《I, Demon [LitRPG Earth Culling Game]》 Chapter 1 - Trumpets of the End
Geon slouched against the wall of his school¡¯s empty hallway, eyes glued to his phone. He scrolled through news headlines with an uneasy frown. The world was spiraling, and he couldn¡¯t seem to look away. ¡°Protests in 27 cities as tensions rise.¡± ¡°Global summit fails; leaders in disarray.¡± ¡°Is humanity doomed?¡± He snorted. Doomed? Probably. But not from the things they¡¯re worried about. ¡°Hey, Geon, you coming to practice?¡± He glanced up. Will, his best friend and team captain, was leaning in the doorway, basketball spinning lazily on his finger. ¡°Nah,¡± Geon muttered, locking his screen. ¡°Not today.¡± Will frowned. ¡°You¡¯ve been weird all week. What¡¯s up with you?¡± Geon hesitated, then shrugged. ¡°Just... feels like something¡¯s coming, you know?¡± Will laughed. ¡°Dude, you sound like one of those conspiracy nuts. Chill out. The world¡¯s not ending.¡± The words barely left his mouth when it happened. Tooo-too-too-toooom! The sound hit like a tidal wave. It wasn¡¯t just loud¡ªit was everywhere. Geon clutched his ears, eyes wide as the hallway filled with a blinding light. He staggered, struggling to breathe as the floor seemed to tilt beneath him. ¡°What the hell is that?!¡± Will shouted, his voice barely audible over the unrelenting blare. Geon opened his mouth to reply, but no words came. The sound wasn¡¯t just external¡ªit was inside him, vibrating through his bones, his soul. Then, just as suddenly as it began, it stopped. The silence was deafening. Geon stumbled forward, catching himself on the wall. He looked at Will, who was staring at the ceiling, face pale. ¡°What...¡± Will whispered, his voice trembling. ¡°What was that?¡± Before Geon could answer, a voice¡ªcold and mechanical¡ªrang out, clear and unyielding.
Attention: All humans.
The Last Judgement has begun.
¡°What the...¡± Geon whispered, his heart pounding.
Your actions will now determine your survival. Choose wisely.
The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The hallway lights flickered, plunging them into shadows. Geon¡¯s phone buzzed in his pocket, but when he pulled it out, the screen wasn¡¯t displaying any app he recognized. Instead, glowing text scrolled across the screen.
This is not a test. Prepare for reckoning.
He turned to Will, but his friend wasn¡¯t looking at him anymore. Will was staring out the window, his expression frozen in shock. Geon followed his gaze¡ªand felt his stomach drop. The sky had turned blood red.
Geon spent the rest of that day in a daze. The news channels were flooded with the same eerie message, repeated over and over. Scientists scrambled to explain the phenomena, religious leaders declared it the end times, and governments urged calm. But calm was nowhere to be found. People rioted, prayed, or froze in fear. Geon, meanwhile, refused to buy into the hysteria. This isn¡¯t divine judgment. This is... something else. And yet, as the days passed, even he couldn¡¯t deny the growing unease. The trumpets had shaken the very fabric of the world. People changed¡ªfriends, neighbors, strangers. Everyone seemed caught in a feverish desperation to atone, to prepare for the end. Geon clung to his mission. He spent his days helping where he could, volunteering, organizing food drives, and comforting those around him. It was all he could do to drown out the gnawing sense of wrongness that threatened to consume him. Then, on the seventh day, everything changed again.
7-day cooldown period ended.
Starting 2nd Earth Culling Game...
The voice¡ªcalm, mechanical, and cruel¡ªsent chills down Geon¡¯s spine. He stared at his phone as new text appeared, glowing with an ominous light.
You have been selected. Starting class selection...
¡°What?¡± he breathed, his hands trembling. Around him, the world seemed to hold its breath. He wasn¡¯t alone¡ªpeople on the street clutched their own devices, faces contorted in terror and confusion. The screen flickered.
Class selected: Demon.
Geon¡¯s stomach dropped. His breath came in shallow gasps as the text faded, replaced by a final message.
Good luck! Last one standing wins.
The ground beneath him rumbled, and the world exploded into chaos.
Chapter 2 - The First Kill
The world was screaming. Geon could hear it in every direction¡ªthe cacophony of terror, despair, and confusion. People ran through the streets, clutching their phones or shouting to the heavens, their voices swallowed by the overwhelming chaos. The blood-red sky pulsed like a living thing, casting the world in a nightmarish hue. But Geon wasn¡¯t running. He stood frozen on the cracked pavement outside his house, staring at the glowing message on his phone. The words wouldn¡¯t change no matter how many times he blinked.
Class selected: Demon.
Good luck! Last one standing wins.
His mind reeled. ¡°A game?¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible over the din. ¡°What kind of sick joke is this?¡± But it wasn¡¯t a joke. He knew that deep down, in the same way he knew the sky wasn¡¯t supposed to be bleeding. The same way he¡¯d known, from the moment those trumpets blared, that the world had shifted irreversibly. Something cold and sharp settled in his chest¡ªa sensation that wasn¡¯t fear, exactly, but close. Then his phone vibrated again.
Welcome, Demon Geon.
Abilities unlocked! (1/5)
Type Name Description
Innate Shadow Manipulation Manipulate the real you.
??? ???
??? ???
??? ???
??? ???
¡°What the hell¡ª¡±The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Before he could finish the thought, his shadow moved. It wasn¡¯t subtle. One moment it was perfectly still beneath him, stretched out in the crimson glow of the sky. The next, it slithered across the ground like ink spilled on water. Geon stumbled backward, his breath catching in his throat. The shadow pooled at his feet, then rose¡ªslowly, deliberately¡ªforming a dark, wavering shape that looked almost... human. Almost. ¡°Geon...¡± The voice was a whisper, soft and venomous. Geon staggered back, his pulse pounding in his ears. ¡°What¡ªwhat are you?¡± he demanded, his voice shaking. The shadow tilted its head, its featureless face somehow conveying amusement. ¡°I am you,¡± it said simply. ¡°Or rather, the part of you you¡¯ve been too afraid to acknowledge.¡± Geon¡¯s mouth went dry. ¡°This can¡¯t be real,¡± he muttered, clutching his phone like a lifeline. ¡°None of this is real.¡± But the shadow didn¡¯t reply. Instead, it dissolved back into the ground, merging seamlessly with the pavement. Geon stared at it for a long moment, his thoughts a tangled mess of disbelief and rising panic. Then the screams started again. They were closer this time¡ªjust down the street. Geon turned, his heart sinking as he saw a group of people sprinting toward him. Behind them was a figure unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen. It was humanoid, but grotesquely twisted. Its skin was an ashen gray, its limbs unnaturally long and thin. Its eyes glowed with a sickly green light, and its mouth¡ªfilled with jagged, yellow teeth¡ªcurled into a wicked grin as it pursued its prey. Geon froze. ¡°What the hell is that?¡± he whispered, his hands trembling. The group of runners didn¡¯t seem to notice him as they passed, their eyes wide with terror. The creature, however, did. It stopped abruptly, its head snapping in Geon¡¯s direction. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then it charged. Geon¡¯s survival instincts kicked in, and he bolted without a second thought. His feet pounded against the pavement as he sprinted toward the nearest alley, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Behind him, the creature let out a guttural screech that sent shivers down his spine. He rounded a corner and dove behind a dumpster, pressing his back against the cold metal. His heart was hammering so hard he thought it might burst. This isn¡¯t happening. This isn¡¯t happening. The screech came again, closer this time. Geon clamped a hand over his mouth, forcing himself to stay silent. He could hear the creature¡¯s footsteps now¡ªheavy, deliberate, and far too close for comfort. His phone buzzed. He glanced down, his stomach twisting as new text appeared on the screen.
Enemy identified: Carrion Wraith. Weakness: Light.
¡°Light?¡± he hissed under his breath. ¡°What light?¡± As if in answer, his shadow shifted again. It flowed across the ground, moving with a strange, serpentine grace, until it was directly in front of him. Geon watched in stunned silence as it began to stretch upward, forming a long, thin shape. A sword. He stared at it, his mind racing. It¡¯s not real. It can¡¯t be real. But the creature¡¯s growl snapped him back to reality. It was just around the corner now, its glowing eyes cutting through the dim light of the alley. Geon didn¡¯t have a choice. He reached out, his hand trembling, and grasped the shadow-sword. It felt solid¡ªcool and heavy in his grip. The moment his fingers closed around the hilt, a surge of energy shot through him. His fear melted away, replaced by a strange, cold clarity. The creature rounded the corner, its twisted face splitting into a grotesque grin as it spotted him. Geon didn¡¯t wait. He lunged forward, the shadow-sword slicing through the air with surprising ease. The blade connected with the creature¡¯s chest, and it let out a shriek of pain as black ichor spilled from the wound. It staggered back, its glowing eyes wide with shock. Geon pressed the advantage, striking again and again, each blow fueled by a mixture of desperation and newfound power. Finally, with a final, guttural cry, the creature collapsed. Its body disintegrated into ash, scattering on the wind. Geon stood there, breathing hard, the shadow-sword still clutched in his hand. His phone buzzed again.
Enemy defeated.
Experience gained: 50 points.
¡°What... the hell...¡± he muttered, staring at the screen. The shadow-sword dissolved, pooling back at his feet. Geon¡¯s knees buckled, and he sank to the ground, his hands trembling. He didn¡¯t have time to process what had just happened. The sky above him pulsed, and a new message appeared on his phone.
Attention: All players. Leaderboard updated.
Geon¡¯s name flashed across the screen, accompanied by a chilling title.
Global Rank Player Name
#111938 Demon Geon
Chapter 3 - A Predator鈥檚 World
Geon sat on the cold pavement, his breath fogging in the blood-red light. The world around him seemed eerily quiet now, the distant screams muted by the hammering of his own heartbeat. He glanced at the ash pile that had once been the creature. Carrion Wraith, huh? A part of him wanted to believe it was some kind of alien, or maybe a demon summoned from the pits of hell. But deep down, he knew the truth was far stranger. That thing had been an animal¡ªmaybe a scavenger like a vulture or a hyena¡ªtwisted and boosted into something monstrous by this insane game. His shadow stirred again, curling around him protectively like a living thing. Geon frowned. ¡°So... this is my life now?¡± His phone buzzed, answering him with another chilling update.
Notice
Players must gain experience to level up. Players who do not level up within the next 48 hours will be eliminated. Kill or be killed. Good luck.
The words hit like a gut punch. ¡°¡®Eliminated,¡¯ huh?¡± Geon muttered bitterly. He knew what that meant. He didn¡¯t need a dictionary to figure it out. Dead. The game wasn¡¯t just forcing people to fight. It was driving them to kill. And it wasn¡¯t just limited to monsters like the Carrion Wraith. If he wanted to survive, he¡¯d have to kill other humans. The thought made his stomach churn. He looked around. The streets were eerily empty now, the blood-red light casting long, twisted shadows over the cracked asphalt. Somewhere in the distance, a car alarm blared, followed by the sound of shattering glass. He stood up, brushing ash off his jeans. ¡°Alright, Geon,¡± he said to himself, trying to steady his breathing. ¡°Think. You need to level up. You need a plan.¡± His shadow shifted again, forming a tendril that pointed down the street. Geon hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll move. Sitting around is just asking to get ambushed.¡± He started walking, his steps cautious and deliberate. The world felt alien now¡ªlike something out of a dystopian video game. Buildings loomed overhead, their windows shattered and dark. The streets were littered with debris: abandoned cars, broken signs, and... bodies. Geon forced himself not to look too closely.
He didn¡¯t know how long he¡¯d been walking when he heard it: the unmistakable sound of claws scraping against concrete. Geon froze, his hand tightening instinctively around the shadow-sword that had formed at his side. The sound came again, closer this time. He stepped back, his eyes scanning the shadows. ¡°Alright, come on out,¡± he muttered, his voice low. A shape emerged from the darkness. It was a wolf¡ªor at least, it had been a wolf. Its fur was matted and streaked with crimson, its eyes glowing a feral yellow. Jagged spikes jutted from its shoulders, and its jaws dripped with something black and viscous.
Enemy identified: Dire Wolf.
Difficulty: Moderate. Experience reward: 100 points.
Geon¡¯s grip tightened on his sword. The wolf growled, its lips pulling back to reveal rows of sharp, blood-stained teeth. ¡°Alright, buddy,¡± Geon muttered, his voice shaking. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± The wolf lunged. Geon barely had time to react. He dove to the side, rolling across the pavement as the beast¡¯s claws raked the air where he¡¯d been standing. His shadow moved with him, the sword extending like a whip to strike at the wolf¡¯s side. The blade connected, slicing through fur and muscle. The wolf howled in pain, staggering back, but it didn¡¯t fall. ¡°Of course it¡¯s tougher,¡± Geon grumbled, scrambling to his feet. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be tougher?¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The wolf charged again, faster this time. Geon raised his sword, bracing for impact, but the beast was smarter than it looked. It feinted left, then lunged right, its jaws snapping inches from Geon¡¯s arm. He swung wildly, the shadow-sword slicing through the air. The wolf yelped as the blade grazed its leg, but it didn¡¯t stop. It circled him now, its glowing eyes locked on his every move. Geon¡¯s heart pounded. He couldn¡¯t outrun it, and he definitely couldn¡¯t outlast it. If he didn¡¯t end this quickly, he was dead. The wolf lunged again, and this time, Geon didn¡¯t dodge. He stepped forward, swinging the shadow-sword in a wide arc. The blade met the wolf¡¯s neck with a sickening crunch, severing it cleanly. The beast collapsed, its body dissolving into ash. Geon stood there, panting, his hands trembling as he lowered the sword.
Enemy defeated.
Experience gained: 100 points.
+1 Level up! +1 Level up! +1 Level up! +1 Level up! +1 Level up! +1 Level up! Player reached Level 17.
His phone buzzed, and a new message appeared.
Abilities unlocked! (2/5)
Type Name Description
Innate Shadow Manipulation Manipulate the real you.
Defense Shadow Shield Protect yourself from incoming danger.
??? ???
??? ???
??? ???
Geon didn¡¯t have time to celebrate. A sound behind him made him whirl around, his sword ready. It wasn¡¯t another wolf. It was a man. He was tall and wiry, with a scar running down the side of his face. His clothes were torn and blood-stained, and he held a crude axe in one hand. Geon¡¯s shadow shifted uneasily at his feet, sensing the threat. The man grinned, his eyes glinting with a predatory light. ¡°Nice work, kid,¡± he said, his voice rough. ¡°But you¡¯re not the only one hunting.¡± Geon swallowed hard, his grip tightening on the sword. ¡°I don¡¯t want to fight you.¡± The man laughed. ¡°That¡¯s cute. But if you don¡¯t fight me, you¡¯re gonna die. That¡¯s the game, kid. Kill or be killed.¡± Geon hesitated. He didn¡¯t want to kill another human. But the man wasn¡¯t giving him a choice. The axe came down, and the fight began.
Chapter 4 - Blood on His Hands The axe swung toward Geon, a blur of rusted metal and raw intent. He barely managed to block it, the shadow-sword colliding with the crude weapon in a burst of dark sparks. The force of the blow sent him staggering backward, his feet slipping on the cracked pavement. ¡°Not bad,¡± the man sneered, circling Geon like a predator sizing up its prey. ¡°But you¡¯re not ready for this, kid. You¡¯ll make it quick for me, though. Appreciate that.¡± Geon clenched his jaw, his hands trembling around the hilt of his sword. His shadow writhed at his feet, flickering with his fear and uncertainty. ¡°I don¡¯t want to kill you,¡± he said, his voice strained. The man¡¯s grin widened, revealing yellowed teeth. ¡°That¡¯s your first mistake.¡± The axe came again, a vicious downward swing that Geon barely sidestepped. He countered instinctively, the shadow-sword slashing across the man¡¯s arm. Blood sprayed, and the man cursed, stumbling back. ¡°Alright,¡± the man growled, clutching his arm. ¡°Guess you¡¯ve got some fight in you after all.¡± Geon didn¡¯t reply. His mind was racing, his thoughts a chaotic jumble of survival instinct and self-recrimination. He didn¡¯t want to do this. He didn¡¯t want to kill. But he wasn¡¯t sure he had a choice. The man lunged again, his movements erratic but relentless. Geon parried and dodged, each clash of their weapons sending vibrations up his arms. He could feel his stamina draining with every swing, every block. I can¡¯t keep this up. The man¡¯s axe nicked his shoulder, drawing blood. Geon hissed in pain, staggering back. The shadow at his feet coiled protectively, rising into a half-formed shield as the man pressed the attack. Geon raised the shield instinctively, the axe crashing against it with a deafening clang. The force of the blow sent him sprawling, his back hitting the pavement hard. ¡°Gotcha now,¡± the man said, raising his axe for the killing blow. Time seemed to slow. Geon¡¯s shadow surged, wrapping around his arm and pulling him upright. His body moved on its own, the shadow-sword slashing upward in a desperate, powerful arc. The blade connected. The man¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the sword cleaved through his torso. He staggered, dropping his axe as blood spilled from the gaping wound. Geon froze, his chest heaving as the man fell to his knees. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then the man chuckled, a wet, rasping sound that sent chills down Geon¡¯s spine. ¡°Guess... you had it in you after all,¡± he muttered, blood dribbling from his lips. ¡°Good... luck, kid.¡± His body crumpled to the ground, dissolving into ash. Geon stood there, staring at the spot where the man had been. His hands shook, the shadow-sword dissolving into tendrils of darkness that retreated to his feet. His phone buzzed.
Enemy defeated: Wild Joe.
Experience gained: 670 points.
+1 Level up! +1 Level up! +1 Level up!Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! +1 Level up! Player reached Level 21.
Geon didn¡¯t feel stronger. He felt hollow.
The city was silent again as Geon stumbled away from the scene. His shoulder ached where the axe had cut him, and his clothes were stained with blood¡ªsome his, some not. He found shelter in the remains of a convenience store, the shattered windows offering little protection but enough cover to give him a moment¡¯s rest. Sinking to the floor behind the counter, he stared at his trembling hands. ¡°I killed him,¡± he whispered. The words felt foreign, like they belonged to someone else. ¡°I killed him.¡± The shadow at his feet shifted, forming into a humanoid shape once more. It crouched beside him, its featureless face unreadable. ¡°You survived,¡± it said simply. Geon glared at it. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to survive like that.¡± The shadow tilted its head. ¡°Then you would be dead.¡± Geon looked away, his jaw tightening. ¡°Do you think he hesitated?¡± the shadow continued, its voice calm, almost curious. ¡°Do you think he cared about your life the way you cared about his?¡± Geon didn¡¯t answer. ¡°He would have killed you,¡± the shadow said, its tone hardening. ¡°And you would have died with your ideals intact. But ideals don¡¯t matter here, Geon. Only survival does.¡± Geon closed his eyes, pressing his hands to his face. ¡°You will have to kill again,¡± the shadow said. ¡°And again. The weak fall. The strong endure. That is the way of this game.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for this game,¡± Geon muttered. The shadow laughed, a hollow, echoing sound. ¡°And yet here you are.¡±
The hours dragged on as Geon sat in the convenience store, his mind a whirlwind of guilt and anger. Outside, the blood-red sky cast long shadows over the ruined city. He could hear distant screams, the occasional clash of weapons, and the unsettling howls of boosted animals. His phone buzzed again.
Attention: All players. Leaderboard updated.
Global Rank Player Name
#100892 Loose Canon Lesly
#100891 Barron the Big
#100890 Gorgon Karen
#100889 Beast Hunter Joe
#100888 Gunslinger Parsso
#100887 Mike The Assassin
#100886 Demon Geon
Geon hesitated before looking at the screen. His name appeared near the bottom of the list, alongside his title: Demon Geon. But it wasn¡¯t his rank that caught his attention. It was the sheer number of names above him. Each one represented someone stronger, faster, or more ruthless than him. Each one was another reminder that he was far from safe. And the names were decreasing. One by one, they were vanishing from the list, replaced by the ominous word [Eliminated.] Geon¡¯s chest tightened. This is real. This is happening. He had no time for doubt, no room for hesitation. If he didn¡¯t fight, he¡¯d die. If he didn¡¯t kill, he¡¯d be killed. But that didn¡¯t mean he had to lose himself in the process. He stood, gripping the hilt of his shadow-sword as it reformed in his hand. The pain in his shoulder was a dull throb now, a constant reminder of his mortality. ¡°I¡¯ll survive,¡± he said softly, his voice steady. ¡°But I¡¯ll do it my way.¡± The shadow at his feet rippled, amused. ¡°We¡¯ll see how long that lasts.¡± Geon stepped out into the blood-red light, his eyes scanning the horizon. The game wasn¡¯t over. Not by a long shot.
Chapter 5 - The Unforgiving Hunt
The streets were a battlefield. Geon moved cautiously through the ruins of the city, his shadow trailing behind him like an obedient specter. Every sound¡ªa distant scream, the rustle of debris, the guttural growl of a mutated beast¡ªset his nerves on edge. The leaderboard haunted his thoughts. The names vanishing, one after another, were stark reminders that survival wasn¡¯t just a matter of skill or luck. It was about ruthlessness. And he wasn¡¯t sure he had enough of that. His phone buzzed again.
Notice
Players who reach Level 25 within the next 24 hours will receive a reward. Players below Level 25 will be eliminated. Kill or be killed. Good luck.
Geon¡¯s stomach turned. ¡°They¡¯re not wasting any time,¡± he muttered, his grip tightening on his shadow-sword. ¡°Of course not,¡± the shadow replied, slithering alongside him. ¡°The game demands blood. Hesitation only feeds the strong.¡± Geon ignored it, focusing on the task at hand. He needed to level up, and he needed to do it fast. But he wasn¡¯t going to kill another human. Not yet. The memory of the man he¡¯d fought¡ªthe blood, the desperation in his eyes¡ªwas still fresh in his mind. He wasn¡¯t ready to face that again.
The opportunity presented itself an hour later. Geon had been skirting the edge of a park, the overgrown trees casting eerie shadows under the crimson sky. The air was thick with tension, every creak of branches and rustle of leaves setting his heart racing. And then he saw it. A bear. Or what had once been a bear. The creature was massive, its fur matted with blood and streaked with glowing red veins. Jagged spikes jutted from its shoulders, and its eyes burned with an unnatural light.
Enemy identified: Infernal Grizzly.
Difficulty: High. Experience reward: 1100 points.
Geon froze, his breath catching in his throat. ¡°That thing¡¯s huge,¡± he whispered. ¡°And worth a great deal of experience,¡± the shadow said. Geon hesitated. He¡¯d barely survived the wolf. This... this was something else entirely.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. But he didn¡¯t have a choice. He tightened his grip on the sword, his shadow flickering in anticipation. ¡°Alright,¡± he muttered. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡±
The first strike was his. Geon lunged forward, the shadow-sword slicing across the bear¡¯s flank. The creature roared, the sound so loud and deep it felt like the ground itself was shaking. The bear turned, its massive paw swinging toward him. Geon dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow. He scrambled to his feet, his shadow forming a shield just in time to block the next attack. The force of the strike sent him sliding backward, his feet digging into the dirt. ¡°Too slow,¡± the shadow hissed. Geon ignored it, circling the bear as he looked for an opening. The creature was fast¡ªfaster than it had any right to be¡ªbut it was also predictable. Its movements were driven by rage, not strategy. The bear charged, and Geon sidestepped, his sword slashing at its exposed side. The blade connected, cutting deep, but the creature barely flinched. ¡°This isn¡¯t working,¡± Geon muttered, backing away as the bear turned to face him. ¡°Then stop playing defense,¡± the shadow said. ¡°Attack. Overwhelm. Kill.¡± Geon clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing. He couldn¡¯t afford to drag this out. The longer the fight lasted, the greater the chance that someone¡ªor something¡ªelse would show up. He darted forward, his movements quicker, more precise. The shadow-sword flickered and danced, striking at the bear¡¯s legs, its sides, its neck. Each hit drew blood, but the creature refused to fall. It roared again, swiping at him with both paws. Geon raised his shadow-shield, the force of the blow nearly shattering it. ¡°Now!¡± the shadow urged. Geon didn¡¯t hesitate. He pushed forward, the sword plunging into the bear¡¯s chest. The creature let out one final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing, its massive body dissolving into ash. Geon staggered back, his chest heaving as he stared at the spot where the bear had been.
Enemy defeated.
Experience gained: 1100 points.
+1 Level up! +1 Level up! +1 Level up! +1 Level up! Player reached Level 25.
The notification was followed by another:
Reward unlocked: Shadow Tendrils.
Geon barely had time to process the words before a new sound reached his ears: the unmistakable crunch of footsteps on gravel.
He turned, his shadow-sword forming instinctively. A woman stepped out from the trees, her eyes sharp and calculating. She was dressed in tattered clothes, a long knife in one hand and a pistol in the other. ¡°Nice work,¡± she said, her voice smooth but cold. ¡°Took down the big guy all by yourself. Impressive.¡± Geon didn¡¯t lower his weapon. ¡°What do you want?¡± The woman smirked, twirling the knife in her hand. ¡°Relax, kid. I¡¯m not here to fight. Not yet, anyway.¡± ¡°Then why are you here?¡± ¡°Just scouting the competition,¡± she said. Her eyes flicked to his shadow. ¡°You¡¯ve got an interesting class. Not many people can handle a Demon build this early.¡± Geon¡¯s grip tightened on his sword. ¡°How do you know about my class?¡± The woman shrugged. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve got a knack for figuring people out. Name¡¯s Lira, by the way. You¡¯ll want to remember it.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because if we cross paths again, you won¡¯t get a chance to forget.¡± She turned and walked away, disappearing into the trees as quickly as she¡¯d appeared. Geon stood there, his heart pounding. He didn¡¯t trust her, not for a second. But he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that their paths would cross again. And when they did, it wouldn¡¯t be as allies.
Chapter 6 - Tendrils of Survival
Geon leaned against a cracked stone pillar in what had once been a vibrant city plaza. Now, it was little more than a battlefield riddled with shattered fountains, overturned benches, and broken glass. His body ached from the fight with the Infernal Grizzly, but it wasn¡¯t the physical toll that weighed on him the most¡ªit was the creeping weight of what lay ahead. The notification about the Shadow Tendrils reward was still fresh in his mind. Unlike the natural flow of abilities tied to his Demon class, this reward felt... different. The description had been vague, but something about it sparked both curiosity and unease.
Rewarded Abilities
Name Description Activation Level
Shadow Tendrils Tendrils as far as your shadow spreads, increases your mobility, versatility and more. Automatic and Manual Basic
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Geon held out his hand, focusing. ¡°Shadow Tendrils,¡± he muttered, feeling the strange pull deep within him. The shadow at his feet rippled, flowing like water before erupting into a web of dark, writhing tendrils. They extended outward, undulating in the air as though they were alive. ¡°Whoa,¡± Geon whispered, taking a cautious step back. The tendrils responded to his movements, slithering across the ground like serpents. One reached out and coiled around a nearby chunk of rubble, lifting it effortlessly before tossing it aside. Geon¡¯s mind raced with possibilities. ¡°Useful,¡± the shadow hissed, its voice resonating from somewhere deep within him. ¡°Not as a weapon, but as a tool. Grasp, climb, restrain... escape.¡± Geon nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Yeah. This could actually work.¡±
The sound of distant screams shattered the moment. Geon¡¯s smile vanished as he crouched low, his tendrils receding into the ground. The plaza was eerily quiet now, the crimson light casting long, jagged shadows. He wasn¡¯t alone. Footsteps echoed across the plaza, heavy and deliberate. Geon gripped his shadow-sword, its weight familiar but not reassuring. From behind a ruined fountain, a figure emerged. It was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a grim expression and a bloodied machete in his hand. His clothes were torn and stained, and his eyes were hard, devoid of mercy.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. The man stopped, his gaze locking onto Geon. ¡°Well, look at this,¡± he said, his voice gravelly. ¡°A Demon. Haven¡¯t seen one of your kind yet. Heard Demon classess are tough, though.¡± Geon didn¡¯t respond, his grip on the sword tightening. "Him as well... just like that woman earlier, how do they know my class?", he thought to himself. The man smirked, raising his machete. ¡°Let¡¯s see if the rumors are true.¡±
The man moved fast¡ªfaster than Geon had anticipated. He darted across the plaza, his machete slicing through the air with deadly precision. Geon barely managed to block the first strike, the impact jarring his arms. ¡°Not bad,¡± the man said, his grin widening. ¡°But you¡¯ll need more than that.¡± He swung again, and Geon sidestepped, his shadow-sword countering with a swift slash. The man dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and practiced. He¡¯s good, Geon thought, his heart pounding. Too good. The fight continued, each clash of weapons ringing out like thunder. Geon¡¯s stamina was draining quickly, his muscles burning with the effort of keeping up. The man, meanwhile, seemed to be toying with him, his attacks relentless but not lethal. ¡°You¡¯re holding back,¡± the man said, his tone almost mocking. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re one of those types. The ones who think they can survive this without getting their hands dirty.¡± Geon didn¡¯t answer. The man lunged again, his machete aimed at Geon¡¯s chest. This time, Geon reacted differently. ¡°Shadow Tendrils!¡± The shadows at his feet erupted, dark tendrils lashing out like vipers. One wrapped around the man¡¯s wrist, stopping his machete mid-swing. Another coiled around his ankle, yanking him off balance. The man grunted in surprise, struggling against the tendrils. ¡°What the¡ª?¡± Geon didn¡¯t hesitate. He rushed forward, his shadow-sword slashing downward. The man twisted at the last second, the blade grazing his arm instead of striking a fatal blow. He snarled, wrenching free of the tendrils with sheer brute strength. ¡°Clever trick,¡± he said, blood dripping from his arm. ¡°But tricks won¡¯t save you.¡± He charged again, more aggressive this time. Geon¡¯s tendrils lashed out, but the man was ready, dodging and weaving through them with startling agility. Geon felt panic rising in his chest. The tendrils were useful, but they weren¡¯t enough. Think, Geon. Think. The man was closing in, his machete arcing toward Geon¡¯s neck. At the last moment, Geon dropped to the ground, his tendrils pulling him backward like a slingshot. The man¡¯s swing missed by inches, the momentum carrying him forward. Geon seized the opportunity, his tendrils snapping out and coiling around the man¡¯s legs. With a grunt of effort, Geon yanked. The man fell hard, his machete clattering to the ground. Geon was on him in an instant, his shadow-sword pressing against the man¡¯s throat. ¡°Stop!¡± Geon shouted, his voice trembling. The man froze, his eyes narrowing. ¡°What are you waiting for? Do it.¡± Geon hesitated, his hands shaking. ¡°Kill me,¡± the man snarled, his voice filled with defiance. ¡°Or I¡¯ll kill you the moment I get the chance.¡± Geon¡¯s grip faltered. He couldn¡¯t do it. Not again. The shadow¡¯s voice echoed in his mind. ¡°Weakness will be your undoing.¡± ¡°No,¡± Geon muttered, shaking his head. ¡°This isn¡¯t weakness. It¡¯s¡ª¡± The man moved. In one swift motion, he grabbed a shard of glass from the ground and drove it toward Geon¡¯s chest. Instinct took over. The tendrils reacted faster than Geon¡¯s thoughts, lashing out and wrapping around the man¡¯s arm. The shadow-sword plunged downward, piercing the man¡¯s heart. For a moment, there was silence. The man¡¯s body went limp, his eyes wide with shock. Geon staggered back, his sword dissolving into smoke as the man¡¯s body disintegrated into ash. His phone buzzed.
Enemy defeated: Human Butcher Ben
Experience gained: 2330 points.
+1 Level up! +1 Level up! +1 Level up! Player reached Level 28.
Geon sank to his knees, his chest heaving. The tendrils receded, their work done. ¡°Kill or be killed,¡± he whispered, his voice hollow. ¡°That¡¯s all this is.¡± The shadow loomed over him, silent but watchful. Geon didn¡¯t feel victorious. He didn¡¯t feel stronger. He felt like he was losing himself.
Chapter 7 - Shifting Shadows
Geon sat atop the ruins of an office building, the jagged remnants of its rooftop offering a precarious perch. From this vantage point, he could see the sprawling devastation of the city¡ªa tapestry of destruction painted in ash and blood. The air was thick with the acrid scent of fire, the distant cries of combatants blending with the growls of mutated beasts. His phone buzzed, breaking the silence.
Population Status: 9,001,345,678 remaining.
Notice
When population reaches 9 billion, the first Culling Zone Reduction will occur. Kill or be killed. Good luck.
Geon¡¯s brow furrowed. He reread the message twice, trying to make sense of it. ¡°Culling Zone Reduction?¡± he muttered, the words tasting foreign in his mouth. ¡°It means the game will shrink the playing field,¡± the shadow offered, its voice calm and clinical. ¡°Fewer players. Fewer places to hide.¡± Geon¡¯s stomach turned. The idea of the world getting smaller as people died wasn¡¯t just unsettling¡ªit was horrifying.
He swiped at his phone, pulling up the leaderboard. Hundreds of names flashed by in quick succession, some highlighted in red to signify their deaths. At the top were a few names marked with intimidatingly high levels, far beyond his own.
Leaderboard
Global Rank Player Name Level Zone
#92 Killing Machine Tom 78 West
#93 Liao Xing 78 East
#94 Rashpev M Loivolo 78 East
#95 Bjorn Lanxxess 77 North
¡°Search...¡± he murmured, noticing a new icon at the top of the screen. The system now allowed players to search for other names on the leaderboard.
Search Player
Enter player name:
Geon hesitated. The function was dangerous¡ªit could reveal the location of enemies, making them easy targets. But it could also be a way to find allies, assuming anyone still believed in alliances. ¡°Let¡¯s see if I recognize anyone,¡± he said, typing in a name. He entered the name of his younger sister, Lila. A pang of guilt hit him as he thought about her. The screen blinked.
No results found.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. He swallowed hard, his chest tightening. Maybe she wasn¡¯t selected. Maybe she¡¯s safe. But the game didn¡¯t care about safety, and Geon knew better than to cling to false hope.
The sound of crumbling debris pulled Geon¡¯s focus back to the present. He peered over the edge of the rooftop, his shadow wrapping around him protectively. Below, two players were locked in combat. One wielded a glowing spear, their movements sharp and deliberate. The other relied on brute force, swinging a massive hammer with devastating power. Both were bleeding, their clothes torn and singed. Geon watched, a knot forming in his stomach. He didn¡¯t want to intervene, but he couldn¡¯t ignore the opportunity. ¡°They¡¯re distracted,¡± the shadow whispered. ¡°A perfect chance to strike.¡± Geon shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not killing people unless I have to.¡± ¡°Then you¡¯ll die,¡± the shadow said flatly. Ignoring it, Geon stood and carefully made his way down the building. The fight was moving away from him, the two combatants disappearing into the distance. Instead of following, Geon turned in the opposite direction, his tendrils extending to help him navigate the unstable terrain.
The memory of his most recent level-up surfaced in his mind. After defeating the Infernal Grizzly, the system had presented him with a choice:
Distribute stat points. (125)
Power Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. 15
Defense Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. 45
Stamina Endurance, dictating how long he could fight or move before exhaustion set in. 45
Agility Speed, improving reflexes and movement. 20
He had stared at the screen, weighing his options. The four core stats were simple but crucial. He¡¯d added most of his points to Defense and Stamina, deciding he needed to survive longer before worrying about hitting harder. Now, as he moved through the desolate streets, he wondered if he¡¯d made the right choice.
Geon stopped in his tracks. Ahead, a pack of mutated dogs prowled the street, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. Their bodies were gaunt, their ribs pressing against their mangy hides, but they moved with terrifying speed and coordination.
Enemy identified: Rabid Hounds.
Difficulty: Moderate. Experience reward: 300 points per kill.
Geon crouched low, his shadow-sword forming in his hand. He counted five hounds, each one more feral than the last. ¡°This could be good,¡± he whispered. ¡°I need the experience.¡± The shadow chuckled. ¡°Then stop talking and start fighting.¡± The first hound lunged before he could finish his thought. Geon rolled to the side, his sword slashing upward and slicing through the creature¡¯s throat. It dissolved into ash, its death accompanied by a faint ping of experience. The remaining hounds snarled, their movements growing more frenzied. Geon raised his hand. ¡°Shadow Tendrils!¡± The tendrils erupted, coiling around two of the hounds and slamming them into the ground. One broke free, charging at Geon with its teeth bared. He sidestepped, his sword driving into its side. The fourth hound leapt onto his back, its claws digging into his shoulders. Geon cried out, spinning wildly to throw it off. His shadow retaliated, forming a spike that impaled the creature mid-air. The final hound hesitated, its glowing eyes flicking between Geon and the corpses of its pack. ¡°Go on,¡± Geon muttered, his voice low. ¡°Run.¡± The hound snarled but retreated into the shadows, disappearing from sight. Geon sank to his knees, his breath ragged.
Enemy defeated.
Experience gained: 1200 points.
+1 Level up! Player reached Level 29.
As he caught his breath, his phone buzzed again.
Notice
Population has reached 9 billion. Culling Zone Reduction initiated. Kill or be killed. Good luck.
Geon stared at the screen, his chest tightening. The map of the world appeared, red lines cutting across it like the boundaries of a warzone. The playable area was shrinking, whole regions grayed out and marked as ¡°Inactive.¡± The shadow¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°The walls are closing in.¡± Geon didn¡¯t reply. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.
Chapter 8 - The First Culling Zone Reduction
The weight of the Culling Zone Reduction pressed on Geon as he stood in the middle of a ruined park. The world around him seemed eerily quiet, as though it were holding its breath. He glanced at his phone, the global map glaring back at him. Entire continents were now grayed out, their names faded and indistinct. Most of South America, Australia as well as large parts of Africa, and Asia had been marked Inactive. The remaining zones¡ªthe United States, Europe, and a handful of surrounding areas in South-America, Africa and Asia¡ªwere now the active battlegrounds.
Culling Zone has been reduced to 75% of original size.
Population Status: 8,999,873,342 remaining.
Geon¡¯s stomach churned. More than a billion lives had been snuffed out, and the shrinking zones meant the survivors would be forced into closer proximity. ¡°Smaller zone, higher stakes,¡± he muttered. ¡°You catch on quickly,¡± the shadow said, its voice curling like smoke in his mind. ¡°They want blood, Geon. It¡¯s time to give them what they want.¡±
Geon moved cautiously through the park, his shadow-sword at the ready. The grass, once vibrant and green, was now a sickly gray. Trees stood like skeletal sentinels, their branches clawing at the crimson sky. He reached a dilapidated playground and crouched behind an overturned slide. His mind buzzed with questions. ¡°How many players are nearby? Are they watching me now? Planning an ambush?¡± He tapped his phone to bring up the leaderboard, scanning for familiar names. A part of him still hoped to find Lila¡¯s name listed, but it was an empty hope. Instead, his eyes landed on a new feature beneath each player¡¯s name:
Leaderboard
Global Rank Player Name Level Zone
#2111991 Heavenly Henry Last Known Location: Available. 26 West
#2111992 Death Parade Paul Last Known Location: Available. 25 South
#2111993 Liu Fu Han Last Known Location: Unavailable. 25 East
#2111994 Throat Slicer Gia Last Known Location: Available. 25 West
¡°Location tracking,¡± he muttered, his blood running cold. ¡°They¡¯re really pushing us toward each other.¡±Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. ¡°Perfect for hunting,¡± the shadow said.
The sudden crack of a twig snapped Geon¡¯s attention to his left. He pressed himself against the rusted slide, peering cautiously around the edge. A figure emerged from the treeline. This time it was a woman, her long coat trailing behind her like a cape. Her right hand gripped a gleaming scythe, its curved blade glinting in the dim light. Her eyes burned with an intensity that sent a chill down Geon¡¯s spine. The system¡¯s notification pinged in his mind:
Enemy identified: Lady Death Maria [LVL. 46]
Class: Reaper Global Rank: #100722 Kill Count: 22
Geon instinctively checked his own profile stats.
Player Profile: Demon Geon
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #1200222 29 8
The gap between them was glaring. ¡°She¡¯ll crush me,¡± Geon whispered. ¡°Not if you use your head,¡± the shadow countered. ¡°The tendrils. The environment. Fight smart, not strong.¡±
Maria¡¯s sharp gaze swept across the playground, her scythe resting lightly on her shoulder. ¡°Come out,¡± she called, her voice calm but commanding. ¡°I know you¡¯re here.¡± Geon¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. He gripped his shadow-sword tightly, his mind racing. ¡°Shadow Tendrils,¡± he whispered. The tendrils unfurled silently, spreading across the ground and weaving through the rubble. He directed them toward Maria, their movement slow and deliberate. Maria took a step forward, her boots crunching on the gravel. ¡°Hiding won¡¯t save you.¡± The tendrils struck. They shot up from the ground, coiling around her legs and arms in an instant. Maria reacted with alarming speed, her scythe flashing in an arc that severed the tendrils before they could tighten. ¡°Nice try,¡± she said, a smirk playing on her lips. Geon¡¯s breath hitched. She was faster than he¡¯d expected¡ªfar faster. Maria spun her scythe, the blade slicing through the air with a menacing hum. ¡°Let¡¯s make this quick.¡±
Maria charged, her scythe a blur of motion. Geon barely managed to block her first strike, the impact sending a shockwave through his arms. ¡°She¡¯s toying with you,¡± the shadow hissed. Geon grit his teeth, ducking under her next swing and countering with a slash of his own. Maria sidestepped effortlessly, her scythe sweeping toward his legs. ¡°Shadow Tendrils!¡± The shadow reacted instantly, a wave of tendrils erupting from the ground and wrapping around Maria¡¯s weapon. She pulled back, wrenching the scythe free, but the brief distraction gave Geon an opening. He lunged, his shadow-sword aiming for her shoulder. Maria twisted, the blade grazing her arm but failing to land a decisive blow. She retaliated with a spinning strike, the scythe¡¯s blade slicing through the air inches from Geon¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re not bad,¡± she admitted, her smirk returning. ¡°But you¡¯re not good enough.¡±
Geon¡¯s stamina was waning. He could feel the strain in his limbs, the burn in his chest. Maria, meanwhile, moved with an ease that was both terrifying and infuriating. ¡°Shadow Spike!¡± he shouted, pouring everything he had into the attack. The ground beneath Maria erupted, a massive spike of shadow shooting upward. She leapt back, narrowly avoiding the strike, but the force of the explosion knocked her off balance. Geon didn¡¯t hesitate. He charged, his shadow-sword slashing downward. Maria raised her scythe to block, the two weapons clashing with a deafening crack. For a moment, they were locked in a stalemate, their eyes meeting. Maria¡¯s smirk faded. ¡°Interesting,¡± she said, her tone shifting. With a burst of strength, she shoved Geon back, the force sending him sprawling to the ground. She stepped forward, raising her scythe for the finishing blow. Geon¡¯s tendrils lashed out, wrapping around her legs and yanking her to the ground. She hit the dirt hard, her scythe skittering out of reach. Geon scrambled to his feet, his sword poised over her. ¡°Do it,¡± the shadow urged. Maria stared up at him, her expression unreadable. ¡°Well?¡± Geon hesitated, his hands trembling. ¡°Do it!¡± the shadow hissed, louder this time. But Geon couldn¡¯t. He stepped back, lowering his sword. Maria¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You¡¯re making a mistake.¡± She kicked out, her foot connecting with Geon¡¯s chest and sending him stumbling. Before he could recover, she grabbed her scythe and vanished into the shadows, leaving Geon alone in the desolate park.
Geon collapsed onto the ground, his body shaking from exhaustion. A buzz from his phone alarmed him of the reality that was at play because of his hesitation.
Combat engagement ended. No experience gained.
He let out a bitter laugh, staring up at the crimson sky. ¡°You spared her,¡± the shadow said, its tone dripping with disdain. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a killer,¡± Geon replied, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°But you are,¡± the shadow said simply. Geon didn¡¯t argue. For now, he just needed to survive.
Chapter 9 - I Need Energy
Geon sat in the shadow of a derelict gas station, his back pressed against the cracked concrete wall. Every muscle in his body screamed with exhaustion, the fight with Maria having taken a toll far beyond physical wounds. His shadow stirred beside him, silent but watchful. He clutched his phone, pulling up the system¡¯s interface.
Health Stamina Energy
300/1000 150/799 201/600
He sighed. The numbers were grim. ¡°Resting won¡¯t be enough this time,¡± he muttered. ¡°You need sustenance,¡± the shadow replied, its voice curling like smoke in his mind. ¡°Energy doesn¡¯t come from nowhere.¡± Geon looked at it, confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Food, Geon. Or something more potent. The system is tied to your body and your soul. You¡¯re not just fighting monsters¡ªyou¡¯re consuming their essence. Eating, drinking, taking¡ªthese things will restore you.¡±
The shadow¡¯s words sparked a memory: the Infernal Grizzly¡¯s corpse dissolving into ash, leaving behind a glowing orb of energy. He hadn¡¯t thought much of it at the time, but now it made sense. He checked his inventory.
Inventory: Empty.
¡°Of course,¡± he muttered. His eyes scanned the ruined gas station. Inside, the shelves were mostly barren, save for a few cans of food and an overturned vending machine. Geon made his way inside, stepping over broken glass. He grabbed a can, its label faded beyond recognition, and opened it with a knife. The contents were unappetizing¡ªa mushy, brown sludge¡ªbut he didn¡¯t hesitate. He ate quickly, his body craving the nutrients.
Health restored! + 150
Stamina restored! + 90
It wasn¡¯t much, but it was something.
As he scavenged further, Geon¡¯s phone buzzed with a notification.
Nearby Energy Node Detected.
Energy Nodes are concentrated sources of omni-energy that can restore health, stamina, and innate energy. Some may also provide unique buffs or enhancements.
Geon stared at the screen, a flicker of hope igniting in his chest. ¡°Where?¡± The map on his phone adjusted, highlighting a glowing blue icon roughly two miles away. ¡°That¡¯s far,¡± he said, glancing at his stamina bar. ¡°But it¡¯s my best shot.¡± The shadow hummed in approval. ¡°Be careful. Energy Nodes attract players and beasts alike.¡±
The streets were eerily quiet as Geon made his way toward the node. The crimson sky cast long shadows across the crumbling buildings, and every step felt like it could be his last. He kept his shadow-sword at the ready, his senses on high alert. An hour passed, each minute dragging as his stamina ebbed lower and lower. Finally, he reached a clearing where the node was located¡ªa shimmering, glowing crystal embedded in the ground.
Energy Node This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Grade Effect
Minor Restores 50% Health, 50% Stamina, and 25% Energy.
Geon stepped closer, his eyes locked on the crystal. ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± he whispered. But as he reached out to touch it, a low growl stopped him in his tracks.
From the shadows emerged a beast unlike any Geon had faced before. It was massive, its body resembling a warped lion with scales instead of fur. Its eyes glowed with a menacing red light, and its claws scraped against the concrete as it advanced.
Enemy identified: Abyssal Leonid [Energy Node Guardian].
Difficulty: High. Experience reward: 1233 points.
¡°Of course there¡¯s a catch,¡± Geon muttered, his shadow rippling in anticipation. ¡°This is an opportunity,¡± the shadow hissed. ¡°Defeat it, and the rewards will be worth the risk.¡±
The Abyssal Leonid lunged, its claws slicing through the air. Geon barely dodged, rolling to the side as the beast¡¯s attack shattered the ground where he¡¯d been standing. He countered with a slash from his shadow-sword, the blade grazing the beast¡¯s scaled hide but failing to penetrate. ¡°It¡¯s too tough!¡± Geon shouted, retreating as the Leonid roared. ¡°Then you need to be smarter,¡± the shadow replied. Geon summoned his Shadow Tendrils, sending them snaking toward the beast. The tendrils wrapped around its legs, momentarily holding it in place. The Leonid snarled, its claws slashing through the tendrils with ease. Geon used the opening to attack again, aiming for the creature¡¯s glowing eyes. His blade struck true, one eye bursting in a spray of black ichor. The Leonid roared in pain, thrashing wildly.
Geon pressed the advantage, his shadow-sword flashing as he struck again and again. The beast¡¯s movements grew sluggish, its wounds taking their toll. Finally, with a desperate lunge, Geon drove his sword into the creature¡¯s chest. The Leonid let out one final roar before collapsing in a heap.
Enemy defeated.
Experience gained: 1233 points.
+1 Level up! Player reached Level 30.
Geon staggered back, his body trembling with exhaustion. The beast¡¯s corpse dissolved into ash, leaving behind a glowing orb of energy.
Geon approached the Energy Node, his hand trembling as he reached out to touch it. The crystal pulsed, and a wave of warmth washed over him.
Energy Node activated.
Health restored! + 600
Stamina restored! + 425
Energy restored! + 175
Health Stamina Energy
900/1200 575/850 376/700
Geon let out a sigh of relief, the pain in his body fading as the energy revitalized him. ¡°Feeling better?¡± the shadow asked. ¡°Much,¡± Geon replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. As the node faded, its energy spent, Geon turned back toward the city. He was stronger now, but the world was still closing in. And the game wasn¡¯t over yet.
Chapter 10 - Everything Has A Price
The world seemed quieter now, though Geon knew better than to believe it was safe. His phone buzzed occasionally with the system¡¯s impersonal updates: Leaderboard updates, Population updates, and messages reminding everyone that survival meant ruthlessness. But Geon¡¯s mind wasn¡¯t on the leaderboard or the ever-looming threat of death. It was on Lila.
¡°Lila...¡± he whispered, the name like a prayer. The image of his younger sister haunted him¡ªher kind smile, the way she¡¯d tilt her head when deep in thought, her unshakeable optimism. He clenched his fists. ¡°She has to be alive. She has to.¡± ¡°She is either alive or she isn¡¯t,¡± the shadow interjected, its tone neutral but not unkind. ¡°But clinging to the past will only slow you down. You must focus on the present if you want to see her again.¡± Geon shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t get it. She¡¯s my only family left.¡± ¡°You are not the same Geon she once knew,¡± the shadow replied. ¡°You are changed. Bloodied. What do you think she will see when she looks at you now?¡± The words stung, but Geon refused to dwell on them. ¡°I don¡¯t care. I¡¯ll keep her safe. That¡¯s all that matters.¡± As Geon is walking through the ruins of what once was a bustling city centre, he sat himself on a bench, or at least what remained of it. "I need to recollect my thoughts." he said in a serious voice. "It''s been a couple days now since this insanity started, furthermore I can''t seem to find Lila on the leaderboard." Think Geon, Think! "What you should be doing is killing." the shadow ushered with an underlying tone of confidence. "The more you kill, the faster you will find Lila." "Again, I am not a murderer." Geon annoyingly retaliated without hesitation. "Your Kill Count says otherwise..." the shadow spoke in a snarly tone. Geon ignored it. "Anyhow, the reality is that I want to find Lila first and especially fast." Geon uttered as an ending to their small debate. "Let''s see where I stand first..." Geon took his phone to get an overview of his player profile, stats, abilities and inventory.
Player overview: Demon Geon
Health Stamina Energy
900/1200 575/850 376/700
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #1100472 30 9
Power 50
Defense 100
Stamina 100
Agility 50
Rewarded Abilities (1/4)
Name Description Activation Level
Shadow Tendrils Tendrils as far as your shadow spreads, increases your mobility, versatility and more. Automatic and Manual Basic
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??? ??? ??? ???
??? ??? ??? ???
Innate Abilities (2/5) The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
Type Name Description
Innate Shadow Manipulation Manipulate the real you.
Defense Shadow Shield Protect yourself from incoming danger.
??? ??? ???
??? ??? ???
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"Hmm, so I actually have a few more rewarded and innate abilities I can get, I wonder when or how I can get these?" Geon said to himself in the hope the answer would present itself. As Geon glanced over the various stats that now describe his surreal life, the shadow chimed in with amusement in his voice: "You aren''t the brightest are you?" "What?! That was uncalled for. What made you even think so?" Geon said in disbelief. "Well, you don''t know a thing about your class, haven''t asked me any questions, and without me...you would have been dead by now." Geon looked down as he acknowledged the last part. Without the shadow he would have been dead by now, no doubt. "You have a point, but I don''t understand why I would ask you questions?" Geon asked in a serious tone, in the hope of reaching answers that can help him find Lila. The shadow crossed it''s arms and stood tall, as if to give a lecture about a subject it is well versed in: "I am part of the system, a part of The Last Judgement. I know some things by default, but you never asked for my help." Geon''s eyes opened wide, realization hit him like an unexpected cold breeze on a hot summer night. "I see..." he says, "Well, let me ask you the first question then: What are you?"
"I, Demon, I am you, you are me." the shadow uttered in a soft yet distant voice. "What does that even mean?" Geon asked in rapid succession, not out of haste but out of confusion. The shadow let out a deep sigh, "It''s like I said, I am you, and you are me, we are extensions of eachother, the system brings out the true nature of the person, I got manifested this way." "Hmm... not sure if I grasp what you''re saying completely, but does this mean there are an infinite amount of classess?" Geon asked, his voice steady and interested. "Indeed, classess are the manifestation of the nature of said person, some classess are more rare than others.", the shadow answered in full confidence. Geon stands up and walks slowly towards the center square that now was more circle than it is square. "I see, to keep things simple, do you know anything about what happens to the last person standing or ways to level up easier, getting abilities, anything that can help me get stronger?" "I don''t know why the system exists, as for levelling up and gaining your remaining abilities, you will have to simply kill. No shortcuts. The system rewards those that kill." the shadow asnwered concisely. "Last question, Demon", Geon uttered confidently yet scared. "Since my class is Demon... does that mean I was going to be the opposite of someone who wanted to make the world a better place?" The shadow looked in amusement, "Yes, without a doubt, true nature always shines through, even if the system does not exist. You will become the thing you loathe." Geon turns his back to the shadow, as gentle tears fall from his eyes. "Not fair..." he muttered to himself, "I didn''t ask to be born this way! Who is deciding this for me?!" he starts screaming in frustration. The shadow is watching in anticipation, something important is happening. "F#ck them! F#CK ALL OF THEM!" Geon starts shouting uncontrollably, his heart pounding faster and louder. "IT WAS NEVER FAIR, IF THE WORLD WASN''T FAIR FROM THE START..." "Yes, release yourself! Set yourself free! Become the person you were chosen to be!", the shadow urged on in amusement. "...THEN I WILL KILL EVERYONE WHO CAUSED THIS!", Geon declared in a frenzy of hatred and intent to kill so intense it can be sensed from a long distance out. Geon''s eyes shined red, his jet black hair becoming wild, every breath leaves a trail of steam, his insides feel like burning. "Just you wait.... I, Demon, will find and kill all of you!" he ushered in a deep growling voice as the shadow still watches in amazement.
As Geon has been reborn into the epitome of what he loathes, but was destined to be, a peculiar notification unbeknownst to him popped on his phone that was still lying on the bench.
WARNING
You have entered into a contract with ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????S?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????A?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????T????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????A??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????N????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????¦×???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????.
Chapter 11 - The Arbiter鈥檚 Arrival
The city¡¯s hollow streets pulsed with an eerie stillness, broken only by the faint whisper of Geon¡¯s breaths and the occasional groan of collapsing ruins. His transformation was complete¡ªat least, that¡¯s what the shadow told him. Yet, as the molten fury cooled and his heart steadied, the edges of his consciousness were frayed with unease. The notification lingered on his phone like an omen. Geon picked it up, the screen flickering faintly.
WARNING
You have entered into a contract with ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????S?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????A?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????T????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????A??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????N????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????¦×???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????.
"What the hell does that even mean?" Geon muttered, his voice hoarse from his earlier outburst. The shadow, now swirling lazily at his feet, seemed amused. ¡°It means exactly what it says. You¡¯ve made a choice, one that binds you to something greater than yourself.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t agree to anything,¡± Geon snapped. ¡°Didn¡¯t you, though?¡± the shadow replied, its tone mocking. ¡°The anger, the hatred, the declaration that you¡¯d kill everyone who wronged you... That was your signature. A contract doesn¡¯t always need ink.¡± Geon scowled, gripping his phone tightly. ¡°So what¡¯s the price?¡± The shadow¡¯s laughter was a low, guttural echo. ¡°Not every price is public, Geon!¡± Before Geon could respond, the air around him grew heavy. A cold, suffocating presence seeped into the ruins, and for a moment, even the shadow seemed to withdraw. The world itself seemed to hold its breath. From the shadows of a crumbled building, a figure emerged. It was tall and skeletal, draped in tattered robes that billowed despite the absence of wind. Its face was obscured, a void where features should have been. Only its eyes burned¡ªa piercing, unnatural blue that seemed to see through Geon¡¯s very soul. ¡°You called, and I have come,¡± the figure intoned, its voice a discordant symphony of whispers. ¡°I am the Arbiter, a servant of ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????S?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????A?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????T????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????A??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????N????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????¦×???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????.. And you, Geon, are now bound to its will.¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Geon stood his ground, though his fists clenched involuntarily. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for this. I didn¡¯t call for you.¡± The Arbiter tilted its head, the movement unnervingly slow. ¡°You misunderstand. It is not your words that summon me, but your intent. Your transformation, your rage¡ªthey resonate with the system. You seek power, and so you shall receive it.¡± Geon¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°And what¡¯s the catch?¡± The Arbiter¡¯s laughter was a chilling sound. ¡°Every contract has terms. You have chosen a path of destruction, and the system will amplify your potential. In return, you are bound to its purpose: to eliminate the unworthy and ascend to the final judgment.¡± ¡°And if I refuse?¡± Geon asked, though he already knew the answer. The Arbiter extended a skeletal hand, and the air grew colder still. ¡°There is no refusal. You are marked, Demon. You are its instrument.¡± The shadow, silent until now, spoke up, its tone uncharacteristically serious. ¡°Geon, this is your reality now. The system doesn¡¯t take ¡®no¡¯ for an answer. But you can still control how you play its game.¡± Geon glared at the Arbiter, defiance flaring in his chest. ¡°If I¡¯m bound to this, then I¡¯ll use it to find my sister. No one else matters.¡± The Arbiter nodded, the motion eerily fluid. ¡°So be it. But remember, Demon: ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????S?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????A?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????T????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????A??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????N????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????¦×???????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????. does not tolerate weakness. Prove yourself, or perish.¡± With that, the figure dissolved into a cloud of black mist, leaving behind an oppressive silence.
Geon stood in the aftermath, his mind racing. The shadow reformed beside him, its presence oddly comforting despite its usual snark. ¡°Well, that was dramatic,¡± it said. ¡°But hey, at least now you¡¯ve got some clarity. Sort of.¡± ¡°Clarity?¡± Geon spat. ¡°All I know is that I¡¯m a pawn in some sick game. And now I¡¯m stuck with... whatever that was.¡± The shadow shrugged. ¡°Could be worse. At least you¡¯re alive. And stronger, too, thanks to the contract.¡± Geon hesitated, then opened his phone again. The player overview had updated, the numbers shifting as though the system itself was watching his every move.
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #500678 50 9
Geon¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Five hundred thousand? I jumped over half a million ranks?¡± The shadow smirked. ¡°Don''t forget, everything comes with a price. Now, what are you waiting for? Let¡¯s find someone to kill.¡± Geon didn¡¯t respond immediately. He looked out over the ruined city, the weight of his new reality pressing down on him. He thought of Lila, of her smile, her laughter. He clenched his fists. ¡°I¡¯ll play your game,¡± he said, his voice low but resolute. ¡°And I will get my way!¡± Geon turned and began walking, his path uncertain but his resolve unshakable. Somewhere out there, his sister was waiting. And he would tear down the system itself to find her. Chapter 12 - Hunt or be Hunted
The crumbling streets stretched endlessly before Geon and the shadow, their journey punctuated only by the occasional groan of shifting rubble or the distant echo of unseen survivors. The air hung heavy with ash and tension, the sky a muted gray canvas. ¡°Where are we headed, exactly?¡± the shadow asked, its voice restless, barely masking its impatience. ¡°The system demands blood, Geon. You know that as well as I do.¡± Geon walked with measured steps, his expression calm but focused. ¡°Patience,¡± he replied, his tone deliberate. ¡°I¡¯ve made my choice. I¡¯m not backing away, but there¡¯s something I need to do first.¡± The shadow snorted, an ethereal sound that carried skepticism. ¡°And what would that be?¡± Their path ended abruptly in front of the remnants of a building, its once-pristine glass doors shattered and the sign above barely legible. Geon stopped and stared at the ruins. ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± he said, nodding toward the structure. The shadow flickered beside him, its shape shifting slightly as it observed the wreckage. ¡°What is this place?¡± it asked, confusion lacing its voice. ¡°The City Mall,¡± Geon replied simply, stepping forward. ¡°Before I start tearing through the other players, I want to prepare. New clothes, supplies¡ªwhatever I can find to make myself ready.¡± The shadow¡¯s reaction was immediate. ¡°Are you serious?¡± it asked incredulously. ¡°You¡¯re going shopping? Shopping, while the world¡¯s literally falling apart?¡± A smirk tugged at the corner of Geon¡¯s lips. He stopped mid-step and tilted his head toward the shadow. His gaze was sharp, his eyes cold and unyielding. ¡°The world, huh?¡± he echoed, his voice laced with a bitter edge. ¡°I cared about it once. Not anymore.¡± Geon continued toward the broken entrance, his boots crunching on shattered glass. ¡°I used to hate consumerism,¡± he said, almost to himself. ¡°I thought it was wasteful. All those clothes, all that stuff we didn¡¯t need. I wanted to make a difference¡ªto spend my life trying to fix the way people lived.¡± His voice grew quieter, tinged with a mix of nostalgia and disdain. ¡°But the world isn¡¯t fair. It never was. And fools like me wasted time trying to make it better.¡± He stopped again, this time looking up at the colorless sky. The heaviness in his chest twisted into something else¡ªanger, raw and unrelenting. ¡°I¡¯m done with that now,¡± Geon said, his voice rising, resolute. ¡°I think I¡¯m losing myself, but I don¡¯t care anymore. I¡¯ll burn everything that stood in my way. I¡¯ll do whatever I want.¡± The shadow, intrigued by this shift, drifted closer, its form darkening as though feeding off Geon¡¯s energy. ¡°So now, you live for yourself?¡± it asked, its tone steady but probing. Geon turned to face it, his expression unreadable. His voice, however, burned with raw conviction. ¡°That¡¯s not enough,¡± he said, his words like a dagger¡¯s edge. ¡°I want them gone¡ªall of them. The ones who built this unfair world. The ones who let it become this.¡± The shadow was silent for a moment, absorbing the heat of Geon¡¯s resolve. Then it let out a low, satisfied chuckle. ¡°Very well,¡± it murmured, a faint note of delight in its tone. Slowly, it melted into the cracked pavement beneath Geon¡¯s feet, its presence still palpable. Geon stepped through the mall¡¯s broken doors, his mind sharp and his purpose unwavering. This wasn¡¯t just survival. It was a reckoning.
Geon stood before a cracked, full-length mirror in what was once the City Mall¡¯s clothing department. Dust and debris surrounded him, but his reflection was sharp against the grime-streaked glass. He adjusted the black jumper he had chosen, its loose fit complementing the straight black pants that hung comfortably on him. A pair of classic black runners completed the ensemble. ¡°This fits,¡± he muttered, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°I like it simple. All black.¡± The shadow hovered nearby, silent for once, as Geon admired his appearance. Satisfied, he turned and began making his way toward the food section of the mall. The aisles were surprisingly intact, lined with shelves that still held an abundance of goods. Geon scanned the area, his eyes lighting up at the sight of untouched canned food and water bottles. ¡°There¡¯s actually quite a lot here,¡± he said, his voice lifting with a note of mild joy. ¡°That¡¯s great news.¡± As he crouched to inspect a particularly dusty can of beans, a translucent screen materialized in front of him, shimmering faintly in the dim light.
??Notice??
All players now have access to "Interface".
¡°What the¡ª¡± Geon straightened abruptly, his brows knitting in confusion. ¡°What is this? Interface?¡±
Welcome to the Interface.
Select your service...
Player Profile All about your stats, health and more! Inventory Retrieve, store or keep tabs on your items. Abilities Discover your innate and rewarded Abilities! Leaderboard Stay informed on who to kill.
The screen changed, its strange presence almost taunting him. He reached out as if to touch it, then hesitated. ¡°Is this supposed to be a System update?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with both suspicion and frustration. ¡°Why the sudden change?¡± From the shadows came the familiar voice, calm yet distant. ¡°The System is growing,¡± it explained. ¡°Just like its players.¡± Geon reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. He glanced at it, then at the shimmering Interface. With a resigned sigh, he tossed the device onto the cracked tiles. The clatter echoed briefly. ¡°Guess this piece of junk is officially useless now,¡± he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. Turning his attention back to the Interface, Geon instinctively swiped through its options. The inventory tab caught his eye. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± he murmured, his fingers hovering over the screen.
Inventory (5/50)
Health Node (x2) Grade: Minor Recover 25% of your Health. Stamina Node (x2) Grade: Minor Recover 25% of your Stamina. Energy Node (x1) Grade: Minor Recover 10% of your Energy.
When the inventory details appeared, his expression shifted to surprise. ¡°Huh? I have items?¡± he said aloud, a hint of disbelief coloring his tone. ¡°How?¡± ¡°The System rewards those who level up,¡± the shadow replied, its voice tinged with intrigue. ¡°In other words, those who kill. Since you leaped twenty levels in one move¡ªwithout doing much of anything¡ªthe System assumes you¡¯ve been slaughtering players left and right.¡± Geon frowned, the shadow¡¯s words settling uneasily in his mind. ¡°I see¡­¡± he said slowly, his tone contemplative. ¡°So it¡¯s rewarding me for kills I didn¡¯t earn.¡± He paused, his gaze sharpening. ¡°That means there¡¯s probably more I¡¯ve overlooked. My stats¡ªwhy didn¡¯t I think of that sooner?¡± Before diving into his stats, he quickly stored the food and water he had gathered into his inventory.
Inventory (13/50)
Health Node (x2) Grade: Minor Recover 25% of your Health. Stamina Node (x2) Grade: Minor Recover 25% of your Stamina. Energy Node (x1) Grade: Minor Recover 10% of your Energy.
Can of Beans (x2) Grade: None Recover 100 points of your Health and Stamina. Bread (x2) Grade: None Recover 150 points of your Health and Stamina. Water Bottle (x4) Grade: None Recover 50 points of your Health and Stamina.
¡°All set and ready to go hunting,¡± he muttered with a confident, almost sinister edge. He opened the Player Profile tab, his anticipation growing.
Player Profile
Health 4700/4700 Stamina If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. 2000/2000 Energy 1800/1800
Distribute Stat Points (500)
Power 0 Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 0 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 0 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 0 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
But as the new screen popped up, Geon¡¯s expression turned to one of shock. His voice rang out in alarm. ¡°What the¡ªwhy are all my stat points at zero?!¡± ¡°Relax,¡± the shadow said calmly, flickering beside him like a broken light. ¡°Look closely. Part of the contract reset your stats. You¡¯ve been granted all the points you would¡¯ve earned by leveling up normally to level 50. Use them wisely.¡± Geon exhaled a deep sigh of relief, the tension easing from his shoulders. ¡°Okay¡­ that makes sense.¡± He stared at the screen, his fingers hovering over the options. ¡°I need to be stronger,¡± he said to himself, his voice firm. ¡°This time, I¡¯ll put most of my points into¡ª¡±
Player Profile
Health 4700/4700 Stamina 2000/2000 Energy 1800/1800
Distribute Stat Points (0)
Power 200 Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 50 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 150 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 100 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
The shadow, intrigued by his choice, let out a low chuckle. ¡°Heh¡­ This is the opposite of how you distributed your points before the contract.¡± Geon didn¡¯t flinch. His voice was steady, his resolve unshakable. ¡°Of course it is. Back then, I didn¡¯t want to kill. I was naive. A fool. All I wanted was to survive¡ªjust enough to make the world a better place again.¡± He paused, his gaze hardening. ¡°But that¡¯s over now. Let bygones be bygones. From here on out, I¡¯m hunting. I¡¯ll cleanse this world of its filth.¡± The shadow seemed to shiver with excitement, its voice carrying an eerie undertone. ¡°Very well then¡­¡±
Geon turned to the Abilities tab, his curiosity piqued. ¡°Let¡¯s see what¡¯s changed,¡± he said, swiping to open it.
Abilities
Innate (3/5)
Name Description Type Mastery
Shadow Manipulation Manipulate the real you. Innate Elite
Shadow Shield Protect yourself from incoming danger. Defense Advanced
Exchange Enter and leave any shadow within eyesight. Beware, this will drain your Stamina. Innate Advanced
??? ??? ??? ???
??? ??? ??? ???
Rewarded (2/5)
Name Description Activation Mastery
Shadow Tendrils Tendrils as far as your shadow spreads, increases your mobility, versatility and more. Automatic and Manual Advanced
Dark Temper Reinforce your shadow to make it stronger. Manual Advanced
??? ??? ??? ???
??? ??? ??? ???
??? ??? ??? ???
His eyes widened as he scanned the list. ¡°Whoa¡­¡± A grin spread across his face. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to try these out.¡± His enthusiasm was interrupted by a sudden notification. He barely had time to react as another translucent screen flashed before him, its message demanding his attention. ¡°What now?¡± he muttered, the words forming as his mind braced for whatever was coming next.
??Notice??
A Player has placed a BOUNTY on you.
You will be hunted for 24 hours. SURVIVAL REWARD Health Node (5x) Grade: Major
"I will be hunted??!" Chapter 13 - A Test of Strength
The screen lingered before Geon, its shimmering light casting ominous shadows across his face.
??Notice??
A Player has placed a BOUNTY on you.
You will be hunted for 24 hours. SURVIVAL REWARD Health Node (5x) Grade: Major
Geon''s lips twisted into a grim smile. "Hunted, huh? Let¡¯s see who¡¯s really hunting whom." The shadow flickered beside him, its voice tinged with amusement. ¡°Someone wants you dead already? You haven¡¯t even started the carnage yet.¡± Geon tilted his head, scanning his surroundings. His instincts sharpened as he felt the first prickles of danger. ¡°It was only a matter of time. I¡¯ve jumped too many levels too quickly. Someone must¡¯ve noticed.¡± The air grew heavier, tinged with an oppressive silence. The mall¡¯s decrepit walls seemed to close in, the shadows lengthening unnaturally. Geon turned toward the exit, his black outfit blending into the dimness like a wraith. ¡°Let¡¯s not waste time,¡± he said, his tone steady. ¡°If they¡¯re coming, I might as well welcome them.¡± The shadow hummed approvingly, gliding beside him as he left the mall. The city streets stretched ahead, littered with debris and the remnants of a world that no longer cared. The bounty wasn¡¯t just a call to arms; it was a spectacle. Somewhere in the distance, a sharp howl pierced the air, a signal to every player within range. Geon stopped mid-stride, his muscles coiling like a predator preparing to pounce. ¡°That¡¯s not just any player,¡± the shadow whispered. ¡°They¡¯ve got resources¡ªa tracker, maybe. And they¡¯re already closing in.¡± Geon narrowed his eyes. ¡°Good. Let them come.¡± Moments later, a ripple of movement appeared at the edge of his vision. Three figures emerged from the rubble, their silhouettes sharp against the dim light. They were armed¡ªone with a spear crackling with electricity, another holding a jagged axe, and the last carrying a crossbow etched with glowing runes.
Enemy Identified
Lightning Lance [LVL 55]
Class Global Rank Kills
Spearman #440212 61
Enemy Identified
Jigsaw Kriss [LVL 51]
Class Global Rank Kills
Axman #491863 56
Enemy Identified
Stealthy Oliver [LVL 53]
Class Global Rank Kills
Bowman #447989 58
¡°Bounty¡¯s worth a fortune,¡± the one with the spear called out, his voice echoing through the desolate street. ¡°Hand yourself over, and maybe we won¡¯t make it too painful.¡± Geon smirked, his hands loosening at his sides. ¡°You¡¯ve got it backward. I¡¯m the one deciding how painful this will be.¡± The spear-wielder snarled and lunged forward, the electric weapon sparking wildly. But before he could strike, Geon vanished into the shadows beneath his feet, reappearing behind the group.
¡ºEXCHANGE!¡»
¡°What the¡ª!¡± the axe-wielder spun around, but it was too late. A dark tendril shot out from Geon¡¯s shadow, wrapping around the man¡¯s leg and yanking him to the ground. The axe clattered uselessly to the side. Geon wasted no time. Another tendril lashed out, snatching the crossbow from the third attacker¡¯s hands and hurling it into the debris. The shadow shield sprang to life, absorbing a wild swing from the spear-wielder before Geon retaliated with a brutal kick to his chest, sending him sprawling. The axe-wielder scrambled to his feet, panic setting in. ¡°He¡¯s not normal! This isn¡¯t¡ª¡± His words were cut short as Geon stepped forward, his voice low and cold. ¡°You were saying?¡± A final shadow tendril struck with precision, sending the man off to his final destination.
The shadow pulsed beside him, its form vibrating with energy. ¡°What do you think of your new powers?¡± it asked, its voice a low, curious hum. ¡°How do they feel?¡± Geon smirked faintly, flexing his fingers as he glanced down at his hands. ¡°They feel good,¡± he admitted. ¡°But I want more. I need to become even stronger.¡± His gaze drifted to the dead spear-wielder at his feet. Something metallic near the fallen hunter¡¯s belt caught his eye. Kneeling down, Geon retrieved the device and examined it closely. A tracker. His jaw tightened. Without hesitation, he crushed the device in his palm, letting the twisted shards scatter to the ground. The shadow tilted slightly, as if considering him from a new angle. ¡°What will you do next? You¡¯ll be hunted for the rest of the day.¡± Geon¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°The ones carrying trackers are strong enough to challenge me. They think they can win. But I don¡¯t plan to let too many come at me at once.¡± He stood, his posture calm yet resolute. ¡°I¡¯ll move in a circle¡ªnorth to east, south to west. That way, I¡¯ll stay ahead of the larger groups and keep the ambushes small.¡± The shadow chuckled, its laughter as dark and restless as a stormcloud. ¡°Clever. Let¡¯s see if they can keep up.¡± As Geon was about to get moving, a new message flashed across his Interface.
Bounty Survival Time
00:33:21 Hunters Defeated: 3
Hours passed, the city shifting from desolate silence to sporadic chaos. More players emerged, some lone hunters, others in groups, all drawn to the promise of wealth and power. But none who faced Geon left unscathed. The Interface updated constantly.
Bounty Survival Time
03:21:01 Hunters Defeated: 6
Bounty Survival Time
10:46:19 Hunters Defeated: 11
Bounty Survival Time
18:13:55 Hunters Defeated: 21
By now, Geon was battle-worn but alive. His shadow abilities had become an extension of himself, each encounter refining his technique. Yet, as the last hour approached, something changed.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. The air grew colder, the shadows around him trembling unnaturally. Geon paused mid-step, his instincts screaming. ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± the shadow whispered, its tone uncharacteristically wary. Geon scanned the area, his senses heightened. A faint glow appeared in the distance, growing brighter with each passing moment. Then, out of the gloom, a single figure emerged. Clad in silver armor that shimmered like moonlight, the figure carried a massive, ornate blade across their back. Their eyes glowed faintly, the same hue as the weapon. ¡°Demon Geon,¡± the figure called, their voice calm yet commanding. ¡°I¡¯ve been watching you. You¡¯ve made quite a name for yourself.¡± ¡°And you are?¡± Geon asked, his tone devoid of fear. The figure smiled faintly. ¡°Call me Irid. I¡¯m here to collect the bounty. Unlike the others, I intend to succeed.¡±
Enemy Identified
Holy Knight Irid [LVL 65]
Class Global Rank Kills
Holy Knight #310562 122
Irid didn¡¯t waste time. The massive blade swung with surprising speed, a crescent of energy ripping through the air. Geon dodged, his agility pushed to its limits as he rolled into the safety of a nearby shadow. ¡°Impressive,¡± Irid said, their voice steady. ¡°But dodging won¡¯t win this fight.¡± Geon emerged behind Irid, his shadow tendrils lashing out. But the armored figure turned with precision, their blade cutting through the tendrils effortlessly. ¡°You¡¯ll have to do better,¡± Irid remarked. Geon smirked, his mind racing. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you handle this.¡± He activated Shadow Manipulation, his form blurring into the darkness. The battlefield shifted, shadows rising like waves, obscuring visibility. Irid hesitated, their glowing eyes scanning the swirling blackness. From every direction, tendrils attacked, forcing Irid to defend relentlessly. But the warrior was no novice. Each swing of their blade disrupted the shadows, their movements precise and calculated. ¡°You think this darkness will protect you?¡± Irid taunted. ¡°It¡¯s just a tool. Like everything else.¡± Geon¡¯s voice echoed from the shadows. ¡°And what happens when your tools fail?¡± The ground beneath Irid erupted, a massive tendril surging upward. Irid leaped back, but the attack had done its job, creating an opening. Geon emerged, his fist wreathed in shadow enhanced with Dark Temper, and struck. The blow connected, sending Irid skidding across the ground. Irid rose slowly, their armor dented but their resolve unbroken. They stared at Geon, then laughed softly. ¡°You¡¯re strong,¡± they admitted. ¡°Stronger than I expected. But this isn¡¯t over.¡± With that, Irid vanished, their form dissolving into light. A system message followed almost immediately.
??Notice??
BOUNTY hunter Holy Knight Irid has withdrawn.
Geon stood alone once more, his breathing heavy but steady. The Interface updated again.
Bounty Survival Time
23:59:59 Hunters Defeated: 29
Bounty Survival Time
24:00:00 Hunters Defeated: 29
??Notice??
Player BOUNTY has expired. Granting reward...
??Notice??
You obtained a reward! Health Node (5x) Grade: Major
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
Level Up!
The shadow reappeared beside him, its form flickering with excitement. ¡°You surprised even me,¡± it said. ¡°But this was just the beginning. The real hunt will start now.¡± "You''re god damn right." Geon said while being still out of breath. "I still need to become much stronger!"
Player Profile: Demon Geon
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #400001 55 39
Health 5900/5900 Stamina 2800/2800 Energy 2500/2500
Distribute Stat Points (0)
Power 250 Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 50 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 150 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 100 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
Chapter 14 - I Entered My First ZONE
The silence after the bounty expired was deafening. Geon leaned against a crumbled wall, his body battered but alive. The shadow beside him flickered, its form more animated than usual. "Not bad, Demon," it said, a hint of pride in its voice. "You''ve earned a moment''s respite. But don''t let it get to your head. There''s more out there waiting to challenge you." Geon let out a dry chuckle, his eyes scanning the loot in his Inventory. Among the various items and equipment, something unusual caught his eye¡ªa small black box with a shimmering inscription.
Item Overview
Black Box Rarity: Ultra Rare Redeem for a random item.
He took it, turning it over in his hands. The shadow swirled closer, inspecting it. "That¡¯s not just junk," it said. "Black Boxes are very rare. Open it." Geon hesitated. "What if it¡¯s a trap?" The shadow chuckled darkly. "Everything is a trap if you¡¯re too weak to handle it. You¡¯re not that weak, are you?" With a resigned sigh, Geon activated the box. A glow emanated from it as the item materialized in his hand. It was a key¡ªornate, with a dark crimson hue and glowing inscriptions etched into its surface.
??Item(s) Acquired!
Zone Key Rarity: Ultra Rare This Key opens a separate ZONE of difficulty HARD. Reap rewards and more after defeating the ZONE MASTER.
Geon frowned, turning the key over. The shadow¡¯s voice broke the silence. "A Zone Key. Now that is a find." "And what exactly is a Zone?" Geon asked, his wariness growing. The shadow¡¯s voice was uncharacteristically serious. "Zones are isolated spaces, self-contained challenges designed to push you to your limits. They can be anything¡ªa forest, a labyrinth, a fortress. Hard Zones are no joke, though. Even top players tread carefully." "Sounds risky," Geon muttered. "Risky," the shadow agreed, "but rewarding. The loot from a Zone Master is worth its weight in blood and gold. And the experience? Priceless. If you¡¯re serious about becoming stronger, this is your chance." Geon¡¯s gaze darkened as he thought of his sister, Lila. His fists clenched. "I have no choice. I can¡¯t afford to stay weak." He activated the key. The air around him warped and twisted, pulling him into a swirling vortex. When the distortion ended, Geon found himself in a new world.
The sky above was a perpetual twilight, a dark purple hue streaked with red clouds. Towering trees loomed on either side, their branches twisted into grotesque shapes. The air was thick and humid, the ground littered with skeletal remains. A system prompt appeared on his Interface.
??Notice??
Welcome to the Barbarian Zone. Difficulty: HARD Objective: Defeat the Zone Master
Geon formed his shadow in a blade, his senses on high alert. The first challenge came swiftly¡ªsmall, feral creatures with jagged teeth and crimson eyes.
Enemy Identified
Angry Blood Foxes (x7) [LVL 25]
They attacked in packs, but Geon cut through them with precision, his shadow abilities ensuring he conserved energy. After hours of navigating the dense forest, he reached a clearing. The remains of a village stood before him, the structures primitive but imposing. At the village entrance, two hulking barbarian guards awaited, their eyes glowing with primal fury.
Enemy Identified
Barbarian Royal Guard [LVL 45]
Enemy Identified
Barbarian Royal Guard [LVL 40]
The first guard charged, a massive club swinging with brutal force. Geon dodged, countering with a shadow-enhanced slash. The second guard joined the fray, forcing Geon to divide his focus. The fight was grueling, each strike testing his stamina and resolve.
Enemy Defeated
Barbarian Royal Guard [LVL 45]
Enemy Defeated
Barbarian Royal Guard [LVL 40]
In the end, Geon stood victorious. He looted their remains, finding a pouch of Health Nodes and a strange talisman that enhanced his defense.
??Item(s) Acquired!
Ironhide Talisman Rarity: Rare A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Reduces incoming damage by 10%.
Health Node (x2) Grade: Minor Recover 25% of your Health.
The village led to a massive hall carved into a mountainside. Geon entered cautiously, his shadow flickering around him. The interior was a grand throne room, lit by roaring fires. At its center sat the Barbarian King, a towering figure clad in spiked armor, his dual axes glinting menacingly. The Zone Master rose, his voice a guttural growl. "You dare challenge me, outsider?"
Enemy Identified
Barbarian King [LVL 55]
Geon smirked. "I¡¯ve come for your throne." The battle was ferocious. The Barbarian King¡¯s strength was overwhelming, each swing of his axes capable of shattering the ground. Geon relied on his agility and shadow manipulation to stay alive, using tendrils to restrain the king when possible. After a grueling exchange, Geon saw his chance. Channeling all his remaining energy, he unleashed a powerful attack, enhancing his Shadow Tendrils with Dark Temper to deal a devastating strike. ¡ºSHADOW TENDRILS + DARK TEMPER!¡» = ¡ºMETEORITE STRIKE!¡» The Barbarian King fell, his form dissolving into light.
Enemy Defeated
Barbarian King [LVL 55]
Level Up!
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??Notice??
Zone Master defeated! Granting rewards...
Treasure chests appeared around the throne room, their contents glittering with potential.
??Item(s) Acquired!
Barbarian King¡¯s Axe Rarity: Super Rare Increases damage inflicted with each landed hit by 10%.
Bloodstone Amulet Rarity: Rare Increases Power by 20%.
Barbarian King''s Chestplate Rarity: Super Rare Increases Health and Defense by 15%.
Health Node (x3) Grade: Major Recover 25% of your Health.
Stamina Node (x2) Grade: Major Recover 25% of your Stamina.
Geon was transported back to the real world, the key dissolving in his hand. His shadow flickered beside him. "You survived," it said, its tone laced with approval. "And you¡¯re stronger for it." Geon inspected his stats, feeling the surge of power from his newly distributed stat points. But his mind wasn¡¯t on the rewards. His thoughts drifted back to Lila, her face etched into his memory. "I¡¯m coming, Lila," he whispered. "No matter what it takes." The shadow loomed larger, its presence a silent promise of battles yet to come.
Chapter 15 - You Are Selected For The Arena
Two weeks had passed since The Last Judgment began. The world, once orderly, had descended into a pit of chaos¡ªfear and death became its rhythm. Cities crumbled, alliances formed and shattered in moments, and trust was as rare as the sun in an eternal storm. Geon sat on a creaky wooden chair, chewing on a chunk of stale bread. Beside him, a half-empty bottle of water rested on the edge of the table, threatening to tip over. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to fuel the day ahead. ¡°Bland,¡± he muttered, swallowing the last bite and chasing it down with water. ¡°But it¡¯ll do.¡± Stretching his arms overhead, he stood, his muscles taut from countless battles. His shadow, an ever-present companion, swirled at his feet, twisting and writhing like smoke caught in a breeze. ¡°You seem in high spirits today,¡± the shadow remarked, its voice tinged with amusement. Geon cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the remnants of sleep. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be? Another day, another chance to put someone six feet under.¡± The shadow chuckled darkly, its form expanding briefly before coiling back at Geon¡¯s feet. ¡°And what¡¯s the plan? More hunting, or are we just going to wander until something interesting happens?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet,¡± Geon replied. ¡°Something always turns up.¡± As if summoned by his words, a shimmering light enveloped the room. Geon froze, his instincts sharpening as a system notification materialized before him.
??Notice??
You are selected for The Arena. Selected Players: 1000 Reward: Forbidden Box (Rarity: Legendary)
Geon¡¯s eyes narrowed as he read the message, his mind racing. ¡°The Arena?¡± he muttered, scratching his head. ¡°I don¡¯t even get a choice, huh?¡± ¡°Not this time,¡± the shadow confirmed, its tone laced with anticipation. It circled him like a predator, eager and restless. ¡°But look at the reward... legendary. You¡¯d be foolish not to fight for it.¡± ¡°Legendary or not,¡± Geon said, scanning the details again, ¡°what exactly is this Arena? And why does it say 1,000 players?¡± The shadow stilled, its movements ceasing as if out of reverence for the topic. ¡°It¡¯s exactly what it sounds like¡ªa grand battlefield where every participant fights to the death. Only one will leave alive. Think of it as a purge, but with a shiny prize at the end.¡± A grin spread across Geon¡¯s face, his bloodlust surfacing. ¡°Then it¡¯s decided. Today¡¯s going to be fun.¡± The shadow mirrored his excitement, swirling faster as a new notification appeared.
??Notice??
Player selection complete. Transporting Players to The Arena...
The air shifted. In an instant, Geon found himself standing in a snow-laden landscape, the cold biting at his skin. Towering walls enclosed the area, their icy surfaces glinting under a pale, overcast sky. The terrain was vast, a mix of dense forest, frozen rivers, and open tundras¡ªa perfect hunting ground. ¡°Big,¡± Geon remarked, his breath misting in the air. ¡°And completely closed off. It¡¯s just one giant playground for carnage.¡± ¡°Nervous?¡± the shadow teased. Geon¡¯s grin widened, his crimson eyes gleaming with unrestrained hunger. ¡°Not even close. I¡¯m grateful. Let the slaughter begin.¡±
??Notice??
Welcome to The Arena. Kill or be killed. Good luck.
The message vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving Geon to face the task ahead. Manifesting his Shadow into a sword, he stepped toward the edge of the forest. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot. Every step felt deliberate, every breath measured. His senses sharpened, searching for movement among the trees. Then, the first sign of life emerged¡ªa player clad in heavy furs, wielding dual hatchets.
Enemy Identified
Frostcleaver [LVL 62]
Class Global Rank Kills
Berserker #377502 82
Frostcleaver spotted him, a wicked smile splitting his frost-bitten face. ¡°Looks like fresh meat wandered into my domain,¡± he growled, his voice thick with arrogance. Geon didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he darted forward, his shadow surging ahead like a viper. Frostcleaver swung his hatchets, their edges glowing with icy enchantments, but Geon was faster. The first exchange was brutal. Frostcleaver¡¯s strength was undeniable, each swing of his hatchets carving deep grooves into the frozen earth. But Geon¡¯s agility and shadow manipulation kept him one step ahead. With a feint and a counterstrike, Geon¡¯s blade found its mark, slashing across the berserker¡¯s chest. Frostcleaver staggered, blood staining the snow beneath him. ¡°You¡­ bastard!¡± he roared, charging recklessly. Geon sidestepped, his shadow tendrils lashing out to trip the berserker. As Frostcleaver fell to his knees, Geon delivered the final blow, his dagger plunging into the man¡¯s throat.
Enemy Defeated
Frostcleaver [LVL 62]
??Notice??
999 Players remaining.
¡°First blood,¡± Geon muttered, wiping his blade clean. The shadow chuckled approvingly. ¡°And so it begins.¡± For hours, the battlefield was a blur of chaos. Geon moved like a specter through the forest, ambushing players with ruthless efficiency. Each encounter pushed him further, sharpening his instincts and honing his abilities. The Interface updated constantly, a grim reminder of the stakes.
??Notice??
750 Players remaining.
??Notice??
537 Players remaining.
??Notice??
219 Players remaining.
By the time the count reached double digits, Geon had leveled up significantly, his shadow abilities becoming second nature. He felt the power coursing through him, each kill a step closer to dominance.
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Player Profile: Demon Geon
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #300244 65 78
Health 4900/6500 Stamina 1500/3400 Energy 1700/2900
Distribute Stat Points (0)
Power 300 Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 150 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 200 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 200 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
After Geon replenished his Health, Stamina and Energy, the last notification he will possibly see popped up.
??Notice??
2 Players remaining.
"Seems like its the finale, let''s wrap this up." Geon exclaimed in full confidence. But the Arena wasn¡¯t done testing him yet. As Geon stepped into a clearing, he was met with a sight that stopped him in his tracks¡ªa hulking figure clad in blackened steel, a massive warhammer resting on their shoulder.
Enemy Identified
Ironbreaker Mark [LVL 70]
Class Global Rank Kills
Juggernaut #240116 144
The Juggernaut¡¯s voice boomed across the clearing. ¡°You¡¯ve made it far, but this is where your story ends.¡± Geon¡¯s grip tightened on his Shadow Sword, his shadow swirling with anticipation. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡± Ironbreaker wasted no time, charging with the force of a freight train. The ground trembled beneath his steps, the sheer weight of his presence suffocating. Geon dodged the initial swing, the warhammer crashing into the ground with enough force to create a crater. The battle was intense. Ironbreaker¡¯s strength was monstrous, his attacks capable of leveling trees and sending shockwaves through the air. But Geon was relentless, using his agility and shadow manipulation to evade and counter. Tendrils lashed out, seeking to bind the Juggernaut, but he shattered them with brute force. As the fight dragged on, Geon¡¯s stamina waned. He knew he couldn¡¯t afford a prolonged battle. Channeling the last of his energy, he activated Dark Temper, his Shadow Sword now stronger than ever. With a burst of speed, he closed the distance, dodging Ironbreaker¡¯s final swing and driving his blade into the Juggernaut¡¯s chest. Ironbreaker staggered, his warhammer slipping from his grasp. ¡°Impossible¡­¡± he gasped, falling to his knees. Geon stood over him, his breathing ragged. ¡°Nothing¡¯s impossible,¡± he said, plunging the blade deeper. The Juggernaut collapsed, his body dissolving into particles.
Enemy Defeated
Juggernaut Mark [LVL 70]
??Notice??
1 Player remaining.
You are the last player standing. Congratulations. Granting reward...
??Item(s) Acquired!
Forbidden Box Rarity: Legendary Redeem for a random item.
As the Arena faded, Geon found himself back in the real world, the shadow swirling around him triumphantly. ¡°You¡¯ve surpassed expectations,¡± it said, its tone dripping with satisfaction. ¡°But this is just the beginning.¡± Geon smirked, holding the Forbidden Box in his hands. ¡°Let¡¯s see what¡¯s inside.¡± Chapter 16 - Adams Wish
The Forbidden Box was smooth to the touch, its surface shimmering faintly as if alive. Geon sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, the shadow coiled lazily around him, watching intently. ¡°Well?¡± it prodded, voice dripping with impatience. ¡°Open it. You¡¯ve earned this.¡± Geon smirked, running his thumb along the box¡¯s gilded edge. ¡°Don¡¯t rush me. A legendary reward deserves a moment.¡± With deliberate care, he unlatched the lid. A soft glow spilled out, bathing the room in an ethereal light. Nestled inside, atop silken fabric, was a simple white ribbon. It was tied into a four-leaf clover, unassuming and delicate, like a token from a distant memory. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Geon asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°A ribbon?¡±
??Item(s) Acquired!
Adam''s Wish Rarity: Legendary Grants the Player''s deepest desire.
The shadow leaned closer, its tendrils swirling with curiosity. ¡°Not just any ribbon. That¡¯s Adam¡¯s Wish.¡± Geon lifted it from the box, feeling a subtle warmth radiating from the fabric. ¡°Adam¡¯s Wish, huh? What does it do?¡± The shadow¡¯s voice was uncharacteristically reverent. ¡°Legends say it grants access to a realm outside reality, where your truest desires are revealed. But it¡¯s not so simple. The cost of understanding your own heart¡­ can be steep.¡± Geon¡¯s grip on the ribbon tightened. He had faced countless trials since the world descended into madness. His thoughts drifted to Lila¡ªa name he hadn¡¯t spoken aloud in weeks, but one that never left his mind. Without hesitation, he tugged the ribbon loose. The world shattered around him.
He found himself standing in a barren wasteland. The ground was cracked and dry, stretching endlessly into a gray horizon. Above, the sky was a swirling vortex of black and white, neither day nor night. A figure stood before him, its form draped entirely in black. No face, no features¡ªjust a void where a human presence might have been. The air was heavy, oppressive. When the figure spoke, its voice echoed as though it came from the land itself. ¡°Do you desire something you need, or something you want?¡± it asked, its tone neither kind nor cruel, but utterly neutral. Geon didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Something I want.¡± The figure tilted its head slightly, as though considering his choice. ¡°Are you certain? Humans are selfish creatures. What you think you want often leads to misery and misfortune. Sometimes, the rhythm of the world¡ªthe rhythm of destiny¡ªguides you more wisely than your own heart.¡± Geon clenched his fists. ¡°I don¡¯t care about destiny. I care about Lila. I want to know where she is, her whereabouts, her status¡ªeverything. That¡¯s what I want.¡± The figure¡¯s robes rippled like a dark tide. ¡°Your shadow agrees with me,¡± it said, and Geon blinked as the black form beside him took shape, its familiar voice cutting through the air. ¡°The faceless one is right, Geon,¡± it said softly, though its tone held an edge of warning. ¡°If you ask for what you think you want, you may doom yourself¡ªor her. Trust me. Ask for what you need instead. Whatever that may be, it will put you in a better position to achieve your desires without ruin.¡± Geon turned sharply to the shadow. ¡°Since when do you care about consequences?¡± ¡°Since I realized you¡¯re still useful to me alive,¡± it quipped, but its seriousness returned quickly. ¡°Think about it. Don¡¯t throw this chance away.¡± Geon stared at the ground, the cracked earth mirroring the turmoil in his heart. The faceless figure waited patiently, its presence unmoving. Finally, with a resigned breath, he spoke. ¡°Fine. If it¡¯s so dangerous to follow my own heart, then give me something I need.¡± The figure¡¯s voice rumbled through the air. ¡°Your choice is made. What you need has been granted.¡± Before Geon could ask what that meant, the barren land dissolved, the gray sky peeling away like paper. He felt himself hurtling backward, and then¡ª
Geon gasped, his back hitting the floor of the room where he¡¯d opened the box. The ribbon lay in his hand, now dull and lifeless. The shadow coiled beside him, quiet for once. ¡°Well?¡± Geon asked, sitting up. ¡°What did I get?¡± Before the shadow could answer, a new notification appeared, its golden text shimmering with an otherworldly glow.
??Special Event Triggered??
The 100-Year Quest
A seven-tier trial to gain strength, wisdom, and rewards beyond imagination. Time flow altered: 10 years in the Quest equals to 10 days in the outside world.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Rewards: ???
Geon stared at the words, his heart pounding. ¡°Ten years,¡± he muttered. ¡°And seven tiers of trials? What kind of event is this?¡± ¡°A gift,¡± the shadow said, its tone serious. ¡°One that aligns with what you need. The figure didn¡¯t lie. If you survive this, you¡¯ll gain the power to shape your own destiny¡ªand maybe even find her.¡± The room around him began to fade again, this time into a blinding white light. Geon felt his body lifting, weightless and free, as the world reshaped itself. The first tier of the 100-Year Quest began in a vast, sunlit meadow. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with drifting clouds. It seemed peaceful, almost deceptively so. Geon stood in the middle of the field, his heart ready, his shadow trailing beside him.
??Notice??
Welcome to The 100-year Quest. First Trial: Beast Meadows
¡°What¡¯s the trial?¡± he asked aloud, scanning the horizon. As if in response, the ground trembled. A distant rumble grew louder, and from the edge of the meadow, a horde of beasts emerged¡ªferal, monstrous creatures with jagged teeth and glowing red eyes. Their snarls filled the air, a cacophony of hunger and rage.
First Trial: Beast Meadows
Defeat the Beasts (500/500). Kill or be killed. Good luck.
¡°Ah, of course,¡± Geon muttered, manifesting his Shadow Sword. ¡°Nothing¡¯s ever simple.¡± The beasts charged. Geon met them head-on, his movements precise and deadly. Each swing of his weapon carved through flesh and bone, but the sheer number of enemies was overwhelming. His shadow lashed out alongside him, its tendrils ripping through the ranks like a living weapon.
Enemy Defeated
Chimera Ant
Enemy Defeated
Wild Glashtyn
Enemy Defeated
Ice Wolf
Enemy Defeated
Devil Bird
For months, the battle raged. Geon¡¯s muscles burned, his breaths came in ragged gasps, but he refused to falter. As the sun dipped below the horizon on the 180th day, the last beast fell, its body dissolving into shimmering particles.
??Notice??
Player successfully completed First Trial: Beast Meadows. Completion Time: 6 months.
Geon collapsed to his knees, exhaustion threatening to claim him. ¡°That¡­ was just the first trial?¡± The shadow chuckled weakly. ¡°Welcome to the 100-Year Quest.¡±
Auto healing initiated...
Granting rewards...
A soothing light enveloped him, mending his wounds and restoring his strength. He stood, refreshed but wary. Back in the real world, only 1 day had passed. The shadow watched silently as Geon slumbered, his body still and unresponsive. Though it had no face, there was a sense of satisfaction in its presence. ¡°He¡¯ll make it,¡± it murmured to itself. ¡°And when he does, the real game begins.¡± Chapter 17 - "A Ring and a Promise" - The 100-Year Quest, Second Trial (Part 1)
The city of Obrelia rose against a backdrop of emerald hills, its spires glittering in the golden light of the setting sun. Streets buzzed with life as merchants hawked their wares, children darted through the cobblestone alleys, and a faint aroma of spiced meats and fresh bread filled the air. Geon walked through the bustling square, his shadow gliding behind him like a loyal, if slightly sardonic, companion. ¡°I suppose this is better than the Beast Meadows,¡± the shadow said, its voice a low whisper only Geon could hear. ¡°No claws, no teeth, no¡ª¡± ¡°No peace,¡± Geon muttered, dodging a barrel-laden cart. The first trial had left him physically stronger but mentally weary. The vibrant energy of the city felt almost alien after months of unrelenting battle. A herald¡¯s voice cut through the chatter. ¡°By royal decree, King Ulric summons all capable warriors! Come forth to the palace gates!¡± Geon paused mid-step. The mention of a king stirred an uneasy curiosity in his chest. He turned to his shadow. ¡°Think it¡¯s related to the trial?¡± The shadow¡¯s tendrils twisted thoughtfully. ¡°Possibly. But kings rarely make proclamations unless they¡¯re desperate. This could be amusing.¡± He made his way toward the palace gates, where a small crowd had already gathered. Standing atop a marble platform was a herald, his crimson and gold robes billowing in the breeze. Flanking him were guards in polished armor, their spears gleaming. ¡°Hear ye!¡± the herald proclaimed. ¡°Our sovereign, King Ulric, seeks aid in a matter of utmost urgency. Those who answer his call will be granted an audience and rewarded handsomely.¡± The crowd murmured with interest, but Geon¡¯s focus sharpened as a notification appeared before him.
Second Trial: A Ring and a Promise
Assist King Ulric in retrieving the Royal Ring. Without it, the king''s claim to the throne is at risk.
¡°Looks like we¡¯re in the right place,¡± Geon said under his breath, stepping forward. The guards¡¯ eyes lingered on him, wary but non-interfering as the herald waved him through. ¡°Step forward,¡± Ulric commanded, his voice resonant despite his evident fatigue. Geon obeyed, bowing slightly. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Ulric¡¯s gaze bore into him. ¡°You look capable, stranger. Are you here to aid your king?¡± ¡°I am,¡± Geon replied. ¡°What is it you need?¡± Ulric¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°My Royal Ring has been stolen. Without it, the people¡ªsuperstitious as they are¡ªwill not see me as their rightful king. The ring was more than a symbol; it was a promise, passed down through generations. To break that promise is to invite rebellion.¡± Geon tilted his head. ¡°And who took it?¡± The king¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°An evil spirit in the service of a dark mage. I¡¯ve sent my best men, but none returned. The mage¡¯s stronghold lies deep within the Sable Forest, a place shrouded in curses.¡± ¡°Why risk sending another stranger?¡± Geon asked. Ulric¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°Because you don¡¯t seem like an ordinary stranger. If you succeed, I will grant you wealth, titles, and anything within my power.¡± Geon¡¯s shadow whispered. ¡°Titles, wealth, and the gratitude of a king? Tempting.¡± Ignoring it, Geon nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll bring back your ring.¡± Ulric rose, descending the dais. He placed a hand on Geon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Then you have my blessing. Prepare well. The Sable Forest will test more than just your strength.¡± As Geon left the throne room, the shadow¡¯s voice was tinged with amusement. ¡°You know this mage won¡¯t just hand over the ring, right?¡± ¡°Obviously,¡± Geon replied. ¡°But I need to find him first.¡± ¡°And how do you plan to do that?¡± Before Geon could respond, a sharp voice interrupted. ¡°You¡¯re the one who took the king¡¯s quest?¡± Turning, Geon saw a woman in dark leather armor leaning against a pillar. Her auburn hair was tied back, and her piercing gray eyes regarded him coolly. She carried twin daggers at her hips, their hilts adorned with runes. ¡°I am,¡± Geon said. ¡°Good luck,¡± she said dryly. ¡°You¡¯ll need it. That mage isn¡¯t your average spell-flinger.¡± ¡°And you would know?¡± The woman smirked. ¡°I¡¯ve fought him and survived. Barely. Name¡¯s Kaelith. If you¡¯re serious about this, you¡¯ll want my help.¡± Geon crossed his arms. ¡°Why would you help me?¡± Kaelith¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have unfinished business with that mage. He took something from me too.¡± The shadow¡¯s voice purred. ¡°A partnership. How¡­ quaint.¡± Geon glanced at the shadow, then back at Kaelith. ¡°Fine. But I don¡¯t trust easily.¡± Kaelith shrugged. ¡°Good. Trust gets people killed.¡± After a long and slow journey of a couple months, the two stood at the edge of the Sable Forest. Towering trees loomed overhead, their gnarled branches forming a dense canopy that swallowed the moonlight. The air was thick, carrying a faint, acrid smell. ¡°This place gives me the creeps,¡± Kaelith muttered, drawing her daggers. ¡°Stay close,¡± Geon said, his Shadow Sword materializing in his hand. ¡°The king said the forest is cursed.¡± ¡°He¡¯s not wrong,¡± Kaelith replied. ¡°The mage uses spirits to guard his territory. They¡¯re vicious.¡± A rustling sound broke the silence. Geon¡¯s muscles tensed as spectral figures emerged from the trees, their translucent forms glowing faintly. They resembled humans, but their hollow eyes and twisted expressions betrayed their malevolence.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
Enemy Identified
Dark Forest Spirits (x76)
¡°Spirits,¡± Kaelith hissed. The shadow chuckled. ¡°Time to test your teamwork.¡± The first spirit lunged, its claws outstretched. Geon sidestepped, his blade cutting through the ethereal form. Kaelith darted forward, her daggers striking in a blur of silver. The spirits¡¯ wails filled the air as they dissolved, but more emerged from the darkness. ¡°There¡¯s no end to them!¡± Kaelith shouted, spinning to fend off another attacker. Geon¡¯s mind raced. The spirits weren¡¯t just mindless attackers; they moved with purpose, as if guided by an unseen force. He focused, letting his shadow spread across the ground. Shadow Tendrils shot upward, ensnaring the spirits and pulling them into a swirling void.
Enemy Defeated
Dark Forest Spirit
Enemy Defeated
Dark Forest Spirit
Enemy Defeated
Dark Forest Spirit
¡°Nice trick,¡± Kaelith said, panting. Geon grunted. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving.¡± Another 2 months passed as they navigated the huge forest, encountering traps and more spectral guardians. Kaelith¡¯s knowledge of the mage¡¯s methods proved invaluable, and Geon¡¯s shadow abilities allowed them to counter the forest¡¯s relentless assaults. Finally, they reached a clearing. At its center stood a crumbling stone tower, its surface covered in glowing runes. Dark energy pulsed from its peak, casting an eerie glow over the surrounding area. Kaelith¡¯s voice was grim. ¡°That¡¯s the place.¡± Geon nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s finish this.¡± But as they approached, the ground trembled. A deep, guttural growl echoed through the clearing, and a massive creature emerged from the shadows. It resembled a wolf, but its body was stitched together from various beasts, its eyes glowing with malevolent intelligence.
Enemy Identified
Guardian Frankenwolf
¡°A guardian,¡± Kaelith whispered, tightening her grip on her daggers. The beast lunged, its sheer size and speed forcing Geon and Kaelith to dive in opposite directions. Geon rolled to his feet, his Shadow Sword crackling with dark energy. ¡°We take it together!¡± he shouted. Kaelith smirked. ¡°Try to keep up.¡± The battle was brutal, the guardian¡¯s strength and resilience far surpassing anything they¡¯d faced before. Geon¡¯s strikes left deep gashes, but the creature healed almost instantly. Kaelith darted around it, her daggers aiming for vulnerable spots, but the beast¡¯s hide was unnaturally tough. ¡°It¡¯s regenerating too fast!¡± Kaelith yelled. ¡°Then we find another way,¡± Geon said, his shadow forming a massive spike enhanced with Dark Temper. He hurled it at the creature, impaling its leg and pinning it to the ground. Kaelith seized the opportunity, leaping onto the beast¡¯s back. Her daggers plunged into its neck, releasing a burst of energy that made the creature howl in agony. ¡°It¡¯s weakening!¡± she cried. Geon surged forward, his Shadow Sword cleaving through the guardian¡¯s chest. With a final, earth-shaking roar, the creature collapsed, its body disintegrating into ash.
Enemy Defeated
Guardian Frankenwolf
Breathing heavily, Kaelith looked at Geon. ¡°You¡¯re not bad in a serious fight.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not so bad yourself,¡± Geon replied, his shadow retreating into its usual form. As they stood before the tower, its ominous presence looming over them, Kaelith¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°The mage is inside. Are you ready for this?¡± Geon nodded, his grip tightening on his sword. ¡°Let¡¯s end this.¡± But as they stepped through the tower¡¯s threshold, a cold voice echoed from within. ¡°Foolish mortals. You think you can defy me?¡± The air grew heavy with dark magic, and Geon¡¯s shadow hissed. ¡°This just got interesting.¡± Chapter 18 - "A Ring and a Promise" - The 100-Year Quest, Second Trial (Part 2)
The interior of the tower was a chilling contrast to the vibrant life outside. The walls were lined with pulsating runes, their sickly green light casting eerie shadows. The air was dense with magic, each breath heavy with an oppressive weight. The faint sound of whispers seemed to emanate from the stones themselves. Geon and Kaelith stepped cautiously into the circular chamber at the tower¡¯s base. At its center, a swirling orb of dark energy hovered, illuminating the room with flickering light. Surrounding it were concentric runes, glowing with a foreboding intensity. ¡°Quite the welcoming decor,¡± Kaelith muttered, her daggers at the ready. Before Geon could respond, the shadows in the room coalesced into a humanoid figure. The mage stood before them, cloaked in robes that seemed to absorb light. His face was obscured by a mask etched with runes, his voice cold and resonant.
Enemy Identified
Egezahl The Dark Mage
¡°You are bold to come here,¡± the mage said, his tone devoid of emotion. ¡°Or perhaps simply foolish.¡± Geon leveled his sword at the figure. ¡°We¡¯re here for the king¡¯s ring.¡± The mage¡¯s laughter echoed, devoid of mirth. ¡°The king? A weak man clinging to a broken legacy. The ring is mine now, and with it, his kingdom will fall.¡± Kaelith stepped forward, her eyes blazing. ¡°You stole more than a ring. You¡¯ve destroyed lives. That ends today.¡± The mage¡¯s head tilted as if studying her. ¡°Ah, the little thief who escaped my grasp. Come to offer your soul this time?¡± Kaelith snarled, lunging forward. Her daggers struck the mage¡¯s form, only to pass through as if slicing mist. The mage¡¯s voice darkened. ¡°Did you think me so easily undone?¡± The orb at the center of the room pulsed violently, and spectral figures materialized, their hollow eyes fixed on Geon and Kaelith. The mage raised a hand, and the spirits attacked in unison.
The battle was a tempest of light and shadow. Geon¡¯s sword danced in arcs of dark energy, slicing through the spectral forms. Kaelith moved with lethal precision, her daggers striking at the spirits¡¯ cores, dispersing them in flashes of light. But the spirits were endless, summoned faster than they could be destroyed. Geon¡¯s shadow whispered urgently. ¡°The orb. It¡¯s their anchor.¡± Geon¡¯s gaze locked onto the pulsating orb. Its energy flared with every spirit that appeared, feeding the mage¡¯s power. He shouted to Kaelith. ¡°The orb! We have to destroy it!¡± She nodded, flipping backward to avoid a spectral claw. ¡°Cover me!¡± Geon plunged into the thick of the spectral swarm, his shadow erupting in tendrils that ensnared the spirits. Kaelith darted toward the orb, her daggers glowing with a fiery aura as she struck its surface. The orb cracked, releasing a wave of dark energy that sent Kaelith flying. The spirits faltered, their forms flickering. ¡°Again!¡± Geon roared, hurling a massive shadow spike at the orb. The impact shattered it completely, the spectral figures dissolving into wisps of smoke. The mage¡¯s roar of fury shook the chamber. ¡°You dare defy me?¡± He raised both hands, and the runes on his robes flared. The tower quaked as ropes of dark energy erupted from the ground, striking at Geon and Kaelith. Geon deflected them with his sword, but the force drove him back. ¡°You can¡¯t win,¡± the mage hissed, his voice reverberating with malice. ¡°I am the master of this realm.¡± Geon¡¯s shadow spoke urgently. ¡°He¡¯s channeling power through the runes on his robes. Destroy them.¡± ¡°Kaelith!¡± Geon shouted. ¡°The runes on his robes¡ªtarget them!¡± Kaelith nodded, her daggers igniting with a brilliant light. She dashed toward the mage, weaving between the dark tendrils. Geon charged from the opposite side, his Shadow Sword crackling with raw energy. The mage retaliated with a blast of energy that knocked Geon off his feet. Kaelith leaped, her daggers slicing through the runes on the mage¡¯s right arm. The glyphs dimmed, and the mage staggered, his power faltering. ¡°You insolent¡ª¡± the mage began, but Geon was already upon him. His sword cleaved through the remaining runes, releasing a burst of energy that sent the mage sprawling.
The mage lay on the ground, his robes in tatters, the glow of his runes extinguished. He reached into his cloak, producing the Royal Ring. Its emerald stone gleamed even in the dim light. ¡°You¡¯ve won this day,¡± the mage spat, his voice trembling with fury. ¡°But the darkness I¡¯ve unleashed will outlast you.¡± Geon stepped forward, his shadow forming a coiled mass at his feet. ¡°We¡¯ll deal with that when it comes.¡± With a final strike, Geon killed the mage. Kaelith retrieved the ring, holding it up triumphantly.
Enemy Defeated
Egezahl The Dark Mage
¡°It¡¯s done,¡± she said, her voice tinged with relief. Geon nodded, but his toughts were somewhere else. ¡°I need to keep getting stronger.¡± he thinks to himself, "This shouldn''t have been this close." Before they embark on their months long journey back to the city, Geon had a look at his upgraded stats and some newly aquired abilities.
Player Profile: Demon Geon
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #240975 70 756
Health 2100/7000 Stamina 1350/3700 Energy 700/3300
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Power 400If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 150 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 250 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 200 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
Abilities
Innate (3/5)
Name Description Type Mastery
Shadow Manipulation Manipulate the real you. Innate Elite
Shadow Shield Protect yourself from incoming danger. Defense Advanced
Exchange Enter and leave any shadow within eyesight. Beware, this will drain your Stamina. Innate Advanced
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Rewarded (3/5)
Name Description Activation Mastery
Shadow Tendrils Tendrils as far as your shadow spreads, increases your mobility, versatility and more. Automatic and Manual Elite
Dark Temper Reinforce your shadow to make it stronger. Manual Advanced
Shadow Summon Use the shadows around you to call forth up to 3 different Shadow Beasts. [Umbra, Gasgar, Haunger] Beware: Shadow Beasts are as strong as the Players'' remaining Energy. Their strenght equals the Players'' strength at 100% Energy. Manual Challenger
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Returning to Obrelia, the city seemed to shine brighter under the midday sun. In the throne room, King Ulric received the ring with visible emotion. ¡°You have restored more than a symbol,¡± he said, placing the ring on his finger. ¡°You¡¯ve given my people hope.¡± He stepped forward, placing a hand on Geon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°As promised, you shall be rewarded.¡±
Auto healing initiated...
Granting rewards...
As Geon and Kaelith left the palace, she glanced at him. ¡°You¡¯re full of surprises, you know that?¡± Geon smirked. ¡°You¡¯re not so bad yourself.¡± Kaelith chuckled, the tension of their journey finally lifting. ¡°Will I see you around again?¡± Geon gazed into the horizon, determination in his eyes. ¡°Who knows...¡± Chapter 19 - "The Father, The Son And The Holy Spirit" - The 100-Year Quest, Third Trial
The forest path stretched endlessly ahead, a ribbon of twilight shadow and muted sunlight breaking through the dense canopy above. Geon¡¯s mind was still fixed on the battle at the mage¡¯s tower, his steps steady yet purposeful as he journeyed toward the next unknown. His thoughts shifted to his new ability¡ªShadow Summon¡ªa gift earned by defeating Egezahl, the Dark Mage. It was unlike any of his other powers, a tangible manifestation of his shadow. He had summoned the beasts once to test their strength: Umbra, the sinewy panther-like shadow; Gasgar, a hulking, tusked creature resembling a shadow-warped boar; and Haunger, an eerie, bird-like beast with razor-sharp talons. They fought with the ferocity and instincts of wild animals, their strength mirroring Geon¡¯s, but at a cost. Each summon drained his energy, a reminder that power came with limits. His shadow whispered, ¡°You¡¯re getting stronger, but strength isn¡¯t enough, is it?¡± Geon grunted in reply. His shadow¡¯s constant commentary alternated between insight and irritation, but there was truth in its words. Strength alone wouldn¡¯t carry him through the trials ahead. He needed to sharpen his mind and resolve.
The notification appeared without warning, glowing faintly in the dim light of the forest.
??Notice??
Player successfully completed Second Trial: A Ring and a Promise. Completion Time: 1 year and 3 months.
Third Trial Initiated: The Father, The Son And The Holy Spirit
Purify the Cursed Well in the Valley of Reverence.
Geon read the notification twice, his brow furrowing. ¡°Purify a well?¡± he muttered, the simplicity of the task masking its likely complexity. ¡°You think it¡¯s just a well, don¡¯t you?¡± his shadow teased. ¡°Nothing is ever as simple as it looks.¡± Geon was about to respond when a soft, resonant voice interrupted. ¡°You¡¯d be wise to listen to your instincts¡ªand your companion.¡± Geon turned sharply, his Shadow Sword materializing in an instant. Standing before him was a man cloaked in flowing white robes, his presence ethereal yet grounded. His eyes were a piercing blue, and his silver hair shimmered faintly in the twilight. ¡°I am called the Guide,¡± the man said, bowing his head slightly. ¡°And I am here to help you through the third trial.¡± Geon didn¡¯t lower his sword. ¡°Help me? Why should I trust you?¡± The Guide smiled gently. ¡°Because without my guidance, you¡¯ll never reach the Valley of Reverence, let alone survive what awaits you there.¡± Geon studied the man, his shadow swirling restlessly. ¡°You¡¯ll forgive me if I¡¯m not convinced.¡± The Guide¡¯s expression remained calm. ¡°Caution is wise, but so is understanding the path ahead. You carry great power, but your third trial will test more than your strength. Follow me, or turn back¡ªyour choice.¡± After a tense pause, Geon lowered his blade. ¡°Fine. But I¡¯ll be watching you.¡± The Guide nodded. ¡°As you should.¡±
The journey to the Valley of Reverence was arduous. The terrain shifted from dense forest to jagged cliffs, the air growing colder with each passing hour. The Guide moved with an unerring sense of direction, his steps silent and purposeful. Geon followed closely, his shadow flickering in his wake. ¡°Tell me about this trial,¡± Geon said after a stretch of silence. The Guide¡¯s voice was calm but firm. ¡°The well is a source of life, its waters blessed long ago. But it has been corrupted, tainted by the darkness that preys upon weakness and fear. To purify it, you must confront the source of the corruption.¡± ¡°And what is the source?¡± Geon pressed.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. The Guide stopped and turned, his gaze piercing. ¡°The source is you.¡± Geon froze, his eyes narrowing. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°The trial is not about defeating an enemy or solving a riddle. It is about facing yourself¡ªyour flaws, your fears, your failures. The corruption in the well mirrors the corruption within you. To purify the water, you must purify your soul.¡± Geon¡¯s shadow chuckled darkly. ¡°Oh, this will be entertaining.¡± Geon¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°And if I fail?¡± The Guide resumed walking. ¡°Then the darkness will consume you, and the quest will end.¡±
They arrived at the Valley of Reverence as night fell. The cursed well stood at its center, an ancient structure of cracked stone and gnarled roots. A faint, sickly green light emanated from its depths, and the air was thick with an acrid stench. Geon approached cautiously, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. ¡°This is it?¡± The Guide nodded. ¡°The well. Its waters were once pure, but now they are a poison that spreads corruption to all who drink.¡± Geon peered into the well. The green light seemed to pulse, almost alive. He turned to the Guide. ¡°And I just jump in?¡± ¡°You descend,¡± the Guide corrected. ¡°The trial will begin when you enter. From that point on, you are on your own.¡± Geon took a deep breath, gripping the edge of the well. ¡°Any advice?¡± The Guide¡¯s voice was solemn. ¡°Do not underestimate the power of your own flaws. They know you better than anyone else.¡± Geon glanced at his shadow. ¡°Figures.¡± Without another word, he swung himself over the edge and began the descent.
The darkness inside the well was suffocating, a void that seemed to pull at Geon¡¯s very essence. The green light faded, replaced by an oppressive silence. His shadow was eerily still, offering no commentary for once. When his feet touched solid ground, he found himself standing in an endless expanse of black, the air cold and heavy. Before him stood a figure¡ªhimself, but not.
Enemy Identified
Demon Geon (D?ppelganger)
The doppelg?nger¡¯s eyes burned with a harsh, mocking light. Its armor was cracked and tarnished, its blade jagged and menacing. It smirked, tilting its head. ¡°Well, well,¡± the doppelg?nger said, its voice dripping with disdain. ¡°The mighty Geon. Hero of the people. Savior of humanity. Just a fragile little man hiding behind his shadow.¡± Geon drew his sword. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for this.¡± The doppelg?nger laughed, the sound echoing unnaturally. ¡°Oh, but you do. You¡¯ve got nothing but time to face the truth.¡± It stepped forward, its presence suffocating. ¡°You¡¯re weak. You pretended to fight for others, but it¡¯s all about you, isn¡¯t it? Your pride. Your ambition. Your need to prove you¡¯re more than the broken thing you are. That''s why you took the Contract.¡± Geon¡¯s grip tightened on his sword. ¡°Enough.¡± The doppelg?nger¡¯s smirk widened. ¡°Hit a nerve, did I? Let¡¯s see how you fare when you can¡¯t hide behind your shadow.¡± In an instant, the doppelg?nger lunged, its blade slashing through the air. Geon barely parried in time, the force of the impact reverberating through his arms. The battle began.
Every strike, every clash of blades, was a brutal reflection of Geon¡¯s inner turmoil. The doppelg?nger fought with relentless ferocity, exploiting every hesitation, every doubt. ¡°You¡¯re nothing without your shadow!¡± it taunted, driving Geon back. ¡°Without your power, you¡¯re just a scared little boy.¡± Geon gritted his teeth, his mind racing. The doppelg?nger wasn¡¯t just a foe¡ªit was his flaws made manifest. His pride, his fear, his anger. He couldn¡¯t defeat it with brute force alone. ¡°You¡¯re wrong,¡± Geon growled, dodging a vicious swing. ¡°I¡¯m more than my flaws.¡± The doppelg?nger sneered. ¡°Prove it.¡± Geon closed his eyes, focusing. He let his shadow seep into the ground, surrounding the doppelg?nger. The creature laughed. ¡°Resorting to tricks again? Pathetic.¡± But Geon didn¡¯t attack. Instead, he spoke, his voice steady. ¡°I am flawed. I¡¯ve failed. But I¡¯m not defined by those things. My goal is clear now. I''ll become even a Demon... as long as I find Lila!¡± The shadow rose, encasing the doppelg?nger. For a moment, the creature struggled, its mocking gaze faltering. Geon stepped forward, his sword at the ready. ¡°You¡¯re a part of me, but you don¡¯t control me.¡± With a final strike, he plunged his blade into the doppelg?nger¡¯s chest. The creature let out a guttural roar, its form dissolving into the surrounding darkness.
Enemy Defeated
Demon Geon (D?ppelganger)
When Geon opened his eyes, he was standing at the edge of the well, the sickly green light replaced by a soft, pure glow. The air was clean, the acrid stench gone. The Guide stood nearby, his expression serene. ¡°You have done well.¡± Geon climbed out, his body aching but his mind clear. ¡°How long have I been away for?¡± The Guide looked toward the night sky. ¡°1 Year.¡± Geon looked back at the well, its waters now shimmering with life. ¡°....¡± The Guide let out a soft smile. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Geon¡¯s shadow finally decided to break the silence as well, its tone subdued. ¡°I can tell you''re different somehow as well...¡± Geon''s face turned into a bundle of resolve, his gaze fixed on the horizon. ¡°I feel free.¡± Chapter 20 - "Cursed Domain" - The 100-Year Quest, Fourth Trial
??Notice??
Player successfully completed Third Trial: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. Completion Time: 1 year.
Fourth Trial Initiated: Cursed Domain
Hunt and destroy 4000 beasts across four cursed domains: The Infernal Wastes, The Glacial Expanse, The Abyssal Depths, and The Rotting Grove. Each domain harbors 999 beasts and a domain guardian.
The notifications were as ominous as it was unyielding, appearing before Geon as he stood on the crest of a rocky plateau, staring into the horizon. Geon felt his shadow shift beside him, a ripple of excitement coursing through its formless mass. ¡°Four domains, 4000 beasts, and a guardian in each,¡± it mused, its tone a mix of amusement and anticipation. ¡°They¡¯re not making it easy, are they?¡± ¡°They never do,¡± Geon replied, his voice grim yet resolved. He glanced at his status window, noting the remaining energy reserves and the cooldown times for his most powerful abilities. He would need every edge he had for this trial, a task that would test him in ways both physical and mental. He clenched his fists, feeling the latent power of his abilities pulsing within him. His new skill, Shadow Summon, would prove invaluable¡ªbut he would need to use it wisely. ¡°Let¡¯s get started,¡± he muttered.
Welcome to the Infernal Wastes
The land was a vision of torment: jagged, molten rock stretched as far as the eye could see, rivers of lava snaking through the cracks in the ground. The air was suffocating, heavy with ash and heat. The beasts here were as relentless as the environment, twisted creatures born of fire and fury. The first wave hit him without warning. A pack of Ember Wolves, their fiery bodies leaving scorched trails in their wake, bounded toward him. Geon sidestepped the lead wolf¡¯s lunge, his Shadow Sword slicing clean through its flaming form. The wolf exploded in a shower of sparks, but the others pressed their attack. ¡°Umbra!¡± Geon called, and the panther-like shadow materialized beside him with a low growl. It leaped into the fray, its claws raking through the pack with lethal precision. The battle was a blur of movement and heat. Geon¡¯s Shadow Tendrils lashed out, entangling the wolves and dragging them into the searing ground where his Shadow enhanced with Dark Temper turned their own fire against them. The battle ended with a final burst of flames, the pack reduced to smoldering ash. And that was just the beginning. For months, Geon fought through the Wastes, facing wave after wave of fire-based creatures: Magma Golems that hurled molten boulders, Infernal Bats that dive-bombed him with explosive precision, Lava Serpents that emerged from the rivers of molten rock. Each fight pushed him to his limits, forcing him to adapt and conserve his energy. He relied on Gasgar¡¯s brute strength to batter through the tougher foes and Haunger¡¯s aerial agility to counter the faster ones. By the time he reached the heart of the Wastes, he was battle-worn but undeterred. There, atop a volcanic spire, waited the domain guardian: the Infernal Colossus, a towering monstrosity of molten stone and flame.
Enemy Identified
Infernal Colossus
The Colossus roared, and the ground trembled. Geon dodged a massive molten fist that left a crater in the ground, retaliating with a flurry of Shadow Spikes aimed at its glowing core. Umbra and Gasgar circled the beast, harrying it from all sides. It was a grueling battle, each strike testing Geon¡¯s endurance and strategy. But in the end, a well-timed combination of Dark Temper and a direct assault with his Shadow Sword shattered the Colossus¡¯s core. The beast collapsed in a cascade of molten rock, leaving Geon standing victorious amidst the cooling lava.
Enemy Defeated
Infernal Colossus
Welcome to the Glacial Expanse
The transition from fire to ice was jarring. The Glacial Expanse was a frozen wasteland of towering ice cliffs and blizzards that howled like tormented spirits. Visibility was limited, and every breath hung in the air like a fragile ghost. The beasts here were as cold and unrelenting as the environment. Frostfang Tigers prowled the icy terrain, their fur bristling with razor-sharp icicles. Geon found himself constantly on the move, dodging their lightning-fast strikes while countering with precise slashes of his sword. The real challenge, however, came from the Ice Wyrms¡ªmassive serpentine creatures that tunneled beneath the snow and ice, their presence betrayed only by faint tremors. One nearly caught him off guard, bursting from the ground with a deafening roar. Geon reacted instinctively, leaping onto its back and driving his sword into its hide. ¡°Haunger!¡± he shouted, and the shadowy bird dove from above, its talons raking across the wyrm¡¯s icy scales. Together, they brought the beast down in a flurry of shattered ice and snow. The battles in the Glacial Expanse were a test of patience and precision. The cold sapped his stamina, and the beasts exploited every misstep. But Geon persevered, pushing forward through the endless snow until he reached the heart of the Expanse. There, frozen into the side of an enormous glacier, was the Frost Guardian, a towering humanoid made entirely of ice. It wielded a massive hammer, each swing sending shockwaves through the ground.
Enemy Identified
Frost Guardian
Geon fought with everything he had, his abilities pushed to their limits. His shadow beasts harried the Frost Guardian, exploiting its slow movements, while Geon targeted its weak points with calculated strikes. The battle ended with a devastating combination of his Shadow Summons attacking all at once, shattering the Guardian into a cascade of ice shards.
Enemy Defeated
Frost Guardian
Welcome to the Abyssal Depths
The Abyssal Depths were a labyrinthine network of underground caverns, their walls glistening with an otherworldly bioluminescence. The air was thick with moisture, and the sound of dripping water echoed endlessly. The creatures here were grotesque and alien, their forms twisted by the oppressive darkness of the depths. Geon fought Shadow Leeches that clung to him like living shadows,Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Chitinous Crawlers with razor-sharp legs, and the terrifying Void Stalkers, whose presence was marked only by the glowing orbs of their eyes. The confined spaces made every battle a desperate struggle. Geon relied heavily on his Exchange ability, teleporting between shadows to outmaneuver his enemies. His shadow beasts proved invaluable, their strength and versatility compensating for the lack of space. At the heart of the Depths lay the Abyssal Leviathan, a massive, serpentine creature that coiled around the cavern like a living nightmare.
Enemy Identified
Abyssal Leviathan
The battle was a chaotic dance of light and shadow, Geon using every trick in his arsenal to evade the Leviathan¡¯s crushing coils and deadly maw. The fight ended with Geon driving his Shadow Sword into the Leviathan¡¯s skull, its death throes shaking the cavern to its core.
Enemy Defeated
Abyssal Leviathan
Welcome to the Rotting Grove
The final domain was a twisted forest of decaying trees and stagnant pools, the air thick with the stench of rot. The beasts here were nightmarish amalgamations of plant and animal: Blight Stags with antlers of thorny vines, Venom Blossoms that exploded into clouds of toxic spores, and the horrifying Rot Wolves, whose decaying flesh seemed to regenerate as quickly as it was destroyed. Geon¡¯s battles here were a test of endurance and ingenuity. The toxic environment sapped his strength, forcing him to rely on his shadow beasts more than ever. Gasgar¡¯s brute strength was particularly effective, smashing through the dense vegetation and crushing the resilient Rot Wolves. The domain guardian, the Rotting Behemoth, was a massive, plant-like creature that loomed over the forest.
Enemy Identified
Rotting Behemoth
Its attacks were devastating, each swing of its vine-like arms sending shockwaves through the ground. Geon fought with relentless determination, his Shadow Tendrils enhanced with Dark Temper turning the Behemoth¡¯s own attacks against it. The final blow came as Geon leaped onto its back, driving his sword deep into its core and unleashing a surge of shadow energy that tore the creature apart.
Enemy Defeated
Rotting Behemoth
After a year and seven months of relentless combat, Geon stood on a hill overlooking the Rotting Grove. The notification appeared before him, its golden light cutting through the gloom.
??Notice??
Player successfully completed Fourth Trial: Cursed Domain. Completion Time: 1 year and 7 months.
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Geon exhaled, his shadow murmuring with satisfaction. ¡°3 trials left....¡± He gazed into the distance, the weight of his journey pressing heavily on his shoulders. "Crazy to think only 4 days have passed in the real world...and here it has been 4 years." But there was no time for rest. The next trial awaited.
Player Profile: Demon Geon
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #200112 75 4757
Health 4300/8000 Stamina 1020/4000 Energy 300/3600
Distribute Stat Points (0)
Power 500 Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 200 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 350 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 250 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
Chapter 21 - "The Fifth Commandment" - The 100-Year Quest, Fifth Trial ¡°I am getting stronger, but it¡¯s not enough yet,¡± Geon muttered, his voice heavy with melancholy. The truth lingered in the air, undeniable. He had grown more powerful, yes, but the chasm between his current strength and the strength he craved felt infinite. The shadow at his side stirred, its voice cold and sharp, like a winter gale. ¡°I know. But all will come with time... and the right way of doing things.¡± Geon frowned, his dissatisfaction gnawing at him, threatening to drown his focus. Before he could linger on his thoughts, a glowing notification appeared before his eyes.
Fifth Trial Initiated: The Fifth Commandement
Win the duel of the Night.
Geon squinted at the vague text. ¡°A duel of the Night?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with confusion. ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Before he could piece together the cryptic message, his senses screamed a warning. He threw himself forward, narrowly avoiding the cold bite of a blade slashing through the air behind him. ¡°What the¡ª? That was close!¡± Geon snarled, spinning to face the assailant. A figure emerged from the shadows, cloaked entirely in darkness. It was a knight, its armor blacker than an eclipse, and it carried a massive longsword that seemed to devour the light around it. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± Geon demanded, his tone sharp and defensive. The figure tilted its head, its voice as cold as its presence. ¡°The night.¡± As the words left the knight¡¯s mouth, the skies obeyed. Darkness spread like spilled ink, consuming the horizon. Geon glanced upward, confusion flickering in his eyes. ¡°It turned into night...?¡± Another notification flashed before him.
Enemy Identified
Dusk
There was no time to ponder. Dusk lunged with terrifying speed, its enormous blade crashing toward Geon. ¡°Shadow Shield!¡± Geon shouted, summoning a barrier just in time to deflect the blow. The force of the attack reverberated through his body. ¡°It¡¯s not just strong¡ªit¡¯s fast too!¡± The figure didn¡¯t respond. Instead, it dissolved into black smoke. ¡°What the¡ª? This feels like my...¡± Before Geon could finish his thought, he twisted instinctively, dodging another slash aimed directly at his back. ¡°You bastard!¡± he growled. ¡°You can use Shadow Exchange too?¡± Dusk remained silent, its presence unyielding, as though it existed solely to annihilate him. Geon steadied his breath, narrowing his focus. ¡°Fine. I need power. I need to be stronger. And that means beating you.¡±
The battle raged on, stretching into an unrelenting war of attrition. Days turned to weeks, weeks to months. The darkness of the endless night became both their battlefield and their prison. Despite the grinding stalemate, Geon began to evolve. His movements sharpened, his timing became impeccable, and his understanding of his abilities deepened. Shadow Exchange, once a crude escape tool, was refined into a weapon of precision. His Shadow Manipulation and Dark Temper grew more synchronized, allowing him to craft and enhance shadow constructs with deadly efficiency. Each clash brought new insights, each near-miss honed his instincts. Dusk, however, did not falter. Its strikes remained relentless, its form a ceaseless tide of malice. Yet the signs of a turning point began to emerge. Geon¡¯s adaptability was outpacing Dusk¡¯s cold, unchanging methods. After an entire year in the unbroken night, Geon felt the end approaching. His resolve burned brighter than ever.
¡°Let¡¯s wrap this up,¡± he muttered, his voice steady and resolute. He raised his hand, summoning his shadow beasts. ¡°Shadow Summon!¡± From the darkness emerged Umbra, Gasgar, and Haunger, their forms wreathed in smoky tendrils of shadow, their eyes glowing with anticipation. Geon smirked. ¡°I kept this trick hidden from you.¡± Dusk stood silently, watching the newcomers with unblinking focus. ¡°Still not much of a talker, huh?¡± Geon taunted. ¡°No matter. You¡¯ll be silent forever once I cut you down.¡± The final clash began. With his shadow beasts harrying Dusk from every angle, Geon pressed the assault with calculated ferocity. Dusk was formidable, its blade a blur as it deflected and countered, but the coordinated attacks overwhelmed it. Seizing his opportunity, Geon activated Shadow Exchange, teleporting behind Dusk in the midst of its counterstrike. ¡°Shadow Slash!¡± he roared, his Shadow Sword augmented with Dark Temper. The blade cleaved through Dusk¡¯s armored form, slicing it cleanly in half.
Enemy Defeated
Dusk
The knight dissolved into a cloud of black fog, and with it, the endless night broke. Light pierced through the darkness, illuminating the battlefield. A notification appeared before Geon.
??Notice??
Player successfully completed Fifth Trial: The Fifth Commandment. Completion Time: 1 year.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
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Geon stood amidst the fading darkness, his breaths heavy but steady. ¡°Well done,¡± the shadow spoke, its voice suddenly alive with amusement. Geon glared at the entity. ¡°Where were you during the entire battle?¡± The shadow chuckled. ¡°That creature had a better grasp of shadow manipulation than you do. It managed to seal the ¡®gate¡¯ I connect to your powers. The fact you didn¡¯t notice says you¡¯ve still got much to learn¡ªdespite your victory.¡± Geon¡¯s expression darkened. He hadn¡¯t realized, and the knowledge stung. The pride of his triumph faded, replaced by an insatiable hunger for even greater power.
Geon opened his player profile, his eyes scanning the updates.
Player Profile: Demon Geon
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #153141 78 4758
Health 310/8500 Stamina 80/4400 Energy 100/4000
Distribute Stat Points (0)
Power 550 Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 250 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 400 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 300 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
Geon¡¯s fists clenched. ¡°It¡¯s still not enough,¡± he whispered to himself. The shadow swirled at his feet, its tone both amused and ominous. ¡°Then let¡¯s move on. The sixth trial awaits, and with it, the next step toward the strength you seek.¡± Geon didn¡¯t reply. He turned toward the horizon, his eyes blazing with resolve, the faint outline of the next trial already forming in his mind. Chapter 22 - "The Sixth Commandment" - The 100-Year Quest, Sixth Trial ¡°I woner what''s next,¡± Geon muttered to himself, the triumph of his previous battle tempered by a gnawing restlessness. The victory had not brought the satisfaction he sought. It was just another step forward. Another fleeting moment on his relentless path to power. Before he could dwell further, a new notification materialized.
Fifth Trial Initiated: The Fifth Commandement
Win the duel of the Day.
Geon raised an eyebrow. ¡°The duel of the day? So, after the Night... comes the Day?¡± His voice was a mixture of curiosity and irritation. The air shifted abruptly, the cold remnants of the endless night replaced by an oppressive, searing heat. The sun grew impossibly large, blazing down like a massive lamp aimed at him. Its light was blinding, a stark contrast to the shadows that Geon relied on. From the glaring brightness stepped a figure. Its armor gleamed pure white, radiating an almost painful brilliance. In its hands, it wielded a long trident spear that glimmered with fiery intensity. Geon squinted, shielding his eyes against the overwhelming light. ¡°Who are you?¡± The figure¡¯s voice was clear and commanding, carrying the weight of inevitability. ¡°The Day.¡± As the words echoed, the sunlight seemed to intensify further, suffocating the world in its unyielding glow. Geon scowled. ¡°You¡¯ve gotta be kidding me. First the Night, now this?¡± Another notification flashed.
Enemy Identified
Dawn
Before Geon could process the new threat, Dawn moved. It was impossibly fast, the trident spear slicing through the air in a fiery arc. Geon threw himself backward, narrowly avoiding the strike. The ground where he had stood erupted into flames, the heat forcing him to retreat further. ¡°Shadow Shield!¡± Geon shouted, summoning his barrier to block the next blow. The shield materialized, but as Dawn¡¯s spear struck it, the shadows warped and sizzled under the radiant energy. Geon gritted his teeth. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me! That thing burns through my shield?¡± Dawn didn¡¯t respond. It surged forward again, its movements fluid and relentless, pressing its advantage. Geon dodged desperately, the oppressive sunlight sapping his strength and limiting the power of his shadows. The battle stretched into a brutal test of endurance. Months passed as Geon struggled to adapt. Unlike Dusk, whose movements were methodical and predictable, Dawn was erratic, unpredictable. Its attacks alternated between graceful precision and overwhelming force, leaving Geon little room to counter. His usual strategies faltered. The sunlight limited his ability to manipulate shadows effectively, and the intense heat made prolonged combat a grueling ordeal. ¡°Damn it,¡± Geon muttered after narrowly dodging another fiery strike. Sweat poured down his face, his energy draining faster than ever before. ¡°This is a bad match-up.¡± The shadow at his side, though faint under the oppressive light, spoke. ¡°This is the natural order. Light and fire consume shadows. If you want to win, you¡¯ll need to evolve.¡± Geon snarled in frustration. ¡°Easier said than done!¡±
Time passes, and Geon¡¯s progress was slow but steady. His desperation forced him to experiment, to adapt his abilities in ways he hadn¡¯t considered before. Instead of relying on massive constructs or aggressive shadow attacks, he focused on subtlety and efficiency. He used Shadow Exchange sparingly, timing it perfectly to evade Dawn¡¯s strikes and reposition himself for a counterattack. He learned to manipulate his shadows to absorb and deflect some of the radiant energy, reducing the strain on his body. The process was agonizing, the burns and exhaustion constant reminders of his weakness, but he pushed through. Even with his improvements, Dawn was relentless. Its control over light and fire was absolute, and its attacks left little room for error. Geon¡¯s body was covered in burns and scars, each a testament to his struggle. As the year dragged on, Geon began to see cracks in Dawn¡¯s seemingly flawless assault. It wasn¡¯t invincible. Its reliance on overwhelming power and relentless pressure created opportunities for counters. Geon smirked through the pain, his confidence growing. ¡°You¡¯re strong, but you¡¯re not unbeatable.¡± Dawn remained silent, its blazing form as impassive as ever. Geon steadied his breath, focusing his energy. ¡°Let¡¯s see how you handle this.¡± The final confrontation was a clash of raw power and refined technique. Geon again summoned his shadow beasts one last time, their forms barely holding together under the oppressive sunlight. ¡°Umbra, Gasgar, Haunger¡ªkeep it busy!¡± Geon commanded, his voice firm despite his exhaustion. The shadow beasts obeyed, charging at Dawn with reckless abandon. The bright figure responded with ferocious precision, its trident spear cleaving through the smoky creatures with ease. Geon watched carefully, waiting for his moment. Dawn¡¯s attacks were powerful but predictable when focused on multiple targets. ¡°Shadow Exchange!¡± Geon teleported behind Dawn, his Shadow Sword poised to strike. However unlike Dusk, Dawn reacted with startling speed, twisting to block the attack. Their weapons clashed, shadow meeting light in a blinding explosion of energy. ¡°You¡¯re not as untouchable as you think,¡± Geon growled, pressing the attack. The battle was reaching its peak, each strike pushing both combatants closer to their limits. Geon¡¯s precision and adaptability began to outpace Dawn¡¯s overwhelming power.
After a grueling year, Geon finally saw his chance. Dawn¡¯s movements steadily slowed, its energy waning. The unyielding sunlight dimmed ever so slightly, signaling the end was near. Geon gathered the last of his strength, his voice a roar of determination. ¡°Shadow Spear!¡± The enhanced attack struck true, cutting through Dawn¡¯s armor and piercing its core. The figure staggered, its radiant form flickering before dissolving into blinding light. As Dawn faded, the oppressive sunlight finally receded.
Enemy Defeated
Dawn
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A notification appeared before Geon.
??Notice??
Player successfully completed Sixth Trial: The Sixth Commandment. Completion Time: 1 year.
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Geon collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion. The burns and scars from the battle were a painful reminder of how close he had come to losing. ¡°Well done,¡± the shadow said, its voice tinged with genuine approval. Geon looked up, his expression a mix of triumph and frustration. ¡°And where the hell were you this time?¡± The shadow chuckled. ¡°Dawn¡¯s light was... difficult to work around. I had to adapt, just like you. Consider this a test of your independence.¡± Geon scowled but said nothing. His victory felt hollow, the satisfaction of defeating such a formidable foe overshadowed by the realization of how much further he had to go.
Player Profile: Demon Geon
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #126755 81 4759
Health 90/8800 Stamina 7/4600 Energy 1/4300
Distribute Stat Points (0)
Power 550 Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 350 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 450 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 350 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
Geon looked up to the clear sky, his resolve hardening. The trials were becoming more grueling, each enemy more punishing than the last. But he was growing stronger, and he wouldn¡¯t stop until he reached his goal. ¡°On to the next,¡± he muttered, standing despite the pain. The shadow swirled around him, its presence a dark contrast to the fading light of the battlefield. ¡°The seventh trial, the last one, awaits,¡± the shadow whispered. ¡°Are you ready for what¡¯s to come?¡± Geon smirked, his eyes burning with determination. ¡°I was born ready.¡± Chapter 23 - "Gods Chosen One" - The 100-Year Quest, Final Trial The air in the altered realm hung heavy with tension as Geon stood at the precipice of the unknown. He had survived six grueling trials, each designed to break him, to push him beyond his limits. And yet, the notification before him was more ominous than anything he had encountered.
Final Trial Initiated: God''s Chosen One
Prove your worth. Win the right to exist.
Geon read the words twice, his hands tightening into fists. ¡°The right to exist? What kind of trial is this?¡± The shadow at his side murmured, its voice almost reverent. ¡°The final step. This is the culmination of all you have endured. Prepare yourself, Geon. What awaits is beyond anything you¡¯ve faced.¡± Before Geon could reply, a sudden wave of energy coursed through him.
Full Recovery Initiated. Health, stamina, and energy restored to maximum.
His burns, his scars, the exhaustion from years of combat¡ªall of it melted away as if it had never been. Geon exhaled sharply, flexing his fingers. ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± he muttered, rolling his shoulders as his strength returned. But the moment of relief was fleeting. The ground beneath his feet trembled violently. Far off in the distance, the mountains seemed to bow, their jagged peaks flattening as though the land itself was reshaping to accommodate what was to come. Rivers flowed upward, their waters spilling into the sky before crashing back to earth. The once-distant horizon pulled closer, compressing the world into a vast but finite battlefield. The notification pinged once more.
??Notice??
Battlefield Designation: The Eternal Garden
Grass as green as emeralds stretched out endlessly in all directions. The flattened terrain was bordered by distant mountains that loomed like silent sentinels. A single river snaked its way through the expanse, its surface glimmering in the golden light that seemed to emanate from everywhere and nowhere at once. Geon¡¯s gaze snapped forward as a figure materialized at the center of the garden. It was unlike anything he had ever seen. The man¡ªif it could be called that¡ªwas tall and broad, his frame the perfect balance of power and grace. His armor, pure white and seamless, shimmered with a golden aura that seemed to hum with latent energy. In one hand, he held a sword, its blade translucent and glowing faintly as though forged from sunlight itself. The figure regarded Geon with eyes that burned like twin suns, their gaze piercing and unrelenting.
Enemy Identified
Adam
¡°I am Adam,¡± the being said, its voice resonating with a strange harmony that seemed to echo across the garden. ¡°God¡¯s Chosen One. You stand before me as a challenger, an aberration in the grand design. Prove your worth, Demon Geon, or be unmade.¡± Geon felt a surge of defiance. ¡°Unmade?¡± he spat. ¡°I¡¯ve come too far for that. If you think you can erase me, you¡¯ll have to do better than speeches.¡± Adam raised his blade in acknowledgment, his posture calm and unyielding. ¡°Then let it begin.¡± Adam moved first, closing the distance between them with impossible speed. His sword arced toward Geon, a streak of golden light. Geon barely managed to block with his Shadow Sword, the clash of their weapons sending a shockwave rippling through the garden. The force of the blow nearly drove Geon to his knees. He¡¯s strong. Too strong. Adam pressed the attack, his movements precise and relentless. Each swing of his blade carried not just raw power but a calculated intent, forcing Geon to react defensively. Geon gritted his teeth, ussing Shadow Exchange to teleport behind Adam. But before he could strike, Adam twisted fluidly, slamming an elbow into Geon¡¯s face and sending him sprawling. ¡°You rely too heavily on tricks,¡± Adam said, his tone devoid of malice. ¡°Such tactics will not save you.¡± Geon wiped blood from his lip, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡± The first year was a brutal dance of survival. Adam¡¯s power seemed limitless, his mastery of swordplay and physical combat unparalleled. Yet Geon adapted, using his agility and shadow manipulation to exploit small openings. As the second year began, Adam revealed another facet of his power. Raising his free hand, he summoned a sphere of light that hovered above the battlefield, illuminating every corner. The shadows Geon relied on were forced to retreat, shrinking under the relentless brilliance. ¡°Your darkness cannot hide from me,¡± Adam declared. Geon snarled, sweat pouring down his face as he struggled to maintain control of his abilities. But instead of despairing, he forced himself to think creatively. If I can¡¯t use shadows as cover, I¡¯ll use them as weapons. Geon began shaping his shadows into sharp projectiles, launching them at Adam in rapid succession. Adam deflected them with ease, but the strategy forced him to remain on the defensive, buying Geon precious moments to recover and strategize. By the end of the second year, Geon had learned to weaponize his shadows in ways he hadn¡¯t thought possible, creating constructs that could move independently and harass Adam from multiple angles. Adam¡¯s tactics shifted once more as he began to wield fire. With a sweep of his sword, he unleashed waves of flame that scorched the garden, turning the lush grassland into a charred wasteland. Geon¡¯s shadow beasts struggled to survive in the intense heat, their forms flickering and weakening. Geon himself was pushed to his limits, his body covered in burns as he fought desperately to stay in the fight. But even in the face of such overwhelming power, Geon refused to back down. He began incorporating the environment into his strategies, using the river to douse the flames and cool the battlefield. Adam, ever adaptable, responded by manipulating the very terrain itself. The ground beneath Geon¡¯s feet shifted, erupting into jagged spikes of stone that forced him to stay on the move. The third year was a battle of attrition, each combatant testing the other¡¯s endurance and resolve. By the fourth year, the Eternal Garden was unrecognizable. The once-vibrant grasslands were a smoldering wasteland, the river reduced to a trickle. Geon and Adam stood at opposite ends of the battlefield, their bodies battered and broken. Adam¡¯s armor was cracked, his golden aura flickering. Geon¡¯s shadows were faint and sluggish, his energy reserves nearly depleted. And yet, both refused to yield. ¡°This is your final chance, Demon Geon,¡± Adam said, his voice steady despite his visible fatigue. ¡°Surrender, and I will make your end swift.¡± Geon laughed hoarsely, blood dripping from his mouth. ¡°You think I¡¯ve come this far to quit? No, Adam. If one of us dies here, it won¡¯t be me.¡± Summoning the last of his strength, Geon called forth his shadow beasts one final time. Umbra, Gasgar, and Haunger materialized, their forms flickering like dying embers. Adam responded in kind, summoning a massive spear of light that hovered above him. The final clash was a spectacle of raw power and sheer determination. Geon used Shadow Exchange to dart around the battlefield, striking from every angle while his shadow beasts harried Adam. Adam, in turn, unleashed devastating attacks with his spear, each strike threatening to obliterate Geon entirely. As the battle reached its climax, Geon saw his opportunity. Using every ounce of his remaining energy, he combined Shadow Manipulation and Dark Temper to create a massive blade of pure darkness. With a roar, he charged at Adam, his weapon clashing with Adam¡¯s spear in a blinding explosion of light and shadow. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. ...... ...... When the dust settled, Geon stood alone. Adam¡¯s form dissolved into golden particles, his voice echoing faintly. ¡°Well done, Demon Geon. You have earned your right to exist.¡±
Enemy Defeated The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Adam
??Notice??
Player successfully completed Final Trial: God''s Chosen One. Completion Time: 4 years.
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Player Profile: Demon Geon
Class Global Rank Level Kill Count
Demon #96100 91 4760
Health 1/11000 Stamina 0/5900 Energy 0/5800
Distribute Stat Points (0)
Power 800 Strength, affecting the damage of physical attacks. Defense 600 Resistance, reducing the impact of incoming attacks. Stamina 600 Endurance, dictating how long the player could fight or move before exhaustion set in. Agility 650 Speed, improving reflexes and movement.
Geon collapsed to his knees, his body trembling with exhaustion. The shadow spoke, its tone a mix of pride and relief. ¡°You¡¯ve done it. The trials are complete.¡± Geon didn¡¯t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the ruined battlefield. He had won, but the cost had been immense. As the altered realm began to fade, signaling the end of his 100-Year Quest, Geon allowed himself a small, bitter smile. "Wait a little longer Lila...I will be with you soon..." Chapter 24 - The Second Culling Zone Reduction Geon lay on his back, staring at the sky that no longer existed. The Eternal Garden had long since been reduced to a wasteland, but now even that was gone. Silence filled the space around him¡ªan emptiness that felt eerie after a decade of relentless battle. "Ten years, huh?" He exhaled, watching his breath dissipate in the void. "Ten years have really passed in this zone..." The words felt hollow, almost surreal. He had lived through a decade of trials, suffering, and impossible battles. And yet¡ª He scoffed. "Only ten days have passed in the real world." His body still ached with phantom pain, the memories of each fight etched into his muscles and bones. He wasn¡¯t the same man who had stepped into the 100-Year Quest. He doubted he ever would be again. A familiar ding snapped him from his daze. A notification materialized before him.
??Notice??
Player successfully completed The 100-year Quest. Granting rewards...
Full Recovery Initiated. Health, stamina, and energy restored to maximum.
??Item(s) Acquired!
Adam''s Sword Rarity: Legendary Increases damage inflicted with each landed hit by 200%.
Dawn''s Spear Rarity: Legendary Increases damage inflicted with each landed hit by 50%.
Dusk''s Greatsword Rarity: Legendary Increases damage inflicted with each landed hit by 50%.
Holy Water Rarity: Restricted Fully restore any inflicted damage or fatigue.
Health Node (x100) Grade: Major Recover 25% of your Health.
Stamina Node (x100) Grade: Major Recover 25% of your Stamina.
Energy Node (x100) Grade: Major Recover 25% of your Energy.
Geon sat up, rolling his shoulders as his fatigue vanished. "Finally," he muttered. "Some actual rewards I can carry along." He eyed the weapons. Three legendary-grade arms... but they weren¡¯t suited for him. "What the hell am I supposed to do with these?" He tapped the hilt of Adam''s Sword, contemplating. Selling? Trading? Or could he modify them somehow? Before he could ponder further, the world around him shifted violently. The ground trembled, cracks forming beneath him as reality itself fractured. The darkened remnants of the Eternal Garden collapsed in on itself like a crumbling painting, and Geon felt himself freefalling through the abyss. His stomach lurched. Then¡ªThis story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. THUD. He landed on something solid. A stark, empty white room greeted him. No walls, no ceiling¡ªjust endless blank space with a single exit. A white door stood alone, waiting. Geon¡¯s pulse quickened. He rose to his feet, scanning the void. "What the hell now?" His voice echoed, tension thick in his tone. "Another secret trial?!" A deep, guttural chuckle reverberated from within him. The shadow spoke. "Look behind you." Geon¡¯s head snapped around. The door stood there, unassuming. Simple. A gateway. "There," the shadow murmured. "It is time. The 100-Year Quest is over. Now... we return to the real world." Geon¡¯s jaw tightened. He took a step forward. Then another. His heart pounded in his chest, but it wasn¡¯t fear. It was something deeper. A whisper. A promise. "Just wait for me, Lila..." With a final breath, he stepped through the door.
Wind rushed past him as he emerged¡ªatop a rooftop. A ruined city sprawled before him, its once-thriving streets reduced to rubble and flame. Smoke curled into the darkening sky, and the acrid stench of blood, fire, and death filled his lungs. Geon clenched his fists, surveying the devastation. "Wow," he muttered, his voice almost lost in the chaos. "It changed a lot out here." A familiar voice slithered into his mind. "Of course," the shadow mused, its usual amusement tinged with something darker. "Ten days is a lot... when the world is facing its doom." Geon took another deep breath, letting the weight of the world settle onto his shoulders once more. The atmosphere was heavier. The air thicker. ¡°Time moves even faster now,¡± the shadow continued. ¡°Or at least... it feels that way.¡± Geon¡¯s eyes roamed the landscape. The once-organized streets were unrecognizable, overtaken by fire, overgrown nature, and carnage. Then¡ª Ding. Another notification.
??Notice??
Population has reached 4 billion. Second Culling Zone Reduction initiated. ... Culling Zone has been reduced to 50% of original size. Kill or be killed. Good luck.
Geon¡¯s stomach churned. The words were too familiar. The world was shrinking again. A map appeared before him, its once-global expanse riddled with red lines. Territories vanished, whole regions grayed out¡ªmarked as "Inactive." The shadow chuckled. "The walls are closing in again." Geon¡¯s eyes scanned the map. "All of South America, Africa, most of Asia, and even parts of the U.S. West Coast... they''re gone." He exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. "I wonder where the culling zone will end up." A moment passed. "Well," he muttered, shaking off the dread. "I have a job to do. And I can still become stronger." He flicked his hand, summoning the Interface.
Welcome to the Interface.
Select your service...
Player Profile All about your stats, health and more! Inventory Retrieve, store or keep tabs on your items. Abilities Discover your innate and rewarded Abilities! Leaderboard Stay informed on who to kill.
He tapped Leaderboard. The rankings materialized.
Leaderboard
Global Rank Player Name Kill Count Zone
#1 Angel Lila 0 North
#2 Barry The Basilisk 64245 North
#3 Phoenix Lewis 55677 North
#4 Alicanto Varez 52256 North
#5 Jingwei Jingwei 49757 North
#6 Fenrir Felix 48997 North
#7 Black Dog Dave 48889 North
Geon¡¯s breath hitched. His eyes scanned the leaderboard again, hoping¡ªpraying¡ªhe had misread it. But the name remained.
Global Rank Player Name Kill Count Zone
#1 Angel Lila 0 North
His chest tightened. A storm of emotions crashed into him all at once. Relief. Confusion. Fear. "LILA?!" His voice came out hoarse, raw. His hands shook, his pulse pounding in his ears. ¡°She¡¯s alive¡­¡± His throat felt dry. ¡°She¡¯s actually alive¡­¡± The weight of ten years in the Culling Zone felt like nothing in that moment. He found her. He actually found her. But as his elation swelled, reality crashed into him like a hammer to the ribs. ¡°She¡¯s so far away¡­ I¡¯m in the West Zone, she¡¯s all the way in the North.¡± His fingers clenched into fists. The distance between them wasn¡¯t just vast¡ªit was a death sentence. ¡°Don¡¯t be blinded.¡± The shadow¡¯s voice slithered into his mind like a whisper in the dark. Geon¡¯s eyes flicked back to the leaderboard, his mind racing. Then he saw it. The one thing that didn¡¯t make sense. She had zero kills. His stomach twisted. "How the hell¡­?¡± His voice dropped to a whisper. "How did she get to first place... without killing anyone?" The shadow let out a low hum, like it was pondering something deeply unsettling. "It¡¯s her class," it finally muttered. "Angel. That¡¯s¡­ rarer than even your Demon class, Geon.¡± Geon¡¯s breathing slowed, a sharp edge creeping into his voice. ¡°How come?¡± ¡°To be given the Angel class, one must be pure-hearted.¡± The shadow¡¯s tone darkened. ¡°Truly pure-hearted. And that means¡­¡± The words hit him like a blade to the gut. ¡°She can¡¯t kill.¡± Geon¡¯s body went rigid. His heartbeat drummed against his ribs, his mind refusing to accept the truth. If she couldn¡¯t kill¡ªif the system wouldn¡¯t even allow her to¡ªthen how did she reach first place? The shadow let out a low chuckle, void of amusement. "You¡¯ve realized it, haven¡¯t you?" Geon''s breath came in shallow, uneven bursts. His hands trembled, rage simmering beneath his skin. ¡°She¡¯s being used,¡± the shadow confirmed. ¡°Captured. Forced to heal others. Maybe¡­ the system gives her levels, experience, something, just by keeping people alive. That¡¯s why she¡¯s ranked first with zero kills.¡± Geon¡¯s lips parted, but no words came out. Used. Like a tool. Like an object. His relief rotted into horror. Then, something worse. A deep, unrelenting rage. Geon¡¯s fingers curled so tightly that his nails dug into his skin. A deep growl rumbled in his throat. His vision blurred¡ªnot from tears, but from the overwhelming heat rising inside him. His hair darkened, lengthened, the inky black strands swaying as if caught in a phantom wind. The temperature around him plummeted, yet his breath came out in hot, heavy bursts, leaving trails of mist in the cold air. ¡°I¡¯ll kill them.¡± His voice was low. Dangerous. "I¡¯ll hunt down every last one of those f%ckers. I¡¯ll tear them apart. Limb from limb. Until there¡¯s nothing left of them." The shadow laughed. A slow, knowing chuckle. ¡°Fufufu¡­ that¡¯s the spirit.¡± Geon¡¯s vision sharpened, his mind honing in on one thing, and one thing only. Her name on the leaderboard. The North Zone. He was coming. And nothing would stop him.