Absolute instinct

Darian had just completed his experiment, refining the vital force and feeling a sense of satisfaction. The initial surge of power from the blade had been incredible, but now he understood it better. The more he focused, the sharper the weapon became, responding to his instincts and willpower. It was still only the beginning, but Darian knew he had only just begun to scratch the surface of the potential of the vital force.

His breath steadied as he took in the quiet surroundings of the forest. There was a calm now, an overwhelming silence that followed the battle and the energy exerted during his experiment. For a moment, he stood still, his mind humming with the possibilities of what he had learned. He had refined his focus to a new level, but the path was far from complete.

Turning back toward the camp, he could see the others still deep in their own refining process. They were all still struggling to harness their vital force, each one in their own way, each one battling the same inner resistance. Darian stood for a moment, watching them, considering the question that had been on his mind since the battle: Do I share what I've learned?

But he knew the answer before he even finished the thought. Not yet. Not until they had refined their own energies, until they were all on the same level, or at least closer to it. They were still behind him in their understanding of the vital force. They hadn't reached the point where they could integrate their energy with the precision he had begun to grasp.

So, Darian waited. He wouldn't be the one to rush them. They were still learning, still evolving, and this moment was theirs to discover. In the quiet, he could feel the growth that was happening in their minds, even if it wasn't visible yet. Each one of them was a reflection of the path he had walked, struggling with their own battles.

The camp remained still for a time. It was only when the others began to stir, their energy slowly returning to them, that Darian moved. He waited until they were fully awake and alert before speaking.

---

Hours passed in a tranquil silence, the only sounds the rustling of the trees and the occasional birdcall from the distance.

Darian sat away from the camp, finding a quiet space away from the others, where he could think without distraction. As the sunlight filtered through the canopy above, his thoughts turned inward again. He needed to push himself further, needed to keep evolving at a pace that would outstrip the others. There was something about his own progress that felt different, like he was tapping into something more than just his own willpower and determination.

Suddenly, an idea crossed his mind. As he watched the others focus on their own energy, Darian thought of the monster essence they had gathered earlier. He remembered the warning: The essence is poisonous to the body unless it's refined. The others had set the essence aside, waiting for a time when they could figure out how to safely refine it, but Darian knew something they didn't. What if I could purify it?

His purification ability was unlike anything the others had. It was strong, perhaps stronger than any healer he had ever known. But the ease with which he purified the essence surprised him. Why is this so easy for me? he thought, confusion clouding his mind for a moment. My absolute instinct makes me sharper, more capable, but purification—this is something different.

He sat down again, closing his eyes, centering his focus. His senses sharpened, as if the air itself was charged with energy. Why can I refine this so easily? He could feel it now, a presence deep inside of him. It was a sensation that went beyond his physical strength, a subtle force that made purification feel like a natural extension of his will. It shouldn't be this easy. His purification was stronger than it had any right to be.

What's the reason behind this? he thought, trying to reason it out. This ability... it doesn't fit with my instincts. It feels... different.

Darian felt the energy coursing through him. The essence of the monster pulsed in his hands, a tangible force that was now under his control. He drew it in slowly, focusing all his concentration on refining it, breaking it down and purifying it with ease. The essence twisted and reformed under his influence, the poison disappearing, leaving only pure, untainted vital force.

He could feel the energy expanding inside of him as he absorbed the refined essence. But something was off. It wasn't just the ease with which he was refining it—it was the speed. How can I absorb it so quickly? The others would never be able to process it as he had. They didn't have the ability to purify it as fast or as efficiently as he did.

It wasn't just a question of skill—it was something deeper. There was something inside him, a part of him that allowed him to absorb the essence faster than anyone else could. He didn't know what it was, but it was there, and it was making him stronger.

What is this? he wondered. How am I doing this? The power of purification surged through him, and for a moment, Darian could almost sense something else beneath the surface. A strange, hidden force that was subtly altering his growth, making him evolve faster than anyone else. But he couldn't pinpoint it, couldn't fully understand it.

For now, he would focus on the task at hand. Whatever this strange force was, it didn't matter for now. He would deal with it later. The important thing was his progress, his strength, and the potential he was beginning to uncover. With a deep breath, he shook off the lingering confusion and cleared his mind.

Rising to his feet, Darian stretched his limbs, his senses buzzing with the unfamiliar but invigorating energy coursing through him. He could feel the difference immediately. It was subtle but undeniable—the sharpness of his vision, the heightened awareness of his surroundings. His senses had expanded, reaching farther than before.

His eyes scanned the area around him. As he focused, he realized that his radius of perception had increased significantly. He could now see at least five to ten meters farther than he could before. The world around him seemed clearer, more detailed, as if the very fabric of his surroundings had shifted into sharper focus.

He tested his physical capabilities next, pushing himself with a series of swift movements. His muscle strength and speed had increased drastically. His legs propelled him forward with more force than he'd ever experienced. His arms felt more solid, like they could exert far more power than before. The feeling of his muscles working was almost like a new type of awareness—everything was amplified, more refined, more controlled.

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, but he quickly suppressed it. There was no time for pride, not yet. This was just the beginning. The real challenge was yet to come.