[2nd May]
The day was clear.
Several days had passed since Rey placed his order, and today was the scheduled delivery.
He had not wasted a single moment during the wait.
Every day, without exception, Rey trained. His body hurt. His mind strained. His control sharpened. Yet despite all that effort, one thing refused to move forward.
Darkness.
No matter how many times he tried, how deeply he focused, the ability would not grow.
For two full days, its manifestation and control remained stagnant, as if it had hit an invisible wall.
No one could explain why.
Not Aiden.
Not Victor.
Not even Zero.
The frustration built slowly, then all at once.
In the end, Rey stopped forcing it.
He shifted his attention to his other abilities, pouring everything into what would respond.
Umbral Telekinesis.
Dark Matter Manipulation.
Abyssal Blood Manipulation.
After the mutation, his control over these abilities had become noticeably sharper. The curse further refined his precision, forcing discipline into every action.
His Telekinesis had grown the most stable.
The weight limit rose to 10 kilograms, allowing him to control multiple objects simultaneously. In terms of raw strain, he could briefly exceed that limit, but doing so placed immense pressure on his mind.
Pushing past it felt like trying to tear his thoughts apart.
Still, progress was progress.
His Matter Manipulation had changed fundamentally.
Before, it had been limited to normal matter.
Now, it responded to both normal matter and dark matter, and the method of control felt entirely different. During training, Rey discovered he could partially manipulate his own armour.
He could detach sections, shift them, and circulate the material across his body.
It was clumsy for now.
But later, in real combat, this would save his life.
The most problematic ability was Abyssal Blood Manipulation.
Unlike the others, it had become harder.
Several times harder.
The reason was a newly manifested ability that appeared on Victor's ability list.
An ability that felt wrong.
Incomplete.
Almost nonexistent.
"Do you guys really not know what this is?" Rey asked after watching Victor and Aiden argue over it.
Victor frowned deeply, his memory combing through thousands of years.
"No. We don't," he admitted. "Even the name itself is strange. 'Monarch' and 'Blood' are common terms on their own. But together… nothing like this exists in the Supercluster Belt."
Aiden nodded, his tone serious.
"Monarchs exist. Blood exists. But Monarchs aren't born through blood. Their ascension comes from cores, souls, physiques, or other foundations. Even Blood Monarchs are not formed by blood."
He looked at Rey sharply.
"And their blood still wouldn't qualify to manifest as an ability."
Aiden gestured with his chin.
"Cut yourself."
Rey didn't hesitate.
A shallow cut opened on his finger.
Nothing came out.
He frowned and squeezed harder.
Only then did a drop emerge.
It wasn't normal blood.
The colour was a deep, absolute red, so dark it was nearly black. It felt heavy just existing.
Victor raised his hand and attempted to control it.
The blood resisted.
Even he couldn't move it properly.
It was as if the blood itself rejected authority.
Like a monarch refusing command.
Rey tried.
The resistance vanished.
The blood obeyed him, but his control was crude, inexperienced, and unstable.
The irony was clear.
No one else could control it.
And the one who could… barely understood how.
For now, the only benefit was absolute immunity. No one could manipulate Rey's blood but him.
That alone made it valuable.
After finishing the examination, Rey left his house and locked the door behind him.
The delivery time was approaching.
He followed the location marker through sparsely populated streets until he reached the designated area. Hardly anyone was around.
Without hesitation, Rey activated his skill.
{Shadowmeld}
His presence vanished.
Not hidden.
Erased.
Minutes passed.
Then ten.
The delivery was late.
"Are they serious?" Rey muttered from within the shadows. "Late again?"
"Relax," Aiden replied calmly. "Running away with an order like yours is punishable by death. They'll come."
Fifteen minutes later, a large truck appeared in the distance.
Rey recognised the logo instantly.
It rolled to a stop.
Two men stepped out, scanning the area.
"Where's the client?" one of them asked. "We're already late."
"Maybe nearby," the other replied. "Wait ten minutes. Then we leave."
Just as they turned back, footsteps echoed.
A figure approached.
A long coat reached his knees.
A mask hid his face.
He stopped before them.
"Sir, confirmation please," one of the men said. "Name and security code."
"Dragon Knight 0x0," Rey replied flatly.
"Code: 34256730. Hurry up."
They almost laughed.
Almost.
The man entered the code.
His expression drained of colour.
Ten weapons.
One of them is Stage 2.
"Y-yes, sir," he stammered. "Please follow us."
His partner checked the list.
He swallowed.
Inside the truck, the shutter opened, revealing neatly stacked crates.
They climbed inside.
Inspection began.
First, the Nightfang daggers. Five blades. Perfect.
Next, Ironbrand, the pistol. Even the delivery men stared. They had never seen one like it.
Then came Ravager Claw.
Wrapped in cloth.
Cold. Heavy. Balanced.
Authentic.
Silent Fang followed.
Rey tested the edge, slicing his finger. No blood flowed.
He nodded.
The spear, Ironfang, stood tall and elegant.
Crafted from Steelhorn Stalker horn.
Next came Howlcleaver.
The massive greatsword.
Rey tried lifting it.
Once.
Failed.
Twice.
Barely.
He exhaled slowly.
Not yet.
But someday.
The remaining items followed quickly.
Stormweave gauntlets.
Jackal Guard shield.
ShadowBranch bow.
Tremor Maul, so heavy it took five men to load.
Rey extended his hand.
The ring glowed.
All ten weapons vanished.
The truck lifted slightly as the weight disappeared.
The delivery men froze.
A spatial storage.
Royal-level.
Rey was already gone.
As the truck drove away, Rey moved through the shadows, cancelling every notification that tried to surface.
No distractions.
No mistakes.
With his new arsenal secured, he returned home unseen.
His clothes had changed during that time, and after running more, he reached home. He still had plenty of time to check his status since Emmy was not home yet.
He closed his room door behind him and opened the system panel to check for any changes. Before he could do that, Aiden and the others arrived.
"What's going on right now? Why are there so many notifications? Did something happen to my status again?" Rey asked, noticing Aiden's smirk before he responded.
"Listen, don't check your status just yet. First, take a look at your weapon status before moving forward," Aiden suggested. Confused by this approach, Rey nodded and opened the Inventory to check the status of all his items.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Ravager Claw]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Straight Sword
DURABILITY: 200/200
ATTACK POWER: 15 – 22
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A straight sword crafted from the claw of a High-Grade Stage 1 Ravager Beast. At 3.5 feet in length, its slightly curved blade holds traces of the beast's lingering ferocity, making it a reliable weapon in combat. The natural resilience of the material grants it above-average durability, enabling it to withstand repeated use without wearing out too quickly.
With a weight of 4.3 kg, it provides a solid balance between speed and power, making it suitable for both swift strikes and steady blows.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Feral Edge] – Inflicts 5% extra damage to unarmored targets.
➤ [Residual Instinct] – Slightly increases attack speed by 3% when fighting weaker beast-type enemies.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Ironfang Spear]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: Spear
DURABILITY: 250/250
ATTACK POWER: 18 – 26
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A 7-foot-long spear crafted from the sharpened horn of a Peak Stage 1 Steelhorn Stalker. The natural resilience of the beast's horn grants it exceptional piercing power, allowing it to drive through tough hides and reinforced armour with ease. Its balanced weight makes it versatile for both precision thrusts and heavy sweeps, while the durability of its material ensures long-lasting effectiveness in battle.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Armour Piercer] – Deals 10% bonus damage against armoured enemies.
➤ [Steadfast Grip] – Reduces recoil from parries and deflected attacks by 5%.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Jackal Guard]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Shield
DURABILITY: 190/190
DEFENSE RATING: 12 – 18
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A compact, one-handed shield crafted from the reinforced bone and hardened hide of a High Stage 1 Duskridge Jackal. Designed for agile defence, its lightweight build allows for swift manoeuvring, while its durable structure offers reliable protection against direct strikes. The shield's slightly curved design enhances its ability to deflect incoming attacks, and the beast's natural properties provide enhanced resistance to piercing and slashing damage.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Instinctive Guard] – Slightly improves reaction speed when blocking surprise attacks.
➤ [Reinforced Hide] – Reduces incoming piercing and slashing damage by 8%.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Shadowbranch Bow]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common
TYPE: Bow
DURABILITY: 165/165
DRAW WEIGHT: 17 Kg
RANGE: 50 – 80 meters
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A finely crafted bow formed from the reinforced tendons and flexible bone of a Mid Stage 1 Dusksprint. The resilient horns of the beast provide natural durability and flexibility, ensuring a steady draw and powerful release. Strung with the beast's own sinew, the bowstring possesses high tensile strength, enhancing the force behind each shot.
Designed for precision and speed, the Shadowbranch Bow allows arrows to be loosed with minimal vibration and maximum stability, making it an excellent weapon for hunters and skilled marksmen.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Steady Aim] – Slightly reduces hand tremors when drawing the bow.
➤ [Dusksprint's Swiftness] – Increases arrow speed by 5%, improving range and penetration.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Howlcleaver]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon+
TYPE: Greatsword
DURABILITY: 248/280
ATTACK POWER: 195 - 230
RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E+
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A massive yet refined weapon, the Howlcleaver Greatsword was forged from the fanged bones and reinforced hide of a Mid Stage 2 Thunderhowl Beast, a predator feared for its raw power and lightning-fast strikes. Weighing 216 kg, the sheer heft of the blade demands immense strength but rewards its wielder with bone-crushing force.
The blade retains traces of the beast's lingering energy, allowing for high-impact slashes that can rupture armour and stagger foes. Despite being previously wielded, the sword remains in exceptional condition, bearing only minor signs of wear. Its slightly curved edge enables swift but devastating attacks, making it a rare blend of lethal power and surprising agility.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Residual Thunderhowl] – Occasionally releases a faint shockwave upon impact, slightly amplifying damage.
➤ [Momentum Cleave] – Gains increased swing speed after consecutive attacks.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Stormweave Gauntlets]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common-
TYPE: Gauntlets
DURABILITY: 140/140
DEFENSE: 12 - 18
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A pair of lightweight, reinforced gauntlets, the Stormweave Gauntlets combine hardened steel plating with the resilient beast-thread cloth of a Low Stage 1 creature. The result is a flexible yet sturdy piece of armour, offering moderate protection while ensuring unhindered hand movements.
Despite their low weight, the gauntlets are surprisingly durable, capable of absorbing shock from repeated blows. Ideal for fighters who prioritise speed, they allow for quick strikes and precise manoeuvres without compromising defensive integrity.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Weave Resilience] – Reduces minor impact damage to the hands, improving grip strength.
➤ [Swift Guard] – Increases reaction speed when blocking light attacks.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Ironbrand Pistol]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Firearm (Single-Handed)
DURABILITY: 160/160
ATTACK POWER: 24 - 32 (Varies by Ammunition)
FIRE RATE: Moderate
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A finely crafted single-handed firearm, the Ironbrand Pistol is forged from reinforced alloys and tempered steel, ensuring longevity and stability even under intense use. Designed with precision and adaptability in mind, it handles energy-infused rounds without warping while maintaining high firing accuracy.
Its balanced weight makes it an ideal sidearm for swordsmen, duelists, and close-range fighters, allowing for seamless transitions between melee and ranged combat. Built for endurance and efficiency, the Ironbrand Pistol is a trusted weapon for those who demand reliable firepower without sacrificing mobility.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Steady Grip] – Reduces recoil slightly, improving shot stability.
➤ [Quick Draw] – Faster weapon switching speed when paired with a melee weapon.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Tremor Maul]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: War Hammer (Two-Handed)
DURABILITY: 190/190
ATTACK POWER: 62 - 78
RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A colossal two-handed war hammer forged from the reinforced bones and dense hide of a Peak Stage 1 Ironback Brute. Weighing a crushing 80 kilograms, the Tremor Maul is a weapon only the strongest can wield effectively. Its massive head delivers earth-shattering blows, capable of pulverizing armor, collapsing structures, and sending tremors through the ground upon impact.
The reinforced handle, wrapped in thick leather, provides a firm grip, ensuring the wielder can control its devastating swings. A weapon built purely for brute force, the Tremor Maul is a battlefield behemoth that dominates through sheer destructive power.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Seismic Impact] – Heavy strikes generate minor shockwaves, staggering nearby enemies.
➤ [Momentum Strike] – Consecutive swings increase damage slightly with each hit.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Silent Fang]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common
TYPE: Katana (Double-Handed)
DURABILITY: 90/90
ATTACK POWER: 15 - 22
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A sleek and deadly katana forged from the refined bones and fangs of a DuskscalePanther, a Mid Stage 1 beast renowned for its agility and razor-sharp claws. Weighing only 1.5 kilograms, the Silent Fang is exceptionally lightweight yet incredibly durable, allowing for swift and precise strikes. Its razor-honed edge cuts through flesh and bone with minimal resistance, making it a lethal weapon for those who favour speed over brute strength.
The hilt is wrapped in dark leather, providing a firm and comfortable grip that enables seamless, fluid movements. Designed for assassins, duelists, and those who live by the blade, the Silent Fang is a weapon of deadly efficiency.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Phantom Edge] – Increases attack speed slightly when striking consecutively.
➤ [Silent Step] – Lightens footsteps while wielded, reducing noise when moving.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Nightfang]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common-
TYPE: Dagger (One-Handed)
DURABILITY: 65/65
ATTACK POWER: 10 - 15
───◈ Item Description ◈───
The Nightfang Dagger is crafted from the fangs and reinforced bone of a Low Rank Stage 1Shadowfang Scorpion, a beast known for its agility and hardened exoskeleton. Weighing only 800 grams, the blade has a sleek, almost organic curve, with a faint dark tint that hints at its origins. Its sharp edge and durable structure make it a reliable weapon for swift, precise strikes. The lightweight design ensures ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for those who favour speed and efficiency in combat.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Shadow Veil] – Reduces weapon gleam in low light, making it harder to spot.
➤ [Swift Execution] – Slightly increases critical strike damage on unaware enemies.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
The items appeared quite appealing to Rey, but Aiden seemed not even a tiny bit satisfied, as he had far more impressive things in his life than Rey could ever imagine.
"So, what's next? Can I check the notifications or not?" Rey asked. Aiden nodded and sat down on the bed, eager to see Rey's reaction as he reviewed them.
"Yes, you can check them now. Just don't let me see your expression after you do," Aiden said, lowering his voice on the last words.
───◈ System Notification ◈───
[System has detected an anomaly within one of the host's abilities.]
[Ability,
───◈ Hidden Completion Requirement ◈───
✦ Possession of a complete arsenal, encompassing all weapon types.
[The dormant essence within
[Its limitations are dissolving, unveiling its full potential.]
───◈ Mutation Process Initiated ◈───
[Analysing evolutionary changes…]
[Reconstructing ability framework…]
[Refining energy flow…]
───◈ Mutation Complete! ◈───
[Congratulations! Your ability
Would you like to review the evolved ability?
▶ [Yes] / [No]
───◈◈◈◈◈───
Rey selects "Yes" as the system begins to display the evolved ability in front of him.
───◈ Ability Effects ◈───
➤ Shadow Arsenal: The Host can store an unlimited number of weapons within Dark Arsenal and summon them instantly from the shadows at will.
➤ Corrupted Growth: Darkness-infused weapons, or those created via Item Genesis or Dark Matter Manipulation, gain 2.5 times the proficiency growth rate.
➤ Weapon Rank Enhancement: Stored weapons within Dark Arsenal are automatically upgraded by one sub-rank, up to the highest rarity currently stored.
➤ Arsenal Synchronisation – Attack Power Buff: For every weapon stored in Dark Arsenal, the Host gains a +5% attack power increase, up to a maximum of +50%.
➤ Abyssal Arsenal Synchronisation: Weapons stored in Dark Arsenal gradually adapt to the Host's combat style.
• Wielding an Arsenal weapon reduces stamina consumption by 15%.
• Increases attack speed slightly for stored weapons.
───◈ Arsenal Mastery ◈───
Sword: E- ↑ (3%) | Dagger/Knives: E- ↑ (8%) | Spear: F+ ↑ (4%) | Shield: F ↑ (24%) |
Bow: F- (0%) | Greatsword: F+ ↑ (87%)Hand-to-Hand: E- ↑ (0%) | Gun: F- (0%) |
Hammer: F ↑ (13%) | Katana: F- (0%)
───◈◈◈◈◈───
What lay before Rey was too overwhelming to focus on and be happy, as this happened every time he received a large number of notifications.
"It seems I'm truly experiencing an overwhelming stroke of luck," Rey said, savouring every moment after the notification and spinning around in delight.
"Yes, yes, it's your ninth time telling us this, so stop," Victor said, growing bored with him dancing with joy.
"Rey, stop this nonsense," Aiden said firmly. "Tomorrow evening is going to be very different from any ordinary day. We're planning to sneak into the training center after it closes." Aiden's words caused Rey to hesitate, caught between a mix of fear and anticipation.
"Let's begin the second raid of your life, Rey. May wealth accompany you home after the success of our mission," Victor said with a grin as he returned to rest. Rey, on the other hand, began training his abilities and skills, knowing that even a small increase in power could be beneficial for tomorrow.