The afternoon sun filtered through the thick canopy as Freddie trudged through the forest, the remnants of his unexpected feast slung over his shoulder. The Tharnak carcass, heavy and pungent, was a grim reminder of the brutal reality of this world. Its name, he had learned after consuming its flesh, was as fearsome as its appearance. Yet, it was also a source of sustenance and, more importantly, knowledge.

As Freddie bent down to bury the unused portions of the beast, a guttural roar erupted from behind him. He whipped around, barely registering the hulking figure that launched itself towards him. A blinding impact knocked the air from his lungs, sending him flying.

He landed hard, the breath whooshing from his body. Pain flared through his limbs, but it was surprisingly dull, a testament to the Tharnak's toughness he'd unknowingly absorbed. Scrambling to his feet with feline agility, Freddie found himself facing a towering orc, its tusks bared in a snarl of rage.

The orc swung a massive fist, aiming for Freddie's head. He dodged, narrowly avoiding the blow that would have caved in a lesser being's skull. The orc's onslaught continued, each punch a thunderous impact that shook the ground. Freddie countered, his own blows surprisingly potent despite his lack of training. He felt a thrill of exhilaration, a raw, primal energy surging through his veins.

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The fight raged on, a blur of fists and growls. Freddie, fueled by adrenaline and the Tharnak's strength, matched the orc's ferocity. The creature seemed surprised by Freddie's resilience, its confusion growing with each thwarted attack.

Seizing an opportunity as the orc overextended a wild swing, Freddie landed a clean punch to its jaw. The orc staggered, then crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Silence descended upon the forest. Freddie, panting heavily, surveyed his fallen opponent. He felt no animosity towards the creature, only a sense of bewilderment and a gnawing curiosity. He couldn't bring himself to kill the orc in cold blood, yet leaving it here was too risky.

With newfound resolve, Freddie set to work, constructing a makeshift hut to detain the orc. As he labored, his mind raced, piecing together the fragments of knowledge he'd gained from consuming the Tharnak. He realized that his power wasn't just about strength and resilience; it was about understanding.

A thought struck him: could he glean knowledge from other sources? The idea of consuming a piece of the orc was repulsive, but a stray hair... perhaps that was worth a try. With a grimace, Freddie plucked a single strand from the orc's arm and swallowed it, chasing it down with a swig of water.

Instantly, a flood of information filled his mind. The orc's language, culture, societal structures, strengths, weaknesses – it was all there, laid bare for his comprehension. Freddie's heart leaped. He could communicate now, learn more about this world and its inhabitants.

But more importantly, he had a new puzzle to solve, a captive orc and a budding understanding of his own extraordinary power. The adventure was just beginning.