One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

The golden embers from the beast's body drifted through the air, flickering before fading into nothing.

I stood frozen, my breath still ragged, my fists clenched so tightly my knuckles had turned white.

That power…

It came from me.

But how?

Shira slowly approached, her sword still gripped tightly in her hands. "Ardan… what was that?"

I shook my head. "I don't know."

Smoker exhaled sharply, rubbing his jaw. "Well, whatever it was, you just erased that thing from existence."

His words didn't reassure me.

I looked down at my hands, where the golden fire had appeared moments ago. The glow had faded, but I could still feel it—a lingering warmth under my skin, like something was waiting just beneath the surface, ready to ignite again.

Selene finally spoke, her voice as smooth as ever. "I suppose I should congratulate you," she mused. "Not many people could survive an encounter with one of them—let alone win."

My gaze snapped to her. "You knew what that thing was?"

Selene smirked. "I had a suspicion."

I stepped forward, my frustration rising. "And you didn't think to warn us?"

"Would it have made a difference?" she asked, tilting her head. "You still would've fought. You still would've had to face it. And, more importantly—" She gestured to my hands. "You never would have unlocked that if I had interfered."

I grit my teeth. As much as I hated to admit it…

She wasn't wrong.

But that didn't mean I had to like it.

Shira sheathed her sword with a sharp click. "So what was that thing?"

Selene's gaze turned thoughtful. "A remnant. A failed one."

My heartbeat stuttered. "Failed?"

She nodded. "It was once like you, Ardan. Chosen. But it wasn't strong enough to complete the transformation. So it was discarded."

Discarded?

The memory of the beast's glowing mark, so similar to my own, flashed in my mind.

I swallowed hard.

"So… you're saying if I fail…"

Selene smiled, but there was no amusement in it this time. "Then you'll end up just like it."

A cold chill crept down my spine.

Shira cursed under her breath. Smoker just whistled. "Well, that's a hell of a motivator."

I forced myself to take a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions raging inside me.

I couldn't afford to fail.

But what did success even mean?

I looked back down at my hands, flexing my fingers.

That golden power—

It was now a part of me.

And I needed to learn how to control it.

Selene clapped her hands together. "Well, now that you've had your awakening moment, I'd say it's time we move on."

Shira frowned. "Move on to where?"

Selene's smirk returned. "To the next step, of course."

She turned, walking into the jungle without another word.

I exhaled, my muscles still aching. But there was no time to rest.

I followed her.

Because whatever was waiting ahead…

I needed to be ready.