Hemalith's heart pounded within his chest as he approached the foreboding mouth of the cave, a veil of caution shrouding his every step. The weight of potential combat, fraught with the peril of his very life, hung heavy in the air.

The cave, a yawning abyss of obsidian, exuded an aura of impenetrable gloom. Its somber depths seemed to absorb any hint of light that dared to breach its boundaries, rendering the interior a realm of oppressive shadows. Each stride Hemalith took further plunged him into an eerie realm where even his keenest senses struggled to perceive the nuances of his surroundings.

As he ventured deeper, the air grew thick with a sense of foreboding, whispers of ancient secrets echoing through the ethereal darkness. The jagged stalactites hung like daggers from the ceiling, their menacing silhouettes casting elongated shadows upon the rocky floor. The cave's walls, rough-hewn and scarred by the passage of time, seemed to harbor untold tales of forgotten battles and mysterious encounters.

Hemalith's eyes darted meticulously, his gaze sweeping across every inch of the cavernous expanse. Yet, despite his heightened senses and unwavering vigilance, the darkness played tricks on his perception, obscuring the true nature of the cave's secrets. He strained his ears, listening intently for any telltale signs, but the silence that engulfed the chamber was deafening, broken only by the rhythmic beating of his own heart.

With each passing step, Hemalith couldn't shake the feeling that unseen eyes were fixed upon him, lurking within the enigmatic shadows. The dance of light and dark within the cavern became an enigma as if the very fabric of reality had been twisted and contorted in this unhallowed space. The deeper he delved, the more his presence seemed inconsequential, a mere mortal trespassing upon a domain far beyond his understanding.

Though the cave's sinister embrace threatened to overwhelm him, Hemalith remained resolute. Weary and in need of respite, Hemalith sought refuge within the cavern's embrace, recognizing it as his sole sanctuary from the lurking monstrosities and creatures that roamed the surrounding forest. Pressing forward, driven by a primal instinct for self-preservation, he ventured deeper into the cave's recesses, guided by the glimmer of hope that safety awaited him within its depths.

As he traversed the cavern's winding path, Hemalith's senses remained alert, attuned to any signs of imminent danger. Yet, to his relief, the air grew still, devoid of the menacing whispers that had plagued his journey thus far. Gradually, the confines of the cave unveiled a realm untouched by peril, a sanctuary free from the clutches of lurking adversaries.

Finally, he reached the farthest reaches of the cave, its secluded rear revealing no signs of immediate threat. Fatigue seeped into Hemalith's bones, the weight of his weary body urging him to succumb to rest. As he settled into the sheltered embrace of the cavern, doubts gnawed at his mind, questioning whether the dangers he perceived were merely figments of his exhausted imagination.

Yet, with the passage of time and the growing stillness surrounding him, Hemalith began to wonder if the haunting visions that had plagued his weary mind were indeed tricks played by his own psyche. Perhaps the darkness had cast shadows upon his thoughts, distorting reality and conjuring phantoms that were not truly there. It was in this moment of respite, as his tired eyes sought solace in the cave's silent embrace, that Hemalith allowed himself a glimmer of hope—a respite from the harrowing journey he had endured thus far.

In the hushed tranquillity of the cave's depths, Hemalith found solace, his racing thoughts gradually subsiding. The weight of exhaustion clung to him like a cloak, and he surrendered to the beckoning call of slumber. Dreams and visions danced at the fringes of his consciousness, a testament to the trials he had faced and the mysteries that awaited his awakening.

Hemalith's slumber was not a respite from the torment he had endured, for his dreams became a twisted theatre of nightmares. Within the realm of his subconscious, a malevolent darkness descended, birthing creatures of unspeakable horror that taunted and pursued him relentlessly. These abominations, born from the depths of his fears, hungered for his very essence, seeking to consume and devour his vulnerable soul.

In the depths of his troubled sleep, Hemalith witnessed a macabre dance of agony and despair. Nightmarish entities, their grotesque forms defying comprehension, slithered and writhed in the shadows. Their eyes, hollow voids that emitted a malevolent glow, fixed upon him with unyielding malice. With every step he took within the twisted landscapes of his dreamscape, the air thickened with an oppressive malevolence, suffocating his every breath.

The nightmares encroached upon the fragments of his shattered reality, tearing apart the remnants of his cherished memories. Friends and family, once sources of solace and love, were transformed into tormented specters, their faces distorted by pain and anguish. Their pleas for mercy echoed in his ears, each cry piercing his heart like a jagged blade. Hemalith's mind, plagued by guilt and helplessness, was subjected to a relentless barrage of torment.

In the deepest abyss of his psyche, when Hemalith teetered on the brink of surrender, a formidable savior emerged from the very essence of his being. From the shrouded recesses of darkness, an alternate manifestation of Hemalith materialized—a distorted reflection, yet undeniably his own. This ethereal doppelganger stood tall and imposing, exceeding nine feet in height, as if sculpted from an unyielding reservoir of raw power.

Every fiber of his being emanated a palpable aura, an energy so profound that even gazing upon him became an arduous task. The newfound Hemalith exuded an overwhelming presence, drawing upon an unfathomable reserve of might that surged through his veins. His eyes, a sinister shade of deepest crimson, gleamed with an otherworldly intensity, mirroring the ancient force that coursed within him.

As this alternate Hemalith loomed in the darkness, his physical form underwent a metamorphosis, embodying the attributes of an apex predator. His fingers elongated into razor-sharp claws, their gleaming edges promising untold devastation. Teeth, once ordinary, transformed into gleaming fangs, capable of rending flesh with ease. He stood as the epitome of a fearsome hunter, an entity forged from the very essence of dominance and potency.

This formidable apparition of Hemalith possessed an innate understanding of the art of survival, a predator's instinct refined to its utmost perfection. His every movement exuded grace and precision, each step a testament to the primordial force that flowed through his veins. With every breath, he emanated an air of relentless determination, his very presence an embodiment of indomitable will.

The towering figure of this apex Hemalith cast his gaze upon the mortal version, peering down with eyes that burned like molten fire. His voice thundered through the depths, resonating with an unyielding authority. "Why do you shy away from embracing your true nature?" he bellowed, his words echoing through the cavern. "You, who are destined to be a god among mortals, a leader, a warrior, and a conqueror. Yet here you stand, trembling in the face of mere shadows and dreams. We are patriarchs, mighty and indomitable! Unleash yourself!"

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Hemalith, gazing upon the vision of his own dominion, beheld the apex predator before him. A surge of apprehension gripped him, and he voiced his concerns, his voice fraught with uncertainty. "But what if I lose myself to the insatiable bloodlust?" he questioned, his words laced with doubt. "What if I succumb to becoming a mindless beast?"

The apex Hemalith looked down upon him, his laughter resounding like thunder. "HAHA!" he roared, his voice reverberating through the chamber. "And what if you do? You hold the reins of your own destiny and the power to master your mind. If you cannot quell the tempest of bloodlust that rages within, then you might as well remain trapped in your mortal shell and perish. I shall reiterate once more: Unleash yourself! Embrace what you truly are and cast aside the shackles of your mortality!"

Hemalith stood there, his mind wrestling with the weight of the words that echoed through the cavern. Deep within his being, a flicker of recognition sparked. He knew, in the depths of his soul, that the words spoken to him held an undeniable truth. He was a patriarch, the embodiment of power within his bloodline, and the mightiest force in the entire universe. Yet, despite his monstrous statistics and formidable abilities, he had always felt a lingering sense of inadequacy. From the very beginning, he had managed to survive by the slimmest of margins, relying on sheer determination and grit.

The encounter with the colossal ants had left an indelible mark upon his psyche, instilling a fear that had restrained him from unleashing his full potential. The fear of losing control, of succumbing to the primal instincts that lurked within him, had held him back. It was a battle between his mortality, the frailty of his human existence, and the untamed power that coursed through his veins.

But in this moment, as he stood at the precipice of a choice, Hemalith realized that he could no longer linger in the shadow of his own doubts. The time had come to make a decision. Should he continue to cling to his mortal identity, restrained by the limitations of his human form, or should he embrace his blood origin and ascend to his true potential?

Torn between the familiar comfort of his mortality and the beckoning call of his bloodline's power, Hemalith's heart pounded in his chest. It was a pivotal moment, a crossroads that would shape his destiny. The weight of his decision hung heavy in the air as he contemplated the path before him, knowing that whichever choice he made would alter the course of his existence forever.

With unwavering determination, Hemalith gazed back at the apex version of himself, his decision firmly rooted within his being. He realized that deep down, from the very moment he had awakened and felt the surge of power coursing through his veins as he effortlessly tore through the giant ants, his choice had already been made.

As the apex, Hemalith looked down upon him with a smug expression, a knowing smile formed on Hemalith's face. The doubts that had once plagued him now dissipated like mist in the wind. He could feel the newfound strength and confidence surging within him, replacing any lingering trace of fear.

"Good," Hemalith replied, his voice resonating with newfound resolve. "I embrace what I am and I will no longer be held captive by my own apprehensions. I will awaken fully to the power that lies within me, and I will not falter. The beast within shall be unleashed, for it is an integral part of who I am."

The apex Hemalith's laughter echoed through the cavern, but Hemalith no longer paid it any mind. He understood that the apex version was not a separate entity, but a representation of his own untamed potential. The smug expression on his doppelgänger's face only served as a reminder that he had chosen the right path.

With his decision made, Hemalith turned his gaze away from the apex Hemalith and faced the darkness that lay ahead. The time for hesitation had passed. He was now prepared to embrace his true nature, to hunt with unwavering purpose, and to unleash the full extent of his power.

Skill unlocked.

Bestial Transformation - Bloodline Ascendancy: Ultimate

Skill Description: Bestial Transformation - Bloodline Ascendancy is a powerful skill that allows Hemalith to tap into the depths of his bloodline and unleash his monstrous form. By embracing his true nature and fully activating this skill, Hemalith undergoes a dramatic transformation, transcending his mortal limitations and manifesting his inner beast.

Upon activation, Hemalith's body is enveloped in a shimmering crimson aura, signifying the awakening of his primal power. His physical attributes undergo a radical change as he grows to a towering height of over 9 feet. His muscles bulge with enhanced strength, his bones elongate, and his skin toughens, resembling the texture of ancient scales. His eyes blaze with a fierce crimson glow, radiating an aura of raw power.

In this bestial form, Hemalith gains a significant boost to his physical capabilities. His strength, speed, and agility are greatly amplified, surpassing the limits of his mortal self. His reflexes become lightning-fast, granting him extraordinary reaction times in combat. He can deliver devastating strikes with his sharpened claws and teeth, tearing through Armor and rending flesh effortlessly.

Additionally, Hemalith's heightened senses allow him to perceive the world with heightened acuity. His vision adapts to darkness, enabling him to see clearly even in the deepest shadows. His hearing becomes keen, detecting even the faintest of sounds, and his sense of smell becomes highly attuned, allowing him to track targets and detect hidden enemies.

However, the Bestial Transformation has its drawbacks. Firstly, it has a time limit, and Hemalith can only maintain his transformed state for a limited duration. The length of time he can remain in this form depends on his current level and his overall mana. Pushing the transformation beyond its limit’s risks severe physical and mental exhaustion.

Furthermore, once the transformation concludes, Hemalith experiences a period of vulnerability and weakness. His body undergoes a rapid fatigue, leaving him temporarily drained and susceptible to attacks. During this cooldown phase, his physical attributes are diminished, and he must recover before activating the skill again.

Additionally, Hemalith must exercise caution while in this transformed state. The immense power that courses through him threatens to overpower his consciousness, potentially leading to a loss of control and succumbing to mindless bloodlust. He must maintain a strong connection to his blood origin and exercise restraint to prevent himself from becoming a mere beast driven by instinct alone.

I awoke to a familiar notification, the tell-tale sign that I had unlocked another level of power within my bloodline. Excitement surged through my veins as I read the message before me, revealing a skill that held the promise of becoming an unstoppable force. It was called Bloodline Ascendancy - Beastial Transformation.

The very thought of tapping into the depths of my blood origin, of embracing my true primal form, sent a shiver of anticipation down my spine. I could feel the yearning within me, the primal urges begging to be set free, urging me to activate this skill right here and now. But I knew better than to succumb to reckless impulsiveness.

I paused, restraining myself from wasting such a precious skill without understanding its full potential. The cooldown period remained a mystery, and I couldn't afford to make a fool's mistake by unleashing it prematurely. I needed to be patient, to bide my time until the right moment presented itself.

However, there was another system message that demanded my immediate attention.

You have been poisoned.

Paralyse set in, you are unable to move for the duration of 8 hours 23 minutes. Due to resistance from both blood origin and title: The Ascendant One: Level 1 Supreme this has been reduced to 4 hours 11 minutes.