Chapter 3：Awaken the Totem of Evolution

"Cain, what are you going to do?" The cold, mysterious voice echoed in his mind again. "You weren't given a second chance just to die all over again, were you?"

"What can I do?" Cain shouted internally. "I'm tied up, and those beasts are way stronger than me! I'm just a normal person!"

The voice laughed, mocking him. "Heh. If you beg, I might help you."

"Beg you?" Cain snapped back, anger bubbling in his chest. "If I die here, it doesn't benefit you either, does it?"

There was a pause before the voice replied, its tone laced with amusement. "Oh? Are you threatening me?"

"Think whatever you want," Cain said sharply. "If you're going to help, do it. If not, shut up!"

The four-eyed wolf beast stepped further into the cabin, its glowing crimson eyes scanning the room. It was massive—double the size of a regular wolf, with gray, spiked fur and two tails that lashed the air. Its sharp claws scratched at the wooden floor, and its low growls made Cain's skin crawl.

The thin man and his group fired at it with their crude energy guns, but the shots barely singed the beast's thick fur. The strong man charged with a spear but was quickly swatted aside, his body torn apart in a spray of blood.

The thin man screamed and threw a flash grenade. The cabin filled with blinding light, and the beast staggered, howling in pain. Taking the chance, the thin man fled into the dark forest outside.

But before he could get far, a second beast pounced from the shadows outside and ripped the thin man apart. His screams cut through the night air before fading into silence.

Now, only one wolf beast remained in the cabin. Its glowing eyes locked onto Cain and the three terrified women huddled in the corner. The beast's snarls echoed in the small space as it seemed to decide who to attack next.

Cain struggled against his bindings, his wrists raw from the effort. His movements caught the beast's attention, and it lunged at him with bared fangs. Its teeth sank into his neck, and blood sprayed across the floor. Cain gasped in pain, but before he could react, the beast's claws slashed across his stomach, ripping him open.

The agony was overwhelming. His vision blurred, and the world around him began to fade.

"Pathetic," the voice in his mind sneered." You're too weak. You don't deserve to be my candidate. Die here like the worm you are."

Die? No. Not like this.

"I can't die!" Cain screamed within himself. His desperation turned to rage, and something deep within him stirred—an ancient, dormant power waiting to awaken.

Most people, Cain had learned, awakened their Totem of Evolution during Teenage years. Those who didn't were labeled as untalented, doomed to live without the strength of an evolver. But there were rare cases—people who awakened only in the face of death. And Cain was one of them.

A strange energy surged from the depths of his soul. It was unfamiliar yet comforting, like something that had always been part of him. An intricate, glowing totem began to form within his mind—a symbol too complex to fully comprehend.

The voice returned, this time tinged with curiosity. "Oh? This totem… interesting. Maybe you aren't completely worthless."

Cain didn't hear the comment. His mind was lost in the process of awakening, his consciousness consumed by the forming of his totem.

The wolf beast froze, sensing the change in the air. It backed away, growling uneasily, and let out a howl to call its companion. Soon, the second wolf beast returned, and the two creatures circled Cain warily, their crimson eyes watching him with a mix of fear and greed. They could sense the power in him—a power they wanted to consume.

Cain's body was wrapped in a faint, seven-colored glow. His wounds began to close at an unnatural speed, the blood drying as his flesh knit itself back together. Within moments, he was whole again. The bindings that held him snapped apart effortlessly.

The glow faded, and Cain opened his eyes, his mind clearing. His exhaustion and pain were gone, replaced by a strength he had never felt before. His body felt lighter, stronger—like a perfect version of himself.

He looked at the beasts and spoke with newfound confidence. "Leave now, or die here."

The wolves hesitated, their instincts screaming at them to retreat. But greed overtook their fear. They charged, jaws snapping.

Cain didn't flinch. He barely thought about his next move. With a simple wave of his hand, the first wolf exploded into a shower of blood and bone, its body disintegrating before it could even touch him.

The second wolf froze in terror and bolted for the door. Cain clenched his fist, and the creature's body burst apart mid-leap. It was over in seconds.

Cain stood amidst the carnage, his breath steady. He stared at his hands, still glowing faintly with the remnants of his newfound power. "What… what just happened?" he muttered. He didn't understand what he had done or how, but it felt natural—instinctive.

He turned to the three women, who stared at him with a mix of awe and fear. "Don't worry," Cain said gently. "I'm not going to hurt you."

One of the women, her voice trembling, asked, "What… what are you going to do with us?"

Cain shook his head. "Do with you? Nothing. I just need to get to the nearest city. Do you know the way?"

The woman hesitated before nodding. "We do… but it's too dangerous to travel at night. We should wait until morning."

Cain nodded. "Fine. We'll move at first light."

"Th-thank you," she whispered.

"Don't mention it," Cain replied. "You three get some rest. I'll keep watch."

He stepped outside, dragging the broken door back into place to block the wind. Sitting down on the icy ground, he stared at the dark forest ahead, his mind racing.

What had happened to him? What was this power? And what did it mean for his future? 

He clenched his fists, a flicker of determination in his eyes. If this strength could help him, then maybe, just maybe, he could find his siblings and save them from Gaia's clutches.

"Cain", the voice said suddenly, breaking the silence. "Perhaps I misjudged you. Let's start over. You may call me… Dante."

Cain scowled. "Just shut your ass up and leave me alone."

"You ungrateful brat! How dare you disrespect me?!" Dante snapped, his tone sharp and indignant.

But Cain ignored him. For now, he had more important things to think about.

Little did he know, his troubles were far from over.