Chapter 20 - The Hunt Begins

  Akari steadied her breath.

  The mist from the slain beast had barely settled, and already, another pair of glowing slits peered at her from the ruins.

  No.

  Not just one.

  Many.

  Dark shapes slithered through the shadows—twisted creatures like the one she had just killed. Some crawled on all fours, others twisted and contorted, their limbs bending in ways that should have been impossible.

  > System Notification: First Veilbound Challenge - Next Wave Incoming.

  Survive.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Akari gritted her teeth.

  Her body still hummed from the energy she had absorbed, but she could feel it—her stamina draining.

  How many more would she have to fight?

  The first beast lunged.

  She moved instinctively, sidestepping its attack and slashing at its neck.

  The sword cut through—but instead of dissolving into mist, the beast’s flesh twisted and regenerated, as if repairing itself mid-strike.

  Akari cursed and jumped back—

  Just as another beast came from the side.

  She barely managed to raise her sword, blocking the attack—

  But then—

  Claws raked across her arm.

  A sharp burning pain exploded through her body.

  Her vision blurred for a second.

  > Warning: Veilbound Corruption Detected.

  Her knees almost buckled.

  She forced herself to stand, panting.

  This wasn’t just about surviving.

  If she stayed on the defensive, she would be torn apart.

  She had to go on the hunt.

  Akari focused.

  The beasts circled her, their eyes glowing like embers in the mist.

  She had an ability now. She had felt it when she absorbed the first beast’s energy.

  She just needed to call it forth.

  > Veilbound Absorption: Summon Available.

  Her instincts screamed at her.

  Akari reached into the energy within her, focusing on the form of the first beast she had slain.

  And then—

  A shadow surged from the ground.

  A new beast emerged beside her—an exact copy of the one she had defeated.

  Only now—it was hers.

  The other creatures hesitated.

  Her summoned beast let out a low, guttural growl, its violet eyes locked onto the enemies before them.

  Akari grinned, despite the pain.

  > First Veilbound Challenge - Survival Progress: 42%

  She wasn’t alone anymore.

  She was the hunter now.