Mutant awakening: My evolution knows no bounds

Before the Sycrax could respond, Klaus blurred into motion. In an instant, he closed the distance, leaping high into the air. Twisting mid-flight, he delivered a spinning tornado kick that smashed into the creature's head.

BAM!

The kick connected cleanly with the Sycrax's head, the force behind it sending the monstrous creature staggering several meters backward. The ground trembled beneath its weight as it fought to regain balance, a low growl rumbling from its throat.

In a heartbeat, the Sycrax steadied itself. Its eyes, filled with simmering rage, locked onto Klaus. Without warning, it charged forward, its massive claws swinging down toward him with blinding speed. The sharp, axe-like talons sliced through the air, aiming directly for Klaus's head.

Just inches before impact, Klaus raised his right hand and caught the claws mid-air, his fingers wrapping around the razor-sharp edges with a vice-like grip. The force of the impact caused a shockwave, dust swirling around them. His grip tightened, ensuring the claws didn't pierce his skin. With a sudden, powerful yank, he pulled the creature closer, using its own momentum to toss the Sycrax aside like a ragdoll.

The monstrous being skidded across the desert, carving deep furrows in the sand. Before it could regain its footing, Klaus was already upon it, descending from above like a vengeful shadow. His fist crashed into the creature's skull with devastating force, the impact sending it soaring through the air. It tumbled end over end, finally colliding with a massive rock that splintered on impact.

From a distance, Kara and Miley watched the scene unfold, their faces etched with disbelief. Miley's eyes were wide with shock, her breath shallow. The creature that had effortlessly slaughtered her comrades, that had nearly killed her, was now being tossed around like a mere puppet.

"Kara... what's his ability again?" Miley's voice trembled with awe and disbelief.

Kara, standing beside her, kept her gaze fixed on Klaus. "Klaus is from one of the Eternal Families," she began, her voice steady but filled with reverence. "Their unique ability allows them to learn and store multiple abilities. The mutant cells in their bodies can hold an immense variety of powers simultaneously. Klaus has lived for a long time—long enough to learn and master countless abilities. But right now..." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "He hasn't even started using them. What you're seeing is just raw strength and speed."

Miley's eyes widened even further. "How... how does he learn someone's ability?"

"Eye contact," Kara explained. "Once he makes eye contact with someone, he awakens their ability within himself. But it takes time and rigorous training to master each skill. That's why he keeps his eyes hidden under his hair—to avoid absorbing unwanted abilities." She added, a hint of admiration in her voice.

Miley nodded slowly, turning her gaze back to the ongoing battle.

The Sycrax groaned, picking itself up from the sand. Its massive hand reached back to grab the shattered remains of the rock it had crashed into. With a roar of frustration, it hurled the rock toward Klaus, using the debris as a distraction while it charged forward once more.

Klaus's eyes narrowed. He clenched his right fist, muscles coiling like steel cables. As the rock hurtled toward him, he pulled his arm back and swung forward in a fluid, powerful motion.

BAM!

The rock shattered instantly, pieces flying in all directions. Through the cloud of debris, Klaus spotted the Sycrax's claws streaking toward him. A smirk played at the corner of his lips.

"Predictable," he muttered. At the last second, he sidestepped, the claws slicing through empty air. In a flash, he appeared beside the creature, his fist connecting with its right leg.

He frowned. "Tough armor. Much tougher than the head." He stepped back, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "There's something about the Sycrax species... something I'm forgetting," he mused aloud, dodging another furious swipe.

Kara, who had initially volunteered to join the fight, now stood back with Miley. She tapped her communicator, informing the academy of the situation, all while keeping a watchful eye on the battle.

The Sycrax seethed, frustration evident in its movements. "Why... why can't I land a single hit?!" it roared, charging forward and leaping high into the air. Its claws gleamed menacingly as it descended toward Klaus.

Klaus remained still, watching the creature's descent with an almost bored expression. At the last possible moment, he moved—so fast he seemed to vanish. The Sycrax crashed into the ground with a thunderous impact, sending shockwaves rippling through the sand.

Before it could recover, Klaus was already beside it. His fist struck the creature's head once more, sending it skidding backward until it collided with another rock.

Suddenly, Klaus's eyes lit up. "Ah, yes. I remember now." He smirked, his gaze flicking to the creature's horns. "The only way to defeat a Sycrax... is to separate its life core from its body."

He pushed the golden strands of hair from his eyes, revealing them for the first time in a long time. They were the same brilliant gold as his hair, glowing like molten metal.

"Time to get serious," he said, his voice cold and final.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

He cracked his knuckles, each step deliberate as he approached the struggling Sycrax. The creature roared, lowering its head. A beam of searing energy shot from its horns, streaking toward Klaus.

Klaus didn't flinch. As the beam approached, it froze mid-air—suspended in time. The Sycrax, Kara, Miley, even the swirling dust—they all froze, locked in a moment of perfect stillness.

Klaus moved calmly through the frozen battlefield, stopping in front of the immobilized creature. He leapt onto its shoulders, gripping its horns.

"Sorry, but I need these," he whispered, voice laced with quiet menace. With a powerful pull, he wrenched the horns from the creature's head. A sickening crack echoed, blood gushing from the wounds.

Time resumed. The Sycrax screamed, agony etched into its every movement. Seconds later, it collapsed, lifeless.

Klaus landed silently beside it, tossing the horns to the ground. The battle was over.