Secrets of the Beasts

Riku squinted at the red dot on the map. In terms of strength, the Werebeasts were not overly formidable. Even though ordinary Werebeasts possessed the capability to ruthlessly slaughter humans, they paled in comparison to Riku's current power. Among the Werebeast race, only a minority of formidable foes could harness the unique 'Blood Break' technique to transcend their physical limitations.

Moreover, the Divine Escape Talisman completely concealed his aura, rendering it the perfect foil against the Werebeasts. Even if they discovered him, Riku could effortlessly slip away through Shambhala, leaving the Werebeasts in awe.

"Then the next goal is decided," Riku mused with a slight smirk.

Suddenly, a clamorous noise drew his attention, causing his pupils to constrict as he scanned the surroundings. His heightened senses, courtesy of the genetic fortification fluid, instantly detected over a dozen Werebeasts scaling the rocks nearby.

"Why are the Werebeasts converging in this place?" Riku pondered, raising an eyebrow. He concealed himself, curious about the purpose behind their risky journey to this desolate and forsaken location.

Although Riku spotted the Werebeasts from his vantage point, they remained oblivious to his presence. The only concern was scent; Werebeasts possessed senses far superior to most other races.

Riku wasted no time. He retrieved some items from his storage space to mask his scent, not because he couldn't handle these Werebeasts, but out of sheer curiosity. Why had they ventured here? What were they searching for in this desolation where even the birds hesitated to tread?

"Captain Dora, something doesn't feel right," one of the Werebeasts remarked nervously to their towering tiger leader, Dora, as they reached the summit.

"There's no need to fret over trifles. Find that item quickly," Dora replied in hushed tones.

"Understood," the other Werebeasts responded in unison, their expressions grim as they combed the rocky terrain.

"That item?" Riku's interest was piqued as he contemplated the Werebeasts' purpose.

As he pondered, one of the Werebeasts drew near to his hiding place. Riku's golden eyes glinted with a frigid determination as he prepared to take action.

"Captain Dora, I've found it! Right here!" exclaimed a Werebeast, interrupting Riku's thoughts.

"To think it would be found so swiftly. Fortune truly smiles upon us today," Dora rejoiced.

The nearby Werebeast jubilantly joined his comrades.

"What did they find?" Riku inquired, raising his gaze from behind the rock.

In an instant, Riku caught sight of what Dora clutched in his dirt-caked hand: a blood-red fruit, freshly unearthed.

"With this fruit, our princess will grow stronger. Her Blood Break will be without side effects, and her strength will soar," Dora declared jubilantly.

"This makes the eighth one. As long as we find the ninth next year, our princess can contend with those superior races," another Werebeast chimed in enthusiastically.

"Using the Blood Break without side effects? Battling against the superior races?" Riku's narrowed eyes betrayed his astonishment. Each race harbored its own secrets, and he hadn't anticipated stumbling upon the Werebeasts' hidden abilities.

Despite the potent bloodline of the Werebeast species, it still fell short of the Flügel race. The first six races embodied concepts, making them vastly superior. With the exception of a few unique Machina species, the last ten races struggled to compete with the top six, if they even had a chance at all.

Jibril, for instance, singlehandedly devastated the Elven race and pursued them to the brink of despair. The Werebeasts lagged significantly behind the Elves, widening the already substantial gap. The revelation that they could potentially challenge the Flügels using this fruit sent shivers down Riku's spine.

"Who's there?" Dora suddenly fixed his gaze in Riku's direction. Despite his concealed position, the heightened senses of the Werebeasts had detected him.

"If I were to say I was merely passing by... would you believe me?" Riku spoke calmly, acknowledging his discovery. He had gathered the information he needed and had no intention of hiding any longer.

"A human?" The Werebeasts, originally on edge and poised for battle, were now baffled, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and surprise.

"Haha! I never expected a human to venture to this place and uncover our secrets. I'm afraid I can't allow you to leave," Dora declared with a wicked grin, his tusks bared menacingly.

"Go, take him down. We'll feast on human flesh tonight!" he ordered, sealing Riku's fate.