The morning mist slowly thinned, replaced by the faint sounds of forest creatures becoming active. Kael stood in the center of the training area, his hands open, feeling the flow of mana in the air.
Sense Energy worked almost automatically—
he didn't need to concentrate anymore.
The invisible flow of mana felt like a small river flowing around his body. He could detect every movement of a small animal, every change in air pressure, even Raven's breath behind him.
Amazing.
But…
Kael swallowed. There was something else inside him.
Hunger.
Not a physical hunger.
Not a desire for food.
But a desire to draw power.
The stronger the energy, the greater the hunger.
Raven watched from afar, her wings folded.
"How are you?"
Kael took a deep breath.
"More… more sensitive than before."
"And the hunger?"
Kael paused for a moment.
"…It's still there. Like a small urge… but I can still control it."
Raven nodded.
"Good. Because today, we'll test the limits of your control."
Kael took a deep breath.
Of course.
He had expected Raven wouldn't let him relax after merging with the fragment.
◆ The Test Begins
Raven flapped her wings.
The shadow behind her lengthened, then morphed into three humanoid mist forms—tall, muscular, and each wielding a mist weapon.
"These are no ordinary practice targets."
"They have dense energy cores. Your hunger will be aroused."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "So… this is a test of control?"
"Exactly."
The three mist creatures activated their auras.
Like three torches of pitch-black energy.
Kael felt it immediately.
Hunger—
the desire to Devour—
was like invisible jaws emerging from the back of his head.
Kael's heart beat faster.
His throat was dry.
"Raven… this is very strong."
"If it's too strong, tell me. But I won't stop this test unless you're on the verge of losing yourself."
Kael took a deep breath.
He couldn't afford to lose just because of hunger.
He lowered his posture.
His sharp eyes fixed on the first mist enemy.
"Alright. Let's begin."
◆ Battle Begins
The first mist creature disappeared.
Kael tilted his body quickly—his predatory instincts kicking in before his eyes caught the movement.
CLANG!!
The mist claws slammed into the ground.
Kael countered:
[Fang Strike – Lv. 2]
Kael's punch struck the mist creature's side, sending it flying. But as he touched its energy—
HUNT!
A surge of urgency surged.
A voice in his head whispered:
Eat… eat it… devour it…
Kael closed his eyes for a moment, biting his lower lip.
"Not now."
He suppressed the Devour reflex that was about to activate on its own.
The second creature attacked with a swift slash.
Kael dodged to the left, then twisted his body and used:
[Basic Dash] – Perfect Execution
His movements were faster than before—the fragment's interaction with his body made his basic movements much more precise.
The third creature attacked from behind.
Kael dove down and delivered a sweeping kick to the mist creature's leg.
The three of them became more aggressive.
And the more intense their attacks…
The stronger Kael's hunger became.
◆ Primal Hunger Rises
Kael parried the barrage of attacks, but his breathing became heavier.
He wasn't physically tired.
But his mind was gripped by the desire to consume these enemies' energy.
Just one bite… just a little…
You will grow stronger…
"Shut up…" Kael whispered.
[Primal Hunger: 32%]
The second creature punched Kael, knocking him back.
Kael growled. "Enough."
He took a deep breath.
He felt Raven's voice in his mind.
"You're not fighting an enemy—you're fighting yourself."
Kael clenched his fists.
"Then… I must win against myself."
He advanced.
◆ Control vs. Hunger
The first mist creature charged.
Kael dodged to the left, twisted his body, and then attacked the mist's weak point on the shoulder.
Energy poured into his blow.
Hunger screamed.
EAT IT—!!
Kael blocked with all his might.
[Devour Attempt: CANCELED]
A second creature appeared with a vertical attack.
Kael jumped back, kicked the ground, and used:
[Fang Strike – Consecutive]
The successive attacks shattered the mist form bit by bit.
The released mist energy tingled Kael's skin—
and his hunger surged again.
[Primal Hunger: 46%]
Kael held back.
"No… I control Devour.
It's not Devour that controls me."
The third creature took advantage of the opening and slammed Kael into a large tree.
BANG!
Kael coughed. "Ugh…"
His hunger soared even higher due to his injured body.
The mist energy made him want to devour immediately.
Eat. Evolve. Eat. Evolve.
Eat. Eat. EAT!
Kael shouted—
"I SAID STOP!!"
A wave of black energy radiated from his body.
[Primal Hunger: Stabilized]
[Mental Fortitude Increased]
The mist creature suddenly stopped.
Kael stared at them with sharp eyes.
His hunger subsided slightly due to his burst of determination.
He stepped forward.
"Now… it's my turn."
◆ Domination
Kael moved faster than before.
He blocked the first creature's attack, punched its mist core, and then destroyed its form without Devour.
The second creature tried to attack from the left—
Kael pierced the mist with his fingers and drew some of its energy.
[Partial Devour Successful]
[Energy +4]
BUT HE DIDN'T COMPLETELY DEVOUR.
He managed to control it.
[Primal Hunger Decreased]
The third creature stiffened, as if sensing defeat.
Kael smiled faintly.
"Thank you… you guys did a good job."
He moved once more—
CRAAASH—!!
The third creature disintegrated into mist.
◆ Test Complete
Raven clapped her wings lightly.
"Good. Very good."
"You endured Primal Hunger at a level where many ancient contractors lose their sanity."
Kael was still panting, but he smiled.
"I… succeeded, huh?"
Raven approached.
"You've managed to control yourself."
"That's more important than defeating the enemy."
Kael nodded.
But Raven added one important point:
"But Kael… this is just the beginning."
Kael stared at her.
Raven stared back with her pitch-black eyes.
"The stronger you become, the more your hunger will grow."
"And one day, you'll feel a hunger that even I can't help you control."
Kael swallowed.
"…Then I must become stronger before that day comes."
Raven smiled faintly.
"Exactly."
The night wind began to fall, carrying distant sounds from the forest.
Kael sensed a powerful energy moving in the distance—a monster he'd never detected before.
Raven followed his gaze.
"Do you feel it? That's good."
"Tomorrow… we'll hunt a much stronger enemy."
Kael clasped his hands.
"Okay."
But Raven paused, then looked at Kael as if wanting to test one more thing.
"Kael…"
"If you lose control and nearly devour a living creature…"
Kael straightened up.
"…Then I will stop you."
Raven stared at him unblinkingly.
"No. I will kill you."
Kael fell silent.
And for the first time, he truly understood that his newfound power…
was both a blessing and a threat.