Zarek stood still as the system's voice echoed in his mind.
The three boys watched him with confusion.
For a moment, none of them moved.
Then the leader scoffed.
"Are you still pretending to be strong after all that?"
Zarek didn't answer.
His eyes were focused inward, on the translucent screen floating before his vision.
[Energy Source Detected]
[Target: Nearby hostile entities]
[Estimated Life Energy: Low]
"…Energy…" Zarek muttered quietly.
The word felt unfamiliar, yet instinctively important.
The system responded.
"Host may devour life energy to restore and strengthen itself."
Zarek's gaze slowly lifted.
It landed on the three boys.
A strange feeling surged within him.
Not fear.
Not anger.
Something deeper.
Instinct.
The system continued.
"Devour protocol requires host to eliminate target."
"Proceed?"
Zarek's expression remained calm.
"…Yes."
The moment the word left his lips—
Zarek moved.
He lunged forward.
It was fast.
Faster than before.
The leader's eyes widened.
"…What?!"
Zarek's fist connected with his chest.
BANG!
The impact sent the boy stumbling backward, shock written all over his face.
"What the hell was that strength?!"
Zarek didn't stop.
His body moved on instinct, like something inside him had awakened.
The second boy rushed forward.
"Don't underestimate us!"
He swung a punch toward Zarek's face.
Zarek tilted his head slightly.
The attack missed by a narrow margin.
Then—
Zarek grabbed the boy's wrist.
A strange force surged from his hand.
The system reacted.
[Devour Activated]
The boy's body stiffened.
His eyes widened in horror.
"W-What… is this?!"
Zarek felt it.
Something flowing into him.
Warm.
Powerful.
Alive.
Energy.
The boy's strength began to fade.
His legs weakened.
"Impossible… my strength…"
Zarek's grip tightened.
His eyes darkened.
"…This power…"
The system chimed again.
[Energy Absorbed]
[Physical Strength Increased]
[Condition Improving]
Zarek released the boy.
He collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
The last boy froze.
His body trembled.
"…No… this isn't normal…"
The leader stepped back slowly, fear creeping into his voice.
"What are you…?"
Zarek turned his head toward him.
His expression was calm.
But his presence…
Had changed.
"…I am the one who survives," Zarek said.
The system spoke again.
[Host Status Updated]
Strength: Slightly Increased
Speed: Slightly Increased
Energy Reserves: Minimal
Zarek's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Is this all?"
The leader clenched his fists, forcing himself to stand his ground.
"Don't get cocky!"
He charged forward, swinging with all his strength.
But this time—
Zarek moved faster.
He sidestepped the attack and struck the leader in the ribs.
CRACK!
The sound of something breaking echoed.
The leader gasped in pain, falling to one knee.
Zarek looked down at him.
"…Weak."
The word landed heavily.
The system activated once more.
[Energy Source Detected]
Zarek hesitated.
Then slowly, he raised his hand.
"…Devour."
A surge of energy flowed into his body.
Stronger than before.
Clearer.
More intense.
The leader's face paled.
"…No… stop…"
But it was already too late.
Zarek stepped back, his breathing steady.
His strength had increased again.
He looked at his hands.
Felt the change.
"…This power…"
A faint understanding began to form.
To survive…
He had to take.
The rain continued to fall as the remaining boy ran away in fear, leaving Zarek standing alone.
But Zarek didn't chase him.
Instead, he stood quietly.
Listening.
Waiting.
The system spoke one final time.
[New Objective Unlocked]
"Continue devouring."
Zarek's eyes darkened slightly.
"…I will."