I woke up in pain.
No—
I had never stopped feeling it.
Every muscle screamed. Every bone felt heavier than iron. Even breathing hurt.
"This is refinement," my master's voice echoed. "If your body can't endure, power will tear you apart."
I forced myself to sit up.
The world spun.
[Passive Skill: Pain Conversion Active.]
Growth Acceleration Increased.
The system responded instantly.
Pain no longer felt meaningless.
My master tossed a small black pill at my feet.
"Swallow it."
I picked it up.
The moment it touched my skin, my instincts screamed danger.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Poison," he replied calmly.
I froze.
"Your body will either adapt," he continued,
"or die."
I swallowed.
Fire exploded inside my stomach.
I collapsed, convulsing as something burned through my veins.
Blood poured from my mouth.
My vision shattered.
[Critical Condition Detected.]
[Body Refinement Process Forced.]
[Endless Growth Overdrive Activated.]
The system screamed warnings.
My master did nothing.
He simply watched.
My bones cracked—then realigned.
Muscles tore—then rebuilt denser.
My heart thundered violently.
I screamed.
[Pain Conversion: Maximum Output.]
Strength +1.5
Agility +1.2
Resistance +2.0
The poison burned out.
I collapsed.
Still breathing.
Minutes passed.
Hours.
I finally opened my eyes.
The world felt… sharper.
Clearer.
Lighter.
I clenched my fist.
The air trembled.
My master nodded.
"Your body has crossed the first threshold."
I checked my status.
Strength: 18.9
Agility: 16.1
Intelligence: 10.4
Resistance: High
My heartbeat slowed.
This wasn't growth.
This was transformation.
The system pulsed softly.
[Body Refinement Complete: Stage One.]
[Growth Limit Further Removed.]
I exhaled slowly.
"If this is only stage one…"
My master turned away.
"Rest," he said.
"Tomorrow, you learn to kill properly."
I lay back on the broken ground.
Pain still lingered.
But fear was gone.
💥 End of Chapter 16 💥