (Mucle control LvL 1(new) (brick breakLvL1 (new) (perceptionLvL1(new) (Hate boost LvL1(new) (revenge LvL1(new) (Baleful Aura LvL1(new) (???(new) (???(new) (???(new) (???(new)


    [ABILITIES] (passive)


    (minor regeneration LvL4) (fatigue immunity LvL2) (Pain immunity(LvL 3) (quick learner LvL4) (Impulsive reflex LvL1(new) (physical resistance LvL1(new) (Charisma LvL1(new) (Martial Aura LvL1(new) (Mindful LvL1(new) (Precise striker LvL1(new) (Engraved path(new) (???(new) (???(new) (???new) (???(new)


    [Titles]


    BETRAYED/EXPERIENCED FIGHTER/CHEATER OF DEATH/???/???/???


    As Michael, or rather Marss, read trough all the new I formation shown on the translucent screen in front of him, the familier voice of the so called ''system'' appeared.


    [Greetings, Child] it said out loud.


    [In this world there exists layers of power. They are used as a tool to measure the strength of both mortal and immortals in the ''common world''].


    [All the current Layers reachable in the common world are listed as so].


    Divine


    Ascended


    Primordial


    Exalted


    Emperor


    King


    General


    Master


    Soldier


    [each of these levels are divided into ''low, middle and peak grade'']


    [Altough these are the names of each layer of power, the most common, and most frequently used way to assert ones rank is with the use of the numbers ranging from 1 to 9].


    "Huh." Marss mutter. As he starred at the new texst which kept appearing. A slight feeling of familiarity arose from the depths of his mind, it said that he already knew some of this from before.


    [Abilites in this world are divided into ''Emitting type'' passive/active. And ''Physical type'' passive/active. With the exception being that of some uniqe skills and/or blessing].


    [Skills and abilities can either be learned trough repeated practise, trough the use of skill books, trough the teachings of an expert or mentor, or trough the blessing of a god] it continued.


    [Your skills have the ability to grow and evolve, and you may find that the limit for your own growth only exists within the mind].


    [''Levels'' as we call them, is a newly used growth measurer for ones physical evolution and potential. Each creature will start at a base level of 1, being the first diget. The other number, which is often shown as a value consisting of multiple digits, works as a growth limiter, making ones current potential viewable. Some beasts or humanoids may be born with a higher number, symbolizing a higher start potential. This ''potential number'' can of course increase in value or stay the same depending on each individual, and is something which we now use as a way to help ''new ones'' onto their first step].


    [Tiltes are somewhat similar to your passive abilities, in that they can grant a permanent bonus. Some, however, may only appear as an earned medal or token from doing unspecified actions].


    [Grow strong, young one. Grow up to become a champion of the gods, and bring glory to them as you travel trough this world].


    This was the last thing Michael heard, as the voice then shut down, leaving him with only a translucent screen. Neither lighting or darkening his windy surroundings.


    "No kidding...that old man really knew what he was talking about.. And those question marks must be THAT." Marss pondered, further engraving his newfound knowledge into the mind of this unknown body.


    As his consciousness wander back to reality, the locked, yet somewhat dull emotions ignited themselves, and he found himself with a last question.


    "This body....its clearly that of a human male, yet is not my previous one."


    As these thoughts finished, Marss started moving away from the spot where he woke up. He choose to follow the faint sound of what could only be described as a river.


    After a while, Marss found himself infront of a small, yet moving body of water, glancing at his new appearance.


    "Seriously?" he said displeased.


    "I look rather average, don''t I?" he caressed his face. slowly running his fingers trough the now brown wavey hair. "Atleast I kept dad''s golden eyes though..And I also slightly resemble mother now." As he kept thinking of his old family, Marss''s will hardened.


    "Don''t have time anymore. Whatever happened to this body before, I have to begin sooner or later. There are some memories in here which definitely originate from the first Marss. I could probably view them if I gave it some tries. Time to find my way back to home."


    As the image of his thin and average looking body disappeared from the river water''s reflection, he started sharpening himself, remembering once more the mission he was given.


    As Marss kept walking, unknowingly to him, a gaze which followed his every move then ceased its activities. Disappearing from the world.


    In another corner of farleng...


    In the depths of a crowded forrest. Covered by rotting vegetation and hungry, unrecognizable mutated beasts, laid a small, luxurious cabin. Inside, although dark, an aged man could be seen sitting on a fancy jade chair. Whilst seemingly enjoying himself, he kept sipping from a glass containing what could only be described as the clearest and finest red wine. The glass rested on his elegant palm, having the center secured between his middle finger and ring finger.


    "How was it?" he muttered with an aged yet overwhelming tone.


    "Just a child walking out of the reaper''s hand. It wouldn''t be the first time something like this happened." Another murky voice mutteres, slightly nervous.


    "Any traces of why it malfunctioned?" The old voice asked again, seemingly more calmed down.


    "No, it could be the work of either a lone ghost or some sort of new ghoul." The murky voice grew more confident as he spoke, feeling more sure of himself.


    "Is that so.." The old one replied, seeming amused.


    "Now then, my lord. would you be so kind an.." as the murky voiced subordinate began changing the topic, a slight crack formed on the edge of the old man''s vine glass.


    "Purge the area". He muttered, as another crack appeard, causing some of the vine to spill.


    caught of guard, the murky voiced subordinate started sweating slightly, fearing that the vine glass would not be the only thing that cracked.


    "I..I will do as you ask of me, my lord". The murky voiced one then bowed towards his lord while quickly dissipating into thin air.


    As he left, the vine in the glass started boiling, seeming to glow like some sort of heated liquid metal. The small source of light casued the face of last remaining man to appear more distinct.


    A sharp jaw was now viewable, mellow toned skin which resembled that of a young tree reflected the light emitted from the boiling vine.


    However, as the features of what could only be found on an extremely handsome man were coming more into view, a sudden change was made.


    The vine, which reached it''s limit, gave a last glow, confirming the appearance of the one sitting in the chair.


    He had no whites in his eyes, no iris, no pupils. Only two red dots resonated in the center of his dark sockets. They gave of a dreadful feeling, capable of sinking the dead towards hell with but a glance.


    The place where his nose was supposed to be was instead home to a jagged piece of bone, with a hole at it''s center. It resembled that of a rotting piece of wood.


    The mellow skin was not covering that which was supposed to be his mouth or cheeks, leaving one third of his face in the shape of what one would describe as grinning half moon. The twisted yet forced smile was home to bronze-red teeth. Each shaped in the form of sharp metal splinters.


    "Oh, how long has it been since you last sent someone here.." he chuckled slightly, giving of a sound similar to that of a sharp object being dragged on a board.


    The once calm hut began to shake. Until the materials forming it started to violently erode and burn.


    The old man then inhaled a clear breath of air from his scarred mouth. Making the center of his pupils glow.


    Finally, the freshly inhaled air came out again in the form of a sulfuric cloud, grinding against the atmospheric gasses as it passed by them.


    The tissue of what appeared to once be his facial muscles then twitched slightly, and he let out a whisper which would shake the already dying cabin.


    Placing his elegant and well-defined hand on the brutal, old wound, he silently thought to himself. Once more remembering the disgraced he had suffered.


    A fanatic expression was forming when all the cells in his face started to wriggle seperatly. Almost as if trying to reverse what had been done.


    His whisper overshadowed the noise of the now collapse cabin, reaching all corners of the deathly sick forrest.


    "How long has it been since then.....Brother".

 4 Last Practice

    Michael, now Marss, continued to follow the path shown in the previous youth''s memory. Eventually ending up near a small village.


    After some time walking trough the barren woods, he finally arrived at his destination. the village was covered by some large wood fence, enforced by some old lumps of iron and stone.


    Closing in, he saw an open, but ungarded wood gate. Figuring this was the place, he entered.


    As he proceeded, the first thing which he noticed was the old wooden houses, matching the fence type wall that surrounded the grassy farmland. They shared some similarities to the kind of buildings displayed in those musem theme parks. some wheat field an barns also came into view. However, when looking back at the open gate, all fields were empty and the barns locked thight.


    The second object, or rather the second entity, were some fleeting dots that approached him rapidly. Quickly moving from the corner of his eyes to the center.


    The figures, as if they saw something incredible sped up towards his direction.


    Taking another look at them, they took the shape of a small group of teens. Their expression showing something close to disbelief.


    Marss frowned. In the unclear memories which ran their turn inside his brain, a sequence was shown, containing the same teens pummeling his body into the moist forrest dirt.


    "So this kid got beaten to death?". The memories of the old Marss then quickly resurfaced all at once.


    The ''him'' of this world was a coward. Only good a hiding and lying. Always trying slip away from work which mainly consisted of hard farm labour.


    ''He'' looked up to the strong gangs of older children, constantly trying to get on their good side.


    Sadly, life was cut short by this boundless fervor, as he died at their hand. It happend because they grew tired of him always following them around.


    As his thoughts finished turning, the teens appeard In front of him, with the oldest and tallest of them named Fenrik starting to speak.


    "Ha!" he cried out with a dull but cracked voice. His lean and well-defined face synchronizing perfectly with the short red hair covering his head like a sheath.


    "You dare show yourself here even after receiving a round? Well, whatever. Go fetch me something to drink." Fenrik, as if asserting his position once more, immediately order Marss to do the usual bidding.


    However, taking a closer look at the small kid In front of him, fenrik''s eyes opened themselves further, seemingly surprised.


    "Hey what happened to your eyes? why are they suddenly golden?" Fenrik questioned.


    The surrounding boys, also began looking into little Marss''s eyes, noticing the new gold tint emerging from his newly awakend irises.


    Although Marss was definitely considered the oldest one, if counting his previous age, there was no feeling of forgiveness anywhere inside his heart, even when counting the fact that he was not the original Marss.


    His old life was built up by constant internal and external conflicts, slowly shaping his mind into a towering mountain that would not bend.


    While living on earth, the most common emotion he had was contempt. Contempt towards all who looked down on him. This feeling was more than familiar, yet now, as he found these men fitting of it, there came nothing.


    It was rather strange. He didn''t feel anything at all. As if his body ran on some instinctive program embedded deep inside.


    Fenrik noticed he was lost in his thoughts and felt insulted. How could such a brat dare ignore him? Especially one such as Marss? Further angering himself, he proceeded to strech his arm towards the golden eyed boy.


    Yet, as his hand creepet closer, an urgent, unknown feeling woke him up. Shaken awake by a pain originating from his his arm. He now looked at Marss, who held his wrist with his small soft hand.


    "Hey!" Fenrik cried.


    "What do you think you are doing? Do you not remember what level I have reached?" the teen barked once more as he struggled.


    Marss, however, turned a deaf ear to him. Listening to the voice running amok in his head.


    [Hostile intent detected]


    [Estimated Level:12]


    [chance of host winning:98,7%]


    [chance of host losing:1,3%]


    Similarly, Fenrik heard and saw the same kinds of number, only slightly less accurate and lacking, but also reversed against him.


    While watching the numbers appear before him, disbelief clouded his mind.


    "H..Hey" he forced out, wishing to regain his lost arrogance. "Lets just give in for today! Or what do you say?"


    Despite his pleading, Marss did not release his grip, and instead tightened it further.


    A certain memory emerged in his head. It was the image of the guy who took his life. Belittling him while he slowly laid before him.


    [Activated ability:Baleful aura LvL:1] (Realeasing an aura which clouds the target''s mind with fear. can be used on multiple opponents, but effect will be weakend)


    [Activated ability:Punch LvL:1]


    (A normal punch)


    [Title Activated:EXPERIENCED FIGHTER]


    [A title granted to those who hold a vast amount of battle experience in their soul]


    [All physical attacks do 20% more damage]


    Marss, suprised but not dazed, then decided to casally throw his fist towards the young man''s face.


    The last thing Fenrik saw was the image of a beast streching its claws towards his eyes.


    As the malleable face connected with the enforced clump of flesh and bone, it began forming a small dent with the nose at its center.


    A series of cracking noises then came after, followed by a ringing which emerged in Marss''s mind.


    [host has defeated hostile target]


    [Absorbing experience....calculating]


    [Level up!]


    [Level up!]


    [Level up!]


    He received that notification 5 times. Rasing his level to [5/10]. When the ringing stopped, he was greeted by a familiar sight once more.


    [Further calculations required..]


    [Previous error corrected]


    [Display engaged]


    Layer:Soldier(low)


    Lvl:5/10 (+5)


    Name:Marss Frell Wiik


    Race:Human/V???A?T Age:15


    Mental status:Normal


    Body status:Normal


    Energy:100


    Bloodline:none


    [ABILITIES] (active)+


    [ABILITIES] (passive)+


    [TITLES]+


    A satisfied smile formed on his face. He then moved his eyes towards the corpse laying beneath him.


    He kept starring at it, as if he noticed that something was amiss. It caused a slight headache to emerge in the back of his mind.


    "RUN!! MARSS KILLED FENRIK!".


    Snapping out of his thoughts, Marss heard the previously obedient dogs scream. Whenever they looked at the unmoving body, their running and screaming would become more frantic.


    As the screaming resonated within the area, the crude wooden doors flew open. Villagers of all genders started emerging from their aged houses. The reason Marss was identifying them all as villagers was because each and every one wore some sort of roughly tailord leather. All having their own color and shapes, but not an important detaled as they were all dirty.


    The Villagers quickly gathered around the murder site, with Marss and Fenrik in the center.


    Out of the newly formed crowd came a tall and robust man, daunting a bald head and a rough red beard. His eyes, though white, contained some redness in them. Most likely from drinking. His barely viewable facial features were as hardy as his beard, with small black hairs covering his tanned and swollen arms.


    As the bearded man took another look at the murder site, the redness in his eyes grew more, before aiming his now fuming expression at Marss.


    The boy was standing in front of his son''s body. With his bloodied right hand identifying the injustice comitted.


    Although he knew that his son definitely started the fight, the rage he forcefully held in leaked out, and he starter screaming.


    "JOHNSON! WHERE ARE YOU?! IF YOU DO NOT GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION FOR THIS I WILL NEVER LET YOU REST AGAIN!".


    Marss assessed the redbearded man calmly. Hearing the name the man screamed for made him think of the parents he had in this life.


    Out of the crowd emerged three other individuals. One old man covering himself in a long, white beard followed by some glasses, showing his experienced silver eyes. The most noticable trait he had was definetly the finely sewed robes he wore, standing out from the cloth covered men and women behind him. He a gave off a profound scholarly aura.


    Next was what Marss quickly figured was his parents. A brown haired average looking man followed by a smaller framed, purple haired woman. If comparing his newfound look to both of them, he would be some sort of combo.


    Both the man and the woman absorbed every detail that entered their view. Both shocked, yet fearful of what was to come.


    Before any of them could say anything, the old scholar closed his eyes, letting a simple command march out from his aged lips.


    "For murdering another inhabitant, you are hereby banished from this place." His voice carried its weight over the villagers mind like a boulder.


    His parents, however, were not affected, and now realising what was about to befall their son. Both started pleading to the elderly man.


    "He is but a child, elder!" the purple haired woman cast at him. "He wouldn''t survive a single night out there with those monsters! We are willing to pay for his crimes!"


    The father then starred at his wife, showing an agreeing expression reflected inside the steady eyes. Shtifing his body towards the old man while fallin to his knee''s.


    The elder was about to respond, but was interrupted by the fuming red haired beardsman.


    "Don''t even think about it!" he barked. "If your kid stays inside these walls for even one more day, you are fired!" The boiling eyes of the beardsman lockie on to his father.


    "Enough!" The elder then interrupted them and finished what he planned to say. "He may choose to stay here until sunset. However, after that, he will be cast out."


    Both parents lost the luster in their eyes as they knew he would not change his mind.


    the beardsman, seemingly satisfied, began carrying his son towards a stone building further in the distance.


    The elder took one last glance at the golden eyed boy and then left. The crowd began dispersing as well, leaving only his heartbroken father and mother.


    Marss began approaching them, but before he could let out a sound they dragged him towards an old hut, appearing more damaged than all the other ones in the village.


    As they entered the hut, the once open was slammed it backwards. Panick once more emerged on the mother''s face as she began contemplating what to do.


    After some silence, his father spoke to in a defetead tone.


    "The Soldiers guarding the gate went out earlier today to look for you." "They probably won''t be back before dusk. We still have time. Almost all the escape tunnels are unguarded, if we sneak you out now you can still.." He was then cut off.


    "No need, father." Marss respectfully answered. "I was already planning to leave this place sooner or later. and besides, I have already come of age, so my fate is my own fate."


    Both his parents then looked upon their boy. Almost traumatized by this calm and confident attitude, unlike anything he had ever done.


    As both of them began giving up on persuading him, his father started rummaging trough some of his old belongings.


    Marss, silently observing the old wooden home he grew up in, was then interrupted by both his parents again. They still wore the same dirt covered clothes from.


    His mother took a step towards him, signaling him to strech out his hands.


    When reaching towards her with his non- bloddied left hand, a small green orb was placed in the palm of it


    "This is a lucky charm I once carried with me. Although it is not much, please keep it with you, my boy". She gave him a tender look, holdinging her tears inside as she placed both hands on his red cheeks.


    "Enough Lena". His father sighed. " there isn''t much time."


    His father then placed a small dagger next to the pearl.


    "This was used by my father, and his father before. keep it with you!" He forced a smile on his face, preparing to see his son off at any moment.


    As the sun sunk itself behind the tall and seemingly endless row of leaves, Marss was now standing in front of the large wooden gate once more. This time, however, surrounded by sweaty soldiers wearing in rusty iron armor. Some wore a single piece of the iron mail, while the other were lucky enough to still possess the entire sets.


    When watching them, he noticed that they were all releasing the same type of pressure. probably at the first rank.


    "Now!" and old vocie rang out.


    Marss turnd around, catching a glimpse of both his saddened parents stare at him standing next to the elder and beardsmen.


    Choosing not to dwell here any longer, he began walking trough the armed gate filled with some annoyed and hostile gazes from the soldiers over his head.


    Feeling more unwelcome, Marss quickened his steps. Walking from the grassy flatland which covered the village towards the tall and densely packed trees. His silhouette disappeared alongside the last remaining droplets of light falling from the sky.


    With a heavy *Dunk* the gates then closed, and his parents were only left with their leaking eyes.


    The elder and redbearded man left them there to cry over the loss of their only child.


    They kept standing by the gate, as if hoping he would come back, but eventually walked back towards their broken home.


    As Marss kept walking deeper in the now black forrest, he scanned his eyes over the items gifted to him by his new parent''s.


    [Life orb:increases regeneration speed]


    [Heirloom steel dagger:Not as sharp as it once was, but can deal with most small threats]


    "So it can also identify objects? quite handy indeed".


    "However..."


    Remembering the the hopeless expression of the man and the woman watching him leave, a strange sensation emerged from his body.


    Scratching his head, the headache once again decided to emerge. A deep frown appeard on his face, as he could not notice what was bothering him.


    "What a waste of time this was." Marss''s eyes gained more radiance each time he connected the bottom of his black, worn out shoes with the slightly more firm earth.


    "It is time uphold my promise. Those farmers are not my real parents, and I will never see them again." He began talking to himself. Each word was more drained of emotion than the last.


    "System, change my first name to Michael." he ordered.


    [Noticed]


    [proceeding..]


    [Name confirmed as valid]


    [Proceeding with change]


    Layer:soldier(low)


    Lvl:5/10


    Name:Michael Frell Wiik


    Race:Human/V???a?t Age:15


    Mental status:Normal


    Body status:Normal


    Energy:100


    bloodline:none


    [ABILITIES] (active)+


    [ABILITIES] (passive)+


    [TITLES]+


    Starring feverishly onto the screen infront of him, Michael''s skin lost its redness.


    He threw the orb into one of the pockets on his brown leather pants. the distanced crossed rapidly increased as he took deeper strides forward.


    His soft hands trembled slighty, as the edge of the dagger camouflaged itself within the cold breeze which passed it.


    He began walking faster, his back arching slightly forwards as he sped up into the rustling wild.


    Unbeknownst to Michael, an emotionless grin grew on his face.


    "It begins now."

 5 First blood

    Traveling trough the great forrest, Michael steadily made his way inside the now growing patches of dark green grass.


    While kicking over the greenish hayballs every other second, he began to noticed his body tiring out. "I am not yet strong enough, huh. Even some patches of grass can hinder me in my current state." heavy breathing followed after his muttering.


    "I should rest here for a bit. Going over the information old head gave me won''t count as wasting time." he concluded.


    Sitting down cross legged, the now heavy body laid itself on a pillow formed out of grass patches.


    As he was accompanied by the army of giant trees, Michael ran trough the information he received about this world.


    "The world known as Farleng is divided into 3 continents. First is the one ruled by humans. They are at the of food chain here. Their armies made up of Warriors and Mages. Both these distinct classes branch out into several subdivisions."


    "The most famed one is the warrior class. Split into the three most notable subclasses known as swordsmen, monks and clerics. They all specialize in their own field, yet everything ends up in close combat. Sworsmen are the most common, using sharp blades to battle. Monks, while less abundant, focus on body strenghtening and martial arts. Lastly, we have the clerics. Most easily found following the churches serving a deity. They power themselves up trough rapid blessings and buffs granted by their god."


    "The Magi, although more rare to come by, is known to follow a very distinct and common path towards power. Almost always focusing on elemental mastery or other similar arts.


    Sweat started to trickle down Michael''s forehead. The embedded information was prying itself out, forcefully occupying the entirety of his mind.


    "The second continent is the one ruled by the beasts. While the last is occupied by demons and other minority races. Not much else has been gathered."


    Releasing the last bit of knowledge he had, Michael let out a steamed breath which escape from his now gaping mouth.


    "Considering what the old head told me, my previous game knowledge should be more than enough to cover the rest." The steamy breath disappeared alongside his haggard panting.


    Sitting there, Michael now closed his eyes. Waiting. Letting the small wisps of air travel by his wavy brown hair.


    As he sat there, embraced by the rustling winds, a growing yet quiet breeze began moving in his direction.


    Slamming his eyes open. Michael twisted his body backwards, blindingly slicing his dagger trough the oxygen rich air.


    As if answering his will, the system began running at full speed.


    [Abilities activated]


    [perception LvL:1]


    (senses are heightened)


    [Hateful boost LvL:1]


    (Damage dealt is multiplied by 2x)


    (Damage received is multiple by 2x)


    [Baleful aura LvL:1]


    (target''s mind is clouded)


    [Muscle control LvL:1]


    (muscle efficiency increase by 10%)


    All the active damage dealing abilities strenghtend his frail human body. Turning it into a tool doing whatever his mind commanded. The undeveloped mucles covering his body slightly bulged, causing a minor pain to travel up and down his nervesystem.


    Together with his now more visible mucles and the refind black aura which oozed out of his red skin, the boy turned into the image of a small devil.


    The shadowy beast that had just thought of Michael as an easy snack, quickly changed its mind, yet not its course. Still beliving it would come out victories.


    As both the creatures closed in on each other, Michael hammered his dagger into the chest of the descending pack of feathers.


    The beast, now more distinct, revealed itself entirely. What surprised Michael was not that it was still seemingly alive, but rather that it closely resembled a bird he was familiar with.


    "Is this a pigeon?!"


    The familiarity between this tiger sized behemoth and the small doves he would find scattered around the cities in his old home was too good to be true.


    There was, however, some small differences. Either the hardened armor made of black feathers, or the hollow eyes formin a white void as you looked into them.


    Before he did anything else, Michael quickly pulled out his knife from the dented feather plate on its chest. Then, as qickly as his first swing, once more flung it alongside his hand in the direction of one of the hollow eyeballs.


    As the old metal made contact with the eye, he noticed the skull which was supposed to be the best protective layer it had completely shatter under the pressure.


    Before the jet black pigeon could react, it silently fell down lifeless and now unmoving.


    Looking down on his thropy, a weak stream of warmth entered his body. And the familiar ringing noise played itself once more in his mind.


    [Host deafeted Night Dove LvL:19]


    [Calculating experience...]


    [Level up!]


    [Level up!]


    [Level up!]


    The ringing kept going until abruptly stopping.


    [Warning! max level reached]


    [Body reached its limited potential]


    [No Bloodline avaliable]


    [No evolution available]


    "What the hell? what is ''Evolution''? Wasn''t the max level just the limit for how strong your physical body could get?"


    Quickly answering him, the system began to play its reply with a cold, blended voice.


    [Human''s can grow their physical strenght through leveling. Mutated and Magical beasts however, have their evolution and bloodline tied to their physique. As their body and genes grow more powerful, the bloodline in their body matures. This process is what is called evolution]


    [Host has been found to possess ????]


    [Error!]


    [System restarts..]


    Understanding what he was told, Michael remembered the power he wished for from the old head.


    A wondrous smile blossomed on his face, yet his eyes were as empty and shiny as always.


    [System reboot done]


    Layer:Soldier


    Lvl:10/10


    Name:Micheal frell Wiik


    Race:Human/Va??at Age:15


    Mental status:Normal


    Body status:Normal (strained)


    Energy:67(recovering)


    Bloodline:none


    [ABILITIES] (active)


    (Sprint LvL 3) (Punch LvL 1) (Trick LvL1) (Mucle control LvL 2(+1) (brick breakLvL1) (perceptionLvL 2(+1) (Hate boost LvL2(+1) (revenge LvL1) (Baleful Aura LvL2(+1)


    (???) (???) (???) (???)


    [ABILITIES] (passive)


    (minor regeneration LvL4(+1) (fatigue immunity LvL4(+2) (Pain immunity(LvL 3) (quick learner LvL4) (Impulsive reflex LvL 2(+1) (physical resistance LvL1) (Charisma LvL1) (Martial Aura LvL1) (Mindful LvL1) (Precise striker LvL2(+1) (Engraved path) (???) (???) (???) (???)


    [Titles]


    BETRAYED/EXPERIENCED FIGHTER/CHEATER OF DEATH/???/???/???


    Ignoring the displayed information. Michael reached his hand towards the broken skull of the large bird while slowing down his breathing.


    As his empty left hand came in contact with the black and red liquid, the system ran again.


    [Foreign object detected]


    [Abilites activated]


    [??? has been recognized as ''Deconstruction]


    (deconstruct the DNA of living creatures, finding the DNA strips which enhances and empowers their body)


    [??? has been identified as ''Storage]


    (Safely Store the DNA strips and bloodlines in your own body without any side effects]


    [??? has been identified as ''integration]


    (Fuse foreign bloodlines and DNA strands with your own genetic code. Powering and strengthening your body) [WARING! This may lead to irreversible mutations and/or disfiguring]


    While reading the new textboxs, Michael noticed the mucles and bones in his body beginning to grow denser and stronger. Most likely the results of maxing out his current potential.


    Focusing his eyes on the screen, Michael frowned as he looked at the four question marked passive skills that remained hidden.


    "Guess they won''t show unless I force them to? Well, if that is what it takes." Liking his lips, Michael shifted his dead gaze towards the mangled feather ball laying before him.


    Laying the palm of his hand over the crushed head of what he referred to as an overgrown pigeon. He let out a short laugh followed by an exciting tone.


    "Lets see what you will give me!"

 6 Va??a

    As his skin came into contact with the bird, the corpse began to deflate.


    [Absorbing genetic code...]


    [Passive abilites activating]


    [??? has been identified as ''Filter]


    (Filter junk DNA and useful DNA. Making sure as to not integrate with anything that will lessen host''s efficiency)


    [??? has been identified as ''Conversion]


    (Convert excess mass and junk DNA into ''experience or mass'' for the body. Acting as a medium to strengthen, mature and evolve both bloodlines and abilites)


    [??? has been identified as ''Assort]


    (Helps body absorb new bloodlines and DNA by deconstructing the already filtered strains. This will better help the body integrate with them)


    The notifications then stopped. Leaving Michael starring at the last question marked passive skill.


    "Whatever, really. I will find it out what it does sooner or later."


    Slowly, the sequence stopped. The bird disappeared, only leaving behind a small leaf sized blue orb in its place.


    [Calculating....]


    Waiting for the system to stop, he picked up the small orb which faintly reflected his hazy appearance.


    [Unfinished cracked beast core:This was salvaged out of a weak mutated beast. May fetch a small amount of money]


    Despite being told it was only a small amount, Michael''s interest was further piqued.


    "System, tell me all you know about these cores." He demanded


    [Cores/Nuclei: Contain a dense amount of energy. This will usually start to form inside beasts that have begun to reach the Master Layer, or RANK 2 if you prefer. They will continue to grow alongside its host, granting it numerous abilites and multiplied strenght]


    [Beasts are know to overpower multiple humans of the same rank thanks to this. A beasts Core/Nuclei can be considered another vital organ in its body]


    [It is most commonly used as a power source for numerous devices]


    Very satisfied with the response, he then asked, still waiting for the calculation to end.


    "System, how does one advance in rank?"


    [beep..]


    [increasing ones rank/layer requires the host''s body to be able to control and generate a certain amount, or type of energy]


    [As of now, host possess an internal energy value of 100. This is the bare minimum for reaching rank 1 or the soldier layer]


    [Energy can be increased trough skill practice or trough the study of a form of magic]


    [Beasts advance in rank as their physique grows. This may be a time-consuming process, leaving humans with a head start]


    Michael was intently listening to the voice of the system. Engraving all knowledge into his very soul.


    [Calculations finished]


    [Updating...]


    [Display engaged]


    Layer:Soldier


    Lvl:10/10


    Name:Michael frell Wiik


    Race:Human/Variant Age:15


    Mental status:Normal


    Body status:Normal


    Energy:100


    Bloodline(avilable):Night Dove


    Mass:120


    [ABILITIES] (active)


    (Sprint LvL 3) (Punch LvL 1) (Trick LvL1) (Mucle control LvL 2) (brick breakLvL1) (perceptionLvL2) (Hate boost LvL2) (revenge LvL1) (Baleful Aura LvL2)


    (Deconstruction) (Storage) (Integration) (???)


    [ABILITIES] (passive)


    (minor regeneration LvL4) (fatigue immunity LvL4) (Pain immunity(LvL 3) (quick learner LvL4) (Impulsive reflex LvL 2) (physical resistance LvL1) (Charisma LvL1) (Martial Aura LvL1) (Mindful LvL1) (Precise striker LvL2) (Engraved path)


    (Filter) (Convertion) (Assort) (???)


    [Titles]


    BETRAYED/EXPERIENCED FIGHTER/CHEATER OF DEATH/???/???/???


    Only giving the updated translucent screen a quick, unrestrained glance. Michael firmly stated his new request to the system.


    "System, can you integrate the new bloodline with my body now? And if so, will there be any side effects? Also, please tell me in advance if any noticable mutations are going to occur."


    Not even waiting for Michael to take a new breath of air, it responded with the bland voice.


    [Initiating Integration...]


    [Major possible mutation found]


    [Does host wish to grow wings? This process will consume all available mass and take 4 hours to complete]


    [note:host is left vulnerable while transforming]


    Not very affected by the response, as it was what he asked for. Michael gave his last command.


    "No. You may proceed with the integration. Only, make sure to not alter my appearance completely. Since I will need it after getting out of this green hell."


    [Proceeding..]


    [This processes does not contain any major mutations. It will finish in 4 seconds]


    Before Michael could finish reading the reply, a strong pain invaded every cell of his body.


    The pain didn''t subside even once, slowly twisting and turning his body. A burning sensation covered his redish white skin, as if he was bathed in a pool of acid.


    His newly formed mucles contracted and streched. Allowing an unknown substance to seep inside of the growing number of tears.


    After what felt an hour, it finally disappeared.


    Michael found himself laying on the soft yet thick grass. He began to send small signals from his brain to the freshly tortured body.


    As the signals kept traveling through the system, a refreshing feeling arouse from deep withing.


    Throwing himself off the ground, Michael was once more greeted by the transparent screen. Now accompanied by some small notifications.


    [Integration completed]


    [Calculating new data..]


    [Errors found]


    [Errors corrected]


    [Display engaged]


    Layer:Soldier


    Lvl:10/30


    Name:Michael frell Wiik


    Race:Human Variant Age:15


    Mental status:Normal


    Body status:Normal


    Energy:120


    Bloodline(integrated):Night Dove


    Bloodline(available):none


    Mass:20


    [ABILITIES] (active) (+)


    [ABILITIES] (passive) (-)


    (minor regeneration LvL4(+1) (fatigue immunityLvL4) (Pain immunity LvL5(+2) (quick learner LvL4) (Impulsive reflex LvL2) (physical resistance LvL1) (Charisma LvL1) (Martial Aura LvL1) (Mindful LvL1)(Precise strikerLvL2)(Engraved path)(Night vision(new) (air resistance LvL3(new) (Cellular armor LvL:1(new)


    (Filter) (Convertion) (Assort) (???)


    [Titles] (+)


    After reviewing all his new passive abilites, Michael began to drag his empty hands over his skin and through his hair. Searching for anything different.


    Looking at his thin, yet more robust arms, he could not hold back the urge to tap his finger on the enlarged and defined limb. While approaching it with his finger, he notices that his previously average lenghted nails now were replaced with something close to talons. Growing out of the nailroot. Altough they were not long, the were much thicker and sharper than his father''s dagger.


    Shifting his exasperated gaze from the talon shaped nails, he then noticed the even paler skin which covered his body. The whiteness most likely originating from the callous layer which built its home over it.


    Further examining his tranformed body. Michael found that the hair on his head had not grown much longer, but instead thickened. Alongside a color change closely resembling dark blue.


    His old yellow teeth had turned towards a darker white. Taking a similar color to that of old modern walls existing back on his own planet.


    Along with the color, they also seemed to grow more dense and slightly sharper. Only sometimes showing themself when moving the dark red lips which sealed their existence.


    Other than that, not much else was different. although his dirty leather clothes tightened around the small tower which was his body, the rest remained the same. Sadly including his average looks.


    His consciousness once more scanned the environment. This time, identifying more trees as it continued to expand outwards.


    While this happened, Michael picked up the chipped dagger which laid beside him. planning on exploring the area around him.


    "Altough I am more than sure I could move unhindered trough this thick grass, that fat pigeon was considered as a low level beasts." Michael frowned slightly as he whispered to himself.


    His darkblue eyes seemed to regained a slight golden hue now. Heightening his senses more. suddenly, he steadied his stance. The blended eyes began to take in the slighlty more discernible environment.


    "I am sure I could handle some more of those birds, even in my unedited form. Now, I am confident that even bigger game is feasible." Michael was growing more determined as he spoke.


    "I will not travel any deeper than my gut feeling tells me to."


    Tightening the grip on the old knife, he began to walk with longer strides towards the darker and denser woods. Each step not even taking notice of the grasspatches which previously held a property similar to mud. Almost as if he moved on the airparticles that laid on top of the ever expanding greenery.


    "More... I need more..."

 7 An unfitting challenge

    In a deep forrest. Covered with building sized trees. A small gust of wind could be seen gliding through the chilly night air. Only sometimes touching the ground.


    Michael, who continued gaining speed, abruptly slammed his both his legs into one of the trees which appeard in his wake.


    "This should be far enough." He said. Exhaling a large amount of air.


    As the surroundings quieted down. Michael jumped of the old tree he was attached to. The black shoes he had equipped left a small imprint on the aged bark.


    His figure then fell towards the ground like a feather. Placing the worn shoes against the concrete like earth.


    "Those grass patches disappeared after travelling for a while. Not only that, my newly grown danger sensors tell me that this is as deep I should travel. Not needing to worry about ending up as someone else''s lunch."


    His surroundings did not change much. Other than finding less grass covering the ground, the trees he was now getting used to kept multiplying the futher inn he went. The rays of moonlight struggled more and more to penetrate the ever-growing sea of leaves resting above.


    Standing there in the open. Michael once more waited. Using his evolved body as bait for any passing animals. It showed how much he trused the upgraded senses.


    Luckily, he did not need to wait long. A thin black line was elegantly moving in his direction. Although it was much harder to sense the approaching predator than the previously clumsy pigeon. Michael was able to grasp the direction from where it came from.


    The shadow creeped closer. Slowing down as it moved. Allowing the now mutted surroundings to flourish a little longer.


    The short moment of silence was then hastily ended by a light but loud stomp. Identical to that of an alloyed baseball bat crushing some hallowed metal object.


    Michael instantly jumped bawkards. Causing the figure to crash head first into the spot where he just stood. Removing his footprint from the soft dirt that once laid atop the solid field.


    As he slowly fell back down. A detailed picture was taken by his eyes. The beast laying in front of him now completely visible.


    The monster, which was starring him down, spat out the ball of dirt which filled its mouth. Turning it''s glassy eyes towards the descending Michael.


    It was smaller than the pigeon he just slayed. Nevertheless, his senses were firing off non-stop. Begging him to run.


    The plated, dark green skin covered the entirety the armored body. The beast shared its size close to that of an overgrown dog. Its thin and jagged tail grew slimmer and less visible as it turned the heavy body towards him. The dry black eyes reflected the weak moonlight. A horizontally slit pupil came into existence after starring further into them. Hiding themselves from the world.


    Turning its head towards the place Michael now landet, it noticed how the boy starred it down.


    Silence once more covered the forrest.


    As the starring contest continued for the lizard, it stopped for Michael. Who had received the response he waited for.


    [Hostile target engaged]


    [Chances of winning:21%]


    [Chances of dying:31%]


    [Chances of escaping:58%]


    Turning his full attention towards the large lizard once more, Michael jumped headfirst toward its scaly head. Leaving behind two footprints.


    Responding to his darring challenge. The confidant lizard also flung itself towards his weightless body.


    Time seemed to slow down as they approached each other. Michael felt his thick hair flowing backwards. Letting the aircurrent ride on top of it. His body began to control the direction of which he flowed to. The dagger was held onto firmly as his body noticeably sped up..


    The lizard began opening it''s mouth. Preparing to swallow the boy whole. Not treating that which resembled its usual prey with any caution.


    Right before their confrontation started, Michael''s system ran on full speed once more. Answering his will.


    [Abilities activated]


    [Baleful aura LvL:2]


    (Target''s mind is unfocused)


    [Hate boost Lvl:2]


    (Damage dealt multiplied by 2x)


    (Damage received multiplied by 2x)


    [Mucle control LvL:2)


    (mucle efficiensy increased by 20%)


    Michaels body expanded slightly. Wisps of black gass flowed out from the redned pores which were fused together with the callous membrane.


    The lizard shook a little due to the sudden unfamiliar aura. Sending it off course. Granting Michael some of it''s unprotected side.


    Ending up with only a small pocket of air between them, he then slammed the chipped steel dagger into one of it''s unmoving eyes. The slit pupil disappearing as the dagger jammed itself in place.


    The lizard woke from its unfocused state and began to frantically shake. Slamming into the ground beneath.


    Dirt was beginning to cover the small armour chinks running alongside each joint. Causing it to struggle more.


    As the lizard continued to wriggle, the dagger dug deeper. A hammering echo was generated from the armored body parts continuously hitting the ground.


    The loud noise alerted all the beasts close by. The lizard, now trying to stand up, forced itself still. Looking for the abomination which had done this to it.


    Yet, as the other eye aimed itself upwards, It caught a glimpse of that cursed humanoid bird. His eyes slowly turning fully white. Seemingly getting drunk on something.


    The pain began to burn. Mistaking this as a form of ridicule.


    Determined to have it''s revenge. The lizard contracted it''s powerful tail. Planning to breaking this young twig in one swift movement.


    But how could it know? Michael did not even give it enough time to flex another muscle, before starting to violently pound it further back into the packed earth.


    [Abilities Activated]


    [Punch LvL 1]


    (A normal punch)


    [Title activated:EXPERIENCED FIGHTER]


    [a Title given to those who have a vast amount of fighting experience engraved in their soul]


    (Physical damage dealt increased by 20%)


    Michael''s bulging body started to wildy swing its arms. However, no matter how frantically he moved them, they were both accompanied by a mysterious elegance. Causing each punch to flow beautifully. Akin to a ballerina ascending from her stage.


    The fists aimed themselves at the fat belly of the lizard. Sending major shockwaves throughout this less plated body part.


    This berzerk battering kept going for an unkown amount of time. Other animals who grew more curious of the loud drumming, later came to take a look. Wishing to find the origin of this weird noise.


    However, they all left as soon as they came. Noticing the shirtless human boy who kept smearing his ripped knuckles over a pasty, red and green Lizard.


    After an unknown amount of time....


    Finally stopping. Michael, who was now both exhaling and inhaling heavily, noticing the pulp beneath his body.


    "I felt my mind grow hazy for a second. What was that?" He questioned while exhaling.


    "system, explain."


    [Host seem''s to be influenced by predatory instinct of ''Night Dove'']


    Now more enlightened, he took another look at himself. The old leather jacket he just wore was ripped and stretched. Apppearing more like a skirt surrounding the less damaged pants.


    Akwardly looking around, he began to feel the cold night air touch his skin.


    Once more looking at the pulp of skin and flesh in front of him. A proud blush smeared itself over his cheeks. Both satisfied with his progress and sorry for the ball of flesh.


    "I hope no one saw me while I was gone." Quickly placing his hand on top of the soft mass. Absorbing its remains.


    As the blob disappeared, what felt like a powerful tremor began to shake the earth. Noticeable for all who traversed the land. The trees around Michael began shaking horribly. Forcing his body into a guarded stance.


    While preparing himself for the worst, the dagger, which now layed beside him, began to rattle back and forth.


    As if a storm was forming itself around the endless forrest, the trees began to shudder more.


    Cracks were developing on the once dense ground. Seeming to stem from deeper within the dark woody landscape.


    Preparing to retreat back to where he originally came from, Michael instantly stopped in his tracks when the quakes ceased their existence.


    "System, do you know what''s going on?" He tried asking. Hoping for an explanation.


    [WARNING!]


    [A High Level Dungeon has appeared!]


    [Host advised to move from current location]


    However, before being able to act upon this advice, a new notification was then received.


    [Host is beeing teleported inside Dungeon!]


    [Please wait..]


    Dumbfounded by the reply he godt. Michael began to scream towards the translucent screen. His instincts telling him that going to such a place was suicide.


    "WAIT! ATLEAST LET ME GET A NEW SHIRT! ABOR.."


    His figure then disappeard...

 8 No res

    As Michael woke up from his light sleep, the shirtless boy began to flare up. Trying to shake of a new lingering feeling of dizziness.


    Annoyed by the unexpected trip, he angrily twisted his body around. Allowing his eyes to adjust towards the lighting.


    As his vision cleared up, he finally got a detailed look of the foreign room.


    Both the walls and floor were made up of cracked stone bricks. Not differing too much from dungeons and catacombs remaining from the middle ages back on earth.


    While absorbing every detail he could, his eyes slowly wandered towards the wooden torches hanging on the dusty grey walls. Following the row of hanging torches, he noticed that they continued to fall back into a circling hallway.


    "Tsk. what the hell, System. Explain what''s happening here! Why did you send me into this place?" Impatiently waiting for the voice to respond, he began to stretch his beastly senses out. Searching for any nearby creatures.


    [Calculating...]


    Noticing the received reply left him a little surprised. Michael could only continue to spread his senses out. Surprisingly failing to find anything other than the torches. Deciding try to use his time efficiently, he shifted his attention towards the numerous messages appearing behind the lone see through textbox.


    [Host has defeated Leaf Dragon]


    [Calculating experience..]


    [Level up!]


    [Level up!]


    [Level up!]


    Watching the old notifications coming into view, he decided to skip over them. Looking for the last and most exciting one.


    [Host has absorbed bloodline of Leaf dragon]


    [Do you wish to integrate with it?](Y/N)


    Quickly checking his surroundings once more, Michael slammed the translucent ''Y'' button with the talon shaped finger.


    [Integration beginning..]


    [WARNING! Major mutation found. Does host wish to grow a tail? If so please..]


    "No thank you. Just don''t mess my appearance up too much" He silently barked at it.


    [process will take 6 seconds to complete]


    [Error!]


    [Already existing bloodline found]


    [Abilities Activated]


    [??? has been identified as ''Assimilation'']


    (A rare ability able to assimilate and combine different bloodlines together. Similar Skills/Abilities may also be fused togheter. Generating completely new ones.)


    An amazed feeling gripped his entire body as he feasted his dark eyes unto the newly unclocked ability. Not bothered in the least by the incoming hell.


    [Integration beginning...please wait]


    A familiar sensation flowed trough his body.


    Growing and conditioning his mucles.


    Every bone inside him began to morph and shift. Until finally stopping.


    As Michael once more felt the integration end, he quickly began to look at the more prevalent changes that now took place.


    His shirtless torso was covered by A plated chain mail. Very similar to the one found on the lizard he battled not too long ago.


    The difference, however, was that the much thicker plates of armour were perfectly covering each group of mucle. Causing the tissue underneath to appear more defined.


    The plates making up his armour also shared the colour of his dark blue hair. As if gaining it''s air manipulative qualities.


    The armour visibly grew alongside his arms. Framing each of the mucles underneath. Close to some sort of bodybuilder wearing a set of tight clothes. The long shirt-like scales stopped growing when eventually reaching his wrists. And if ignoring his thicker, dark blue knucles, the rest of the hand was only left protected by some thin cellular armour.


    His talons had grown shorter yet stronger. Taken on a much darker color than the plate armor.


    Other than this new layer of protection covering the once white skin, his head did not visibly change much. Both his face and throat appearing less protected. Only the hair on top of his head growning a little longer. Now covering his ears.


    Looking down at his shoes, they appeard more torn than previously. Both his feet now encased in scales. Also, the toenails grew into a claw shape. Fortifying the grip his body had towards the bulged stone floor.


    As he flexed the mucles beneath what resembled custom made body armor, surprise came once more, as the plates laying on top of his mucles twitched alongside it. Showing that they shared a connection.


    "This wasn''t entirely what I had in mind. But old head sure knows his stuff."


    Preparing to move deeper into the bending hallway. Michael shifted his transformed body towards the less visible sources of light.


    [Calculation completed]


    [Greeting host]


    [Display engaged]


    Layer:Soldier


    Lvl:22/40


    Name:Michael frell Wiik


    Race:Human/Variant Age:15


    Mental status:Normal


    Body status:Normal


    Energy:250/250


    Bloodline(Integrated):Night Dove, Leaf dragon.


    Mass:200


    [ABILITIES] (active) (-)


    (Sprint LvL 3) (Punch LvL 6(+5) (Trick LvL1) (Mucle control LvL 4(+2) (brick breakLvL1) (perceptionLvL5(+3) (Hate boost LvL2) (revenge LvL1) (Baleful Aura LvL3(+1)


    (Deconstruction) (Storage)(Integration) (Assimilation)


    [ABILITIES] (passive) (-)


    (minor regeneration LvL4) (fatigue immunity LvL4) (Pain immunity LvL 6(+1) (quick learner LvL4) (Impulsive reflex LvL 3(+1) (physical resistance LvL7(+6) (Charisma LvL1) (Martial Aura LvL1) (Mindful LvL1) (Precise striker LvL4(+2) (Engraved path) (Night visionLvL 3(+2) (air resistance LvL7(+4) (Cellular armor LvL 4(+3)


    (Filter) (Convertion) (Assort) (???)


    [Titles] (+)


    Looking into his updated status while moving. Michael question the system.


    "Now, can you tell me why you sendt me here?" displeasure could be traced in his tone.


    ...


    [All inhabiting humans within 10km have been summoned inside the dungeon]


    [Host was originally standing 2.7km away from its spawn point]


    Very shocked by the response, Michael tried to find the meaning behind this weird reply. His mind not fully registering it, as he had begun to view this world as a fantasy game. Supporting himself on the idea that all would somehow end well as long as he had the necessary strenght.


    "What do you mean ''All nearby humans''? Does that include the village I was just cast out of?"


    [Dungeon called for human sacrifices]


    [Affirmative]


    Ignoring the last answer, he starred confusingly at the first one.


    frowning ever so slightly, he questioned it one last time.


    "What do you mean by sacrifices?"


    .....


    "System?"


    [Error!]


    [Host does not have necessary authorization]


    "Well sh***. Thanks for nothing then."


    [Host is welcome]


    Changing his full attention to the hallway again, Michael continued. Determined to find out what this place held within.


    ....


    Deeper within the dungeon. In a room made up a black metal alloy, laid a small ball of purple light. Next to it, a hooded individual felt the eyes almost pop out from it''s head. Starring at the passing image of Michael


    "What the hell did that kid just do? Is he one of those crazy magus-biomancers? There was no such thing in the report! How the hell am I supposed to deal with one of those freaks!?"


    This deep feminine tone echoed throughout the alloyed room. Forcefully dispersing.


    "Well, whatever. My forces shouldn''t have any problem, even against a Half-step King layer."


    Calming itself down. The hooded individual waved its leathery hands. Causing the small purple ball to shake a little.


    The image changed to that showing a bunch of shocked villagers. Afraid of this place spoken only of in legend.


    "Lets see..." The voice muttered while looking through the crowd.


    "I will start with this one."


    As the hooded individual placed its gloved finger on top of the display, it zoomed in on a young lady with a head full of long purple hair.

 9 Body armour

    As Michael kept following the torches, he eventually found another creature wandering the halls.


    His bestial senses were able to identify its humanoid shape. As he further closed in, the figure came fully into view.


    In front of him stood a lightly clothed corpse. The ragged textile leaving small patches of rotting flesh exposed.


    Also sensing the invader, it turned towards him. Two half-decomposed eyes glaring at his naked upper body.


    "Is this supposed to be a ghoul? Weren''t the games in my previously world normally filled with skeletons at the start?"


    [Host identified hostile target as Ghoul]


    [Ghoul:Humanoid undead at the initial stage of the Master class (Rank:2(low). While alive they were either cursed or later revived by a powerful Dark mage/Necromancer. They are powerful undead, recorded to be able to hold their own against human adventurers of the same rank]


    Seeing the system''s reply, Michael was left dwelling over why it explained the existence who was hungrily starring at him.


    "So if I know what type of monster I engage, the system will naturally give me a detailed explanation."


    With a thought, he willed it to run again.


    [Night Dove:The most common type of nocturnal bird found in woody areas. They most oftenly travel alone. Rarely seen in groups, other than when migrating towards the beast continent for the ???? ????]


    [Leaf Dragon:The natural predator of the Night Dove. Green scales cover its strong body. Allowing it to both camouflage and protect itself. The tail is considered as it''s strongest body part. Recorded to generate the power superior to a fully powered martial adept. The scales on its body defend well against quick explosive strike. Slowly crumbling under repeated hits]


    As he was attentively reading through the information provided. The ghoul slowly approached him.


    Noticing that the human ignored it, the ghoul swung it''s fist towards Michael''s unguarded chest. Aming for his heart.


    As the mangled hand and plate armor collided, the fist burst apart. Sending splinters of bone and meat flying in every direction.


    Now done reading, Michael turned his casual expression towards it. Not even considering the undead as a threat.


    His left hand balled itself into a fist. Following the hand movement, a familiar box appeard in the corner of his eyes.


    [Punch LvL:6]


    [Title Activated:EXPERIENCED FIGHTER]


    As he flung the robust hand towards the ghoul''s head, he could feel it ignore the air particles whilst rocketing forwards.


    The fist planted itself in the ghoul''s forehead. Pulverizing both the residual tissue and skull. the remains laid themselves on the brick walls.


    The impact sendt out a gust of wind. Making the surrounding torches flicker, yet refusing to let their pretty red flames go out.


    The headless body then began falling down, but was gripped tightly by Michael''s outstretched fist.


    [Beginning absorption..]


    The rest of the body was sucked inside the palm of his hand. Only leaving some raggs behind.


    [Ghoul bloodline absorbed]


    [Do you wish to integrate it?]


    Michael''s expression did not change as he began the now normal procedure.


    "Yes."


    [Integrating bloodline]


    [No noticeable mutation found]


    [Process will finish in 1 second..]


    The usual pain was only felt as a fast jolt. Barely molding his body.


    His appearance did not change. Only the sense of smell seemed enhanced, indicated by the stench of rotting flesh growing stronger.


    Other than this, a tingling sensation momentarily filled his mouth.


    "I hope there are some stronger monster''s inside of this place." Michael tightened his leg mucles, making the system answer to his actions.


    [Activating abilities]


    [Sprint LvL:3]


    (Uses internal energy deposits to enhance running speed)


    He grinned. Showing the now more humane row of teeth. Only his canines retaining their sharp edges, the rest appearing more well rounded. Formed in a shape made to chew through bones.


    His figure then disappeared. Leaving behind a deep blue afterimage. Increasing in lenght as his shadow further accelerated.


    ...


    At the other end of the dungeon. In a black alloyed room, a hodded individual could be seen jumping up and down. Loudly cursing at the small purple orb with it''s dark toned feminine voice.


    "W..W..What the hell is this supposed to mean?! He dispatched a ghoul with one swing!? But the sensor only measured his energy at the lower level of a soldier!"


    The black robed figure was now violently jumping swinging up and down. Revealing some sharp ears underneath its hood.


    Remembering the murky voice of his client, and the promised reward, the genderless humanoid calmed itself down.


    "No! No! I am still able to handle this. Remember, you are the best one out there, Jenkins. The best! YES!!"


    The hodded individual named Jenkins stopped the jumping. Refocusing his gaze onto the glowing ball.


    "Luck. It is all luck. Lets see you retain your arrogance after this..."


    ...


    In another corner of the dungeon, not to far from where Michael was headed, several human bodies filled the once empty hallway.


    Taking a closer look, the mangled bodies staining the brick floor all wore some dirty form of leather. Closely resembling the usual clothes worn by poor farmers.


    *Tac *Tac *Tac


    If you continued to follow the path which contained a decreasing amount of corpses, a small group of sickly pale children, with tear marks running down their cheeks would be seen. Closely followed by a group of panting adults. Both being led by an elderly scholar and a red bearded man.


    "Dammit." The bearded man sulked. Hopelessness was written over his face.


    "Calm down, Gen. I need you in front while my energy is recharging."


    Looking back at the old man, there was no dust on his fine robe. Not the least bothered by his surroundings.


    As the bearded man ran his gaze over the silver beard, he began to think of the stories spread around the village. Talking about how their elder was once a renown adventurer who retired. Raising his spirit slighty.


    Removing his eyes from the old man, he set them on two individuals walking further behind. The father and mother of the kid who murdered his boy. The mother looked slightly more spirited than the father. Wondering if she would be able to find her child in this unfamiliar place.


    Although his son, Fenrik, was spoiled rotten, he showed the most promise out of all the children. Yet, his genius son. That would one day give him all the riches of this world, was rumored to not even withstanding a single hit from the cursed weakling named Marss.


    "I promise you, Johnson. You and your wife will not walk out of this place. Even if I have to be stripped of all the flesh on my body.


    Now turning his head around, he continued to lead the group of people alongside the elder.


    Maybe because of the bewitching flames that lit up the unstained walls, something slowly eroded within his mind. Further pushing the insane thoughts upward.

 10 Pressure

    The further into the dungeon one went, the more the pathway would expand. Sometimes splitting up into several tunnels.


    Three naked beasts were waiting in such a place. The hallway they stood in was wide enough to let each one move around freely. It was here they stood guard. Waiting for the human to arrive.


    The most noticable detail about them would be the grey/brown skin and head full of green wolly hair. Having a textrue alike some old rug.


    Followed by this was the hulking bodies and beeer gut.


    A long, fat nose would then come. Occupying most of their face and overshadowing the cow tail growing from behind.


    As they stood there, the middle one picking up a foreign scent with its massive nose. Signaling its brothers to ready themselves.


    Unknown to them, however, the enemy had already picked them up through the stinky smell they all shared. Standing so close to each other worked as some sort of amplifyer.


    Michael, who was now warily standing still in the slighlty expanded hall, gave a command to his system


    "Grow me a tail. Similar to the one that leaf dragon had."


    [Integration Beginning...]


    [This will take 5 seconds as host''s body is used to mutations]


    The tailbone slowly started to grow in length. Ejecting out of his back-end. Ripping a hole through his pants. It reaching half of his height. Stopping at 90cm.


    "Not as thick as the one the lizard had. But atelast it''s the same size as my forearm."


    After moving the rigged blue wire around for a while, he began to get used to it. Now, pointing his head towards the direction that weird stench originated from.


    Positioning his body in a stance similarly used by track and field runners. Michael started to charge up the surrounding mucle tissue. Even his tail was seemingly affected. Straightening out.


    Time slowed down as his armored body shook alongside the surrounding dust and air particles.


    Then, in a single instance, he dug the claw shaped toenails into the smooth floor. His shoes exploded into pieces. Leaving two asymmetrical footprints behind.


    Begining to exit the previous stance. His plated frame slowly rouse up into the air diagonally. Ignoring both the atmosphere and gravity as he gained speed.


    His body slowly took off. The air passed itself along the flowing hair. Causing him to further ascend.


    Finally, time began to flow once more. His moving body created a lout BOOM as it was launched forward.


    The small explosion blew out the bright torches surrounding his original location. Acting no different than puny candles being placed in the heart of a raging tsunami.


    After steading himself in the air, Michael consciously pointed the incredibly well shaped tail to his side. This action made his body, which never once stopped its surge, Spin around.


    The speed at which he spun at did not slow down, and also started to accelerate. Making his figure take the form of a dark blue meteorite.


    This constant turning would make any normal human throw up after mere seconds. But, as Michael had integrated with a flying type beast, it did not affect him in the slightest. The speed only further igniting his new fighting instinct.


    In the other end of the hallway.


    The humanoid beasts, waiting for the smelly creature to arrive were left surprised by this unkown booming noise. Followed by the faint tremor traveling beneath their heavy legs.


    The middle one was the largest, and oldest out of the three. And instantly knew this was bad news. Positioning the fatty body towards the other end of the corridor, it prepared itself for the incoming danger.


    Sadly, it did not expect a spinning blue gust to instantly teleport in front of it''s face. Even a wink would cause you to miss it.


    Michael, who refused to slow down as he neared the end of his flight, extended an undiscernable piece of himself outwards. Driving it in the direction of the monsters head.


    In less than a millisecond, The dark blue line smashed itself into its skull. Shattering the enorumes nous. blood and snot exploded out alongside the top half of its mushy head. It was then seen flying down the enlarging corridor. Like soccerball darting towards an unprotected goal.


    The creature shook violently as the impact travelled through it''s body.


    The corpse slid across the floor after the shaking stopped. Painting the gray brick with a thick red.


    Michael, now descending towards the ground, was given a horrified and surprised look by the other two mounts of flesh.


    [Hostile target''s engaged]


    [Chance of winning:12%]


    [Chance of dying:28%]


    [Chance of escaping:70%]


    Now, looking back at the shaking meatballs, he once more flung himself away. Not giving either one of them any time to evaluate his threat level. Darting back towards the direction he came from.


    The two monsters, afriad of the figure dispersing into thin air, ran away away in fear.


    Altough their legs crossed an impressive distance each time, they could only accept the newly given fate as target practise for this blurry reaper. Flinging itself at them from who knows where. Riping and tearing bits of flesh of their visibly regenerating body each time. The tissue, however, was weakening for each regeneration.


    After a while, the three dead behemoths laid on top of each other. Some parts less recognizable than others.


    MIchael stood in front of them, Panting lightly.


    "Haha, altough these monsters were definitely strong, they were sadly too dumb and inexperienced."


    He relishing the fact that he got of the first suprise attack. Dispatching the largest one first, and sending the smaller ones into panic.


    "Now, lets see here.."


    He placed his hand on the pilled flesh. Quickly absorbing everything.


    [Troll Bloodline absorbed]


    [Trolls:Most often inhabiting quiet mountain caves, they sleep throughout the day, as sunlight significantly weakens them. Known to possess incredible regenerative abilites, they are also famed for kidnapping livestock, princes and princesses. An adult troll will usually be at the peak master class or (peak) RANK:2 if you may]


    As the balls of meat disappeared, one brown orb remained in their steed.


    [Rank 2 core:It was salvaged of a very powerful beast]


    Not finding any of the other two, he depressingly slid it inside his pocket. Now resting next to the bird core and life orb.


    As his scaly hands touched the orb, a familiar headache hammered the inside of his head.


    Some old memories emerged. They contained the image of two farmers hugging a smiling child.


    As this memory grew more defined, Michael felt his brain fall apart. He clenched it between his hands. Pained and confused.


    "AAAGHH!"


    [Warning!]


    [Host is suffering from ???? ????]


    [Does host wish to ????? so that he may ?????]


    Barely noticing the system as he gripped his head tighter.


    Slowly, the pained died down. Some blood started flowing out of his nostrils.


    "S..System...What was that?"


    [Host is suffering from ???? ????]


    Starring at the appearing texts with his dispersing double vision, Michael tried calming himself by looking at the other messages.


    [Host has slayed Troll adult]


    [Host has slayed Troll youngling]


    [Host has slayed Troll youngling]


    [Level up!]


    [Level up!]


    Level up!]


    [Congratulations!]


    [Host has reached max level]


    Level:45/45


    [Bloodline detected]


    [Do you wish to Evolve?](Y/N)

 11 Evolution

    [Congratulations!]


    [Host has reached max level]


    Level:45/45


    [Bloodline detected]


    [Do you wish to Evolve?](Y/N)


    "What happens if I press yes?"


    [Host will evolve current bloodline. Advancing into the first stage of the Master layer/RANK:2(low)]


    Michael read that message a few times. After feeling satisifed, he asked another question.


    "Can you integrate the other bloodline first?"


    [Affirmative]


    [Integration proceeded..]


    [Warning!!]


    [Noticable mutation detected!]


    [Does host wish to enlargen bodysize? This will increase physical strength, but slow down both attack and movement speed]


    "No, just don''t destroy my appearance completely."


    [Integration beginning..]


    [This will only take 8 seconds. please wait]


    As the familiar feeling baptized his body, it did not take long for it to leave. The pain did not bother him this time.


    Finishing the processes, he found the body armour much denser and darker. Alongside some strands of green hair on his head.


    These were the only visible changes. Now, focusing onto the screen once more, he looked at the (Y) button.


    "Just get this over with.. my head is killing me."


    Throwing himself on the smooth floor, he waited for the system to begin.


    [Warning!]


    Irritated by this never ending talking, Michael was going to scream at the box, but stopped as he opened his mouth.


    He tiredly locked both eyes onto it. Strength was beginning to leave his body.


    "What''s wrong?" His eyes were slowly closing.


    [Evolution process will cause small irreversible mutations, and level will start back at [1]. Host will be weakened while transforming]


    Fully closing his eyes, he just ignored it. Losing all care for this world.


    [Affirmative]


    [Process will take 10 minutes. please wait...]


    [Error!]


    [incompatible bloodlines detected in host''s system]


    [Passive ability activated]


    [??? has been revealed as ''Hybrid'']


    (This uniqe ability can forcefully merge opposing bloodlines togheter. Developing a brand new one which is much stronger than the original ones. It always succeeds)


    As his mind was forced asleep, the body began to glow. A prominent red, green and blue color could be found on different parts of his plated mucles. Some patches of black barely visible amongst the growing radiance.


    Michael''s once incredible body armour retracted itself. Turning into regular human flesh and skin. Leaving behind a frail glowing body on the floor. Only accompanied by some dried troll blood which covered the more elegant brick walls.


    ...


    Back in the alloyed room, Jenkins was seen slowly tapping on his purple glass ball. A small laugh escaped his mouth each time he pressed it. The deep feminine voice continuously dancing and dispersing.


    "Haha, I never grow tired of randomly spawning ghouls. Expecially with that geezer madly throwing those fireballs! Mabye he also has a thing for spamming?"


    As he was standing there, savoring each tap, a question interrupted his ecstatic train of thought.


    "Ah! I wonder if my trolls dealt with that weird biomancer yet. He seemed like a tanky guy... their constant regeneration should be a pain to deal with."


    Elegantly waving his gloved hand, the image began to shift from one containing a small surviving group of humans surrounded by ghouls, to a blurry video.


    "Hmpf, getting those fatty fighters were really hard work! Considering two of them had not yet formed a specified core...Anyways, lets continue."


    The unfocused screen slowly showed the now bloody hallway once more. The body of a glowing human boy layed in the midst of it. Unconscious.


    "Yup, as expected. He exhausted his energy by constantly hitting those sacks of meat. But what is this weird glowing? Is he recharing? No, seems more like some sort of temporary hibernation."


    Jenkins, seemingly satisfied with the expected course of actions, stroke his gloved hand undernath the shadowy hood. Showing the sight of a small pair of golden locks.


    "Now, lets get this bastard in here. Those villager are also nearing this place, I should be able to introduce them to each other. Mabye dissecting the kid will make that old man throw some more balls!"


    However, although his attitude expressed pure satisfaction. His eyes did not move from the screen showing the resting body.


    "Eh?" His eyes began to widen. Revealing two yellow dots.


    "WHERE ARE MY TROLLS!!!!???"

 12 Sleeping beauty

    While Jenkins was screaming into the purple orb, Michael could feel his soul slowly appear inside som weird room. Very similar to the place where he met the old head.


    Feeling his body ascend for each passing second, he tried to focus, as something told him going further up was a bad idea.


    Getting a better view of his surroundings. Michael then noticed a small figure at the other end of the place he found himself in. It was covered in golden chains made of light, each one of them were showing signs of tearing.


    He was unconsciously pulled towards it, and as he kept coming nearer, a small whisper could be heard.


    "Mom. Dad. I am sorry. Please come back."


    Now, only a couple of meters in front of it, Michael got a clear look of the source.


    It looked like his current body. Only, instead of any gold or blue eyes, it possessed brown color.


    "Is this the soul of Marss?" Michael, who was feeling the motivation in his mind tear alongside the continuously cracking chains, tried to talked to the blurry image of boy.


    "Hey, you there?"


    The soul slowly lifted its head towards him. And as their eyes met, Michael felt a form of resonation.


    "I want to see them again!" Marss began to struggle. Causing one of the chains around his arm to snap.


    As it broke, Michael felt his existence weaken. Hastily trying to stop the boy from doing any more damage, he attempted to talk with him.


    "Hey! Calm down! You want to see them again right?" Nervousness could be found deep inside each word. Hoping nothing bad would happen.


    However, this proved to be a wasted effort. The image of the boy grew more radiant. Quickly shattering all the chains around him.


    "I WANT TO SEE THEM!!" Marss, who uncontrollably started to scream into the void, was now becoming more real.


    But, as this happened, the figure forming the soul of Michael was shattered! Only leaving some speaks of light which quickly drilled them selves into Marss''s body.


    As the embers of Michael were dissipating, the void room began to fall apart as the frantic scream grew in intensity.


    .....


    Inside the same alloyed room, Michael''s body was now hanging from what looked like a standing operation table. Several bolts and tools were floating close to him. They resembled some ancient torture devices.


    In front of his body, Jenkins was seen spinning his purple orb around while looking at the boy. He began to talk to himself while waiting for something.


    "*Sigh* That old man really disappointed me."


    Jenkin crossed his arms while shaking his head. Slightly saddened by the current event''s occuring in the real word.


    "Well, mabye I overworked him with all those ghouls...I mean, im almost out those things! Ha! kid, can you belive that? Sweet buttery gods, that geezer should be at the higher end of the General level if I am not wrong. Which I never am by the way!"


    He then turned his full attention to the unconscious body. The previous glowing had stopped, and he now began to mumble some inaudible words.


    "This guy... Did he grind those fatty bastards into dust, or did he eat them? Has no one ever told him that trolls wash their bodies with..."


    Before he could finish his scentence, a piece of the alloyed wall slammed open like some fancy swing door.


    A group of villagers were beeing dragged. Steamy black chains and collars could be found on their body, all lead by some giant red horned monster.


    "Oy Oy!" Jenkin showed some displeasure on his now more visible, well shaped face. Despite having the name of a male, his skin was visibly smooth and fragrant. Even more breathtaking than the one found on some princesses residing within the human kingdom.


    "I told you to be careful while bringing them here! Look! That red bearded guy passed ou.. No, wait, looks like the ''Nigthmare torches'' got into him." Jenkins then began to clap his covered hands. Getting the attention of the exhausted group of humans.


    Some of them lacked any luster in their eyes. Believing that they would not come out here alive.


    Yet, as they began to turn their heads towards the generated noise, an operation table came into view alongside the silhouette of a hooded beauty.


    All turning their full attention towards the operation table, a figure was seen strapped to it.


    Most of them had already lost all hope. But despite this, a purple haired woman immediately rose up from the ground togheter with a brown haired man. Both starting to shout with joy.


    "Marss! my son!" They tried getting his attention, but noticing that he was dead asleep yet breathing brought some hope back.


    The father, still keeping some of his rationality. stopped. However, his wife was crazily screaming louder. Trying to wake him up.


    The hooded Jenkins looked at this show. Amusement was written over his glossy lips.


    ''So this biomancer dude is their kid? No way some child can be this powerful. Mabye he is one of those reincarnated people?'' Thinking to himself, Jenkins then woke up from the running thoughts as the sleeping Marss somehow replied.


    "Mom.." Marss, as if responding to his mother''s call, forced out while twitching a little.


    The mother, who noticed her child answer her, tried running towards him. Sadly, she was instantly flung back like a twig by the red horned giant which held her chains.


    With a *TUMP* her body flew backwards. It was then quickly caught by her husband who threw himself in front of her flying figure.


    The couple crashed into the alloyed wall since the chains did not restrict them moving backwards.


    As they smashed into it, something similar to cracking noises could faintly be heard from each one.


    The father instantly passed out as his head hit the unkown material.


    The mother was slightly better off. And although she did not move from her husbands embrace, she still weakly called out to her son.


    This was seen by all the other men, women and children. A small glow of hope grew inside each of their hearts as they watched the two not yield.


    Jenkins emotionlessly looked at their bleeding figures. Finding this dramatic scene somewhat funny.


    "I wonder how the kid will react when he wakes up next to the severed heads of his parents.." Finding himself once more revisiting the twisted thoughts which filled his mind, a dagger was then formed out the surrounding darkness. Growing in lenght until it reached the size of a machete.


    He slowly walked towards them, passing by the chained villagers who shook from the pressure emanating from the black blade.


    "Since I am a kind man you will only suffer for a short while. Also! when you die, tell that fat hag that I will come for her sooner or later!"


    Standing in front of the couple, he could still hear some faint whispers emanate from the purple haired woman''s trembling mouth.


    To this, Jenkins steeled his expression.


    "You know, lady. Your hair is the same color as one of my soul gems, so I am thinking that killing you right out would be a waste."


    Before raising the weapon, his yellow eyes began to turn purple. A small ray of light hit the woman''s body. It slowly dispersed, outlining her struggling frame with some dark light.


    "Now, stand still for me."


    He then stabbed the blade into her heart. The light within her eyes grew weaker and weaker. However, still aimed at her child''s unconscious body.


    "Still as persistent as ever huh? Well, don''t blame me then."


    Jenkins lifted the machete upwards. It began morphing into a longer, more defined cross shaped sword.


    "Since I will be using your soul for a while, you may get a clean cut."


    "Now, Farwell."


    As these words escaped his mouth, Jenkins drew the black sword in an ark towards her neck.


    It cut thorugh the air. Splitting space as it travelled downwards.


    No one of the villagers dared look. Plastering their eyes down on the cold, hard floor.


    Just as it was going to touch her pale skin, ending her life...


    It suddenly stopped.

 13 Beauty and the Beas

    The black sword abruptly stopped. Resting next the bleeding woman''s neck.


    Jenkins, who froze up, felt cold sweat run down his back.


    A very weird feeling was covering the robe he donned.


    Altough he was familiar with the resentment. The difference beetween this and the usual ones was the horrifying amount of pressure excluded. It made him feel genuine fear.


    Looking down at his sword, he watched as it began to shake. The vibrations originating from his trembling body.


    Slowly, he spun around. Planning to face this weird feeling head on!


    As the body began to turn, his eyes instantly glued themselves towards the operation table where the strapped boy laid.


    But as he fully gained the table within his view, his body stopped shaking. Not because of the lessened pressure, but because he did not dare move a muscle.


    The unconscious kid had woken up. Yet, as he clearly woke up a second ago, no sound was made. No begging. Nothing.


    As he made eye contact with the boy, he suddenly found himself slightly confused.


    ''What the hell are those eyes?!'' Jenkins screamed in his mind while starring into the two black whirlpools of death. Aiming themselves in his direction.


    He tried calming himself down. However, just as he blinked, the boy disappeard from the strapped table. The metal which enforced the shackles were almost unbreakable for those under the level of king. And indeed they were, as no scratch was made on them.


    ''How did he free himself? Does this kid know space magic? No, wait..did he phase through them?!''


    New questions continued to fill his head. But as he ran through the hundreds of possible ways Marss could have freed himself with, he did not dare break the eye contact this time. Refusing to let his drying eyes be moisturized.


    After this starring contest continued for a while, Marss finally opened his mouth.


    "mom..?" his voice was still the same as always.


    This calmed jenkins down as he regained some confidence. ''So this guy only got an eye change? Sure, if that''s all there is to worry about this will continue to go smoothly''


    Jenkins aimed his sword at Marss, planning to execute some kind of ranged attack.


    "Any last words, kid?" Jenkins was now smiling once more. Certain that he would not even need to lift another finger.


    However, as he was preparing for Marss to answer him, the sensation of death once more covered his heart.


    "mOthER....?"


    The previously thin voice was replaced by a sound similar to that of a broken trumpet.


    Marss''s body began to violently shake. Rattling like the tail belonging to some sort of snake.


    The now panicking Jenkins could only feel his frozen body quietly watch as the boy began to grow and deform.


    ....


    Inside Marss''s head..


    [Congratulations! Host has successfully evolved!]


    [Host has begun to form a ''Nuclei'']


    [Nuclei:Some beasts will form a specific type of core when maturing. Those influenced by magic will have a chance of developing a magic core which strenghtens their essence mainpulation. Those who lean more towards brute strength will form a nuclei. It will largely empower ones physical capabilities.


    [Some skills have ranked up!]


    [Some skills have evolved!]


    [New Title earned!]


    [New variant bloodline has been created!]


    [Teratorn Peacock as been ingegrated with!]


    [Teratorn Peacock: Legend has it that this bird once really existed. Its large muscular body is covered by scale-like feathers, able to manipulate the surrounding air. Each feather can absorb an enourmes amount of physical punishment. Combined with its incredible regenerative powers, it holds the title as one of the most robust creatures. Even when fighting opponents of a slightly higher rank. Only beeing vulnerable against elemental magic. It loves to eat raw meat and can grow to the same size as a small house]


    [Updating information..]


    [Display engaged]


    Layer:General (middle)


    Lvl:1/60


    Name:Marss Zell Johnson


    Race:Variant human(new) Age:15


    Mental status:Normal


    Body status:Normal


    Energy:10 400/14 000


    Bloodline(Integrated):Teratorn Peacock.


    Bloodline storage:Night Dove, Leaf Dragon, Ghoul, Troll, Teratorn Peacock.


    Mass:4030


    [ABILITIES] (active) (-)


    (Sprint LvL 8(+5) (Punch LvL 9(+3) (Trick LvL3) (Mucle empowerment LvL1(new) (Bone shatterer LvL1(new) (perceptionLvL8(+3) (Berserk LvL 4(new) (revenge LvL6(+1) (killer instinct LvL5(new)


    (Deconstruction) (Storage)(Integration) (Assimilation)


    [ABILITIES] (passive) (-)


    (Super regeneration LvL7(new) (fatigue immunity LvL4) (Pain immunity LvL 9(+2) (quick learner LvL4) (Primal instinct LvL1(new) (Charisma LvL1) (Beast aura LvL:1(new) (Mindful LvL1) (Precise striker LvL7) (Engraved path) (Thermal vision LvL1(new) (air manipulation LvL4(new) (Kinetic dispersion LvL8(new) (damage convertion LvL4(new)


    (Filter) (Convertion) (Assort) (Hybrid)


    [Titles]


    [BETRAYED/EXPERIENCED FIGHTER/CHEATER OF DEATH/HYBRID/???/???/???


    [HYBRID:A title given to those who are born with multiple bloodlines]


    Not even glancing at the screen, nor listening to the genderless voice in his head. Marss began to stare at the robed individual standing in front of his bleeding parents.


    His vision was sometimes showing him red human shaped figures, while other times Switching to black and white film.


    For only but a moment, he was able to see behind the sword wielding woman. The image of his glowing, bleeding mother was absorbed into the broken mind.


    "wHaT DiD yOu Do tO mOM?!" His voice made a sound akin to multiple people talking at once. Each one darker and more deformed than the last.


    Every cell in his body began to rapidly multiply. The system which usually hindered any large mutation did not work its course this time.


    His body temprature began flaring. Causing the last remaining clothes he wore to explode inside a growing fire.


    As his body began to reden, Small feather shaped scales covered his skin. Expanding alongside his mucles.


    His brown hair spiked backwards. Turning into small hornes which aimed their tip towards the growing tailbone.


    His now armoured tail split up into many smaller wires. Each growing some sort of metal texure like feathers. They kept enlarging until finally ending up with a a silver feathered moon that covered his back.


    The arms grew in lenght and thickness. His elbows both shot one sharp piece of feathered bone out. Trying to imitate a deformed wing. Following along the lengthened forearms, his hands and fingers were molded into talons.


    His knee joints cracked themselves. Twisting towards the growing feather circle on his back.


    After being properly positioned, they hardened. Not growing any feathers, but leaving all flesh bellow his thighs as red plates.


    beneath this metal plating were his transforming feet. They now resembled somthing originally found on a raptor.


    After his entire body was done morphing into a silver colored terror bird, his face was pulled and expanded. The lips plating themselves in some sort of flat beak while the facial structure was now more similar towards a voodoo mask. Weakly reflecting a human appearance.


    As his transformation finished, leaving the villagers and the large red horned beasted horrified, Jenkins was gasping for more air as he starred at the dinosaurs like harpy.


    Not even taking another minute to think, he ordered the red brute to attack the once small and fragile Marss.


    With no choice, it just charged at him. As it was at the low level general realm, the monster swung its meaty arm at the similarly sized abomination. Expecting to at least deal some damage.


    As the fist neared the mask shaped face, it was then caught by the talon-hand which was connected to the long and scaly arm.


    The beast that was once Marss then casualy flung the other claw at it.


    Connecting to the red mass of flesh and bone, the silver scaled talon punched a boulder sized hole through its chest. Instantly killing it.


    Jenkins''s hood was blown of thanks to the air current generated by the punch. Showing his beautiful feminin traits. No different than a top class beauty from a noble family.


    But no one cared about this now. The alloyed room was silenced as the villagers freed themselves from the disappearing chains. crawling further away from the battle.


    Jenkings only stood there. Seeing both the red corpse laying beneath the feathered titan and the thick beak lips forming into a maniacal smile, he looked at the two orange eyes once more pointed in his direction.


    He did not tremble as they looked at each other. Because he had already lost all the feelings in his body. The black sword in his small hand dissipated along side the previously held confidence.


    Hearing the quacking breathing generated by this THING. Jenkins felt a warm feeling of running water fill the pants beneath the robe he wore.


    "F***"

 14 Digging ones own grave

    Being looked down upon by this ancient beast, Jenkins didn''t even notice the puddle of water forming around his groin. He was ucrrently pulling all available energy into his brain. Trying to come up with a way to escape.


    ''Can''t just teleport him into another room? No, wait, that was only possible when I had the system. To think losing it would bite me in the a*** later on.'' He grew somwhat more fearful while remembering a certan incident.


    ''My level is at the middle layer of the general rank. ''Ranged dark magic'' while throwing the rest of my ''puppet vessels'' should do the trick.'' His shaking lessened slightly as the plan was simulated.


    Time now slowed down.


    While beeing starred down, Jenkins abruptly threw his delicate body backwards. The robe shaking in the wind alongside his shoulder lenght golden hair.


    Answering this provocation, Marss hit the metal floor with one of his mutated legs. Denting it with a tire sized footprint.


    As Jenkins looked at this heavy creature fly towards him, he was both astonished yet relived. Relieved because It followed the simulation he just ran. Astonished because the air around the brute seemed to propel him forward. The feather plates were sparkling with a weak blue color.


    ''He is much faster than I expected. However..''


    He aimed the palm of his hand towards the roof. A purple orb appeared in it''s center, realising some sort of steam.


    "EAT THIS YOU FREAK!" With his will, the ball flashed with similar purple light.


    As the glow disappeared, five creatures spawned in front of the ascending Jenkins. Blocking Marss''s path.


    Four of them shared the appearence of some bulky 3 meter tall mummy.


    The last beast stood behind them on its four legs. Slightly looking like a pitbull, yet much larger. Similar in size to a hummer. Its jaw was big enough to fit a table. The thin fur covering its body sometimes intersected with plates of white bone protecting more vital parts.


    As if reading their master''s mind, they all began to intercept the humanoid bird flying in his direction.


    Seeing this, Jenkins stretch the other empty hand out. Chanting a incantation in his mind.


    ''Dark magic: pinned void''


    A dark ball of light grew inside the palm fo it. blinking and disappearing.


    The flying Marss felt an unkown force slow him down. Trying to break free from the disturbance, his feathers took on a darker luster, pulling more on the air around surrounding the massive body.


    Jenkings, now landing near the wall, looked towards two unmoving bodies, stretching his empty hand towards the one with purple hair.


    ''Dark magic: black vaccum!''


    As he thought of these words, the thin body flew in his direction. Catching and placing his elbow around the individuals neck.


    This action was caught by the now freed Marss, his body trembled as his mind recognized the appearance of the body.


    "mOM!" Enraged by the robed females action, he violently sliced the talons through the air. The part making up his fingers shone blue as it was swung sideways. Strands of air crashed into the beast''s trying to intercept him. All five easily being cut into several pieces.


    Not expecting him to dispatche his strongest pets so easily, Jenkins tightened his grip around the womans neck.


    Marss, who was rapidly flying towards them, broke his pursuit when noticing this. Stopping only a couple of breathes away from them. His mind regained some clarity, as he was afraid of the woman doing anything to his bleeding mother.


    ''Sh** that was close. Altough I tried to go for the guy, this woman somehow seems to still breath. If I could turn her into a puppet then mabye controlling this guy is possible. Sadly, such a thing requires time.'' He tried to share some of his energy with her, keeping her alive a little longer.


    Seemingly working, the woman coughed out a mouthful of blood. Making Marss take a step back.


    Seeing his reaction, Jenkins shouted at him "Another step and she dies!" While trying to not make his mellow voice tremble.


    Marss backed up further. Ending up in the middle of the room. His transformation reversed itself a little, causing the body to shrink until reaching 3 meters. The beautiful silver moon on hos back became less visible as it retracted.


    They both held their own ground firmly.


    While holding onto the continuously bleeding woman, Jenkins willed the alloyed metal wall behind him to open. It created a circling exit, containing a long tunnel with a warm light at the end.


    The remaining villagers, who had watched this horrifying battle unravel, all darted towards it.


    Jenkins and Marss did not move however, as they continued to look at each other.


    As most of the villagers ran through it, the figure of an old man rose from the black floor. His white beard was messed up alongside the now ragged robe.


    The elder had previously run out of energy. Making him pass out. However, as he woke up, he was greeted by the scene where Marss took the form of some type of bird. Removing the attention from them.


    He looked at the now slightly smaller monster. Remembering the image of the boy which he had banished away into the wilds.


    ''Did he receive the blessing of a god as he traversed the ''hellgreen woods''? If so, it must be by one of the beast diety''s. If not them, mabye one of the blood lords?''


    Although he was curious, he had not grown senile yet. Dragging his exhaust and aged body towards the light.


    As he continued forward, however, he noticed the unconscious body of the boy''s father.


    Glancing at the Towering bird humanoid once more, he then picked the man up.


    As he was at the general level, his body would not be slowed down by carrying some malnourished farmer along with it.


    This was all caught by Marss. Some tears appeared in the corner of his large eyes. Two blach pupiles were taking form inside the orange sockets.


    The elder only gave a nod followed by a quick sentence before dragging both himself and the father through the tunnel.


    "If fate allows it, then let us meet once more, Marss."


    He then disappeared into the end.


    ...


    Jenkins and Marss were silently looking at each other.


    After all the people dissapeard, only they and some monster corpses were left behind.


    Breaking the silence, Jenkins began to speak. His deep feminin voice showing some tiredness while echoing through the tunnel behind him.


    "Kid, how about this. I will leave her body here as I exit the tunnel. Pretty fair, right?"


    This suggestion was made out of pure desperation. He could not hold this dying peasent alive with only some energy. After all, a punctured heart was never an easy thing to fix, even with several healing mages and pills.


    Marss shook slightly. How could he refuse? After beeing locked inside that cursed void for what felt like an eternity, he began to miss his parents more and more. They were the only thing in this world which he truly valued. He had no companion, no friends. Only them.


    Another step was taken backwards. Symbolizing that his willingness.


    Jenkings smiled to this, preparing to throw the woman at him while dashing away. He had already made plans for the core to self- destruct. Removing this stain from ever being seen again. Feeling a little regret as this was thought through did not change his mind. Building a dungeon was child''s play for an expert like himself, but he could not leave this horrid trash alive. Fearing it would come for his life sooner or later.


    Marss''s mother was almost gone. But with the shared energy she regain some temporary clarity.


    As her vision cleared a little, some kind of bird came into her view. Looking at this monster, she felt somewhat weird. Almost as if she knew it.


    A faint memory emerged within her consciousness. It was from the spoiled days she spent as a noble woman. Second daughter of the man controlling the fourth most powerful clan in the human capital. the Zell family.


    Her life continued to flowe like a river through the dialating pupils. Slowing down as she once more saw the day where she escaped from her arranged marriage. Running alongside a familiar brown haired man. The one she had grown up with.


    Moving on, another sequence played. The day where her first and only child came into this world.


    As Jenkins began to crouch down, preparing to lay down the dying woman. Planning to kick her across the room for the mindless animal to chase, something unexpected happened.


    This woman, who was now pale like snow, barely holding onto life, moved her mouth.


    "Marss...My darling Marss..."


    This was the last thing Lena muttered. As her body ceased to work.


    Marss begun to grow impatient. Waiting for that bastard to let go of his mother.


    Jenkings did not react, afraid he would alert the waiting predator.


    ''So she finally died, huh? Luckily that guy reversed his transformation. Making him unable notice when her heart stopped''


    Inside his mind he was grinning like a drunk madman. Looking once more through the flawless plan set up.


    ''AHAHAH! This was my win from the start!!! You can only blame your own foolishness for not accepting a quick death!! Recjecting a offered made by this great and merciful lord was your downfall!''


    However, as he placed the body of the dead woman down, she unexpectedly began to emit a purple glow.


    Both shockingly starred at this sight. Marss was unable to figure out what it was that happened to his mother. However, not sharing this oblivious state of mind, Jenkins began to feel his foolproof plan crumble before his eyes, as he knew what this represented.


    ''S*** I FORGOT THE SOUL TRAP!!!!''


    Sweat poured down from his stunning forehead as he tried to think of what to do.


    ''I need to bring out a soul gem before her spirit get claimed!''


    Sadly for the miserable Jenkings, he was given no such chance. Lena''s body crystallized and shattered. Turning into dust.


    ''How could I forget such an important detail?! It''s all that giant chicken''s fault dammit! I would never make such a mistake if only I...''


    As he took his eyes off the dispersing shards, he found that Marss looked in his direction. The armoured body violently began to expand as he let out a loud a mighty roar.


    The dungeon began to quake as the enraged being launched himself forward. Instantly smashing through the sound barrier.


    Travelling in a straight line, the silver asteroid aimed itself at person who had wronged it.


    The unfortunate fool named Jenkins.

 15 There is no escape

    "gET bAcK HeRe!!!"


    Although the silver figure was now much larger than previously, it was by no means slower. Appearing like a wild bolt of lightning shooting through the heavens.


    [Abilites Activated!]


    [Sprint LvL:8]


    [Berzerk LvL:4]


    (physical power is quadrupled)


    (Energy consumed per second is quadrupled)


    [Killer instinct LvL:5]


    (Erroding specified target''s will to live)


    (This only works on creatures weaker than the user)


    [Mucle empowerment LvL:1]


    (Increase''s mucle efficiency by 100%)


    (Will not stack with other abilities)


    Marss''s body began to change color. The silver feathers were now covered by a Glowing orange color. It looked like an unfinished steel blade being heated up inside the blood of a Volcano.


    Feeling the sudden rise in temprature, Jenkins began to wildly spawn a combined force made up of zombie type undead and some previously seen red horned monsters. Hoping to slow down the unbreakable fortress which flew in his direction.


    Not even daring to look back or try to cast some debuff magic, as he knew it would not do anything towards the vengeful beast, he kept running towards the exiting tunnel.


    As he did not look back, he was unable to watch as Marss instantly turned these ants trying to stop him into a pasty mush.


    Although he did not watch what was unfolding, he could somehow figure out the result, as the booming sounds generated by the crushed flesh never ceased to resonate in long sharp ears.


    ''How the hell did I end up here again?! Curse that damn snake. I should''ve know offering such a reward for some puny mortals was too good to be true! Gutting that reptile will be the first thing I do after getting out of here, Dammit!''


    ''Dark magic:hastened end!'' Jenkings increased his speed with the use of an incantation, making his afterimage darker. The sudden increase made his golden hair sway against wind like a kite.


    As he kept running, the light at the end grew more and more radiant. It almost seemed like he would make it out.


    Almost, that is.


    He was stopped by a burning pain emanating from the follicles on top of his head. The flowing locks were now tightly held by a mighty bird of prey which stood behind him.


    As Marss tightened his grip, the bulged metal arm once more increased in size. When the mucles reached their limit, he then proceeded to fling the golden haired fool back towards the black room.


    When one advances in both rank and level, the body will naturally grow stronger. However, as Jenkins mainly specialized in dark magic and puppeteering, he was left helpless while feeling the heavy air pressure pin his body in place. Nothing stopping him as he traveled back through the tunnel.


    Unable to even processes the color of the passing walls, he continued on his way like a broken rag doll. The only moment his body was last seen was when it slammed itself into the opposing metal wall. The whole room shook as his figure now was engraved into the dented alloy. Originally specialized in dispersing any form of energy.


    The destructive impact not only marked the specially made material, but also shattered all the bones in his elegant body. Every blood wessel and organ were evenly smeard across the surrounding area. Forming a red sun.


    As he watched the woman who took his mother away be turned into liquid, a sense of satisfaction and exhaustion was washed over his mind.


    [Warning!]


    [Host has depleted internal energy reserves!]


    [body shutting down]


    This was all that he heard as his once giant frame shrank until leaving a naked, brown haired human boy near the exit.


    ...


    After an unknown amount of time, Marss woke up from his slumber.


    His body was still sore as he laied naked in the ground. Only able to move his eyes properly.


    As he laid there beetween the shadowy pathay and sunshined filled exit, he started to cry.


    "Why...mom..I''m sorry. I''m sorry could not even make you the slightest bit proud." His exhausted facial expresion contorted itself into a despairing grimace. More tears flowing down his cheeks as the pain inside his heart strengthened.


    "*sniff* This is all your fault! trying to claim my body as your own *Sniff* You even killed Fenrik. And now mom is also gone! Does human life mean nothing to you?!" Marss furthered his despair as he yelled to an imaginary existence.


    "....Y..ou...Fo..ol" As he saw everything happening, he could also hear it. Michael was still there, but barely able to communicate.


    Hearing the one he decided to blame insult him, Marss''s depression turned itself into loath.


    "Not only are you...inexperienced...you..are also an...idiot.... Unable to...solve your...own problems....efficiently.... To think...a coward...like you... survived... this long." The faint whispers of Michael resonated inside Marss''s head. He could feel all the emotions realised from the kids body, as he also lived in it.


    The weakening tears were replaced by some snot which flowed out of both nostrils. "You are no better than me! *sniff*. What do you know..dummy! I bet you lived a comfortable life before ending up inside my head! You will never know how I feel!" Marss began to bark the air in front of him. Directing everything towards the ghost which haunted him.


    Michael began to feel his consciousness slowly fade. Not bothering to argue with the spoiled brat any longer, he just played of the life he had from earth.


    As Marss kept crying, a sudden jolt traveled throughout his brain. A bunch of unkown memories played themselves off.


    As he was forced to watch, Marss didn''t bother to resist, as the crying and choking had drained most of the recovered energy.


    The memory started with a small male child. the boy was no different than any other of his age, but was always treated as less because of his looks.


    As time slowly passed and he grew up, sequences played itself. Light bullying turned into brutal beatings. Harassment turning into numerous assults. The growing boy slowly fell behind in everything he did, never once able to catch up. Never listening to his parents as they tried to help and encourage him. Wasting all the given resources.


    Marss was shocked by this scene. His tears stopped in place as he fully focused on the memories.


    Time continued to pass, and the older the boy god, the more longer he fell behind.


    However...


    As he one day came home with multiple bruises, he found his mother holding two blurry images. It felt like they were always there, but he only just noticed them. Mabye because they were the first people other than his parents who sincerely smiled at him. Not carring if he was any different or weaker than others. They loved him because it was what they choose to do!


    Although these two smiles could not be considered much for a normal person...it ignited a long extinguish fire inside his body. It allowed him to belive in himself once more. Giving himself a reason to grow!


    As the boy continued to age, he slowly started to surpass those who once spat at his existence. Noticing the boy they trampled on as young grow so much, they hoped to hold him in their grasp. Using him as a tool. However, he did not allow such a thing to happen. Always remembering the smiling faces of those two.


    Time continued to move, and the boy began to grow more successful each day. Forgiving the scum who looked down on him, but never forgetting what they had done. Using the disgrace and hatred as a iron hammer which eternaly forged his body.


    He kept moving alongside the two smiling blurres, loving them both equally. Wishing to be able to one day grant them the same kind of jou he now felt.


    However, his life was cut short, as he was betrayed by the only companion he chose to keep.


    Marss engraved all of this inside his heart. Now mocking his previously spoiled attitude.


    Pulling himself togheter, he tried to call out to the voice once more.


    "W..Who are you?"


    Waiting patiently, he finally got a reply.


    "Just...a..guy with.....un...finished...business..."


    "Please!" Marss''s determination began to ignite. Remembering how the boy in his memories climbed up from a deep ravine using only his bare hands.


    "Please help me become strong!" He now wished to gain power. Enough make his parents grow proud.


    But despite his calling, the voice did not respond to him, no matter how long he waited.


    "No, please!! Please come back!!" Pleading towards the brick roof he starred into, the system activated itself


    [Warning!]


    [Host is suffering from conflicting souls]


    [Do you wish to merge them together?]


    Seeing this as a chance, Marss hurriedly willed it to begin. Hoping to be able to hear the dissipated voice again.


    [Confirmed]


    [Proceeding with fusion...]


    [Process will take 120 Seconds]


    [Host will be severely weakened while unconscious]


    [Please wait]


    ....


    Back inside the bloody black room filled with minced monster corpses, a plump body was rising up from one of the corners.


    "wh..what? what happened? I only closed my eyes for a second... Hey, are you still there, elde...r? HAAA!!! HAAAAA!! WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED IN HERE?!"


    The rising body did not belong to anyone else other than the sturdy, red bearded villager named gen. Father of the previously murdered Fenrik.


    He was unable to understand what was going on in this place. Only remembering a sweet voice sending him to sleep while he and the others traversed those dusty brick hall''s.


    As he regained more clarity, he remember a order he gave himself before passing out.


    "Yes! I need to strangle that damn Marss in front of his parents! Either that, or hack them all togheter! I swear to do it! Now, where is that damn Johnson?"


    As he looked around the smelly room, he could not find anything other than those remains. Also, that red circle covering the one wall threw him a little off. Beginning to wander towards the light emitting tunnel. Looking like the path out of here.


    "Whatever! I will get those filthy rats before asking about what happened in here. If I don''t kill at least one, I will never be able to sleep again."


    Dragging his big body whil wearing the blood soaked leather clothes, Gen continued to head towards the end of the long tunnel.


    "Mabye a bath will take my mind of things..."


    As he neared the end of the light, he suddenly stopped. Catching a glimpse of the familiar body which laid next to the exit.


    "I...Is this...." Gen started to slowly smile as he recognized the naked boy. His expression turning more crazed each time a new facial mucle moved.


    "Are the godesses of luck smiling at me...?"

 16 Sacrifice

    "This is too good to be true!"


    To think that he would find one of those bastards this soon.. The gods really smiled at him, weren''t they?


    But something didn''t look right... Did this kid''s hair always give of that glowing white luster? Even his eyes were now a little similar to two lanters. Did he swallow some sort of bulb mabye?


    ''No! that is not important now! I needed to this! Haha, this damn rat will finally be killed.''


    He could now finish what that whispering voice in his mind kept telling him to. The one who started speaking while looked into those weird torches when traveling alongside the other''s.


    As Gen approached the sleeping child, He shortly ended up right in front of it. The whispers telling him to stomp on it''s throat were getting stronger, almost as if they transformed into a raging echo, completely shutting down every other part of his brain.


    It did not take long for him to slowly raise his robust leg. Even though he was from a poor village, Gen had a higher standing hanks to his son, or that is, he once had.


    Remembering the sight of his foolish son made the voice shake his mind more. Driving him further into insanity.


    He kept his big leg hovering over Marss''s throat. Savoring the sight which was about to come. Some off the monster blood he was covered in dripped off on the fragile throat. His eyes almost rolled back due to the ecstatic and triumphant feeling traveling through his body as he watched this.


    But, Gen was never one to savor his victories. He then activated all the mucle fibers he could connect with. His leg quickly flew down towards Marss''s Adam''s apple.


    Just as he was about to flatten this cursed beeing, he noticed that the desceding leg was.....thrown off course? It implanted itself into the brick floor making up the tunnel. Some lingering dust particle flew to the each side as his foot landed right beside the boy''s shoulder blade.


    What is this? Had he grown senile?


    ''Why did I miss?''


    Not able to understand why his leg left betrayed him like this, he was planning on giving it a chance to redeem itself. I mean... his leg would never betray him for this dirt poor child? Right?


    ''Never! you would never go behind my back! Lets give it a new try. Or what do you say, old friend?'' His thoughts, which were more jumbled than ever, were now harmoniously flying alongside that whisper.


    As he prepared to once more lift his leg, something even more strange happened.


    It...It didn''t move? what the hell?! Had his leg really betrayed him!?


    ''Just you wait! I will cut you off sooner or later. Hmpf, I have no need for a untrustworthy pile of bones like yourself!''


    As he kept on cursing at the leg which refused to answer his thoughts, he starter to lift the other one. The left leg still seemed to support him in this matter!


    He once more positioned it alongside his body. Right on top of the little boy who still kept giving off a faint white glow from both the hair and eyelids.


    ''I will just trample on your head until this built up tension disappears then!


    He imagined how all the bones in this tender face would break benath his soaking red shoes.


    Yet, as he planned on dropping his leg like a guillotine on this brat, his plan''s were once more foiled. For the leg did not even budge an inch as it stood above the child''s head.


    His two blue irises each took on a darker color as red bloody streaks swelled inside the whites of the eyes. Stimulated from his raging state of mind, unable to understand what was going on.


    As the redness in his eyes grew stronger, however, some type of light was registered coming from underneath his head.


    It did not originate from Marss, as his was not that strong. But instead from a small purple orb embedded inside his chest.


    "Wait... Were did this thing come fro.." Before Gen could mutter another word, he felt all his senses shut down. The whispers in his head disappeared, replaced by deep feminine tone.


    "Hey, baldy. You better listen when this great lord is speaking!" It''s tender voice hammered itself into his brain. The eardrums popped even though it came from his mind.


    "Did you know that gingers are pretty rare on this side of Farleng?"


    ....


    As the boy slowly woke up, the screams of a suffering man could be heard. Followed by some weird cracking noises.


    Opening his now light brown eyes, he was greeted by the sight of a somewhat familiar red bearded man having his skin and mucle stretch in every possible direction. Almost as if he was made up of several balls of fluffed yarn.


    Seeing this guy being pushed towards the edges of hell, he could do nothing but wait until his body regained it''s ability to move.


    Sometimes looking away, sometimes looking back out of curiosity. He got impatient and afraid as the waiting continued. Not taking notice of his now dark golden hair. The cold brick floor, combined with the nearby sunshine from the exit seemed to speed up the recovery.


    The signals from his brain started to successfully travel down the spine, allowing him to rise up, preparing to jump away from the shrinking, fleshy figure behind him.


    Beginning to struggle towards the wall made of light, he suddenly felt all hell break lose inside his head as the contorted screaming stopped togheter with the loud cracking.


    Just as he was about to touch the yellow/white surface, he felt something grip tighlty onto one of his elbow.


    Being suddenly grabbed like this just fueled the ringing danger senses.


    As the grip around his elbow tighten, he was then flung back. No different than a leaf being dragged away by a tornado. His body rolled through the air, crashing and sliding on the brick floor below.


    The impact ripped some of the skin on his back as his level was reset to 1 and he had no mutations.


    If he remembered correctly, the level of a human would never reset. After all, they lacked the ability to evolve. But, being granted the abilites he had, the power to fuse and empower the thickness and genetic code of all beasts absorbed, made him a exception to this iron rule.


    The itching pain disappeared as his body pumped itself full of adrenaline. Heightening the exhausted senses. Aiming his tired light brown eyes towards the approaching enemy.


    Expecting to see the bald red beard man from before, or atleast something similar, he steeled his heart, but could not be more shocked as he turned towards it.


    It was...very familiar infact. Too familiar. Almost identical to the blond haired elf he just squashed. The slim and well shaped body still resembled that of a woman''s. Even the ears had even grown to similarly seen before length. Sticking out like sharp white thorns.


    The only difference between this guy and the now melted red sun starring back at him from the alloyed room, was the long red locks and the blue pricks inside his well rounded eyes.


    Of course, there was also the bloodied leather clothes, but they were not worth looking at, as the enimety filled gaze was unbreakable.


    As the alluring figure came closer, its sweet mellow voice echoed throughout the barely lit tunnel.


    "Never have I seen such a strong biomantic- fusion. Its too powerful in fact. Could you be a beastmaster? No... you still retained a normal human form, so mabye a living secret skill?"


    Marss took in what he said, but barely process it as the system ran while the man spoke.


    [Hostile target detected]


    [Chances of winning:???]


    [Chances of dying:???]


    [Chances of fleeing:???]


    ''Really? At this time?''


    ''open display!''


    [Display engaged]


    Layer:General (middle)


    Lvl:1/60


    Name:Ma???l ???? ????


    Race:Variant human Age:15


    Mental status:Tired


    Body status:Exhausted (damaged)


    Energy:1 000/14 000


    Bloodline(Integrated):Teratorn Peacock.


    Bloodline storage:Night Dove, Leaf Dragon, Ghoul, Troll, Teratorn Peacock.


    Mass:4030


    [ABILITIES] (active) (-)


    (Sprint LvL 8) (Punch LvL 9) (Trick LvL3) (Mucle empowerment LvL 2(+1) (Bone shatterer LvL1) (perceptionLvL8) (Berserk LvL 5(+1) (revenge LvL6) (killer instinct LvL5(new)


    (Deconstruction) (Storage)(Integration) (Assimilation)


    [ABILITIES] (passive) (-)


    (Super regeneration LvL7) (fatigue immunity LvL4) (Pain immunity LvL 9) (quick learner LvL4) (Primal instinct LvL1) (Charisma LvL1) (Beast aura LvL:1) (Mindful LvL1) (Precise striker LvL7) (Engraved path) (Thermal vision LvL1) (air manipulation LvL5(+1) (Kinetic dispersion LvL8(new) (damage convertion LvL4)


    (Filter) (Convertion) (Assort) (Hybrid)


    [NEW TITLES EARNED!]


    [Titles]


    [BETRAYED/EXPERIENCED FIGHTER/CHEATER OF DEATH/HYBRID/GEMINI(new)/KINDLED(new)/???/???


    [GEMINI:A Title granted to those who have fused two compatible souls togheter]


    (Decreases energy needed to cast magic and use abilities)


    [KINDLED: A Title granted to those who refuse to accept a failed fate]


    (Mind control immunity)


    ''Can I take him on with only 1000 energy available?''


    Marss didn''t look at any of the other notifications exept the energy value. For he could not gauge out how much his evolved skills would use.


    Then suddenly, he question.


    ''Can I mutate my body?''


    [Affirmative]


    [Specify mutation?]


    His light brown eyes lit up as he screamed outloude.


    "I WANT ALL OF THEM! EVERY SINGLE ONE!!"


    [This procces will take 9 seconds as host''s body is used to mutation]


    ....


    Looking at fear hopping inside that deflated chicken''s eyes, Jenkins was able to gain some closure. But still this dissatisfied.


    ''Forcing me to take over this smelly, bald human was already where the limit went. BUT CRUSHING MY BODY?? AND THINKING YOU COULD LEAVE??''


    The hate brewing inside his heart was flaring up. He began to imagine how he would cut open this bird in human skin. Slowly figuring out what type of path it walked to gain this never before seen power.


    ''Could be a blessing... But cutting him would ease my anger, so lets go with that.''


    He was slowly getting closer. Watching every movement the boy made while preparing his dark magic.


    ''This body is not compatible with my soul. Not only that, my casting speed is much slower.''


    His desire to torture this wretched child grew more as he looked into its eyes.


    However, he suddenly stopped as the boy began to unexpectedly scream.


    "I WANT ALL OF THEM! EVERY SINGLE ONE!!"


    Looking at the panicking child, Jenkins smirked a little while he kept thinking of why it would suddenly cause so much noise.


    ''Did he go mad? Well, there are other things I can break. So this lord shall forgive you.''


    But this thought disappeared as the boy''s body began to expand once more.