Nightborn Evolution

The Voidborn let out a deafening screech, its monstrous form shifting unnaturally. Its elongated limbs twitched as it lunged forward, claws gleaming under the dim alley lights.

Kairo's heart pounded. He had never been in a real fight before, let alone against something so terrifying. But something deep inside told him he could win.

His body moved before his mind could catch up.

In an instant, he dodged to the side, his movements unnaturally fast, as if his body had been enhanced beyond human limits. The Voidborn's massive claw slammed into the ground, leaving deep cracks where Kairo had just been standing.

I… dodged that?

Lena, still crouched near the alley wall, gasped. "How did you—?"

Kairo didn't have time to answer. The Voidborn twisted its grotesque form, its red eyes burning with rage. It moved again, far faster than before, its jagged arms swinging toward Kairo like a blade.

[ System Alert: Combat Mode Activated ]

[ New Ability Identified – Phantom Step ]

Kairo felt a sudden rush of information flood his mind. It was as if he had always known how to move like this—as if his body had been reprogrammed for battle.

With another burst of speed, he vanished from sight, appearing several feet away in an instant.

The Voidborn's attack missed again, its claws slicing through empty air.

Kairo's eyes widened. Phantom Step? Is that what I just did?

The system message faded, but the newfound instinct remained. He wasn't just moving—he was gliding through space itself, dodging with unnatural precision.

The Voidborn let out another shriek, its frustration evident. It lunged again, this time faster and more erratic.

Kairo's mind raced.

I can't just keep dodging forever.

He needed a way to fight back.

Then, as if answering his thoughts, another system message appeared.

[ New Ability Acquired – Nightborn Strike ]

[ Would you like to activate it? ]

Kairo barely had time to process the words before his body reacted on its own. His right hand burned with an eerie black glow, and for a moment, his instincts screamed at him to attack.

His body moved—and he punched forward.

The impact exploded.

The force of his attack sent the Voidborn flying backward, slamming it against the alley wall with a sickening crunch. The creature let out a monstrous screech as cracks spread across its twisted body.

Kairo stumbled slightly, staring at his own hand in shock. His fist still pulsed with that strange black energy, but the moment quickly faded, leaving behind nothing but a lingering numbness.

What… was that?

Lena gasped, her eyes filled with disbelief. "Kairo… how did you—?"

Before he could respond, the Voidborn let out a final, ear-piercing screech, its body convulsing before disintegrating into a cloud of dark mist.

A final system message flashed before Kairo's eyes.

[ Voidborn Defeated – Partial System Integration Complete. ]

[ +10 Evolution Points Earned ]

The alley fell into silence.

Kairo stood frozen, his breath heavy.

He had just… killed a Voidborn.

Him. The weakest person in his school.

Yet now, he felt stronger than ever.

Lena slowly stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Kairo… what just happened to you?"

Kairo swallowed hard. He had no idea how to answer that.

Because he didn't know the answer himself.

All he knew was one thing—

His life would never be the same again.