Astral Devourer: Rise of the Forbidden King

Chapter 3: The Zeal to Become Strong

Theo woke at exactly 6:00 p.m., his eyes opening to the dim glow of evening light slipping through the thin curtains. The room felt quiet, but not empty. Something inside him had shifted, and he could feel it lingering beneath his skin. He didn’t waste time questioning it.

He got dressed quickly and stepped outside, the cool air brushing against his face. His steps were steady, more purposeful than usual. After thirty minutes of walking, the gym came into view, standing silently at the end of the street like it had been waiting for him.

The building rose tall, its black marble like exterior speckled with faint white dots that shimmered under the fading sunlight. It looked expensive, almost out of place in the quiet area. For a moment, Theo slowed, taking it in before pushing the door open.

Inside, the atmosphere shifted.

Black and red marble blended across the wide space, reflecting the overhead lights in subtle patterns. Rows of machines filled the gym, each one built for a different kind of training. In one corner, two VR pods stood quietly, their sleek surfaces hinting at the simulations they could produce.

Despite all of it, the place felt… calm.

There were no crowds, no loud voices, no rush of activity. Most people had already abandoned physical training, choosing instead to focus entirely on their abilities. Strength of the body had become secondary in a world chasing power.

Behind it all was the owner, Mark a level 7 wind ability user.

Mark sat in his office, a man in his late twenties with long red hair falling to his shoulders. His build was solid but unremarkable, the kind that came from consistency rather than ambition. His eyes stayed closed losed, his posture still, as if he had grown used to expecting nothing.

Theo walked further in, his gaze shifting as he took in the people around him.

Near one of the benches, a couple trained together, moving in sync without needing to speak. Their outfits matched, simple but coordinated. There was an ease between them that made their movements feel natural.

Theo hesitated for a second, then walked toward them.

They noticed him before he could say anything. The man straightened slightly, while the woman paused mid-motion, both turning their attention to him without any sign of annoyance. If anything, they looked curious.

The man spoke first, his tone relaxed.

“My name is Isaac,” he said, gesturing lightly beside him. “And this is Mary. You look new. What’s your name, and what brings you here to F-Tect Fitness?”

Theo rubbed the back of his neck, a habit he hadn’t quite shaken.

“Theo… Theo Taylor,” he replied. “I want to start working out. I just don’t really know where to begin.”

Mary’s expression softened almost immediately.

“That’s already a good start,” she said, a small smile forming. “Most people don’t even make it this far. What are you trying to build? Strength? Endurance?”

Theo exhaled quietly, thinking for a second.

“I think… everything,” he admitted. “I’m pretty skinny right now, so I guess I should start from the basics.”

Isaac nodded once, as if that confirmed something for him.

“Fair enough,” he said. “Everyone starts somewhere. We’ll help you out. But first, you’ll need to register.”

They led him toward the office without hesitation.

Mark didn’t move when they entered. He remained seated behind his desk, eyes closed, arms crossed. For a moment, it almost felt like he hadn’t noticed them at all.

“Hey, Mark,” Isaac called casually. “Got someone new for registration.”

There was a brief pause before Mark opened his eyes.

Without a word, he tapped the table twice. A digital screen flickered into existence, hovering faintly above the surface. The light reflected in his eyes for a second before they dulled again.

“Place your hands on the table,” he said flatly.

Theo stepped forward and did as instructed.

Another screen appeared in front of him, displaying a form. He filled in his details carefully, double-checking before confirming. The moment he finished, both screens vanished as if they had never been there.

Mark closed his eyes again.

Just like that.

As they stepped out, Theo couldn’t help the frown that crept onto his face.

“Is he always like that?” he asked quietly. “It feels like he doesn’t even want people here.”

Mary let out a soft laugh, shaking her head.

“It’s not you,” she said. “People come, register, then disappear after a few days. He used to care more. Now… he just doesn’t expect anything.”

Theo glanced back once before looking forward again.

“Why don’t they stay?”

Isaac answered this time, his tone more grounded.

“Because this place focuses on physical training,” he said. “Most people think abilities are enough. They forget what happens when those abilities fail.”

Theo didn’t respond immediately, but he understood.

They spent the next hour showing him around, explaining each machine in a way that actually made sense. Some of it was simple, some of it felt overwhelming, but they didn’t rush him. When they demonstrated movements, they made sure he watched closely.

Somewhere along the way, the tension in his shoulders eased.

By the time Theo checked the time, it was already 7:45 p.m.

“I should get going,” he said, stepping back slightly. “I’ll come tomorrow after church. That’s when I’ll start properly.”

Mary gave a small nod.

“We’ll be here,” she said. “Don’t keep us waiting.”

Theo smiled faintly and waved before heading out.

The walk home felt shorter than before.

After showering, he lay down without hesitation. His body was relaxed, but his mind wasn’t. Thoughts moved quietly beneath the surface, building into something he couldn’t fully name yet.

Sleep came anyway.

Sunday morning arrived with a cold stillness.

Theo woke early, moving through his routine without delay. Just as he finished dressing, a soft chime echoed in his mind.

Ding!

Daily Quest Received:

Drink 1 litre of water – Reward: 5 EXP

Workout for 1 hour – Reward: 5 EXP

He paused for only a second before heading to the kitchen.

Two bottles of water were gone within minutes.

Quest Completed: +5 EXP

Total EXP: 15/25

Without wasting time, he stepped outside and began the walk to church.

The building stood to the east, its structure resembling something far older than the city around it. Twin towers rose high, each crowned with large analogue clocks. The design carried a quiet weight, something that made people lower their voices without thinking.

Inside, the space opened wide.

White and cream marble stretched across the interior, reflecting the soft glow of overhead lights. A red carpet ran from the altar to the exits, dividing rows of long pews filled with people. The atmosphere was calm, steady, almost grounding.

Theo took a seat in the middle row.

The service began with praise and worship, voices rising together before settling into silence. Then came the sermon. Reverend Father Samuel spoke with a calm authority, his voice carrying through the hall without strain.

By the time it ended, the sun had shifted high.

Theo waited until most people had left before approaching.

“Father,” he said respectfully.

Father Samuel turned, recognition coming instantly.

“Theo,” he replied warmly. “It’s been a while. You’ve grown.”

There was a pause.

“You remind me of your parents,” he continued softly. “They used to bring you here. You were small… always holding onto your mother’s hand.”

Theo’s throat tightened. He tried to speak, but the words came out quieter than he intended.

“I remember,” he said, almost a whisper. The priest’s gaze lingered on him, patient but probing.

“What brings you here today?” Father Samuel asked finally, his voice calm and steady.

Theo swallowed, uncertainty flickering across his features. He hesitated, then found his voice.

“What should someone do… when they gain power?” His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning.

Father Samuel didn’t answer right away. He simply studied Theo, letting the question settle between them like a weight neither could ignore.

His voice carried a quiet weight as he spoke.

“Power is a gift,” he said. “Not for pride, but for purpose. It should lift others, protect those who cannot stand on their own. Without purpose, power turns into something else entirely.”

Theo nodded slowly, the weight of the conversation still lingering.

“Thank you, Father,” he murmured, and left shortly after. The quiet streets felt different somehow, heavier and yet filled with possibility.

At home, he rested only briefly before turning his attention to the gym. His mind was already moving ahead, planning his next steps.

As he walked, he muttered under his breath, “Zero… what should I start with?” The words felt strange, almost ceremonial, as if admitting he needed guidance.

The reply came swiftly, precise and calm. “Master, your body requires a foundation. Begin with basic exercises and weight training. However, observe Isaac and Mary. Their guidance will be more practical for your current stage.”

Theo nodded faintly, absorbing the advice. He didn’t speak, but a quiet determination settled over him, anchoring each step toward the gym.

By the time he reached the gym, they were already there.

They greeted him, but soon returned to their own routine, leaving him standing still for a moment. Uncertainty crept in, subtle but present.

Mary noticed him before anyone else. Her eyes narrowed slightly, taking in his tense posture.

“You look lost,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. Theo let out a small, frustrated breath.

“I don’t know what to do,” he admitted, the words heavier than he expected.

Without hesitation, Mary stepped closer, her presence steadying. “Give us a second,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

After a short discussion, they handed him a structured routine. It wasn’t overly complicated, but it covered everything he needed. They walked him through each exercise once, correcting his posture where necessary.

They both stepped back, giving him the space he needed.

Theo took a deep breath and began, movements careful, measured. At first, everything felt manageable, each motion precise and controlled.

But as he pushed further, the strain grew. His muscles screamed, his breathing became ragged, and what had felt easy moments ago no longer obeyed him.

He faltered, realizing the gap between intention and capability. The gym was quiet around him, but every heartbeat felt loud, reminding him of his limits.

His muscles burned faster than expected. His breathing grew uneven. Sweat gathered, then poured. But he didn’t stop. Each movement became heavier, each repetition slower, but he pushed through it anyway.

Time blurred.

By the end of it, his entire body trembled.

He stood there, chest rising and falling, sweat dripping from his jaw onto the floor. His arms felt like they might give out at any second, but he stayed upright.

A familiar notification chimed

Ding!

Daily Quest Completed: Workout 1 hour : +5 EXP

Bonus: Determination & Exceeded Limit : +5 EXP

Total EXP: 25/25

A low glow formed around him.

Congratulations. You have levelled up.

All stats increased by 1.

HP increased by 5.

Status Window

Name: Theo Taylor

Level: 2

EXP: 0/50

Race: Werewolf

Rank: Wolf Cub

Class: None

Abilities: None

Skill Points: None

Stats

HP: 15/15

Stamina: 6

Strength: 6

Agility/Speed: 6

Defense: 6

Attack: 6

The change came instantly.

A sharp sensation spread beneath his skin, not quite pain, not quite heat. It moved through his body in waves, tightening his muscles before releasing them. For a brief moment, his breath caught.

After a while it settled, everything felt… lighter.

Theo flexed his fingers slowly, watching the subtle difference in movement. His body responded faster, smoother, like something had aligned beneath the surface.

“Zero…” he whispered.

“I can feel it.”

“Yes, Master Theo,” the voice replied calmly. “Your body is adapting. This is only the beginning. Greater thresholds await.”

Theo lifted his head, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Across the room, his reflection caught his eyes. He studied it, searching for something he couldn’t quite name.

The change wasn’t drastic. Subtle, almost imperceptible.

But it was there, a faint shift in posture, a spark in his gaze, a quiet reminder that effort left its mark.

His posture had shifted. His frame carried more presence. Even his gaze felt different, sharper in a way he couldn’t fully explain.

Theo exhaled slowly, letting the tension slide from his shoulders. The moment felt real, undeniable.

He turned toward Isaac and Mary, his voice steady. “Thank you,” he said, simple, genuine. Isaac gave a small grin. “Just don’t quit halfway.” Mary folded her arms lightly, eyes sharp. “We’ll notice.”

Theo held their gaze a moment longer. “I won’t.” There was no hesitation this time, only quiet resolve.

Stepping outside, the night air hit him, colder than before, but it didn’t bother him. His thoughts had already drifted elsewhere. Billy.

The memory surfaced, uninvited but vivid, the shove, the laughter, the helplessness. His hands tightened at his sides. For years he had endured it, not for pride, but because he had no choice. Strength had never been part of his life until now.

This wasn’t revenge. It was change. A refusal to remain where he had always been. His jaw set as he walked. “Billy…” he muttered softly. “I’ll surpass you.” Zero’s voice followed, gentle, cautious. “Be mindful, Master. Revenge often harms the one who carries it.” Theo didn’t slow. “Then I’ll make sure it doesn’t.”

Before heading home, he turned toward Grandma Elizabeth’s house. It stood quietly under the dim glow of the streetlights, familiar and steady. He knocked once. No answer. Pushing the door open, it creaked slightly, and a faint unease settled over him. In the backyard, she was hanging clothes, moving slowly but steadily.

“Grandma,” he called. She turned, surprise softening into a gentle smile. “Theo?” Without a word, he stepped forward and took the remaining clothes from her hands. “I’ve got it.” She tried to protest, but he didn’t stop. As he worked, a quiet thought settled in his mind: this mattered, not just strength for fighting, but strength for life, for standing, helping, protecting.

When he finished, they sat together inside. She watched him for a long moment before speaking. “You’ve changed,” she said softly. Theo paused. Maybe he had, or maybe he was still becoming something else entirely. They talked simply, nothing complicated, just conversation that grounded him after the intensity of the day. When he finally stood to leave, she held his hand briefly. “Be careful,” she said.

Theo nodded. “I will.” But even as the words left his lips, he knew the truth: caution would not last forever. Back in his room, the clock read 11:00 p.m. Moonlight spilled across the ceiling as he lay still, replaying everything in his mind. Two days. That was all it had taken: the system, the awakening, the shift inside that refused to settle.

The truth was undeniable. He wasn’t normal anymore. He was a werewolf. A wolf cub, still at the bottom, still insignificant. But not forever. Wolves grew. They adapted. They hunted.

His breathing slowed, thoughts sharpening. Billy’s face appeared again, but this time it didn’t bring anger. It brought clarity. “I won’t rush,” he whispered. “I’ll grow. I’ll endure. And when the time comes…” His eyes reflected faintly in the darkness. “I won’t just defeat you. I’ll make sure you understand what it feels like.”

Silence filled the room. Zero said nothing, because some thoughts didn’t need correction. Theo closed his eyes. For the first time in his life, he didn’t feel small.