The Abused is The Abuser in Another World

Chapter 21: Shadows of Fate

The forest was darkening around them as the sky began to cloud over, a cold wind sweeping through the barren landscape. The group had been moving quickly, putting as much distance as possible between themselves and the Thundertusk Warrens, but the constant strain of running was beginning to wear them down.

"We need to rest," Lyralei said finally, her voice edged with fatigue. "We can't keep running forever."

Thalor glanced at Noir, who was walking a few paces ahead, his face still expressionless. "She's right," Thalor agreed. "We need to recover our strength if we're going to make it to Durnholde."

Noir gave a curt nod, his eyes scanning the landscape. "There," he said quietly, pointing to a cluster of rocks that provided some cover from the open terrain. "We rest there. But only for a short time."

The group moved to the rocky outcrop and settled down, their weapons close, their senses alert. Julian sat down heavily, wiping sweat from his brow, while Grid rummaged through his pack for some dried meat.

"Finally," Grid muttered, chewing on a piece of jerky. "I thought we'd be running forever."

Lyralei leaned back against a rock, closing her eyes for a moment. "We still might be," she said softly. "But at least we get a moment to breathe."

Noir remained silent, sitting slightly apart from the others. His eyes were distant, focused inward, on a sensation he couldn't quite explain—a faint tingling, like an itch at the back of his mind. He closed his eyes, and in the darkness, the familiar dashboard flickered into view, revealing something new.

"Skill Fusion System Activated," the notification read.

His eyes widened slightly. A Skill Fusion System? He had never encountered such a thing before. Curiosity overpowered caution, and he focused on the notification.

"Combine two or more existing skills to create a new, more powerful skill," it read.

He began to explore the options, considering his current skills and those of the Grimreaper. The dashboard pulsed, urging him to experiment. Noir decided to start with Claw of the Wild and Infectious Touch from the Grimreaper's skillset.

"Combine 'Claw of the Wild' and 'Infectious Touch' to create a new skill?" the dashboard prompted.

"Yes," Noir thought, and a surge of energy filled his mind.

"Savage Plague" appeared—a new skill that combined the ferocity of Claw of the Wild with the debilitating effects of Infectious Touch. Physical attacks now delivered crushing force while spreading a virulent plague that weakened enemies over time.

He felt a rush of power settle into his muscles, making them feel tighter, stronger. His hands tingled with infectious potential. He quickly moved to the next pair: Poisonous Fang and Predatory Instinct.

"Combine 'Poisonous Fang' and 'Predatory Instinct'?" the prompt asked again.

Noir confirmed, and another burst of light filled his mind.

"Venomous Insight" emerged—an ability to detect the weaknesses of enemies and adapt the poison to their specific vulnerabilities, causing maximum damage over time. The longer the fight, the deadlier the toxin became against the opponent's defenses.

His senses sharpened; every sound, scent, and movement around him became clearer and more defined. It felt as if he could almost smell the fear of those around him.