Ascendant Genesis: Boundless Evolution

Chapter 6: Fragments of the Past

Nathan leaned against the shattered remains of a concrete wall, his breath coming in ragged gasps. The fight with the Apex Predator had drained him completely, both physically and mentally. Every muscle in his body ached, and the faint glow of his blade reflected the dried blood that coated its edge.

The System's notifications still hovered in his vision, their presence both comforting and unnerving.

---

Synchronization Level: 40%

Abilities Unlocked: Predator's Instinct, Vital Recovery, Kinetic Surge

---

"Forty percent," Nathan muttered. "What happens when I hit a hundred?"

The thought lingered as he forced himself to his feet. The Apex Predator's massive body lay still, a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in this broken world. For all his newfound power, Nathan knew he had barely survived the encounter.

The faint sound of the wind carried the distant cries of scavengers, and Nathan's instincts told him to move. Predators—both human and mutant—would be drawn to the noise and carnage.

But something caught his attention: a faint glimmer of light from the Apex Predator's chest.

"What the hell is that?" he muttered, stepping closer.

The Predator's chest cavity, torn open during their battle, revealed a strange, pulsating core. It glowed faintly, a mix of blue and white light, and seemed to hum with energy.

---

Item Detected: Mutant Core

Category: Rare

Properties: Absorbable for Evolution Points or Crafting Material

---

Nathan hesitated. The System's explanation made it clear the core was valuable, but there was something unsettling about it. The light seemed alive, almost aware, and he couldn't shake the feeling that it was watching him.

He crouched down, gripping the core cautiously. The moment his fingers touched it, a surge of energy coursed through his body.

---

Mutant Core Absorbed.

Evolution Points Gained: 500.

Synchronization Increased to 50%.

---

Nathan staggered back, the rush of energy overwhelming. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he felt as though he were falling through an endless void.

Images flashed in his mind—fragments of memories that didn't belong to him. A world covered in green, untouched by ruin. Towering cities of glass and steel. People laughing, living, thriving. And then… chaos.

Explosions. Screams. The sky turning dark as monstrous creatures tore through the land. The image of a massive sphere of light appeared, glowing brightly before shattering into countless fragments.

Nathan gasped, the visions fading as quickly as they came. He clutched his head, his heart pounding.

"What… was that?" he whispered.

The System's voice answered, calm as ever.

"You have glimpsed the memories of the Artifact of Genesis. The destruction of the old world and the birth of the new. Continue to synchronize, and more will be revealed."

Nathan shook his head, trying to process what he'd seen. "The Artifact of Genesis… this thing in my body… it caused all of this?"

The System remained silent, offering no further explanation.

Nathan forced himself to focus. Whatever the Artifact was, whatever its role in the world's destruction, it was now a part of him. And if he wanted to survive, he needed to use its power.

He turned his attention back to the city. The ruins stretched endlessly, but in the distance, he could see the faint glow of a fire.

"Could be survivors," he muttered. "Or another trap."

Either way, he needed answers—and supplies. Tightening his grip on his blade, Nathan began making his way toward the light.

---

The journey was slow and treacherous. The closer Nathan got to the fire, the more signs of life he encountered. Fresh footprints in the dirt, discarded food wrappers, the faint echo of voices carried by the wind.

He crouched behind an overturned car, peering into the clearing ahead. A small group of people had set up camp around the fire, their faces gaunt and weary. They were armed with makeshift weapons—knives, pipes, and a single rifle that looked like it hadn't been cleaned in years.

Nathan's first instinct was to approach, but something felt off. The way they moved, the way their eyes darted nervously toward the shadows, reminded him of prey more than predators.

And then he saw why.

A hulking figure emerged from the darkness, its body covered in patchwork armor made of scavenged metal and leather. The man was massive, easily twice Nathan's size, and carried a spiked club slung over one shoulder.

"Boss, he's back," one of the campers whispered.

Nathan watched as the group stiffened, their fear palpable.

The man grinned, his teeth yellow and jagged. "You've had plenty of time to pay up. Where's my tribute?"

One of the campers, a thin man with hollow cheeks, stepped forward. "W-we don't have anything else. Please, we gave you everything last time."

The brute's grin faded. "Wrong answer."

Nathan tensed as the man raised his club. He knew he shouldn't get involved—knew he should turn around and leave before he was noticed. But something about the scene ignited a fire inside him.

"These people are already broken," he muttered. "And he's still squeezing them dry."

Before he could second-guess himself, Nathan stepped into the clearing.

"Hey," he called out, his voice steady. "Why don't you try picking on someone who can fight back?"

The brute turned, his grin returning. "Well, well. Looks like we've got a hero."

Nathan drew his blade, the firelight reflecting off its edge. "Let's see how tough you really are."

The clearing fell silent as the two men faced off, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Alright, hero," the brute said, raising his club. "Let's dance."