NOVEL WEB Chapter 2: The First Beast
The Withering Woods were nothing like Li Tian had ever seen. The air was thick with an unnatural mist, coiling through the twisted trees like unseen serpents. The bark of the trees was blackened and rough, their leaves a sickly yellow. The wind whispered—not like a simple breeze rustling through leaves, but with voices. Faint. Murmuring.
Li Tian clenched his fists, his breathing heavy. His body felt... different. Stronger, yet unfamiliar. His clothes were no longer the grand battle robes he had worn in the tomb. Now, he was draped in rough, tattered gray fabric that clung uncomfortably to his skin. His long black hair was unkempt, strands sticking to his forehead. Most unsettling were the symbols glowing faintly on his forearms—ancient runes shifting ever so slightly as if they were alive.
A cold voice echoed in his mind.
"Eternal Rebirth System initialized… Scanning environment… Warning: Dark Energy detected. Corruption level: 1%."
Li Tian frowned. "System?"
"A new life requires new rules. Adapt, or perish."
Before he could question further, a low growl rumbled through the fog.
---
The Soul-Devouring Wolf
From the shadows of the trees, a pair of crimson eyes gleamed. A beast emerged—larger than any wolf Li Tian had encountered in his past life. Its fur was matted black, its fangs dripping with an eerie, dark mist. The creature's breathing was heavy, each exhale laced with a strange, ghostly energy that made the surrounding air waver.
The system's voice returned.
"Soul-Devouring Wolf detected. Threat level: Medium. Warning: This entity feeds on life force. Caution is advised."
The wolf circled him, muscles tensed, waiting for an opening. Li Tian's pulse quickened. He had no weapons, no armor—just his instincts and this so-called 'system.'
A memory flashed through his mind—Xiao Chen's smirk, the betrayal, the agony of cold steel piercing his back. Anger flared within him.
The wolf lunged.
Li Tian barely dodged, rolling across the damp earth. The beast's claws slashed through empty air, cutting deep into the tree behind him. Bark exploded, splinters raining down.
His body reacted faster than his mind. As the wolf turned, Li Tian leaped forward, fist colliding with the beast's snout. A crack echoed through the woods as the wolf stumbled back with a pained snarl.
Pain shot through his knuckles, but something was different. His strike had been strong—stronger than what should have been possible.
"Physical Strength increased. Adrenaline boost activated."
He didn't have time to process the message. The wolf recovered quickly, baring its fangs. Darkness coiled around its mouth, and a ball of shadowy energy formed between its teeth.
"Dark energy attack detected. Evasive action recommended."
The beast fired.
Li Tian threw himself to the side just as the attack struck the ground where he stood. The earth withered instantly, black cracks spreading from the impact. If that had hit him directly, he would have been torn apart.
Gritting his teeth, he focused. His body was different—enhanced. He could feel power coursing through him, raw and unrefined.
The wolf lunged again, but this time, Li Tian was ready. He ducked low, dodging the snapping jaws, and slammed his palm against the beast's ribcage. A pulse of energy erupted from his touch, sending the creature skidding across the forest floor.
"Energy Output detected. Skill development possible."
Li Tian exhaled sharply. He didn't fully understand what was happening, but there was no time to question it. He dashed forward, closing the distance before the wolf could recover. With one final surge of strength, he brought his foot down on the beast's skull.
A sickening crunch.
The wolf let out a gurgled whimper before its body went limp. The dark mist that had surrounded it dissipated into the night.
Silence returned to the woods.
---
A Shadow Watches
Li Tian staggered back, chest heaving. He looked down at his hands, still trembling from the fight. A strange sensation washed over him—triumph, but also something else. His veins felt... colder.
"Dark Energy absorbed. Corruption Level: 2%."
He froze. "What?"
The system remained silent.
A chill ran down his spine. Was he being tainted by this world? What did 'corruption' even mean?
A branch snapped in the distance.
Li Tian's head snapped up, eyes narrowing. The eerie whispers of the forest had quieted, but something—someone—was there.
A silhouette stood among the twisted trees, just beyond the reach of the mist. Watching. Silent.
Before he could react, the figure melted into the shadows, vanishing without a trace.
Li Tian clenched his fists.
This world was dangerous.
And he had just begun to understand its rules.