Testing the Limits

Azar stalked through the dimly lit outskirts of City Z, feeling the familiar thrum of power building within him. His devouring abilities had steadily grown with each monster he'd absorbed, and now he had a small arsenal of skills and raw strength at his disposal. He wanted to test himself against something stronger—a challenge that might force him to draw on every bit of his newfound power.

As if in answer, a low growl echoed from a nearby alley, a shadow creeping out from the darkness. The creature was grotesque—a towering, demon-level monster with scales like cracked stone, four serrated claws dripping with venom, and a pair of spiked tendrils whipping from its back. Its glowing, hate-filled eyes fixated on Azar, who merely smirked.

"So, you're what's causing trouble around here," Azar remarked casually, tilting his head as he took in the creature's form. "Good. I was looking for a real fight."

The monster's eyes narrowed, and with a shriek, it launched itself at Azar, claws first. Azar dodged to the side, his movement blurring as he activated the enhanced reflexes he'd absorbed from an earlier opponent. The claws grazed past him, slicing the air with a razor-sharp hiss. Azar's figure reappeared a few steps away, completely unfazed.

The creature pivoted with surprising speed, its spiked tendrils lashing out in a deadly arc. Azar crossed his arms, summoning a hardened shield of energy around him—a defensive trick he'd devoured from an armored beast a week prior. The tendrils struck the barrier, shattering into sparks, and Azar felt a twinge of satisfaction at the ease with which he'd blocked the attack.

"Not bad, but you'll need more than that," Azar taunted, lowering his shield and allowing himself to be momentarily exposed. He could see the monster's predatory grin, mistaking his confidence for weakness.

The monster roared, crouching low before lunging again, this time sending both claws down in a deadly overhead strike. Azar reacted instantly, sidestepping and channeling his own strength into a sweeping kick he'd borrowed from a mantis-like monster—his speed and power multiplied as he combined it with his enhanced reflexes. The kick landed squarely on the monster's side, sending it skidding back against a concrete wall with a bone-crushing impact.

Azar closed in, his eyes sharp, ready to end this. But the monster wasn't done. As it stumbled back to its feet, its tendrils began to grow, each splitting into two more spiked whips. They lashed out again, faster and more aggressive, a frenzy of serrated strikes. Azar deflected the first with his arm, channeling the armored skin of the lizard-like monster he'd once devoured, feeling his skin harden to absorb the brunt of the hit.

Then, with fluid precision, he took control of the fight, ducking and weaving between the tendrils. As the monster left itself open, Azar's eyes glinted, and he unleashed a powerful blast of concussive energy from his palm—a trick he'd absorbed from a mutant bird creature. The energy slammed into the monster's torso, rupturing its scales and leaving it reeling.

The monster staggered back, bleeding from multiple wounds, and Azar didn't waste any time. He darted forward, a dark gleam in his eyes, and slammed his hand against the monster's chest. His devouring power activated immediately, siphoning its strength and energy. The creature let out a final screech, its form withering as Azar absorbed everything it had to offer.

As the energy coursed into him, Azar's senses sharpened, and he felt the creature's memories and abilities sinking into his being. When it was over, the demon-level monster was nothing more than a desiccated husk at his feet. Azar rolled his shoulders, feeling the added strength settle within him.

"Not bad," he muttered to himself, feeling the familiar rush that came after each devouring. He could sense his own power growing exponentially with each encounter, a feeling that both thrilled and assured him.

With a glance back at the empty street, he turned and continued his path, his mind set on finding his next challenge. He was only getting started.