Chapter 7: *Man of Steel*
Nix woke up early, determined to push his limits. It wasn't enough to simply have control over his innate abilities; he needed to be precise in combat, maximizing the potential for damage. His morning routine started with three hours of technique drills. He focused on mastering the flow of his "Phantom Hands," perfecting the control and speed of his hair technique "Spear," and sharpening his use of "String" for movement.
Afterward, he dedicated two hours to stamina training, running at his maximum speed of 20 km/h to build endurance. Then came an hour of power lifting, pushing his physical strength to its limits. Between training sessions, Nix took time to study. He knew that physical prowess wasn't the only thing that would keep him alive. Tactics, monster biology, and understanding the geography of hunting grounds were just as crucial for his survival. Knowledge was a weapon too.
Later in the day, while he was finishing a chapter on monster behavior, his phone buzzed. It was Prabh, asking him if he wanted to join a hunt today.
"Hey, Nix! Want to go hunting today?" Prabh's voice sounded eager.
"Sure. What time?" Nix replied.
"Two hours from now. Meet at the station."
"Alright," Nix agreed, hanging up the call and getting ready for the hunt. He grabbed his hunting gear, his modified slingshot, foldable telescope, and wires for traps, and packed them into his bag. Nix also wore his sleek, spiked, leather armor, which Granny Laurie had recently upgraded with reinforced padding to help in close encounters with monsters.
At the station, Nix greeted his friends. He noticed that everyone had grown. Jeff had shot up to 6 feet tall, his bulk more muscular than before. Liam was now 5 feet 10 inches, lean but visibly stronger, while Prabh stood at 5 feet 6 inches, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd, always alert.
After exchanging pleasantries, the topic quickly turned to abilities.
“So, what abilities have you awakened, Nix?” Liam asked, curiosity in his voice.
Nix smirked slightly and kept his response simple. “Telekinesis.”
His friends were intrigued, especially since they didn’t know the full extent of his powers. He’d kept his hair-based abilities a secret, and it was easier to explain his control over transparent tentacles as a form of telekinesis energy.
They all turned to Jeff, eager to hear what ability he had awakened. Jeff stood proudly, flashing a grin before starting, “I call my ability "Balls of Steel" but I prefer (Steel Body). When I activate it, my whole body turns into metal, making me as tough as iron.” He paused dramatically, then added with a chuckle, “The downside is I can’t really move while in this form, which is why I nicknamed it ‘Still Body’... BADUM, "TISH!”.. The group groaned at his joke, but Jeff continued with a serious tone. “In (Steel Form), my strength increases from 700kg to 900kg, but my speed drops from 15 km/h to 10 km/h. And I can only hold it for about 15 minutes before needing a break, there is also a cool down of 3 minutes before I can enter my Steel Form again. ”Then he added, “But my special ability is called ‘Torque.’ It lets me double my body’s actions. So, for example, if I jump normally, it’s like a regular jump, maybe 2 feet off the ground. But if I use ‘Torque’ on my legs, I can leap up to 6 feet. The power boost applies to any movement, making me a lot more dangerous in a fight.”
Nix raised an eyebrow, impressed. Steel Body was a powerful ability, one that could turn Jeff into a tank in battle. However, he also noted the drawbacks, Jeff’s speed would take a hit, and the time limit was short. Nonetheless, it made him a formidable fighter on the front lines.
“That’s insane,” Prabh said, clearly impressed. “Between Jeff’s (Steel Form) and Nix’s telekinesis, we’re going to dominate this hunt.”
Nix grinned at her enthusiasm, but in his mind, he knew the importance of synergy in combat. Their abilities were strong, but they needed to work together flawlessly to survive. Today’s hunt would be another test, both of their powers and their teamwork.
“Let’s see what we’re up against today,” Nix said as they made their way toward the hunting grounds. With each step, Nix’s excitement grew. He was eager to see how his abilities would fare in live combat.
Nix, Jeff, Prabh, and Liam ventured deeper into the forest near the swamp, the thick trees casting shadows across the path ahead. The air was heavy with moisture, and the sound of croaking creatures and rustling leaves filled their ears. This area, known for its high activity of Level 1 monster beasts, was an ideal training ground. Occasionally, a Level 2 monster would appear, and they were ready for anything.
“Stay sharp, everyone,” Jeff said in his usual calm demeanor, scanning the area as they moved through the dense foliage.
As they pushed deeper into the forest, their first target appeared, a group of three [Muck Crawlers], Level 1 beasts with thick, mud-covered skin and long, snake-like bodies. Nix assessed their positioning, his mind quickly forming a strategy.
“Prabh, take the one on the right. Liam, cover Jeff on the left. I’ll handle the middle one,” Nix instructed, using his support role to coordinate the attack.
Prabh took a position higher on the nearby rocks and aimed his bow. With a swift release, the arrow flew, piercing the right Muck Crawler’s eye. It let out a guttural cry and writhed in pain, but Prabh was quick to land another shot, bringing it down.
Meanwhile, Jeff’s (Steel Form) activated, his skin turning metallic as he charged the left creature. It swung its tail in retaliation, but Jeff’s enhanced durability easily withstood the blow. With a mighty punch, he sent the Muck Crawler flying into a tree, where it collapsed.
image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54033006897_96e9dc63c7_m.jpg]
Nix, standing still in the middle, activated (Phantom Hands). Two invisible hands emerged from his hair, growing to their full size as he grabbed the final Muck Crawler by the neck. The creature squirmed violently, trying to escape the grip, but Nix tightened his hold, using his hair’s strength to slam it into the ground. Once it was incapacitated, Nix finished it off with a quick strike of his hair technique (Spear)
“Well done,” Jeff nodded, catching his breath as his metallic form reverted back to normal. “Let’s see if we can get anything valuable from them.”
Nix crouched beside one of the fallen Muck Crawlers, using a sharp blade to carefully slice open its chest cavity. He found what they were hoping for, a [Gene Bone], a small, dense fragment near the creature’s core. Carefully, he extracted it.
“We’ve got one!” Nix announced, holding it up to the group. The others followed suit, retrieving Gene Bones from the other two creatures.
“These should be useful for crafting some new GEMs,” Prabh remarked as he inspected one of the bones, the dense, marbled surface glinting in the dim light of the forest.
As they packed away the Gene Bones, Nix's senses heightened. A low growl echoed through the trees, and they instinctively readied themselves for another fight. From the shadows emerged a [Venomscale Lizard], a Level 1 monster known for its agility and toxic bite. But something was different, this one was larger than usual, its scales shimmering with an unusual hue.
“Careful,” Nix warned. “This might be a Level 2.”
Without hesitation, they sprang into action, attacking in unison. Nix used his (String) technique to quickly latch onto a tree branch and catapult himself over the lizard, while Prabh fired arrows to distract it. Jeff, in (Steel Form) form, charged head-on, taking a swipe from the lizard’s tail but holding his ground.
Nix landed behind the creature and quickly formed (Phantom Hands), grabbing its hind legs. With a swift motion, he yanked them backward, causing the lizard to lose its balance. Seizing the opportunity, Liam rushed in with a powerful strike to its exposed neck, finally taking it down.
Panting, they gathered around the fallen lizard. Jeff knelt and extracted yet another Gene Bone, this one slightly larger and more vibrant than the others.
“That’s a Level 2 Gene Bone for sure,” Jeff said with a grin. “This’ll make a great GEM.”
They continued their hunt for a few more hours, encountering more beasts and collecting several Gene Bones along the way. By the time they finished, each of them had gathered a decent amount of valuable Gene Bones for future use.
As they made their way back to the South Hunter Base, tired but triumphant, they discussed their next steps.
“These Gene Bones will be perfect for crafting more powerful GEMs. We’ll need them if we’re going to face stronger monsters,” Nix said thoughtfully, already planning how he could enhance his abilities further.
“You think we’re ready for another Level 2 hunt soon?” Liam asked, stretching his arms.
“We’ll be ready,” Jeff responded confidently. “Especially with Nix’s abilities evolving.”
Nix nodded in agreement. This hunt had shown him how much more he could push his limits, and he already came up with a new training regime.
The Misfits returned to the South Hunter Association Base, where they set to work on the Gene Bones they had collected. They used the Level 2 Gene Bone to create a high-quality Genetic Enhancer Mutagen (GEM). This rare GEM was then offered to Liam and Prabh, allowing them to choose who would use it. The GEM would help accelerate their ability awakening, giving them a significant edge in their development. The remaining Level 1 Gene Bones were transformed into Level 1 GEMs for personal use.
Jeff emphasized the importance of each team member awakening their abilities, stating, “Our team will become stronger and more cohesive if everyone reaches their full potential. High synergy will make us an unstoppable force.”
The Misfits were rewarded for their successful hunt, earning a total of 2000 COIN. Each member took home 500 COIN, reflecting their hard work and teamwork.
Later, back at home, Nix sat down with Granny Laurie. He explained that he had made enough money to cover their food and daily expenses, suggesting that she could stay home more often. Granny Laurie was reluctant, as she enjoyed working, but Nix expressed his concern about her safety and the impact on his focus during battles if he was worried about her.
After some discussion, they reached a compromise. Granny Laurie agreed to reduce her working days to three times a week. This arrangement allowed her to continue her work, while Nix could concentrate better on his training and missions, knowing Granny Laurie was safe and well-cared for.
-
The sun had barely risen over the jagged peaks of South Novice Mountain, but Nix was already prepared for a day of intense training. Armed with his newly created techniques, he knew that today wasn't just about hunting; it was about mastering control and refining his new techniques. If he was going to stand any chance in surviving this cruel world, he had to push himself to the brink.
Nix’s steps were quiet, his body tense but focused as he entered the monster-infested forest at the foot of the mountain. In the distance, the roars of mutated beasts echoed ominously through the air. He wasn’t afraid, he was determined. His body still felt strong after his recent fever, and his confidence had grown with every practice session. It was time to test his new techniques.
His first challenge came swiftly. A Level 1 mutated *Tanglevine Beast*, a serpent-like creature with vines sprouting from its body, slithered toward him. Its whip-like tendrils lashed out, trying to ensnare him.
"Alright, time to try this out," Nix muttered, extending his arms. His transparent twisted and formed two massive hands from his forearm (Phantom Hands) each crackling with unseen power. With a grunt of effort, he swung them forward, catching the creature mid-lunge. His hair tightened its grip, transparent fingers crushing the vine-covered body until the beast stopped moving.
“That was… easier than I thought.”
Before Nix could fully appreciate his victory, an evolved level 2 *Lowfang Boar* charged from behind a rock, tusks gleaming with blood from its last kill. Reacting instinctively, Nix activated (String), shooting hair-thin threads toward a nearby tree. The threads latched onto a branch, yanking him out of the boar’s path just as it gored the spot where he had been standing.
Mid-air, he willed his hair into the shape of sharp, spear-like protrusions, his technique called (Spear) and fired them downward. The boar squealed as one of the spears pierced its thick hide, but it wasn’t enough to take it down. Nix’s heart pounded in his chest. He had underestimated the beast’s durability.
The battle raged on, Nix dodging and weaving between attacks, his hair morphing into weapons and tools to evade and strike. The boar, angered and relentless, refused to back down. Nix realized he had miscalculated. The creatures on this part of the mountain were more aggressive today, and every time he thought he had the upper hand, another threat appeared.
Hours passed, and Nix’s body began to falter. His once fluid movements became sluggish, and his control over his techniques weakened. Sweat dripped down his brow, his breathing ragged as he stared down a pack of Level 1 mutated *Razorhounds*, sleek, fast creatures with bladed limbs. His (Phantom Hands) swiped, but exhaustion was taking its toll. One of the hounds managed to slash his arm, leaving a deep gash.
"I’m not gonna make it…" he thought grimly as he fumbled to maintain control.
In a desperate bid, he fired his (String) at a tree far ahead, pulling himself away from the hounds before they could finish him off. His vision blurred as he stumbled down the mountain, pain radiating through his body. He was losing too much blood.
Gasping, he finally made it to the South Hunters Association Base. The medics rushed him into a healing pod, submerging his battered body in the regenerative liquid. The pain dulled as his wounds slowly closed, but he knew he couldn’t rest. Not yet.
Hours later, fully healed but still shaken from his narrow escape, Nix set out again. This time, he ventured deeper into the heart of the mountain, determined to push his limits. His resolve hardened, he couldn’t afford to fail. Not with the danger of possible beast attack on the city looming closer.
The deeper he ventured, the more dangerous the terrain became. Dark clouds gathered overhead, casting an eerie shadow over the mountain as the sun disappeared behind jagged cliffs. That’s when he heard it, a low growl, far more menacing than anything he’d encountered before.
A *Level 2 mutated Flameclaw Beast* emerged from the shadows. Its massive body was covered in thick, flame-resistant scales, and its claws ignited with fire, scorching the ground beneath it. The air around Nix became suffocatingly hot, the beast’s presence alone distorting the environment.
Nix’s heart raced. He wasn’t ready for this. He activated his (Phantom Hands), sending them out to strike the beast, but it barely flinched. His hair, though durable, couldn’t penetrate its molten-like skin.
“Think, Nix, think!” he muttered to himself, panic rising as the beast advanced.
The Flameclaw swiped at him, and Nix barely managed to evade. He fired off his hair technique (Spear), aiming for the creature’s eyes, but it deflected them effortlessly with a swing of its blazing claws. One misstep was all it took, Nix stumbled, and in that moment of vulnerability, the beast pounced.
Time seemed to slow. Nix threw up his arms instinctively, his hair forming a dense barrier, but the Flameclaw’s strength was overwhelming. The impact sent him crashing into the ground, the force knocking the wind from his lungs.
Pain shot through his body as he struggled to stand. He had underestimated this creature, this wasn’t a battle he could win. Not today. With a pained grunt, he fired his (String) at a nearby tree, pulling himself out of the Flameclaw’s reach just as its fiery claws gouged the earth where he had fallen.
He didn’t stop. He couldn’t. Nix ran, dodging trees and leaping over rocks as the Flameclaw pursued him, flames crackling in its wake. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, but he didn’t look back. It wasn’t until he reached the safety of the Hunter Base that he allowed himself to collapse, gasping for air.
He had survived, barely.
As he lay there, catching his breath, Nix realized just how close he had come to death. But something else stirred within him: excitement. He had pushed himself beyond his limits and lived to tell the tale.
“This is just the beginning,” he whispered to himself, already thinking of how to improve his techniques. He knew he wasn’t ready for the stronger beasts yet. Nix knows he still need more training, the harder the better.