While Rey slept…
Inside the Martial Center he had barely escaped; silence reigned.
Not the calm kind.
The heavy kind that pressed down on the chest.
Blood smeared the marble floor. The air still stank of scorched flesh and iron as a squad of guards stormed into the shattered chamber, boots screeching as they came to an abrupt halt.
"Director Darius?!" one of them shouted.
They rushed forward.
Darius lay twisted in a widening pool of blood, his breathing ragged, his body trembling violently. Where his arm had once been, there was only a cauterised stump, the wound brutal and clean in a way that made seasoned soldiers uneasy.
His eyes were bloodshot. Wide.
Not from pain.
From terror.
"G-Get…" he rasped, clawing weakly at the floor. "Get the Head Marshal… Seal the city… now."
The words alone made the guards stiffen.
One of them swallowed. "What the hell happened here?"
"The third-floor window is shattered," a younger guard said after peering outside. "Someone escaped."
Another crouched near a massive gash carved into the marble itself. He ran his fingers along the melted edge, his face paling.
"This wasn't a normal weapon," he whispered. "That cut… it could've split a fortress wall."
Then someone noticed it.
"The hand…" a guard muttered, dread creeping into his voice. "The hand is gone."
A pause.
"…Why would someone take his hand?"
Darius suddenly laughed.
It wasn't loud.
It wasn't sane.
A broken, choking sound clawed out of his throat as blood leaked from the corner of his mouth.
"You idiots…" he croaked. "You still don't understand…"
He forced his head up, eyes trembling as they locked onto them.
"That wasn't a thief."
The room went dead silent.
"That was…" he breathed, voice barely holding together,
"…The Raven Blade."
The name fell like a curse.
A rumor.
A ghost whispered after the factory massacre weeks ago.
Dismissed. Buried. Forgotten.
Until now.
The squad leader straightened slowly, his expression grim.
"Inform the Central Office," he ordered. "Immediately."
He looked around at the destruction once more.
"We're dealing with something that can breach a Martial Center… and walk out alive."
Outside, alarms began to scream.
One by one, they spread through the city like a warning bell.
A ghost had entered their land.
And this time… the world noticed.
Morning came quietly.
That very ghost lay sprawled across his bed, fast asleep.
The doorknob shifted.
"Rey?" Jasmine called gently, a cleaning cloth tucked under her arm as she tried the handle. "Are you inside?"
Rey's eyes snapped open.
Instinct took over.
He bolted upright, dagger already in his grip, killing intent surging—until his surroundings registered.
His room.His bed.Home.
He exhaled sharply and lowered the blade, rubbing his face.
"…Right."
As he moved to open the door, his gaze dropped.
His clothes.
Torn. Burned. Still faintly stained with blood and ash.
"…Sh*t."
He froze.
"Zero?" he whispered urgently. "Are you there? Change my clothes."
Silence.
That same suffocating silence.
His brow furrowed. The memory of collapsing, his HP hitting zero, flashed through his mind.
"…Don't tell me something happened."
Just as he prepared to force the system to respond, his clothes shimmered.
The fabric rippled, dark stains vanishing as the outfit shifted back into his casual wear from the previous day.
Rey sagged in relief.
"…Thank god," he muttered. "You're all okay."
He opened the door.
His mother stood there, eyes narrowing slightly as she looked him over.
"When did you get home?" she asked. "I didn't hear you come in. And why are you drenched in sweat?"
"Oh—uh," Rey scratched the back of his head, forcing a laugh. "I came back a bit late. You were in the kitchen, so I didn't want to disturb you. I went straight to bed."
He gestured vaguely. "I took a jog on the way back. Kinda overdid it."
Jasmine sighed, concern softening her expression.
"You're pushing yourself too hard," she said. "Your body isn't invincible. Be careful."
She turned and walked off, already thinking about the chores she was late for.
Rey closed the door quietly behind him.
"…That was close."
He exhaled, then raised his hand.
The room shifted.
The white space formed around him as the four spirits appeared.
"So," Rey said, arms crossed, eyes sharp. "What happened after I collapsed?"
Aiden spoke first, his tone serious.
"Something interfered with our bond," he said. "The moment your HP dropped to zero, it was like being frozen."
"We could see everything," Victor added, jaw tight. "But we couldn't act. Couldn't leave our space. Something sealed us."
"I know why."
Veylen stepped forward.
All eyes turned to him.
"You were sealed, too," Victor said. "How would you—"
"My bond with Rey is different," Veylen interrupted calmly. "I was chosen to mentor him."
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly.
"When the seal descended, I felt it. A familiar presence entered his body."
Rey frowned. "Familiar?"
"A power," Veylen continued, voice heavy, "nearly equal to our Lord's… but still beneath it."
Silence followed.
"When I sensed the change," he went on, "I understood. Rey, your awakening triggered something beyond rare."
His gaze locked onto Rey.
"A Darkness Element Variation."
Rey's breath hitched.
"One that ranks just below our Lord's own unknown variation."
"…You're saying," Rey said slowly, "this is why everything locked up?"
"Yes," Veylen nodded. "That seed wasn't just power. It was the element itself, compressed into a capsule."
Aiden stiffened. "If his bloodline source hadn't intervened—"
"He wouldn't have survived," Veylen finished. "And if your abilities had remained active, the seed would have erased them all."
Rey's expression darkened.
"So this happened because of your Lord."
"Yes."
"And I should be grateful?" Rey snapped.
The air shifted.
"If he hadn't planted that thing inside me," Rey continued, voice sharp, "I wouldn't have been lying on the floor waiting to die. What mercy are you talking about?"
His eyes hardened.
"If my bloodline hadn't saved itself, your precious last descendant would've died. End of story."
Silence.
Then Veylen's aura changed.
Subtle.Cold.
"Watch your mouth," he said quietly.
The pressure in the space spiked.
"You were gifted a power beyond comprehension," Veylen continued, eyes glowing faintly. "Even now, a Tier 1 wouldn't match you."
He took a step forward.
"There's an old saying," he said. "Power isn't weak. The wielder is."
His gaze lingered for a moment longer.
Then he vanished.
Rey clicked his tongue, unease crawling under his skin.
"…Tch. I'll show him one day."
He turned to the others.
"You think he's right?"
Aiden hesitated. "Maybe. Maybe not. But ignoring him would be foolish."
Victor and Zero nodded silently.
Rey exhaled, the anger settling into resolve.
"Alright," he muttered. "Let's see what changed."
The system interface flared to life.
───◈◈◈◈───
[
[Proficiency: 0.4%]
[Tier: 0 | Mutation Type | Locked from Rank Evolution]
[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.
After being merged with the terrifying and sentient darkness variation Oblivion Gloom, the ability has undergone a mutation, evolving into a forbidden form. Due to the overwhelming and chaotic nature of this variation, the ability's rank is now permanently locked, unable to be raised until a higher Tier is achieved that can contain its infinite depth.
Oblivion Gloom judges its host constantly—should it deem the host unworthy, it may turn its power inward, consuming them without mercy.
This ability holds boundless potential but 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.
[Sub-Abilities]
↠ Darkness Manipulation (E-~EX+) [47%]
A fundamental sub-ability of DARKNESS, allowing the user to control and shape darkness at will. At its current stage, manipulation is basic, enabling movement, condensation, and spreading of darkness in a limited range. As proficiency increases, control expands, unlocking devastating applications.
↠ Devour [Partially Unlocked | Requires Proficiency Threshold] (F-~EX+) [8%]
grants the user the ability to command darkness to consume everything in its path and, in exchange, provides the source a benefit. What is devoured can potentially be converted into power or stored in darkness. The growth of this sub-ability depends on how it's used and what is devoured.
↠ Storage of Void [Partially Unlocked | Requires Bond Acceptance from Oblivion Gloom]
The user can store physical and ethereal objects within a pocket of darkness tied directly to Oblivion Gloom's will. This void storage transcends space, but its capacity and accessibility depend on the user's compatibility and bond with the variation.
Abuse or recklessness may provoke the storage itself to backlash.
Space: 6 m³.
───◈◈◈◈───
Rey stared.
A high-tier ability… sealed at the ceiling of its Tier.
Even his realm and power classification were hidden.
It should've terrified him.
Instead, he smiled faintly.
The limiter on Darkness Manipulation was gone.
Two new sub-abilities existed.
Restricted.Judged.
Not his yet.
Still, that wasn't what unsettled him most.
It was the implication.
This power didn't feel granted.
It felt like something ancient had noticed him…and decided to watch.
Closely.
Rey leaned back, eyes unfocused.
He replayed the night in his head, step by step.
"I didn't really do anything special," he muttered. "All I did was absorb that weird substance…"
His thoughts froze.
Then—
"Oh sh*t."
He shot upright.
"That ring," he said slowly. "The one that got swallowed. That was Darius's storage ring."
His face paled.
"No way… that bas*ard had to be loaded. Artifacts, pills, manuals—everything."
A beat passed.
Then Rey slumped back like his soul had left his body.
"I didn't even get to see the loot," he whispered, grief-stricken. "It died without ever becoming mine."
"Stop crying like a broke orphan," Aiden said dryly. "There's a decent chance it wasn't destroyed."
Rey blinked. "What?"
"Think about it. The ring was consumed right as 'Storage of Void' manifested. There's a possibility the contents were transferred instead of erased."
Hope flickered in Rey's chest.
"A… possibility?" he asked carefully.
"Yes. But until you gain permission from Oblivion Gloom to access it, it might as well not exist."
Rey clenched his fist.
The treasure he owned but couldn't touch was somehow worse than losing it outright.
Still, sulking wouldn't change anything.
"Fine," he exhaled. "Then let's see what did change."
The system interface unfolded once more.
And this time, it hit harder.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
───◈
Name: Rey Shadowthrone
Age: 18
Race: Human (Fully Dark-Attributed)
Physique: Darkness Physique (Upgradable)
Titles: Self-Learner, The Psycho, The Killing Manic
Class: None
Level: 3 [2250/4000]
Rank: 0th Rank
Core: Mana Core [F-] (Rank 0) {Not Formed} {!}
Curse: Nirzveil's Covenant (Origin- Grade)
Variant: Oblivion Gloom (Darkness Path) {!}
Laws: Death {.00003%}, Soul {.0000001%}, Darkness {.01306%}
[Attributes]
HP: 4,130 / 4,130 (Reserve Energy: +4,130) {VIT: HP --> 1:20}
MP: 3,750 / 3,750 (Mana Overload: +3,750) {INT: MP --> 1:15}
Stats:
Strength (STR): 84/200 (F+) (↑271)
Agility (AGI): 94/200 (F+) (↑271)
Vitality (VIT): 163/200 (F+) (↑362)
Intelligence (INT): 50/250 (E-) (↑435)
Stamina (STA): 148/200 (F+) (↑330)
Endurance (END): 157/200 (F+) (↑348)
Luck (LUK): F- (Dependent on Core)
Free Stat Points: 600
Derived Stats:
Attack Power (ATK): 678 [(STR + AGI) * 2] (Potential Strength: +678)
Magical Power (MGL): 500 [INT * 2] (Arcane Potential: +500)
Defense (DEF): 805 [({END + STA} * 1.5)] (Reinforcement Reserve: +805)
───◈◈◈◈◈───
Rey stared at the numbers.
The jump was undeniable.
It wasn't small. It wasn't subtle.
Something had pushed his body forward… violently.
Yet among all the tabs, only one truly remained.
The Variation Tab.
Everything else had been trimmed away by the system, stripped down to essentials. Efficient. Cold.
The mental space felt… empty.
Uncomfortable.
"Did it clean house?" Rey muttered.
"Looks like it," Aiden replied. "Your system's reorganising itself around the variation. Anything that can't keep up is being sidelined."
Rey clicked his tongue.
"Great. Even my interface is scared of my power."
Still… he couldn't deny it.
He was stronger.
Whether it was Devour activating or the system rewarding survival after brushing death, he didn't know.
But the power was real.
Something was still missing, though.
A final piece.
Victor stepped forward, answering that silent thought.
Two items floated into view.
One was the locker taken from Darius's office.
The other—
The massive greatsword.
Rey looked at it, then sighed.
"What am I even keeping this for?" he muttered. "The guy lost his arm. He's not swinging this thing ever again."
He grabbed the hilt.
Heavy.
Oppressive.
Yet… it didn't feel wrong in his hand.
Still, before he could decide, Aiden spoke again.
"Don't store it. Use it."
Rey frowned. "Use it how?"
"Zero," Aiden said. "Use Devourer's Grasp."
Rey stiffened.
"Shouldn't we save that for a Stage 2 weapon?"
"No," Aiden replied calmly. "If you use it there, you'll lose potential benefits. This sword is perfect. Trust me."
"And if this backfires?"
"Then I'll take responsibility."
Rey exhaled.
"Alright. You'd better."
He activated the skill.
Black matter poured from his palm.
Not smoke.
Not liquid.
Something alive.
It wrapped around the greatsword, crawling across the blade, swallowing metal, runes, and aura alike.
Within seconds, the weapon vanished.
The darkness retracted.
Then silence.
System messages flared.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
───◈ Notification ◈───
– Uncommon Rank weapon devoured.
– Relic
–
– Host can now replicate the structure and form of devoured weapons onto other gear.
– Please check the Zero tab for details.
───◈◈◈◈◈───
Rey froze.
"…Wait."
He looked up slowly.
"So I can copy weapon shapes and effects now?"
Aiden's voice carried faint excitement. "Yes. Zero just evolved into a mimic-type relic."
Rey swallowed.
"That's busted."
Without hesitation, he opened the tab.
───◈◈◈◈───
3. Zero
Type: Unknown (Darkness)
Rank: Absolute
Stats per Level: +90 All
Weapon Stats: +12 (2^)AGL, +13 (5^) STR, +3 (1^) STA, +7 (7^) END
Abilities:
1.
2.
→ (UP): 3
3.
4.
5.
6.
───◈ Arsenal Mastery ◈───
Sword: E- ↑ (3%)
Dagger/Knives: E ↑ (19%)
Spear: F+ ↑ (4%)
Shield: F ↑ (24%)
Bow: F- (0%)
Greatsword: E- ↑ (04%)
Hand-to-Hand: E- ↑ (0%)
Gun: F- (0%)
Hammer: F ↑ (13%)
Katana: F- (0%)
───◈◈◈───
7-16.Locked (Unlocks at Rank 1-10)
───◈◈◈◈───
Rey whistled softly.
"Okay… this is nice."
But his eyes stopped at one glowing line.
"Eternal Darkforge?" he asked. "What's with the mark?"
Aiden grinned.
"You just unlocked one of Zero's core systems. It lets you upgrade her matter. Quantity and quality."
"And the points?"
"Every level-up gives you more."
Rey didn't hesitate.
───◈◈◈───
→ Upgrade Quantity [F-] {Tier 0} (0/1)
→ Upgrade Quality [F-] {Tier 0} (0/1)
→ Upgrade Points (UP): 3 (Gained per level)
───◈◈◈───
"System, use Upgrade Points to enhance both the quantity and quality," Rey instructed.
As soon as two points were spent, the material covering his body began to tremble slightly. It swelled outward, as if it were on the verge of overloading, then automatically compressed itself.
While it appeared unchanged, Rey could immediately sense a difference. The power emanating from it had increased.
"This is really useful in serious situations. Let's increase it once more."
───◈◈◈───
→ Upgrade Quantity [F] {Tier 0} (0/2)
→ Upgrade Quality [F] {Tier 0} (0/2)
→ Upgrade Points (UP): 1 (Gained per level)
───◈◈◈───
However, he found the cost insufficient to do it, so he decided to check its effect.
He felt it instantly.
"This… this is dangerous," Rey muttered, summoning a greatsword made entirely of Zero's matter.
The pressure alone bent the air.
But before he could test it further—
Warnings erupted across his vision.
Red.
Urgent.
Something had shifted.
Deep inside him.
Something old.
Something sealed.
And it was beginning to stir.