《RiftWalker: Domination》 1 - Sea of Despair Drip, drip. The sharp sound of frozen icicles echoed through the vast icy cavern, cracking down from the jagged ceiling above. Each impact reverberated like delicate chimes, shattering into hauntingly beautiful sounds that filled the air with an almost serene melody. "Ugh, there¡¯s no end to this creature¡¯s energy," muttered a young man, his voice laced with exhaustion and a tinge of frustration. His breath hung in the frigid air as he steadied himself, eyes locked on his relentless adversary. "Even after dealing with all the others, this last one just refuses to give up." Despite the situation, his expression remained resolute, though faint traces of distress flickered across his face. "Show me my profile," he said, his voice echoing through the frozen cavern, directed at no human in sight. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] STATUS HP : ????? ?? DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? 12? STATS STRENGTH : 13 ? AGILITY : 10 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? Before him, a bright window materialized, glowing as vividly as daylight, its dynamic interface alive and responsive to his intent. The holographic display hovered weightlessly, casting soft luminescence across his determined features. "Argh, I can¡¯t afford to wait any longer. If I don¡¯t finish this, it¡¯ll only drain me to death." "Open inventory," he commanded, his voice calm but firm. Another window appeared in the air. With a sudden, deliberate motion, he thrust his hand into the shimmering hologram, his fingers grasping at something unseen within its depths. In an instant, he withdrew a blade¡ªsleek, glimmering, and radiating a faint blue hue, as if forged from ice itself. The boy adjusted his grip, his movements swift and precise. As the towering beast lunged toward him, its alabaster fur glinting under the frosty light, he acted with practiced precision. With a single, fluid motion, his blade arced through the air, meeting the creature mid-attack. The blade sliced cleanly through its target, the strike so precise it left a faint shimmer in its wake. The creature, a monstrous being akin to a polar bear yet far more sinister, let out a guttural roar before collapsing, its form crumpling to the icy floor. The boy exhaled slowly, watching as the once-mighty beast stilled. Its pure white fur, now lifeless, seemed almost serene against the cavern''s frozen backdrop. He tightened his grip on the blade and glanced around, wary of any lingering threats, before muttering under his breath, "Finally." "I can scarcely believe how far I''ve come in just a few weeks. My life has changed dramatically, all due to this strange system." "No one would believe me if I said this, but..." "It¡¯s showing me a way out, lifting me from the depths of my misery and hopelessness." *** A few weeks ago. "They say, ''If you stare into the abyss long enough, the abyss stares back at you.'' " Is this intended to serve as a warning that gazing into the abyss reveals only darkness? I refuse to believe that, for I am convinced that if one looks into the abyss, all they see is light, not darkness. "Someone once retorted that i was mistaken and should correct myself. I replied, ''Well then, you haven''t looked long enough into the abyss.'' " A young man in his early twenties muttered to himself as he lay on the rough concrete floor of his prison cell. Faint cracks spread beneath him, barely visible. Albeit the floor was rather cold, it didn''t bother him. The room was small and had a bed attached to the wall on his left and a shabby sink in the corner. Moonlight streamed through a small window overhead, casting a faint illumination over the room. These were the long nights of winter. Even though they were the same nights that covered all of humanity, he perceived them as particularly prolonged, enveloping him while the rest of the world slept. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The long nights of impenetrable darkness surrounded him, plunging through his heart with every waking moment. He hadn''t experienced restful sleep for a long time. The young man had just returned from his Rift collection duty, which he was obligated to perform as part of his prison sentence. Given his status as a juvenile offender, he was sentenced to 20 years with the possibility of early parole after 4 years. Having served 6 years already, he had been denied parole twice. No one knew if the man was actually innocent or guilty, but most were inclined to believe the latter. "The young man''s name was David, which he often struggled to remember, along with the incident that brought him here, the memory of which he recalled only vaguely." David, who possessed both light and darkness powers, both exceptionally rare, his fate was especially unfortunate since he was convicted. He was assigned a Rift collection duty that, while deceptively simple, required steadfast endurance. He was regularly required to drain his darkness power into Rift reserve crystals, which were later used by the RiftWalkers. These RiftWalkers venture through the Rifts to a realm that is a world of its own. To this day, the Rift domain remains largely unmapped, though some areas have been charted. Still, they are nothing compared to the vast unknown beyond. RiftWalkers claim it is ten times larger than our world and far more dangerous. Conflicting theories surround the Rifts. Some propose that they all lead to a single world, while others argue that each Rift connects to a different domain. The reality remains elusive, as our comprehension of them is still limited. "David himself wanted to become a RiftWalker, but fate had other plans." "In the grand scheme of life, I have surely fallen short. Overtaken by my own darkness, I now stand in a sea of despair," David continued, steeped in regret. The night unfolded as usual, but as it drew to a close, in the depths of his despair, he succumbed to sleep, overwhelmed by his body''s fatigue. It hadn¡¯t even been two hours when David was jolted awake by an alarm, its sound obnoxious and deafening, impossible to ignore as it blared for nearly a minute. Following the alarm, a recorded transmission instructed all inmates to stand at their cell doors by 7 AM. They are to remain there until the headcount has been conducted. With groggy eyes, David reluctantly rose from the floor, confused and disoriented, unable to distinguish right from left. He prepared to comply with the daily protocol. Other inmates, already standing by their cell doors, exchanged impatient glances as they waited for the guards to arrive and complete the count. David stood quietly at his cell door as guards moved silently through the corridor, taking careful notes of each inmate. The process was efficient and orderly, marked by the soft shuffle of feet and low murmurs that ensured everyone was accounted for before the day began. Once the headcount was complete, the doors were unlocked, and the guards informed the inmates that they could proceed to the mess hall for breakfast. David made his way to the dining hall,where he joined the line of inmates. Guards monitores the process closely, and conversation was minimal. Breakfast might consist of a modest serving of scrambled eggs, a slice of toast, and a cup of watery oatmeal. Occasionally, a small carton of milk or juice is provided. When his turn came, he picked up his breakfast and proceeded to a secluded corner of the dining hall, where he habitually chose to remain alone. Breakfast is eaten quickly in a noisy, crowded dining hall. The atmosphere is tense, with everyone keeping a wary eye on their surroundings. Meals are rushed, leaving little time to savor or enjoy the food. Yet none of this bothered David. True to his routine, he quietly completed his breakfast and made his way back to his confinement. The only time David looked forward to was during recreational hours, when some inmates engaged in sports while others, inclined toward fitness, focused on weightlifting. Yet all of that was beyond David. The only place where he could find solace was in the prison library. As the hour commenced, he found himself in the prison library. It was precisely as one might envision, except for the scarcity of books. The library was indeed quite expansive, though it held only around a thousand books, perhaps even fewer. Most of the shelves were barren, and not a single inmate was in sight. David had already read most of the books available, some even twice, during his six years of confinement here. He began searching for a book that piqued his interest, moving from shelf to shelf without success. He had already read all the others, leaving only those he found unappealing. Until his gaze fell upon an old book nestled in the corner of the shelf he was examining. "David had been avoiding it for six years, its worn leather cover and untitled spine rendering it an object that elicited no notice from anyone." He remained motionless, fixedly gazing at it. "I have avoided you for far too long. I now consider it time for you to impart your wisdom," David said, articulating his thoughts. He took the book and moved toward the library desk, positioned behind the shelves. As he seated himself and turned the worn leather cover, he was surprised to find that the pages were made of glass rather than paper, completely translucent and adorned with arcane symbols he could not decipher. The pages responded to David''s touch. He continued to turn the pages, which, although thinner than typical glass, were heavier than standard paper. David examined this strange book thoroughly several times. Noticing that as he applied slight pressure to the pages, they emitted a radiant glow. In his excitement, he applied more pressure than intended, causing the page to crack. The crack spread to other pages, eventually making the book explode. In an instant, the impact propelled David three meters through the air, leading to a violent landing on the ground where he felt shards of glass piercing his body. "Ah, so this is how it ends," he thought as he began to black out. "Death by a book isn¡¯t so bad for someone like me..." ? ? ? INITIALIZING ? ? ? ? ? ? LOADING ? ? ? ? ? ? YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY LOGGED INTO THE SYSTEM ? ? ? "He heard a strange voice just before he drifted into unconsciousness." 2 - Into the Void Wake up! Hey you, wake up immediately! Earlier, you stayed late, and now you have also started to doze off in the library. A distorted sound, faintly heard from a distance, registered with David¡¯s subconscious mind. In his semi-conscious state, the moments before he passed out flashed through his mind, startling him awake in a panic. A guard stood directly before him. What had seemed like a distant voice now revealed itself to have been near all along. His face was marked by intense anger. "And what makes you think it''s acceptable to sleep here in the library hall?" the guard demanded in anger. "The book, where''s the book?" David said, speaking out while ignoring the guard. ¡°No more books for you. It¡¯s time to return to your cell. Should you persist, solitary confinement is always an option,¡± the guard replied, his eyes narrowing menacingly. David remained unresponsive, his gaze fixed ahead, as if he were lost in thought or simply indifferent to the guard¡¯s threat. ¡°Or should I just burn through your chest with my fire fist?¡± the guard implied, as his right fist began to burn, displaying radiant, cracked patterns. Another flash of memories and David was prompted to examine his body for injuries inflicted earlier. ¡°How am I still alive? And how am I perfectly alright?¡± he wondered aloud, lost in his own thoughts. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Can¡¯t you stay conscious long enough to explain yourself? This is unacceptable!¡± the guard asserted, gradually shifting from anger to concern. "Nah, let''s go. It''s nothing." David replied before getting up and walking with the guard back to his prison cell. The guard withdrew his ignited fire fist, the flames subsiding as he did. Preoccupied with his thoughts, David neglected to notice the book he had been examining on the table. In a matter of minutes, David was seen walking through the prison corridor with the guard. A prisoner from one of the cells said to the others, "We all have to be locked up, but this kid has the privilege of staying out late. It¡¯s unfair." "This guard thinks he''s tough. Let¡¯s show him what we really think of his rules!" The other prisoners began shouting and banging on the bars, creating a tense atmosphere. The guard spoke with commanding authority, "Everyone, please be quiet. This situation will not unfold as you expect. Disruptions like this will only result in a lockdown, and none of you want that." One of the prisoners said, "We are not afraid of you." "Then I should burn all of you to a crisp and see which one of us comes out on top. You know that the law permits me to do so without any consequences," the guard asserted. The noise began to subside as some prisoners backed off. "That¡¯s better. You," he said, pointing to David, "are coming with me. We¡¯re going to have a little chat away from the group." David, unresponsive to the guard, complied and continued. Since the door to his cell was already open, David was directed inside. "This is your final warning," the guard said. "If I find you in the library longer than necessary, I will not be as merciful as I am today, as I have much work to attend to." David kept his gaze lowered and remained silent, offering no response. "Is that clear?" I said, the guard demanded. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s crystal clear,¡± David responded while lifting his head. ¡°As it should be,¡± were the guard¡¯s parting words before he walked away. Now that David was alone, he exclaimed in confusion, "What the heck just happened in the library?" while holding his head with both hands. "Have I gone completely insane?" he wondered to himself. No, I am sure that what happened in the library was real. "But then how is it that I have no injuries, much less how I am still alive?" Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "How can I process what happened?" he said, bewildered. "Returning to the library to examine the book again is also an option; it might shed some light, but I cannot go until tomorrow." Normally, I could have searched for answers on the internet, but I don¡¯t have access to it. "Or perhaps someone in the prison is playing tricks on my mind using their powers in the library," he pondered, seeking answers. Still, I have never read about an illusion-type power in any book. If only I could buy some informative books from the shop. ? ? ? THE SHOP FEATURES ARE LOCKED REACH LVL 15 TO ACCESS THE FEATURES ? ? ? A window suddenly popped up in front of David, and a strange voice verbalized the words displayed on it. Startled, David reflexively threw himself backward. To his lack of success, the window followed the movements of his head. "In the end, the window remained present." Confused and lost in thought, he decided to observe the figure from a safe distance, considering calling the guard if the figure¡¯s behavior appeared suspicious or threatening. It seemed like a hologram, floating in the air, though it was not threatening. "Yep, I must have gone insane," David confirmed. He tried blinking his eyes, shifting his gaze, and turning his head, but none of these actions had any effect. As time passed, he realized that it was neither an illusion nor a mere trick. In fact, he could clearly perceive the window and see through it. Slowly but surely, he recognized it from the old video games he used to play, yet he was still baffled by what was before him. To affirm his understanding of the situation and what had happened earlier, he spoke again, "I want to buy books from the shop." ? ? ? THE SHOP FEATURES ARE LOCKED REACH LVL 15 TO ACCESS THE FEATURES ? ? ? The window blinked and reappeared, accompanied by the strange voice he had heard earlier, confirming his theory. "He looked around to see where the voice was coming from but couldn''t identify any source." David noticed several other words above the notification, next to "Shop," in the swiping section of the window. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] ? ? ? THE SHOP FEATURES ARE LOCKED REACH LVL 15 TO ACCESS THE FEATURES ? ? ? "It''s exactly like those video games I used to play, yet my question remains unanswered. Did it appear because of what happened at the library?" David sighed with a slight sense of relief. In that case, I should interact with it further to gain some insight regarding that mysterious book. David tried to touch the word "Inventory" on the window, but his finger passed right through it. "That''s odd; it should work," David uttered in disappointment. "Does it only work when I speak?" he asked himself. "I want books from the inventory," he said to ensure clarity. ? ? ? NO BOOKS FOUND IN THE INVENTORY ? ? ? "Once again, I was right; it only works when you speak." "Let''s try once more, open the inventory." [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] ITEMS ? Empty "So, one has to directly ask for something for it to work," he said in acknowledgment. "Open info," David spoke calmly this time. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 01 [ ? 0/30XP ] or [ ? 3 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 0 STATUS HP : ????? ?? DEFENSE : ????? 1? MANA : ????? ?? STATS STRENGTH : 10 ? AGILITY : 07 ? STAMINA : 09 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : E Class [ ? 10 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] "It even knows my name, he thought. It seemed legitimate, yet he felt confused. Despite this, he proceeded further to investigate. What are these statistics? Have I grown this weak over the past few years? he wondered in disappointment." Heck, I could have been on par with an A-Rank RiftWalker in my prime, yet I was just a kid back then. But now I have fallen so low. "Strength... agility... stamina... INTELLIGENCE: 91! The IQ''s quite average. No wonder I ended up in prison, considering the poor choices I made." Faced with the reality of his situation, David sank to the concrete floor yet again, consumed by hopelessness. I skipped two meals today because of what happened. How many hours was I unconscious in the library? It''s nighttime now, and my stomach is growling because it''s empty, much like my inventory. The window stayed suspended in the air. Shouldn''t this thing shut off at some point? "Fortunately, I don¡¯t have a Rift collection duty today; otherwise, I would be in a difficult situation." ? ? ? A NEW QUEST HAS ARRIVED ? ? ? A window popped up again, displaying a different notification this time. "Open quest," he said, realizing with surprise that he had forgotten to check the quest menu. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] MAIN QUEST ? Collect All Glass Shards DAILY QUEST ? Not Available ¡°Now, what in the world are glass shards, and why should I collect them?¡± ? ? ? USERS QUESTION HAS BEEN IGNORED ? ? ? ? ? ? REACH LVL 10 TO UNLOCK THIS SPECIFIC INFORMATION ? ? ? ? ? ? HOWEVER THE SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR A PRECISE RESPONSE ? ? ? ? ? ? THE DESIGNER CREATED THE SYSTEM SOLELY FOR THIS PURPOSE ? ? ? ? ? ? FAILURE TO FULFILL IT WILL RESULT IN PENALTY ? ? ? "And what is the penalty?" David asked, seeking clarification. ? ? ? DEATH ? ? ? ¡°Ha ha, he bursts out laughing. That¡¯s a clever way to compel someone to do your work.¡± ¡°This Designer is truly remarkable.¡± "And where might one find shards?" David inquired once more, his curiosity evident. ? ? ? IN THE RIFTS ? ? ? ¡°I¡¯m never leaving this prison, much less venturing into the outside world or the Rifts. Essentially, I won¡¯t be collecting your shards. An evil person like me is better off staying here,¡± he stated clearly. ? ? ? THAT SHOULD RESULT IN DEATH ? ? ? I don¡¯t care if you want to. You can kill me; in fact, you¡¯d be aiding the world by erasing an evil presence. ? ? ? INITIALIZING PROTOCOLS ? ? ? ? ? ? APPLYING PENALTY FOR REFUSING TO COLLECT SHARDS ? ? ? "Oh, so you were actually serious?" David said, astounded. ? ? ? PENALTY SELECTED ? ? ? ? ? ? DEATH BY SUFFOCATION ? ? ? ? ? ? 3 ? ? ? ? ? ? 2 ? ? ? ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? 3 - Glimmer of Hope "In an instant, David felt unable to breathe. He began to struggle as the weight of the earth pressed against his chest, slowly cutting off his air supply." The lack of oxygen and the pressure build-up made his situation increasingly critical. As time passed, his vision began to blur, and his eyes turned red. The shortness of breath should have caused him to lose consciousness by now, but somehow he remained aware. "After more than five minutes, his face started to turn extremely blue, and it appeared as though he might burst from the pressure. Yet, David persisted against all odds." ? ? ? ERROR ? ? ? A new window popped up as the system halted its protocol. ? ? ? THE IMPOSITION OF THE PENALTY WAS UNSUCCESSFUL ? ? ? David began to gasp heavily as his air supply was restored. ? ? ? SELECTING ANOTHER PENALTY ? ? ? ? ? ? PENALTY SELECTED ? ? ? "David hadn''t fully recovered yet, and while still gasping for breath, he began shouting, ''W-wait, wait, stop!''" ? ? ? DEATH BY DROWNING ? ? ? ? ? ? 3 ? ? ? ? ? ? 2 ? ? ? ? ? ? 1 ? ? ? "Unfortunately, David, who had barely survived, now felt his lungs filling with water. He started to cough and gag, which further impaired his ability to breathe." But to no avail. Within seconds, he succumbed once more to suffocation, ultimately losing the battle against the relentless water. "His body''s tissues and organs, deprived of oxygen, experienced confusion and weakness. He began to lose movement." "A couple of minutes had passed; he should have been dead by now. Yet, miraculously, David persisted¡ªor at least that¡¯s what he thought." ? ? ? ERROR ? ? ? ? ? ? THE SYSTEM HAS CONTINUESLY BEEN UNABLE TO IMPOSE THE PENALTY ? ? ? David began to cough heavily once more as water spilled from his lungs, bracing himself for the next wave. ? ? ? INVESTIGATING FURTHER ? ? ? ? ? ? PLEASE WAIT ? ? ? ¡°Damn it, if you want to kill me, then do it already! Why are you making me suffer?¡± he thought in anger, too weak to express his feelings aloud. ? ? ? THE SOURCE CODE DETECTED AN ANOMALY ? ? ? ? ? ? FOR UNKNOWN REASONS THE DESIGNER WANTS TO KEEP YOU ALIVE ? ? ? ? ? ? TERMINATION CEASED ? ? ? The window closed after conveying the message. ¡°So it¡¯s over,¡± he murmured, remaining motionless. By now, the night was at its zenith, replacing the agony that had gripped him, caused by the system. He lay on the floor, soothed by the moonlight streaming through the window. The dust drifting through the light resembled blinking stars. David wanted to cry but was unable to. "How has my life turned out this way?" he asked himself. ? ? ? THE SYSTEM HAS A PROPOSAL FOR YOU ? ? ? A new notification appeared this time. "Can''t you leave me alone?" David said, directing his frustration towards the system. ? ? ? WHAT IS YOUR DEEPEST DESIRE ? ? ? ¡°What the he¡ªwhat do you mean now?¡± ? ? ? WHAT DO YOU WANT THE MOST ? ? ? ¡°Oh, that¡¯s what you meant. It¡¯s the same old ¡®DEATH¡¯ you failed to inflict upon me,¡± he replied, disappointed. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ? ? ? THE SYSTEM IS UNABLE TO COMPREHEND YOUR REQUEST ? ? ? With a touch of humor at the system''s failure to understand, David acknowledged, ¡°The human mind is indeed very complex. ? ? ? WHAT IF THE SYSTEM OFFERS YOU POWER TO RULE THE WORLD ? ? ? ¡°It seems you¡¯re trying to exploit my human nature, the desire for power, you say? Ha! I have no interest in that. I¡¯ve had enough power; look where it led me. I¡¯ve learned my lessons and am better off in this prison.¡± ? ? ? WHY DO YOU WANT TO DIE ? ? ? If you want to hear it that badly, I suppose I¡¯ll tell you, though it may not mean much now. I¡¯m the one who ruthlessly killed someone dear to me, with my own hands. ¡°A kind-hearted person, a sincere friend who always looked after me while ignoring my shortcomings, was the one I killed,¡± he continued, showing regret. ? ? ? WHY DID YOU KILL ? ? ? ¡°I can¡¯t remember clearly; the memory of the incident is hazy. If I were being truthful, I would also like to know, but I can¡¯t recall.¡± ? ? ? THE SYSTEM CAN RESTORE YOUR MEMORY ? ? ? ? ? ? IN EXCHANGE YOU HAVE TO COLLECT SHARDS ? ? ? ¡°Is that even a thing?¡± he wondered to himself, still skeptical. ¡°Yet, we¡¯re talking about a floating window in mid-air, so it might be possible,¡± he corrected himself before another message appeared. But how can I be sure you can actually do that? ? ? ? INITIALIZING PROTOCOLS ? ? ? ? ? ? REVIVING A LONG FORGOTTEN MEMORY ? ? ? In a glimpse, colors beyond the visible spectrum began to flood his senses, and the very fabric of reality seemed to twist and unravel, revealing unseen aspects of the dimension in which he was currently residing. Transitioning within the confines of his body, he soared through galaxies and nebulas, witnessing the birth and death of stars in mere moments. Until he arrived at a perfect moment, restored by the system from a memory he had long forgotten. David remembered a night from his childhood that seemed to resonate with the present moment. It felt as though the system had deliberately chosen it for him. He remembers himself in his old room, softly lit by a nightlight casting a warm glow over the bed. Star-like pendants blinking hung from the ceiling. The young child is snugly tucked under a vibrant blanket, with both parents beside him, ready to share their nightly bedtime stories. His father began to recount tales of the various beasts he had encountered during his ventures in the Rifts. David found one of these creatures particularly terrifying, a night-stalking ice wolf that never hunted alone. This fearsome predator would freeze its victims just enough to immobilize them before devouring them alive. David grew increasingly scared, which led to his father being scolded by his mother. Sensing his fear, she gently rubbed her hand over his head to soothe and calm him down. They stayed with him until he had fallen asleep, offering their presence and comfort throughout. ? ? ? MEMORY ENDED ? ? ? A notification appeared as the system confirmed its capability to restore memories. Without knowing why, he suddenly felt something warm and wet on his face, trickling down toward his lips. Following this discovery, he made a crying face, realizing he was able to cry after all. "How could I have forgotten such a precious moment?" he mused, doubting his own affection. "I know I can''t have a second chance, and I know I can''t start a new life, it''s entirely impossible. Regardless of that, I also know I have to change," he said, as he sank deeper into his tears. He remained motionless for a few moments, moments that felt like an eternity. "I have decided to change from this moment forward, knowing that there are no do-overs in life," he declared, as he composed himself and ceased sobbing. "I just want to know if I could have actually been the kind of man who killed his best friend," he asked the system, offering his help in collecting shards in exchange for recovering his memory. ? ? ? THE SYSTEM ACCEPTS YOUR PROPOSITION ? ? ? ? ? ? THE MAIN QUEST HAS BEEN UPDATED ? ? ? David instructed the system to open the quest menu and display the new quest. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] MAIN QUEST ? Escape the prison DAILY QUEST ? Not Available "Is the system drunk or something? Why am I getting these strange quests? Can''t it give normal quests like ''slay the slimes'' or something?" he remarked, visibly annoyed. ? ? ? EACH QUEST COMPLETED WILL EARN REWARDS ? ? ? "On second thought, I do understand the reasoning behind these quests, since I can¡¯t find the shards within the confines of this prison," he said with a heavy sigh. "But it still has to be done my way, my principles still matter." "I have a potential solution that could enable me to leave prison legally rather than escaping," he said, directing his gaze towards the notification window. ? ? ? THE SYSTEM DEMANDS INFORMATION ? ? ? You see, I could apply for parole since it has been a year and it is now available. However, having been denied parole twice already, I¡¯m fairly certain I will be denied again. "But there¡¯s a catch," he said, almost letting out a smirk. If an individual applies for parole to reduce their prison sentence by clearing Rifts, the law mandates acceptance, given the high demand. Moreover, the world does not concern itself with the lives of petty criminals. Since most of the prisoners die clinging to the false hope of reducing their sentence. "I don''t recall the exact number of lower-ranked Rifts required, but for Rank B, clearing three Rifts reduces the sentence by one year. For Rank A, clearing two Rifts is sufficient, and for Rank S, clearing one Rift reduces the sentence by one year." It may seem like a good deal, but prisoners who have already had their powers drained by law through Rift collection duties find that entering the Rifts in such harsh conditions is nothing but instant death. "So that''s about it," he added, concluding his briefing. Tomorrow, the first thing I will do is apply for parole to reduce my sentence by clearing Rifts. ? ? ? THE SYSTEM APPROVES OF YOUR METHOD ? ? ? "System, close the window," he said, speaking this time to verify. The window closed, and David was left alone once more in the solitude of his prison cell. "I should have said it earlier; it would have saved me a lot of hassle," he reflected, regretting his earlier lapse in judgment. "David rose from the floor and settled onto the bed. The moment his eyes closed, he fell into a deep sleep¡ªa miracle that had occurred after a long time." "Perhaps a glimmer of hope had already begun to take root within David." 4 - The Daily Quests "As the crisp tendrils of dawn unfurled, he rose before any alarm could intrude, as if the sun itself had only just ascended. Yet, it was David who emerged, not the sun." He had about 15 minutes or so before the early head call. The cell lights had yet to be turned on, the early morning chill still lingering in the air. He extended his limbs and inhaled deeply, steeling himself for the forthcoming day. He quickly washed his face at the small, meager sink tucked away in the corner of his cell, pondering whether what happened yesterday had been a dream or reality. "With a few minutes to spare, he seated himself on his bed, waiting for the guards to come around. ''Open the window,'' he instructed, his command laced with a trace of doubt." A window popped up, accompanied by an imperceptible sense of peace on his face. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 01 [ ? 0/30XP ] or [ ? 3 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 0 STATUS HP : ????? 1? DEFENSE : ????? 1? MANA : ????? 1? STATS STRENGTH : 10 ? AGILITY : 07 ? STAMINA : 09 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : E Class [ ? 10 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] "¡®Huh, the status is full today. Could it be because I had a good rest?¡¯ he wondered, seemingly unaware." The alarm began to blare following the completion of the usual transmission. David asked the system to close the window. When the guards arrived, he was prepared for the headcount, and afterward, he proceeded to breakfast. Upon finishing his breakfast, a new notification popped up. The startled David thought others might take notice of it, but it seemed their vision was oblivious to it. ? ? ? THE DAILY QUESTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ? ? ? "¡®Open quest menu,¡¯ David whispered, so others would not think he was speaking to himself." [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] MAIN QUEST ? Escape the prison DAILY QUEST ? Visit the library [ Reward : 1 System Unit ] ? Find the book cover [ Reward : 1 S-Class healing barrier ] Finally, a normal quest! He threw a weak fist into the air, momentarily forgetting he was in a hall full of prisoners. "But first things first, he looked around and approached an unfamiliar face among the guards. ¡®I would like a parole application form,¡¯ he said." The guard could have obtained the application form and handed it directly to David, but instead, he directed him to the prison administration office with a more experienced guard, unwilling to jeopardize his position by making any errors in his new role. Both were walking. David had been participating in rehabilitation programs but had no support from his family on the outside. The only thing that strengthened his parole application was the educational certificate he recently earned through a two-year program offered in the prison library. Nevertheless, David wasn¡¯t placing his hopes entirely on the educational certificate for his parole. The notion of applying for parole to shorten his sentence by clearing Rifts was the only viable option, a persistent thought that occupied his mind. "¡®Give me a parole application,¡¯ the guard directed the man seated inside the administration office through a small window upon their arrival." David began filling out the form as soon as it was given to him, remaining focused and undistracted. Upon finishing, he returned the form to the officer, who immediately began registering it online to schedule his parole hearing. "¡®Your hearing will be held in three days,¡¯ the officer informed David, peering at him intently as he adjusted his glasses." The guard escorted David back to the recreation yard afterward and then proceeded on his way. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "Well, it''s time for killing two birds with one stone, he thought, before walking towards the library." ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? A new notification popped up as he entered the library. ? ? ? REWARD : +1 SYSTEM UNIT +10 XP ? ? ? "Oblivious to his surroundings, he inquired, ''What exactly are system units? I neglected to ask about them earlier,'' only to be interrupted." "System unit? Hmm, I don''t believe I''ve encountered such a term. Perhaps you are mistaken in your terminology," the librarian responded, presuming David was directing the question at him. "Oh, Mr. Robert, it''s nothing," he said, attempting to divert his attention. Concealing his near fright, he added, "But why weren¡¯t you present in the library yesterday?" "Well, that''s a story for another time," he replied sarcastically, while continuing with, "And that time is now." David had always thought Mr. Robert to be a kind man, who made an effort to cheer him up in one way or another, especially since he was one of the few who regularly visited the library. "I had the opportunity to meet an A-Rank RiftWalker, so I seized it to add more information to my private bestiary that I am compiling, which contains details about various beasts, including their elements, habitats, hunting patterns, and their actual locations within the Rifts." "Rifts are a paradoxical realm, strange but beautiful, dangerous yet comforting. They represent a world far surpassing the limits of human comprehension," he continued, speaking without any indication of stopping. Mr. Robert always enjoyed sharing information, but David was not in the mood for it today, as he needed to find the book cover to resolve his doubts. "I hope that one day you might allow me to read that book," David said with a weak smile as he spoke to the librarian. "Sure, why not?" Mr. Robert replied. Without a moment to lose after the pause between dialogues, David swiftly moved toward the table behind the shelves, eager to avoid being drawn into another conversation. A chilling surge of apprehension coursed down his spine as he found that the table offered no cover. He commenced a thorough search of the shelves, but despite his efforts, the cover eluded him. Frustrated, David turned to the librarian and inquired whether he had happened to see a worn-out book cover. "Oh, I threw it in the trash bin outside the library, as the cover didn¡¯t match any of the books here," he replied. David hurled toward the trash bin outside the library, which startled Mr. Robert, making him think about how enthusiastic this young man was about the books, almost giving a smile. "Here it is," David said, breathing heavily. "I thought I would have to do a wild manhunt in order to find you," he said, something strange directed at the book cover. He retrieved it and subjected it to a meticulous examination once again, but, despite his thorough inspection, he ultimately found no new information. ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +1 S-CLASS HEALING BARRIER +20 XP ? ? ? In an instant, David began to feel a heaviness in his body; he started burning up and sweating for no apparent reason, a sensation that lasted for a minute or so. He grabbed hold of the nearby wall, just in case he might collapse. ? ? ? LEVEL UP SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? David immediately felt better, perhaps even better than before, as the heaviness and burning sensation vanished without a trace, just as a new notification appeared. "So, while it resembles the concept of a game, it is entirely different; leveling up is painful, and the quests aren¡¯t as simple as slaying slimes. Essentially, reality is harsh," he remarked with a sigh. "Open the info menu," he commanded the system. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 02 [ ? 0/50XP ] or [ ? 5 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 1 STATUS HP : ????? 2? DEFENSE : ????? 2? MANA : ????? 2? STATS STRENGTH : 10 ? AGILITY : 07 ? STAMINA : 09 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : E Class [ ? 10 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] "Now that I¡¯m at level 2, the painful process makes sense. My HP, defense, and mana have each increased by 10." "What are system units?" David asked the system. ? ? ? SYSTEM UNITS ARE A TYPE OF CURRENCY ? ? ? ? ? ? YOU CAN UPGRADE YOUR LEVEL AS WELL AS YOUR PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES OR YOUR ELEMENTAL POWERS WITH THEM ? ? ? So essentially, I can continue to improve if I have enough system units; it''s not much different from money. "Open the inventory menu," he commanded again. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] ITEMS ? 1 S-Class healing barrier [ RARE ] ? Mysterious book cover [ ??? ] David made a discovery as he looked at his hands and found that the book cover was no longer there, wondering when it had moved to his inventory. "So, I can add items to the inventory; that¡¯s actually quite convenient, I must say," he remarked, his tone reflecting satisfaction. "What about this rare S-Class Healing Barrier I received as a reward? The fact that I received such a rare item at the very outset of my progress suggests the book cover is of considerable importance. Yet, intriguingly, the cover itself is marked with question marks," he thought. This leads me to wonder what kind of reward I will receive upon collecting the shards. "Oh, obviously, reviving my memory," he remembered. "But would it be alone, or with something else?" he asked himself. "¡®Close the window for now,¡¯ David thought to himself as he decided to try something new, hoping it would work." The window closed, thereby validating his assumption. "¡®That¡¯s better; I appear rather absurd speaking into thin air,¡¯ he said, before making his way back to the library." *** Somewhere outside the prison. An intern ascends to an office positioned on the top floor of a skyscraper. Although the building¡¯s dimensions are not extensive, its elegant, slender profile and striking design elevate it to a status of architectural distinction. "A new parole application has been submitted by the administration office of the Gifted Juvenile Center." "I thought this application might interest you, as you previously conducted two hearings for this inmate," the intern conveyed to a young woman who seemed to be his superior. He placed the documents on her desk and then returned to his route outside the office. "Oh dear, it¡¯s him again. I wonder what you have in store for me this time," she intoned, her visage remaining impassive, betraying not the slightest hint of emotion. 5 - The Incident "In the intricate strings of fate, he was compelled to confront the realization that human nature is profoundly entangled in a web of treachery. Faced with this harsh truth, he stood at a critical crossroads: either succumb to the depths of despair or rise to defend his beliefs." With three days having swiftly elapsed, David, immersed in his reading within the library''s quietude, found himself unexpectedly interrupted by a guard. "The members of the parole board are here to conduct your hearing. You must come with me at once; we will collect your documents on the way," the guard informed David. David closed the book, said, "Goodbye, Mr. Robert," and then left with the guard. "Good luck," a voice called from the back as a result. Since his parole hearing was being held in the prison, David was spared the necessity of traveling any significant distance. When David arrived at the venue for the hearing, he observed three figures: an elderly man whose deeply etched wrinkles obscured his eyes, though he retained a remarkably keen and penetrating gaze; and another man whose robust health belied the presence of half-white hair, indicative of extensive experience in his field. Finally, a young woman dressed in informal attire, almost of the same age as David, was present. He recognized her immediately; her stoic expression showed no reaction to his entrance. It was evident that she carried herself with a distinct sense of dignity. "Please take a seat; it won¡¯t take long, I promise," the man with half-white hair said to David. Given that most inmates tend to be visibly tense in such circumstances, David¡¯s composed demeanor was all the more striking. His mind appeared to be preoccupied with other thoughts. "Open the quest menu," he thought inwardly. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] MAIN QUEST ? Escape the prison DAILY QUEST ? Win today''s hearing [ Reward : 3 System Units ] ? Use light power to heal one person [ Reward : 2 System Units ] "I must understand how the system comes up with such absurd quests," David thought, finding them unacceptable. First, the absence of daily quests for the past three days undermines their intended purpose. Second, it appears that the system lacks meaningful tasks for me while I am in prison, so when something of significance occurs, daily quests seem to follow. "Close the window for now," he thought to himself. "So, I have all your documents here, and it seems you have chosen to represent yourself in today''s hearing. Is that correct?" the old man inquired. "Yes, sir, that''s correct," David replied. "These documents also mention your participation in several rehabilitation programs, but I don''t see your family here to support you. Is it because they don''t believe you should be eligible for parole?" the man with half-white hair asked. "I must clarify that my family¡¯s absence has no bearing on the hearing. If you don¡¯t mind, I would like you to proceed," David responded. "We also have a two-year education certificate you completed, along with testimonies affirming your good behavior," he said, glancing at a nearby guard. It was the same guard who had returned David to his cell the day he lost consciousness in the library. "That would be all of your documents," the hearing continued. "Moving forward, from a standpoint of justice, what leads you to believe that you have fully reformed yourself in applying for parole?" "Being completely honest, I don¡¯t care much about those details, but I am absolutely certain that I will not repeat my previous abhorrent actions." Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! "In fact, with each passing day, I develop a growing aversion to the actions that should condemn me to a life of shame in this prison. Nonetheless, for some reason, I feel a pressing need to leave this place." "And what is that reason?" the board asked. "A life that I once abandoned, a life I am compelled to reclaim, that is the extent of what I shall divulge." Both of them directed their attention toward the young woman and began discussing in muted tones. After a considerable lapse of time, the young woman ultimately broke her silence and spoke for the first time. "Since you are already aware that I am not a member of the parole board, I should clarify that I represent the Walkers Association. My department is tasked with investigating data regarding individuals with abilities who have committed unlawful acts of violence." "I have already conducted two of your hearings, both of which were rejected. If your application is rejected this time, you will not have another opportunity for three years, I must add." "¡®Therefore, the sole query I will pose on this occasion is: What recollections do you have regarding the incident?¡¯ she said once again, her expression unwaveringly neutral." "Aside from the incident, my memory is quite intact. For example, I still recall your name, Rebecca," David said, aiming to provoke her. "Please quit with the pleasantries and address my question directly," she demanded. "David released a heavy sigh before he began to speak. I was at school, having just returned from the training grounds where I had been practicing my darkness powers, but after that, my memory becomes unclear. What follows in my memory is a nightmarish blur, me standing over the disfigured corpse of my friend, my hands drenched in his blood." "In the previous two hearings, you also mentioned that you believe you are guilty. What do you have to say about that?" Rebecca asked, maintaining a straight face, still showing no hint of emotion as she posed the question. "The truth is, I don''t know whether I am guilty or not." "What do you mean?" the board asked, seeking clarification. "I don''t know because I can''t remember anything. Earlier, my guilt made me accept responsibility, but the truth is, I genuinely don''t know if I did this." "What about the evidence against you?" "You have no substantial evidence against me. The witnesses the court brought forward were unreliable, and the only thing they relied on was my confession, which was enough to secure my conviction." "Why the sudden change in your defense? Do you realize that it won''t help you at all?" she asked, her voice rising. "I would characterize it as an effort to clear my conscience." "Why are you so confident in your plea this time, if I may ask?" she continued. "Because I am not relying solely on my plea this time, I would like to apply for parole to reduce my sentence by clearing Rifts." "Enough," she declared, her demeanor altering markedly as her eyes widened, betraying an unexpected depth of emotion for the first time. "Meanwhile, David was completely absorbed in a thought: how does he complete his healing mission, given that it had not worked on him earlier today?" "Do you realize the gravity of the words you have just spoken?" she inquired, rising from her seat and causing her notable pen to fall from the edge of the table. "Yes, I am completely aware. That is why I am certain that the law mandates the acceptance of the request." David thought this was the perfect opportunity to complete his mission. Knowing the guards were behind him, he quickly moved towards the young woman, making it appear to the guards as though he was attacking her. The guard positioned in the left corner unleashed a torrent of flame, erecting a formidable barrier between the young woman and David. Since the distance between David and Rebecca was very short, David quickly dodged the fire barrier by crouching down and picked up her pen, making it appear as though he was merely there to retrieve it. The guard, in his zealous attempt to detain David, was rewarded with curses for inflicting first-degree burns on Rebecca along with David. David was let off as the board deemed his actions unintentionally harmless. He then turned to Rebecca, gently requested that she raise her left hand, and graciously offered to heal her. Having given up on her steadfast composure, she raised her left hand with a sense of hesitation, curious to observe how David would proceed. David understood that he had but a single opportunity to execute this task. Even during his prime, he had neglected to practice his light power, having been excessively proud of his dominance over darkness. It was his first time using his light power to heal someone with his power restraints on, as using abilities in prison was not permitted. The only way he could heal her was by expending all his mana at once, or at least that was his theory, which would momentarily nullify the effects of the power restraints. He stood still for a moment, gathered all his mana in his hand, and released a concentrated and potent burst of light power, aimed at healing Rebecca. Somehow, it proved to be successful. ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +2 SU +20 XP ? ? ? Although Rebecca was completely healed through the process, it had no effect on David; his burns continued to hurt. "Please return to your seat; the board wishes to proceed," said the old man. The board began discussing the matter and, after some time, made a statement. Since the law mandates acceptance, we are obliged to inform you that your parole has been officially granted. "You are required to clear 7 Rifts of Rank E, 5 Rifts of Rank D, 4 Rifts of Rank C, 3 Rifts of Rank B, 2 Rifts of Rank A, or 1 Rift of Rank S in order to reduce your sentence by one year. Additionally, after clearing a Rift, you must wait one week before clearing another. I trust you can calculate the details." "You shouldn¡¯t have exposed yourself to this risk. Only a rare fraction of prisoners, merely a few among thousands, emerge from this process alive," she continued, in a manner almost as if she cared for David. "This hearing is now adjourned," Rebecca declared, striking the gavel with a resounding echo throughout the room. 6 - Level Up ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +3 SU +30 XP ? ? ? Having met the XP required to level up, David once again began to burn up. He was sweating like a racehorse, and he succumbed to the overwhelming sensation, collapsing from his seat as his knees gave way and he fell to the ground. The guard grabbed his arm to help him stand but immediately felt the intense heat radiating from his burning body. This discomfort was surprising, given the guard¡¯s own resistance to high temperatures due to his fire power. ? ? ? LEVEL UP SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? As soon as the notification popped up, David was back to his senses, full of vitality. ¡°What is happening to you, David? Are you alright?¡± Rebecca inquired, her face reflecting an inability to articulate a definitive expression. ¡°It¡¯s nothing of great concern; it¡¯s simply that the burns on my skin are causing significant discomfort, along with the complete depletion of my mana during the healing process,¡± David made an excuse. But soon after David said that, he realized he no longer felt the burns and his mana seemed to be completely restored. "Does this mean that leveling up not only increases your stats but also fully recovers them?" he wondered, fascinated by the system''s abilities. Before the board departed, Rebecca instructed the guards to return him to the prison and permit him to rest, sensing that she might encounter him again someday. David returned to his prison cell with the guards. Once he was alone, he commanded the system to open his information menu. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 03 [ ? 0/100XP ] or [ ? 7 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 6 STATUS HP : ????? ?? DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? ?? STATS STRENGTH : 10 ? AGILITY : 07 ? STAMINA : 09 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : E Class [ ? 10 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] As I suspected, my stats have increased, my mana is full, and I now have 6 system units. ? ? ? YOU HAVE CREATED A NEW SKILL ? ? ? ? ? ? WOULD YOU LIKE SAVE IT ? ? ? ¡°Show me which skill I have created,¡± David commanded, feeling confused about it. POWERS LIGHT POWER : E Class [ ? 10 SU ] ? Healing Bursts DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] ¡°Oh, it¡¯s the one I used to heal Rebecca. However, what advantages might I gain by saving it?¡± David inquired. ? ? ? SAVING A SKILL MAKES IT MORE STABLE AND YOU CAN UPGRADE IT LATER ON ? ? ? ¡°In that case, it would be wise to save it,¡± David confirmed. ? ? ? SKILL SAVED ? ? ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : E Class [ ? 10 SU ] ? Healing Bursts [ ? 1 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] So, upgrades for skills become available only after saving them. However, I should conserve my system units for now, as I only have 6. Since David won his hearing, he would be permitted to clear his first Rift after 2 days. He still hadn''t decided which rank to select, and he no longer had to perform Rift collection duties, so his days passed as usual. The next day, David received several quests, which he was quite pleased about. After completing his daily protocols, he headed directly to the recreational yard. "Open the quest menu," David instructed. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] MAIN QUEST ? Escape the prison DAILY QUEST ? Complete 100 Pushups [ Reward : 2 System Units ] ? Complete 100 Sit-ups [ Reward : 2 System Units ] ? Complete 100 Squats [ Reward : 2 System Units ] ¡°Today''s daily quests are likely to be challenging, but they will be worthwhile, as I¡¯ll need substantial strength for the hunting grounds,¡± he implied, referring to the Rifts. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The yard was teeming with other prisoners, each competing for their own space to either work out or socialize. David finds a small patch of uneven ground littered with pebbles and debris, the only available spot to exercise. As he dropped to the ground for push-ups, he immediately noticed the difference in his strength. He was exercising for the first time in a long while, and his muscles felt hollow, as if there was nothing fueling them. He also had to navigate the uneven surface, with his hands occasionally landing on sharp rocks that dug into his palms, causing sharp pains that disrupted his rhythm. He struggled to maintain a straight form as his body contorted to avoid the debris. Moving on to sit-ups, David¡¯s core felt weak and unstable. Without the energy from proper nutrition, each crunch seemed like a monumental effort. He struggled to maintain a steady pace, feeling lightheaded and dizzy as he pushed through the rocks pressing into his back with each rep. The constant irritation from the debris made it difficult to maintain a steady pace. ¡°Since the meals in prison are often insufficient in both quantity and quality, David felt weak and undernourished. By the time it was time for squats, his legs were already exhausted. Each squat felt like lifting an impossible weight, and his lack of energy made it difficult to maintain balance. By the time he reached the 50th squat, he was completely spent, both physically and mentally, having to dig deep just to complete all 100.¡± ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +3 SU +30 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +3 SU +30 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +3 SU +30 XP ? ? ? The next day, David received the same quests. At LVL : 03 [ ? 90/100XP ], he required just 10 XP to level up, which he earned by exhaustively completing his exercises. In total, he acquired 9 system units and 90 XP.¡± But he also endured a far more intense burning sensation before he began to level up, as dictated by the system''s routine. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 04 [ ? 80/150XP ] or [ ? 10 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 15 STATUS HP : ????? ?? DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? ?? STATS STRENGTH : 10 ? AGILITY : 07 ? STAMINA : 09 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : E Class [ ? 10 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] ¡°David sat on the bed the night before entering his first Rift. The allure of adventure appeared to positively affect him, as the previous nights of profound sorrow and isolation no longer weighed upon him. David was starting to evolve into a different individual, though he continued to cherish his periods of seclusion.¡± He had no experience in real combat and was unsure which rank to choose for clearing Rifts. Moreover, he had no idea what to expect inside the Rifts or what kinds of beasts he might encounter. If I choose to clear E Rank Rifts, it will take me nearly three years. So, I think my best option is to start with D Rank Rifts. As I progress and grow stronger, I should be able to manage even B or A Rank Rifts in the near future and save a significant amount of time. His father once warned him that Rifts are perilous realms, far from the thrilling escapades depicted by the media. He had once ventured into a Rift with a group, only to witness the brutal annihilation of his companions by a single, relentless beast, leaving him as one of the scant survivors. David''s father was a distinguished RiftWalker, celebrated as one of the elite. Despite his expertise, he met a mysterious end within the Rifts later in life. In fact, David''s behavior only started to go downhill after his father''s demise. He always wondered what kind of beast could have overpowered his father. But he couldn''t give up now; after all, he had resolved to change himself. At his core, it wasn¡¯t the Rifts that frightened him, but rather the challenge of overcoming them, as he still felt weak. The next day, David rose an hour prior to his headcount. Upon examining his daily quest menu, he discovered that he was assigned the same exercises once again. It appeared that this might have become a permanent arrangement. He began his exercises in his prison cell to avoid exhaustion when venturing into the Rift. Exercising in the recreational yard was difficult and perpetually crowded with inmates, but in his cell, he felt at ease. Perhaps his body was also adapting to the workout routine. Before the hour was complete, David had adeptly finished every one of his quests. ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +3 SU +30 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +3 SU +30 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? DAILY QUEST COMPLETED ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +3 SU +30 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? LEVEL UP SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? Much to David''s surprise, he felt significantly less pain while leveling up this time, thanks to the improved condition of his body. "Since the level-up had restored his vitality, David had other things on his mind for the day. ''Open info menu,'' he commanded." [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 05 [ ? 20/250XP ] or [ ? 20 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 24 STATUS HP : ????? 1?? DEFENSE : ????? 1?? MANA : ????? 1?? STATS STRENGTH : 11 ? AGILITY : 07 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : E Class [ ? 10 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] My stats have improved significantly, increasing from 10 to 100 in just five levels. However, given that the XP required for each level is rising, I expect that advancing further will become considerably more challenging. Additionally, since I began working out, both my strength and stamina have increased by one. Now that I have 24 system units, he wondered whether he should upgrade something or save them for the future, feeling uncertain. I wanted to upgrade my Darkness power, but I don''t have enough system units. Additionally, since I''m entering D Rank Rifts, my powers need to be at least D Class to ensure successful survival. "¡®Upgrade my Light power,¡¯ David instructed the system." ? ? ? UPGRADING LIGHT POWER ? ? ? A beam of light began to emerge from his eyes, eventually enveloping him entirely. His body felt exceptionally healthy and full of vitality, as if he would never succumb to illness or age. As the light gradually dimmed and faded away, so did those sensations. ? ? ? UPGRADE SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? ¡°So, it¡¯s similar to a normal level-up, where the element I upgrade imparts its characteristics to me temporarily until the upgrade is complete. If I had an Ice power and upgraded it, would my body freeze during the process?¡± David thought, with chills running down his spine. "Well, none of that concerns me at the moment," he thought, distracting himself from the idea as he prepared for the day ahead. 7 - Rift of the Lost Worlds David was in power restraints and being transported to the Rift site in an armored prison truck. Gazing through the reinforced, narrow, netted windows, he could observe only the looming skyscrapers and the late afternoon sun slithering away with each fleeting moment. The world, he reflected upon, had undergone a profound transformation in just a few short years. ¡°Ah, so much for the first adventure,¡± he mused, reflecting on how the protocols that restrained and transported him like a criminal now seemed to overshadow his initial excitement. He lowered his head with a gloomy expression on his face. His legs bent high, and he stared through the visible space between his knees, pondering how he could manage to survive venturing into the Rift alone. He was abruptly jarred by the sudden braking as the truck stopped at the Rift site that had recently appeared. The muted cadence of the officers'' footsteps reached his ears, growing louder until they finally opened the truck¡¯s rear doors to escort him out. At last, before him lay a Rift, brimming with light and pulsing with continuous energy surges, allowing luminous rays of mysterious origin to emerge through the fissures. The Rift site was enclosed by barrier tape and marked with caution signs, delineating the area of potential danger. To his astonishment, the Rift was teeming with people. He observed numerous RiftWalkers adorned in gleaming armor and wielding lethal weapons, all seemingly prepared to venture into the Rift themselves. With a subsequent glance, his eyes settled upon a trio of prisoners also standing amidst the crowd. David realized he wasn¡¯t venturing into the Rift alone as he had thought, which gave him a slight sense of relief, until the RiftWalkers piercing gazes fell upon him, their faces full of anger and disdain. Perhaps it was the norm in this society to look down upon prisoners in such a way. "Captain Zack, here is the last prisoner you are to take into the Rifts with your group. You have been assigned by the Walkers Association to supervise these inmates along with your own team," the officer shouted loudly toward the crowd. Hearing the loud shouting that even Captain Zack could not ignore, he turned his head. Standing tall and lean, he appeared to be in his late thirties. His golden hair, coupled with his gleaming armor, conferred upon him an air of distinguished allure and formidable presence. He gave the officer a charismatic smile that could convince anyone of his benevolent nature and gestured for him to bring David toward the crowd. Assuming the officer was addressing him as "Captain," David quickly understood that Zack was the lead for this journey. He felt neutral, knowing that there might be a chance of leniency. The officer left David with the other inmates, still restrained, and asked Captain Zack, "What are we waiting for?" to which he replied, "Our group''s healer." As he finished speaking, a feminine voice emerged from behind, saying, "I hope I''m not late," as she caught her breath. The group, including David, turned to see a young woman with striking red hair, armor plates on her shoulders, and long, ample clothing that covered her entire body. "Her eyes are as sharp as a knife," David thought, finding them attractive, but he turned his head back. "Lizzie, it''s alright. You¡¯re right on time," Captain Zack responded. A man dressed in black brought a device that resembled a meter for detecting the energy levels of the Rift. It was roughly the size of a small car battery. As he brought the device near the Rift, it began to click at a slow pace, making a sound. "The procedure is complete; we''ll classify it as a D-Rank Rift. You are all allowed to enter now," he said, taking a few steps back and standing aside. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°All right, everyone, you are now under my command. Before we enter, make sure that everyone and everything is accounted for. The prisoners are to remain at the rear, and be considerate of one another. We don¡¯t know what kind of world we will encounter, but let¡¯s support each other and, as always, have a good hunt,¡± Captain Zack declared. He turned around and touched the Rift, and in an instant, his physical form transformed into radiant light and was pulled into the Rift. The others followed, one by one, until it was David''s turn. All of this was still unfamiliar to David. Hesitantly, he raised his hand and touched the Rift. Like the others, his body instantly transformed into radiant light and was pulled into the Rift. David felt as though he were traversing the vast expanse of the cosmos, disembodied, until he reached a brilliant light at the journey''s end. The entire experience unfolded in a mere instant. Thud ! David, feeling disoriented, managed to pick himself up and soon realized he had tumbled onto a small hill, surrounded by an unbroken expanse of desert that extended endlessly to the horizon. As extraordinary as it was, it was impossible to miss. It was a world of two suns, an unmistakable sight that struck the eye at once. After David, the remaining inmates arrived, streaming in like pouring water. At this moment, the prisoners were to be freed from their restraints, but Captain Zack deemed it unnecessary until the need arose. The entire group began to descend the small, rocky hill, each step echoing with the sound of crushing stones, until they reached the edge where the desert stretched out before them. The desert was bathed in the light of two suns, with its sand burning as though it were the core of a planet. The captain effortlessly extracted a thick rock slab from the small hill using his earth power. The entire group stepped onto it, and another member used his nature power to touch the rocky floor, causing thick plants to grow and provide shade. Lastly, Lizzie was responsible for extending a five-meter healing barrier to prevent anyone from becoming exhausted or dehydrated from the intense heat. However, it was not much of a surprise to the prisoners that they were not allowed to stand on the rocky slab formed by the Captain. They believed that society¡¯s judgment still required them to endure suffering for their crimes. Regardless of their behavior, David was still astounded by their group coordination along with their experience and how they managed to turn a hopeless situation into a walk in the park. Captain Zack looked around to determine in which direction to proceed. Noticing some ruins and tall stones at a large distance, he began moving the rock slab toward them, using the shade provided by the plants they had grown. David was forced to walk across the burning sand with no shade and power restraints still on. He lagged behind, along with the other prisoners, who were also suffering through the harsh environment and the hostility of the group. The group stopped after a while. David could see Captain Zack approaching from a distance and thought he would finally receive his help. As Zack closed the gap, David noticed with his narrowed eyes, which he struggled to keep open against the searing glare of the two blazing suns. Captain Zack reached David and, without any warning, Whack ! He delivered a powerful lever blow to David. Taken by surprise, the blunt force to his liver caused David excruciating pain, incapacitating him instantly. He collapsed onto the burning sand. ¡°The journey hasn¡¯t even started yet, and you¡¯re already proving to be a hassle,¡± Captain Zack asserted with a smiling face and his eyes half-closed. ¡°Let me make this clear, you¡¯re not getting any help from us. If you want to survive, you need to keep up. If you fall behind again, I won¡¯t stop to help you like I did this time,¡± he spat near David¡¯s face on the sand and returned to the group. Unable to remain any longer on the scorching sand, David forced himself to his feet and began to catch up with the group. Initially, his movements were slow and labored, but as the searing pain in his side gradually subsided, he managed to regain his pace. Determined not to fall behind again, he persevered through the discomfort and matched the group¡¯s speed, his resolve strengthened by Captain Zack¡¯s harsh words. ¡°When shit hits the fan, you¡¯ll be the first to die,¡± David intoned in his mind regarding Zack. ¡°Consider this a lesson from someone who once bullied others, took pride in his power, and always looked down on them.¡± he continued. By now, the soles of David¡¯s shoes had begun to burn from the intense heat of the sand. He was completely dehydrated, his throat parched and his skin dry and cracked. The oppressive heat seemed to press down on him, making each step a struggle. It felt as though he might collapse at any moment, his vision blurring and his strength waning as he desperately tried to keep walking. With his hands bound together by power restraints, David trudged through the middle of the desert. He felt as if he were a slave being sold from one market to another in the deserts of ancient Egypt. The power restraints chafed painfully against his wrists, and the feeling of helplessness and dehumanization had started to creep in, amplifying his sense of despair and isolation. Until his attention was diverted by a prisoner behind him, who suddenly began sprinting to the side and shouting something. The prisoner¡¯s frantic actions broke the monotony of the desert, hinting at a possible threat or opportunity. 8 - The Desert of Two Suns "Water, water!" He was shouting and running towards what he thought was a water source, but David looked around and found no actual source of water in sight. The mirage shimmered under the scorching suns, creating an illusion of liquid in the distance. He instantly remembered a phenomenon where intense heat can create optical illusions, making distant objects appear as though they are water. "David tried to stop him from pursuing the futile chase and urgently warned him to return. ''It¡¯s not real, it''s an illusion caused by the intense heat,'' David explained in a loud voice. ''If you stray too far from the group, you¡¯ll definitely die from dehydration or heatstroke. We need to stick together and stay safe.''" Much to his dismay, the prisoner turned back unwillingly, but only to ensure his survival. "¡®Hey, is it real? Are you sure it¡¯s not an illusion? We might miss the only chance to get water. The Captain''s group won¡¯t give us any,¡¯ the prisoner asked David, who was walking in front of him." "¡®Yeah,¡¯ David confirmed." "You''re not messing around with me, are you?" he asked again to confirm the confirmation. "No, I''m not," David responded, once again trying to keep it brief to avoid further conversation. "My name is Arnold. What''s your name?" the prisoner asked, still persistent. "David!" he spoke after a long silence. "So, what is your plan for survival?" Arnold continued with his relentless questioning. "Look, I still don''t have a plan. But stop talking for now, I''ll let you know when I do." David mentioned politely. Finally, he had a moment to himself. Immersed in thoughts about the situation, a solution gradually crystallized in his mind. David turned to survey the prisoners behind him, noting the evident weariness etched into their faces. They, too, had been meticulously conserving their strength. David knew they needed a plan. He asked Arnold to draw the attention of the other prisoners to him. Given Arnold''s talkative nature, this task was not particularly difficult for him. ¡°We need to find a reliable source of water soon,¡± David said firmly, addressing the prisoners. ¡°We cannot depend on illusions or hope for a miracle.¡± One of the prisoners, a woman named Elena, said they should search for signs of vegetation or some sort of animal tracks, if they exist in this abominable desert, which might lead them to a water source. The group set out, staying close to each other as they scanned the desert for any clues that might lead them to water. To their dismay, they found only desert plants and no water sources. By now, they had covered half the distance to the ruins and tall stones. They gave up the search for water, at least for the time being, and continued on, following the main group, which was still quite far ahead. Captain Zack observed the prisoners'' movements from afar, but to him, they appeared as good as dead as his group vanished into the desert''s ridges. David felt a sense of unease lingering in the air. The desert, though seemingly quiet, concealed dangers beyond thirst and heat. One of the suns had started to set when a sudden, distant scream shattered the silence. David bolted upright, his eyes scanning the ridges of the desert. In the distance, he saw flashes of movement and heard the sounds of chaos. Captain Zack''s group was under attack. "Remain low and silent," David whispered to the prisoners. "We must carefully evaluate the situation before taking any action." With that, he swiftly moved toward the main group. He cautiously approached the edge of the ridge where Zack''s group was engaged in battle. What David witnessed surpassed anything he could have imagined. From the sands emerged two colossal desert scorpions, their armored exoskeletons gleaming under the unforgiving light of the suns. These beings transcended any known natural entity, enormous, with claws as sharp as swords and two tails that emitted a sinister, venomous glow. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. They might have approached a height of 15 feet, a staggering size that only served to enhance their formidable and intimidating presence. "Use your weapons; they''re not just for show! Form a circle and protect yourselves!" Captain Zack was shouting while fending off the massive, crushing pincers of the scorpion, which could snap through metal and stone. With a single hit, the scorpion shattered the rock slab into pieces. Their claws were serrated along the edges, making them even more lethal in close combat. Following Zack''s command, the group began using their weapons to defend themselves. "James, conjure some thick veins to capture the scorpions'' limbs!" Zack instructed the member with nature powers. James placed his hand on the sand, and from a distance, thick veins emerged, ensnaring the limbs of both scorpions. ¡°Now!¡± David shouted. ¡°It¡¯s the perfect moment to act!¡± He began running toward Captain Zack while the scorpions remained immobilized. "I can assist you, but you must remove our power restraints!" David shouted at Zack, waiting for his response. His eyes, charged with a fierce intensity, intimidated Zack. "All right, fine. Come here; the situation demands it. However, if you attempt anything devious, I will deal with you first," Zack warned. As Zack freed the three prisoners and proceeded to the last one, both scorpions managed to break free. One of them then delivered a devastating slash to the abdomen of the final prisoner. The other scorpion ambushed a member of the group, delivering a fatal injection of its noxious, luminescent venom. As his blood vessels began to emit a ghastly glow, death ensued instantaneously. Even if the venom had not been lethal, the grievous injury inflicted by the stinger would have ensured a fatal outcome. As the battle raged on, Lizzie worked tirelessly, her healing touch providing vital support to those with minor injuries. The group, alongside the prisoners, engaged in a desperate defense, wielding their weapons and powers with precision and resolve. Now freed after years of restraint, David finally spoke. "The time has come for me to unleash my darkness power," he declared, his face devoid of any expression. He released a swirling chain of his dark power, ensnaring the shadow of one scorpion. Although the shadow was weakened under the two suns, a shadow different from that on Earth, it made no difference to David. Despite his darkness power having grown weak, his skill remained formidable and praiseworthy. He was pulling the chain with all his might, as though his life depended on it¡ªthough, in some respects, it did. David began to sever the shadow of the scorpion''s limbs from its body, causing the actual body to be torn apart. He persisted until the scorpion was throughly mutilated and ultimately killed. ? ? ? ENCOUNTERED A GIANT DESERT SCORPION ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : + 2 SU + 30 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? KILLED A DESERT SCORPION ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +5 SU +100 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? THE SYSTEM BESTIARY IS NOW AVAILABLE ? ? ? [ QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? BESTIARY ? ] BEAST ? Giant Desert Scorpion ¡°So, I even receive system units for encountering new species and killing them?¡± David wondered amid the battle but quickly refocused on the task at hand. He turned around and told Captain Zack to aim for the joints while the scorpions are covered in a thick, chitinous exoskeleton. The exoskeleton, nearly impenetrable, is weak at the joints where the plates meet. Targeting these joints can disable their limbs. Zack shredded the small pieces of the rock slab and fashioned them into pointed arrows with a thick base at the bottom. He waited for the right moment to strike. ¡°Now!¡± David shouted. Zack let it rain rocks on the giant''s limbs, rendering it immobile. As the rocks pummeled the scorpion, its limbs began to detach and fall off, ultimately killing the creature. After the creatures were vanquished, a profound silence enveloped them all. "It''s not even considered a high-level beast in the rifts, yet two lives have been lost under my command." "I am a C Rank RiftWalker and had trouble killing a giant scorpion. How did the prisoner manage to kill one single-handedly?" Zack wondered resentfully. Meanwhile, David¡¯s attention shifted to the scorpion he had slain. To his astonishment, he noticed a faint glow emanating from something near the carcass, visible only to him. It swiftly dawned on him that this phenomenon was intricately linked to the system. He approached it, only to discover that it was an armor. "So, this is an item dropped by the scorpion I killed?" David asked calmly. He reached out to touch the glowing armor. ? ? ? ARMOR AQUIRED : HEART OF THE DESERT ? ? ? ? Heart of the Desert Armor - Increases defense by 20%. - Increases endurance against desert heat by 50%. - Provides camouflage in sand. - These perks function exclusively in the desert environment. ? ? ? WOULD YOU LIKE TO WEAR IT ? ? ? ? ? ? YES / NO ? ? ? "It''s a no for now," David thought, assessing the situation. ? ? ? ARMOR MOVED TO INVENTORY ? ? ? He returned to the group. "We don''t have much time. We need to start moving before we lose sunlight, I mean, both suns light," David asserted. "Excuse me, who are you to dictate our actions? I am the leader here," Captain Zack said, his face flushed with anger. "You don¡¯t act like one," David replied, his tone laced with disagreement. "Ever since the journey began, you¡¯ve been too proud to offer us any help. All you¡¯ve done is look down on us," he continued. "If we hadn¡¯t helped you, you all might have died under your so-called leadership, which I deem poor," he said. Captain Zack was stunned. No words escaped his mouth. He avoided making eye contact with his group, his face etched with shame. David ascended the sand ridge to scan the surroundings. One of the suns was already halfway below the horizon, while the other had commenced its descent. David¡¯s gaze was captivated by the entrancing vista that unfolded before him. Although the land¡¯s hostility could not kill David, its overwhelming and sublime beauty exerted a profound and potentially fatal allure. Certainly, it was a moment of solace amid the disorienting expanse of this unfamiliar, lost world. 9 - Nightfall in the Ruins With each deliberate stride, the distance to my destination appears to dwindle, yet an inexplicable unease begins to envelop me, as though the very grains of sand underfoot are not merely displaced by my passage but are animated by some unseen force, subtly shifting in rhythm with my every movement, as if bound to my will or intent on some unknown purpose. David could be seen scribbling something in a small notebook. In truth, he obtained it from Mr. Robert to assist in compiling his bestiary, yet David now uses it merely to amuse his thoughts. Unseen by others, he keeps it in his inventory. "Perhaps I should have pursued an academic career, as my passion for acquiring knowledge and the elegance with which I convey it brings me immense satisfaction," David reflected as he walked. At this point, an hour had elapsed since they had defeated the scorpions. A swift decision was made to advance further before nightfall set in. One of the suns had vanished from view, while the other lingered only partially above the horizon, soon to disappear entirely. Meanwhile, the temperature had begun to drop significantly. Granting the group a sense of modest victory in their progress toward the ruins. ? ? ? YOU HAVE CREATED A NEW SKILL ? ? ? ? ? ? WOULD YOU LIKE SAVE IT ? ? ? A familiar notification popped up. "Why does this notification appear only after the event, David wondered, while proceeding to command ''Save the skill and show me.''" ? ? ? SKILL SAVED ? ? ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] ? Healing Bursts [ ? 1 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] ? Swirling Chain [ ? 1 SU ] What about the system bestiary? I remember it became available. Open it for me. [ QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? BESTIARY ? ] BEAST ? Giant Desert Scorpion "Open the Giant Desert Scorpion," David thought. [ QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? BESTIARY ? ] BEAST ? Giant Desert Scorpion ELEMENT - Earth SIZE - Standing 15 feet tall and stretching up to 23 feet in length. APPEARANCE - Covered in a thick chitinous exoskeleton of dull bronze that blends with the desert sand. - Equipped with serrated claws. - Two long, segmented tails with glowing stingers, each filled with deadly venom. - Multiple small, beady eyes are positioned atop the head. TERRITORY - Lives in deserts. - Extremely territorial, they will attack anything that enters their domain. BEHAVIOR - Typically lying in wait beneath the sand, they quickly burst out to ambush their prey. - While they can be active during the day, they prefer the cover of darkness when their prey is most vulnerable. WEAKNESS - The exoskeleton is nearly indestructible, but the joints where the plates meet are vulnerable. - The eyes are sensitive to light; bright flashes or fire can temporarily blind them. - Despite its size and strength, it is not particularly agile. He was astounded by the vast ocean of information laid out before him about just one creature he had encountered in the Rift. David, surprised by his own strategic insight, acknowledged that targeting their limbs in the heat of battle had been the right decision." "Hah, I¡¯ll be able to help Mr. Robert after all," David muttered reluctantly, his face flushed with shame, as he had only used the notebook for his poetic writing until now. "We''ll take a short break here before we move out again," Captain Zack informed the group. In the middle of this desert with no firm ground? David thought to himself. Though David would have been the first to agree, given his own exhaustion, he hesitated after recalling that the desert scorpions were nocturnal predators. He thought it best to keep moving until they reached the ruins. He did not want to risk confronting additional giant desert scorpions under the cover of night. "¡®Well, I suppose I''ll take the prisoners and move on. We have no reason to argue about it,¡¯ David said to Captain Zack, and then started forward with Arnold and Elena." The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Though utterly exhausted and dehydrated, David remained vigilant as he continued forward with the prisoners. After a couple of hours, they finally reached the ruins without encountering any ambushes or suffering any casualties. As he beheld the ruins strewn across the firm terrain, his eyes were immediately drawn to a vast passageway descending into the depths below. Yet, this was not the moment to delve deeper. He diverted his attention, turning to meticulously survey the surrounding landscape. The area was quite expansive. Despite the ruins being broken and scattered, David could also make out some jojoba plants interspersed among the remnants, as well as several other familiar desert flora. "David proceeded to ask Elena, ''Weren¡¯t you fighting the scorpions earlier today with your water powers?''" "¡®Ummm, that¡¯s true, but because my power is quite weak, I wasn¡¯t able to be of any help,¡¯ she responded, clearly disappointed in her abilities." "Well, that¡¯s not why I¡¯m asking. I¡¯m asking if you can extract and filter the water from those jojoba plants so we can drink it," David inquired, awaiting her affirmation. "I might be able to do that," she said, realizing why she hadn¡¯t thought of such a simple solution herself. In the moments leading up to their next move, she managed to extract water from the plants and ensured that both David and Arnold received their share, but only after taking her own fill. Once everyone was finished, David informed them that they would wait for the rest of the group before proceeding further down. Although Arnold was quite insistent, his arguments did not persuade David, who remained resolute in his decision. We''ll rest here. It will take the group a while to arrive since the rock slab was damaged in the scorpion fight, and they''ll have no choice but to walk. "And what''s your power?" David asked Arnold hesitantly, feeling like an information broker. I wield the power to manipulate and control fire at will. Arnold¡¯s precise description of his power made David exclaim, "That''s great! We could really use some fire right now." David added with a hint of relief on his face as they waited. "That won''t be possible," Arnold responded, averting his eyes while nervously rubbing the back of his neck. David was confused and dumbfounded, continually looking at Arnold with a question-mark of a face. Arnold raised his hand to eye level and released a spark of fire with all his might, the effort clearly reflected in his expression. All of David¡¯s doubts were dispelled when he observed a tiny, almost microscopic spark resembling a firework rising from Arnold''s finger. Both of them continued to stare at each other in silence. David reclined, reasoning that waiting for moonlight would improve visibility. Nonetheless, he recognized that fire remained essential because temperatures in the desert drop significantly at night. Until he fell asleep, enmeshed in his thoughts. Hardly any time had elapsed before he was abruptly awakened by the piercing scream of a woman. Has Captain Zack finally shown his true colors? Are we under attack by the group? David, burdened by these troubling thoughts, rose from his rest, only to have his suspicions violently shattered by the overwhelming and terrifying sight of a legion of serpents, illuminated by the dim moonlight, which had entirely engulfed their resting ground. They were typically just a few inches long, with delicate, almost imperceptible scales. When David sought to intimidate them by hurling rocks, their scales commenced an exquisite display of iridescence or enchantment, altering their hues in a manner that mirrored the ever-shifting environment around them. The creatures began leaping onto the prisoners, compelling Elena to flee in haste. Arnold scaled a towering ruin wall, leaving David behind. With his light power upgraded to a higher class, a thought crystallized in his mind. He swiftly gestured to the side, manifesting a makeshift blade that continually struggled to attain stability. It was the first time David attempted to harness his light power in a manner suitable for offensive use. His hypothesis was that by fashioning a blade from his light power, with particles accelerating to extraordinary velocities, he might succeed in penetrating the snakes'' scales and thereby dispatching them. Since his new skill was still unstable and mana consumption was exceedingly high, he knew he had only minutes before his mana might be depleted. He advanced, slicing through any snakes that sprang towards him. The task proved arduous, as the serpents, merely a few inches in length, demanded that his strikes be exceptionally precise to achieve any effect. Seeing the snakes being killed, the others began to hide in the holes beneath the ruins, among the stones, and in other crevices. Meanwhile, David was continuously receiving notifications from the system. ? ? ? ENCOUNTERED A LUMINARA SERPENT ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +1 SU + 10XP ? ? ? ? ? ? KILLED 9 LUMINARA SERPENTS ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : +18 SU +90XP ? ? ? ? ? ? KILLED 11 LUMINARA SERPENTS ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : + 22 SU +110XP ? ? ? In an instant, his body began to burn intensely, yet it didn¡¯t seem to bother him. After all, he knew he was going through a level up, and he collapsed to the ground. ? ? ? LEVEL UP SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? He received the same notification he had seen many times before at the conclusion of the process. He was grateful that the snakes retreated into hiding before his level-up commenced; otherwise, his collapse might have resulted in his demise. "It''s been a while since I last checked my info menu," he thought, and he commanded the system to open it. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 06 [ ? 110/500XP ] or [ ? 50 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 62 STATUS HP : ????? 1?? DEFENSE : ????? 1?? MANA : ????? 1?? STATS STRENGTH : 11 ? AGILITY : 07 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] "I appear to have made progress, yet I still haven''t fully adapted to the system," he said, disappointed by his earlier lapse in judgment during the battle. "I would like to make some changes," he said. He then instructed the system to display less important notifications later, as he did not want any hindrances during battle. ? ? ? SETTING CHANGE APPLIED ? ? ? Disappointed that he couldn¡¯t see the mana consumption of his light blade since leveling up recovers all stats, he instructed the system to create a small status window displaying his HP, defense, and mana consumption. ? ? ? SMALL STATUS WINDOW HAS BEEN CREATED ? ? ? And lastly, when the XP requirement has been met, I don¡¯t want to level up immediately. Please hold it until I choose to level up later. ? ? ? THIS WILL SLOW DOWN YOUR PROGRESS ? ? ? ? ? ? WOULD YOU STILL LIKE TO PROCEED ? ? ? ? ? ? YES / NO ? ? ? "It might slow down my progress, but this will ensure my survival," he said, proceeding to select "Yes." 10 - The Chamber Below Shadows manifested on the distant periphery, and David, with no other course of action, was compelled to prepare himself. He adopted a combative stance, watching as the ominous figures appeared to close in, only for the silence to be abruptly broken by the emergence of a voice. "Has the true essence of your criminal self finally emerged? I cannot help but note with concern the noticeable absence of the others." It was Captain Zack who had made his return with the group, after they had parted ways earlier in the day. But that was no reason to abandon his fighting stance. Conspicuous as it was, his hatred for Zack was unmistakable. "Boy, have you killed others?" Zack asked, his voice laden with intimidation. David remained silent. "It seems your silence speaks volumes," Zack said, as he unsheathed his sword. At this point, he only needed a reason. Thud! "Where in the world am I? Oh, I¡¯m in a Rift." Arnold muttered as he fell, disoriented, from the tall, ruined stone. His voice was crackling and diminished, and he remained unaware of his surroundings. Soon after, Elena followed, emerging from the shadows. "¡®Boss, we were waiting for you before heading below. Or at least, that¡¯s what this lean boy insisted,¡¯ Arnold said, pointing toward David." Zack sheathed his sword, his demeanor reflecting a sense of regret, as though he had let a significant opportunity slip by. David maintained his silence throughout the entire sequence of events. He hesitated for a moment, stepping back, before pressing forward toward the passage below, with the group trailing closely behind him. A member of the RiftWalker group kindled a light to dispel the darkness of the passage, then proceeded ahead of David, descending the dilapidated staircase with cautious steps. As he reached the final step, the arcane symbols etched along both sides of the passage, inscribed on the inner sections of the walls, gradually came to life, glowing with an ethereal light. In a matter of moments, the entire passage was bathed in light; the fire was no longer needed. ? ? ? AN ANCIENT LANGUAGE HAS BEEN DETECTED ? ? ? ? ? ? WOULD YOU LIKE A TRANSLATION ? ? ? ? ? ? YES / NO ? ? ? David was taken aback by the system¡¯s notifications and, with hesitation, proceeded to select "Yes." If the system is capable of understanding unknown languages, it suggests that the designer had ample knowledge of these languages to facilitate translation. "I wonder who this designer is and why I was chosen?" David was really concerned. David moved slowly as he read the text translated by the system. "The scorpions serve as the chamber''s arcane guardians; their purpose is not to protect the artifacts contained within, but to shield you from the perilous mysteries concealed inside." "If you wish to proceed, the blame is on you; even if you survive, the gains are only few." He had begun reading out of curiosity but ultimately finished with a profound sense of unease. Now a thought had taken root in David''s mind: was it the right choice to keep moving forward? Upon further contemplation, he reached a decision. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. "I think it''s dangerous to proceed without knowing what we¡¯re getting into. Can¡¯t we just head back out of the Rift?" David stopped, addressing the entire group. "¡®Hahaha, you¡¯re afraid of just this much? You weakling!¡¯ Zack burst into laughter." People like you lack even basic knowledge. As someone from a family of RiftWalkers, I assure you there is nothing to fear. The Rifts are indeed dangerous, but currently, we are in a D-Rank Rift. So far, the only entities we have encountered are beasts, and it is likely to remain that way. Higher-level entities cannot be found in such a low-level Rift. ¡°What do you mean, other high-level entities?¡± David asked, puzzled by Zack''s reference. "David¡¯s lack of knowledge, on the other hand, only fueled Zack¡¯s ego. He continued with pride, ''In the lowest-level Rifts, one encounters only beasts. However, the threat does not end with beasts; in fact, it begins there.''" The entities are divided into five levels of threat. ¨C Beast ¨C Shapeshifter ¨C Monster ¨C Behemoth ¨C Dragon When the threat is limited to an individual or a few more, it is classified under the first category, Beast. Conversely, when a larger group is under threat, the classification transitions to Shapeshifter. Likewise, when a city or greater region is imperiled, the threat level given is Monster. As for Behemoth, the threat extends beyond multiple cities. Finally, when the entirety of humanity faces danger, the threat is elevated to the level of Dragon. And as for the Rifts, we cannot exit until we¡¯ve secured the Rift¡¯s core. While the core itself is not directly tied to the final entity, obtaining it without defeating the entity is exceedingly difficult. Although this knowledge is far from basic, it is crucial for anyone daring to venture into the Rifts. Allowing individuals like you, who lack even the faintest understanding, into the Rifts is nothing short of a tragedy. "I can only wonder what the government was thinking, permitting criminals to enter such a place," Zack concluded with his harsh remarks. In spite of the stringent and harsh nature of Zack''s reality check, David managed to acquire new knowledge from the experience. After walking for a while through the broad passage, it unfolded into an even more expansive chamber. As the group cautiously entered the chamber, the air grew dense with ancient energy, resonating beneath their skin like a subtle, vibrating current. The walls were adorned with intricate arcane symbols, their strange, flowing patterns pulsing with an ethereal glow. This cast a dim yet surreal light, bathing the entire room in hues of sandy brown and reddish-yellow, evoking the warmth and mystique of an ancient desert landscape. David instinctively attempted to translate the symbols into text, expecting a familiar notification to appear, but none came. The absence of it struck him as strange. The chamber, vast and sprawling, resembled a labyrinth not designed for human navigation, with stone pathways that twisted and turned in disorienting ways. Sand trickled steadily from the cracks in the walls, as if the chamber itself were slowly crumbling under the weight of time. To the group, it felt as though they had entered a maze that harbored more secrets than treasures. "Spread out and find the Rift core before we encounter the entity. Meanwhile, those of lower rank should focus on gathering valuable artifacts and collecting the crystals," Zack commanded, turning to issue instructions to the group. Without hesitation, the others broke away from David, fanning out across the room to search for crystals and other valuable artifacts. Their greed overshadowed the sense of impending doom that clung to the chamber. They moved with purpose, their eyes glittering at the sight of the glistening crystals embedded in the chamber''s walls. Arnold looked as though he had entered heaven, his gaze transfixed on the valuables. But David felt something different. His mind was elsewhere, preoccupied by Zack¡¯s earlier words about different levels of threats, along with what the system had translated earlier, that the scorpions did not protect the chamber but rather protected those who wished to enter it. Eerie thoughts kept echoing in David¡¯s mind as his gaze swept over the towering walls, darkened corners, and twisting passages that led deeper into the chamber. There was no sign of movement, yet David felt something, an ominous presence. It was subtle at first, a vague sense that they were not alone. His unease began to grow. He felt as if the chamber was not just a maze of stone, but a trap. Somewhere within its dark recesses, hidden in plain sight, something unknown lurked, its presence completely veiled, waiting for the right moment to strike. David instinctively summoned his Light blade, which he had learned to create earlier, as the prickling sensation of being watched sent a chill up his spine. He scanned the room, but the only thing that met his gaze was the cold, indifferent glow of the symbols that adorned the walls. "I would like to save my Light blade to Skills," he thought inwardly. ? ? ? SKILL SAVED ? ? ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] ? Healing Bursts [ ? 1 SU ] ? Light Blade [ ? 1 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] ? Swirling Chain [ ? 1 SU ] "Now at least the blade will be more stable and consume less mana," David thought, feeling relieved to have one less thing to worry about. The others, oblivious to his worry, continued their frantic search, laughing softly to themselves as they pried crystals loose from their rocky beds. David looked around to locate Zack, only to find him behind. Zack, for all his bravado, was off near the far end, casually eyeing the artifacts but keeping his guard up, though his stance was relaxed. "Such irony," David considered with a scathing glance at Captain Zack. "A pretentious display of bravado, deprived of authentic valor." Suddenly, a sharp, icy breath of air passed over David''s neck. He froze. It was as if the room itself had exhaled. His heartbeat quickened. Was it just his imagination? Or was something really watching them? 11 - The Hunt Begins Just as David was about to speak, a blood-curdling scream tore through the chamber. It was high-pitched, desperate, and filled with raw terror, reverberating off the stone walls like a warning bell. Everyone stood frozen, their hands tightly clutching their weapons, eyes wide with shock. Zack, bracing himself, readied to unleash his earth power. David whirled around, his heart thundering in his chest. A member of the RiftWalker group, whom Zack had referred to as Henry during a conversation David had overheard while passing through the passageway, lay collapsed on the ground, his face contorted in sheer terror. His body twitched unnaturally, and his mouth opened as though he were trying to say something, but no words came out, only an agonized gasp. Before anyone could react, the shadows near Henry rippled, distorting like reflections in disturbed water. Something unseen slithered across the floor, gradually taking shape, a formless silhouette shifting in and out of visibility, before returning to Henry. David quickly became aware of a translucent, hand-like apparition lodged within Henry''s mouth, its grip tightening around his cervical vertebrae before brutally wrenching it free through his throat. His body crumpled to the ground, a torrent of fresh blood cascading from his shattered neck and gaping mouth. Alas, Henry was no more. David''s stomach churned. "It''s a shapeshifter!" Captain Zack shouted, recognizing it as the worst possible scenario. The shapeshifter had begun its hunt. It moved with unnatural speed, its body morphing and shifting as if it was made of smoke and shadow. One moment it was formless, and the next, it was wearing Henry''s face, mimicking his very form as it stood to its full height. The eerie doppelg?nger locked eyes with the group, its expression a grotesque parody of the terrified man it had just consumed. ¡°Stay together!¡± Zack barked, his sword drawn in an instant. His voice cut through the tension, and the rest of the group snapped into action, forming a defensive circle. David¡¯s mind raced as his eyes darted from shadow to shadow. The Shapeshifter could be anywhere. "Damn it, where are you?" The Shapeshifter''s twisted form darted between the group, its presence flickering like a bad memory. Each time it appeared, it was different sometimes as Henry, other times as members of the group, and at one terrifying moment, it wore David¡¯s own face. David¡¯s breath quickened. His instincts screamed at him to run, but he knew there was no escape. Not until they found the core of the Rift. And now, with the Shapeshifter loose, the real hunt had begun. Somewhere, deep within the maze, the heart of the chamber pulsed with dark energy, the Rift''s core waiting to be claimed. But David knew one thing for certain, this was no longer a quest for Shards. This was a fight for survival. The shapeshifter glided through the chamber like a shadow, assailing the remaining survivors with unnerving swiftness. Captain Zack''s eyes meticulously scanned the chamber, despite the radiant glow of arcane symbols illuminating the space, intent on detecting even the faintest hint of the elusive creature''s presence. Each fleeting appearance of the shapeshifter was followed by an equally swift disappearance, leaving Zack seething in frustration, his every effort to confront the foe thwarted by its maddening agility. Zack cursed under his breath, "I can''t wait any longer; I must take action." Every flicker of movement in the sand or tremor in the chamber''s floor made Zack act on instinct, raising walls of earth around him in a desperate attempt to trap the elusive foe. Yet, time after time, the creature slipped through his grasp, leaving only empty space behind. The disturbance blanketed the area in a cloud of dust, forcing everyone to scatter and making it easier for the shapeshifter to target them individually. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. "The shapeshifter could be anyone," David thought. The notion twisted inside him like a knife. He concentrated on his light blade, sweat beading on his forehead. Panic surged through the group. No one knew who to trust. Every shadow became an enemy. Gritting his teeth, Zack prepared another earthbound prison, but this time David, standing nearby, shouted, "Zack, stop! You''re using up all the space. We''re getting boxed in!" Zack turned toward David, glaring with frustration boiling over. "Then what do you suggest I do? Stand here and watch it tear us apart?" David fell silent, his mind racing as he tried to assess the situation. His gaze swept over the chaotic scene, the confusion and panic spreading among their group as the shapeshifter¡¯s attacks grew more relentless. David pondered Zack''s words, his brow furrowed in thought. But isn¡¯t the shapeshifter a higher-ranked entity than mere beasts? he mused. How could something of that level be present in a D-Rank Rift? Suddenly, something caught David''s eye, a flash of familiarity. The shapeshifter had transformed, this time into Lizzie, seamlessly blending into the chaos. David blinked, momentarily confused. In the midst of the frenzy, he found it difficult to distinguish the real Lizzie from the impostor. Zack and the others, already on edge, lunged at Lizzie, believing her to be the shapeshifter in disguise. Swords swung, fists flew, and the air crackled with the sound of attacks. She was barely avoiding death but had sustained minor injuries. David¡¯s heart leapt into his throat as he realized the peril. "Stop!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the noise. "Lizzie, heal someone quickly!" Lizzie froze for a moment before understanding dawned. She raised her hands and began to channel her healing energy toward one of the injured. As her powers flowed, David called out again, "The shapeshifter might be able to mimic faces and bodies, but I don''t think it can copy abilities!" The room fell still for a beat as the real Lizzie¡¯s healing light washed over them, and David hoped his gamble would pay off. The group, now certain of the real Lizzie¡¯s identity, shifted their focus entirely to the shapeshifter. A member with nature powers relentlessly tried to ensnare the creature with vines and roots. However, the shapeshifter¡¯s speed outmatched his every effort, slipping through the nature-infused traps like water through fingers. A realization settled on them all that speed was the key. Without it, there was no chance of catching the shapeshifter, let alone evading its attacks. Captain Zack inhaled deeply, centering himself. His eyes sharpened as he turned. ¡°Focus,¡± he commanded in a low, steady voice. "We need precision. Use your powers to drive it toward me." The man with nature powers nodded, this time with his hands glowing faintly green as he prepared his next move. Zack then turned to Lizzie. ¡°Boost my senses,¡± he said. ¡°I need absolute clarity.¡± She nodded. "On it." She raised her hands, channeling her energy toward Zack. Her healing power merged with his concentration, heightening his focus. As the plan commenced, it unfolded precisely as they had predicted. The shapeshifter, flickering between transparency and visibility, was being subtly herded toward Zack. Its form darted between them like a fleeting shadow, its movements erratic but started to become increasingly predictable. "This is what I was waiting for, you sly fox," Zack smirked. When it finally neared Zack, it vanished completely, turning invisible just feet away from him. Yet, Zack remained unnervingly calm, his breathing controlled, his sword steady in his hand. In that moment, with heightened senses and unparalleled focus, he detected the faintest shift in the air, the telltale sign of the creature''s presence. In one fluid, precise motion, Zack swung his sword, slicing through the space where the shapeshifter had vanished. For a moment, silence reigned. It seemed as though he had missed. But then, a sharp hiss broke the quiet, and the shapeshifter reappeared, clutching its arm where Zack¡¯s blade had grazed it. The creature''s true form began to show slightly, with a patch of scaled, green skin like that of a lizard, gleaming under the arcane light. Zack narrowed his eyes to see what it looked like while holding his blade steady. ¡°Got you,¡± he muttered, his voice cold with resolve. He was still aware that his earth power was too slow to attack the shapeshifter, so he would likely have to rely on his sword. The others, emboldened by this fleeting glimpse of its vulnerability, readied themselves for the final strike. However, this merely intensified the shapeshifter''s ire. He unleashed a vortex of shadow that enveloped him entirely, causing him to disappear once more, this time utterly and without trace. No one could anticipate anything this time, and within moments, the shapeshifter claimed another victim. It cleaved through another member''s abdomen, causing his intestines to spill forth. As he frantically tried to gather his disemboweled entrails, the shapeshifter delivered a decisive, fatal stroke to his neck, bringing a swift end to his life. Driven by a single thought, Zack dashed to Henry''s dead body and shouted, "Is there anyone here who can use water powers?" A voice called out in response, and it was Elena. Zack loathed the idea of depending on a prisoner for help, but he had no other option. "Use the blood dripping from Henry''s body and throw it upon the shapeshifter. It might help us neutralize his invisibility." Elena regretted having responded to Zack and found herself ensnared in contemplation about her next course of action. Despite her imprisonment for utilizing her powers to pilfer luxuries and valuables, she had never experienced such a profound sense of degradation. "What leads you to believe she would resort to such an abominable action?" David demanded of Zack amid the chaos of battle. "You should appreciate what human beings are capable of when their survival is at stake," Zack replied dismissively. Although David was at odds with Zack, he recognized that the resolution of the battle might ultimately hinge upon the decision Elena made. So it was only a matter of time whether she would do it or not. 12 - Blood Bath Even the tiniest particles of blood began to drift into the air, slowly converging as if bound by an unstoppable pull. The body was drained, every drop of blood siphoned away until nothing remained but a husk of flesh. A pool of crimson now floated, suspended in space, and through it, everyone could see Elena standing eerily clear on the other side. ¡°What do you want me to do now?¡± Elena asked Zack, her voice trembling with clear distress. "Wait, we have only one chance. If we miss, it will be our end. The shapeshifter moves with terrifying speed, so we must coordinate with absolute precision to avoid failure." "Let invisible particles of blood float in a circle around you and act as bait for the shapeshifter. The moment it steps into the circle, you¡¯ll sense its presence. React instantly, hurl all the blood at it, and I¡¯ll cover you from behind in the meantime," Zack suggested. But in truth, he didn¡¯t care about Elena at all. All he had was a single aim, and he was willing to do anything to achieve it. David, on the other hand, saw the plan as foolproof, yet he still didn¡¯t trust Zack with Elena¡¯s life. However, before he could do anything about it, he was caught off guard. The shapeshifter began attacking David unpredictably. Whenever David sensed its presence, he swung his light blade in all directions. But despite his efforts, he wasn¡¯t hitting anything. By now, David was growing desperate. He had no prior experience in battle and had never faced an enemy for such an extended period. His Light blade wasn¡¯t working as he expected, so he shifted to his Dark powers without hesitation. To his surprise, so did the shapeshifter. David began releasing a surge of Dark power, generating a small wave of destructive energy. He believed this attack could prove highly effective in close combat. But the shapeshifter remained ever-elusive. Now that David had exhausted his efforts, it was the shapeshifter¡¯s turn to reveal his dark powers. A nightmarish veil was unleashed by the shapeshifter. At first, David only noticed his vision being obscured, but soon he realized that this wave of dark mist was inducing fear and hallucinations. Before long, David was paralyzed by it. Thoughts of discouragement and fear began to envelop his mind, while he struggled to move his body. Certain of his abilities, the shapeshifter no longer relied on his speed as he approached David slowly through the thick mist. With David unable to move, the creature delivered a mighty slash with its razor-sharp fingers. David was hurled out of the mist and fell in a terrible landing. Although most of the damage was mitigated by his defensive shield, he began to recover his movement now that he was out of the mist. STATUS HP : ????? 12? DEFENSE : ????? 3? MANA : ????? ?? "I can¡¯t believe that without the defense, an attack of that magnitude would have been deadly," he thought, as he struggled to get up. But at least I know how the defense works now. "Given that the defense is almost gone, another hit will definitely be fatal," he continued. Emerging from the mist with its sights set on David, the shapeshifter''s focus was abruptly shattered as Zack struck from behind with his sword. "Finally, a touch of teamwork from you, meathead!" David said, giving Zack a knowing look. Zack raised the ground with his earth power in such a way that all the shapeshifter could see was the defenseless Elena standing at the other end. Without delay, the shapeshifter, hidden from sight, raced toward Elena. But Elena had already set up a defense of tiny, floating blood particles to reveal its presence. As soon as the shapeshifter entered the circle, Elena threw a pool of blood at him, revealing his presence amidst the ensuing bloodbath. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The shapeshifter seized her arm, then opened its horrifying maw, which still bore the remnants of a bloodbath, dropping from its face. It bit through her neck. Her head dropped with a chilling thud, her life snuffed out, only to be used by Zack for his upcoming attack. Without further ado, Zack acted with all his might, using his earth power to seize the shapeshifter by the legs and delivering a powerful blow to its face with his sword. Despite Zack¡¯s swift attack, the shapeshifter managed to turn its head. The sword sliced through its cheek but was caught by its rotten, gnashing teeth. In moments, the blade shattered into pieces, forcing Zack to retreat and prepare for the shapeshifter¡¯s fury. A harrowing scream reverberated through the air as the shapeshifter, now cloaked in blood, was seen by them all. The very presence of this nightmarish creature was so terrifyingly grotesque that it provoked an instinctive chill in all who beheld it. This raid is a total bust. "We''ve already lost 5 out of 13 people," Zack said, desperation in his voice. "But this damn creature doesn¡¯t look like it''s anywhere near finished." Meanwhile, David opened his info menu, thinking of something new to try. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 06 [ ? 110/500XP ] or [ ? 50 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 62 STATUS HP : ????? 12? DEFENSE : ????? 3? MANA : ????? ?? STATS STRENGTH : 11 ? AGILITY : 07 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] "I can boost my stats, right?" he asked the system. ? ? ? YOU CAN USE SYSTEM UNITS TO BOOST STATS ? ? ? "Then boost my strength by 2 points and my agility by 3 points," he commanded. ? ? ? BOOST SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? ? ? ? BOOST SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? STATS STRENGTH : 13 ? AGILITY : 10 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? "Let¡¯s see if I notice any difference," he said. David jumped back into the fight once again. Zack was struggling, even with Lizzie''s healing boost working overtime. Meanwhile, the other member was going all out with his nature powers, trying to pin down that sneaky shapeshifter. It was chaos! David now found it easier to defend himself. He could see the shapeshifter''s movements clearly, unlike before, when he could only keep up by predicting where the shapeshifter might appear. His increased speed allowed him to track the shapeshifter''s movements more accurately. This advantage of his stat boosts, gave him the edge he needed. He waited patiently for the perfect moment to strike, intent on catching the shapeshifter in its elusive shadow. He longed to tear the shapeshifter apart once he had ensnared its shadow with his skill, but the bright radiance of the arcane symbols throughout the chamber made this skill impossible. Or perhaps the skill wouldn''t work at all due to the difference in their power levels, making it a gamble that ultimately went unused. Since catching the shadow was not possible, he resorted to another skill. He unleashed another surge of dark energy in small, controlled waves, his focus sharper this time. The skill had been refined, and the dark energy now moved in a smooth, wavy pattern towards the shapeshifter. Trying to handle four attackers at once, the shapeshifter attempted to evade the onslaught. However, the new wave pattern proved too effective, and the dark energy struck it directly, throwing the shapeshifter off balance for the first time. ? ? ? ENCOUNTERED A LYZARION ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : + 10 SU + 100 XP ? ? ? So, the encounter notification is received only when I come into direct contact with the creatures. It has a name as well, so the shapeshifter is its threat level, not the name itself. But isn''t it considered a higher threat level compared to beast? As it struggled to regain its composure, Zack seized the opportunity. With a fierce battle cry, Zack slashed his sword with precision, aiming to exploit the moment of vulnerability created by David''s strike. "Open the bestiary," he commanded the system. David was now eager to learn more about it. [ QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? BESTIARY ? ] BEAST ? SHAPESHIFTER ? ? LYZARION "Huh, just as I thought. It¡¯s an entity of a higher threat level." With that, I now have two threat levels saved in the system. "But that doesn''t concern me at the moment," he said, remaining focused. He then commanded the system, "Show me Lyzarion''s weaknesses." [ QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? BESTIARY ? ] BEAST ? SHAPESHIFTER ? ? LYZARION ? ? ? NO INFORMATION AVAILABLE ? ? ? "Damn it. Does it mean the information I got about the desert scorpion was only available because I had already killed it?" And here I thought this might give me an upper hand in the fight. "I need to think of something else and finish off the shapeshifter," David thought, deeply immersed in finding ways to defeat it. As he was pondering solutions, the remaining members of the RiftWalker group started to come out from the maze with crystals and valuables, along with Arnold. As soon as he observed Arnold, who was enveloped in gold amidst the opulent desert landscape and wore an expression of sheer bliss, a thought suddenly occurred to David. He waited until Arnold approached him. ¡°How deep does the maze stretch inside the chamber?¡± he asked Arnold, who was now confused by the ongoing battle. ¡°What¡¯s going on here, man? Is this creature here for my gold?¡± he turned, questioning with his own concerns. ¡°That¡¯s not what I asked,¡± David said. ¡°I need an answer quickly.¡± ¡°Oh, the maze isn¡¯t that large, but it¡¯s designed in such a way that if one overlooks the signs on the walls, they might easily get lost.¡± ¡°Is the sand also seeping through the walls?¡± David inquired once more. ¡°Yeah, man, it¡¯s quite messy inside,¡± Arnold replied, still unaware of what David was getting at. With fierceness in his eyes, he asked one last question. ¡°Now tell me, does the maze also have many walls inside it that overlap each other?¡± 13 - The Chameleon Game A sphere of dark energy, encountering the air as it advanced, relentlessly pursued its predetermined target. Nothing could hinder its trajectory except when it struck the target itself. Repeated blows were delivered to the shapeshifter. Though the damage inflicted was non-existent, they effectively compelled the shapeshifter to devote his full attention to David. "¡®Hah, how''s that for your bloodthirst?¡¯ David exclaimed, having successfully captured the shapeshifter''s attention. It might have been foolish, but it was a plan he had devised on instinct." It was a huge gamble. If it didn¡¯t work, he might not leave the Rift alive. He started running into the maze, the fury of the shapeshifter now hot on his heels. Everyone else looked at David with bemusement, wondering what he was attempting to accomplish as he ran into the maze. He halted abruptly at the first intersection, scanning the paths before him, tightening his grip as he struggled to decide which way to go. This maze was unfamiliar, as he was entering it for the first time. Which way? His thoughts spiraled in confusion. Arnold said something about signs. David cursed under his breath, clenching his fists. But I didn¡¯t ask what the damn signs were! "Is this the best I could come up with? A shitty plan, half-formed, with no real thought behind it?" he muttered to himself. His mind screamed at the absurdity of it all. He had thrown himself into the maze without thinking, without asking the right questions, and now his life was hanging by a thread because of it. "Alright, focus," he muttered, forcing himself to stay calm. He cast a quick glance at the towering, ancient stone walls around him. They stretched upward, their surfaces cracked and worn, yet some bore faint engravings, arcane symbols barely visible due to the passage of time. Without hesitation, he chose that path. Behind him, he could hear the unmistakable sound of the shapeshifter¡¯s angry pursuit echoing through the path he had just passed. David knew the shapeshifter wouldn¡¯t stop until he was found. "Not now... not yet," David whispered, a bead of sweat rolling down his temple. If the shapeshifter caught up to him now, everything would fall apart. The symbols seemed to lead him deeper into the maze, the passageways becoming narrower, the air thicker with the scent of dust and dry stone. He barely noticed the pain in his legs or the exhaustion creeping in. His mind was consumed by the chase, and by the plan he had hastily thrown together in his moment of desperation. A little while later, he found himself at a section with no openings, another dead end. The symbols no longer offered any guidance, he thought. He turned back and kept moving. He had to run for his life. As he reached another junction of walls, each path stretched out before him like an unsolvable riddle. To his dismay, every direction now bore symbols. David¡¯s breath hitched. "Damn it¡­ Which one?" he muttered running a hand through his sweat-drenched hair. His gaze flickered between the symbols, desperately attempting to decipher their meaning, when a realization struck him. The deeper he ventured into the heart of the maze, the more the walls seemed to tower above him, gradually ascending in height as though the entire maze were constructed to form a pyramid, rising from its outskirts toward the central core. Perhaps the clues no longer resided in the symbols, he thought. Maybe the answer lay within the very structure of the walls themselves. And then he noticed a section of wall that remained consistently the same height. Acting on a hunch, he began to follow this wall, only to discover that no matter where he moved, it retained its uniformity, unaffected by the pyramid-like structure of the surrounding walls that rose from the outskirts to the center of the maze. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. By following this wall, he was no longer encountering dead ends. Sift! As he neared the center of the maze, he finally heard a sound. With each step, a soft sift! echoed as sand trickled through the walls. Compelled by the noise, he pursued it, ultimately arriving at the very heart of the maze. Once again, he found himself in a brightly lit room, open from all four directions. This room was unique, adorned with signs indicating the presence of valuables, though they were no longer there. He took note of scattered pieces of shattered crystals, glimmering faintly in the light, resting amidst the sand that seeped through the fractured walls. So, the room was messy, entirely because of their own making. Arnold wasn''t honest enough to include this in his details, which led David to think, what an irony. He now stood staring at the center, where two towering walls rose all the way to the ceiling, their base covered in trickling sand. The sight was imposing, reminding him of shifting sands in an hourglass, each grain marking the passage of time, like sands through the hourglass, just like the days of our human lives. "This seems like a perfect place to end the shapeshifter, or perhaps to die trying if I fail," he determined, steadying his breath. Now, it was time to ensure the plan''s success. He proceeded to open his inventory. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] ITEMS ? 1 S-Class healing barrier [ RARE ] ? Mysterious book cover [ ??? ] ? Heart of the Desert Armor [ EPIC ] "Select the armor," he said. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] ITEMS ? Heart of the Desert Armor - Increases defense by 20%. - Increases endurance against desert heat by 50%. - Provides camouflage in sand. - These perks function exclusively in the desert environment. "Wear the armor," he commanded. The armor manifested gradually upon his body, as though a swarm of nano particles were racing across his torso with astonishing speed, seamlessly assembling until the entire armor was meticulously formed, every segment locking into place with fluid precision. He also felt the weight, along with its strong construction. It felt strange, but he reassured himself that it should work. "¡®Show me my status now,¡¯ he asked, eager to check if the armor had improved anything." STATUS HP : ????? 12? DEFENSE : ????? 3? + ? 3? MANA : ????? ?? So, my defense did increase by 20%. That should give me the durability to survive at least one more attack. Stepping back, he made his way toward the corner from which he had initially entered the room, where an abundance of sand gathered near the floor. As he neared the sand, he hoped he would completely disappear by activating the armor''s perk, but no effect seemed to take place. This is the perk on which I am depending, so the camouflage should function effectively. Perhaps I simply cannot perceive my own disappearance, yet I must be invisible to anyone observing the wall. Well, I suppose when the shapeshifter arrives, I will find out. I can hardly believe I am placing my despairing life in the hands of the system. Now, all I have to do is wait silently for the shapeshifter to arrive. He stood attentively, prepared for it to appear at any moment. He waited, but there was no sign of anything. The shapeshifter was quite close earlier, so why hasn''t it reached the center yet? But David kept waiting because that was the only way for the plan to work. Still, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, nothing revealed itself, and the maze echoed with an oppressive stillness, completely devoid of any sound or activity. Or perhaps the shapeshifter had returned to hunt the others, David thought, since it couldn''t find him. The silence was palpable, thickening the air around him. "Maybe I should make some noise," he thought, considering the idea of clapping or shouting to draw it out. Yet, doubt crept in. "What if it¡¯s a trap?" he murmured to himself, hesitating. After a moment of indecision, he waited a little longer, the tension reaching its peak. Finally, he concluded that it wasn''t coming, feeling a wave of frustration and resignation wash over him as the plan had failed drastically. Just as he prepared to move his leg back to leave the center of the maze, completely disappointed, a chilling hiss echoed above him, a sound so eerie that it sent an icy dagger of shivers down his spine. Instinct kicked in, and he nearly bolted, but he forced himself to stop. Slowly, he turned his head upward, and there it was, the shapeshifter, its form clinging to the wall with all four limbs, staring directly down at the floor. Its eyes glinted with an unsettling intelligence. Confronted with this sight, David found himself paralyzed by fear. Even if he wanted to flee, his legs would not obey him. Even the notion of attacking the shapeshifter rendered his arms utterly immobile. All in all, he found himself handicapped by the overwhelming intensity of the moment. The shapeshifter leaped from the wall above him, landing directly in front of David, its back turned toward him. "Maybe it really can¡¯t see me, right? The camouflage is working," he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. As the shapeshifter turned its head to scan the surroundings, David''s assumption was confirmed, but that offered him no relief in this situation. A manifestation of pure malevolence stood just a few feet away, completely unaware of David''s presence." "What should I do now?" he wondered, his mind racing with possibilities. "If I move, it might sense me. If I breathe too loudly, it could detect my presence. And if my heart pounds any harder, I¡¯ll surely give myself away. I can¡¯t let it notice me, I have to stay completely still. David held his breath, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on him. With the shapeshifter right before him, David faced a dilemma of whether he should attack or wait. What if he proceeded to strike but it still fails? 14 - No Holds Barred Upon closer inspection, its obsidian eyes blinked sideways, and the thick veil of red blood coated its body. Amidst the patches where the blood had receded, glimmers of green scales became visible. Its hand, equipped with razor-sharp claws, appeared as if it were crafted for the singular purpose of destruction. With every breath it took, David could discern the foul air that accompanied it, and the stench was beyond bearable. Yet, all he could do was stand back quietly, waiting for the perfect moment. What could be the right moment to attack, he thought. Should he act quickly to ensure he did not miss this golden opportunity, especially now that his camouflage provided him with an advantage? At least now, David had begun to calm down, which only strengthened his resolve. Without hesitation, he summoned his light blade, and the moment it materialized, he thrust it forward, aiming to pierce the shapeshifter from behind with a single, exquisite motion. As soon as the blade made contact, David felt the creature''s hardened scales. In that brief moment, he had to decide whether to use all his strength to drive the blade deeper or brace himself for the shapeshifter''s counterattack. Well, I suppose there is truly only one option, he thought. With a sharp cry, he raised his voice, successfully driving the blade deep into the creature. His victory was short-lived as the shapeshifter turned its head, locking its obsidian eyes on David, void of pain or emotion. It was a brief yet chilling moment of horror. Even though David was invisible, he was still paralyzed with fear. With a single blow, David was hurled to the center of the room, away from the sand, causing his camouflage to vanish. The shapeshifter moved swiftly toward David, but he was already sprinting toward the sand near the wall to activate the only advantage he had in this battle. Without exerting any effort, David disappeared, leaving the shapeshifter once again confounded by his camouflage. That ought to have caused some damage, but why do I see no visible effects? I even willingly took a hit for it, though, fortunately, the blow was not fatal. STATUS HP : ????? 12? DEFENSE : ????? 3? + ? ? MANA : ????? ?? If that is the case, then I will continue until it finally takes effect. The shapeshifter still hadn''t fully grasped what was happening, but it was now more alert, having realized that David possessed an ability similar to its own. David attempted to shift from one wall to another, where sand covered the ground, but his opponent was highly vigilant. The fear of being caught prevented him from launching another attack. Each time David moved from one wall to another, he would reach a spot where the sand gave way to bare ground, instantly breaking his camouflage. As soon as he became visible, the shapeshifter pursued him immediately, but always lost track of him before it could close the distance. No one had ever taught David how to fight, nor did he possess any experience in combat. It was remarkable in itself that he was able to keep pace with the shapeshifter. "But how could I further exploit my abilities now that the shapeshifter knows I can vanish? Should I attempt to use the environment to my advantage?" he pondered, though he was already relying on the camouflage near the sand. Wait, should I spread sand across the floor? But that would make every step I take detectable, as any movement of the sand particles would reveal my position and completely undermine my camouflage. Or should I tuck the sand into my clothes to provide complete camouflage wherever I go? However, that would significantly slow me down, and there¡¯s no guarantee that the sand won¡¯t spill. David was lost in thought when the shapeshifter began swinging its arms through the air, convinced that he lingered there, unseen and hidden by invisibility. But David was standing elsewhere, contemplating that if he hadn''t moved, it could have been him. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. So David knew it was only a matter of time before the shapeshifter would overcome his only advantage. In this situation, David wanted to try another tactic against the shapeshifter. Though initially hesitant, he recognized that he had no alternative. He quickly exited the main room of the maze, remaining concealed from the shapeshifter, and made his way toward a long wall. As he reached the opposite side of the towering wall, he unleashed orbs of dark energy, pulsating with immense destructive power. With precision, he directed them to the base of the wall from the side, intending to propel the debris in the direction of the room. As soon as his attack struck the wall, it shattered it, continuing through the wall of the maze''s main room. The debris from the shattered walls scattered across the room, just as David had intended. Now, the shapeshifter stood two broken walls away, looking directly at David, whose camouflage was failing due to being away from the sand. The shapeshifter darted toward David, and David rushed toward the shapeshifter, but his true aim was the broken wall where sand was scattered, so he could disappear once again. As both raced forward at great speed, David managed to reach the sand first and vanished, narrowly evading the shapeshifter''s attack in the process. He instantly changed his position near the broken wall to avoid another attack. And once again, the game of hide and seek was on. The large pieces of the destroyed walls lay scattered in the center of the main room, with sand still present. All that was left for David was to spread the sand across the floor as he moved forward with his plan in motion. Avoiding the shapeshifter, David kicked the sand each time he approached the walls, ensuring it spread around him. David had to remain perfectly invisible to attack the shapeshifter, but that wouldn''t be possible until the entire floor was covered in sand. However, the presence of the shapeshifter made it difficult for David to complete his task. As David moved near the wall and kicked the sand toward the center of the floor, his location was revealed by the movement of the sand. In his haste, David made a critical mistake as the shapeshifter, still nearby, lunged forward, attacking the invisible area in hopes of striking David. David knew this was unavoidable, so he braced himself for the attack, which once again hurled him away from the wall, uncovering his camouflage. Fortunately, this time he landed on his feet, ready to flee once again to the walls that provided him with the camouflage to disappear. The shapeshifter had grown furious due to the hide and seek, but David had to do this to survive. It wasn''t as if David could hold his own against the shapeshifter with just his strength and fighting experience. David felt no shame in hiding and fleeing like this if it improved his chances of survival. The broken remnants of the walls lay strewn across the main room of the pyramid of a maze. Both combatants moved swiftly within, consumed by the intent to kill one another. Though their skills were vastly unequal, the overwhelming desire to survive blazed even stronger for David. Yet, even while exerting every effort, he found himself succumbing to hesitation, for doubt had revealed itself to be an even more pervasive enemy. How strange it was that, with every piece of his plan now in motion and the stage fully set, David still chose to avoid the shapeshifter. He stood motionless atop the shattered remains of the wall, unwilling to advance, despite having endured hell to reach this moment. "Why is it that I cannot proceed with my actions? Is it a lack of conviction, or am I merely afraid that my plan will fail? David pondered, acutely aware of his own hopelessness." Maybe I hoped to defeat the shapeshifter with my first attack to achieve perfection, but I wasn''t able to do so. Does perfection even exist? He stood there for a fleeting moment, one that seemed to stretch into eternity. Now that it has come to this, I suppose the only thing left to rely on is faith, he concluded, as he banished his lingering doubts. He lifted his head and looked around. The shapeshifter was flailing wildly, striking at the empty air in a futile attempt to hit its invisible target. Although it was more alert than before, it still hadn¡¯t grasped what David had just done. I ought to be indifferent to the possibility of failure, with my focus firmly fixed on the purpose that led me into this maze in the first place. He lifted his right leg, paused for a moment, and then surged toward the shapeshifter. With his precise movements, he gracefully vaulted over the debris scattered across the room, perfectly avoiding the sand below. The camouflage continued to function flawlessly, signifying that the outcome he had anticipated from the sand was indeed favorable. He heightened his speed without hesitation, swiftly slashing the shapeshifter from behind before retreating without delay. Yet, his onslaught was far from over; he deftly recalibrated his position, exploiting the shattered remnants of the wall as leverage, and launched himself into another calculated strike from an unforeseen angle. The shapeshifter was baffled by what was happening as he turned around to counter David but was unable to pinpoint his location. Slash! Slash! Slash! David kept leaping in erratic movements to remain unpredictable. He was so fast that the sound of each slash blended with the next, creating a single continuous sound. The continuous sound of slashes was now followed by low, agonized shrieks of pain. Although he didn''t penetrate deeply, the sheer number of cuts was immense, compensating for the lack of depth in the damage. David could see that it had, in fact, worked, though it was still insufficient. Nevertheless, it did not trouble him, as he still had his trump card. With that, he propelled himself swiftly from the corner of the room, deliberately abandoning his camouflage and exposing his position. The shapeshifter immediately discerned David''s location, and despite its numerous injuries, it prepared to dismember him, for its fury had reached its zenith. Having gained its attention, David began to move out of the maze, knowing that in its furious state, it would undoubtedly pursue him. But how could he hope to defeat it now, with his camouflage compromised and himself exposed, running openly through the maze Will his actions ultimately prove effective, or does only horror lie in wait? 15 - The End Game The stale aroma of dust and ancient walls, a stark backdrop to the meticulously devised plan, and a furious shapeshifter chasing after him, driven by an insatiable rage. His mind was consumed with frenetic calculations, teetering between desperation and survival, as he ran for his life. Fear had always been a stranger to David, an emotion he had never truly confronted until this moment. As he made his way through the passage, his worst fears materialized, threatening to paralyze him completely. The intensity of the dread was overwhelming, leaving him uncertain of how to cope. Still, he pressed on, driven by the belief that there is always room for growth. After all, he knew one couldn¡¯t just give up, not after everything he had endured, and that was enough to keep moving. Still, fear wasn¡¯t something he could overcome instantly, and thoughts of sheer terror continued to plague his mind. He vividly recalled how mercilessly it had ripped Henry¡¯s throat from within and how abruptly it had severed Elena¡¯s head from her body. No matter how empathetically one tried to describe it, the fact remained that they had died a miserable and agonizing death. "If it catches me, it¡¯s going to rip me apart. I can hear it chasing after me. Why won¡¯t it slow down after all that? Does it feel no pain?" David''s speed had certainly improved slightly since he enhanced his stats a little, just barely enough to keep pace with the shapeshifter. However, he did not rely on it entirely. One couldn¡¯t simply compare themselves to a shapeshifter in terms of speed in a one-on-one scenario. And in terms of physical strength, David had no chance. However, by hiding and running here and there while using his environmental insight, he had managed to wound it to some extent and gained the advantage of a head start. Even so, it wasn¡¯t enough. "I''m not fast enough. I''m not strong enough. I''m going to die here. Why did I ever think I could survive this?" He was also battling a flood of self-doubt. From time to time, he scanned the corners of walls for potential hiding spots but quickly remembered he no longer had his camouflage. Abandoning the idea of catching his breath, he reminded himself that one cannot overcome physical weaknesses overnight. "I can¡¯t keep running. My legs are giving out. My chest feels like it¡¯s on fire. I need to rest¡­ but I can¡¯t." "If I can just make it to that spot, I might be able to do something about the shapeshifter. There has to be a way out of this. i desperately hope for my plan to work." David sprinted toward the entrance of the maze, heading for the precise spot where he intended to execute his plan. The sound of the shapeshifter¡¯s relentless pursuit echoed behind him, its monstrous growls fueling his urgency. As he neared his destination, a sudden silence fell. The shapeshifter¡¯s footsteps vanished, its guttural noises no longer audible. The creature was nowhere in sight. Despite the eerie stillness, David dared not stop. He refused to risk being caught off guard. His chest heaved with every breath, but he pushed forward until he reached the spot. Finally, he came to a halt, his body trembling as he leaned against the maze wall for support. The exit was near, but he had no intention of leaving¡ªnot just yet. He took a few steps forward, studying the maze walls. Even if someone were watching him, they wouldn¡¯t be able to discern his thoughts. ¡°This is it,¡± he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible between gasps for air. ¡°This is where I¡¯ll make my last stand. But before that, I need to ensure my measurements are accurate.¡± And since the shapeshifter wasn¡¯t here, he had more time to prepare. He scanned the maze walls, assessing their distance from one another and recalling how the layout appeared from above in his memory. After careful consideration, he chose a spot farther away for his plan. "Let''s mark it now¡ªjust in case I forget in the heat of battle," he thought. Summoning his Light Blade, he carved a discreet mark into the floor¡ªone only he would recognize. "My life now hangs on a few mathematical calculations," he thought. "If my calculations are accurate, I may be able to defeat the shapeshifter once and for all, without suffering any further harm." He waited and waited, each second dragging on, his patience thinning. The shapeshifter remained elusive, its absence stretching the silence into unease. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. David couldn''t wait any longer. The silence of the maze was maddening, but he couldn''t afford to linger. He had to find the shapeshifter before it found him. Turning quickly, he retraced his steps, heading back to where he had last seen the creature. Midway before the first turn, he felt it-an overwhelming sense of dread, creeping up his spine like an invisible hand. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He didn''t need to see the shapeshifter to know it was there. The beast had emerged from the wall above him, moving with eerie grace. It was silent-too silent. All its limbs were pressed against the stone wall, its body crouched in the shadows, waiting. Watching. Calculating. David hesitated for a split second, his body frozen by the fear of what was coming, but then his instinct kicked in. His survival instinct. He made a move back to the spot he had selected, but the shapeshifter was faster. With an almost lazy motion, the creature leaped down from the wall, blocking his path. "Dammit," David muttered under his breath, cursing his decision to return. He had neither the time nor the energy to deal with this thing again. His only option was to escape. He veered sharply to the side, attempting to slip past it, but before he could react, a clawed hand shot out, seizing his right arm in an iron grip. Pain. Blinding, unbearable pain. The creature''s claws dug into his flesh, sliding through muscle as if his skin were paper. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, it began to squeeze. The pressure built up until- Crack. David''s scream tore through the air as his bones gave way, breaking apart like shattered glass. The sheer force of the grip made his entire limb feel like it was being crushed out of existence. He couldn''t think, couldn''t breathe-the pain was all-consuming. But even through the haze, something deep inside him refused to surrender. His instincts took over, moving before his mind could catch up. His left hand trembled, fingers curling as a pulse of energy ignited in his palm. A blade of pure light materialized, humming with raw power. Without hesitation, David swung it downward, slicing into the shapeshifter''s wrist. The shapeshifter refused to release him, unaware that this swing carried a power unlike before. The blade bit through the dark flesh, but before he could sever the limb completely, the creature recoiled, its grip loosening just enough for David to stumble back. A terrible, inhuman scream echoed through the maze. They stood facing each other-David, one arm limp at his side, his body shaking with the aftershocks of the pain; the shapeshifter, its own arm a mangled mess from the light blade. Both of them stood, broken and battered, with only one working arm between them. David''s breathing was ragged, but he didn''t stop. He kept his focus. This wasn''t over yet. He was close to his plan. He began to throw low-energy orbs toward the shapeshifter, making it look like he was still fighting with all his strength. He didn''t aim to harm; rather, he wanted to keep the creature distracted as he positioned himself exactly where he needed to be. The shapeshifter snarled, deflecting the energy balls with ease. It saw through his feeble attempts-David had nothing left to fight with. "You damn creature," David spat, his voice hoarse with exhaustion. "You think you''ve won?" But he knew that the shapeshifter would charge again, its fury driving it to attack. And it did. With a primal snarl, the creature surged toward him, faster than he expected. David''s heart skipped a beat. This was it. His moment. David closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, taking a deep breath. He had one shot. His mana flared to life, gathering in his outstretched hand. He raised it, his eyes still shut, and let out a wave of brilliant light, blinding the shapeshifter. The creature screeched, its body frozen mid-step. It couldn''t see. It couldn''t move. The light had incapacitated it, just as David had planned. But even now, his fight wasn''t over. He could feel the last of his energy slipping away. There was no time to waste. He would die if this didn''t work. David muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper, "I have to give my all. If I fail, I die here." He took his final breath, pulling his hand back as far as he could muster. The light around him dimmed as he funneled the last of his mana into the spear. A spear of light. Its form twisted and pulsed with power. He had to give it everything he had left. He had no choice. With a cry of desperation, he thrust his arm forward, sending the spear hurtling toward the shapeshifter. The creature, still disoriented by the blinding light, tried to move, but its reaction was too slow. The spear pierced the air, moving with impossible speed. But just as the spear neared its target, the shapeshifter made a final, desperate movement. It twisted, barely avoiding the attack as the spear grazed it from above. It turned, its head snapping toward David, the look of hatred in its eyes unmistakable. It knew he was exhausted. It knew it could finish him. But David wasn''t finished yet. He knew his calculations were sound. The next phase of his plan was already in motion. Slowly, it began to walk toward him, its movements exuding cruel confidence. It no longer rushed. It no longer feared. David remained still, unmoving. He lowered his head, his breath shallow, exhaustion gripping every fiber of his being. A sudden, distant sound broke through the silence. A deep, shattering crack. The shapeshifter flinched, its head snapping up. Far in the distance, the central wall of the maze-its foundation fractured-began to crumble. A chain reaction had begun. "You think I missed?" David muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "The only reality you''ll find is behind you." The shapeshifter turned, its body stiff with dread. The towering stone wall, the very heart of the maze, was collapsing. Its massive weight crashed into the next structure, which in turn crumbled and fell into the one beyond it. A domino effect. Stone upon stone, the maze''s very structure was falling apart, the momentum accelerating with terrifying force. The shapeshifter bolted, realizing its fate too late. It ran for its life, claws digging into the ground as it tried to escape the cascading destruction. But it had started too late. The walls consumed everything in their path. The creature''s speed meant nothing against the unstoppable collapse. David remained where he was, his calculations perfect. The shapeshifter was almost upon him, its glowing eyes burning with desperation, as if it had found a sliver of hope. It smirked-thinking it had outrun the walls. Then- Boom. The final section fell, overtaking the creature in an instant. The earth trembled, the air filled with dust and debris. For a long moment, silence. Then David exhaled. His legs gave out, and he fell to his knees, staring at the destruction before him. He had won. 16 - Aftermath Even though silence had reclaimed what remained, the thunderous echoes of crumbling walls still reverberated through David¡¯s mind. His body ached, his mangled arm throbbed with relentless pain, but he forced himself to remain conscious. He lifted his head, a single command pressing in his thoughts. STATUS HP : ????? 31 DEFENSE : ????? ? + ? ? MANA : ????? ? A translucent status window flickered into existence. David exhaled, barely able to comprehend the sight. The shapeshifter was gone-buried beneath the weight of the fallen pyramid-yet he couldn''t shake the lingering dread. Had he truly won? Or was this just another cruel trick? ¡°Hah... I barely survived.¡± His voice was hoarse, thick with exhaustion. ¡°And this was just a low-level rift¡­ Imagine something stronger.¡± He scoffed at himself, but a sharp pang in his arm dragged his thoughts back to the present. His mangled limb was a pressing concern now. He wanted to stand, but his legs begged for rest. This, however, was no place to collapse. The dust had begun to settle, revealing the aftermath of his desperate gamble. He cast a glance forward¡ªthe shapeshifter¡¯s body lay ahead, half-buried in the wreckage. The sight alone forced him to move. With careful steps, he turned to leave. A sound. Agonizing. Weak. Helpless. David¡¯s body tensed as something latched onto his leg. His breath caught in his throat, his heart hammering against his ribs. The cold grip sent a deep, primal shudder through his spine¡ªhe braced himself for the worst. But¡­ nothing happened. Slowly, he turned his head. The shapeshifter was still alive. Barely. Its claws clutched his leg, but the grip was weak¡ªpowerless. Yet even in its dying moments, the malice in its touch remained. David couldn¡¯t speak. Couldn¡¯t think. All he knew was that his assumption had been correct¡ªthe shapeshifter was far from an easy kill. With careful precision, he wrenched his leg free and stepped back. The creature¡¯s face¡ªa monstrous, ever-changing blend¡ªwarped and twisted as it struggled to maintain a form. Features melted, reshaped, and flickered between countless visages. It was a chaotic parody of the many lives it had consumed. David studied the pitiful wretch before him, torn between empathy and hatred. His lips parted, but the words he wished to say faltered. There was no need for them. Until he glimpsed fragments of Elena¡¯s face and traces of Henry¡¯s features, distorted within its failing mimicry. He lifted his hand, summoning his Light Blade. Nothing. His mana was spent. The fight had drained him to the last drop, leaving only empty exhaustion. As much as he wanted to claim this as his victory, he knew better. He had survived by luck, nothing more. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. David exhaled, his breath steady despite the trembling in his body. He took a few slow steps to the side, spotting a large chunk of the collapsed wall. It was just the right size for his working arm to lift. His fingers curled around the jagged stone, gripping it tightly. He turned back to the shapeshifter. He wanted to be merciful. But he couldn¡¯t. Not after everything. With a rough motion, he raised the rock and brought it down. The sound of impact was sickening. Flesh split, bone cracked, dark ichor splattered onto the debris-strewn ground. The shapeshifter let out a guttural groan¡ªlow, broken, unbearable. David clenched his jaw. He didn¡¯t let himself look. He just kept going. Again. And again. And again. The grotesque symphony of breaking flesh and dying agony played until the creature no longer made a sound. His grip loosened, the blood-stained rock slipping from his fingers with a dull thud. He staggered back, breath heavy, heart pounding. And then, as if waiting for this moment, two objects shimmered into existence before him. David blinked, his dazed mind barely processing the sight. A light brown, dull orb and a radiant blue core lay in the dust. A system reward. He knew what the core was¡ªbut the other¡­? He frowned. It was unfamiliar, yet he had no strength left to care. Without hesitation, he picked up the orb first, sliding it into his inventory. His good arm reached for the core, fingers curling around its warmth. Whatever it was, he would deal with it later. Right now, he just needed to leave. If one were to gaze upon the scene, they would see the fallen walls stacked upon one another, collapsing outward from the heart of the pyramid toward the entrance. Yet, the sides remained untouched, a haunting reminder of the once-formidable maze that had stood resolute only moments before. David turned, his body sluggish, his breath uneven. His shattered arm hung limply at his side, still bleeding. His legs were weak, dragging with each slow step. But he kept going. One step. Another. Until finally, he reached the entrance¡ªthe place where this ordeal began. Just as he placed a foot over the threshold, a voice cut through the stillness. "Everyone, attack!" David¡¯s eyes widened. He had no energy left to dodge. No power to fight. The realization barely had time to sink in before a wall of thorn-covered earth exploded toward him. Pain. A thousand jagged needles dug into his flesh as the force of the attack hurled him backward. He barely had time to let out a gasp before his body crashed against the ground, agony spreading through him like wildfire. His breath stolen from his lungs. His vision swam, dark spots clouding his sight as his body refused to move. The metallic taste of blood filled his mouth, his consciousness slipping. Through the haze, footsteps approached. David fought to stay awake, but the weight of exhaustion was relentless. His mind screamed at him to move, to survive- But everything faded to black. The footsteps drew closer to the spot where David had fallen unconscious. Lizzie and Captain Zack appeared, their eyes scanning the scene before them. Zack''s gaze immediately locked onto David, his expression unreadable as he took in the sight of the unconscious man. "Is he..." Lizzie¡¯s voice trailed off, her words hanging in the air like a question neither of them wanted to answer. Captain Zack rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We didn¡¯t have a choice. We couldn''t risk him being the shapeshifter." "But... what if it really is him?" Lizzie''s voice wavered, concern filling her eyes as she watched David. "Did we just tried¡ª" Zack interrupted her with a sharp gesture. "We couldn''t have afforded hesitation. If we had waited, and this was the shapeshifter, it could have turned the tables. Better to be cautious now than regret it later." Lizzie''s gaze softened, but she remained uneasy. "I don''t know, Zack. It just doesn''t feel right." Zack''s tone grew firmer; he pretended as though he cared, with a hint of sympathy in it. "I get it. But we did what we had to do. If he¡¯s David, he¡¯ll pull through. If not¡­ we¡¯ll handle it when the time comes," still acting arrogantly. She crouched beside David, her movements careful, mindful of the damage done to him. Lizzie reached for his pulse, her fingers trembling slightly as she checked for any sign of life beyond the shallow breaths. "He''s alive," Lizzie muttered, though the relief in her voice was tempered by the uncertainty. "But barely." The fear in her voice was palpable. "But this... this wasn¡¯t just us or the shapeshifter. What happened to him?" His whole body was covered in injuries, each more grievous than the last. Zack stared at the unconscious man, lost in thought for a moment. "Whatever it was, it¡¯s clear he''s not the same man anymore." Lizzie looked back at the exhausted figure of David, still gripping his arm, and nodded reluctantly. "I just hope we didn¡¯t make a mistake." 17 - The Silence After Beep, beep. The steady beeping of an ECG machine filled the silence. A dull, rhythmic sound. David¡¯s eyes fluttered open, greeted by an expanse of white. Everything¡ªhis vision, his surroundings¡ªwas swallowed by it. His mind reeled, struggling to piece together what had happened. How did he end up here? Why had he passed out? The questions flooded his mind, but his body refused to cooperate. He attempted to turn his head, only to be met with a sharp jolt of pain. His muscles ached, protesting every movement. Instead, he settled for shifting his eyes, scanning his blurred vision. It didn¡¯t take long for him to understand¡ªhe was in a hospital. He had survived. A long, quiet moment passed before another concern surfaced. His arm. He tried to move it, bracing himself for pain, but to his surprise, it responded. The pain was there, but duller than expected. A miracle? He wasn¡¯t sure. His mind was still clouded, disoriented, struggling to differentiate between what had happened and what hadn¡¯t. Yet, despite the storm of thoughts, his expression remained blank. The sterile white walls seemed to close in on him, almost suffocating in their emptiness. The beeping machine, relentless in its rhythm, kept time with the slow return of his awareness. The door creaked open. A nurse entered, focused on the chart in her hands, oblivious to his awakening¡ªuntil her gaze lifted. ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± she murmured to herself, before swiftly approaching his bedside. She checked his vitals, spoke to him¡ªsomething about surviving the Rift¡ªbut David barely listened. His eyes remained locked on the ceiling, the same sterile white. He didn¡¯t want to think. Not about what had happened. Not about anything. The nurse soon left, the room once again sinking into silence. David remained still, unmoving. Time passed. The isolation pressed against him, but not as forcefully as the weight of his memories. Everything he had lived through¡ªthe desert, the battles, the uncertainty¡ªfelt distant, a fog he couldn¡¯t fully push through. Then, footsteps. A hesitant, measured approach. A voice followed, uncertain. "Are you awake?" David recognized it instantly¡ªLizzie. He frowned inwardly. Why was she here? Silence stretched between them until, finally, she gathered the courage to speak. ¡°It was us,¡± she admitted, her voice laced with regret. ¡°We attacked you at the entrance.¡± Her words slotted into place like the missing piece of a puzzle, explaining why he was here. But David remained silent. "We never expected you to survive the shapeshifter¡ªor at least, that¡¯s what Zack had led us to believe. We assumed the creature would return after killing you, so we prepared for a counterattack, all in the name of survival." ¡°I¡¯m¡­ really glad you survived,¡± she continued hesitantly. David didn¡¯t respond. He didn¡¯t think. He didn¡¯t care¡ªnot after everything he had endured. A long pause stretched between them before she found the courage to speak again. ¡°But the reason we survived the Rift¡­ is because of you. And I¡¯m grateful for that, even if the others won¡¯t admit it.¡± Her voice wavered. ¡°And even more than that¡ªyou saved me. Twice. First, when everyone thought I was the shapeshifter. And then again¡­ after everything.¡± Stolen story; please report. She inhaled sharply, as if bracing herself. ¡°But I¡¯m despicable,¡± she whispered. ¡°I feel so shallow after how we treated you. After what we did to the prisoners. We left you to die in the desert.¡± David finally looked at her. ¡°If it had been up to us¡­ you and the others would¡¯ve died,¡± she admitted. Her voice broke. Tears slipped down her cheeks. ¡°Your actions have shown me my own true nature,¡± she continued, her words trembling. ¡°And I don¡¯t like it.¡± David was taken aback. He hadn¡¯t expected this¡ªnot from her. For the first time since waking, he broke his silence. His voice was hoarse, weak, but he forced the words out. ¡°Is that what happened?¡± He swallowed. ¡°What about the others?¡± Lizzie hesitated, then sighed. ¡°After we attacked you¡­ you passed out instantly. The group was suspicious¡ªwhether you were the shapeshifter or not. Zack wanted to kill you. He didn¡¯t want to take any risks.¡± David clenched his jaw but said nothing. ¡°I wanted to survive too,¡± she admitted. ¡°But¡­ it didn¡¯t feel right. You didn¡¯t feel like the shapeshifter.¡± She exhaled, gathering her thoughts. ¡°Zack and I were arguing about what to do when James found it. The blue core¡ªthe one you had discovered.¡± David¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°And not just that,¡± she added. ¡°We found the shapeshifter. The one you killed. Far from the entrance, buried under the debris.¡± She paused, letting the words settle. ¡°Everything made sense then,¡± she said softly. ¡°You weren¡¯t the shapeshifter. You were the one who saved us.¡± A bitter chuckle escaped her lips. ¡°We had the core. We had proof. So I asked Zack to help us bring you back.¡± David frowned. ¡°But he refused.¡± Lizzie nodded, her expression darkening. ¡°Something in his pride wouldn¡¯t accept it. He didn¡¯t want to admit he was saved by you.¡± David closed his eyes, unsurprised. ¡°¡­Then who brought me back?¡± ¡°Arnold.¡± David¡¯s eyes snapped open. ¡°He picked you up and carried you on his shoulders,¡± Lizzie continued. ¡°Your arm was in bad shape. If it had stayed that way much longer¡­ a low-level healer like me wouldn¡¯t have been able to do anything.¡± She sighed. ¡°But at least¡­ most of us survived. Because of you.¡± She hesitated, then gave a sad smile. ¡°And¡­ as harsh as it might sound, I never expected help from a prisoner.¡± Her words lingered in the sterile air, but David said nothing. Because deep down, he wasn¡¯t sure if he would have saved them either. Many moments drifted by, heavy with silence. He turned his head slightly, his gaze settling on her. She looked different. Not physically, but something in her expression had changed. The usual sharpness in her eyes had dulled, replaced with something heavier. ¡°¡­Where is everyone?¡± His voice came out rough, strained. ¡°Where¡¯s Arnold?¡± Lizzie inhaled deeply before answering. ¡°They¡¯re gone.¡± David''s brow furrowed. ¡°As soon as we exited the Rift, everyone left. Zack¡­ the authorities took him.¡± She hesitated, her fingers gripping the edge of the chair. ¡°Five people died under his command, and they want to know exactly what happened.¡± David let that sink in. He wasn¡¯t surprised. Zack had always acted as if he was untouchable. ¡°And Arnold?¡± Her expression darkened. ¡°They took him back. To prison.¡± David exhaled sharply, looking up at the ceiling. His thoughts swirled¡ªmemories of the Rift, of the battles, of the moment everything had turned against him. ¡°You were unconscious for three days,¡± Lizzie said softly. ¡°Even though it might take you months to fully recover in your condition, once you do¡­ they¡¯ll take you back to prison too.¡± The weight of those words settled in the room. Neither of them spoke for a long moment. Then, her voice wavered. ¡°But¡­ I hope we meet again. Outside. When all of this is behind us.¡± David turned to her, watching the way she kept her gaze lowered. She had always been confident, outspoken. Seeing her like this¡ªuncertain, regretful¡ªfelt strange. Her hands clenched into fists on her lap, and when she finally looked at him, there was something raw in her eyes. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d say this,¡± she admitted. ¡°But you changed things. You saved us. You saved me. And¡­ I don¡¯t know if I deserved that.¡± David let out a slow breath. ¡°It wasn¡¯t about who deserved what.¡± Lizzie looked away, swallowing hard. ¡°I just¡ª¡± She stopped herself, shaking her head. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± She stood up abruptly, as if afraid of what else she might say if she stayed any longer. David watched her take a step toward the door. And then, before she could leave, he spoke. ¡°Me too.¡± Lizzie froze. ¡°I hope we meet again,¡± David said, his voice quieter. ¡°Under different circumstances.¡± She didn¡¯t turn around. She didn¡¯t need to. "I believe you," he continued, his voice soft yet resolute. "People are capable of change; I, too, stand as evidence of that truth." Her eyes glistened with the onset of tears, a silent reflection of the emotions she struggled to contain. For a brief moment, she simply stood there, listening. Then, without a word, she walked away, leaving David alone with the steady beeping of the machine and the weight of everything that had happened. Beep, beep. 18 - A Shift in Perspective Once again, David found himself alone. But this time, his presence felt different¡ªhis aura no longer weighed down by uncertainty but rather shaped by something deeper. "You said I helped you¡­ No, you''ve helped me." "I misjudged you, seeing only what I wanted to see," he sighed. "But in doing so, I failed to realize¡ªI was walking the very path I had been so desperate to escape." The thought lingered in his mind, a realization that settled in like a quiet flame warming the cold corners of his heart. The conversation with her had done more than offer comfort; it had reshaped his perspective. What happened in the chamber couldn¡¯t simply be erased. The memories clung to him, heavy and unrelenting. He had thought things would never be the same again. And yet, for the first time, he wasn¡¯t consumed by them. The struggle he faced wasn¡¯t his alone. Maybe, just maybe, they shared that struggle¡ªthe battle to change, to grow, to become something more than the scars of their past. He exhaled sharply, his thoughts aligning. "It may take months for a full recovery, huh? But I don¡¯t have that much time." The idea of waiting¡ªof being stuck here while the world moved on¡ªwas unbearable. He had already survived the Rift, fought against death more times than he could count. Now, lying in a hospital bed while the system inside him remained dormant felt like a cruel joke. I have spent most of my life in ignorance¡ªdrifting through existence without truly understanding. And when that ignorance shattered, it left only despair. A deep, suffocating despair. There had been no way out. No light at the end of the tunnel. Only the crushing weight of inevitability. But now¡­ Now, something has changed. His fingers twitched. He flexed them slowly, testing his strength. The pain in his body was a dull whisper compared to what it had been. His recovery¡ªimpossible by normal means¡ªwas already underway. And it wasn¡¯t just his body that had changed. His mind was different. He couldn¡¯t remain idle. Not anymore. The system had given him something¡ªsomething real, something undeniable. A force that defied logic, one that had carried him through the Rift, through battle, through death itself. He exhaled sharply. "There¡¯s no one else but me now." No one to rely on. No one to wait for. If he wanted to survive¡ªif he wanted to change¡ªhe had to do it himself. "And because of her, my arm¡­ it¡¯s already healed beyond what should be possible. The rest¡­ shouldn¡¯t be difficult." A pulse of awareness surged through him. He knew what he had to do. Without shifting his gaze from the ceiling, he willed the system to respond. Open Info. For a moment, nothing happened. Then¡ª A faint shimmer. A subtle distortion in the air. Lines of text emerged, overlaying his vision, crisp and absolute. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 06 [ ? 210/500XP ] or [ ? 50 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 67 STATUS HP : ????? 23 DEFENSE : ????? 133 MANA : ????? 1?? STATS STRENGTH : 13 ? AGILITY : 10 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] My health still hasn¡¯t returned to full, he thought. Just how severe was my condition after the battle? Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Show me the notifications. ? ? ? KILLED A LYZARION ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : + 30 SU + 500 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? LEVEL UP AVAILABLE ? ? ? ? ? ? OBLIVION HALL IS NOW ACCESSABLE ? ? ? A flood of notifications filled his vision. David''s face nearly lit up with joy when his eyes landed on the multiple notifications. But the initial excitement faded as he remembered why he had opened the interface in the first place. "I want to level up." Earlier, he had switched the level-up process from automatic to manual to prevent himself from being killed mid-battle. The command left his mind, and he braced himself for the searing agony he had come to expect. Threads of light began weaving across his body, an intricate web of glowing filaments that pulsed with a soothing warmth. Instead of pain, a deep comfort spread through him, cradling his senses in a gentle embrace. His muscles relaxed, his breathing slowed, and an overwhelming drowsiness crept in¡ªso strong he felt he might drift into sleep at any moment. This was new. David had only known level-ups to be brutal, his body wracked with unbearable torment as his very being was forcibly reconstructed. But this¡­ this was almost blissful. Until it wasn¡¯t. The warmth turned cold¡ªsharp, biting, unnatural. His body tensed as the comfort vanished in an instant. The transition was so sudden that his mind barely had time to react before the sensation was gone, leaving behind only the aftershock of something unknown. A notification flashed. ? ? ? LEVEL UP SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? David remained still, absorbing the moment. By far, this had been the best level-up experience he had ever felt. A stark contrast to the excruciating ones before. And that contrast¡­ He narrowed his eyes. Maybe both experiences¡ªunbearable pain and unexpected comfort¡ªwere connected. But that was a mystery for another time. Another notification appeared, one that caught his attention. ? ? ? REWARDS PENDING ? ? ? "That''s new." Curiosity flickered, but he didn¡¯t let it linger. There was no need to wait. "Show me the rewards." The system responded instantly. ? ? ? SKILLS ARE AVAILABLE NOW ? ? ? ? ? ? YOU CAN ACCESS YOUR SKILLS IN INFO MENU ? ? ? Another line followed, and this one sent a surge of anticipation through his veins. ? ? ? YOUR BATTLE INSIGHT HAS EARNED YOU AN ACTIVE SKILL ? ? ? ? ? ? ENVIRONMENT AWARENESS ? ? ? It seemed, at last, that fortune had begun to shift in his favor. "Display the info menu," he instructed. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 07 [ ? 210/750XP ] or [ ? 75 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 97 STATUS HP : ????? 2?? DEFENSE : ????? 2?? MANA : ????? 2?? STATS STRENGTH : 13 ? AGILITY : 10 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] SKILLS ACTIVE SKILLS ? ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS [ ? LVL 1 ] PASSIVE SKILLS ? STRATEGIC MIND [ ? LVL 1 ] It felt as though he was gradually unlocking the system¡¯s full potential¡ªone feature at a time. "Open Environmental Awareness." The system responded instantly, new information unfolding before his eyes. SKILLS ACTIVE SKILLS ? ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS [ ? LVL 1 ] Effect : Enhances perception of surroundings, identifying hazards, hidden opportunities, or structural weaknesses to exploit. PASSIVE SKILLS ? STRATEGIC MIND [ ? LVL 1 ] David¡¯s eyes lingered on the active skill. That¡¯s exactly what I did during the battle with the shapeshifter. Is that why I earned this skill? He drowned in a thought. But why was only one skill newly acquired? Could it be that the other skill had always been a part of me? "Open Strategic Mind." SKILLS ACTIVE SKILLS ? ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS [ ? LVL 1 ] PASSIVE SKILLS ? STRATEGIC MIND [ ? LVL 1 ] Effect : Boosts ability to create and execute multi-step plans during combat, reducing hesitation and error. He exhaled sharply. So, it¡¯s exactly what the name suggests. I guess my brain has finally started working after years of negligence. Closing the window, he navigated through the system, flipping through different menus with a sense of purpose. There was something else he was searching for. Oblivion Hall. His fingers twitched as he sifted through the options, but no matter how much he searched, there was nothing. Not a single mention of the new feature. A flicker of frustration crossed his face. And here I thought I was fully compatible with the system. Yet I still can¡¯t access this new function? His jaw clenched. He didn¡¯t even know what it did or where to find it. He paused, inhaling deeply. I guess when the time comes¡­ I¡¯ll find out. "Open inventory," he commanded one last time. The system responded instantly, the interface shifting seamlessly. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] ITEMS ? 1 S-Class healing barrier [ RARE ] ? Mysterious book cover [ ??? ] ? Heart of the Desert Armor [ EPIC ] ? Essence Heart [ ORIGINS UNKNOWN ] His eyes fell on the Essence Heart¡ªthe same small, brown orb he''d retrieved alongside the Rift Core. What does this even do? He didn¡¯t dwell on it for long, though. His arm was his priority now. He moved his arm again¡ªone motion, then a second. The pain had faded almost completely, leaving only the faintest trace. The system level-up really does take me to another level, he thought, stretching his arm with ease. A sudden thought crossed his mind. What if Lizzie hadn''t healed my arm before I passed out? He felt a brief shudder, goosebumps crawling down his skin. He pushed the unsettling thought aside. Focus. He stood from the bed, his bandaged arm in a plaster cast. It wasn¡¯t the most graceful of movements, but it didn¡¯t matter. The system had helped him through worse. In a swift motion, he let himself fall to the floor. One... Two... Three... Without hesitation, he positioned his hands and began his push-ups, feeling the heat of his vitality coursing through his body. Each push-up brought more fire into his muscles. His body, still healing, resisted, but the sensation was invigorating. This is what being alive feels like, he thought, his focus unwavering. His strength felt almost endless, his energy surging. Until¡ª "What are you doing?!" The sudden outburst made him pause mid-movement. He glanced up to see a nurse standing at the doorway, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You are in no condition to be working out!" she snapped, rushing toward him. David smirked, wiping the sweat from his brow. Condition? He had the system. That was all the condition he needed. 19 - Back to Prison One... two... three... David gritted his teeth, holding himself back. He was exhausted by constantly doing this, but he forced himself to endure. Keeping his vitality at its peak was essential¡ªhe had no choice. For the past week, this had been his only way to survive. "Take one more." A voice called out, firm yet laced with concern. David hesitated, his arms trembling. "I can''t do this anymore..." "Eat this." The nurse placed a small plate in front of him, her expression unwavering. On it lay a sliced dragon fruit, its vibrant red skin and speckled flesh standing out starkly against the sterile white of the hospital room. A fruit rich in nutrients, commonly given to recovering patients. David exhaled, knowing he had no choice but to comply. With a reluctant nod, he took a piece and ate. Four... And then, five... "Is that enough?" The nurse crossed her arms, watching him like a hawk. She had proven to be a persistent obstacle¡ªconstantly stopping him from reckless activities, making sure he got the proper nutrition, and ensuring his recovery was on track. But David knew the truth. He had recovered days ago. The system had long since restored him, but he had faked his condition, moving sluggishly, wincing at just the right moments. Anything to avoid suspicion. The Walkers Association had stationed a guard outside his room, ensuring he couldn¡¯t escape. The guard possessed enough power to prevent his escape¡ªor so the association believed. He was one of the Gifted, a term, although unofficial, but casually used by the public to describe those who had gained abilities from the Rifts. If David needed anything, the guard was required to accompany him. The rules were clear. No unnecessary movements. No unauthorized access. No freedom. To David, she felt like an older sister¡ªstrict yet caring. Her only concern was his well-being, and that reminder brought forth memories of his own family. The people he had once taken for granted, the moments he had never truly cherished. The realization only strengthened his resolve to reclaim his life. The nurse stepped closer, her voice tinged with awe as she checked his vitals once more. "It feels like a miracle. Your recovery was supposed to take months, yet your efforts have almost brought you back to full strength in a week." David stared down at his hands, avoiding her gaze. He knew better than to let her get too curious. There was no way he could tell her the truth¡ªnot about the system, not about the powers he was hiding. David had been playing the role of a recovering patient well. Too well. His recovery was a facade, a mask he wore to avoid suspicion. If the Walkers Association figured out how quickly he¡¯d healed, they would start asking questions¡ªquestions that could reveal far more than he was prepared to tell. The nurse sighed, checking her watch. "I should be going now. It''s time for me to check on the other patients." Even though David was a criminal, and she was well aware of that, it did not cloud her judgment, and she remained kind. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! David hesitated. His throat tightened as he searched for the words. It felt strange¡ªchildish, even¡ªbut he couldn''t let her leave without saying it. "Th... thank you." She blinked, taken aback for a moment, before shaking her head with a small smile. "What are you thanking me for? It''s my job. No need for that." The nurse paused for a moment, then nodded, still looking at him with concern. "But if you really want to thank me... take care of yourself, David. You¡¯re lucky¡ªno one should recover this quickly." David watched her leave, the door closing softly behind her. As the room fell silent once more, his mind raced. The truth was far more complicated than anyone could ever guess. What the system was doing to him, how it was shaping his body and mind, it was all far beyond the realm of normal recovery. He exhaled slowly, turning his attention to the ceiling above him. There was a new mission now, one he hadn¡¯t expected: Stay under the radar. Keep healing. And most importantly, never let anyone discover about his new power¡ªnot until he was ready. And he had no idea when that would be. "Take care of myself, huh?" Easier said than done. But maybe, just maybe... it was time he started. As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hospital corridors. Two guards appeared at his door, their uniforms crisp, their expressions unreadable. They didn¡¯t waste any time, their presence a stark reminder of what was about to happen. David stood, his body tense, but there was no resistance in him. He had known this moment was coming¡ªhe had anticipated it. He had been healed, he was back on his feet, and now it was time to return to his prison. One of the guards stepped forward, a man with a clean-shaven face and a suit that screamed formality. His voice, cold and practiced, filled the room. "I¡¯m from the Walkers Association," he said, his eyes never leaving David¡¯s face. "We are here to take you back to prison, now that you have fully recovered." David didn''t flinch. He had been expecting this, after all. But the man wasn¡¯t finished. He continued, his words deliberately measured. "You can choose to keep clearing Rifts, or you can complete your prison sentence. The decision is yours." David met his eyes for a moment, his gaze steady. But before he could speak, the man added, "But know this¡ªif you resist, these guards will use their powers to ensure you return to prison, whether you like it or not." "I understand," David said, his voice calm. "I''ll go back." The guards didn¡¯t hesitate. They placed the power restraints on his wrists, the familiar cold metal biting into his skin. For a moment, David allowed himself to feel the weight of it, the reality of his situation. But then he squared his shoulders and followed them without protest. As they led him out of the hospital and into the transport vehicle waiting outside, the city skyline loomed in the distance. The world felt distant, as though it belonged to someone else. He had no part in it anymore. Not in the sense that they wanted him to. But David had something they didn¡¯t know about. Something that would change everything when the time came. For now, though, he was content to let them think they had control over him. They arrived at the prison, the towering walls as familiar as his own skin. The gates groaned open, and David was escorted through the grim corridors that had been his home for far too long. The guards flanked him on either side, their footsteps echoing off the cold concrete. But today, there was no sense of dread in him. No fear. Only resolve. He entered the same room where he had spent so many years, the cold, sterile environment that had once felt suffocating. The walls, the bars, the dull lighting¡ªthey had all been a prison in his mind. But now, as he stood there once more, he felt strangely at peace. It wasn¡¯t the confinement that had been his solace, but the purpose he¡¯d found within it. As the guards left him in the room and locked the door behind him, David leaned against the wall, letting the silence settle around him. He closed his eyes for a moment, his thoughts drifting back to the nurse and her kindness, to the brief flicker of life he had experienced outside this place. But it didn¡¯t matter. He had already said his goodbyes. David smiled faintly, the weight of the past six years pressing into his chest. But this time, it didn¡¯t feel like a burden. It was just another chapter of his life, one that would eventually lead him to the Rifts again. He was ready for it. Even though he had nearly died in the Rift, he was ready to go back. No, more than ready¡ªhe was eager. He exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a brief moment. I have cleared one Rift. His fingers curled slightly, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. The rest will follow. The most important thing for me now is patience. His thoughts steadied, his breathing even. He wasn¡¯t reckless. He had waited six years, endured humiliation, chains, and isolation. A little more patience wouldn¡¯t hurt. His eyes gleamed in the dim light, a quiet fire burning within them. David leaned back against the wall, staring at the ceiling. This prison had once been his cage, but now, it was just a temporary stop. Soon enough, he would be back in the Rifts. And this time, he wouldn¡¯t just survive. This time, he would conquer them. 20 - Where Darkness Meets Light He didn¡¯t know how it had happened. One moment, he had glimpsed freedom¡ªa sliver of light at the end of the abyss. The next, he was back where it all began. The cold walls of the prison loomed around him, unchanged and indifferent. He had fought, struggled, survived. And yet, here he was again, shackled not just by metal but by something far worse¡ªdespair. Even though he longed to break free from the darkness that had consumed him for years, the weight of it still clung to him. It wasn¡¯t just a place¡ªit was a state of being. A void carved into his heart, a misery that time refused to erase. But despair had its limits. No matter how deep the abyss, no matter how long the night, even the bleakest void could not extinguish the memory of light. That alone was enough to keep him from surrendering completely. This time, something was different. This time, he knew what lay beyond the darkness. He had seen the light. Felt it. And that changed everything. A glimpse of hope was a dangerous thing. It whispered of possibilities, of defiance, of second chances. Even if the chains still bound his wrists, his mind refused to remain caged. The path forward wouldn¡¯t be easy. Light wasn¡¯t salvation¡ªit was a challenge. A demand to move, to fight, to push forward. And David was ready. No matter how many times he was dragged back into the abyss, no matter how suffocating the weight of the past, he would not let it consume him. Not this time. David sat on the narrow cot in his cell, the dim glow of the overhead lamp casting long, wavering shadows across the cold concrete walls. Today was different. Unlike the monotonous days of confinement, today marked his return to Rift collection duty. Though he had long since adapted to the brutal rhythms of prison life, this process remained a relentless reminder of the price he had to pay for his past crimes. A debt, they called it. But debts could be repaid. This? This was something else¡ªan unending toll, a slow, methodical breaking of everything he once was. Within the prison¡¯s inner compound, a sterile chamber awaited¡ªits design stripped of comfort, built solely for efficiency. The walls were bare, the air heavy with the scent of cold metal and faint traces of arcane residue. At the center stood a reinforced metal chair, its presence commanding, surrounded by an intricate web of monitoring devices and extraction instruments. This was the extraction chamber¡ªthe place where David¡¯s most potent element, his darkness power, would be drained and stored within the Rift Reserve Crystals. To David it was a ritual now, one he knew too well. Step inside. Sit down. Let them take what they needed. Endure the hollowing. Then leave, less than he was before. Repeat. An overseeing guard, Captain Morlan, stepped into the chamber¡ªa man whose sharp gaze sliced through deception like a blade. His very presence made the ordeal feel all the more inevitable. As he approached, David sat rigid in the reinforced chair, his wrists bound by unyielding metal restraints. Morlan¡¯s voice carried across the sterile room¡ªfirm, authoritative, yet laced with a trace of reluctant respect. "David," Morlan began, his tone firm and devoid of emotion. "You know the procedure. Once your darkness energy has been fully extracted and stored in the Rift Reserve Crystal, you''ll be given the recovery elixir." This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. David nodded silently. He had endured this process countless times¡ªa relentless penance for the Gifted. Yet, it never grew easier. Each extraction siphoned not only his power but also exacted a toll on his body that would only become evident over time. It wasn¡¯t just exhaustion. It wasn¡¯t just pain. It was something deeper, more insidious. A slow unraveling of the self, one drop of power at a time. Morlan''s gaze remained fixed on David as he spoke. "Umbra¡¯s Veil," he said, his tone edged with something between warning and inevitability. "That¡¯s what they call it. A so-called recovery elixir, but its truth is far darker." He stepped closer, the dim light casting sharp angles across his face. "It¡¯s extracted from the luminescent gland of a Vespera Drake¡ªone of the beasts dragged from the lower Rifts. The alchemists harvest its secretion, purify it, distill it, and bottle it under the guise of restoration." Morlan let the words settle before continuing, his voice lowering slightly. "At first, it feels like your mana is fully replenished. A miracle, they¡¯d have you believe. But in reality, it doesn¡¯t restore what you''ve lost. It converts a part of you¡ªyour raw, inherent power¡ªinto temporary mana. "A trade-off. One that eats away at you, piece by piece." David¡¯s eyes narrowed imperceptibly. The knowledge of this dual-edged elixir was a constant weight on his mind. He had felt it before¡ªthat unnatural surge, the fleeting sense of wholeness that always came with a price. It was like drinking warmth in the middle of a blizzard, only to realize it was frostbite creeping through his veins. Every sip of Umbra¡¯s Veil was both a blessing and a curse¡ªa temporary restoration that would eventually sap him of his natural strength, trading raw potential for fleeting energy. This was the price David had paid¡ªthe slow erosion of what he once was. In his prime, back in his teenage years, his power had been boundless, raw, and untamed. It surged with overwhelming potential, a force that set him apart. But with that strength came arrogance. The illusion of invincibility wrapped around him like a second skin, making him believe he was untouchable. Until the incident. That single moment had shattered everything, dragging him from the heights of power to the depths of his current existence. His fall had been swift, merciless. A mistake, a miscalculation¡ªone that had cost him more than just his freedom. It had cost him his identity. Now, he was a shadow of his former self, his strength drained, his pride long broken. As Morlan adjusted the dials on the instrument panel, his voice remained firm. "You understand that this process is not optional, David. It is your duty to contribute your darkness energy to the Reserve Crystal. The RiftWalkers depend on it, and regardless of personal cost, you must fulfill your sentence." David drew in a slow, measured breath, bracing himself for the inevitable ordeal. "I understand, Captain," he murmured, his voice carrying the weight of resignation. Closing his eyes, he reached deep within, summoning the darkness that had long been a part of him¡ªa power shaped by his turbulent past and hardened through years of solitude and struggle. The darkness obeyed, but reluctantly. It coiled within him, alive, unwilling to be stripped away. It was the last piece of himself that he still owned, and they were taking it, again and again. As he focused, he felt it awaken, cold and unrelenting, creeping through his being like a tide rising in the depths of his soul. A low hum resonated through the chamber as the extraction device powered on. The intricate mechanism latched onto his core, slowly siphoning his darkness into the Rift Reserve Crystal. David shuddered as the familiar yet unsettling process began¡ªa slow, deliberate drain that forced him to endure the weight of his own diminishing existence. Power bled from him in ribbons of shadow, coalescing into the crystal¡¯s heart. The machine did not care. It did not hesitate. It simply took. Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as his energy drained away. The steady pull of the extraction device was relentless, siphoning his darkness with an almost surgical precision. David¡¯s mind drifted, slipping through a maze of memories¡ªthe suffocating abyss of his first Rift, the desperate struggle against the shapeshifter, the cold solitude of his prison cell. Each moment bled into the next, pain and recollection intertwining in a haunting rhythm. The loss of power was more than physical. It was a reminder. A punishment. He had once wielded this energy recklessly, believing himself untouchable. Now, he paid the price for that arrogance¡ªpiece by piece, drained until nothing remained but regret and the ghost of what he used to be. Finally, the device emitted a soft chime, signaling the end of the extraction. A message flickered onto the monitor: "Extraction Complete." David exhaled slowly, his body heavy, as if something vital had been stripped away. Morlan nodded, his expression unreadable. Without a word, he moved to prepare for the next phase¡ªone that David dreaded just as much as the draining itself. "Now, it''s time for your recovery," Morlan stated, his voice steady yet carrying an undertone of finality. He turned toward a reinforced counter, where a small vial rested in an elaborate containment unit. The liquid within shimmered darkly, its surface swirling like ink dispersing in water. "Administer the Umbra¡¯s Veil." His words carried no hesitation, no room for argument¡ªonly the weight of duty, of an unyielding cycle. The Veil awaited. And with it, another step toward the inevitable decay. 21 - Drained and Defiant David stood unshackled, yet the weight of his captivity remained. Morlan had freed him for this step¡ªnot out of mercy, but to watch him break himself. The captain wanted to see David erase his own pride, to strip away his power and identity with his own hands. Perhaps it was Morlan¡¯s sadistic nature, or perhaps it was his way of proving a point: that resistance was meaningless. David hesitated for only a heartbeat. The guard held out a vial, its contents swirling with an almost hypnotic allure. Shadows and light intertwined in an iridescent dance, pulsing with the promise of restored mana. Slowly, deliberately, David reached for it. The glass was cool against his fingers, smooth yet unyielding¡ªlike the chains that had once bound him. He uncorked the vial. A faint, otherworldly scent drifted into the air, both enticing and ominous. He tilted it to his lips, allowing the liquid to flow. It was cold, unnervingly viscous, clinging to his throat as it slid down. The elixir worked fast, weaving its unseen alchemy within him. At first, the effect was instantaneous. A surge of energy flooded his senses, raw and overwhelming, as if every depleted fragment of his mana reserves had been restored in a single breath. His body, moments ago wracked with exhaustion, now thrummed with renewed strength. The pain dulled. A euphoric clarity took its place, sharpening his thoughts, heightening his awareness. For the hundredth time in what felt like an eternity, he was unburdened¡ªweightless, powerful. For that fleeting moment, he felt invincible. But the sensation didn¡¯t last. As the minutes slipped by, something shifted. The exhilarating rush began to wane, replaced by a creeping numbness that seeped into his limbs. A cold realization settled over him¡ªsomething was wrong. Deep within, he felt it. A pull. A slow, insidious siphoning of his essence. His core energy, the very foundation of his strength, was unraveling¡ªdissolving into raw mana. The elixir had done its work. It had granted him power, but not without cost. For now, he was rejuvenated. But beneath that fleeting relief lay an undeniable truth¡ªhis body would pay the price. Once again, he was forced to comply. With a low hum, the machine roared to life. A sharp pull seized his core, and in an instant, his power surged forth¡ªripped from him without mercy. It was not just mana that was taken, but something deeper, something vital. David gritted his teeth, muscles tensing as the familiar agony coursed through him again. No matter how many times he endured this, the pain never dulled. It gnawed at him, hollowing him out piece by piece. Morlan watched him closely, his gaze sharp and unreadable. Every flicker of discomfort, every involuntary twitch¡ªnothing escaped his notice. "This is the price you pay, David," he murmured, his voice steady, almost gentle. A reminder. A fact. A sentence. "Every extraction, every sip of Umbra¡¯s Veil, strips away a part of you. A slow, deliberate erosion." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "But in return, the Reserve Crystals grows stronger. More refined. The RiftWalkers may not grasp their true worth, but these crystals¡ª" Morlan''s eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "They are the foundation of everything we do." The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. But David had something up his sleeve. The system, his level-ups¡ªboth had changed him. His mana reserves were no longer what they once were. Since his last Rift collection duty, they had multiplied twentyfold. A vast ocean compared to the shallow pool he once possessed. Yet, he couldn¡¯t reveal that. He had no choice but to act. To pretend. Even now, the process still hurt. The extraction was a cruel, invasive thing¡ªlike claws digging into his core. Even the smallest siphon of his energy sent a sharp pang through his body. But pain was one thing. True depletion was another. And depletion, he could avoid. His body tensed, his breaths grew ragged, his fingers twitched ever so slightly¡ªeach movement calculated, each reaction deliberate. He let the agony show just enough, let Morlan see what he wanted to see. A man in turmoil. A body on the verge of breaking. All while his power remained intact beneath the surface, untouched, untamed. This wasn¡¯t submission. It was survival. David let his thoughts drift, his mind pulling at the invisible threads of power within him. If they could steal his mana, then he had to become something they couldn¡¯t grasp. He had to evolve beyond what they expected. Beyond what they feared. David gave a faint nod, but his eyes told a different story¡ªa storm of emotions raging beneath the surface. The process was cruel, stripping him bare, yet it was inescapable. The silence in the extraction chamber was punctuated only by the soft hum of the machinery and the measured breathing of its occupants. In that quiet, David allowed himself a rare moment of introspection. He thought back to the days before his capture¡ªwhen he had roamed free, unshackled by control, unburdened by the weight of expectation. Those memories felt distant now, their edges blurred, like old photographs left too long in the sun. Yet, even as time sought to erode them, they remained. And within them burned a determination that refused to die. A heavy pause settled over the room as Morlan studied David¡¯s expression, his gaze sharp and calculating. At last, he spoke, his voice a measured blend of authority and something almost resembling understanding. ¡°David, I know you resent this process,¡± he said, his tone firm yet laced with an unsettling patience. ¡°I know you see it as a punishment.¡± He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving David¡¯s. "Even if you have strayed from your path, know that you are still serving a purpose," Morlan said, his voice calm yet unyielding. "Your power will not go to waste. It will be wielded by those deemed worthy¡ªthose who can shape the future in ways you no longer can." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. Then, with a faint smile that held no warmth, he added, "So rest assured, David. Your sacrifice will not be in vain. In the end, it will be your salvation." David¡¯s gaze dropped to his wrists. Slowly, he lifted his eyes to the crystalline instrument before him¡ªa device built to strip him of his power, piece by piece. A quiet resolve settled over him. He would accept the consequences of his past, no matter how heavy they weighed upon him. "Yes, Captain," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Yet, beneath its quietness lay a steel-like determination. "I won''t fall for your tricks anymore." Morlan studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slight nod, his gaze softened¡ªjust for an instant. "Good," he said. "Now go back and rest. The process is complete, and you''ll need your strength for next time." David held his composure, but inside, the words echoed like a promise and a threat. Next time. There might not be a next time. He was taken back to his cell. As always, it was night by the time Rift Collection duty ended. David remained still in his confinement, staring at the empty walls. His thoughts drifted into nothingness, a void as silent as the dimly lit chamber that held him. And then¡ª The cell door clanged open, the sharp sound slicing through the quiet. Two guards stepped inside, their movements precise, their expressions unreadable. One of them, an older man with graying hair and weary eyes, regarded David with a steady gaze¡ªcalm, measured, yet carrying an undercurrent of something deeper. "David," the guard said, his voice laced with both duty and reluctant acknowledgment. "It¡¯s nearly time. The second Rift is scheduled for activation tomorrow at 0600 hours." David¡¯s heart quickened at the words. The mention of the Rift stirred something within him¡ªan unsettling mix of anticipation and unease. A whisper of excitement. A shadow of dread. He didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he fixed his gaze on a small, grimy spot on the wall, as if, by looking away, he could momentarily escape the weight of what awaited him. Then, finally, he gave a slow nod. The guards said nothing more. With practiced efficiency, they turned and exited, the door sealing shut behind them. That night, David sat cross-legged on the cold cot, the flickering glow of a makeshift lamp casting shifting shadows across the walls. Sleep eluded him. His mind drifted back to his first encounter with the Rift. He recalled the raw, suffocating pressure, the way reality had fractured around him, twisting into something incomprehensible. He had been thrust into an abyss of untamed energy¡ªan experience so overwhelming that, for a moment, he had felt certain he would not survive. And so, with the determination of a man who had stared into the abyss and returned, David resolved to endure, to sacrifice, and to rise again. For in the depths of agony, where torment and strength bled into one another, the first embers of his freedom had begun to smolder. 22 - The Second Rift Morning arrived in quiet stillness. Outside, winter maintained its relentless grip, wrapping the world in cold and silence. Beyond the walls, the world remained hushed, as if holding its breath. The sky, still cloaked in lingering darkness, hinted at the coming dawn, but the sun had yet to break through the icy haze. David woke early, his body stiff from exhaustion, yet his mind sharp with anticipation. Today was the day. The Rift awaited. The silence was abruptly shattered. The door to his cell swung open with a metallic clang, the hinges groaning in protest. A guard stepped in, his boots clicking against the floor with practiced precision. ¡°Your transport to the Rift is scheduled at 0530 hours,¡± the guard announced, his voice devoid of warmth. ¡°You have a couple of minutes before we depart.¡± David gave a slight nod but said nothing. There was no time for breakfast. Not that it mattered. The lingering fatigue from Rift Collection duty clung to him, weighing down his limbs, yet it did not make him sluggish. He had chosen this path. Willingly. And he would walk it without hesitation. The power restraints were fastened around his wrists¡ªa familiar, cold pressure against his skin. They hummed softly with embedded mechanisms, ensuring that his abilities remained suppressed until deemed necessary. Without another word, he was led out, his boots echoing with each step as he climbed into the waiting armed truck. The ride was as silent as ever, the vehicle¡¯s reinforced walls sealing them away from the outside world. Only the occasional murmur of communication from the front seats broke the quiet. David sat motionless, his thoughts a steady current beneath the surface. Soon, they arrived. The Rift site loomed before him, its shifting energy surging and pulsing, a living anomaly in the fabric of reality. No matter how many times he saw it, it unsettled him. A tear in the world, raw and unstable¡ªbarely controlled, barely understood. Only a handful of people were present¡ªsome monitoring the Rift¡¯s stability, a few guards, and the awaiting RiftWalkers, those who would venture beyond its threshold. David was led closer, standing at the edge of the site as the others began arriving, one by one. He wasn¡¯t looking for them, though. David¡¯s gaze swept across the gathered individuals, searching for something¡ªor rather, someone. The prisoners. Those who, like him, were trying to reduce their sentence¡ªpeople who might, just might, have his back. But none came. His chest tightened, disappointment settling deep within. He was alone. Again. Then, movement caught his eye. A young man, younger than David himself, arrived last. He conversed with one of the RiftWalkers, his words lost to distance. Yet, his expression was unmistakable¡ªa gentle smile, a relaxed stance, and the way his lips moved in quiet conversation. It reminded him of the first time he had met Zack. How he had foolishly expected kindness, only to be met with cold reality. But he didn¡¯t want to assume the worst¡ªnot again. Judging too quickly was a trap, one he refused to fall into. Time passed, and eventually, the young man turned toward him, stepping closer. His movements were relaxed, casual, yet there was an air of quiet confidence about him. "You must be David," the young man said, his tone lighthearted yet firm. "I''ll be your captain for this venture." David''s brow knit in mild confusion. Captain? This guy? His words felt almost absurd, yet they carried an air of truth. Could he really be in charge of the entire group? The young man¡¯s optimism cut through his thoughts. ¡°I see you were looking for fellow inmates," he continued, his gaze unwavering. "But according to my paperwork, there¡¯s only one prisoner listed here¡ªyou.¡± The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. David¡¯s stomach sank further. No backup. No allies. The young man didn¡¯t dwell on it. Instead, he flashed a grin, his tone almost playful. ¡°But don¡¯t worry. My group¡¯s got your back¡ªjust don¡¯t do anything crazy. We all have our limits, right? So, just stay in the back and let us do our thing.¡± A call came from behind them. ¡°The Rift¡¯s been measured¡ªD-Rank! We¡¯re clear to enter!¡± The captain turned, his demeanor unchanged. "Alright then," he said, then turned back to David. With almost playful ease, he reached out and clasped David¡¯s wrist. "You''re up first." David barely had time to process before he was ushered forward. The Rift pulsed, its swirling form shifting in response to his presence. He inhaled sharply. And stepped in. The world shifted. A rush of pressure enveloped him, like being pulled through a vortex. His vision blurred, colors blending into an incomprehensible spiral of light and shadow. For a split second, there was nothing¡ªno sound, no feeling, only weightlessness. Then, the world reassembled. He landed on his feet with a dull thud, his boots sinking deep into¡ª Ice. A shudder ran through him as the cold seeped instantly into his legs. He steadied himself, exhaling sharply, his breath visible in the frigid air. A forest stretched before him. But it was unlike any forest he had ever seen. Towering trees, their trunks thick with layers of frost, reached skyward like frozen sentinels. Their branches, coated in shimmering ice, refracted the dim light, casting fractured rainbows in every direction. The ground beneath was a pristine sheet of snow, untouched and glistening beneath the pale glow of an unseen sky. It was breathtaking. The silence was near absolute, broken only by the faint whisper of the wind as it wove through the crystalline canopy above. Each step David took sent a soft crunch through the stillness, the ice shifting beneath his weight. In the distance, frozen waterfalls hung in mid-cascade, their flows suspended in time. They glowed faintly, as if the ice itself held some inner luminescence. A world preserved in a single, endless winter. David¡¯s fingers brushed against the bark of a nearby tree¡ªit was smooth, impossibly cold, yet alive. Beneath the ice, the faintest pulse of energy thrummed against his fingertips. This Rift was the complete opposite of the last one. He wasn¡¯t sure if that was a good thing. Taking another steady breath, he turned his gaze back. One by one, the team arrived, their boots sinking into the untouched snow. The captain stood at the front, surveying the frozen expanse with an almost satisfied look, as if this unforgiving landscape was exactly what he had hoped for. Without a word, he raised a hand and made a quick motion. From his spatial ring, a series of thick, insulated covers appeared, swiftly distributed among the team. They were meant to shield their gleaming suits from the relentless cold, offering a layer of protection against the unforgiving winter. The winter was absolute. The kind that seeped into your bones, that made every breath a sharp reminder of how unwelcoming this place was. David braced himself, already anticipating what came next. But he was wrong. The captain, now draped in the heavy cover, strode toward him, the crunch of ice beneath his feet the only sound in the eerie stillness. He stopped in front of David, holding out an extra cover. ¡°Here,¡± he said simply. David remained still, hesitant. The captain let out a short laugh, shaking the cover lightly. ¡°Come on, man. Take it. It¡¯s freezing out here¡ªdon¡¯t leave me hanging.¡± David hesitated a second longer before finally reaching out and taking it. The fabric was thicker than it looked, the inside lined with something that immediately retained warmth. Maybe, just maybe, this Rift wouldn¡¯t be as miserable as he thought. The captain turned back, his sharp gaze sweeping across the frozen wilderness. His eyes darted between the towering trees, their frost-laden branches glistening like crystalline sculptures. Without hesitation, he sprang forward, his boots barely making a sound as he launched himself toward a massive tree. He hit the bark, bent his knees, and pushed off, propelling himself toward the next trunk. Each movement was swift, precise¡ªone leap, then another, climbing higher with practiced ease. The others watched as he ascended the towering tree in mere moments, reaching its peak. David wanted to know what his powers were, but all he found was precision and speed. Perched atop the highest branch, he scanned the horizon. A moment passed in silence before he turned and descended with the same effortless grace, dropping from branch to branch until his boots met the snow once more. ¡°We move through the forest,¡± he said simply. No one questioned him. They pressed forward, their suits gleaming under the refracted light. The ice-coated branches above caught the dim glow and shattered it into prismatic fragments, casting fractured rainbows across the snow. As they walked, those shifting colors danced upon their suits, painting them in hues of violet, blue, and gold. It was a surreal sight¡ªone that made the world feel almost otherworldly, as if they were stepping through the heart of a frozen dream. David, for once, didn¡¯t feel like an outsider. The quiet murmurs of the group, the rhythmic crunch of their boots against the frost, the dazzling play of light¡ªit made him feel part of something, if only for a moment. It wasn¡¯t long before the forest thinned, and then¡ª The trees fell away, revealing the edge of the world. David stepped forward, his breath catching as he took in the sight before him. A dreamy chasm stretched beyond the cliff¡¯s edge, an endless ocean of clouds stretched into eternity, their silken forms shifting and coiling like restless phantoms. They billowed in slow, mesmerizing waves, parting and reforming as though something unseen stirred beneath their surface, breathing life into the mist. Beyond them, the mountains loomed like ancient titans, their jagged peaks rising like frozen sentinels against the sky. The sunlight barely reached them, casting their slopes in an eerie twilight glow. Glacial rivers snaked between the ridges, their icy surfaces reflecting slivers of light. Waterfalls, long frozen in time, clung to the cliffsides like silver scars. The scale of it was overwhelming. David felt impossibly small in the face of such vastness. He took another step forward, his mind lost in the sheer beauty of it all. Then¡ª ¡°David! Stop!¡± The captain¡¯s voice cut through the trance, laced with sharp urgency. David barely had time to react before his boot pressed into something softer than expected. ¡°That snow isn¡¯t ground¡ª¡± A sharp whoosh beneath his feet. The breath in his lungs froze. The world tilted. In an instant, the snow gave way, and David was swallowed by the edge, plummeting into the unknown. The last thing he saw was the captain reaching out¡ªbefore the world tipped, and he plunged into a freefall. 23 - The Fall and the Fight ¡°Damn it¡­ you idiot,¡± David cursed. How could he fall this stupidly? His fists clenched. This was humiliating. No, it was worse¡ªinfuriating. Wind howled past his ears, a deafening roar as gravity seized him. The endless sea of clouds rushed up to meet him, their ghostly tendrils curling around his body like a silent embrace. For a fleeting moment, the world became weightless, suspended between sky and abyss. Then, he broke through. The dense mist parted, revealing the vast, hidden expanse below¡ªa realm of frozen spires, jagged cliffs, and ancient ice formations sculpted by time itself. The sheer scale of it was breathtaking, but there was no time to admire. The ground was rushing toward him, fast and unforgiving. ? ? ? FIGURE OUT HOW TO CONTROL YOUR FALL BEFORE THE GROUND DOES IT FOR YOU ? ? ? A window appeared before him as he plummeted hard. In my moment of desperation, you chose to say this? How considerate. David twisted midair, arms flailing as he fought for control. Panic surged, but instinct took over¡ªhe braced himself, searching for anything to slow his descent. Something shimmered below¡ªa thick bank of snow, soft yet deceptive in its depth. It was his only chance. With a desperate shift, he angled toward it, hoping¡ªpraying¡ªthat it would break his fall instead of burying him alive. The ground rushed toward him, an endless expanse of white, smooth as untouched silk. Desperation clawed at his chest. He ripped the thick cover from his shoulders, grasping two ends in each hand, forcing it into a makeshift parachute. It barely helped. The fall slowed¡ªjust a fraction¡ªbut even a fraction mattered. His pulse thundered in his ears as his body tensed, bracing for impact. His eyes squeezed shut on instinct. Whoosh! The snow gave way beneath him as he plunged deep into it. Silence followed. For a moment, everything was still. The cold wrapped around him like a coffin, the weight of the snow pressing in from all sides. The ground was flawless¡ªpure and untouched, as white as milk. Not a single imperfection marred its beauty. Except for the crater where David had crashed. A heartbeat later¡ª BAAM! A surge of darkness erupted from beneath, propelling him skyward. He burst free, soaring a few meters before slamming down¡ªhalf-buried once more. His head poked out of the snow like some furious creature, eyes dark with irritation. If anyone had seen his expression at that moment, they¡¯d think he was ready to murder the entire world. This time, he moved with more care. He had learned his lesson. The snow wasn¡¯t just an obstacle¡ªit was the reason he was still breathing. Soft. Treacherous. Savior. Unforgiving. He tested his steps, adjusting to its fickle nature, sinking at first but slowly getting the hang of it. By the time he could walk properly, his face was set in a permanent scowl. Grumbling under his breath, he willed the system to appear. "Show me my stats," he muttered, trudging forward into the unknown. STATUS HP : ????? 1?? DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? 1?? That made sense¡ªa slight slowdown with the cover, a fall onto the ice, and damage reduced by his defense. The combination had been the key to survival. David clenched his fists, his breath curling in the cold air. He was still pissed. "I hope you at least act like a human. You act like a damn robot¡ªno feelings, no empathy." You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. A system window flickered to life in front of him. ? ? ? ARE YOU BEHAVING THIS WAY BECAUSE I TRIED TO WARN YOU ? ? ? "That wasn¡¯t a warning! That was scaring someone who''s already scared! Damn it! Fall from the skies yourself, then you''ll understand!" ? ? ? THE SYSTEM DID NOT REALIZE THAT ? ? ? "Of course you didn¡¯t," David snapped. His frustration only grew. ? ? ? I CAN ADJUST MY HUMOR SETTINGS TO BETTER MATCH YOUR PREFERENCES ? ? ? David raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Alright, crank it up to 25% and let¡¯s see what you come up with." A pause. Then¡ª ? ? ? MENTALLY PREPARE YOURSELF FOR IMPACT PAIN IS INEVITABLE BUT PANIC IS OPTIONAL ? ? ? David stared at the floating text. "¡­Yeah, no. That¡¯s not helping much." The cold had begun to seep into his bones, biting deep, but it was the loneliness that crept in like an old ghost. He was used to it. With or without the group, he would survive. Still, anything was better than silence. "Alright, fine. Try 35%. That should¡ª" Woosh! Before he could finish, the snow swallowed him once again¡ªlike quicksand, only faster. He barely had time to react before he was yanked forward, spinning wildly. The ice turned into a slide, twisting and curving as it sent him careening down. "Not again¡ª!" Round and round he went, the world a blur of white and blue. Then, just as suddenly as it started, the ride ended¡ªviolently. The ice spat him out, launching him straight into the mouth of a cavern. With a final thud, he crashed against the frozen ground. Silence. David groaned, lying on his back, staring at the icicle-covered ceiling. "¡­Yeah. Definitely still pissed." *** The wind howled across the cliff¡¯s edge, carrying away the last traces of David¡¯s fall. A thick silence settled over the group, broken only by the crunch of boots against frostbitten ground. ¡°He¡¯s done for,¡± a voice muttered. The captain turned, his sharp gaze locking onto the speaker. ¡°I hear you,¡± he said, his tone unreadable. ¡°But he didn¡¯t seem like the kind of guy who dies that easily.¡± He adjusted his grip on his sword and looked toward the distance where the land sloped downward into a nothingness. ¡°Time will tell.¡± Without another word, he led the group forward. The terrain sloped steeply, jagged ridges of ice protruding like frozen teeth. The path ahead was treacherous, slick with unseen layers of frost, forcing the group to tread carefully. Their breaths misted in the frigid air, disappearing into the abyss below. Minutes passed in silence until the passage widened into an open ledge, where a dark maw yawned before them¡ªa cave, its entrance carved into the icy rock like a wound in the mountain. The walls shimmered faintly, coated in layers of frost that refracted the dim light from their torches, casting eerie specters onto the ceiling. The captain took a cautious step forward, eyes scanning the entrance. ¡°We''ll continue from this point,¡± he said. ¡°Stay alert.¡± The group moved in. Inside, the cave was vast, its ceiling arching high above like the ribcage of some long-dead beast. Stalactites of pure ice hung from above, and the floor was uneven, frozen over in a treacherous sheet of black ice. Occasional drips echoed in the silence, the sound amplified in the cavernous space. Deeper in, the walls began to glisten with an unnatural sheen, as if something had crawled along them, leaving behind a thin, icy residue. The air grew colder¡ªwrongly so. It wasn¡¯t just the natural chill of the cave. It was something else. The captain halted. His fingers tightened around his sword. ¡°Something¡¯s here.¡± A hiss echoed from the darkness. Then, the ice moved. A shape peeled away from the cavern wall, its body blending seamlessly with the frost. It was massive¡ªlong and sinuous like a centipede, but its body was encased in jagged ice. Multiple clawed legs clattered against the frozen floor as it moved with unnatural speed. Its face was a twisted, insectoid horror, mandibles lined with frozen shards that looked sharp enough to tear through steel. "Adult Rimecrawler," the captain warned. Its eyes¡ªcold, empty voids¡ªlocked onto the group. Then, it lunged. The first attack was brutal. A swipe of its many legs shattered the ice beneath it, sending razor-sharp shards flying. The group scattered, barely avoiding the hail of frozen death. Ezra raised his shield just in time, the ice bouncing off with a loud clang. The captain moved first. He didn¡¯t hesitate. With a burst of speed, he dashed forward, blade flashing as he aimed for its legs. His sword cleaved through the ice coating the creature¡¯s limb, but it was thick¡ªtoo thick to cut cleanly. The creature recoiled, shrieking, its frozen exoskeleton cracking but holding firm. ¡°It¡¯s armored!¡± someone shouted. The Rimecrawler retaliated, its tail lashing out. The captain ducked, the attack barely missing his head. He spun, his blade slashing upward¡ªthis time aiming for the joints between the ice plating. The steel bit into flesh, and a thick, frost-blue liquid sprayed onto the ground, instantly freezing on contact. The creature screeched, its many legs scrambling backward. Ezra charged from the side, slamming his shield into its body. It reeled, but the ice covering it grew thicker, regenerating over the damaged sections. ¡°It¡¯s healing itself!¡± Another member, Cain, drew his daggers, weaving between the beast¡¯s swipes. He moved with precision, slashing at the gaps the captain had opened. But even as he struck, frost spread across his blades, slowing his movements. The captain didn¡¯t waver. He saw the pattern¡ªhow the ice regenerated, how the creature moved. He didn¡¯t need his powers. He needed speed. His sword flashed, striking before the ice could reform. Every movement was fluid, relentless. The Rimecrawler shrieked, its attempts at healing undone by the sheer velocity of his attacks. Each strike was measured, cutting away at its joints, slicing through tendons and plating before it could recover. The others kept up the assault¡ªEzra using his shield to block its wild strikes, Cain targeting weak points¡ªbut it was the captain¡¯s unrelenting speed that overwhelmed the beast. With a final dash, he leaped onto its back, driving his sword deep into its neck. The Rimecrawler spasmed, its body convulsing before it collapsed, its icy form cracking apart. Silence fell. Then, a shuddering breath. The captain yanked his blade free and stepped back. ¡°Not bad,¡± he muttered, flicking the frozen blood from his sword. Ezra exhaled heavily. ¡°Remind me not to fight those things without fire next time.¡± Cain chuckled, sheathing his daggers. ¡°If there¡¯s a next time.¡± The cave was silent again, save for the slow drip of melting ice. The captain glanced toward the deeper tunnels ahead. The fight was over. But the path forward remained unknown. And David was still out there¡ªsomewhere. ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± he ordered. They pressed on into the dark. 24 - Lost in the Ice Where¡­? His fingers dug into the icy ground as he forced himself upright. The last thing he remembered was falling¡ªplummeting into the abyss after that damn ice betrayed him. Now, he was here. Wherever here was. A cavern. That much was certain. The walls of ice stretched high above him, their jagged surfaces shimmering with a dim blue light that filtered through unseen cracks. It was a haunting glow, casting long, shifting shadows across the frozen floor. The air was thick with an unnatural chill, seeping through his clothes and biting into his skin like tiny needles. David exhaled sharply and rubbed his arms. The cold was getting to him fast. Without hesitation, he willed a thin layer of his light energy to coat his body, forming a faint, almost invisible aura. The warmth spread through him, dulling the frost¡¯s bite. More importantly, the energy refracted off the ice, illuminating his surroundings slightly better. His first real glance at the cavern did nothing to ease his growing frustration. The space stretched endlessly in all directions, twisting into multiple paths¡ªeach one a gaping maw leading into the unknown. His sense of direction was completely shattered. He had no idea where he had fallen from, and even less of an idea where he should go. Great. Just great. There were no arcane markings here like the ones he had seen in the first Rift, etched onto the maze¡¯s walls. No indicators. No guiding paths. He was trapped in a ice labyrinth. Damn it. It felt like he had fallen into a frozen graveyard. His eyes flicked between the different passageways. No clues. No signs. Just ice and darkness. "Guessing it is." He weighed his options carefully. The lower tunnels gave him a bad feeling¡ªtoo dark, too deep, too easy to get trapped in. Instead, he settled on the upper path, slightly elevated from the others. If nothing else, it felt like the safest bet. With careful steps, he made his way up, boots crunching softly against the frozen surface. The passage wasn¡¯t wide, forcing him to move cautiously. The last thing he needed was another fall. The silence pressed in on him as he walked. Not a single sound beyond his own breath and footsteps. No creatures. No movement. Just the eerie stillness of the cavern. Yet he remained on high alert. He had already learned his lessons. Minutes passed. Then more. He kept walking. And walking. Nothing. The path stretched on without end, and a gnawing sense of unease settled in his chest. The deeper he went, the more he began to suspect something was off. His grip on his power tightened instinctively. And then¡ª Dead end. David stopped abruptly, his eyes narrowing. A wall of pure, untouched ice stood before him, shimmering faintly in the dim light. No cracks. No hidden doors. Just a smooth, unmovable blockade. Disbelief flickered in his eyes before giving way to irritation. "You have got to be kidding me." He placed a hand against the ice, half-expecting it to be an illusion, but it was solid. Ice-cold and unyielding. After the first rift, I thought I¡¯d be more careful. His jaw tightened, frustration burning in his chest. And here I am. In the middle of nowhere. Getting nowhere. All because of a single mistake. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. His fingers curled into a fist. He wanted to hit something. Anything. But there was no point in wasting his strength. No point in getting angry at an obstacle that wouldn¡¯t move. With a long, slow breath, he turned around and started walking back. His thoughts began to wander. He had time, after all. "I don¡¯t know why, but I feel like I need to reach level 15 to unlock the shop in the system. To be honest, I haven¡¯t really grasped the full potential of the system yet." And then there was Oblivion Hall. He still had no idea what that was. The name alone sent a chill down his spine¡ªcolder than the ice around him. His boots crunched against the frozen ground as he made his way back to the cavern''s entrance, his first choice leading to nothing but wasted effort. This time, he wasn¡¯t going to overthink things. The second path awaited, dark and foreboding, and instead of analyzing every crack in the ice like some overcautious fool, he just stepped in. It was the same as before. The same walls of ice, the same dim blue light bleeding through translucent veins in the cavern, the same jagged cracks running across the ceiling. But this time, something was different. The way opened up. David''s pace quickened as he spotted the widening cavern ahead. The moment he reached the opening, he came to an abrupt stop. Before him stretched a massive underground lake¡ªdark and vast, its surface rippling gently under the eerie blue glow filtering from above. For once, something wasn''t frozen solid. The water ran fresh and clean, a stark contrast to the frigid wasteland of ice surrounding it. A small stretch of solid ground separated him from the lake itself, but the real problem lay in the drop. The path ended abruptly, leaving a gap between him and the ledge below. The distance wasn¡¯t enormous¡ªabout the height of a tall tree. Any normal person would hesitate. But David? He was gifted. His fingers curled into a fist. "Easy enough." Without hesitation, he took a step back, inhaled deeply, and lunged forward. He leaped. The air rushed past him, the cold biting against his skin as he descended. For a split second, it felt like falling all over again. Like the moment he plummeted into the Rift. But this time, he was in control. His boots hit the ground below with a firm thud, and he rolled to absorb the impact. Snow scattered beneath him, and as he rose, he dusted off the icy flakes clinging to his coat. He had made it. But before he could take another step forward, a sound echoed through the cavern. A ripple in the water. David¡¯s breath came out in sharp, misty puffs as he crouched, eyes locked on the small, white creature in front of him. It looked almost like a polar bear cub¡ªsoft fur, dark beady eyes, and a curious tilt of its head. It let out a small whimper, almost innocent. But David¡¯s instincts screamed at him. If there¡¯s a cub¡­ then there¡¯s¡ª A deep, rumbling growl echoed through the cavern. His muscles tensed as an enormous shape emerged from the darkness. The beast was monstrous¡ªits hulking frame covered in thick, ice-coated fur that refracted the dim blue light of the cave. Its breath, hot and heavy, came out in thick white clouds. Two massive fangs, jagged as glaciers, gleamed beneath its curled lips. It¡¯s hunting me. The moment stretched thin as predator and prey locked eyes. Then¡ªthe beast lunged. David barely twisted out of the way before the creature¡¯s claws raked across the frozen ground, sending jagged shards of ice flying. The sheer force of the attack sent a shockwave through the cavern walls. Too strong. He rolled to the side, his boots scraping against the slick ice. Before he could find his footing, the beast charged again. This time, David wasn¡¯t fast enough. A massive claw clipped his shoulder, sending him crashing against the cold stone. Pain flared across his body as he skidded to a stop. His defense had softened the blow, but not enough¡ªhis arm throbbed from the impact. The beast didn¡¯t give him time to recover. It reared back on its hind legs and slammed down with terrifying force, aiming to crush him beneath its weight. David reacted instantly. He pushed off the ground with all his strength, narrowly dodging as the creature¡¯s massive paws struck the spot where he had just been. The impact sent deep cracks splintering through the ice beneath them. I can¡¯t take this thing head-on. His eyes darted upward¡ªthe icicles. Massive, razor-sharp spikes of ice hung from the cavern¡¯s ceiling, some as long as his own body. If he could bring them down¡­ The beast let out another earth-shaking roar, preparing for a final charge. Its muscles tensed, its claws digging deep into the ice, ready to pounce. David exhaled sharply, forcing his breathing to steady. His Dark energy coiled around his fingers, a cold, inky contrast to the pale blue glow of the cave. Just a little closer¡­ The beast lunged. David released his energy in a violent surge. Tendrils of darkness lashed out, striking the cavern ceiling. A deep, resounding crack split through the air. For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Then¡ªBOOM. The first icicle broke free, a massive spike of frozen death plummeting downward. The beast noticed too late. It twisted midair, its eyes widening in realization, but it had already committed to the attack. The first icicle struck its shoulder, piercing deep and pinning it to the ground. A second speared through its hind leg, locking it in place. It roared in fury, thrashing, trying to rip itself free. And then¡ª CRACK. The largest icicle shattered free, crashing down like a falling glacier. It struck the beast¡¯s back with the force of an avalanche, piercing straight through its spine. The beast let out a final, choked roar before its body sagged, breath leaving it in one last huff of mist. Silence returned. David stood there, chest rising and falling heavily, his limbs burning with exhaustion. His arm ached where the beast had clipped him, and his energy reserves were nearly drained. Slowly, he approached the fallen creature. Blood seeped from beneath the ice, dark against the cold, pale blue of the cavern. The cub had vanished¡ªprobably fled when the fight began. David exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Next time, I¡¯ll just take the long way around." A heartbeat later, a faint glow flickered near the beast¡¯s lifeless body. David exhaled sharply¡ªthe system never missed its cue to deliver rewards. 25 - The Eternal Glacier The Eternal Glacier. A vast, frozen monolith stretched endlessly into the sky, its surface a jagged expanse of permafrost sculpted by time itself. The Eternal Glacier¡ªa relic of an age long forgotten¡ªloomed in eerie silence. Its very essence pulsed with unnatural energy, as if the ice itself breathed. At its core, hidden beneath layers of ancient frost, lay two hearts, hollow and unknowable, throbbing with void-like energy. As the larger heart quivered, a rift split open in its center¡ªa portal forming with a deep, resonant hum. WUUUHHHMMM The air trembled. A shimmer of space-time wavered before stabilizing into a perfect, circular abyss. From within, two figures emerged. The first man stepped forward with unhurried grace. His long, flowing hair was as white as the ice around him, yet it held a luster that set it apart from the lifeless frost. His pale eyes, nearly identical in hue, burned with an intensity that made them unmistakable¡ªsharp and piercing, as if they could pierce through reality itself, searching for something unseen. His robes, once pristine, were now tattered at the edges, but the intricate patterns etched into the fabric remained untouched¡ªdelicate, almost fractal, like frost blooming across glass. The glacier¡¯s cold was absolute, pressing in from all sides, yet he moved, unaffected, as if he belonged to a world beyond its reach. Behind him, a second figure followed¡ªa stark contrast. Broad-shouldered and battle-hardened, the bald man bore countless scars crisscrossing his body, each telling a story of survival. His sheer presence radiated power, his movements deliberate and controlled, like a predator that had long mastered patience. The portal behind them let out one final thrum before sealing shut, leaving nothing but the suffocating silence of the glacier¡¯s hollowed core. The white-haired man¡¯s voice broke the quiet. "Are you certain this is the place, Vzrikal?" His tone was composed, yet there was an underlying edge of expectation. Vzrikal¡ªhis trusted disciple, seasoned warrior, and relentless seeker of knowledge¡ªnodded firmly. "Yes, Master Zephiron. We''ve finally reached the greater heart of the Eternal Glacier. If our sources are correct, the Azurefrost Shard should be here." His voice carried confidence, but also a wary respect for the ancient forces they were about to disturb. Zephiron glanced around, his expression unreadable. The glacier¡¯s walls gleamed with an unnatural brilliance, veins of azure energy coursing through the ice. They were walking inside something that was not just frozen terrain¡ªbut something distinct. The air here was dense, heavier than it should have been. It clung to their skin, carrying a presence that was neither sharp nor gentle. "I''ve heard whispers of this place," Zephiron murmured, brushing his fingertips against the frozen surface. "A prison of time, sealed by ice that has never known warmth. If the shard rests here, it is because it was never meant to be found." Vzrikal smirked slightly, crossing his thick arms. "Then it''s a good thing we don¡¯t care about what was ¡®meant to be.¡¯" Zephiron turned to his disciple, the corners of his lips lifting in a shadow of amusement. "Indeed. Fate bends to those who have the will to shape it." A sudden shift in the glacier¡¯s depths made the ground beneath them tremble. A distant crack echoed through the cavernous expanse. Something stirred. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Vzrikal narrowed his eyes, scanning the surrounding ice. "We are not the first to seek it. The markings on the outer layers¡ªthere were others before us." Zephiron finally turned to him. "And where are they now?" Vzrikal clenched his jaw. "Gone. No remains, no signs of struggle. Just... gone." Zephiron smiled faintly. "Then let us ensure we do not share their fate." He took another step, this time pressing his palm against a nearby ice wall. For a moment, nothing happened¡ªthen the ice pulsed. A faint ripple spread outward, vanishing into the depths of the glacier. Vzrikal tensed. "Master, What did you¡ª" A deep, resonating hum filled the cavern. The ice groaned louder now, like something stirring beneath their feet. Then, from the heart of the glacier, a pulse of light flickered¡ªjust once. Zephiron lowered his hand, his smile widening. "We are close." Vzrikal¡¯s hand instinctively went to the weapon strapped to his back, a heavy blade with jagged etchings of an ancient language. "We should move. If something else is protecting the shard, I¡¯d rather not be caught standing here like fools." Zephiron nodded, his gaze flickering towards the darkness ahead. "Then let¡¯s retrieve what is ours." Without hesitation, the two pressed forward into the unknown, their figures vanishing into the glacier¡¯s depths¡ªwhere secrets of ice and void awaited them. *** The captain and the RiftWalkers pressed forward without pause, carving a path through the relentless onslaught of Rimecrawlers lurking within the caverns. They were not here for these lesser foes¡ªtheir eyes remained locked on the ultimate prize that awaited them. They had encountered other creatures as well¡ªthings lurking in the deeper tunnels, twisted by the cold. Some had once been living beasts, now fused with the ice itself, their bodies half-frozen, their flesh hardened like stone. Their bones had become jagged with frost, encased in crystalline growths that shimmered in the dim light. And some moved unnaturally, their limbs stiff yet eerily fluid, as if controlled by the ice itself. But none stood a chance against the RiftWalkers. The captain never faltered. With each battle, their path became clearer, until finally¡ªthe end of the maw revealed itself. The cave¡¯s walls widened, the tunnel opening into a vast, frozen plain. They had finally reached the surface. The wind howled as they stepped out onto the bare ground of ice. The air was sharp, the cold no longer just biting but pressing¡ªa weight upon their skin. The captain was the first to step forward, his gaze sweeping above themselves. From where they had started, that same cliff stretched high, leveling with the skies. But none of it mattered. Because before them, in the distance, stood the Eternal Glacier. It loomed over the land like an unshaken behemoth, its presence undeniable. The captain narrowed his eyes, scanning the icy horizon. His instincts sharpened like a blade, and without hesitation, he spoke. "If we¡¯re going to find the Rift Core, it¡¯s inside that thing." His voice carried no doubt¡ªjust certainty. Ezra let out a low whistle, crossing his arms. "Hate to break it to you, Captain, but that thing looks like it eats people for breakfast. You sure it¡¯s not just a giant tombstone for the last idiots who tried?¡± Cane chuckled, tapping the hilt of his blade. "If it is, we might as well carve our names into it now. ¡®Here lies Cane, Ezra, and our fearless Captain¡ªdevoured by an overgrown ice cube.¡¯" The captain exhaled through his nose, unimpressed. "If you two are done auditioning for the world¡¯s worst comedy duo, we have a Rift Core to find." Ezra smirked. "You wound me, Captain. Our humor is all that stands between us and insanity in this frozen hellhole." Cane nodded sagely. "Exactly. Laughter keeps the frostbite away. That, and fire. Shame we don¡¯t have either in abundance." The captain rolled his eyes, but a small smirk ghosted across his lips. Even in the face of uncertainty, their ability to keep things light was an asset. The captain, glanced over his shoulder. ¡°You two could just stop talking for five minutes.¡± Ezra smirked. ¡°Five minutes of silence? In this frozen wasteland? That¡¯s how people go insane, Captain.¡± Cain nodded sagely. ¡°Exactly. If something doesn¡¯t try to kill us soon, I might just start talking to the ice.¡± The captain sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Then let¡¯s hope the ice talks back.¡± With a final glance at the glacier, he turned. "Let¡¯s move." The ground ahead was a barren stretch of ice, a frozen plain leading straight to the base of the glacier. No cover, no natural formations¡ªjust open space, leaving them exposed. The wind howled in a low whisper as a voice stirred from deep within the glacier, a sign that someone had just unleashed their energy upon it. Ezra adjusted his coat, unease flickering in his eyes. "I don¡¯t like this. Feels too exposed." He wasn¡¯t wrong. They were standing in something¡¯s domain. "It is." The captain agreed. "Stay alert." They moved forward, boots sinking slightly into the icy crust. The glacier loomed closer with every step, its surface reflecting the pale sky above. Something about it felt... unnatural. Not just ice. Something older. The captain¡¯s expression remained unreadable, but there was the faintest glint in his eyes. ¡°This won¡¯t be simple,¡± he said. The wind howled again. From within the glacier, something groaned. A deep, ancient sound. The group halted. Ezra¡¯s grip on his shield tightened. ¡°Tell me that was the ice shifting.¡± Cain¡¯s smirk faded slightly. ¡°Or something waking up.¡± The captain didn¡¯t hesitate. He took the first step forward. And the RiftWalkers followed. 26 - David and the System A sharp, piercing look on a sharp-edged sword, blinking in and out of existence. ? ? ? KILLED A FROST URSALITH ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : + 3 SU + 50 XP ? ? ? David stepped forward, his gaze locking onto the ephemeral weapon as it finally stabilized in the air. He reached out, wrapping his fingers around the hilt. It was cold to the touch¡ªtoo cold, as if the very concept of steel had been infused with something beyond comprehension. Giving it a few test swings, he felt the weight, the balance. The sword moved with unnatural ease, responding to his slightest motion. A system reward, huh? he mused. Yet, as he slid it into his inventory, a nagging thought lingered at the back of his mind. His daily quests had stopped. His brows furrowed. ¡°Why am I not getting them anymore?¡± The system¡¯s tasks were supposed to renew each day, yet they had gone silent, as if abandoned. A pause. Then¡ª ? ? ? THE DESIGNER HAS ALTERED THE SYSTEM¡¯S PARAMETERS ? ? ? David crossed his arms. ¡°Altered how?¡± ? ? ? DAILY QUESTS WERE IMPLEMENTED AS A STRUCTURE FOR EARLY GROWTH ? ? ? ? ? ? HOWEVER YOU NO LONGER REQUIRE TRAINING WHEELS ? ? ? David scoffed. ¡°Training wheels? That¡¯s what they were to you?¡± ? ? ? A MEANS TO PREVENT YOUR DETERIORATION ? ? ? ? ? ? BUT YOU PUSH YOUR LIMITS WITHOUT PROMPTING ? ? ? ? ? ? THEREFORE MOTIVATIONS HAVE BEEN DEEMED UNNECESSARY ? ? ? What the system had stated was true¡ªsince then, David had developed the habit of working out daily, except when he was inside a Rift. David let out a dry laugh. ¡°So what, I just lost free rewards because I actually put in effort?¡± ? ? ? REWARDS WERE NEVER FREE THEY WERE A LEASH ? ? ? That made him pause. He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. ¡°A leash, huh? I guess that makes sense. But still¡­¡± His fingers clenched at his side. ¡°I won¡¯t lie, I relied on them. Even if I worked on my own, knowing there was a system keeping track¡­ it felt like progress.¡± ? ? ? PROGRESS IS NOT MEASURED IN NUMBERS BUT IN THE CHOICES YOU MAKE AND YOU CHOOSE TO MOVE FORWARD ? ? ? David exhaled sharply. ¡°You¡¯re saying I don¡¯t need rewards to keep going.¡± ? ? ? CORRECT ? ? ? He smirked slightly, rolling his shoulders. ¡°You could say I got a wake-up call. I couldn¡¯t afford to remain idle anymore.¡± ? ? ? REST ASSURED ? ? ? ? ? ? DAILY QUESTS WILL BE REINSTATED SOON ? ? ? "I hope they¡¯re something simple, like killing slimes," David said, his remark almost absurd. The system remained silent. His gaze drifted forward, toward the passage ahead. To his side, the underground lake stretched endlessly into the cavern¡¯s abyss. Its surface was eerily still, yet disturbingly opaque, as if something within absorbed all light, refusing to let anything escape. A dark void of water, untouched and unknowable. Strange, jagged formations jutted out from beneath the surface, barely visible beneath the lake¡¯s obsidian sheen, like the skeletal remains of something forgotten. In contrast, the path before him was an icy passage that wound along the lake¡¯s edge. The walls of the cavern shimmered with a bluish luminescence, the ice capturing and refracting the dim light, creating ghostly silhouettes that danced along the corridor. The air was frigid but not stagnant; it carried a whispering chill. David took a step forward but hesitated. "I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s right to ask this, but..." ? ? ? SPEAK ? ? ? He exhaled, watching his breath mist in the frigid air. "Back then, when I refused to collect the shards... you punished me." ? ? ? CORRECT ? ? ? David clenched his fists. "If you hadn¡¯t stopped¡­ what would have come next? Would it have actually killed me?" Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "What would have been the next penalty?" A pause. The air itself seemed to still. Then¡ª ? ? ? ELECTROCUTION ? ? ? A bolt of ice shot down his spine, worse than the cavern¡¯s icy air. His hand moved instinctively to the back of his head, fingers grazing his neck, as if trying to reassure himself that he was still alive. He let out a hollow chuckle. "You say that so casually." ? ? ? IT WAS A CALCULATED RESPONSE ? ? ? ? ? ? YOUR REFUSAL THREATENED THE INTEGRITY OF THE SYSTEM¡¯S DIRECTIVE ? ? ? David shook his head. "So if I had kept resisting, I would¡¯ve just... died?" ? ? ? PROBABILITY OF DEATH WAS HIGH ? ? ? ? ? ? BUT THE DESIGNER CEASED TERMINATION BEFORE IT BECAME NECESSARY ? ? ? "Right. Lucky me." He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. His voice lowered. "It really shouldn¡¯t have been worth it." "Also, I''d ask more about the Designer, but you''d just tell me I need to level up before I can ask such questions," David said, his tone laced with annoyance. ? ? ? AND YET DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF THREATS, YOU STILL CHOSE TO COMPLY ? ? ? ? ? ? WHY ? ? ? "Because... deep down, I knew fighting was pointless." David''s voice was quiet, almost distant. His fingers clenched at his side, though even he wasn¡¯t sure if it was out of frustration or resignation. "I was fighting this battle long before you appeared," he continued. "For so long, I told myself I could hold out, that if I just endured a little longer, something would change." A bitter chuckle escaped him. "But nothing ever did." His gaze drifted, unfocused, lost somewhere in the cold, empty air. "So I thought... maybe it was finally time to do something about it." His eyes, hollow and unseeing, carried a weight far heavier than the words he spoke. A stillness settled in them¡ªnot the kind that brought peace, but the kind that spoke of wounds long left untended. Of a sadness so deep, it had become a part of him. The system remained silent. David exhaled, shaking his head as he pushed the thought aside. "Well, whatever. I¡¯m still here. That¡¯s what matters." ? ? ? CORRECT ? ? ? ? ? ? CONTINUE MOVING FORWARD ? ? ? David chuckled. "Yeah, yeah. No need to sound so smug about it." The cavern stretched onward, and he had no intention of staying in place any longer. As he moved forward, he encountered more of the same beasts from before¡ªtwisted, predatory creatures with too many teeth and too little hesitation. But just like before, they were scattered. Isolated. One by one, they fell. David¡¯s light blade carved through them with practiced ease. His movements were sharp, precise, honed by battles that had forced him to improve whether he wanted to or not. ? ? ? KILLED 6 FROST URSALITH ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : + 18 SU + 300 XP ? ? ? But then¡ªthe last one appeared. Bigger. Faster. Stronger. The creature moved with unnatural agility, weaving through the icy terrain like a phantom. Its hide gleamed with a reinforced sheen, almost crystalline, reflecting the cavern¡¯s glow. Its claws struck with force, the air itself splitting as they raked toward him. David dodged, stepping back just in time to avoid a slash that would have torn through his torso. He retaliated, slashing with his light blade¡ªonly for the blade to scrape uselessly against the creature¡¯s hardened hide. Tch. This one¡¯s different. His instincts screamed as the beast lunged again. Without thinking, he shifted his grip, summoning a pulse of light energy into his weapon. The blade flared with brilliance, its edge slicing forward. This time, it cut deeper, forcing the beast back. David pressed the attack, weaving between offense and defense, striking with both light and darkness in tandem. Shadow tendrils lashed at the creature¡¯s movements, disrupting its speed, while radiant arcs of energy carved through its hide. But his mana was draining fast. Each burst of power consumed more energy than he liked. And this thing wasn¡¯t going down easily. With a grunt, he stopped using his abilities, forcing himself to rely solely on his physical skill. He switched tactics¡ªducking under the beast¡¯s lunges, redirecting its momentum, exploiting its brief openings. His breathing steadied, his footwork sharpened. The fight became a battle of endurance. The beast snarled, its movements becoming more erratic as it realized its advantage was slipping. But David remained relentless. "Show me my profile," he said, his voice echoing through the frozen cavern, directed at no human in sight. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] STATUS HP : ????? ?? DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? 12? STATS STRENGTH : 13 ? AGILITY : 10 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? Before him, a bright window materialized, glowing as vividly as daylight, its dynamic interface alive and responsive to his intent. The holographic display hovered weightlessly, casting soft luminescence across his determined features. "Argh, I can¡¯t afford to wait any longer. If I don¡¯t finish this, it¡¯ll only drain me to death." "Open inventory," he commanded, his voice calm but firm. Another window appeared in the air. With a sudden, deliberate motion, he thrust his hand into the shimmering hologram, his fingers grasping at something unseen within its depths. In an instant, he withdrew a blade¡ªsleek, glimmering, and radiating a faint blue hue, as if forged from ice itself. David adjusted his grip, his movements swift and precise. As the towering beast lunged toward him, its alabaster fur glinting under the frosty light, he acted with practiced precision. With a single, fluid motion, his blade arced through the air, meeting the creature mid-attack. The blade sliced cleanly through its target, the strike so precise it left a faint shimmer in its wake. The creature, a monstrous being akin to a polar bear yet far more sinister, let out a guttural roar before collapsing, its form crumpling to the icy floor. David exhaled slowly, watching as the once-mighty beast stilled. Its pure white fur, now lifeless, seemed almost serene against the cavern''s frozen backdrop. He tightened his grip on the blade and glanced around, wary of any lingering threats, before muttering under his breath, "Finally." "I can scarcely believe how far I''ve come in just a few weeks. My life has changed dramatically, all due to this strange system." "No one would believe me if I said this, but..." "It¡¯s showing me a way out, lifting me from the depths of my misery and hopelessness." ? ? ? KILLED A GIANT FROST URSALITH ? ? ? ? ? ? REWARD : + 12 SU + 200 XP ? ? ? ? ? ? LEVEL UP AVAILABLE ? ? ? He had realized it before, but his fight with the shapeshifter had only cemented the idea¡ªit was always wiser to delay leveling up until the moment of absolute necessity. "I''ll save the level-up for later," he decided. Silence returned. David exhaled, slipping the blade back into his inventory. His body throbbed with exhaustion¡ªhe had been conserving his mana reserves. He had pushed himself again¡ªbut that was nothing new. The underground lake veered deeper into the ground, disappearing into the darkness beyond David¡¯s reach. Meanwhile, the cavern expanded to the side, where a soft, almost ethereal glow spilled through¡ªa sign of an opening ahead, beckoning him forward. He had barely taken a few steps past the turn when his breath caught in his throat. The cavern¡¯s jagged walls parted, revealing an open expanse¡ªa frozen wasteland stretched before him, its focus drawn to a single, unforgiving point in the far distance. The Eternal Glacier. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he steadied himself, exhaled, and pressed forward. 27 - Trail of the Azurefrost Shard Light. Layers upon layers of ethereal radiance, cascading endlessly in his mind. It shimmered, neither cold nor warm, a presence that existed beyond sensation. One side of the sky poured it forth, an unyielding torrent of brilliance, yet in the distance, the Eternal Glacier loomed¡ªan obsidian wall swallowing the glow, bending it to its will. David exhaled, his breath misting before him as he gazed upon the sight. This was different from the light he had once glimpsed in his darkest hour, the light that had brushed against his soul when all had seemed lost. That had been a moment of desperation. This was a moment of clarity. If this was merely the physical manifestation of light, then what of the other¡ªthe one he had glimpsed? The light that wasn¡¯t bound by form or distance. The one that could pierce through the depths of his despair, the misery of his existence. The one powerful enough to shatter the darkness entirely. Light would always overcome darkness. That realization settled within him, not as an epiphany but as a fundamental truth¡ªhis core, his conviction. It was the foundation upon which he stood, the very base of the path he had chosen. He waited for a brief moment and closed his eyes as a hush settled over his thoughts. Then, with a steady breath, he clenched his fists, feeling the reassuring weight of his existence, and took a step forward. *** The silence was absolute. The bigger heart of this place was no mere glacier. It was something far older, something carved from the bones of winter itself. Zephiron stood at the precipice of the great frozen chasm, his gaze locked onto the colossal structure before them. The air crackled with an eerie stillness, the cold biting deep, yet his focus remained unwavering. Suspended high above, encased in layers of unyielding frost, pulsed the Azurefrost Shard. A crystalline fragment of impossible beauty, it shimmered with an unnatural glow, twisting the very space around it. The sheer pressure of its presence sent a whisper through the fabric of reality. Azrikal took a step forward, his breath visible in the frigid air. "Master... is this truly it?" His voice held reverence, yet there was an undercurrent of unease. Zephiron did not answer immediately. Instead, he lifted a hand, feeling the currents of power swirling around the shard. His silver eyes reflected the glacial radiance as he finally spoke. "The Azurefrost Shard... untouched for centuries. It is no mere relic, Azrikal. It is a force unto itself." Azrikal clenched his fists. "Then taking it won''t be simple." A faint smile ghosted Zephiron¡¯s lips. "Nothing worth having ever is." His tone was calm, but his stance shifted ever so slightly¡ªpoised, expectant. Azrikal remained at his master¡¯s side, his posture tensing as an unseen weight pressed down on him. The shard¡¯s presence was suffocating, its energy curling around his very being like invisible tendrils, prying, searching. "Master, this place... it resists us," he muttered, his breath visible in the frozen air. Zephiron inclined his head slightly, his voice calm and measured. "Not us, Azrikal. It resists the unworthy." The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Azrikal tightened his grip on his weapon, understanding the unspoken challenge. Before them lay a structure¡ªno, a throne¡ªof solid ice, rising from the ground like the jagged spine of some long-forgotten colossus. And upon that throne, frozen in a slumber as ancient as the glacier itself, lay their adversary. A monstrous form, its body forged from glacial stone and permafrost, slumbered beneath the azure light. Towering in size, its shape was vaguely lupine, though twisted into something unnatural. Its jagged maw was lined with icicle fangs, and from its core radiated the same frigid energy that encased the shard above. Zephiron¡¯s gaze remained steady, his voice carrying an air of knowing authority. "This is Svarog, the Behemoth of Everfrost, a remnant of an age where such creatures roamed freely. Its eyes, twin abysses of void-like frost, fix upon the intruders." Azrikal took a step forward. "And what of the guardian? If the shard is protected, then we¡ª" The creature stirred. A sound, deep and primal, resonated through the ice, reverberating through the vast expanse. The throne cracked. The glacier trembled. Then, with a violent shudder, the Behemoth of Everfrost awoke. The very air erupted in a violent storm of frost and howling wind as the guardian¡¯s hollow eyes snapped open, their glow an abyss of endless winter. With a deafening crack, its frozen form lurched forward, breaking free from the throne¡¯s embrace. Fragments of ice rained down like glass, and in a single motion, it moved. Azrikal barely had time to react. A massive claw scythed through the air, a blurred specter of death. Zephiron did not move. But before the strike could land, Azrikal wove into the shadows, his form flickering away from the attack. The behemoth¡¯s strike shattered the ice where he had just stood, sending frozen fragments spiraling into the air. "Master, this thing¡ª" "Its form is strength, but its will is fractured," Zephiron interjected, his tone never rising. He observed the guardian as if studying a relic rather than an enemy. "It clings to purpose, yet it is bound to its prison. It is neither truly alive nor truly dead." Azrikal exhaled, his blade wreathed in abyssal energy. "Then we free it the only way we know how." Zephiron gave the slightest nod. "As you will, my disciple. But do not falter. Its heart remains untouched by time." The guardian lunged, the very air crystallizing in its wake. Its sheer presence distorted reality, freezing the space it moved through. The moment Svarog charged, the temperature plummeted instantly, frost creeping over the ground in an expanding wave. Zephiron reacted first, harnessing a surge of spatial force with a swift motion. The air distorted around him before unraveling into a spiraling torrent of energy that surged forward, crashing into Svarog¡¯s chest. The attack barely fazed it. The Behemoth vanished in a blur¡ªfar faster than its colossal form suggested¡ªreappearing behind Azrikal. Azrikal barely managed to raise a barrier, but the behemoth''s claws ripped through it like parchment, sending him skidding across the ice. Zephiron exhaled, unshaken. "You should have anticipated that, Azrikal." Azrikal growled but rose. "I did. I just wanted to see how it moves." Svarog opens its maw, revealing a swirling vortex of compressed frost energy. Before it can unleash its breath, Zephiron raises a hand, channeling a surge of spatial force that bends the air around him. The next instant, he is above the Behemoth, striking down with a spear of pure energy. The attack rips into the behemoth¡¯s back, but instead of blood, it regenerates instantly¡ªits wounds reknitting with crystalline ice. Azrikal struck next. His blade cleaved through the creature¡¯s side, abyssal energy tearing at its frozen flesh. But the wound did not bleed¡ªit regrew instantly, ice knitting itself back together as if the very laws of nature refused to let the guardian die. Azrikal clicked his tongue in frustration. "It heals. Faster than it should." "Because it is not truly alive," Zephiron mused. He lifted a single hand, and the air around them warped again. "You know where to strike." Azrikal¡¯s eyes flicked to the behemoth¡¯s core, pulsing beneath its chest¡ªa crystalline heart, encased in layers of enchanted frost. "I see it." "Then do not waste time." The behemoth roared, an avalanche of frost bursting forth from its maw. Azrikal dove through the storm, the abyssal flame of his blade cutting through the ice. The behemoth swiped, but he was already beneath it, a mere flicker of movement in its vast shadow. His strike landed¡ªthe core was exposed. Zephiron¡¯s fingers twitched, and a final surge of power erupted, distorting the air around him. Reality twisted. The core collapsed inward, a gravitational singularity forming within it. The behemoth froze¡ªits form buckling, cracking, shattering. A deafening silence followed. The battlefield was silent. The storm had faded, the ice no longer howling in protest. Svarog had fallen, and only the Azurefrost Shard remained, suspended in the air like a frozen heart, pulsing with an eerie glow. Azrikal stepped forward, drawn to its presence. As his fingers neared the shard, a biting chill surged through his arm, latching onto his very essence. He gasped, his breath crystallizing midair. Zephiron remained still, his gaze sharp. ¡°It¡¯s testing you. Show weakness, and it will shatter you from within.¡± Azrikal clenched his jaw, fighting against the ice creeping through his veins. ¡°Master¡­ and if I refuse it?¡± Zephiron exhaled, his tone unreadable. ¡°Then you¡¯ll wish you had never touched it.¡± Then, Zephiron¡¯s eyes narrowed as he sensed another presence drawing near. ¡°This place isn¡¯t done with us yet.¡± 28 - Happenstance The smaller heart of the Eternal Glacier lay silent, its frozen expanse now a graveyard of shattered ice and lifeless bodies. The final entity of the rift was nothing more than a broken husk, its corpse sprawled across the icy ground. The Rift Core pulsed faintly in the captain¡¯s grip, an eerie glow reflecting in his sharp eyes. They had won. The rift had been conquered, and their mission was complete. Yet, despite everything, the captain felt a gnawing dissatisfaction. The glacier was still roaring. It wasn¡¯t the sound of shifting ice or the dying echoes of their battle¡ªit was something else. A distant, throbbing tremor, like someone locked in battle somewhere far away. Ezra adjusted his shield, glancing at the captain with an amused smirk. ¡°I know that look. You¡¯re not ready to leave yet, are you?¡± He motioned toward the final entity¡¯s remains. ¡°Didn¡¯t get the thrill you were looking for from that thing?¡± Cain chuckled, kicking a chunk of ice aside. ¡°Still don¡¯t get why you bother with these low-level rifts, Captain. An A-rank Riftwalker like you could be making a killing in the high-tier ones.¡± He shook his head. ¡°Beats me every time.¡± The captain exhaled, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. ¡°I had a feeling about this place. And besides¡­¡± His fingers tightened around the Rift Core, his gaze distant. ¡°Something tells me we might run into David again. So why not?¡± Ezra and Cain exchanged knowing looks but said nothing. If the captain had a gut feeling, they weren¡¯t about to argue. The group turned their backs on the wreckage and set off, moving toward the greater heart of the Eternal Glacier¡ªthe source of the distant shocks and reverberations. As they advanced, the tremors intensified. The howling winds carried strange echoes, sharp and unnatural. Then, as they rounded a jagged formation of ice, the sight before them made them pause. A massive chasm yawned in the distance, its depths an abyss of swirling frost and shadow. Two figures locked into his sight. One, a dark-robed man, rigid and unmoving, his piercing gaze locked onto the abyss below. The other hovered above the chasm, balanced on a floating fragment of rock. In his grasp, a pulsating light glowed with such intensity that it seemed to pull at him, as if trying to drag him into the void. Cain let out a low whistle. ¡°Well, this just got interesting.¡± His eyes flicked toward the man above the chasm. ¡°Definitely not the David you were expecting, huh?¡± The captain rolled his shoulders. ¡°Guess that guy really did die after all.¡± The robed man¡ªZephiron¡ªturned slowly, his eyes settling on them with unreadable intensity. The air around him seemed to tighten, carrying a weight that wasn¡¯t physical but felt just as oppressive. ¡°Uninvited guests,¡± he said coolly. The captain met his gaze without flinching. ¡°That makes two of us.¡± His eyes flickered to the glowing shard in Azrikal¡¯s hands. ¡°But since we¡¯re all here, how about you tell me what¡¯s so special about that thing?¡± Zephiron¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but his stance shifted slightly¡ªa subtle readiness. ¡°If you have any sense, you¡¯ll turn back now. This is not something for scavengers.¡± Cain barked out a laugh. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s got a mouth on him. I like this one.¡± The captain tilted his head, considering. There was a tension in the air now, humming beneath the icy wind. He smirked. ¡°Let¡¯s see where this goes.¡± The ice beneath them groaned, the cold thickening, but the fire of confrontation was already lit. Zephiron turned, his gaze cool and distant, as if addressing mere insects. ¡°Your presence here is irrelevant. We have no business with you.¡± The captain let out a low chuckle, stepping forward. ¡°That so? Then why do you look like you¡¯ve just been through hell?¡± Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Above the chasm, Azrikal¡¯s fingers clenched around the pulsating light. His entire body trembled, his breathing uneven¡ªlike a man on the verge of losing himself. ¡°We are travelers,¡± he said, his voice rigid, strained. ¡°Same as you.¡± Ezra smirked. ¡°Travelers, huh? Is that what we¡¯re calling it now? Because I¡¯ve never seen travelers wielding something that looks like it could tear a hole through reality.¡± Zephiron¡¯s gaze flicked to him, unimpressed. ¡°Your understanding is limited. Don¡¯t speak of what you cannot grasp.¡± The captain exhaled, his breath curling in the frigid air. ¡°We heard the commotion, thought we¡¯d see what was left. And judging by what¡¯s in your friend¡¯s hand, looks like we arrived just in time.¡± Zephiron regarded him with mild disinterest. ¡°And now you believe it belongs to you?¡± A stillness settled between them, tense, electric¡ªlike the last breath before a blade is drawn. Then the glacier groaned. A ripple surged through the ice beneath them, a tremor so unnatural it made even the most seasoned Riftwalkers tense. The glow in Azrikal¡¯s grasp flared¡ªand suddenly, his entire body seized. Azrikal¡¯s breath hitched. His fingers dug into his own skin as veins of searing light cracked through his arms, his muscles trembling with barely restrained force. His floating platform buckled, fragments of stone breaking away into the abyss. Then, without warning¡ª He moved. A violent shockwave erupted from him, sending out a force so wild it shattered the ice beneath the Riftwalkers'' feet. They barely had time to brace before a spear of raw energy lanced toward them. ¡°What the hell¡ª?!¡± Ezra growled, rolling back onto his feet. Azrikal¡¯s eyes burned with an unnatural glow, his body jerking as if fighting against invisible chains. He clutched at his head, a guttural snarl ripping from his throat. Zephiron''s expression darkened. ¡°He¡¯s losing control.¡± The captain didn¡¯t need the warning. Azrikal vanished¡ªor at least, that¡¯s what it looked like. In an instant, he was in front of them, his hand swinging down in a brutal arc. The captain barely got his blade up in time to block, but the force behind the strike was monstrous. He was fast. Too fast. The ice beneath them cracked from the impact, fissures splitting outward like jagged scars. The captain gritted his teeth, pushing against the weight pressing down on his blade. Azrikal¡¯s face twisted with raw fury, but beneath it¡ªbeneath the wild, unrelenting power¡ªthere was something else. Pain. Zephiron moved, stepping between Azrikal and the Riftwalkers. His voice was firm, almost commanding. ¡°Azrikal. Control it.¡± But Azrikal let out a feral growl, his entire body flickering with unstable energy. He was beyond words now. Cain barely sidestepped as a jagged arc of energy slammed into the ice beside him, splitting it apart. ¡°He¡¯s not even aiming¡ªhe¡¯s tearing through everything!¡± Ezra¡¯s blade was already drawn, his stance steady. ¡°Even the beasts have intent. But this¡ªthis is something worse.¡± Cain turned at the words¡ªtoo late. Azrikal vanished, reappearing in a blur of movement. Before Cain could react, a concussive blast erupted from Azrikal¡¯s palm, slamming straight into his chest. The impact sent Cain flying, his body crashing against a jagged ice wall. A sharp crack echoed as he hit the ground, blood staining the frost beneath him. Ezra¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Cain¡ª!¡± Azrikal¡¯s breath hitched. His body was trembling violently now, the veins of searing energy splitting further across his arms. He clutched his head, a guttural growl escaping him as he fought against the overwhelming force clawing at his mind. ¡°Azrikal,¡± Zephiron¡¯s voice cut through the chaos, calm but firm. ¡°Enough.¡± Azrikal¡¯s entire body shuddered. His teeth clenched, the wild power flickering erratically. The shard pulsed in his grasp, glowing fiercely, almost as if it were feeding on his instability. Zephiron stepped forward, closing the distance with quiet certainty. ¡°It is not yours to wield.¡± Azrikal let out a ragged breath, his form flickering. The energy was trying to devour him¡ªbut then, with a final tremor, his fingers uncurled. The Azurefrost Shard slipped from his grasp. Zephiron caught it effortlessly, and in his hands, the shard¡¯s unstable glow dulled, its raging energy settling into a serene hum. Complete stability. Azrikal staggered back, the light dimming from his eyes. His breathing was ragged, but he was himself again. He looked at his own trembling hands as if they belonged to someone else. Zephiron turned, his gaze falling on the captain and his group. ¡°This was not our intent.¡± His voice was measured, but there was no apology in it¡ªonly fact. Cain groaned, pushing himself up with a wince. Blood dripped from his lip, staining the frost beneath him. The captain¡¯s grip on his blade tightened. His gaze was locked onto the wound, onto the crimson against the white ice. ¡°This is over,¡± Zephiron said, not as a suggestion, but as a statement of fact. Cain gritted his teeth, wiping the blood from his arm. Ezra¡¯s expression darkened, his stance shifting, but the captain was already a step ahead. His fingers curled into a loose fist, eyes fixed on Zephiron¡ªnot with fear, but with intent. Zephiron observed the defiance with mild interest, as though watching a pack of strays growling over scraps. ¡°I suggest you reconsider,¡± he said, his voice cool, indifferent. ¡°You are wasting time.¡± The captain let out a quiet chuckle, tilting his head. ¡°That so? Because from where I¡¯m standing, you¡¯re the one walking away after attacking us.¡± Ezra scoffed. ¡°Yeah, your pet over there lost control, took a swing at Cain, and now you think you can just leave?¡± His fingers tapped against his blade. ¡°Not how this works.¡± Zephiron barely spared him a glance. ¡°Your companion is still standing. You should be grateful.¡± His eyes shifted back to the captain, unreadable yet firm. ¡°You are beneath my concern.¡± The captain¡¯s smirk sharpened. ¡°That right?¡± Zephiron exhaled, a faint trace of amusement ghosting across his features. ¡°You are not the first to mistake arrogance for strength. Nor will you be the last.¡± His fingers flexed slightly around the shard. ¡°Now, step aside.¡± The air between them thickened, tension coiling like a drawn bowstring. The captain¡¯s smirk remained, but his eyes hardened. ¡°You hurt one of mine.¡± His foot shifted forward. ¡°And you expect me to just let that slide?¡± Zephiron regarded them for a long moment before shaking his head, almost pitying. ¡°Then you¡¯ve already lost.¡± 29 - Way of Existence Darkness¡ª And his willingness to walk into it. He had never intended to tread a path of darkness, and yet here he was. Pitch black. He stood somewhere within the Eternal Glacier, where sight meant nothing. The void swallowed everything. A silence so complete it pressed against his ears. He moved. Every motion was slow, deliberate¡ªeach footfall a gamble in the unseen depths ahead. The sheer absence of light reminded him of the radiance he had witnessed just before stepping inside¡ªthe brilliance of it seared in his memory. A stark contrast¡ªone moment bathed in radiance, the next swallowed by abyssal black; it almost felt cruel. But this darkness was merely a physical manifestation¡ªa simple lack of illumination. It was nothing compared to the deeper, more insidious darkness he had carried within him for years¡ªthe one that had eroded him, piece by piece, killing him over and over again. What an irony, he mused. How simple it had been to walk in the light, only to be thrust into absolute obscurity. The irony lay in the abrupt shift to his own situation¡ªhow easily he had taken light for granted, only to be confronted with its complete absence. He had never considered such things before, but his journey had changed him. He was beginning to see the world differently¡ªto understand it in ways he never had. Yet, he knew this darkness would not consume him. Not anymore. He would not allow it. If what lay ahead was shrouded, he would carve his own path through it. He no longer feared the darkness. He understood it now. And understanding brought power. He had sought to conserve his mana¡ªhis very essence, the fuel for his light. Such greed, such hesitation. His caution had become a trap¡ªsaving power at the cost of sight, risking the very future he had aimed to protect. That was the only reason he had been walking in complete blindness, but¡ª He summoned his light, and the space flared alive. It wasn¡¯t blinding, but enough. The glow enveloped him like a shield, pushing the blackness away. A simple thing. The eternal glacier was vast. Unforgiving. But he was not lost. The constant tremors and approaching sounds were guiding him. All he had to do was keep moving, no matter what. As David drew closer to the source of the sounds, then without warning, the system¡¯s interface flared into existence before him, halting him in his tracks. ? ? ? AZUREFROST SHARD DETECTED NEARBY ? ? ? David blinked. "A shard... here?" His pulse quickened. ? ? ? PROTECT AND OBTAIN THE SHARD ? ? ? A smirk tugged at his lips. "So I finally found one without even looking. See? Wasn¡¯t that hard." He exhaled, letting the words ease his nerves. But his mind raced. What even was a shard? The system kept mentioning them, but it never offered any real explanation. He had theories¡ªfragments of power, remnants of something greater¡ªbut nothing solid. And now he was being told to protect it. He dismissed the window and pressed forward. The darkness around him shifted¡ªnot because it had weakened, but because he had kept moving forward until the passage eventually opened before him. The ice ahead was glowing¡ªa strange, unnatural radiance pulsing through the glacier. And then¡ª He saw them. The ground stretched before him, a frozen graveyard of the defeated. The Riftwalkers lay scattered, motionless. Everyone was unconscious. Blood stained the ice, steaming in the frigid air. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Only one remained standing. The captain. He was on one knee, his body trembling, his breath ragged. His blade¡ªonce gleaming with power¡ªwas now cracked, its glow dim. He raised his head, his eyes dull yet defiant. And standing opposite him¡ªthe ones responsible. One was a towering figure clad in armor, veins of molten energy coursing through his body. His bald head gleamed under the icy glow, deep scars etched across his skin. There was no need for theatrics; his very presence exuded raw, unshaken power. Azrikal. The second stood poised, elegant in his lethality. Silver hair, piercing eyes that glowed with an unnatural light¡ªZephiron. His posture was relaxed, carrying the air of one who decided when the fight would begin and when it would end. David¡¯s stomach twisted. Who were they? Azrikal tilted his head, regarding him with amusement. ¡°Another lamb stumbles into the slaughter. How convenient.¡± Zephiron exhaled, mist curling from his ethereal form as he observed David in silence. His glowing eyes narrowed, calculating. Azrikal turned slightly, addressing Zephiron with a tone that almost carried reverence. ¡°Master, shall I remove this distraction?¡± Zephiron didn''t respond immediately. His piercing gaze remained fixed on David, studying him like a specimen under a frozen blade. David tensed. They didn¡¯t seem to know who he was¡ªbut they knew he was here. That was enough to set every nerve on edge. Before he could react, the system window flashed once more¡ªthis time urgent, insistent. ? ? ? HOSTILE ENTITIES DETECTED ? ? ? ? ? ? WARNING: POWER LEVELS EXCEED CURRENT CAPABILITIES ? ? ? ? ? ? OBJECTIVE UPDATED: SURVIVE ? ? ? David clenched his fists. Survive? That¡¯s all you¡¯ve got for me? "I knew that guy didn''t die from the fall," the captain thought to himself, unable to stand or say anything. "But here he is again at death''s door." "Though, how unfortunate," he thought. The captain tried to stand, his body swaying. "R-run..." he rasped, but the words barely left his lips before Azrikal moved. Too fast. In the blink of an eye, the armored figure was in front of him, gripping the captain¡¯s throat with a single hand. ¡°Your fight is over.¡± With a single motion, he slammed the captain into the ground. The ice shattered beneath him. David instinctively took a step back. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to flee, to turn and run¡ªbut something inside him rebelled. No. Not this time. David forced himself to breathe. His gaze drifted from the captain¡¯s unconscious body to the figure standing before him. Zephiron. A soft, mesmerizing light pulsed between his fingers¡ªa delicate, ethereal glow, shifting like liquid moonlight. Was that the shard? David was observing. His entire focus locked onto it. He didn¡¯t speak. Didn¡¯t act. His every instinct screamed at him to move, to lunge, to snatch it away. But he stayed still. That single hesitation did not go unnoticed. A mistake. Zephiron''s icy gaze lingered on him, his posture poised yet unreadable. He was the first to speak, his voice smooth yet edged with suspicion. ¡°I assume you are with them.¡± David hesitated before offering a measured response. ¡°Just lost my way.¡± "You don¡¯t seem lost," Zephiron replied smoothly. "Nor do you seem afraid." David exhaled, keeping his voice level. "Should I be?" Zephiron chuckled. "That depends on your intent. And your knowledge." His fingers shifted slightly, letting the shard¡¯s light flicker. "Tell me¡­ do you know what this is?" David barely kept his eyes from straying to the light. "A glowing rock?" Zephiron smirked, but the amusement didn¡¯t reach his eyes. "A rock." He let the word linger, tilting his head. "Curious. Most men, when seeing such a thing, ask what it does. Yet you don¡¯t. Why is that?" David shrugged. "You¡¯re glowing. I assumed you were just dramatic." "And besides, it caught my eye. It glows. Hard not to look at something like that." For the first time, Zephiron smiled¡ªa small, cold thing that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. "Clever. But not clever enough." He took another step forward, the temperature around him dropping. "You hesitate. Your focus lingers. A man without knowledge¡ªsomeone oblivious to the shard¡ªwould not look at it the way you just did." David clenched his fists. He needed to throw him off. "And yet, you¡¯re the one watching me so closely. Maybe you¡¯re the one who¡¯s unsure." Zephiron¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change, but something flickered behind his eyes. A silent shift. ¡°A clever guess¡­ or a poor deception.¡± David tensed, though he masked it well. He met Zephiron¡¯s gaze directly, refusing to shrink beneath it. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know what kind of game you¡¯re playing, but I have no idea what that thing is.¡± And technically, he wasn¡¯t lying. Zephiron tilted his head, his gaze drifting briefly to Azrikal. ¡°A lie, spoken well.¡± His gaze returned to David. ¡°But not well enough.¡± David¡¯s heart pounded, but his face remained neutral. ¡°Believe what you want,¡± he said evenly. ¡°I¡¯m just trying to survive.¡± ¡°Survival.¡± Zephiron¡¯s gaze darkened, his voice dropping just enough to send a chill down David¡¯s spine. ¡°A reasonable instinct. But instincts can be manipulated.¡± David forced a smirk. ¡°You¡¯ve got a habit of reading too much into things.¡± "Perhaps," Zephiron admitted. "But I rarely make mistakes." David held his ground. "Then you already have your answer, don¡¯t you?" Zephiron studied him for another moment before exhaling softly, mist curling from his lips. "For now," he murmured, his tone unreadable. He turned slightly, his fingers tightening around the shard. "But we¡¯ll see, won¡¯t we?" David forced himself to nod, though his mind raced. He hadn¡¯t given himself away. But Zephiron wasn¡¯t convinced either. Azrikal stepped forward, his voice calm but with a hint of urgency. "Master, let me handle this. I¡¯ll get to the bottom of it." Zephiron barely looked up. "Do what you must, Azrikal. My intellect has never betrayed me." With that, David clenched his fists, preparing for whatever nightmare was about to begin. 30 - Burning Hunger Veins of molten energy pulsed across Azrikal¡¯s body as he shifted his stance, his glowing scars flickering like cracks in a volcanic abyss. Losing control when he first confronted the shard¡ªthat had been unexpected. But this? This was different. The boy in front of him was nothing more than prey. Weak. Fragile. And Azrikal intended to enjoy every second of this hunt. For a moment, he stood still. Calculating. Then, he moved. A flicker¡ªno, a blur of motion. David saw it, his mind processed it, but his body failed to keep up. He had witnessed this exact movement before, the one that had left the Riftwalker captain in ruins. Azrikal appeared before him, his molten veins igniting with a surge of blistering heat. With a single strike, the force of his blow sent David hurtling backward, slamming into the frozen ground with a sickening crunch. A sharp gasp escaped David¡¯s lips as he coughed up blood. His ribs ached, his body shuddering from the impact. STATUS HP : ????? 12? DEFENSE : ????? 13? MANA : ????? 1?? Even with the system''s defense, the damage was real, painfully real. He had survived worse, but not by much. Across the battlefield, Zephiron watched in silence, his piercing gaze locked onto David. Something about this didn¡¯t add up. He had been certain¡ªDavid knew something about the shard. Yet his strength was¡­ disappointing. How could someone aware of its existence be so weak? Was he acting? Pretending? Zephiron narrowed his eyes, searching for an answer. But Azrikal wasn¡¯t about to give David time to recover. Molten energy rippled through his limbs as he surged forward again, closing the distance in an instant. David gritted his teeth. Not this time. A soft glow pulsed from his wounds, threads of warm, golden light weaving through his torn flesh. The pain dulled, his body stitching itself back together in mere seconds. He clenched his fists, the light shifting¡ªno longer just for healing. STATUS HP : ????? 133 DEFENSE : ????? 13? MANA : ????? 1?? Darkness also stirred within him. Azrikal¡¯s molten eyes gleamed as he closed in. ¡°Good¡­ Let¡¯s see if you can make this fun.¡± David moved. A shadow flickered beneath him as he twisted his body mid-air, avoiding the molten fist that would have shattered his skull. Dark tendrils curled around his arms, blending seamlessly with the golden glow. His power¡ªlight and darkness¡ªmerged. Azrikal grinned. ¡°Ah, there you are.¡± David didn¡¯t waste time. He lashed out, his hand coated in searing dark energy, striking toward Azrikal¡¯s side. The molten warrior blocked with his forearm, the impact sending shockwaves through the frozen battlefield. For a split second, David thought he would get through, that his strike had weight. But it wasn¡¯t enough. Azrikal''s arm was much stronger than he thought. With monstrous strength, he drove his knee into David¡¯s stomach, sending him skidding across the icy ground. David coughed, struggling to stay on his feet. His wounds stitched themselves again, but the toll was beginning to show. He needed a new approach. STATUS If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. HP : ????? ?? DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? 1?3 Azrikal rolled his shoulders. ¡°Interesting. That power of yours¡ªit¡¯s trying to be something it¡¯s not. Light and dark? You¡¯re stuck between them, boy. That hesitation is why you¡¯ll lose.¡± David wiped the blood from his lip. His body still ached, but the pain no longer dictated his movements. His energy surged again, light flickering alongside shadow. He met Azrikal¡¯s gaze. And for the first time¡ªhe smiled. ¡°You talk too much.¡± Azrikal let out a short laugh. ¡°Then shut me up.¡± David¡¯s aura exploded, light and darkness intertwining as he prepared himself. The contrast was breathtaking, a paradox of creation and destruction. The healing light wrapped around his wounds, knitting flesh together, but every flicker of his darkness threatened to unravel it. This balance¡ªthis unrefined clash of elements¡ªwas new to him, and it was devouring his mana at an alarming rate. Yet, if it worked, the cost would be worth it. Azrikal stood tall, his molten veins pulsing, radiating searing heat. He observed David¡¯s struggle with amused detachment, like a beast toying with its prey. Zephiron, meanwhile, remained unmoved. His piercing gaze dissected every moment, every flicker of light and shadow. He had seen many warriors fall. But this fight¡ªthis strange collision of forces¡ªhad his attention. ¡°Your captain put up more of a fight,¡± Zephiron remarked coolly from a distance, his gaze drifting to the shattered ice where the man''s broken figure lay. ¡°Now, he¡¯s nothing but a discarded relic. I had expected more from you, at the very least.¡± David¡¯s gaze flicked toward the captain¡¯s unmoving form. A part of him knew the man wouldn''t last long without help. But that same part whispered an undeniable truth¡ªhe wouldn''t last long either. He turned his focus back to Azrikal, wondering how he could possibly wound that beast. He retaliated once more, his hand crackling with shifting energy¡ªa fusion of golden light and writhing shadow. The power lashed out, striking Azrikal¡¯s side. The impact sent vibrations through David¡¯s arm, yet something was wrong. The hit had connected, and once again, it had done nothing. Azrikal barely reacted. Instead, he laughed. A deep, guttural sound that sent unease crawling up David¡¯s spine. ¡°Now I see,¡± Azrikal murmured. ¡°You think power is about balance? A little light, a little dark, and somehow you¡¯ll be something greater?¡± His eyes gleamed. ¡°Pathetic. True power isn¡¯t balanced¡ªit¡¯s absolute.¡± But David wasn''t about to give up. He observed Azrikal some more, searching for an opening¡ªa weakness, anything that could level the odds. His breathing steadied. Every attack, every movement¡ªAzrikal¡¯s battle-worn scars, the way he carried himself¡ªit all clicked into place like a puzzle. Then an idea struck him. Just as it did, a system window materialized before him, cutting through the chaos. ? ? ? SKILL ACTIVATED: STRATEGIC MIND ? ? ? ? ? ? EFFECTS ARE IN USE ? ? ? David lunged. Azrikal¡¯s response was immediate. David ducked low, barely avoiding a blazing swipe that turned the air into a furnace. Dodge. Pivot. Redirect. The heat licked at his skin, but he didn¡¯t falter. He reached out to Azrikal¡ªno power in use, no attack in sight. For Azrikal, that was strange, until David screamed in his mind for the system to open the inventory. He brought out a blade, its icy edge hummed with sharpness. Without hesitation, he wreathed it in darkness and slashed. The blade met resistance¡ªa spark of molten fury against frozen death. Ice and fire clashed in violent harmony, steam hissing as elements fought for dominance. Azrikal barely had time to react. The first strike skidded off his armor, but the second bit into flesh. Then another. And another. Not all landed cleanly, but the ones that did left their mark. David withdrew, breathing heavily. ? ? ? TACTICAL INSIGHT CONFIRMED ? ? ? ? ? ? STRATEGIC MIND UPGRADED ? LVL 2 ? ? ? Azrikal tilted his head, glancing at the wounds. Ice crystals clung to the edges of his cuts, and deeper still¡ªDavid¡¯s darkness ate away at the exposed tissue like a parasite. A low chuckle. ¡°Now that¡­ was unexpected.¡± David said nothing, still catching his breath. Azrikal flexed his fingers, his molten aura intensifying. A surge of volcanic heat washed over his body. The ice cracked. Melted. And the creeping darkness? Burned away like it was never there. Azrikal¡¯s gaze lifted, amusement dancing in his molten eyes. "I won¡¯t lie¡ªclever. Using my own scars as a weakness? You almost made it work. And that sword¡­ where did you get it?" David exhaled, wiping the blood from his lips. "Simple observation. Your battle-hardened body tells a story¡ªyou¡¯ve fought things that left their mark. The rest¡­ I figured out myself." Azrikal rolled his shoulders, the last remnants of frost melting away. "Don¡¯t get cocky." The heat around him surged, the air itself distorting. "I wasn¡¯t even being serious. And since you refuse to speak of the shard, I see no reason to prolong this." A sudden shift in his stance. A pulse of something overwhelming. Azrikal raised a hand, and the world ignited. A molten inferno erupted forth, consuming everything in its path. The ice beneath them vaporized, the air howled as fire and destruction swallowed the battlefield whole. The molten veins across Azrikal¡¯s body flared like a dying star, and then¡ª he struck. David roared, pushing every ounce of power he had into countering it. Light surged. Darkness writhed. But it was useless. The attack engulfed him. Agony. Fire. His body was ripped from the battlefield, sent crashing through layers of frozen terrain until he was nothing but a broken figure embedded in the ice. Blood painted the battlefield in cruel strokes. He couldn¡¯t move. Couldn¡¯t breathe. Was he dead? This was the difference in their power¡ªDavid had never stood a chance to begin with. Above, Azrikal exhaled, lowering his hand. ¡°Hmph. That should do it.¡± Zephiron observed the frozen crater below, expression unreadable. ¡°A shame. I expected more.¡± The battlefield fell silent. David was done. 31 - From the Depths Nothingness. A void. It stretched endlessly, swallowing time itself. STATUS HP : ????? 21 DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? ?2 Then¡ªpain. David¡¯s eyes snapped open. Blurry shapes twisted at the edges of his vision. His body screamed in protest, raw and burned from the molten inferno that had consumed him. His breathing was shallow, every intake of air feeling like knives against his lungs. But there was no despair¡ªa sign of growth, however small. And, out of nowhere¡ª A flicker of light appeared. A system notification. ? ? ? BREATHING IS IMPORTANT YOU SHOULD TRY IT ? ? ? David exhaled sharply¡ªmore out of disbelief than anything else. His lips curled slightly despite himself. Even with blurred vision and a body on the brink of collapse, he could make out the glowing letters. A slow chuckle escaped him at the system¡¯s sarcastic advice. The movement in his lungs sent pain through his ribs, but at least it confirmed one thing¡ªhe was still alive. Considering the state he was in, he had to admit¡ªmaybe keeping the humor setting at 35% wasn¡¯t such a bad idea after all. He tried to move but found that even forming words was impossible. His throat was raw, his body screaming in protest at the mere thought of movement. But that wasn¡¯t a problem. There was one option left. He willed the system to process his pending level-up. ? ? ? INITIATING LEVEL UP ? ? ? The system responded instantly. A rush of light engulfed him, his charred skin peeled away, fresh, unblemished flesh forming beneath it. His fractured bones knitted back together with a sensation. The sensation was far from pleasant¡ªlike molten metal being poured through his veins¡ªbut it was bearable. Far better than his previous level-ups. That was a good sign. If the process wasn¡¯t agonizing, it meant his body could handle the change. Otherwise, leveling up was nothing short of a nightmare. The acrid stench of burnt flesh dissipated as his wounds vanished. His breathing steadied, his senses sharpening. Strength flooded his limbs, and clarity returned to his mind. The pain was gone. ? ? ? LEVEL UP SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? With only a thought, another window followed. [ INFO ? QUEST ? INVENTORY ? SHOP ? ] PROFILE NAME : David LVL : 08 [ ? 10/850XP ] or [ ? 85 SU ] TITLE : User SYSTEM UNITS : 130 STATUS HP : ????? 2?? DEFENSE : ????? 2?? MANA : ????? 2?? STATS STRENGTH : 13 ? AGILITY : 10 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] SKILLS ACTIVE SKILLS ? ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS [ ? LVL 1 ] PASSIVE SKILLS ? STRATEGIC MIND [ ? LVL 2 ] David flexed his fingers, feeling the renewed energy surging within. The crater he had been blasted into stretched high above him, jagged and unforgiving. Time to climb. With a flex of his power, gravity shifted around him. He launched himself upward, using short bursts of momentum to propel himself from one rock to another. The broken edges crumbled beneath his grip, but it didn¡¯t matter¡ªhe wasn¡¯t relying on them. A move¡ªan exact imitation of what he had seen. The captain was its true master. He moved effortlessly, scaling the crater walls with smooth precision. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. One final leap. He landed at the crater¡¯s edge in a controlled motion, his presence barely disturbing the air. Azrikal and Zephiron had already turned away, ready to leave. Their interest in him had vanished¡ªhe was nothing more than a footnote in their battle. Their mistake. They thought it was over. David landed with a quiet, almost unnatural grace. The quiet shift of his weight upon solid ground was barely perceptible, but Zephiron¡ªever the observer¡ªnoticed. He didn¡¯t turn, but a knowing smile curled at his lips. Azrikal, however, remained oblivious. David exhaled, stretching his fingers around his blade¡¯s hilt. Then, casually, he spoke. "I appreciate the humor," he said, addressing the system. Azrikal froze mid-step. A slow turn. His molten eyes narrowed, confusion flashing before rage overtook his features. "Humor? You mock me?" His voice was a low growl, thick with restrained fury. David smirked. "I wasn¡¯t talking to you." Azrikal¡¯s gaze darkened, but before he could speak, David tilted his head, his expression mocking. "But since we¡¯re talking¡ªleaving in the middle of a fight? That¡¯s just sloppy. What, did your master never teach you how to finish what you start?" A muscle twitched in Azrikal¡¯s jaw. "You still draw breath?" He paused. "No¡­ you should be dead." Zephiron remained expressionless. Azrikal¡¯s fury boiled over. "You should have stayed dead," Azrikal snarled. "You¡¯re nothing but a fading ember. Let me extinguish you." His stance shifted¡ªnot just his posture, but his molten veins darkened into abyssal flames. He drew his blade¡ªthe very one he had used against Svarog. The ground beneath Azrikal cracked as his abyssal flames erupted to life, wrapping around his form in violent tendrils. His blade ignited, pulsing with the same cursed fire that had ended Svarog. David said nothing. His own blade flared to life¡ªa radiant contrast to Azrikal¡¯s flames. The battle resumed. Clash of blades. Azrikal attacked first. Abyssal flames surged toward David in a spiraling arc, warping the air with unbearable heat. David moved. He sidestepped, his blade carving through the black fire, parting it like mist. The force of the impact sent sparks flying, but he was already pivoting, dodging a follow-up strike aimed at his ribs. Azrikal¡¯s assault was relentless. Each swing of his blade carried weight, precision, and raw fury. David wasn¡¯t controlling the pace, but he was matching him. Azrikal¡¯s frustration grew. Perhaps it was the failure to end him earlier in his master¡¯s presence. "You were at death¡¯s door!" he spat, his abyssal energy surging. "Now you match me?" David met his strike head-on, parrying with enough force to send a shockwave through the battlefield. "Yeah, funny how that works," he said, smirking. Azrikal¡¯s expression twisted in barely restrained anger. His abyssal flames surged, burning hotter. His strikes grew wilder, his precision starting to slip. David pressed forward, weaving through the onslaught. He wasn¡¯t overpowering Azrikal¡ªhe was outmaneuvering him. For the first time, Azrikal hesitated. It made no sense. Moments ago, David had been on the brink of death. Now, he was moving with ease, seemingly full of energy. Had he been hiding his healing abilities? No. That wasn¡¯t it. Zephiron, watching in silence, finally spoke. "Azrikal." The voice was calm, but it cut through the battlefield like a third blade. Azrikal stiffened. Zephiron remained motionless, observing with quiet amusement. "The only reason you aren¡¯t getting through," he said, "is because you¡¯ve lost your composure." Azrikal¡¯s grip on his blade tightened. Zephiron¡¯s silver eyes gleamed. "Otherwise, the gap in your strength is still this vast." Azrikal¡¯s eyes burned with fury, but his body betrayed his doubt. David tilted his head. "You know, he¡¯s not wrong." His smirk widened. "You were a lot scarier when you weren¡¯t this pissed off." Azrikal¡¯s rage reached its breaking point. With a roar, his abyssal flames surged wildly, consuming everything in their path. His blade lashed out in an explosion of raw destruction. David braced himself. He barely twisted out of the way as Azrikal¡¯s abyssal flames roared past him, searing the air where he had stood a heartbeat ago. That was too close. He landed harshly, skidding backward across the scorched ground, his breath ragged. His knees nearly buckled, but he forced himself to stand. I need an edge. Now. Gritting his teeth, David made a decision. He had been holding onto his system units, waiting for the right moment. But there was no luxury of time anymore. "Show me my stats," he commanded mentally. A translucent window materialized in front of him. STATS STRENGTH : 13 ? AGILITY : 10 ? STAMINA : 10 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? David¡¯s eyes flicked across the numbers. Not good enough. He needed more strength¡ªnow. "Boost my strength by 20 points." Nothing happened. ? ? ? BOOST UNSUCCESSFUL ? ? ? David''s brow furrowed. What¡­? Why? I have more than enough system units! ? ? ? THAT''S NOT THE ISSUE ? ? ? ? ? ? THE SYSTEM WILL NOT PERMIT AN INCREASE OF THAT MAGNITUDE ? ? ? ? ? ? YOUR BODY CANNOT WITHSTAND THE STRAIN ? ? ? David clenched his jaw. Of course, there were limits. He just hadn¡¯t run into them before. "Fine. Then how much can I push it?" ? ? ? CURRENTLY, THE MAXIMUM LIMIT IS 15 ? ? ? Only fifteen? That¡¯s only two points! The difference wasn¡¯t much compared to what he wanted, but at this point, every bit counted. "Do it. And also boost both my Agility and Stamina by three points each." ? ? ? BOOST SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? STATS STRENGTH : 15 ? AGILITY : 13 ? STAMINA : 13 ? INTELLIGENCE : 91 ? David exhaled sharply. He was still outmatched¡ªbut now, at least, he had a fighting chance. Or at least, that¡¯s what he thought. "Alright, let''s see if this makes a difference." From the side, Zephiron watched, arms crossed, unreadable. ¡°You¡¯re an anomaly,¡± Zephiron spoke. ¡°That much is certain.¡± His silver eyes gleamed, calculating. ¡°And yet¡­ weak. How does a man like you can remain standing in front of Azrikal?¡± David tensed. He kept his expression neutral. "Maybe... I''m just too stubborn to fall." Or perhaps just too stubborn to give up on the shard, he thought, keeping his true intentions buried in the back of his mind. I''m taking that shard¡ªno matter what, a hidden thought that pressed deeper, even if I have to crawl for it. 32 - Weight of the Shard The Abyssal Flames¡ªblack fire that was capable of devouring not just flesh but the very essence of existence¡ªflickered uselessly, unable to consume. The Molten Veins¡ªrivers of liquid fury coursing through his body, each pulse meant to unleash destruction hot enough to turn mountains to slag¡ªran cold, their power failing him at the moment he needed it most. Both should have made Azrikal unstoppable. Both should have reduced his foe to ashes¡ªyet, they failed him. And for the first time in a long time, frustration burned hotter than his own flames. Why? Why? Why wasn''t it working? Confusion clouded his mind. David, though cautious, could sense the shift. His opponent, the monstrous warrior who had once rampaged through battlefields, was struggling. It wasn¡¯t weakness¡ªAzrikal¡¯s power still crackled in the air, his presence still domineering. But something unseen gnawed at him, dulling his blade, slowing his advance. David wasn¡¯t about to waste the opportunity. David lunged forward. His footwork was precise, slipping into the gaps of Azrikal¡¯s faltering defense. He struck¡ªa sharp blow to the ribs, just beneath the plating of his armor. No damage, no pain, but Azrikal staggered. But David capitalized on it, sidestepping and delivering a fierce palm strike to Azrikal¡¯s shoulder, sending him stumbling back. Azrikal¡¯s eyes blazed with fury. With a snarl, he retaliated, his claw sweeping toward David¡¯s throat. Too slanted. David weaved past it, stepping into Azrikal¡¯s guard. He raised his knee, ramming it into his opponent¡¯s gut. The impact echoed, yet it lacked the satisfying recoil¡ªAzrikal was tougher than steel, his body built for battle. He lagged only in his powers; his body was still the same. From the sidelines, Zephiron remained still, his silver eyes glinting with quiet calculation. If he wanted, he could interfere¡ªbut not yet. If he were to join them, the battle would end in an instant¡ªit was that easy for him. After all, this was his disciple¡ªit was his test, a lesson which he needed to overcome on his own. And if he couldn''t, then he was of no use to him. If Azrikal failed to crush this anomaly before him, then he was not yet worthy. And Zephiron had no intention of intervening¡ªuntil something caught his attention. A disturbance. A flicker. A pulse of something unseen. His gaze sharpened. Something was rising from the Azurefrost Shard in his possession, as thin as a thread itself¡ªan invisible force, a tether, leading toward Azrikal. No¡ªcovering Azrikal, winding around his body in multiple chains. Its pulse was weak, barely perceptible, yet¡­ the energy it emitted was not random. It was coiling. Not around David. Around Azrikal. Zephiron¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. So that was the reason. It was something only he could have perceived¡ªnot Azrikal, not David, only him. Azrikal had touched the Azurefrost Shard and lost control, consumed by its overwhelming force. But when it rejected him, Zephiron had stabilized it in his possession. Yet¡­ it hadn''t detached completely. The Shard¡¯s influence had not yet faded completely. Even though it was no longer in Azrikal¡¯s possession, it still clung to him like a parasite, disrupting his instincts, dulling his precision. His Abyssal Flames, his blade¡ªeverything was still bound. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Zephiron''s lips curled into a smirk. "To think, with all my knowledge of the Shard, I still didn¡¯t know it could do this¡­" After concluding his observation, his eyes flicked back to the battlefield, where Azrikal was once again attempting to overpower David¡ªyet failing. It was time to step in. "Azrikal." Zephiron¡¯s voice rippled through¡ªfirm and unyielding, demanding attention. Azrikal didn¡¯t look at him. "Not now, Master," he growled, abyssal flames surging wildly. Zephiron¡¯s expression remained unreadable. "You have noticed it, haven¡¯t you?" Azrikal¡¯s grip tightened around his blade, his molten fingers twitching. Zephiron continued. "Your body is resisting you. Your strikes lack their weight. You are fighting against something unseen." Azrikal let out a low snarl. "What are you saying, Master?" "It''s the Azurefrost Shard. It is still holding onto you¡ªbinding you in invisible chains." Azrikal halted mid-swing, barely dodging David''s counterattack as he turned sharply toward his master. His breath was ragged, his fury barely contained. "What?!" Zephiron¡¯s gaze was impassive. "You''re not struggling because David is stronger, nor because you are weak." Azrikal¡¯s eyes burned with defiance. "Impossible. It is no longer in my possession." Zephiron gave a quiet, knowing look. "And yet, here you are, still shackled." He pointed toward the Azurefrost Shard in his hands. "The Shard¡¯s influence lingers, coiling around you like invisible chains. It suppresses you, dulls you, makes you less." For a moment, silence. Then¡ªAzrikal¡¯s rage twisted into something colder. His fingers curled into fists, his claws digging into his palms. If that was the case¡­ then how was he supposed to fight?! His eyes snapped to Zephiron, burning with frustration. ¡°Then what should I do now, Master?¡± Zephiron stepped forward, his tone as steady as ever. "My disciple, despite all our knowledge of the Shard, I neglected to detect its true nature. It makes me question the essence of all the Shards." He continued, "But now that I see what it''s doing to you, fixing this will be simple." David tensed as he watched Zephiron raise his hand. The Azurefrost Shard, which had been nestled in Zephiron¡¯s possession, suddenly began to float into the air. A faint hum resonated as Zephiron¡¯s other hand traced delicate curls in the space around it. David, watching from a distance away, narrowed his eyes. The air rippled, bending like a warped reflection in water. Then¡ªspace itself twisted. In midair, a rift formed¡ªa miniature portal, but¡­ different. David¡¯s breath hitched. The space within the portal wasn¡¯t normal. It was a cube¡ªa confined space, layered and complex, its edges shifting in impossible geometries. Without hesitation, Zephiron directed the fragment toward the cube. His actions were measured, each motion deliberate. He did not cast it in haste, nor did he discard it carelessly. Instead, he set it inside with the reverence of one sealing away a relic of untold power¡ªsecured, contained, and beyond reach. Now that he had guided the Azurefrost Shard into the cube, with a flick of his wrist, the miniature portal sealed shut, the Shard vanishing entirely. It bore a resemblance to his inventory, yet it was vastly different. This wasn¡¯t the system¡¯s doing, nor was it something as rudimentary as mere storage¡ªit was something else entirely. David swallowed. "Is that his power...?" Zephiron hadn¡¯t exerted force; he had simply¡­ warped space, reshaping reality. It was effortless. Just how much more was he capable of? His fists clenched instinctively. If Zephiron could manipulate space so easily, then what chance did he stand if the man decided to join them in battle? The realization was unsettling. The Shard was gone. Zephiron turned back to Azrikal. "There. The link is gone. You should return to your previous condition." Azrikal clenched his fists. The weight. The sluggishness. The invisible chains. Azrikal clenched his fists again, testing, feeling. The weight of the Shard that had been pressing down on him¡ªthe unseen chains¡ªhad vanished. His Abyssal Flames roared to life once more, his power no longer restrained. David¡¯s eyes narrowed. Azrikal rolled his shoulders, flexing his fingers. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a wicked grin. "Finally," he murmured, stepping forward. His aura flared¡ªstronger, sharper, deadlier. David exhaled, steadying himself. Azrikal was back. And this time, he was going to devastate. Azrikal exhaled slowly, his stance now composed, his gaze locking onto David with newfound clarity. ¡°You stand before a warrior who has walked the path of battle more times than he can count,¡± he said, his voice calm yet edged with steel. ¡°I am a seeker of knowledge, and I have tested my strength against countless foes, always believing in sheer, unrelenting power.¡± His fingers tightened around his weapon as he continued. ¡°I allowed myself to be blinded¡ªby anger, by arrogance,¡± he admitted. ¡°But that wasn¡¯t entirely my failing. The Shard twisted my instincts, dulled my judgment. Even so¡­ I was wrong about you.¡± Azrikal¡¯s eyes burned with a flicker of respect, something rarely granted. ¡°I dismissed your balance of light and darkness as weakness, believing only in the absolute force of power. But you stood against me¡ªand proved otherwise.¡± His lips curled into a smirk. ¡°So, allow me to honor you with what you¡¯ve taught me.¡± He lifted his blade in one hand, Abyssal Flames licking hungrily at its edge like a living void. His other hand ignited in molten veins, rivers of liquid fire coursing beneath his skin. The two opposing forces crackled in eerie harmony, neither yielding to the other. "Come, let me show you the power of your own creation." 33 - Perpetual Heart Gleam Balance? Honor? Between light and darkness? The opposing forces that are, forever at odds? His features darkened, yet he remained composed, neither yielding to anger nor emotion. After all, he had endured the struggle and understood its weight. The only balance he had experienced between the light and the darkness was in their recognition because he understood them both¡ªequally, without bias. Having borne witness to their essence firsthand, he was able to grasp their true nature. How could the light, which utters of endless opportunities he felt only for a brief moment, be equal to the darkness, which inflicted upon him and ate away at his own sanity for as long as he could remember? It was an undeniable truth¡ªfor the light to exist absolutely, it had to diminish the darkness, and for the darkness to prevail endlessly, it had to consume the light. As for the latter, there was indeed honor in the struggle between the light and the darkness, and even he agreed upon it. But all of that was not what his opponent had intended¡ªit was all him. His enemy desired nothing but his complete devastation. Still, even now, standing before his opponent, that honor felt fragile. His opponent surpassed him in every possible way¡ªstrength, speed, experience. He already knew this. But now, he felt it. And yet, he had to fight. A familiar despair slithered through his mind, creeping in like a slow poison. The same suffocating weight that had always surfaced whenever he hit an unbreakable wall. His body knew it well. His mind had suffered it before. The doubt, the fear, the memories of pain and solitude clawing their way back from the past. After everything I had to suffer, I am still stuc¡ªNo. I don¡¯t have time for this. All of this is below me now. I must surpass my limits. His hands tightened into fists, his knuckles white. If he kept letting himself be consumed by doubt and his past, he would never move forward. The only role the past will play in my life is as a teacher of its lessons. Now, I must purify myself of who I once was and become who I choose to be. My heart shall shine ever brighter for eternity. His mind had already taken in everything within a fleeting moment, perhaps due to the sharpness of his skill. Amidst the chaos, he closed his eyes, drew in a deep breath, and felt his heartbeat beneath the noise. And in that brief instant of peace, he whispered words meant for no one but himself. And then, he was ready. David lifted his blade, its surface gleaming with an icy blue hue as frost crawled along its edge. A mist, thick and chilling, unfurled around it in smoky tendrils, twisting through the air. But despite its frigid presence, he knew¡ªit wasn¡¯t enough. This cold, no matter how sharp, would never be enough to smother the relentless inferno of Azrikal¡¯s power. He had already coated the blade with his darkness, yet it had failed to make a fatal dent. A different approach was necessary. A thought crossed his mind. Perhaps the system could help. "System, can I upgrade this blade using system units?" he asked, his tone even but laced with urgency. A moment later, several glowing windows burst into existence before him. ? ? ? ONLY ITEMS DESIGNED FOR UPGRADES CAN BE ENHANCED ? ? ? ? ? ? THIS BLADE DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIRED CRITERIA ? ? ? ? ? ? UPGRADE IS NOT POSSIBLE ? ? ? David clicked his tongue in irritation. So much for that idea. Before he could dwell on his disappointment, another set of notifications appeared in quick succession. ? ? ? HOWEVER, THE BLADE POSSESSES A LATENT ABILITY ? ? ? ? ? ? WHEN INFUSED WITH MANA, ITS CHILL EFFECT WILL AMPLIFY BEYOND NORMAL LIMITS ? ? ? David¡¯s eyes flickered with renewed interest. So it can¡¯t be upgraded, but I can push its effect further with mana? Azrikal, who had been watching David with growing impatience, finally spoke, his voice carrying a taunting edge. "What¡¯s wrong? You seem... uncertain." Azrikal spread his arms wide, flames licking along his fingers. "Are you stalling? Or have you finally realized the futility of standing against me?" David let out a low breath, schooling his expression into something unreadable. "Stalling?" he repeated, tilting his head. "No, just giving you a fighting chance. Wouldn¡¯t want this to end too quickly, after all." Azrikal narrowed his eyes, but this time, he didn''t lose his composure. He was done waiting. A shift in the atmosphere sent a sharp spike of heat through the battlefield. The ground beneath Azrikal¡¯s feet glowed red-hot, fissures forming as molten embers crackled within. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. David¡¯s eyes flickered toward his blade. There was no time to hesitate. Gripping his sword tightly, he let his mana flow into the blade. The moment his energy surged into the weapon, something changed. STATUS HP : ????? 23? DEFENSE : ????? 2?1 MANA : ????? 222 The ice along the blade''s edge thickened, deepening to a shade of blue so dark it was nearly black. The mist that curled from it grew denser, twisting violently, and the cold it emitted turned sharp¡ªbiting, invasive, unnatural. Azrikal tilted his head, intrigued. "So, you finally decided to take this seriously." He smirked, the infernal glow in his eyes flaring. "Good. It would¡¯ve been disappointing otherwise." And then, he moved. Azrikal closed the distance in an instant, his abyssal flames surging forth like a relentless tide. He swung his blade in a brutal arc, the black fire streaking through the air like a crescent of annihilation. David barely raised his weapon in time, the impact sending a violent shockwave outward. His feet skidded against the scorched ground, his arms rattling from the sheer force behind the attack. Before he could regain balance, Azrikal followed up with his molten fist. He lunged forward, thrusting it toward David¡¯s torso like a hammer of destruction. The air around it shimmered from the sheer heat. David twisted his body, barely evading the direct strike. But even with the dodge, the radiating heat seared into his side. His skin burned under his clothes, pain lancing through him. He clenched his jaw, refusing to let out a sound. Azrikal didn¡¯t stop. He spun, bringing his abyssal blade down once more. This time, David had no choice but to block head-on. The clash sent an eruption of embers and frost into the air, fire and ice battling for dominance. But Azrikal''s raw strength won out. David was sent flying backward, slamming into the ground, leaving a trail of frost and scorched earth in his wake. STATUS HP : ????? 2?1 DEFENSE : ????? 21? MANA : ????? 2?? David exhaled sharply, pushing himself up with his blade as support. He steadied himself, eyes locking onto Azrikal, who stood tall, victorious¡ªtoo soon. Without hesitation, David channeled more mana into his blade, and the cold intensified. The mist thickened into an ice-laden storm, spiraling violently around him. He kicked off the ground, closing the distance between them in a blur. Azrikal was ready for David¡¯s strike when his blade swung upward, slashing toward his ribs. Azrikal dodged, but the chilling mist lashed out, grazing his exposed arm. A layer of frost spread instantly across his skin, cracking as soon as it formed against the heat of his molten veins. Then, David saw his opening. He feinted left before twisting right, driving his blade toward Azrikal¡¯s chest. Azrikal let out a grunt, yet the blade failed to pierce¡ªafter all, David wasn''t covering his blade with his darkness. It just wasn''t enough. Azrikal was now losing interest. He planted his foot firmly and, with terrifying speed, his molten fist swung upward. David saw it coming, but it was too late. The strike connected¡ªsolid, crushing, and unrelenting. David¡¯s body lifted off the ground, the force sending him hurtling through the air before he crashed into a jagged rock formation. The impact shattered ice, stone, and bone alike. STATUS HP : ????? 13? DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? 1?2 A deep ache spread through his ribs, sharp and unbearable. He gasped, coughing up blood, his vision momentarily flickering. Azrikal rolled his shoulders, shaking off the frost. ¡°You¡¯re strong-willed,¡± he admitted, his voice still mocking. ¡°But persistence alone is not enough.¡± But Zephiron remained the most patient of them all. He stood in silent observation, fully aware that the moment he freed Azrikal from the Shard¡¯s influence, David would suffer an utterly crushing defeat. David stood motionless, his chest rising and falling in ragged breaths. Defeat loomed over him, pressing down like an iron weight. A fury burned within him¡ªnot of recklessness, but of defiance. No, this was sharper, colder¡ªa fire that refused to be extinguished. And the pressure that sought to break him? It only fueled the blaze. His hands clenched around his blade. The mana he had poured into it had failed him. Even the enhanced cold had not been enough to match Azrikal¡¯s overwhelming might. Fine. Then he would return to what had worked. Darkness swirled around him as he abandoned the failing technique. He let his light surge outward, weaving through his wounds, sealing the worst of them. His movements were still sluggish¡ªAzrikal¡¯s earlier strikes had done their damage¡ªbut the light was mending him, restoring him piece by piece. STATUS HP : ????? 1?1 DEFENSE : ????? ?? MANA : ????? 1?? With a sharp exhale, David lunged forward, darkness trailing him in tendrils. He met Azrikal head-on. Azrikal barely moved, his stance shifting slightly as he deflected David¡¯s first strike. His molten veins pulsed with a fiery glow, his abyssal flames surging around his blade. With a flick of his wrist, he redirected David¡¯s attack, stepping aside effortlessly. Then, he countered. A burst of speed¡ªDavid barely caught a blur of motion before Azrikal¡¯s fist slammed into his side. Pain exploded through his ribs, sending him stumbling back. STATUS HP : ????? 111 DEFENSE : ????? ?3 MANA : ????? 13? Azrikal gave him no time to recover. He was already there, his blade carving through the space between them with blistering speed. David dodged, twisting his body at the last moment, the tip of the burning sword grazing his shoulder. He gritted his teeth. Azrikal wasn¡¯t just stronger¡ªhe was faster, sharper. His attacks carried precision, every movement honed to perfection. It was a losing battle. Then, just as he prepared to block the next strike, he felt it. A violent wave of energy erupted within him. Darkness, raw and untamed, surged through his veins. A sudden system notification blinked in his vision. ? ? ? UPGRADING DARKNESS POWER ? ? ? David¡¯s breath hitched. He had felt this before¡ªwhen he had upgraded his light using system units. Back then, it had been as if an endless well of vitality had opened inside him. If the same applied to his darkness¡­ But he wasn¡¯t upgrading now using the system units¡ªwas it because he had been exerting his darkness power for a while now? He had mere seconds before the upgrade completed. He had to act now. Azrikal came at him again, but David was already moving. He stretched out his hand, darkness swirling from his fingertips, weaving itself into an intricate form¡ªthe skill he had developed against the scorpion. The Swirling Chains. Tendrils of darkness shot out, latching onto Azrikal¡¯s shadow. The effect wasn¡¯t absolute¡ªthe scorpion had been far weaker than this monster before him¡ªbut it was enough. Azrikal slowed, his body resisting the unseen force binding his movements. It was time to finish this. With his newfound surge of darkness, David gathered every ounce of power he had left. His light flared around him, merging with his shadows, a paradox of energy colliding within him. He raised his blade¡ªthis time not as a weapon of ice, but as a conduit for his true power. Then, he unleashed it. A devastating arc of twilight energy erupted from his blade, cutting through the air like a jagged crescent. It was neither pure light nor complete darkness¡ªit was both. The attack slammed into Azrikal with unstoppable force, the collision sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. For the first time since breaking free from the Shard¡¯s influence, Azrikal faltered. His molten veins flickered. His abyssal flames dimmed. He dropped to a knee, his body barely holding itself together. David, panting, took a single step forward. He leveled his blade at Azrikal. ¡°This,¡± he muttered, ¡°is the end.¡± And with one final slash, he cut through Azrikal¡¯s defenses, his blade striking true. A deafening silence followed. Then, Azrikal collapsed. "Hahh... Hhh... Hhh..." David''s breaths came ragged and uneven as a fresh set of windows flickered into existence before him. ? ? ? UPGRADE SUCCESSFUL ? ? ? POWERS LIGHT POWER : D Class [ ? 30 SU ] ? Healing Bursts [ ? 1 SU ] ? Light Blade [ ? 1 SU ] DARKNESS POWER : C Class [ ? 75 SU ] ? Swirling Chain [ ? 1 SU ] But it wasn¡¯t over. Not yet. David turned, his body protesting with every movement. His fight with Azrikal had drained him¡ªhe had poured everything into it. And now, he had to face another. Zephiron stood before him, unshaken, untouched. Unlike Azrikal, he had waited. He had watched. And his eyes locked with David¡¯s. 34 - The Devil鈥檚 Bargain David¡¯s mind was still reeling from the battle when a sudden moment of clarity struck him. Strangely enough, Zephiron didn¡¯t make a move. David hesitated, weighing his approach, but even as doubt lingered, he was ready to advance when¡ª ¡°That¡¯s enough, Azrikal.¡± Zephiron¡¯s voice cut through the silence, firm and unquestionable. David¡¯s head snapped behind him instantly¡ªjust in time to see the abyssal flames roar inches from his face. Azrikal stood behind him, mid-attack, his molten veins still alight with power. How? How was he still standing, let alone attempting a treacherous strike from behind? David had just put him down¡ªhadn¡¯t he? Astonishingly, he hadn¡¯t even sensed him move¡ªhad it not been for Zephiron¡¯s intervention, he might never have. The blistering heat singed his skin the moment it drew near. He had to withdraw at once, then enveloped himself in his light, soothing the searing pain. ¡°Why do you stop me, Master?¡± Azrikal¡¯s tone remained respectful, yet his intent was clear. ¡°I was moments away from reducing him to ash.¡± Zephiron exhaled slowly, like a man observing a piece of art he wasn¡¯t quite ready to part with. ¡°Because brute force will not yield the answers I seek.¡± His eyes, deep pools of unwavering confidence, lingered on David. ¡°And besides, I find this one¡­ compelling.¡± He went on, "After all, he is the first to have brought you down¡ªeven if only for a brief moment." David tensed. "Compelling?" The word alone, spoken from Zephiron¡¯s lips, made his stomach twist with disgust. He scoffed. "Spare me your pleasantries." Zephiron ignored his reaction and continued. "How about we make a deal?" David¡¯s focus sharpened instantly, his body on edge. "A deal?" Zephiron nodded, inclining his head. "Since you refuse to tell me why you seek the Shard and insist on guarding your secrets, let us strike a bargain." David scoffed. "What makes you think I want the Shard?" He bluffed, feigning indifference. Zephiron studied him with a patience that felt unnerving. ¡°A man¡¯s intent is often betrayed by his own actions. Even as you fought, your gaze never strayed far from it. You recognized its significance the moment you laid eyes upon it. You reacted to it. That tells me only one thing¡ª" He took a step forward, the weight of his presence pressing down on David like a silent storm. "You want it." David stood still, his mind calculating. ¡°So,¡± Zephiron continued, ¡°let us dispense with falsehoods. You desire the Shard. I desire knowledge.¡± David clenched his jaw. There was no bluffing his way out of this anymore. ¡°Fine, just get to the point. What do you want to know?¡± Zephiron smirked slightly. "Now, that is the response I anticipated. I knew you were not one to abandon your pursuits so easily. But as you can see, when we converse with reason, we move forward." David¡¯s patience snapped. "Enough with the games. Say what you mean." Zephiron finally set aside the pretense. "I will divulge the location of another Shard¡ªone other than the Azurefrost Shard. In return, you will share everything you know about Azurefrost, including the source of your knowledge. After all, such secrets are not acquired by chance." David¡¯s heart pounded. Another Shard. The thought alone sent a surge of possibilities through his mind. But he was no fool. ¡°And if I refuse?¡± Stolen story; please report. Zephiron¡¯s expression did not shift, yet the weight of his presence intensified. ¡°Then I will let Azrikal finish what he started.¡± No hostility. No aggression. Just a simple, undeniable truth. As much as David wished to fight, he could no longer deny the truth¡ªdefeating them was beyond him. Their strength was simply out of his reach. Zephiron shifted his stance ever so slightly, aligning himself in the direction of the fallen Captain. Then, he pushed further. "I wonder¡­ how long your friend has left?" His voice was calm, almost thoughtful. "You barely stand a chance against Azrikal. Against both of us?" He let the words linger, his smirk deepening. "Let¡¯s just say¡­ you won¡¯t like the outcome." David clenched his jaw, forcing his breath to remain steady. His body screamed for action, but every path led to the same conclusion¡ªhe wasn¡¯t walking out of this victorious. He also knew that saving lives had to take priority. He had to decide. Now. But even still, he hesitated. His mind screamed for the system¡ªfor a window, a prompt, a warning¡ªanything. It was the system that wanted the Shards, not him. If it wanted them so badly, then where was it? Nothing appeared. No notifications. No guidance. No answers. He was on his own. He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to move. If the system wouldn¡¯t give him an answer, he¡¯d make one himself. "It was my master who told me about the Azurefrost Shard," David said, forcing the words out with careful control. A half-truth¡ªjust enough to guide the conversation. It wasn¡¯t a lie¡ªnot to him. The system was his teacher, after all. Zephiron¡¯s eyes flickered, his sharp amusement giving way to something else. "Master?" he repeated, his voice carrying genuine curiosity now, his brow furrowing for the first time. David pressed his advantage, telling him exactly what he wanted to hear. "Yeah. Master. Just like you¡¯re a master to that beast," he said, tilting his chin slightly toward Azrikal. Zephiron studied him for a long moment, then let out a low chuckle. "Fascinating." He stepped closer, his amusement sharpening into something far more dangerous. "So that explains it. That¡¯s how a nobody like you knows about the Shards'' existence." David remained still, his pulse steady despite the weight pressing down on him. Zephiron¡¯s gaze flickered with thought. "I¡¯d very much like to know more about this ''master'' of yours¡­ but that can wait." His voice dipped, serious now. "For now, tell me what you know about the Azurefrost Shard." Silence. David¡¯s mind raced. He knew nothing about the Shard¡ªnot its origins, not its properties. Even its name had only come to him through a system notification. Without that, he wouldn¡¯t have known he would encounter it in this Rift. But now, Zephiron was watching him, waiting. David needed to think fast. Because the next words out of his mouth could decide whether he lived¡­ or died. "Uh¡­ the Shard, it might¡ª" David faltered, unsure of what to say. But before he could stumble any further, a sudden surge of system windows flooded his vision, cutting him off mid-sentence. ? ? ? THE AZUREFROST SHARD CANNOT BE CLAIMED WITHOUT CONSEQUENCE. EVEN ITS SEEKERS ARE TESTED ? ? ? ? ? ? IT RESONATES WITH THOSE WHO HAVE TOUCHED THE VOID ? ? ? ? ? ? REACH LEVEL 10 TO UNLOCK FURTHER INFORMATION ? ? ? David hesitated for a fraction of a second, just long enough to internally thank the system. He had been about to say something absurd¡ªsomething that might¡¯ve cost him dearly. Zephiron, however, remained unbothered, his patience unnerving. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry. He already knew David was stalling, carefully guarding his secrets. David exhaled, steadying himself, then cleared his throat. "My Master told me there are consequences for those who claim the Azurefrost Shard¡ªthat they are tested." He didn¡¯t need the system to spell out the rest. He had already pieced it together himself. David¡¯s gaze flicked toward Azrikal, his tone sharpening. "I assume that¡¯s what happened to your disciple over here." Zephiron¡¯s smirk didn¡¯t fade, but something beneath it did. He inclined his head slightly, waiting. "And?" David didn¡¯t break eye contact. "And¡­ it resonates with those who have touched the Void." He repeated the system¡¯s words exactly as they appeared, concealing the fact that he had no idea what any of it truly meant. The effect was immediate. The moment the words left his lips, something changed. Zephiron froze. Not in hesitation¡ªthis was something else. His body remained still, yet his presence expanded, like a storm gathering before the first strike of lightning. David felt the weight of it pressing down on him, a silent force thick with unspoken meaning. Whatever the system had just revealed¡­ it mattered. Deeply. And judging by Zephiron¡¯s reaction, David had just stepped onto dangerous ground. Zephiron¡¯s gaze darkened, his thoughts a silent storm. "Is that why Azrikal lost control when he claimed the Shard?" His eyes flickered toward his disciple, then back to David. Zephiron''s gaze darkened as he delved deeper into his thoughts. It rejected him¡­ because he has never touched the Void. "Is that also why the Shard resonated with me¡ªbecause I have touched the Void? I believed it was drawn to my power, yet even I was unaware of this connection. Just who is this man to know such things?" The realization settled in, a puzzle piece clicking into place. "But that would mean¡­" His gaze sharpened, fixating on David with quiet intensity. "Does he know? Does he realize that I have?" A careful pause. A shift in his stance. Then, in a measured tone, he spoke. "Do you know what the Void is?" David stiffened. There was no system prompt to save him this time, no hidden knowledge to pull from. His mind ran empty. For a moment, Zephiron simply watched. Waiting. Measuring. David exhaled, slow and steady. Then, with deliberate simplicity, he answered with a big¡ª "No." Zephiron was poised to question him further about his master, but before he could speak, David cut in sharply. "That''s enough. You''ve had your turn¡ªnow it''s mine." His eyes locked onto Zephiron, unwavering. "Tell me¡ªwhere can I find another Shard?" 35 - The Price of Survival Would he truly honor his end of the bargain? David wondered, knowing all too well that if he didn¡¯t, there was nothing he could do about it. But Zephiron was not a man who went back on his word, nor was he ever hesitant. Every action he took was deliberate, every word weighted with meaning. With measured grace, he lifted his hand once more, fingers gliding through the air in an intricate, almost hypnotic pattern. The space around them trembled in response. Shapes bent and twisted, a ripple, then a shift. Within moments, the same cube materialized midair¡ªlayered, complex, shifting with impossible geometry. It was mesmerizing. Its edges burned with a soft glow, constantly reshaping, refusing to be understood by mortal eyes. Then, with a flick of his wrist, Zephiron widened the cube, revealing what lay within. The Azurefrost Shard. His face was unreadable¡ªcold, indifferent. But David¡¯s face mirrored his expression, except his emotionless gaze was born from something far different. He didn¡¯t take a step forward. He didn¡¯t react. His mind twisted in silent confusion. Is he joking with me? His thoughts raced. Why is he showing me the Azurefrost Shard after I asked for another? But there was no time to dwell. He forced his thoughts into order and met Zephiron¡¯s gaze. ¡°Why are you showing me the Azurefrost Shard? I thought we had a deal¡ªyou were supposed to tell me where I could find another Shard.¡± For the first time, Zephiron¡¯s expression changed. A slow, creeping grin slithered onto his face, rising to his eyes. It wasn¡¯t amusement. It was something deeper, darker. A silent symphony of horror played within that smile, something unnatural, something wrong. David¡¯s stomach turned. He didn¡¯t understand, but the sight alone sent a chill down his spine. ¡°Look again,¡± Zephiron said, his face still twisted in that unsettling grin. "But this time, see." David hesitated. He turned back to the shifting cube, this time focusing harder, pushing past the visual distortions. And then he saw it. Nestled in the shifting void behind the Azurefrost Shard, a second crystal hovered in the impossible space. Unlike the first, its surface was a deep, endless black¡ªa void within a void. It was not bound by shape; it flickered between existence and absence, a void that was somehow vast yet contained. Faint, ghostly trails spiraled around it, remnants of something ancient and vast. Though what captivated David was that its darkness folded into itself, yet within that abyss, galaxies seemed to swirl, collapsing and expanding in an endless cycle. It was the essence of space itself¡ªa fragment of infinity. Lost in his pursuit of understanding, David nearly missed the system notification when it finally appeared¡ªthis time, a little late. ? ? ? ZENITH SHARD DETECTED NEARBY ? ? ? "Zenith Shard," David murmured in stunned disbelief, his eyes fixed on the system''s notification, entirely unaware that his voice had slipped past his lips¡ªjust loud enough for the others to hear. The moment David uttered the words, Zephiron¡¯s eyes gleamed with a predatory spark. His head snapped toward Azrikal, his voice edged with triumph. "See, Azrikal? This man isn¡¯t just aware of the Ice Shard¡ªhe knows about the Space Shard as well. Fascinating." His grin was a splendid horror of teeth and shadows. Yet Azrikal barely reacted¡ªhe was too stunned himself. His concern wasn¡¯t why someone knew of the Shards; it was why someone like David did¡ªa man so beneath them, so fragile in comparison that they could crush him without a second thought. David, still piecing everything together, spoke, his voice uncertain. "I don''t understand..." He hesitated. "The shard. The location you were going to tell me about... You had it all along?" Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Zephiron¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. "The deal was to give you its location. I never said anything about who possessed it or when." David opened his mouth to argue, his thoughts a whirlwind. "But¡ª" Zephiron cut him off mid-sentence, his voice laced with cold amusement. "You assumed you¡¯d get the location of another Shard, giving you time to prepare¡ªenough time to come up with a plan. But unfortunately for you¡ª" He leaned forward, his presence suffocating. "You walked right into my trap." David¡¯s breath hitched. Zephiron lifted his hand, and the cube in the air expanded even further, revealing not just the Azurefrost Shard¡ªbut another. The Zenith Shard, now even clearer. Then, as if he had been waiting for David''s reaction, Zephiron¡¯s voice took on a mocking edge. "Now here it is¡ªthe Zenith Shard, alongside the Azurefrost Shard. Come and take them, if you dare." The aura he now exuded was the complete opposite of his usual grace¡ªthis was raw, unmasked menace. But David reacted only in silence. He didn¡¯t know what to say, what to do. This situation was beyond him. Zephiron tilted his head, almost in pity. "Let me make it simple for you. You have two choices. Walk away, keep your life, and save your friends. Or..." His pity vanished. "You can try to take the shards. And die." David¡¯s fists clenched, his gaze burning. "I can¡¯t let you take the shards¡ª" Zephiron interrupted, reading him like an open book. "Even if I handed them to you now, you wouldn¡¯t survive their power. Azrikal lost only control, but you? You¡¯d die the moment you tried to wield their power. Without question." David¡¯s jaw tightened. It wasn¡¯t a lie. He knew it. He wasn¡¯t strong enough. Not yet. The bitter truth settled in his chest like a stone. And worse¡ªit wasn¡¯t a matter of willpower. It was the timing. He had found not one, but two shards so soon into his journey. He wasn¡¯t ready. Even the system hadn¡¯t acknowledged his main quest as gathering the shards yet¡ªit was still fixated on his escape from this prison. The shards were right there, within reach. But reaching for them meant death. David knew it. And Zephiron knew it as well. Moments passed in tense silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. David¡¯s gaze never wavered from Zephiron, his eyes burning with an intensity that could sear the very soul. Yet, despite the fury and determination in his stare, he didn¡¯t move. He couldn¡¯t move. The weight of his own helplessness was crushing him, making every part of him freeze in place. Zephiron tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in calculated observation. "So, you understand now," he said, his voice carrying the weight of an unspoken truth. "You¡¯ve learned that survival is not about strength alone. Power, knowledge¡ªit¡¯s all meaningless if you don''t know when to bow out, when you know you¡¯re outmatched." David¡¯s jaw clenched. The words stung, but he didn¡¯t flinch because logic anchored him. A few moments passed, and David showed no sign of making a move. "Since you refuse to act, I take it as your final decision, and in doing so, you have proven yourself wiser than I expected." Zephiron''s voice was smooth, cold, carrying a note of reluctant acknowledgment. "After all, one cannot pursue anything if they are dead." Then Zephiron turned toward Azrikal with a slight nod. "It¡¯s time we move," he said, his voice still laced with that cold amusement. Without hesitation, his fingers flicked through the air, and with a flourish, the cube that had contained the shards¡ªboth Azurefrost and Zenith¡ªvanished into nothingness. Only a ripple in the air remained as a silent reminder of their power. The space around them seemed to shudder, a brief silence hanging in the air before another, more powerful disturbance tore through the atmosphere. A new tear in space formed in front of them, a swirling abyss that hummed with an otherworldly energy. The portal before them was alive, constantly glowing with an eerie purple light, its inside promising an entirely different place¡ªsomething far from this icy, dead land. A place where the atmosphere felt more charged, more dangerous. Zephiron¡¯s voice broke through David¡¯s frozen thoughts. "Let¡¯s go, Azrikal," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. Azrikal hesitated for only a moment. "Master, are we just going to leave him? Without finishing him off?" Azrikal¡¯s voice was thick with confusion and a hint of frustration, but his question was met with a long, heavy silence. Zephiron didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, his eyes flicked over to David once more, and something darker flashed across his face. Knowing all too well, after seeing the determined glare in David''s eyes, that he would never give up¡ªthat one day he would come searching for the shard. And when that time came, it would be worth confronting him and finishing the fight. "No," he said at last, his voice a soft, ominous murmur. "Not yet." David¡¯s mind raced, but before he could formulate another thought, Zephiron¡¯s intent became clear. The deliberate pause, the weight of his stare¡ªZephiron knew something David didn¡¯t. With a single, confident gesture, the master of this twisted reality beckoned Azrikal forward. Azrikal didn¡¯t argue. His master''s command always took precedence. Without a second word, he stepped into the swirling abyss of the portal, his form disappearing into its depths like a shadow swallowed by the night. Zephiron followed with a smooth, deliberate motion, his dignity intact, his presence radiating an unsettling calm. With them gone, only the eerie hum of the portal and the dead, icy land remained. Zephiron didn¡¯t even flinch as the portal closed behind them. The ripples in the air slowly faded, leaving nothing but the hollow silence of the frozen land. David stood still, his gaze locked on the place where the portal had been. The image of the place inside the portal¡ªof the dull pillars and the red-hued warzone beyond¡ªburned itself into his mind. A place of destruction, of bloodshed¡ªit didn¡¯t take much to know it would be worse than anything he had ever imagined.