The Shadowfang Wolf lunged, its cws gleaming under the moonlight. Xeran moved instinctively, his body reacting as if he had fought a thousand battles before—because he had. He rolled to the side, narrowly dodging the strike as the beast’s cws tore through the stone where he had just stood.

  He nded in a crouch, grabbing a rusted sword lying among the ruins. It was old, chipped, barely usable—but it was better than nothing.

  The wolf snarled, eyes locked onto him. It was waiting, studying him. This wasn’t an ordinary beast.

  "Smart… but not smart enough."

  The beast charged again, faster this time. Xeran pnted his feet, waiting until the st moment—then twisted his body, sshing the rusted bde across its fnk.

  Cng!

  The impact barely cut through the wolf’s tough hide, but it staggered slightly. Xeran clicked his tongue. He was too weak. This body cked the monstrous strength he once had.

  [System Alert: Shadowfang Wolf detected. Absorbable Beast Core found.]

  Xeran’s eyes widened. Beast Core?

  He didn’t have time to think. The wolf recovered and lunged again. But this time, Xeran was ready. He sidestepped, dodging the attack and driving his sword deep into the beast’s throat.

  The wolf gurgled, its glowing eyes flickering before its body colpsed.

  [You have defeated Shadowfang Wolf.]

  [Beast Core Avaible for Absorption.]

  A dark, pulsating orb floated above the wolf’s corpse. Instinctively, Xeran reached out. As soon as his fingers touched the core, a surge of power rushed through him.

  [Absorbing Beast Core…]

  Pain exploded in his body. It felt as if fire was tearing through his veins. His muscles tensed, his vision blurred, but then—something changed. He could feel the beast’s essence merging with him.

  [Shadowfang Wolf Core Absorbed.]

  [New Ability Acquired: Shadow Step – Instantly move a short distance, blending with shadows.]

  Xeran exhaled sharply. The pain faded, repced by a strange lightness in his body. He clenched his fists. He was stronger.

  A smirk formed on his lips.

  “This world… might be interesting after all.”

  TO BE CONTINUED…