The adventure guild was bustling with activity, a mix of seasoned adventurers and newcomers like him. The smell of fresh bread wafted in the air, and the sound of lively chatter filled the room.
"Master," Kaito said quietly, glancing around at the quest boards, "I think it's time to pick a quest."
"Yes, you're right, Kaito," his master responded in his mind. "Pick a quest that will challenge you, but don't overdo it. You need to gauge your abilities first."
Kaito nodded and walked up to the quest board, scanning through the available jobs. Most were simple tasks, like gathering herbs or hunting small creatures. But then he saw one that caught his attention.
Quest: Eliminate the Wild Wolf Pack
Level Requirement: 20
Reward: 5 Gold
Kaito's eyes narrowed. "A wild wolf pack? Level 20... this could be a good challenge."
"Are you sure, Kaito?" his master warned. "Wild wolves can be dangerous. And remember, there's a pack. Be careful."
Kaito hesitated for a moment, but then his determination flared up. "I'll do it."
He walked over to the receptionist, a young woman with short red hair and glasses. "I'd like to accept the 'Eliminate the Wild Wolf Pack' quest."
The receptionist raised an eyebrow but didn't question him. "Alright, but be careful. Wolves aren't something to take lightly. Do you have any questions?"
Kaito shook his head. "No, I'm good. I'll handle it."
The receptionist handed him a map with the wolf pack's location marked, and Kaito took it, heading out of the guild and toward the forest where the wolves were reported to be.
After walking for a while, Kaito reached the edge of the forest. The trees were dense, and the atmosphere was eerie. A faint rustling sound came from the bushes nearby, but Kaito ignored it and pressed forward.
"Master," Kaito called out mentally, "I'm in the forest. What should I do next?"
"Stay alert," his master replied. "Wolves are pack hunters. They'll use strategy, so be prepared."
Kaito moved cautiously, his steps light as he made his way through the dense underbrush. Suddenly, the rustling grew louder, and Kaito's instincts flared. He spun around just in time to see a massive wolf leap out of the bushes.
The wolf was a Level 5 beast, its fur a dark shade of grey, with sharp eyes that gleamed with predatory intent. It growled at Kaito, showing its sharp fangs, ready to pounce.
"Here we go," Kaito muttered, focusing his mind. His body reacted before he could even think. He raised his hands, his magic circulating within him. He wasn't a sword fighter, so he relied on his Magic FightingStyle, combining raw power with his magic to enhance his physical strength.
The wolf lunged at Kaito, its teeth snapping in mid-air. Kaito sidestepped at the last second, using his Speed stat to move swiftly. With a burst of raw power, he delivered a punch to the wolf's side, sending it sprawling into the dirt.
The wolf growled, clearly shaken but not defeated. It got back to its feet quickly, its eyes burning with fury.
"You're stronger than I thought," Kaito muttered, preparing for the next strike.
His Infinite Growth began to take effect. With every attack, his strength increased, and his abilities grew more potent. The wolf charged again, but this time Kaito was ready. He used his Steal Body ability, temporarily making his body invincible for one minute. The wolf's claws scratched across Kaito's body, but he didn't feel a thing.
Kaito seized the opportunity, striking the wolf with a powerful punch to its head. The wolf staggered back, blood dripping from its snout.
But the wolf wasn't done. It growled again and called out to its pack with a loud, echoing howl. The sound reverberated through the forest, and Kaito's heart skipped a beat.
"Oh no, here comes the pack," Kaito said, his voice tense. His master's voice rang out in his mind.
"Be careful, Kaito. They'll come at you together. Focus on one at a time."
The rustling in the forest grew louder as several more wolves emerged from the trees, their eyes fixed on Kaito. They were surrounding him, their movements synchronized as they prepared for their next attack.
"Master," Kaito whispered, his mind racing. "What do I do?"
"Focus on your surroundings, Kaito," his master urged. "Use your speed to dodge, and your strength to strike when you see an opening. Don't let the pack overwhelm you."
Kaito nodded to himself and clenched his fists. The wolves may have had the advantage of numbers, but he had the advantage of his unique powers.
The first wolf lunged at him again, but Kaito was faster. He sidestepped, using his Agility to avoid the wolf's attack. With a swift motion, he slammed his fist into the wolf's side. The force of the punch sent the creature flying, its body crashing into the forest floor.
The other wolves growled, agitated by the loss of one of their own. But Kaito didn't give them a chance to regroup. His Speed stat kicked in, and he was already on the move, dodging another wolf's attack. He spun around, landing a powerful blow to the next wolf that charged at him.
Each strike made him feel stronger. His Infinite Growth was working in full force, and the more he fought, the more powerful he became. The wolves were struggling to keep up.
However, as Kaito fought, he could feel something stirring inside of him. It was his Berserk power, trying to break free. His heart began to race, his body burning with adrenaline as his emotions heightened. His vision blurred, and his senses sharpened.
His hands clenched into fists, and his body trembled with the growing urge to unleash his full strength. The Berserk power was responding to his desperation, promising him unimaginable strength. His mind clouded with the desire for overwhelming power.
Kaito's body was already starting to swell with raw energy when his master's voice broke through his thoughts.
"Stop, Kaito!" his master's voice was urgent, calm but firm. "Don't let it take over! You're not ready to lose control. Remember what we've discussed."
Kaito's breath hitched, the intense feeling of rage and power flooding his body. He could feel the berserk power just beneath his skin, desperate to explode. But his master's voice anchored him, snapping him back to reality.
"Kaito, calm down. You're stronger than this. Don't let your emotions control you. Focus on the present."
Kaito clenched his teeth, struggling to regain control. He fought back against the overwhelming surge of energy, his hands shaking as the Berserk power slowly receded. His vision cleared, and he took in a deep breath, regaining his composure.
"You were right," Kaito muttered under his breath. "I can't let it control me."
But just as he steadied himself, the wolves attacked in unison.
One wolf pounced on him from behind, sinking its teeth into his shoulder. Another wolf clawed at his leg, its sharp talons raking across his flesh. Kaito gritted his teeth, pain coursing through his body as the wounds opened up.
The Berserk power surged once more, but this time, Kaito let it loose.
His muscles expanded, his veins bulging as his body became an instrument of sheer destruction. His eyes glowed with a maddened intensity as he roared, a primal sound that echoed through the forest. The wolves froze, momentarily stunned by the sheer force of his aura.
In that instant, Kaito's senses went into overdrive. His wounds began to heal, the flesh knitting together as the Berserk power worked its magic. The pain faded away, replaced by an overwhelming surge of power.
Kaito's smile turned into something eerie, his bloodlust palpable as he turned to face the wolves.
The first wolf that dared approach him was torn apart in an instant. Kaito's fist landed like a hammer, crushing the creature's skull with a sickening crack. He moved with an unholy speed, his body a blur as he tore through the pack. Wolves that once appeared to be dangerous were now nothing more than helpless prey.
He didn't even feel the weight of his actions as he slaughtered them. His mind was consumed by the power coursing through him, by the overwhelming desire to destroy. His body was an unstoppable force, and the forest itself trembled in fear of his wrath.
But then, as quickly as it began, the Berserk power began to subside. His vision cleared, and he found himself standing in the midst of a battlefield. The once fearsome pack of wolves lay dead around him, their bodies torn and mangled. His clothes were bloodstained, his breathing ragged.
The adrenaline slowly ebbed away, and Kaito felt a pang of guilt. He had lost control. His master's words echoed in his mind.
"Remember what we've discussed," his master's voice echoed gently.
Kaito closed his eyes, taking a moment to regain his composure. He had won, but at what cost? He couldn't allow himself to slip into that madness again.
Shaking his head, Kaito wiped the blood from his face and took a deep breath.
"Master, I—"
"I know, Kaito. You're stronger than this. Focus on your goals."
Kaito nodded, the weight of his master's words sinking in.
With the wolves dispatched, Kaito made his way back to the guild, the map still in his hand. His body ached, and though the Berserk power had healed most of his wounds, there was still a lingering exhaustion.
When he reached the Adventurer's Guild, he made his way to the receptionist and presented the evidence of his success. She raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by his condition but said nothing.
"You've completed the quest?" she asked.
Kaito nodded, his voice steady despite the fatigue. "Yes, I have. Here's the proof."
She handed him the 5 Gold reward with a smile, though her gaze lingered on his bloodstained appearance.
"Be careful next time," she said with a concerned frown.
Kaito gave her a small smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I will."
With the reward in hand, he left the guild and headed for the nearest inn. The journey had taken its toll on him, and he needed rest. The innkeeper greeted him warmly, though his eyes widened at Kaito's condition.
"You look like you've been through a war," the innkeeper remarked.
Kaito chuckled softly. "Something like that. I'll take a room for the night."
The innkeeper nodded and handed him a key. "That'll be 2 Silver."
Kaito paid the price without question and headed upstairs to his room. He collapsed onto the bed, the exhaustion of the day finally catching up with him.
As he lay there, staring at the ceiling, he couldn't help but think about the Berserk power. It was both a blessing and a curse. He had to learn to control it, or it would consume him.
But for now, he was safe, and he had survived. That was enough.