[3rd May]
The next day began in silence.
Hidden away from prying eyes, Rey continued his secret training, pushing his abilities with methodical focus rather than blind force.
By the end of the session, something finally clicked.
During a brief pause, Rey noticed a strange response from his shadow as he accessed his inventory.
An idea formed.
Carefully, he tested it.
The weapons stored in his inventory could be equipped directly from his shadow with the aid of his Darkness ability.
He didn't need to visualise the items anymore.
He didn't even need to "reach" into his inventory.
As long as they were stored, his shadow could act as the medium.
A hidden arsenal.
A battlefield advantage that could decide life and death in an instant.
Excitement flickered through him.
He immediately tried to push the idea further.
Reality pushed back just as fast.
When Rey attempted to store normal objects directly into his shadow using
Only a few items were entered.
And even those were violently expelled moments later, shooting out as if the shadow itself had snapped under pressure.
It felt like overloading a fragile container.
The shadow simply couldn't bear the strain.
Rey exhaled slowly, frustration bubbling but not overwhelming him.
The limitation was clear.
His ability rank was too low.
Still, he didn't give up.
If brute force wouldn't work, refinement might.
The rest of the day passed in experimentation.
Different control methods.
Different output levels.
Different mental approaches.
Rey tried everything he could think of to push
He was certain of one thing.
Once it advanced, new functions would emerge. Either entirely new abilities… or evolutions of what he already possessed.
As night approached, Rey stopped training.
His mind was exhausted, his body heavy.
Instead, he turned his attention to something else.
His weapons.
One by one, Rey checked their rank and quality, focusing on a single question.
Was his Arsenal mutation working?
The answer was immediate.
And satisfying.
Every weapon and shield had improved.
Some had been upgraded by an entire sub-realm.
Others showed smaller but noticeable boosts in durability, sharpness, or effect efficiency.
Nothing was left untouched.
Rey stared at the results quietly.
This wasn't just gear anymore.
This was an arsenal that would grow alongside him.
And when the time came…
His enemies would learn what it meant to face a king armed by shadows.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Ravager Claw]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: Straight Sword
DURABILITY: 250/250
ATTACK POWER: 20 – 35
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A straight sword crafted from the claw of a High-Grade Stage 1 Ravager Beast. Its slightly curved blade retains an even greater ferocity, making it more effective in battle. Improved material resilience increases durability and sharpness retention.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Feral Edge] – Inflicts 8% extra damage to unarmored targets.
➤ [Residual Instinct] – Increases attack speed by 6% when fighting weaker beast-type enemies.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Ironfang Spear]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon
TYPE: Spear
DURABILITY: 360/360
ATTACK POWER: 45 – 56
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A 7-foot-long spear crafted from the sharpened horn of a Peak Stage 1 Steelhorn Stalker. Now refined further, its piercing power has increased, making it more effective against reinforced armour.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Armour Piercer] – Deals 20% bonus damage against armoured enemies.
➤ [Steadfast Grip] – Reduces recoil from parries and deflected attacks by 14%.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Jackal Guard]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: Shield
DURABILITY: 230/230
DEFENSE RATING: 21 – 32
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A one-handed shield crafted from the reinforced bone and hardened hide of a High Stage 1 Duskridge Jackal. Enhanced structural integrity allows it to absorb more impact without breaking.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Instinctive Guard] – Improves reaction speed by 9% when blocking surprise attacks.
➤ [Reinforced Hide] – Reduces incoming piercing and slashing damage by 15%.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Shadowbranch Bow]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Bow
DURABILITY: 200/200
DRAW WEIGHT: 19 Kg
RANGE: 68 – 100 meters
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A finely crafted bow reinforced with the tendons and flexible bone of a Mid Stage 1 Dusksprint. Now possessing even greater elasticity, it enables more powerful and precise shots.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Steady Aim] – Reduces hand tremors by 10% when drawing the bow.
➤ [Dusksprint's Swiftness] – Increases arrow speed by 14%, further improving range and penetration.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Howlcleaver]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon+
TYPE: Greatsword
DURABILITY: 248/280
ATTACKPOWER: 195 - 230
RECOMMENDEDSTRENGTH: 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: 170/170
DEFENSE: 18 - 26
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A pair of lightweight, reinforced gauntlets now infused with additional durability, improving both protection and flexibility.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Weave Resilience] – Reduces impact damage by 10%, improving grip strength further.
➤ [Swift Guard] – Increases reaction speed when blocking light attacks by 8%.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Ironbrand Pistol]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: Firearm (Single-Handed)
DURABILITY: 185/185
ATTACK POWER: 30- 41 (Varies by Ammunition)
FIRE RATE: High Moderate
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A finely crafted single-handed firearm, now slightly reinforced to handle stronger rounds and recoil more effectively.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Steady Grip] – Reduces recoil by 10%, improving shot stability.
➤ [Quick Draw] – Weapon switching speed further increased.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Tremor Maul]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon
TYPE: War Hammer (Two-Handed)
DURABILITY: 240/240
ATTACK POWER: 75 - 94
RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A colossal war hammer with enhanced striking power, capable of causing even larger shockwaves on impact.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Seismic Impact] – Shockwaves now stagger enemies in a slightly larger radius.
➤ [Momentum Strike] – 5% Bonus damage from consecutive swings further increased.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Silent Fang]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Katana (Double-Handed)
DURABILITY: 100/100
ATTACK POWER: 17 - 24
───◈ Item Description ◈───
A sleek and deadly katana forged from the refined bones and fangs of a Duskscale Panther, a Mid Stage 1 beast renowned for its agility and razor-sharp claws. Now further refined, it boasts a keener edge and enhanced durability.
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] – Further increases attack speed when striking consecutively.
➤ [Silent Step] – Reduces footstep noise even further while wielded.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[Nightfang]
TIER: 0 | RANK: Common
TYPE: Dagger (One-Handed)
DURABILITY: 75/75
ATTACK POWER: 12 - 17
───◈ Item Description ◈───
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. Further refined, the blade has become even sharper, with its dark tint deepening to absorb more ambient light, making it stealthier than before.
Its lightweight design ensures ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for those who favor speed and efficiency in combat.
───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Shadow Veil] – Further reduces weapon gleam in low light, making it even harder to spot.
➤ [Swift Execution] – Slightly increases critical strike damage on unaware enemies and weak points.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
[3rd May]
Every item had advanced by one full sub-realm.
All of them.
The only exception was Howlcleaver, which remained unchanged, just as Rey had expected. A Stage-2 beast weapon wasn't something that could be casually enhanced. Still, even without improvement, its presence alone carried weight.
With his arsenal strengthened, Rey felt certain of one thing.
The secret raid would succeed.
During breakfast, Rey casually mentioned that he would be staying at a friend's house that night.
His mother gave him a long look and asked a few questions. Where was the friend? Why so suddenly? Would he be back in the morning?
Rey answered calmly, explaining that they were preparing for an upcoming exam and needed uninterrupted study time.
Eventually, she agreed.
She laid down a few simple rules. Come back in the morning. Leave in the evening. Call at least once.
Rey nodded and accepted them all.
What she didn't know was that her son, who claimed he was going to study, was actually preparing to infiltrate the only Martial Center in Lumina City, a facility directly controlled by the Empire itself.
The same structure existed in every city across the five kingdoms.
And every one of them was dangerous.
Martial Centers were not ordinary buildings.
They were foundations.
Places meant to nurture warriors and cultivators, feeding talent directly into the Empire's veins.
Normal martial warriors held status equal to low-level nobles.
Cultivators, however, were different.
Those who tempered their bodies through body-cultivation arts were considered rare assets. Hidden gems. High nobles in standing. Some were even treated on par with dukes.
The cultivators Rey had encountered before were nothing special. Barely Initiate level. Most of them hadn't even tempered their bodies properly.
Body refining arts existed, but they could only be used before stepping onto the cultivation path. Once cultivation began, the body rejected further refinement for reasons no one fully understood.
That was the problem.
Body refining arts were absurdly expensive. More valuable than cultivation techniques themselves.
The difference between a cultivator with body refinement and one without was the difference between building on sand and building on bedrock.
That was why young talents tried desperately to enter martial universities before cultivating.
And that was why Rey was certain of one thing.
There was no chance the Martial Center didn't house at least one body-tempered cultivator.
None.
After Emmy and Jasmine left for their respective routines, Rey prepared himself.
He checked his old armour and mask. Both were intact. Zero had repaired the damaged areas from his fight with Jacob.
Everything was ready.
While considering which weapon to bring, Aiden intervened.
Daggers.
They were the best option.
Heavy weapons were too risky. Long weapons were inconvenient. A bow could cause complications in tight spaces.
Daggers were perfect.
With Umbral Telekinesis, Rey could control all five Nightfang daggers together. Their total weight was barely four kilograms. Even adding one extra blade kept him well within his limit.
He tested it.
Six blades hovered effortlessly.
He trained with them for hours, refining control, balance, rotation, and precision until they moved like extensions of his will.
By the time evening arrived, his mother and sister were already home.
Jasmine had returned early with Emmy, chatting as usual.
Rey picked up a small bag to maintain appearances.
No questions were asked.
He left.
The Martial Center stood tall even as the city began to quiet down.
The lights were still on. Activity was steady.
Rey observed from a distance, waiting.
One hour passed.
Then another.
Gradually, people began leaving. Staff finished their shifts. The crowd thinned.
Finally, the main gates were locked.
Two guards remained outside.
Rey tried slipping in during the closing process, but his {Shadowmeld} wasn't fast enough.
The gate shut.
He moved around the building, searching.
Windows were sealed. Vents inaccessible. Breaking anything would trigger alarms instantly.
Then he saw it.
A window.
Slightly open.
Third floor.
Rey exhaled slowly.
Difficult. But possible.
{Phantom Stride}
The mutated version of his skill activated.
The world shifted.
Edges appeared where none had existed before. His body adjusted instinctively, muscles responding with unnatural precision.
He climbed.
Every movement felt smoother than expected.
Within seconds, he reached the window.
There was nothing to grab except the frame itself.
A miss would mean pain.
And discovery.
Rey prepared.
{Abyssal Strength}
{Umbral Dash}
Power surged through his legs.
He launched himself.
His fingers caught the edge.
He pulled himself up and slipped inside.
A bathroom.
Third floor.
Empty.
He remembered then. His physique granted minor night vision.
Useful.
He left the window slightly ajar. An exit route.
Then moved out.
A guard appeared ahead.
Rey held his breath and slid past silently, his presence erased.
After careful observation, he counted them.
Five guards on the third floor.
Five on the second.
Twelve on the first, including the two outside.
Five floors total.
Thirty to thirty-two guards.
No visible basement.
He searched floor by floor.
Half an hour later, he found it.
A guarded room.
With Aiden's guidance, he avoided most cameras.
On the first floor, a single guard stood watch, unmoving.
The nameplate confirmed it.
Director's Office.
No openings. No blind spots.
The guard wouldn't leave.
Rey frowned.
Then an idea formed.
Risky.
But necessary.
He moved away and knocked over a framed photo, letting it fall with a soft but noticeable sound.
The guard reacted instantly, attention snapping outward.
That was enough.
Rey walked past him like a shadow slipping through a crack.
The door opened.
Closed.
The guard noticed nothing.
Inside, Rey froze.
The room was lavish.
Expensive.
Tasteful.
"These people really don't hold back," he muttered.
He began searching.
"High security… yet I'm already inside," he smiled. "Just grab the proof and leave."
That's when Aiden acted.
Without warning.
Shadowmeld deactivated.
Aiden said nothing.
And Rey didn't notice.
A hidden camera recorded everything.
In the security room, an operator stared at the monitor.
Empty office.
Then suddenly…
Someone appeared.
His blood ran cold.
"ALL UNITS!" he shouted into the walkie-talkie. "INTRUDER IN THE DIRECTOR'S OFFICE!"
Then he hesitated.
And dialled a number labelled Boss.
The call connected.
After hearing the report, silence followed.
Then rage.
"If he escapes, you die. If you fail, your families die first. Stall him. Even if you have to die doing it."
The call ended.
The guards moved.
And somewhere far away…
The boss was already on his way.
Rey remained unaware.
Focused.
Searching the desktop as Aiden cracked through layers of security.
Fate tightened its grip.
And the shadows began to close in.