[You've found a lead to comprehend a new path for the ability,
Ding!
[You've gained a new sub-ability:
Rey's eyes lit up the moment the notification appeared.
Then his expression stiffened.
"…F-?"
The joy drained from his face as he focused on the rank.
Compared to the EX+ standing of the main ability, this felt almost insulting. Still, he calmed himself and opened the ability page properly, forcing his impatience down.
======
[
[Proficiency: 0.1%]
[Tier: 0]
[Description:
A transcendent ability that embodies the highest authority over darkness, surpassing all conventional limitations. DARKNESS (EX+) is not simply a mastery of darkness but the foundation of an ultimate force, waiting to be shaped by its wielder. Unlike fixed skills, its growth is not predetermined—it evolves solely through the host's experiments, understanding, and mastery over darkness itself.
This ability holds limitless potential, but it starts as a blank slate—the true power within remains sealed until the host discovers how to wield it. Every use, every breakthrough, and every test will unlock new sub-abilities, moulding the darkness into a force that aligns with the host's will.
The direction of evolution is unrestricted—it is neither bound by tradition nor confined to any existing rules. Whether it becomes a devourer of existence, an all-consuming abyss, a supreme authority overshadows, or something beyond comprehension is entirely up to the host's journey.]
[Sub-Abilities]
[ ↠Darkness Manipulation (F-~EX+) [0%]
→ A fundamental sub-ability of DARKNESS, allowing the user to control and shape darkness at will. At its current stage, the manipulation is basic, enabling the user to move, condense, and spread darkness within a limited range. As proficiency increases, control will expand, allowing for more precise, powerful, and versatile applications.]
Rey exhaled slowly.
"At least it's a start," he muttered. "Better than being stuck at zero."
He resumed training immediately.
Hour by hour, he worked on control rather than power. Fine movements. Minimal output. Precision over force.
By the time his sister returned home from school, Darkness Manipulation had climbed into F+, reaching 11% proficiency.
Inside his room, several objects floated gently in midair. A notebook. A pen. A small metallic paperweight.
They drifted like invisible hands were guiding them.
From the outside, the room looked haunted.
From the inside, Rey sat cross-legged on the floor, bored out of his mind.
"…I can't do anything now," he sighed. "If Emmy walks in and sees this, I'm finished."
"What's wrong?" Aiden's voice echoed as he appeared in front of him.
"Don't you still have preparations to make?"
Rey frowned. "Preparations for what?"
"For sneaking into the center," Aiden replied calmly. "Finding evidence of illegally damaged items being used as training weapons."
"I already have what I need," Rey said. "Zero's holding the armour. I've got daggers and wooden weapons in case someone interferes."
Aiden raised an eyebrow.
"And what if those wooden weapons break?" he asked.
"What if your dagger gets stuck? Or lost? Or you run into someone armed with real weapons and guns?"
"I'll distract them and escape," Rey replied. "That's obvious."
Aiden smiled.
"And if you can't escape?"
Rey hesitated.
"I mean… you're with me, right?"
Aiden took a step back.
"No," he said plainly. "From now on, we don't interfere. You survive on your own."
Rey froze.
"…You're joking."
"We're not your babysitters," Aiden replied. "If you can't prepare properly, then you shouldn't go."
Rey clicked his tongue. "Then what do you want me to do?"
"Prepare," Aiden said simply. "Buy equipment. Properly."
"…Again?" Rey groaned. "Can't my account catch a break?"
Despite his complaints, he opened his desktop and logged into the site he'd used before.
The loading screen appeared.
Welcome, Dragon Knight 0x0
Rey winced.
He still remembered the delivery guy asking him to confirm the username.
Two main categories appeared on the updated site.
• Martial Warriors
• Martial Cultivators
Rey selected both. He wasn't risking being locked out of one.
The homepage exploded with listings.
Weapons. Gear. Manuals. Materials.
Cold steel weapons, firearms, bombs, cultivation drugs, high-stage monster meat, and manuals so expensive that even the "basic" ones cost hundreds of thousands of Dracins.
Weapon manuals filled entire sections.
Rey swallowed.
He clicked into Cold Weapons.
The first listing nearly made him choke.
A mystic sword priced at 50,000 Dracins, capable of cutting through the hide of a mid-tier Stage 2 beast.
"…Nope," he muttered, scrolling quickly.
Further down, he spotted more reasonable options.
A spear forged using a Stage 1 Qi Beast core, priced at 5,600 Dracins.
"That's manageable," Rey said, nodding. "Stuff like this is fine."
He turned to Aiden. "So, which weapon type do you want? Sword, daggers, hammer, shield, spear? I'll filter it."
Aiden stared at the screen for a moment.
Then spoke.
"All of them."
"…What?"
"We're buying every weapon category listed in your Dark Arsenal," Aiden said calmly."One or two weapons won't bring out the ability's true potential."
Rey blinked. "What potential?"
"I don't know yet," Aiden admitted. "That's the point."
Rey stared at him.
"…You're insane."
"Buy them," Aiden said. "We'll talk after."
With no way out, Rey began adding weapons one by one.
Daggers.
Swords.
Spears.
Hammers.
Shields.
Bows.
Secondary blades.
More than an hour passed.
When he finally leaned back, the cart displayed ten different items, neatly arranged and waiting for checkout.
Rey looked at the total.
Then sighed deeply.
"…My poor account."
The cart was filled with ten different weapons, each chosen for a reason.
And this was only the beginning.
[↠Ravager Claw: A straight sword, approximately 3.5 feet in length, with a very slightly pointed, curved blade. It is forged from the claw of a High-Grade Stage 1 Ravager Beast. The weapon retains traces of the beast's ferocity, making it a fearsome choice for those who wield it.]: [4380 Dracins]
[↠ Ironfang: The Ironfang Spear is a 7-foot-long weapon crafted from the sharpened horn of a Peak Stage 1 Steelhorn Stalker. The spear retains the natural hardness of the original material of the beast's strong and durable pointy horn, allowing it to puncture through tough hides and reinforced armour with ease. Its balanced weight and sturdy build make it a reliable weapon for both precision thrusts and powerful strikes.]: [6500 Dracins]
[↠Jackal Guard: The Jackal Guard is a compact, one-handed shield forged from the reinforced bone and hardened hide of a High Stage 1 Duskridge Jackal. The shield is lightweight yet durable, designed for swift manoeuvring while offering solid defense taking the properties of the beast. Its slightly curved shape aids in deflecting blows, and the natural properties of the beast's materials grant it enhanced resistance to piercing and slashing attacks.]: [2300 Dracins/150000 Phoenix Points]
[↠Shadowbranch: The Shadowbranch Bow is a finely crafted weapon made from the reinforced tendons and flexible bone of a Dusksprint, a Mid Stage 1. The bow's frame is reinforced with the beast's resilient horns, offering both durability and flexibility, while its string is fashioned from the beast's own sinew, enhancing its tensile strength. Designed for precision and power, this bow delivers arrows with remarkable speed and stability, making it a favoured choice for hunters and skilled marksmen.]: [7800 Dracins]
[↠ Howlcleaver: The Howlcleaver Greatsword is a massive weapon forged from the fanged bones and reinforced hide of a Thunderhowl Beast, a Mid Stage 2 predator known for its raw power and lightning-fast strikes with a heavy weight of 216 kilograms. The blade retains a faint trace of the beast's lingering energy, making it exceptionally durable and well-suited for heavy blows. Though slightly worn from use, the sword remains in excellent condition, capable of cleaving through armour with ease. The current owner is looking to sell it for some certain issues, offering a rare chance to wield a weapon crafted from such a formidable beast.]: [15000 Dracins]
[↠Stormweave: The Stormweave Gauntlets are a pair of lightweight gloves crafted from reinforced steel plates woven seamlessly with durable beast-thread cloth of a low-tier Stage 1 beast. Designed for flexibility and protection, they offer a perfect balance between speed and defence without sacrificing mobility. Despite their light weight, the gauntlets boast impressive durability, capable of withstanding repeated impacts while allowing for precise hand movements. Ideal for those who prefer agility over raw strength, they provide a reliable defence without slowing the wearer down.]: [1200 Dracins/100000 Peak Points]
[↠Ironbrand: The Ironbrand Pistol is a finely crafted, single-handed firearm designed for both durability and versatility. Made from reinforced alloys and tempered steel, it can withstand the strain of energy-infused rounds without compromising accuracy. Its balanced weight allows for easy handling, making it a reliable sidearm for those who wield swords or other melee weapons in tandem. Built for endurance and precision, the Ironbrand Pistol remains a trusted choice for warriors seeking both firepower and adaptability in combat.]: [2500 Dracins]
[↠ Tremor Maul: The Tremor Maul is a massive, two-handed war hammer forged from the reinforced bones and dense hide of a Peak Stage 1 Ironback Brute. Weighing approximately 80 kilograms, it is an extremely heavy weapon that demands immense strength and endurance to wield effectively. The hammer's colossal head delivers devastating blows, capable of shattering boulders, caving in armour, and sending shockwaves through the ground with each strike. Its long, reinforced handle, wrapped in thick leather, ensures a firm grip, allowing the wielder to control its immense power. Designed for those who favour sheer brute force, the Tremor Maul is a weapon that will dominate the battlefield through raw destructive might.]: [4600 Dracins]
[↠ Silent Fang: The Silent Fang is a sleek and deadly katana forged from the refined bones and fangs of a Duskscale Panther, a Mid Rank Stage 1 beast known for its agility and razor-sharp claws. The blade is remarkably light yet incredibly durable, designed for swift and precise strikes. Its edge is honed to perfection, capable of cutting through flesh and bone with minimal resistance. The hilt is wrapped in dark leather, offering a secure grip for fast, fluid movements. Crafted for those who favour speed and precision over brute strength, the Silent Fang is a weapon that excels in swift, decisive combat.]: [8000 Dracins]
[↠ Nightfang: The Nightfang Dagger is crafted from the fangs and reinforced bone of a Low Rank Stage 1 Shadowfang Scorpion, a beast known for its agility and hardened exoskeleton. 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.]: [1350 Dracins ×5]
And that was it.
Aiden decided no further purchases were necessary.
For Rey, however, it felt like his heart had just been stabbed.
In his entire life, he had never spent even one thousand Dracins on anything.
The first time Aiden made him spend eight thousand, he nearly fainted.
This time?
59,030 Dracins.
When converted to Dragon Points, it was nearly a hundred times his current balance.
He stared at the total like it might suddenly change if he looked hard enough.
"…I think my soul just left my body."
"Why are you acting as if someone killed you?" Aiden said lazily."Aren't we raiding the center soon? Raid means loot. Loot means money. Think of this as an investment."
"But I'm not a thief," Rey muttered.
Aiden raised an eyebrow.
"Then why are you using stolen money right now?"
"Should we return it to the police? Or maybe throw it away?"
As Aiden casually reached for the card, Rey snatched it back instantly.
"Wait—wait—!"
Aiden's voice hardened.
"Listen carefully, Rey. Taking from people who exploit others isn't a sin in my book. If you don't want to do it, that's fine. Just don't ask why we won't be sharing the loot we personally take."
He stressed the word personally.
Rey's thoughts tangled for a moment.
Morals. Reality. Survival.
Finally, he clenched his teeth.
"…Fine. But don't think I'm like you. I'm just taking my money back. With interest."
"That's my boy," Aiden said, smiling.
Only then did Rey truly realise how terrifyingly calculative Aiden was.
Every item chosen wasn't random.
It was deliberate.
Ravager Claw, the sword, had been tested multiple times through Zero's replication.
Hand size. Grip angle. Swing arc.
It was the only sword that truly fit Rey.
Ironfang, the spear, was chosen after Aiden evaluated the balance distribution down to millimeters.
"A spear's balance decides whether you live or die," he had said.
Jackal Guard, the shield, stood out after Aiden inspected hundreds of listings.
Weight-to-durability ratio. Defensive coverage. Compatibility with Rey's physique.
Only one passed.
Shadowbranch, the bow, was a gamble.
Rey had zero proficiency with bows.
Still, Aiden sensed a faint resonance with the shadow element.
Even a 0.01% chance was enough for him.
The low-grade beast materials didn't matter.
Zero could fix that later.
Howlcleaver was the real steal.
A second-tier beast weapon worth well over 100,000 Dracins is being sold for 15,000.
Old.
Heavy.
Unpopular.
It had sat unsold for four years.
At 216 kilograms, most users couldn't even swing it properly.
But Aiden saw past that.
Rey's stats would rise.
Zero could repair it.
In certain battles, this weapon would be devastating.
Stormweave, the plain-looking gauntlets, were cheap and unremarkable.
But Aiden wanted them for one reason.
Arsenal synergy.
Ironbrand, the pistol, was selected for a single trait.
It could withstand energy-infused rounds.
That alone made it worth buying.
Tremor Maul, a five-foot hammer weighing over 80 kilograms, had excellent balance and a leather-wrapped grip rarely seen in similar weapons.
Cheap. Reliable. Brutal.
Silent Fang, the katana, was Rey's choice.
Dark blade. Clean design. Menacing presence.
It wasn't perfect, but Aiden approved.
Not for performance.
For motivation.
Nightfang, a set of five daggers crafted from a Shadowfang Scorpion, were chosen specifically for Umbral Telekinesis training.
Cheap. Lightweight. Precise.
Perfect tools.
When Rey's eyes drifted back to the checkout screen, his expression froze.
Total weapon cost: 59,030 Dracins
Final bill: 59,830 Dracins
"…What?"
He checked the breakdown.
Shipping charges.Handling fees.Large-item labour cost.
"Eight hundred extra," Rey muttered darkly.
"Just take ten thousand while you're at it. Rob me properly."
Still, he paid.
The confirmation code appeared, along with the first-item inspection option upon delivery.
Rey leaned back, exhausted.
"Aiden," he asked, "why didn't we buy more bullets? The pistol only came with two free rounds."
Aiden shook his head."We won't buy them."
"Then how—"
"Genesis," Aiden corrected himself smoothly.
"We'll create them."
"Then why not create the weapons too?"
"Because you don't have enough mana. Or matter. Or stability. Not while maintaining armour."
Rey sighed.
"I don't get it. But it's done now. The arrow's already fired."
He closed the site.
The date read 2nd May.
The delivery would take a few days.
"…Guess there's nothing to do," Rey said, standing up.
"Maybe I'll hang out with James for once."
He walked out of his room, unaware that this quiet break was the calm before far heavier storms.