Leon stood in silence, his chest rising and falling with each heavy breath. The Beast Sovereign had acknowledged him.
And now—the system did too.
Ding!
⟪ You have met the requirements for evolution. ⟫
⟪ Would you like to proceed? ⟫
Leon's fingers clenched into fists. He had known this moment would come, yet standing at the precipice of change felt surreal.
Evolution.
A step that separated those who remained stagnant from those who ascended beyond their limits.
But there was a price.
Leon glanced at his status screen. His level sat at 100—the peak for humans. No matter how hard he trained, how many beasts he tamed, he wouldn't progress further without taking this step.
He exhaled.
"There's no turning back."
Ding!
⟪ Confirming evolution request… ⟫
⟪ Transporting to the Trial Realm. ⟫
The world shifted.
Darkness swallowed him whole.
---
The Trial Realm.
Leon stood on a floating platform, surrounded by an endless void. Stars shimmered in the distance, casting a faint glow across the emptiness.
Then—a voice echoed.
"Prove your worth."
BOOM!
A figure appeared before him—a reflection of himself, yet different.
A monster.
This version of Leon had golden, beast-like eyes, a wild aura surrounding him. Claws extended from his fingers, his muscles thick with primal power.
Leon narrowed his eyes.
A battle against himself?
Then—the clone moved.
Fast.
Leon barely dodged as claws sliced through the air, cutting through space itself.
He's faster than me.
But that wasn't all.
His strength, instincts, and reaction speed were all heightened.
Leon dodged another strike, flipping backward before summoning his weapons—only for his clone to mirror him perfectly.
This wasn't just an opponent.
This was a test of his own limits.
Leon gritted his teeth.
Then I'll surpass them.
---
For hours, they fought.
Each clash tested his willpower, each strike brought him closer to exhaustion.
Leon was fast—but his opponent was faster.
He was strong—but the clone was stronger.
His skills were matched perfectly.
Then—Leon noticed something.
A delay.
His opponent was perfect, but it only reacted to his attacks.
Leon's lips curled.
That's your flaw.
Instead of attacking, he stopped moving entirely.
His clone hesitated for a fraction of a second.
And that was all he needed.
Leon lunged forward—but not with an attack.
He spread his arms wide.
Ding!
⟪ Beast Synchronization: 100% ⟫
His aura merged with the space around him.
For the first time—he stopped fighting like a human.
And started fighting like a beast.
A primal roar shook the realm as Leon's movements became unpredictable.
Wild.
Untamed.
Dominant.
The clone's golden eyes widened.
Too late.
Leon's fist struck true—collapsing his clone's chest inward.
BOOM!
The figure shattered into dust.
Silence followed.
Then—the stars pulsed.
A golden light descended upon Leon, engulfing him completely.
Ding!
⟪ Evolution Complete! ⟫
⟪ You have transcended the limits of humanity. ⟫
⟪ Choose your path: ⟫
1. Beastkin Sovereign – Half-human, half-beast. Gain the instincts and physical abilities of a beast while retaining intelligence.
2. Primal Overlord – A human who embodies the wild, controlling beasts with absolute authority.
3. ??? – A hidden option, locked behind a special requirement.
Leon's heart pounded.
A hidden choice?
His eyes flickered toward it.
And then—he reached forward.
---