---
That sacred place had now become a battlefield.
The spider-winged humanoid — half-beast, half-insect — burned with a rage like liquid black fire in its eyes.
Kaari stepped back, but I stood my ground.
The system pinged instantly:
> [Totem Guardian Detected: BROOD WARDEN – Rank: Unknown]
Warning: Form Shifting Not Recommended — Genetic Pattern Not Matched
Activating Emergency Protocol: Instinct Form
---
Something awoke inside me.
A primal heat, a hunger for unknown DNA.
My body began to shift — but with controlled precision.
Claws extended. My skin hardened, but I didn't fully transform.
I stood as a hybrid — partially shifted.
---
The Warden lunged — its six unblinking eyes locked on me.
CLANG!
Its first blow cracked my shoulder armor.
I retaliated — but my punch bounced off its exoskeleton.
The system screamed:
> [Weak Point Detected – Thorax Base]
Suggestion: Use Fire-Based Damage or Precision Piercing
---
Kaari summoned a burning spear.
"Take this! It was made for them…"
I grabbed it and spun into a strike.
The Warden lost balance.
That's when I targeted its abdomen — direct stab.
It screeched — but it wasn't pain…
It was a signal.
---
Fungus on the ceiling burst open —
and from inside came baby insectoids.
More than a dozen. Screeching.
The system:
> [Mini-Brood Spawn Incoming – Swarm Mode Activated]
---
Kaari chanted:
"Surya's Thread: Flame Circle!"
A ring of fire sealed the chamber.
Spawn burned as soon as they stepped in.
Now it was just me and the Warden — locked in a duel.
---
I saw an opening —
I thrust the spear between its throat and lower spine —
using a quick jaguar-shift burst.
CRACK.
The Warden collapsed — but its body began to glow.
---
System:
> [Core Extraction Available]
Do you wish to Absorb Guardian's Trait?
Trait: Brood Vision (Allows Enemy Bioform Detection in Darkness)
Warning: May Affect Host's Visual Perception
[Y/N]
I didn't think — I just said Yes.
---
Another searing heat.
A purple filter set over my vision.
Now I could see a hidden swarm moving behind Kaari…
Creatures invisible to normal eyes.
---
At that moment, the totem's center glowed.
System notification:
> [Totem Stabilized – Memory Echo Saved]
[You have unlocked 1st Hive Node out of 7]
Skill Slot Opened: Primal Detection – Lv. 1
Your form has adapted – Partial Shapeshifting (Unlocked)
---
Kaari looked at me. There was doubt in her eyes now.
"What are you?"
I said,
"Whatever I'm becoming…"
But something inside was changing.
I was no longer just a man.
Nor the old jungle beast.
Something else… something new.
---
Next Chapter Tease:
Chapter 7 – Marsh of the Hissing Fog
> A place where sounds are alive,
and beneath every pool lies memory or something more.
Trust between Kaari and the MC will be tested.
And an ancient voice… one that calls only to shapeshifters.