Ascendant Genesis: Boundless Evolution

Chapter 10: The First Hunter

The ruins stretched endlessly before Nathan, the remnants of a world long gone. As the sun's pale light filtered through the thick clouds, it did little to chase away the gloom. Nathan's newfound abilities gave him confidence, but a gnawing unease lingered in his mind. The Keeper's warning played over and over: Beware the shadows that hunt you.

He could feel it—a faint but growing sensation of being watched. Each step seemed to echo louder than the last, and the desolate streets seemed too quiet.

---

System Alert:

Warning: Presence Detected.

Threat Level: Unknown.

---

Nathan stopped, scanning his surroundings. The System's alert confirmed what his instincts were already telling him: he wasn't alone.

"Who's there?" he called out, his voice steady but sharp.

Silence answered him, broken only by the soft rustling of wind through the debris. Nathan's hand tightened around the hilt of his blade, his eyes narrowing as he activated Predator's Instinct.

Through his enhanced vision, the world shifted into sharper focus. He saw the faint outline of a figure moving in the shadows, their steps deliberately quiet.

"I know you're there," Nathan said, taking a defensive stance. "Show yourself."

A slow, mocking clap echoed through the ruins. From the shadows emerged a man clad in dark armor, his face obscured by a sleek mask. His presence exuded a dangerous confidence, and his movements were smooth, almost predatory.

"Well, well," the man said, his voice distorted through the mask. "The new Bearer of the Artifact. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Nathan's grip on his blade tightened. "And you are?"

The man tilted his head, the faint glow of his red visor fixed on Nathan. "You can call me Kael. Let's just say I'm a collector of rare and powerful things. And you, my friend, have something I want."

Kael raised his hand, and a blade of pure energy materialized, humming softly.

"Give me the Fragment," Kael said, his tone casual but laced with menace. "I promise to make this quick."

Nathan scoffed, his own blade gleaming as he drew it. "You want it? Come and take it."

Kael chuckled. "I was hoping you'd say that."

---

Enemy Identified:

Name: Kael, the First Hunter

Level: 9

Traits: Enhanced Reflexes, Energy Weaponry, Adaptive Combatant

Threat Level: Extreme

---

Kael moved first, closing the distance between them in an instant. His energy blade struck with precision, forcing Nathan to block. The impact sent a jolt up Nathan's arm, the sheer force catching him off guard.

"You're fast," Nathan said, gritting his teeth as he countered with a swift slash. Kael dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and calculated.

"And you're predictable," Kael replied, his blade arcing toward Nathan's side.

Nathan activated Phase Shift, blinking out of range just in time. He reappeared behind Kael, aiming a strike at his exposed back. But Kael anticipated the move, twisting around and deflecting the blow with ease.

"Impressive," Kael said, his tone almost admiring. "You've adapted to the Artifact's power quickly. But you're still just a novice."

Nathan didn't respond. Instead, he activated Energy Pulse, sending a shockwave toward Kael. The Hunter raised his arm, a translucent shield materializing to absorb the impact.

Kael lunged forward, his blade a blur as it came within inches of Nathan's throat. Nathan barely managed to parry, the clash of their weapons sending sparks flying.

"You're out of your depth," Kael taunted, pressing his attack. "The Artifact's power is wasted on someone like you."

Nathan's mind raced. Kael's combat skills were far superior, and his adaptive style made it nearly impossible to land a solid hit. He needed a strategy—something unexpected.

---

System Suggestion: Utilize Environmental Hazards.

---

Nathan's eyes flicked to a nearby structure, its weakened frame sagging under the weight of rubble. He darted toward it, Kael following closely.

"What's the matter?" Kael called out. "Running already?"

Nathan ignored him, leaping onto the crumbling structure. Kael followed, his blade slicing through the air as he closed the gap. Nathan feigned a stumble, drawing Kael closer.

At the last moment, Nathan used Kinetic Surge to propel himself upward, slamming his blade into a precarious support beam. The structure groaned before collapsing, sending Kael tumbling into a cloud of dust and debris.

Nathan landed a few feet away, his chest heaving as he watched the wreckage. For a moment, there was silence.

Then the rubble shifted, and Kael emerged, his armor battered but intact.

"Not bad," Kael said, brushing dust off his shoulder. "But you'll have to do better than that."

Nathan cursed under his breath. Kael was relentless, his resilience seemingly unshakable.

"You're tough," Nathan said, gripping his blade tightly. "But everyone has a weakness."

Kael laughed, his energy blade crackling with renewed intensity. "Then you'd better find mine quickly. Because I'm done playing."

The two clashed again, their battle lighting up the ruins as sparks and energy blasts filled the air. Nathan's movements became more desperate, his stamina waning. But his determination burned brighter than ever.

---

Fragment Synchronization: 75%.

---

The System's notification caught Nathan's attention, and he felt a surge of energy. The Fragment's power was growing within him, amplifying his abilities.

Nathan activated Phase Shift again, but this time, he held onto the distortion longer, reappearing behind Kael with a burst of speed. His blade struck true, cutting through Kael's armor and drawing blood.

Kael staggered, his hand clutching the wound. His red visor flickered, and for the first time, Nathan sensed frustration.

"You're full of surprises," Kael said, his tone darker. "But this isn't over."

Before Nathan could press his advantage, Kael activated a device on his wrist. A blinding flash of light filled the air, forcing Nathan to shield his eyes.

When the light faded, Kael was gone, leaving only silence.

---

Enemy Escaped.

Evolution Points Gained: 200.

Synchronization Increased to 80%.

---

Nathan lowered his blade, his heart still racing. The battle had pushed him to his limits, but he had survived.

Kael's parting words echoed in his mind: This isn't over.

Nathan knew the Hunter would return, stronger and more determined. But for now, he had a moment of respite—a chance to prepare for the battles to come.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, Nathan turned toward the horizon, where the pull of the next Fragment awaited.

"I'll be ready," he said, his voice resolute.