HAAAH… HUFF… HUFF… Im… Alive… That felt so.
Flashbacks leading to Khal's death started to replay in his head.
"Real."
[Though this is just a simulation, the host had just truly experienced death.]
… My excitement of getting stronger got the best of me… i have no training as a fighter and i went straight into a fight with no information of what's ahead or a plan of attack… Even if that was a level 3 gray hound wolf, the outcome would have been the same.
Khal sat on the ground, crossing his legs, thinking, his breath still heavy.
But i don't exactly have a way to get stronger; without stats, i cant increase my strength… and i don't wanna die again… I don't want to experience… that horrible feeling again.
Khal grabbed his chest, clenching his jaw.
The best thing I can do right now is check my status window and see if there are any changes.
"Open status window."
Name: Khal Dragul
Adaptation history⛛
Level: 0 (Max)
Adaptation mastery: Lvl 1 (55%)
Blessing: Adapt (??) Details⛛
Adaptive points: 10
Abilities: Adaptation (Passive)
Inventory⛛
Adapted skills⛛
As I thought, my status window changed. When I was fighting that beast, I was receiving multiple notifications; the most noticeable one was the pain resistance notifications. Every time I received a notification about it, the pain, though not by much, became more bearable.
Khal scanned through system tabs that were available.
It seems like adaptation history is the only tab accessible right now.
Click
Adaptation History
[Pain Resistance lvl 2]⛛ 1/20
Increased resistance to the feeling of pain.
1/10⛛ [1 lvl Muscle Strengthening]
Increased muscle density and muscular strength.
I'm not sure, but I think I understand a bit more of my ability now. Khal thought.
It seems I'm capable of gaining new abilities based on my situation, and it's most likely only immediate danger, considering I was walking through the forest before and I didn't adapt an ability to improve my stamina.
[The host is partially correct. Adapt or Adaptive Evolution is a unique and unparalleled blessing that grants the user the ability to adapt/Reactively Evolve in response to any situation. This ability operates in two key forms: Passive Adaptation and Remote Situational Adaptation.]
Passive Adaptation:
[The host's body gradually adapts to external stimuli over time. Physical traits may change permanently based on repeated exposure, such as improved muscle efficiency from enduring strain, heightened reflexes from continuous combat, or even regeneration from surviving fatal wounds. Adaptations also can occur outside of danger to prevent oncoming danger, granting the host an ability to counter said danger.]
Remote Situational Adaptation:
[In the face of immediate danger or challenges, the user can temporarily develop abilities suited to counter specific threats.This adaptation falls into three categories: Offensive, Defensive, and Practical.These adaptations consume Adaptive Points, and disappear once the situation is resolved; this form of adaptation can only be accessed with Lvl 5 Adaptation mastery.]
I see… So that's why I wasn't giving stats or the ability to level up; I grow stronger through adversity.
Khal thought. Clenching his fist.
In the long run with a blessing like this, i can become unstoppable… It would have been nice if you told me all of this before I wandered into the forest and, you know, died, or maybe added it into my blessings details instead of just "Endless Adaptation."
The system stayed silent, unresponsive.
Khal sighed, shaking his head. Khal sat up and observed his surroundings: the wind blowing the trees back and forth and the eerie, abnormal silence the typical forest doesn't give off.
The only way I'm going to get stronger is if I'm in danger. It would be foolish to take another route than the one before, since I could possibly encounter even more wolves this time around.
Khal walked off into the forest, taking the same route he took before.
i damaged one of the wolf from before eye's before i died… He's the perfect target.
Khal stopped at a branch in front of him, picked it up, and started sharpening it with a flat rock he had also found nearby.
Last time i fought using the same method… But this time is different. Since my ability not only makes me grow stronger but also allows me to adapt to any situation, I should be able to gradually become adept at using this.
After being deemed sharp enough, Khal took the spear, trekking through the forest slowly and quietly.
And not too long after, he heard something.
Rustle
Movement in the bushes that came from the left of Khal.
Khal quickly spun around, stooping, quietly approaching. Khal slowly pushed the bush that was blocking his view out of the way, taking a look at what it was.
It was a greyhound wolf.
[Lvl 5. Gray Hound Wolf]
The wolf turned its head in Khal's direction, looking above; its mouth was covered in blood and one of its eyes, bleeding.
Found you. A smirk crept onto Khal's face.
The wolf turned around, tugging on something from behind a tree.
What are you—
Khal covered his mouth, looking in horror.
The wolf dragged a torn-up body from behind the tree—his body.
Khal's mouth puffed up, holding back his urge to throw up, his eyes filled with rage, his fingers tightening on the primitive spear.
Ill kill you, you fu—
[Adapted ability, Stable mind acquired. ]
Khal's tense and angry demeanor faded away, his gaze becoming calm.
My mind feels… free… free of any emotion.
Crunch!
The wolf started gnawing on the body, his back turned to Khal.
I'm able to watch myself get eaten alive and not want to throw up... This ability is truly frightening; i feel like i've lost piece of what makes me human… And I'm not sure I like it.
Khal shook his head, his gaze shifting back to the greyhound wolf. I don't have the luxury of thinking like that right now. If I don't act now, I won't get an opportunity like this.
Khal silently started to approach, moving from behind the bushes into the open.
I'll just be setting myself up for death again if I just rush at him wildly; even though I've improved, it's practically unnoticeable. The only way I'll win this...
Fwoosh!
Khal stood up straight, charging at the greyhound, his expression firm.
It is not by relying on the brute force I don't have but by thinking ten steps ahead.
The greyhound, hearing Khal's footsteps, lifted its head, turning around.
There's my chance!
[Adaptation: Accelerated Cognition acquired ]
Cognitive Acceleration +1
Cognitive Acceleration +1
Before it can fully turn its head around.
Khal halted his charge, planting his right foot on the ground, steadying himself with his left. Khal pulled the spear back, aiming at the greyhound, his eyes staring intently at the beast as it slowly turned around.
I'll hit the one spot I know it will take damage.
Veins bulged from Khal's hand as he squeezed it with all his might.
Muscle Strength +1
Muscle Strength +1
Muscle Strength +1
Muscle Strength +1
It's eye!
FWOOSH!
Khal threw the branch with all his might, sending it flying towards the beast.
As the beast turned its head halfway around.
CHING!
The branch pierced its one good eye.
"HOOOOWW." The beast howled in pain, stumbling back.
I can't give it any time to react.
FWOOSH!
Khal resumed his charge, quickly speeding towards the beast.
The greyhound shook off its pain, stood its ground, and growling menacingly, though not being able to see; it was staring directly at Khal.
Wait. Can it somehow... still see me? Khal thought as he closed in.
THWUMP!
The beast lunged forward at Khal, baring fangs, drool running down it's cheeks.
Adaptation: Neural boost Acquired
Reaction speed +1
Reaction speed +1
Reaction speed +1
[Adaptation Mastery Lvl Up!]
Khal reached his hand out, slamming it on top of its head, before lifting himself up above the beast.
With quick haste, he held on to the spear lodged in the beast's eye. With a sickening Schlrrp!, he pulled it free, landing back on his feet, behind the beast.
No, it can't see me; it's simply relying on its nose to pinpoint my position; even if it knows where I am, it doesn't know what my actions will be.
"HOOOOOOWW!" The beast howled in pain, quickly turning around. Growling, readying itself to pounce once more.
Khal took a defensive stance, gripping the primitive spear tightly with both his hands, his expression cold and resolute.
The longer I fight this beast, the more predictable it's moves become to me… And right now I can tell it's about to go for the kill.
THWUMP!
The beast lunged once more in a desperate attempt. Khal stood his ground, thrusting the spear forward with a whoosh, his eyes cold, showing no hesitation.
SCHLRP!
"No matter what happens from now on, I will continue growing stronger, breaking through my limits and stomping on those who underestimate me... And you have become the first stepping stone of my new path to power."
Khal stood tall, blood smeared over his hands and cheeks. The beast, it's mouth was pierced by the primitive spear, which ran straight through it's head.
[Greyhound wolf lvl 5 killed!]
[ 3.5 Adaptive points acquired!]