Kenji sat cross-legged on the soft patch of moss under the watchful gaze of the Ogre Queen. The dull ache in his limbs from the day’s training only served as a reminder of how much he had grown since arriving in the village. Yet, despite his rapid improvement, Kenji couldn’t shake the feeling that something inside him was different—something fundamental.

  The system had begun whispering to him more frequently, the soft, AI-like voice guiding him as he pushed himself to new limits. Today, it revealed a truth that sent a ripple of both excitement and apprehension through his mind.

  [System Notice: Innate Skill Unlocked.]

  ?    Skill: Devour (Inherited)

  ?    Description:

  Kenji’s eyes widened as the screen hovered before him. He had read enough stories in his previous life to understand how valuable such a skill could be. The potential to grow stronger by consuming his enemies—it was a path fraught with danger, yet one that could set him apart.

  “Devour…” he murmured, testing the word on his tongue.

  The Ogre Queen’s ears perked up at his whisper. She had been silently observing him all morning, her sharp gaze always seeming to pierce through him. “What is it, Kenji?” she asked, her voice calm but curious.

  Kenji hesitated. The Queen was the one being in the village he could confide in, but even so, the idea of explaining such a monstrous ability felt… unnerving. Yet, something told him she wouldn’t judge him.

  “I think I’ve discovered something new,” he finally said, summoning the system screen to display his skills.

  System Screen Update:

  This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

  Host: Kenji

  Race:

  Level:

  Experience:

  Health:

  Mana:

  [Innate/Inherited Skills]

  ?    Devour (Inherited):

  ?    Evolution Sense (Innate):

  [Common Skills]

  ?    Inspect (Common):

  ?    Beast Taming (Unique):

  The Queen frowned slightly as she read over the details, her sharp teeth catching the light. “You’re a curious one, little human,” she said at last. “Devour… That is not a skill of the ogres. It is something tied to you, to your… essence.”

  Kenji nodded, relief washing over him that she hadn’t recoiled or lashed out. “It’s dangerous, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice quieter now.

  “Everything worth having is dangerous,” the Queen replied, kneeling to meet his gaze. “But it is also powerful. If used wisely, it could help you survive in this world—and help this village grow stronger.”

  Her words gave Kenji clarity. The skill wasn’t something to fear; it was a tool, one that aligned with the harsh reality of this dungeon.

  Later That Day

  As Kenji trained in the forest surrounding the village, he decided to test Devour

  The system chimed again, as though it could sense his hesitation.

  [System Notice: Do you wish to activate Devour? Y/N]

  Kenji’s hand hovered over the beast, the idea of consuming it making his stomach churn. But he remembered the Queen’s words:

  “Yes,” he said, his voice steady.

  A dark mist seeped from the wolf’s body, flowing into Kenji’s hand like a stream of liquid shadow. His body tensed as he felt a rush of energy surge through him—a mixture of strength and vitality.

  [System Notice: Devour Successful.]

  ?    Stats Absorbed:

  ?    Skill(s) Acquired: [Shadow step (F-Tier)] [Dark Bolt (F+ Tier)]

  Kenji staggered back, panting as the system displayed the results. His mind raced as he processed the implications. “This… this changes everything,” he muttered, a small, determined smile forming on his lips.

  From that moment on, Kenji knew he couldn’t afford to hold back. The dungeon was a place of predators and prey, and if he wanted to protect his loved ones, he would have to embrace his role as the ultimate predator.