Arthur’s colossal form lumbered through the Scorched Badlands, each step causing the cracked ground beneath his feet to tremble. He was no longer the drake he once was; his wings had grown broader, his tail thicker, and his horns, adorned with pulsing red runes, curled ominously above his head. The air around him vibrated with the power of his newly evolved [Psychic] ability, and Arthur could feel that the very atmosphere responded to his presence now.
I need to test this... properly.
He clenched his claws, feeling the immense pressure of his power boiling beneath the surface. It wasn’t enough to tear apart weaker creatures; he needed something substantial, something that could push him. His thoughts immediately turned to the monsters that lurked on this island. The island was brutal—a crucible of survival where only the strongest endured—and Arthur had to evolve, faster, stronger, and more deadly.
The thought of Volcranax, the lord of this volcanic land, stirred something primal in his chest. He knew, with an almost prophetic certainty, that his path led to a confrontation with that beast. But to challenge a third-stage volcanic dragon? He needed something more, something iconic.
A breath attack.
Every kaiju, every monster of true strength, had one. He could sense it deep in his bones—the need for it, the primal urge to unleash raw power. And so, his goal became clear: Find a creature with a breath attack.
*
Arthur activated his [Map], filtering through the hundreds of monsters scattered across the Badlands. After a few moments, a blip appeared, flashing in the central part of the island. The Infernal Grove—the name alone evoked a sense of foreboding. According to the system’s analysis, this was a forest of charred, twisted trees with roots drenched in molten lava. The heat there would be unbearable for most creatures, but Arthur knew he would thrive.
And within the Infernal Grove was a creature that caught his attention: The Flameback Boar, a second-stage creature with a fiery breath attack. Perfect.
"That’s it," Arthur growled, excitement flooding his veins. "I’m coming for you."
The journey to the Infernal Grove was short but intense. As Arthur entered, the charred forest loomed ahead, with ancient, gnarled trees twisted into grotesque shapes. Molten roots snaked across the ground, steaming and seething as if the land itself was alive with fire. The heat here was suffocating—hotter than anywhere he’d ventured before—but Arthur’s body adapted. His scales absorbed the heat, his wings flexing as if empowered by the scorching air.
"System," Arthur called out, "any information?"
The [Analyze] skill activated.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Location Identified: Infernal Grove. A territory known for its oppressive heat and fierce creatures. Ambushes are common. Proceed with caution.
Arthur grinned, his razor-sharp teeth gleaming in the hot, shifting air. Let them try.
Suddenly, a deep rumble echoed through the Grove, shaking the ground. Arthur paused, turning his head. The Flameback Boar was nearby. The system pinged it—a massive creature, with tusks that dripped with molten lava. It wasn’t hiding; it was coming straight for him.
As the Flameback Boar charged through the charred trees, molten embers scattered from its back, the heat warping the air around it. At the peak of the first stage, the creature was formidable but smaller than Arthur—about 40 feet long. Its tusks gleamed with molten lava dripping down, and its eyes glowed with fury, but Arthur felt nothing but amusement as he braced for impact.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Enemy identified: Flameback Boar (First Stage, Peak). High-level physical strength and capable of fire manipulation. Approach with caution.
Arthur couldn’t help but snarl in satisfaction as the boar barreled toward him, tusks aimed at his chest. The system’s warning barely registered in his mind. This was what he wanted—an opponent with a bit of fight in it. His horns glowed faintly as his [Psychic] energy hummed, ready to be tested.
The boar came in fast, tusks dripping with lava, but Arthur didn’t dodge. He stood firm, his claws sinking into the molten soil. When the boar was mere feet away, Arthur’s [Aura of Fear] activated, a wave of dread crashing over the beast’s mind. The Flameback Boar hesitated, its charge faltering as the fear gripped it, its instincts screaming to flee.
"What’s wrong?" Arthur growled, stepping toward the stunned creature. "Afraid of a real predator?"
But the boar, driven by primal fury, roared and resumed its attack, though its hesitation gave Arthur all the time he needed. As the tusks grazed his side, Arthur struck. His [Psychic] ability flared to life, crushing the boar’s mind with a vice grip of mental pressure. The beast skidded to a halt, disoriented by the mental assault, unable to comprehend the force that overwhelmed it.
Arthur’s grin widened. This was the perfect chance to test his power.
With a quick swipe of his tail, he sent the Flameback Boar tumbling across the scorched earth, molten blood spraying from its wounds. It tried to rise, its legs trembling as it attempted to fight back, but Arthur pressed his psychic assault deeper, locking its body in place. The boar’s muscles spasmed, and it let out a pitiful growl as it struggled to resist.
Arthur toyed with the creature, holding it in place, savoring the look of terror that flickered in its glowing eyes. "Pathetic," he sneered.
Suddenly, with a sharp movement, Arthur crushed the boar’s mind completely, the psychic pressure overwhelming the creature. The Flameback Boar collapsed, twitching in the dirt as Arthur towered over it, watching its life fade.
Suddenly, with a sharp movement, Arthur crushed the boar’s mind completely, the psychic pressure overwhelming the creature. The Flameback Boar collapsed, twitching in the dirt as Arthur towered over it, watching its life fade.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
You have successfully killed the Flameback Boar.
But Arthur didn’t feel the usual rush of power or strength coursing through him. He glanced down at the dead boar’s body, confused. Where was the system notification? He had devoured multiple monsters already, but he still wasn’t evolving. A low growl of frustration escaped him.
As he stepped closer, something caught his attention—a small movement behind the flaming roots. Arthur’s gaze narrowed as he spotted a den. Small, defenseless piglets, hiding among the molten bark, were staring back at him.
For a moment, Arthur paused. The Flameback Boar had been protecting its young. That explained the recklessness of its charge. But instead of sympathy, Arthur’s lips curled into a cruel smile.
"It doesn’t matter."
With a swift movement, he crushed the piglets under his claws, one by one. No mercy, no hesitation. If this world demanded survival at all costs, then he would pay that price without blinking. He didn’t feel any system punishment for his actions. The system stayed silent, as though it recognized his ruthless efficiency as neutral. There was no good or evil here, just survival.
Arthur devoured the remains of the boar and its offspring, storing chunks of their bodies in his [Inventory] to maintain his stamina as he pressed on. His mind still lingered on one thing: Was this how he was meant to grow stronger now? By challenging creatures that were his equal, if not stronger?
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Essence absorbed. Stamina restored.
Arthur raised his head, not a flicker of guilt or hesitation crossing his mind. This was his world now, and to rise above it, there could be no weakness.
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"No mercy." Arthur growled, storing what remained of the boar’s body into his [Inventory] for later use. The air around him sizzled with heat, his body pulsing with energy from the boar’s essence.
The Infernal Grove was just another step, another trial. But now, his next target awaited. He wasn’t just following instincts anymore. Arthur was evolving—not just physically, but mentally. And soon, Volcranax and whatever creature lay beneath the gorge would learn the name of the monster that was rising through the ranks.