Nightborn Evolution

Kairo's fingers hovered over the Void Artifact, feeling the dark energy pulsing from within. It was tempting—too tempting.

A weapon like this could give him the edge against Malthus, a Forsaken who was likely far stronger than any opponent he had faced before.

But the risks…

Void Artifacts weren't just tools. They had a history of corrupting those who used them too often.

Lena was watching him closely. She had made her stance clear—this was a bad idea.

And deep down, Kairo knew it too.

He pulled his hand away. "I'll fight without it."

The Kingpin let out a deep chuckle, swirling his glass. "Interesting. Most would've grabbed it without thinking twice. But you…" His eyes gleamed. "You want to win on your own terms. I can respect that."

Kairo remained silent. He had made his choice.

Now he just had to survive.

The Blood Trials had drawn twice the audience for this fight.

Everyone knew what a Forsaken was. And everyone wanted to see if Kairo had the guts to face one.

As he walked into the underground arena, the air was thick with tension. The floor was covered in old bloodstains, and the lights above flickered ominously.

Across from him, Malthus stepped forward.

He was huge—almost seven feet tall, with pale, cracked skin and veins that glowed a sickly red. His eyes were empty, like something human had been stripped away from him long ago.

And when he grinned…

His teeth were razor-sharp.

Lena, watching from the stands, clenched her fists. "This isn't just a fight. It's a death match."

Kairo cracked his knuckles, his body tensing. He had fought stronger people before. But not like this.

The announcer's voice boomed across the arena.

"Let the match… BEGIN!"

Malthus moved instantly—not running, but blurring across the arena with unnatural speed.

Kairo barely had time to react before a fist the size of a boulder came flying at his face.

CRACK!

He dodged just in time, but the shockwave sent him skidding back across the floor.

Kairo's eyes widened. Fast. Too fast.

Malthus was already coming again, this time swinging low.

Kairo jumped, twisting midair, but Malthus's other hand shot out and grabbed his ankle.

Before he could react—

BAM!

Kairo was slammed into the ground like a ragdoll, the impact sending dust and debris flying.

The crowd roared.

Lena's heart dropped.

Kairo's vision blurred, his body screaming in pain. If he took another hit like that, he wouldn't be getting back up.

Malthus laughed. "You're weak." His voice was distorted, more monster than man. "Like all the others."

Kairo spat blood and forced himself up. His system notifications were already flashing.

[ Warning: Critical Damage Sustained. ]

[ Activating Pain Suppression. ]

[ Analyzing Opponent… ]

Come on… give me something.

And then—

[ Weakness Identified. ]

Kairo's eyes sharpened.

There it was.

Malthus lunged at him again, his claws aiming for Kairo's throat.

But this time—Kairo was ready.

Instead of dodging, he moved toward Malthus, ducking just under his swing.

And with all the strength he could muster—

BANG!

He delivered a crushing punch to Malthus's ribcage.

A normal attack wouldn't have done much.

But Kairo aimed at the weak point.

[ Weakness Exploited. Damage Increased. ]

Malthus staggered, his body jerking as if he had been shocked.

Kairo didn't let up.

He spun, delivering a kick to the same spot.

CRACK.

Something inside Malthus broke.

The beast roared in pain, stumbling back for the first time.

The crowd gasped.

Lena's eyes widened. "He found it."

Malthus was already recovering, his rage boiling over.

But Kairo wasn't going to give him a chance.

Summoning every ounce of power he had—

He charged forward.

Malthus swung wildly, but Kairo weaved through the strikes, closing the distance.

And then—

With one final explosive strike—

He drove his fist into the weak point again.

BOOM!

Malthus's body went rigid.

A second later—his massive frame collapsed to the ground, unmoving.

The arena fell silent.

Then—

The crowd erupted.

He had done it.

Kairo had won.

Kairo stood over Malthus's unconscious body, breathing heavily.

His system notifications popped up.

[ Victory Achieved. ]

[ New Adaptive Trait Unlocked. ]

[ Physical Reinforcement Upgraded. ]

He had pushed himself to the limit—and survived.

As medics rushed in to drag Malthus away, Kairo turned, locking eyes with the Kingpin in the VIP section.

The man simply smiled, raising his glass.

Lena ran up to him, shaking her head. "You insane idiot."

Kairo grinned. "Told you I had it under control."

She sighed but couldn't hide her relief. "Yeah, yeah… just don't die before you make something of yourself."

Kairo exhaled, finally letting the tension leave his body.

He had passed another trial.

But something told him…

The real danger was just beginning.