Ascendant Genesis: Boundless Evolution

Chapter 4: The First Hunt

Nathan Cain moved through the ruined streets with a newfound confidence. The System's interface lingered faintly in his vision, and his heightened senses were already proving invaluable. Every sound, every shift in the wind, painted a vivid picture of the world around him. For the first time in years, he felt like he wasn't just surviving—he was fighting back.

"Predator's Instinct," he muttered to himself. "Let's see what you can do."

The city was silent except for the occasional creak of crumbling structures and the distant growls of unseen creatures. Nathan's heightened senses caught the faintest rustling in the distance. He crouched low, gripping his blade as he moved toward the sound.

The ruins opened into a wide street, cars scattered like forgotten toys. Ahead, a small pack of mutants prowled, their grotesque forms illuminated by the faint glow of the moon. They were smaller than the beast he'd fought earlier, but their sharp claws and jagged teeth marked them as dangerous nonetheless.

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Species: Scavenger Mutants

Level: 2

Traits: Pack Tactics, Enhanced Agility

Weakness: Isolation

---

The System's analysis flickered in his vision. Nathan studied the pack carefully. The scavengers moved as one, their movements coordinated, their eyes scanning the area for prey.

"If I take them head-on, I'm dead," Nathan whispered. "But if I can separate them…"

He crouched behind the husk of an overturned car and reached for a loose chunk of concrete. With a sharp throw, he sent the rock clattering into a nearby alley.

The pack froze, their heads snapping toward the sound. One of the scavengers broke away, its curiosity overriding its instincts.

"Gotcha," Nathan muttered.

He waited until the mutant was out of sight before following. The creature sniffed the air, growling softly as it searched for the source of the noise. Nathan moved silently, his footsteps barely making a sound on the cracked pavement.

The moment the scavenger turned its back, Nathan struck. His blade pierced the creature's side, hitting a vital point. The mutant let out a shriek before collapsing, its body twitching as its life faded.

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**Enemy Defeated.**

**Evolution Points Gained: 20**

---

Nathan felt a rush of satisfaction as the System's notification appeared. He wiped the blood from his blade and turned back toward the street. The remaining scavengers were still searching for their missing packmate, oblivious to his presence.

One down, three to go.

Nathan repeated his strategy, luring another scavenger away and dispatching it quickly. With each kill, his movements became more precise, his attacks more confident. The System's guidance sharpened his instincts, and his senses allowed him to anticipate the creatures' movements.

But the last two scavengers weren't so easily fooled. When Nathan tried to isolate another, they caught on. Both mutants turned toward him, their growls low and menacing.

"Alright," Nathan said, gripping his blade tightly. "Let's see how good I really am."

The scavengers charged, their movements fast and erratic. Nathan dodged the first attack, his enhanced reflexes allowing him to sidestep the mutant's claws. He countered with a quick slash, his blade cutting deep into its side.

The second scavenger lunged at him, its jaws snapping inches from his face. Nathan ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the attack. He struck upward, his blade catching the mutant under its chin. The creature let out a gurgled cry before collapsing.

The final scavenger, wounded but determined, snarled and circled him warily. Nathan could see the fear in its eyes, but it didn't back down.

"Come on," he said, raising his blade. "Let's finish this."

The mutant charged again, and this time Nathan met it head-on. He dodged its claws and drove his blade into its chest, ending the fight.

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**Enemies Defeated.**

**Evolution Points Gained: 40**

**Synchronization Increased to 25%.**

---

Nathan leaned against a broken lamppost, catching his breath. His body ached, but the rush of victory outweighed the pain.

"That wasn't too bad," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

The System's voice chimed in his mind. "Congratulations, User. You have earned enough Evolution Points to unlock your next ability."

A new screen appeared:

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**Available Abilities:**

1. **Kinetic Surge:** Temporarily enhance speed and strength during combat.

2. **Vital Recovery:** Accelerate healing of wounds and injuries.

3. **Energy Pulse:** Release a burst of energy to stagger enemies.

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Nathan studied the options carefully. Each ability had its advantages, but in a world where survival often depended on quick recovery, Vital Recovery seemed like the obvious choice.

"I choose Vital Recovery," he said.

A warm sensation spread through his body as the ability activated. The aches and cuts from his battle began to fade, his energy returning faster than before.

"This... is incredible," he said, flexing his fingers.

But his moment of triumph was short-lived. A distant roar echoed through the city, deeper and more menacing than anything he'd heard before. The ground trembled beneath his feet, and the faint glow of distant ruins flickered ominously.

Nathan's enhanced senses picked up movement—something massive, heading his way.

"Of course," he muttered, gripping his blade. "It couldn't just be an easy day, could it?"

He turned and ran, his mind racing. Whatever was coming for him was far beyond his current strength. But he wasn't the same desperate survivor he'd been just days ago.

As he disappeared into the shadows of the ruins, one thought kept him moving.

"I'll get stronger. No matter what it takes."