Chapter 22: The Hunt Begins
Breaking Through – A Surge in Power
Sitting cross-legged in the dimly lit training chamber, I closed my eyes, focusing on the barriers limiting my strength. The past few days had been a whirlwind of events—constant threats, assassination attempts, and the overwhelming pressure to grow stronger.
But now, I had a method to accelerate my growth.
I pulled up my system interface:
> [System Interface]
Lifespan: 500 years
Gene Warrior Rank: Foundation Stage Level 5
Psychic Warrior Rank: Foundation Stage Level 6
It was time to break through.
Advancing as a Psychic Warrior
I turned my attention toward my Mental Tower, the representation of my psychic strength. I could feel the shackles restricting my power, but I had the means to shatter them.
Without hesitation, I sacrificed 70 years of lifespan.
A surge of energy rushed through me as my Psychic Warrior cultivation advanced to Foundation Stage Level 7. My mind became sharper, and my control over my flying knives increased.
Not stopping, I sacrificed another 80 years, pushing into Foundation Stage Level 8.
A storm of power erupted within me, my psychic energy condensing further.
Finally, I sacrificed 90 years, breaking through to Foundation Stage Level 9. The moment it happened, I felt an immense expansion of my consciousness. My range of telekinesis had increased, and my control over objects had become terrifyingly precise.
> [Updated System Interface]
Lifespan: 260 years**
Psychic Warrior Rank: Foundation Stage Level 9**
But I wasn't done yet.
Advancing as a Gene Warrior
Unlike the Psychic Path, which required breaking through mental limitations, the Gene Warrior Path strengthened my body itself.
My muscles tensed as I sacrificed 60 years of lifespan.
An intense heat surged through my veins as my genes evolved, my cells absorbing the newfound power. My bones hardened, and my skin became denser, resistant to most physical attacks.
With this, I had successfully reached Foundation Stage Level 6 in the Gene Warrior path.
> [Updated System Interface]
Lifespan: 200 years
Gene Warrior Rank: Foundation Stage Level 6**
Now, I was ready.
Preparing for the Wilderness
The assassins were lurking. The bounty hunters were waiting.
But I wouldn't let them dictate the battlefield. I would choose where to fight.
The wilderness outside Mumbai was a land teeming with powerful beasts and hidden dangers. It was also the perfect place to grow stronger while eliminating my enemies.
Equipping my Level 4 Full-Body Armor, I ensured my seven Level 3 Flying Knives were ready. I informed my father and Siya before heading out.
It was time to hunt.
Entering the Wilderness
The moment I stepped into the wilderness, a chill ran down my spine. Towering trees loomed above, their canopies blocking out the sun. The sounds of distant howls and rustling leaves filled the air.
I moved cautiously, searching for prey.
It didn't take long.
A Foundation Stage Level 8 beast—a mutated panther—emerged from the shadows, its red eyes locked onto me. It was massive, its body rippling with unnatural strength.
The moment it pounced, I unleashed my Flying Knives.
The first knife pierced its leg, the second slashed across its ribs, and the final knife buried itself deep into its skull.
With a gurgling growl, it collapsed.
> [You have slain a Foundation Stage Level 8 beast.]
+32 years of lifespan acquired.
A smirk formed on my lips.
The Assassination Groups—The Hunt for Veer
I barely had time to catch my breath when I sensed them.
Assassins.
They had been waiting, lurking in the shadows.
First Group – The Ambushers
The first group consisted of three assassins, ranging from Foundation Stage Level 5 to Level 7. They were dressed in dark combat suits, their eyes gleaming with killing intent.
They thought they were the hunters.
They were wrong.
With a flick of my hand, my Flying Knives shot forward, catching them off guard.
The battle lasted mere moments. One knife pierced a throat, another punctured a heart, and the last tore through a skull.
Their lifeless bodies dropped.
> [You have slain 3 enemies.]
+25 years of lifespan acquired.
Second Group – The Ranged Killers
Not long after, another four assassins arrived. This group specialized in ranged combat, armed with energy rifles and explosive darts.
They opened fire immediately.
But they weren't expecting telekinesis.
With a thought, I redirected their bullets, sending them flying toward their own allies. Before they could react, my Flying Knives finished the job.
> [You have slain 4 enemies.]
+56 years of lifespan acquired.
Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Groups
The assassins kept coming—each stronger than the last.
One group specialized in stealth. Another in brute force. Some even used poisons.
But none of them were a match for me.
By the time I had finished them all, I had accumulated 230 years of lifespan just from assassins alone.
Lifespan Harvest – The True Hunt Begins
With the assassins dealt with, I focused on my real objective—hunting powerful beasts.
For the next few days, I moved through the wilderness, slaughtering mutated monsters one after another.
Beasts Killed and Lifespan Gained:
Foundation Stage Level 5 beasts – 5 years per kill
Foundation Stage Level 6 beasts – 6 years per kill
Foundation Stage Level 7 beasts – 14 years per kill
Foundation Stage Level 8 beasts – 32 years per kill
Foundation Stage Level 9 beasts – 36 years per kill
I killed dozens of creatures, each battle pushing my abilities to their limits.
By the time I was done, I had accumulated another 780 years of lifespan from beasts alone.
With the 230 years gained from the assassins, my total gain was now 1010 years.
> [Updated System Interface]
Lifespan: 1210 years
Psychic Warrior Rank: Foundation Stage Level 9
Gene Warrior Rank: Foundation Stage Level 6
I had not only survived, but thrived.
A Mysterious Discovery
Just as I was about to leave the wilderness, I stumbled upon something unexpected.
A hidden cave, its entrance partially concealed behind thick vines.
A strange energy radiated from within, making my psychic senses tremble.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside.
What I found would change everything.
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