Heavenly Rebellion: The Human Race's Rise to Prominence-Chapter 25: Feng vs. Yuta (4)

Yuta's gaze fell on his Mist Lizard, his breathing labored as he struggled to maintain its form.

The creature shimmered like a mirage, its edges fraying and warping, as if it were on the verge of vanishing.

Its ethereal body flickered with instability, a reminder of the strain his spiritual energy was under.

He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He couldn't let it fall apart—not now.

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If the Mist Lizard was destroyed again, especially in his current weakened state, reforming it would be next to impossible.

Worse still, the backlash from such a failure could leave him incapacitated, perhaps even vulnerable to death.

Across the battlefield, Feng didn't look much better.

Blood poured from the deep gashes he had sustained fighting Ren, pooling beneath his feet in a dark crimson stain.

The metallic scent of it hung thick in the air, mingling with the oppressive spiritual energy emanating from the Mist Lizard.

Each shallow breath sent searing pain through his shoulders and back, his wounds burning as though they were on fire.

Yet, despite the agony coursing through his body, Feng stood tall, silent, and resolute. He understood the stakes.

This wasn't just about strength or endurance—it was about survival.

He cast a glance toward the distant clash between the Blackwood Ruler and Elder Zhou, their battle shaking the forest with each exchange.

Elder Zhou appeared weaker, but Feng knew better than to trust appearances.

In a fight, the outcome could never be predicted with certainty.

This duel, much like his own, would be decided not by strength alone but by will and cunning.

Yuta grit his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tightening as he raised his right hand.

The surrounding mist thickened, swirling like a storm around him, drawn by his command.

Every motion was a struggle, his body screaming in protest, but he forced himself upright.

Pain radiated from his core, but his sheer determination burned hotter, masking the agony with unyielding killing intent.

"You've pushed me farther than anyone else has," Yuta said, his voice icy and edged with fatigue.

"It proves your talent." His sharp gaze met Feng's, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes.

"I don't understand why the village turned its back on you.

Even without a Heaven's Pact, someone with your potential could've been an asset—if only they'd seen it."

Yuta's words hung in the air, heavy with a strange mix of admiration and regret.

Yet, his tone carried no mercy.

His spiritual energy surged as the mist gathered around him, a tangible representation of the power he still had left to wield.

Both fighters, battered and broken, stood at the edge of their limits, knowing full well that only one person would leave this place alive today.

Spiritual energy surged as Yuta condensed the mist into his palm.

Slowly, it formed a massive dagger, curved with sharp outlines that flickered between solid and translucent, as if it existed in two states at once.

"The last time, you dodged this attack because the Blackwood Ruler saved you," Yuta said, pointing at the Mist Lizard.

"This time, no one will save you."

The Mist Lizard roared as its form dissolved and merged with the enormous six-foot-long misty dagger in Yuta's hand.

The weapon glowed with an intense azure light before transforming.

The dagger stretched and shifted, forming a colossal, ten-foot-tall Mist Lizard.

Its dark blue eyes gleamed menacingly, while bluish-gray scales shimmered in the light.

Its elongated tongue flickered, sharp and deadly, and its form resembled a blend of crocodile and blade—ferocious and imposing.

Yuta patted the Mist Lizard's back, his voice a strained whisper.

"This is my ultimate technique. If you survive this, the battle is yours."

He panted heavily, nearly drained of spiritual energy, but the pressure radiating from the Mist Lizard was overwhelming.

Feng's chest tightened as he felt the suffocating aura.

The creature's power was immense, its strength equivalent to the seventh level of Qi Condensation—far beyond what Feng could handle.

[WARNING! THE HOST IS IN MORTAL DANGER. THE SYSTEM SUGGESTS IMMEDIATE ESCAPE!]

Feng gasped for breath. This was it—his final obstacle. If he could overcome this, he'd be free.

He could leave the Blackwood Forest and reach the open road.

If he walked far enough or found a merchant caravan heading to Brightshore City, a new life awaited him.

No one would know him as the broken soul he once was. He could start over, grow stronger, and carve his own path.

But first, he had to survive.

"Hey, System, if I fully integrate with the remnant will within my Blackwood Alpha Wolf Heaven's Pact, will I lose myself?" Feng asked, his voice tight with unease.

[Responding to host: If you decide to use the System to fully integrate with the Heaven's Pact, the host will lose control of their physical body and become a mindless beast.]

"Will this beast deal with that attack for me?"

Feng gestured with his chin toward the ten-foot-long Mist Lizard Yuta had formed, its presence exuding overwhelming spiritual energy.

[The natural inclination of a spiritual beast is self-defense. If attacked, the beast will likely retaliate to preserve its life.]

"That's good enough. Do it," Feng said, steeling himself for the consequences of his decision.

He understood the risks—knew that by fully integrating with the Heaven's Pact, he might become something neither man nor beast.

The thought chilled him, but he had no other options.

If he didn't push through, there was no way to overcome this calamity.

[Is the host certain about this action?]

The system's tone remained mechanical, but for a brief moment, Feng thought he detected a flicker of concern—almost as if the System felt sadness for him.

"Do I look like I have a choice?" Feng sighed.

He knew he didn't.

At least this way, he had a chance to survive.

If he lost consciousness, perhaps the System could help him battle the remnant will within the Heaven's Pact.

[Understood. Initiating full integration.]

Though the conversation felt long and drawn out, it had taken only a split second—from the moment Yuta summoned his Mist Lizard to Feng making his decision.

As the System activated, Feng's body began to glow with a dark-silver light.

His form shifted, growing more wolf-like with each passing moment, his transformation marking the beginning of a desperate gamble for survival.