《I am the Game's Extra》


 Prologue

    Darkness.


    That was all I could see. No light, no shapes¡ªjust an endless void. I couldn''t feel anything either, not even my own body. For a brief moment, I thought I might be dead. But I shook off the thought.


    The last thing I remembered was playing Hunter''s Academy, the new game everyone had been talking about. I had been fully immersed in it, and now¡­ I was here. Stuck in this endless dark.


    But then, the darkness began to lift.


    A faint light seeped in, growing brighter. I tried to speak instinctively, but as soon as I opened my mouth, a sharp metallic taste filled it. My body ached all over, like I''d been crushed under something heavy.


    "Kurgh¡ª!" I groaned, clutching myself. The pain was overwhelming, spreading from my limbs to my chest, sharp and unrelenting. It felt like I''d been hit by a car¡ªthough I wouldn''t really know, having never been hit by one.


    I managed to steady myself, breathing through the pain, and finally took in my surroundings. I was lying in a hospital room. White walls, a faint smell of antiseptic, and the hum of machines around me.


    ''What the hell? Was I in an accident?''


    Before I could piece it together, a warm voice broke through my confusion.


    "So, you''re finally awake."


    I turned to see a gentle-looking woman. She seemed middle-aged, with a kind face that reminded me of a nurse from some old drama.


    "Yeah, I guess," I muttered, my voice hoarse.


    She smiled faintly. "So, Mr. Daemon, what''s the story this time? Are you still going to say you fell down the stairs?"


    I blinked, caught off guard. Fell down the stairs?


    What was she talking about? The last thing I remembered was sitting in front of my computer, playing a game. How did I end up here, let alone "falling down the stairs"?


    And, my name is Damien, not Daemon.


    Just as I was about to respond to her, a sudden sound interrupted me.


    Ding!


    I froze, startled. Then, out of nowhere, a black-and-white screen appeared right in front of my eyes, like something straight out of a video game.


    "What the¡­?" I muttered, but before I could make sense of it, a cold, robotic voice spoke.


    [Hello, Mr. Damien. Welcome to the world of Hunter Academy Online.]


    My heart skipped a beat. Transmigrated? Daemon Gracefall? What kind of weird dream was this?


    The screen flickered, and more text appeared.


    [Quest 1: Go back to your room.


    Reward: Healed injuries.]


    I stared at the words in disbelief. A quest? A reward? Was this real? My aching body suggested it was, but my mind struggled to keep up.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    What was going on?


    I wanted to shout, "And give me more information, you bastard!" but I swallowed the string of curses threatening to burst out of my mouth. This wasn''t the time to lose it.


    Taking a deep breath, I glanced at the nurse. She was watching me with a calm, curious expression, completely unaware of the chaos going on in my head.


    "Um," I started, trying to sound as normal as possible, "would it be possible for you to¡­ take me to my room?"


    The words tasted awkward, but I couldn''t exactly admit I had no idea where my room was. As much as I wanted to yell, "What the hell is going on here?" I decided to keep my calm. The last thing I needed was to be labeled as crazy.


    The nurse''s eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were trying to figure me out. But after a moment, she gave a small nod.


    "Very well," she said simply.


    I let out a silent sigh of relief. Whatever was happening, I had to play along¡ªfor now.


    **********


    As I reached my room, I immediately threw myself into the bed.


    ''Hunter Academy Online.''


    The game was set in a world where ordinary humans awakened to mana, unlocking powers that made them superhuman. But the story wasn''t a smooth rise to glory¡ªit was a struggle for survival.


    Five hundred years ago, humans first awakened to mana. It was chaotic at first, with no control, no understanding of their newfound abilities. That''s when the elves arrived. With their natural affinity for mana, they quickly exploited humanity''s disarray, seizing a large portion of their lands.


    Then came the orcs. Unlike the elves, orcs weren''t graceful or magical, but their immense strength and resilience allowed them to carve out their own share of human territory.


    But the worst was yet to come. The demon race¡ªthe ultimate villains of the game¡ªentered the scene. They were powerful enough to conquer entire planets, forcing the elves and orcs out of their own worlds. Now, the demons set their sights on this planet, aiming to claim it for themselves.


    Humanity, however, did what it does best: adapt. Despite their slow start, humans began to master mana, learning to wield it with precision and purpose. Over centuries of relentless effort, they rose to stand toe-to-toe with the other races.


    That was the backdrop of Hunter''s Academy Online, the world I thought I was just playing in. Now, it seemed like I was living it.


    ''Open.''


    I thought the word, and suddenly, countless messages floated into view, shimmering in the air like holograms.


    [You have several unread messages.]


    "Open them," I said aloud, my voice still hoarse.


    The screen shifted, and lines of text began appearing one after another.


    - Congratulations! You have chosen to be a player.


    - Character Background:


    You have transmigrated into the body of Daemon Gracefall. Daemon''s story is one of tragedy and resolve. He lost his mother, father, and younger sister to a demon attack. Fueled by grief and anger, he dedicated his entire life to training, dreaming of revenge.


    Finally, his hard work paid off¡ªhe awakened his mana. Determined to grow stronger, he enrolled in Aegis Hunter Academy, the finest academy in the human domain. It was supposed to be his first step toward justice, but reality was harsher than he had imagined.


    Daemon quickly realized how weak he truly was compared to his peers. Worse, certain students began to target him, bullying him relentlessly. Over time, the bullying escalated into physical assaults, breaking not just his body, but his spirit.


    ---------------------------------------------------------


    I stared at the words, a sinking feeling in my chest. This was the body I was in? The life I''d stepped into?


    "Great," I muttered under my breath, trying to process it all.


    I shook my head, trying to clear the fog in my mind. There was no time to waste. I needed to finish reading the rest of the messages. I scrolled through the text until I reached the last one.


    - Congratulations, you have completed the quest. Would you like to claim your reward?


    Without thinking, I pressed "Yes."


    As soon as the words left my lips, I felt a strange warmth wash over me. It started in my chest and spread out through my body. I glanced down at my limbs, and to my amazement, the pain and bruises that had been crippling me just moments ago began to fade.


    The soreness, the aches¡ªgone. My skin, once battered and bruised, now looked healthy again. I watched in awe as the wounds healed in an instant, as though they had never existed.


    "Damn... this is really something," I muttered under my breath, completely speechless.


    Just moments ago, I had been in so much pain I wasn''t sure I''d survive another minute. But now, I felt completely healed, as if nothing had ever happened.


    It was hard to believe, but the proof was right there in front of me¡ªmy body was back to normal.

 Beginning

    Daemon stared at his fully healed body, unable to hide his amazement. The pain was gone, the bruises had vanished, and his limbs felt strong again. It was nothing short of miraculous.


    "This is incredible," he murmured, flexing his fingers and testing his movements. Every ache and injury had disappeared as if they''d never existed.


    His attention shifted back to the floating black-and-white screen hovering before him. The text glowed faintly, and he couldn''t help but wonder what else this system could do.


    "Status," he said firmly, testing his theory.


    The screen shimmered in response, as though it had been waiting for the command.


    --------------------


    Name - Daemon Gracefall


    Passive Skills: [Unknown], [Cold-Blooded]


    ------------------


    Active Skills:


    [Dash]


    -----------------


    Strength - 12


    Speed - 14


    Agility - 11


    Dexterity - 12


    Perception - 13


    Mana - 10


    ---------------------


    Daemon''s eyes scanned the status screen in front of him, his expression tightening with each passing second.


    "This¡­ This is why he was always weak," he mumbled under his breath, unable to hide his frustration.


    His gaze fell on the numbers displayed on the screen. Compared to an average awakener, whose stats typically hovered around 20, these numbers were downright pitiful. It wasn''t just the stats that made his stomach churn, though¡ªit was the glaring issue shown right below them: Talent.


    The status page spelled it out clearly, leaving no room for doubt. Daemon Gracefall''s talent was the source of his struggles, the reason he had always lagged behind others, no matter how hard he trained.


    "This explains everything," he muttered, shaking his head. It was a harsh reality, but one he''d have to face.


    On the status screen, Daemon''s eyes fell on a skill labeled Passive Skill: Cold-Blooded.


    It was a strange ability, one that didn''t belong to Daemon. This was a skill from the original owner of the body, not him.


    The description was clear:


    [An ability to maintain rationality in any situation. Shows great immunity to mind control and brainwash class curses.]


    It was a cold, unshakable skill¡ªsomething that allowed its user to stay calm, no matter the circumstances. Whether in the face of danger or under intense pressure, the user could keep their composure. It also made them incredibly resistant to mind control or curses that sought to twist their will.


    Daemon couldn''t help but wonder how useful this skill might be, especially in a world filled with enemies and dangers lurking at every corner.


    But it wasn''t all hopeless. Daemon reminded himself of one crucial thing: Hidden Pieces.


    In the world of Hunter''s Academy Online, Hidden Pieces were like game-breaking cheats. They could come in many forms¡ªpowerful skills, rare items, unique abilities¡ªand finding them could completely change the course of the game.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Though he had barely scratched the surface of this world, he already knew where to find them. Before even starting the game, Daemon had made it a habit to research every little detail, especially about the Hidden Pieces.


    It wasn''t just curiosity¡ªit was about efficiency. He had always believed in working smart, not hard. Why stumble through trial and error when the answers were already out there? And now, that preparation might be his lifeline in this strange, new reality.


    Daemon pushed himself off the bed and walked over to the mirror. As his reflection came into view, he couldn''t stop the words from slipping out.


    "How weak," he mumbled, his voice filled with quiet frustration.


    His eyes traced over the figure in the mirror. Black hair framed his face, and striking purple eyes stared back at him. His skin was pale, his body lean, with barely a hint of muscle. Despite his frail appearance, his face was undeniably handsome¡ªthough that was little comfort in his current situation.


    Shaking his head, Daemon forced himself to focus. He needed a plan. The nurse had told him to rest for the next two to three days because of his severe injuries. But now that his body was healed, there was no way he''d sit idle.


    It was Friday, which meant the weekend stretched ahead. He could use the academy''s official holiday on Saturday and Sunday to his advantage. And if needed, he could take a leave on Monday too.


    But time wasn''t something he planned to waste. He was already the weakest student in the academy, barely scraping by. If he wanted to survive¡ªno, thrive¡ªhe needed to change that.


    His thoughts sharpened with determination. The Hidden Pieces. That was where he''d start. He wasn''t just going to survive. He was going to rise far beyond the limits of this weak body.


    ******************


    During the era of mana convergence, humanity faced one of its darkest times. Chaos reigned as new powers awakened, and humanity struggled to survive in a world now filled with stronger, more advanced races.


    In their desperation, humans came together to form the Hunter Alliance, an organization dedicated to protecting their kind. Leading them was Eryndor, the first human to awaken as a hunter.


    Eryndor quickly became a symbol of hope. He was a hero, revered for his courage and strength. Through countless battles, he saved uncountable lives and became the key figure who prevented humanity''s collapse during the brutal wars between the races.


    In honor of his legacy, the Hunter Alliance was eventually renamed the Eryndor Federation, a testament to his impact on the world. At its heart was Elysium City, the Federation''s capital and the centre of humanity''s strongest dominion.


    The Aegis Hunter Academy was one of the most prestigious institutions in the entire Eryndor Federation. Located in the heart of Elysium City, it was a symbol of the strength and power of humanity.


    The academy occupied a vast expanse of land¡ªso large that it could have been considered its own district within the city. It was equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities, artificial dungeons for combat practice, infinite dungeons that provided endless resources, cutting-edge research institutes, and much more.


    Getting to the academy gates wasn''t a quick task, especially for someone like Daemon. The sprawling campus covered a vast area, and even though the distance wasn''t far in terms of normal travel, it took him a while to navigate through the grounds.


    Since it was already evening, the campus was quieter than usual. Few people were leaving, and those who were seemed to glide effortlessly through the area, their superhuman abilities making it easy for them to cover ground in no time. For Daemon, however, it was a different story.


    Daemon finally reached the gates of one of the artificially created dungeons on the academy grounds. The entrance loomed before him, a warp gate guarded by a stern-looking man. The gatekeeper wore a badge with the academy''s emblem, a symbol of authority.


    The gatekeeper studied him for a moment before speaking.


    "Identity?" he asked, his voice firm and professional.


    Without a word, Daemon reached into his pocket and pulled out his identity card. He handed it over to the gatekeeper.


    The man scanned the card, then glanced at Daemon for a moment, his eyes briefly narrowing before he nodded.


    "As you must be aware," the gatekeeper said, handing back the card, "you can only use the dungeon for an hour."


    Daemon''s eyes flicked to the gatekeeper''s face. The rule wasn''t surprising. After all, the original owner of this body had a rank of 2750 out of 2750 in the academy. That rank made it clear he wasn''t anyone special in the grand scheme of things.


    The academy operated on an elitist system, where ranks determined everything. Higher-ranked students could access dungeons for hours on end, gaining valuable training and resources. Those at the bottom, like Daemon, were limited.


    He clenched his jaw, understanding that this was the reality he''d have to deal with. For now, he''d make the most of the hour he was given.


    Daemon sighed, his breath steady but filled with frustration. Without a second thought, he stepped into the warp gate. His gaze was colder than ever, his eyes steely with determination.


    As the gate began to hum, the faint glow of magic surrounding him, he whispered to himself, a quiet vow in his heart.


    "From now on¡­"


    His grip tightened as he walked forward, every step fueled by the weight of his resolve. He wasn''t just going to survive.


    "I will make sure the people of this world know who they messed with."


    With that, he straightened, his voice steady as he spoke the name that would define his path.


    "I am Daemon Gracefall."

 Hidden Piece (1)

    Daemon stepped into the gate, and in an instant, the world around him seemed to blur and twist.


    Swoosh


    A sharp, bright light pierced his eyes, making him squint in discomfort. His vision shook violently, and dizziness hit him like a wave. It felt like he was soaring through the air at an incredible speed, as if in a high-altitude flight.


    His stomach churned, and the world spun around him, but then a cool, steady feeling settled within him.


    [''Cold-Blooded'' has helped you maintain composure.]


    Daemon felt something stir inside him, a quiet force that seemed to stabilize his body. The spinning world slowly straightened, the dizziness fading away as his motion sickness disappeared. He breathed in deeply, his senses sharpening. The calm, controlled feeling of the Cold-Blooded skill was keeping him focused, even in the midst of the disorienting experience.


    He steadied himself, his expression unwavering as the light around him began to dim.


    Daemon''s vision slowly cleared, and he could finally take in his surroundings more comfortably.


    He was standing in a narrow passage that stretched straight ahead, the path lined with hard stone walls. Above him, the ceiling was dotted with stones that emitted a soft, steady light at regular intervals.


    Despite the light, the overall brightness was low. The path ahead of him was only clearly visible for about two meters. Beyond that, the darkness seemed to stretch on endlessly, swallowing everything in its shadow.


    He took a cautiously step forward, his eyes scanning the dimly lit corridor.


    But although he kept his guard up, nothing happened. No movement, no sound¡ªjust the stillness of the corridor around him. It was as if the dungeon itself was empty, devoid of life or danger.


    Most people would have started to relax by now, letting their guard down after walking so far without incident. But not Daemon. The further he ventured, the more alert he became.


    He knew better than to be complacent. From what he remembered, this dungeon wasn''t about fighting monsters. It typically required a team of three to five people to clear it efficiently¡ªthis dungeon didn''t have any monster, but it was filled with traps.


    Though, the top-ranking students rarely bothered with it. For them, this place held little value. But for someone like Daemon, it was an opportunity¡ªa chance to sharpen himself and gather what he needed to grow stronger.


    And above all,Danger often strikes without warning, like a storm that sweeps everything away in an instant.


    And now, it had come for Daemon.


    Thwish!


    Out of the darkness, an arrow shot forward, slicing through the air with deadly speed.


    Daemon reacted on instinct, twisting his body just in time to avoid a direct hit. The arrow grazed his right forearm, leaving behind a sharp, searing pain. Blood trickled down his arm as his clothes tore from the impact.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Twing!


    The arrow buried itself deep into the stone wall with a metallic thud.


    "A mana enhanced steel arrow," Daemon muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing. His heart raced as he stared at the weapon embedded in the wall. It wasn''t just a simple trap¡ªthis was designed to kill.


    Clenching his jaw, Daemon shook off the pain, his focus sharpening.


    The arrow wasn''t made of wood¡ªit was forged from solid steel.


    Daemon''s eyes narrowed as he stared at the projectile. If he hadn''t reacted in time, the arrow could have torn his arm clean off. Worse still, if it had struck his head or abdomen, it would have been fatal.


    He took a deep breath, steadying himself. The reality of the dungeon''s danger settled in, making his pulse quicken. This was no simple challenge. One wrong move could end him.


    ''What kind of academy sets traps that nearly kill its students?'' Daemon grumbled internally, his frustration evident.


    Still, he didn''t let his irritation distract him. His focus shifted to the trial ahead, analyzing the situation with a clear mind.


    Drawing from the memories of the game he had played, Daemon tried to recall the attack patterns. He steadied himself, preparing for what was to come.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!


    Steel arrows shot toward him in rapid succession, each one coming from a different direction. The air buzzed with the sharp sound of metal slicing through it. Daemon tightened his stance, every muscle in his body ready to react.


    Daemon crouched low, his body moving swiftly as he rolled forward to avoid the incoming arrows. His movements were sharp and precise.


    As he rolled, his hand reached for the backpack strapped to his back. It was thick, stuffed with countless tools he had prepared beforehand.


    The backpack wasn''t just for carrying supplies¡ªit was a makeshift shield. Daemon had brought it specifically for this purpose, knowing it could serve as a layer of protection in dangerous situations like this.


    Using it as cover, he braced himself for the next wave of arrows, his mind racing as he calculated his next move.


    Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck! Puck!


    Five mana-enhanced steel arrows slammed into Daemon''s backpack, each impact sending a jolt through his body. The force was so strong that it felt like his arm might be ripped off with every hit.


    Three of the arrows even pierced through the backpack, their sharp tips poking out as if shyly revealing themselves.


    Gritting his teeth, Daemon somehow managed to steady himself and press tightly against the wall. His breathing was controlled, his movements deliberate. In a situation like this, where the source of the arrows was unknown, reducing his exposure was his only option.


    Even though he had a good idea of the attack patterns from the game, it didn''t make taking the hits any less painful or the situation any less dangerous.


    ''Three arrows from the left, then two from the back,'' Daemon thought, recalling the attack pattern from the game.


    He braced himself, his mind focused. It was as if he could see the future because, just as he predicted, three arrows came shooting from the left.


    Daemon dove backward, narrowly avoiding the deadly projectiles. The sharp swish of steel passing close to him made his heart race, but he didn''t have time to dwell on it.


    Almost immediately, two more arrows came from behind, aimed directly at his back. Without hesitation, he twisted his body, turning toward the source of the attack. He dropped to the ground and started rolling.


    The ground felt rough beneath him, but Daemon didn''t care. His focus was on surviving each wave of attacks, one step at a time.


    Wasting no time, Daemon swung his backpack in front of him, using it as a shield once more.


    Thud! An arrow struck the backpack with incredible force. Unlike the previous ones, this arrow was silent and blended perfectly into the darkness, almost invisible. The impact was so powerful that Daemon nearly lost his balance, stumbling backward.


    For a brief moment, he thought he saw a faint spark in the darkness, a flash of light just before the arrow struck.


    Pain shot through his body from the jarring impact, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to stay focused. He tried to turn his body to reposition, but before he could fully move¡ª


    Puck! Puck! Puck!


    More arrows came flying toward him, they ripped through his backpack and one of the arrows penetrated his left shoulder.


    --------------------------------------


    Author''s Note:


    Hello Guys!


    It''s been a while, this is a novel that I have been working on for a while now.


    I hope you enjoy it.


    If you have any feedback or suggestions on how I can improve, I''m open to hearing them.

 Hidden Piece (2)

    A sharp, intense pain surged through Daemon''s body. His vision blurred for a moment.


    [You have been afflicted with ''Stun''.]


    It felt as though his arm was being ripped apart, and he could barely breathe. A calm mechanical voice echoed in his mind.


    [''Cold-blooded'' has helped you maintain composure.]


    Daemon gritted his teeth as he struggled to keep control. The sensation of paralysis lifted, and he could feel the effects of the stun fading.


    [The status effect ''Stun'' has been removed. You have developed resistance to pain.]


    His body still throbbed, but Daemon''s focus sharpened.


    Daemon quickly assessed the situation, his mind working through the pain


    ''The parts where the arrow is stuck is my left shoulder. The wound looks bad, but I can still move.''


    He didn''t hesitate. The moment the decision was made, his body moved into action.


    With his left shoulder aching, Daemon lifted his now torn and battered backpack, using it as his shield once more. Stepping back as quickly as he could, he tried to create some distance . His movements were sharp and urgent.


    Right now, every second counted.


    The traps must have been triggered when I crossed a specific point, Daemon thought, piecing it together. There was an area where the traps seemed to be concentrated.


    His only option was to retreat and reach that spot as quickly as possible.


    Even as he backed away, steel arrows continued to shoot toward him. At first, it was just one or two at a time, but as he moved further, the intensity increased. Soon, four or five arrows were flying at him all at once.


    Daemon pressed on, moving carefully to avoid exposing himself to more danger.


    A trail of blood streaked the walls behind him, dripping steadily from his wound. His left leg burned with pain as yet another steel arrow found its mark, embedding itself deep. Still, he didn''t stop.


    Finally, he crossed a critical point, and the relentless rain of arrows ceased.


    Panting heavily, Daemon slumped against the wall, letting his torn backpack¡ªnow riddled with steel arrows¡ªdrop to the floor with a dull thud.


    His head swam, his vision spinning uncontrollably. A metallic, suffocating taste filled his mouth, making him grimace. But he clenched his fists and forced himself to stay conscious.


    A sharp wave of pain surged through Daemon as his wounds continued to bleed heavily. His vision blurred, and for a moment, it felt like he might collapse.


    [Your wounds are bleeding severely. You have been afflicted with ''Stun''.]


    But then, that familiar, steady voice echoed in his mind.


    [''Cold-blooded'' has helped you maintain composure.]Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    The disorienting effect of the stun faded almost instantly, and clarity returned to his thoughts.


    [The status effect ''Stun'' has been removed. You have developed resistance to bleeding.]


    Even so, the pain was relentless. Daemon swayed slightly but gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay conscious. If his health falls below a certain level, he will be thrown outside the dungeon.


    Daemon plunged his hand into the torn backpack.


    What was once packed with clothes and tools had been torn apart by the relentless assault. Its contents had spilled onto the ground, scattered in every direction. Now, the steel arrows that had pierced through it were lodged inside, replacing what it once carried.


    Daemon took a deep breath, steadying himself. His hand trembled slightly as he reached for the steel arrow lodged in his left shoulder.


    Without hesitation, he gripped it tightly and yanked it out.


    "Keuk!" A pained groan escaped his lips as a sharp, searing agony shot through his entire arm.


    The pain was unbearable, as if his shoulder might tear apart under the strain. For a moment, he clenched his teeth so hard it felt like they might crack. After that he also took out the arrow lodged into his left leg.


    Daemon reached into his scattered belongings and grabbed one of the medical potions he had packed. His fingers fumbled slightly as he uncorked the bottle, the faint herbal scent wafting up to his nose.


    Without hesitation, he brought it to his lips and drank the contents in one gulp.


    A soothing warmth spread through his body almost immediately, flowing to his injured shoulder and other wounds. The pain began to dull, replaced by a gentle, healing sensation.


    Closing his eyes, Daemon leaned back against the wall, letting out a quiet sigh. For the first time in what felt like hours, his body started to relax, even if just a little.


    After a minute of resting, Daemon opened his eyes. He pushed himself up from the ground, brushing off the dust on his tattered clothes.


    Slowly, he began tracing his hands along the cold, rough surface of the stone walls. His fingers searched with purpose, feeling for the mechanism he remembered.


    Click!


    A soft sound echoed through the corridor. Almost instantly, a faint blue glow spread across the walls, illuminating the narrow passage ahead. Soon, the darkness was replaced by a gentle, calming light.


    Daemon smirked slightly. He had activated one of the hidden mechanisms of the corridor¡ªthe system that controlled all the traps. With a single move, every trap in the area was now deactivated.


    This wasn''t something even the Academy''s faculty members were aware of. This "cheat" was discovered by a clever gamer who had uploaded it online, back in his world.


    Daemon silently thanked that player as he took a step forward into the now-safe corridor.


    Daemon began walking through the now softly glowing corridor. The gentle light illuminated the path ahead, casting faint shadows on the stone walls.


    Each step echoed slightly in the narrow space, but the absence of traps gave him a rare moment of ease. He kept his pace steady, his breathing calm as the corridor stretched on.


    After a few minutes of walking, the corridor opened up into a room. The space was simple and empty, save for a raised platform in the center.


    Daemon''s gaze locked onto the platform. He knew its purpose¡ªstanding on it would signify the completion of the dungeon. Once he stepped onto it, he will be transported outside.


    Daemon took a deep breath and approached the platform, his steps slow and measured. When he reached the center, he stood still.


    Hum!


    A soft white light enveloped him, the familiar sensation of the dungeon system preparing to send him outside. But the light shifted¡ªchanging from white to a bright yellow.


    Now, Daemon again found himself standing once again at the very start of the dungeon, back where his journey had begun. The platform, the walls, the darkness¡ªit was all the same.


    Then a small smile crept onto his face. He wasn''t worried.


    He knew exactly why this had happened.


    The system required a person to go through all the traps in the dungeon to officially complete it. However, he had bypassed most of the traps using the hidden mechanism¡ªhis "cheat." That was why he hadn''t been transported out like usual.


    This was one of the hidden pieces of the game. Daemon''s eyes narrowed with recognition as the screen in front of him suddenly flickered to life.


    Ding!


    A black-and-white interface appeared, hovering in the air before him.


    [Quest: Obtain the first Hidden Piece.


    Reward: +5 to all stats, skill stone]


    The words glowed on the screen, offering him a chance he couldn''t ignore.


    [Would you like to accept the Quest?


    Yes/No]


    Without a second thought, Daemon pressed the ''Yes'' button. His mind was already set. The reward was too valuable to pass up.

 Hidden Piece (3)

    Without a second thought, Daemon pressed the ''Yes'' button. His mind was already set. The reward was too valuable to pass up.


    Daemon felt a surge of determination as he prepared to claim the hidden piece. The most frustrating thing about this body was its glaring lack of stats and skills.


    It baffled him how someone could have an average stat of 12 while being a hunter. By all logic, anyone who awakened their powers should start with at least one stat reaching 20. Yet here he was, stuck in a body that defied reason.


    "Blind anger can only take you so far," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head. His thoughts were sharp, calculating as he refocused on the task ahead.


    Without wasting time, Daemon braced himself and began moving forward, weaving through the familiar field of arrows once more. Each step he took was precise and his resolve grew stronger with every movement.


    To claim the hidden piece, Daemon needed to repeat the same process he did the first time¡ªten times in total.


    *********************


    Swish! Swish!


    Two steel arrows zipped through the air, aiming for him. Compared to before, the number of arrows had decreased. This was no coincidence¡ªit was the result of Daemon''s careful strategy. By running in a zigzag pattern, he deliberately triggered fewer traps along the way.


    Still, the challenge remained. Each arrow came at him from a different angle, moving at unpredictable speeds. Despite the reduced number, he still needed to focus.


    After what felt like days of relentless challenges, Daemon finally stepped into the room with the platform for the tenth and final time. His body ached, and his mind was heavy with exhaustion, but he refused to falter.


    As he stood on the platform, a soft white glow enveloped him. For a moment, it flickered and turned red, just like before. But this time, something changed. The red light shifted to a serene blue, then gradually returned to pure white.


    In an instant, Daemon felt the familiar pull of teleportation. When the light faded, he was standing outside the dungeon at last. Fresh air greeted him, and the weight of his struggles lifted slightly along with a satisfying message.


    [You have obtained the passive skill ''Tenacity'']


    A sharp ding echoed in Daemon''s ears, drawing his attention. In front of him, a black-and-white screen materialized out of thin air.


    [Congratulations on completing the Quest.


    Would you like to claim the rewards? Yes/No]


    Without a second thought, Daemon pressed "Yes." A sudden surge of energy coursed through his body, making his muscles tighten and his senses sharpen. He could feel it¡ªhis physical abilities had grown stronger. Every fiber of his being felt renewed, as though a veil of weakness had been lifted.


    But the rewards weren''t finished.


    In his hand, a smooth stone glowed faintly¡ªa skill stone, radiating a strange energy. Without hesitation, Daemon clenched it in his fist. The stone shattered under the pressure, releasing a soft orange glow that spread like liquid light. The energy flowed through his arm, traveling up to his chest before settling deep within his heart.


    Daemon felt it then¡ªa new skill embedding itself into his very being. The sensation was strange but not unpleasant. A small smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.


    "Status" Daemon muttered slowly under his breath.


    [Player: Daemon Gracefall]


    Passive Skills:


    [Unknown], [Cold-Blooded], [Tenacity]


    Active Skills:


    [Dash], [Stealth]Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Attributes:


    Strength: 17 Speed: 19 Agility: 16 Dexterity: 17 Perception: 18 Mana: 15


    Daemon couldn''t help but examine his updated stats with a mix of satisfaction and determination. His hard work in the dungeon had finally borne fruit, but he knew this was only the beginning.


    Curious about his newfound abilities, Daemon turned his focus to the details of his passive skill, Tenacity.


    Tenacity: Each time the user''s health decreases, his attack power increases by 10%.


    This was the hidden piece he had fought so hard to earn in the dungeon. As he read its description, a satisfied smirk appeared on his face. The skill was straightforward but packed a punch¡ªa perfect fit for someone like him, who often found himself battling against the odds.


    Next, he examined the active skill he had obtained from the system: Stealth.


    Stealth: This skill allows the user to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, becoming invisible both physically and magically. Even advanced detection abilities cannot counter it.


    Daemon''s eyes sparkled with excitement as he took in the details. Stealth wasn''t just a skill; it was a game-changer. With it, he could avoid detection, strike at the perfect moment, or escape from situations where he would be cornered.


    Eager to test his new ability, Daemon activated the skill in his mind.


    Stealth.


    In an instant, his body began to fade, blending seamlessly into the environment. His figure disappeared entirely, leaving no trace behind. Even his shadow seemed to vanish into the air.


    A thrill coursed through him as he observed the effect. To truly test its power, Daemon decided to approach the guard he had encountered earlier. Quietly and confidently, he made his way back toward the entrance of the dungeon.


    The guard was still there, standing stiffly at his post, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings. But as Daemon stepped directly in front of him¡ªso close he could reach out and tap his shoulder¡ªthe guard showed no sign of noticing him.


    Daemon waved a hand in front of the man''s face. No reaction.


    A satisfied grin tugged at Daemon''s lips. The skill worked perfectly. With this kind of invisibility, not even the sharpest observer could detect him. It was better than he''d hoped for.


    Daemon couldn''t help but marvel at the success of his Stealth skill. The fact that it worked against the academy guards made it even more impressive. These weren''t ordinary people¡ªevery guard stationed at the academy was at least a 3-star Hunter.


    By comparison, Daemon''s current stats barely put him at the level of a 0-star Hunter. The gap in strength was vast, and yet he had managed to slip past their perception without a hitch.


    The Hunter ranking system was straightforward yet daunting. It began with 0-star Hunters, individuals with barely any mana or combat skills, and climbed all the way to 10-star Hunters, beings of unimaginable power. The mana levels of 10-star Hunters weren''t measurable, and only a handful of individuals across the world had ever reached that peak.


    This system wasn''t exclusive to humans. Elves, orcs, demons, and other races followed the same classification. Yet, even among the rare 10-star Hunters, some stood above the rest. These extraordinary individuals were called Rankers, elite warriors whose power dwarfed their peers.


    But there was a level even higher¡ªa realm that transcended mortal limits. These were the Monarchs, beings who have achieved godhood. In the world of Hunter''s Academy Online, they were the ultimate existence.


    Daemon thought back to the game mechanics with a nostalgic smirk. He wasn''t just a participant in this world; he was someone who understood its intricacies better than most. Knowing the system''s structure, he was confident he could carve his path upward, even from the bottom.


    Daemon decided it was time to head back to his room. After putting some distance between himself and the guard, he deactivated his Stealth skill and continued on his way.


    Once he reached his room, he quickly changed into lighter, more comfortable clothes. As he settled in, his mind began to focus on his next steps. How should he train his body to make the most progress?


    "First, I need to gather ingredients for a training efficiency potion," Daemon thought to himself. In the world of Hunter''s Academy Online, it was common for veteran players to brew their own potions. While ready-made potions were available for purchase, creating your own was usually a much better choice. They offered greater precision in their effects, and could significantly boost training.


    But the key to making a good potion was knowing which ingredients to use and how they would affect the body. It was a process that took time to learn, but once you understood it, the benefits were undeniable.


    One of the biggest drawbacks of potions was that their effectiveness decreased with each use. The more you relied on them, the less they worked the next time.


    "However," Daemon thought, recalling memories from the game, "in the later stages of this world, a new type of potion will be introduced. These potions won''t have that disadvantage."


    He remembered how much his friend had spent on those special potions. They were incredibly valuable, as they could permanently increase a person''s stats, making them a game-changer for any player fortunate enough to get their hands on them.


    Daemon already knew which ingredients were needed to create the special potions.


    "First, I''ll start with Avium Essence," he thought.


    He began searching for the ingredients online and ordered them. The Avium Essence was well-known for improving mana circulation while boosting both agility and mana stats¡ªexactly what Daemon needed.


    As he glanced at his bank account, he saw only 730 Units left.


    "I need to make some money," he mused.


    No matter where you were, money was always essential. It was the foundation for everything, especially in a world like this where every step forward required resources.

 Main Cast

    No matter where he was, money always played a crucial role. It was the backbone of everything, especially in a world where every step forward demanded resources.


    ''But first, I need to eat something,'' Daemon thought to himself.


    Chatter! Chatter!


    The cafeteria was bustling with activity as Daemon arrived. Laughter and conversation filled the air, blending with the occasional clatter of trays and utensils.


    It was the heart of the academy, a favourite spot for students to gather, especially during evening snacks.


    Daemon took a moment to glance over the variety of dishes laid out before him. His eyes settled on the heartiest options¡ªhe had missed lunch earlier and needed a proper meal to regain his energy.


    The best part about the academy''s cafeteria was that all meals were free for students, so there was no need to hold back. Without hesitation, he chose the finest meal available.


    With his tray in hand, Daemon weaved through the crowded cafeteria and headed toward a quiet corner table. Sitting down, he picked up his fork and took his first bite.


    Immediately, his expression twisted in mild disappointment. He let out a low grumble, muttering under his breath, "It seems that no matter the era or world, cafeteria food will always taste the same¡ªbarely edible."


    Despite his complaint, he continued eating, knowing he couldn''t afford to be picky right now.


    Daemon''s thoughts circled back to his urgent need for money, his determination sharpening with each passing moment. I need to earn money fast, he reminded himself, the weight of his situation fueling his resolve.


    But then his attention was drawn to a table nearby.


    Two boys sat there, talking quietly amongst themselves. They stood out, not because of their actions, but because of who they were. Daemon''s eyes narrowed as recognition dawned.


    ''Ah... Right'', he thought, ''the main cast liked to eat in the academy cafeteria.''


    One of the boys had black hair and striking blue eyes, his handsome face almost too perfect to be real. This was Arthur Drenmor, the main protagonist of the game, exuding an effortless charisma that made people gravitate toward him.


    Sitting beside Arthur was a boy with a massive build, with blue hair and brown eyes. This was Lucas Raven, one of Arthur''s future companions and a formidable ally in the storyline.


    Daemon studied them for a moment, his expression unreadable. It was surreal to see the game''s central characters in the flesh.


    The Raven Family was renowned for their exceptional sword skills, while the Drenmor Family had a long legacy with the spear. It was no surprise, then, that Lucas Raven, with his massive frame and skilled swordplay, complemented Arthur Drenmor''s finesse with a spear.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Arthur and Lucas had grown up together, and Daemon knew that their bond ran deep. Despite their differences in combat style, the two were inseparable, united by a shared sense of justice.


    Arthur, with his calm yet determined nature, considered Lucas his best friend. They were both driven by a strong sense of righteousness, a trait that often led them into trouble. It was this shared "hero syndrome" that made them so alike, and so fiercely loyal to each other.


    Lucas had always been there for Arthur, standing by his side as a pillar of support. Arthur had only awakened as a hunter a year ago, but since that moment, Lucas had helped him every step of the way, guiding him through his training and challenges.


    Daemon couldn''t help but feel a wave of disgust as he watched Arthur and Lucas, their strong ideals and unwavering morals making him want to roll his eyes. He found their righteous attitudes more annoying than admirable.


    As he continued to observe them, something shifted in the room. Daemon suddenly felt that the attention of everyone in the cafeteria was drawn away from him and focused on something else.


    "Arthur, we can sit here, right?"


    The voice belonged to one of two girls who had just entered. Each of them was beautiful in her own way, and as they made their way over to Arthur and Lucas''s table, the entire cafeteria seemed to pause for a moment.


    "Ah, Julia, sure you can," Arthur said with a smile, gesturing to the empty seats at the table.


    Daemon''s gaze shifted to the girl who had spoken. Julia Bravehart, he thought to himself. She was another childhood friend of Arthur and the first heroine candidate in the game.


    Her pink hair flowed gracefully to her shoulders, and her striking blue eyes stood out against the soft hues of her hair. She was a beauty, without a doubt, and it seemed as though her presence alone captivated everyone around her.


    At first glance, Julia seemed gentle and delicate, but Daemon knew better. Beneath her soft exterior was an extremely sharp mind.


    Ranked 4th in her first year and a skilled archer, Julia stood out not only for her abilities but for her intelligence and cunning. She had a natural talent for observation and analysis. She was able to assess situations quickly and come up with effective strategies.


    "Thanks, Arthur," Julia said, taking a seat beside him.


    Behind her stood Amelia Emberfall, the second-ranked student in the entire year.


    Amelia was a striking woman, with smooth white skin and eyes the colour of deep rubies. Her long crimson hair, tied into twin tails with yellow ribbons, added to her enchanting appearance. She had a captivating figure, and her beauty was only outdone by her impressive skill as a Fire Mage.


    All four of them were not only known for their stunning appearances and remarkable skills but also for their prestigious backgrounds.


    Julia and Amelia, in particular, were the heirs to their powerful families, destined to lead and uphold their legacies.


    Daemon glanced at the group one last time before standing up from his seat. Having finished his meal, he noticed the cafeteria starting to fill with more students.


    With a quiet sigh, he left the table and made his way back to his room.


    As he walked, his mind drifted to the next hidden piece he should get.


    ******************


    Back in his room, Daemon sat down and began thinking about the hidden pieces scattered throughout the academy.


    "There are five hidden pieces here, and I''ve already obtained one. But there are many more outside the academy," he muttered to himself.


    He quickly started planning his next moves, organizing his time based on which pieces he aimed to collect next.


    "I''ll get two more hidden pieces by tomorrow evening, and then I''ll head outside the academy for one more," he thought.


    With his calculations in mind, he estimated that he''d be back at the academy by Monday evening.


    Daemon knew that the hidden piece he was aiming for outside the academy would require him to enhance his combat power.


    With that in mind, he decided to focus on hidden pieces within the academy that would boost his attack power. These pieces would be essential in strengthening his abilities, preparing him for the challenges ahead.


    Feeling the weight of the next few days ahead, Daemon decided to get some proper rest. He made his way to the washroom and enjoyed a hot bath, letting the warmth soothe his muscles and calm his mind.


    Once refreshed, he headed to his bed and settled in, allowing the comfort of his surroundings to lull him into a deep, peaceful sleep.

 Aegis Hunter Academy

    At Aegis Hunter Academy, there were five hidden pieces. Daemon had already claimed one of them¡ªthe passive skill [Tenacity]. Now, his sights were set on two more, and one of them was particularly unique.


    The skill he planned to obtain next was called [Predator], a rare ability that combined the properties of both buff and debuff skills. Its effect was straightforward yet incredibly powerful. By activating [Predator], the user could reduce an opponent''s stats by 50% while simultaneously boosting their own by 50%.


    It was a simple concept, but its impact in battle was undeniable. For someone like Daemon, who was still far behind in strength compared to others, this skill could be a game-changer.


    Obtaining the [Predator] skill was surprisingly simple¡ªor so it seemed at first glance. Unlike many other hidden pieces, this one required no trials, no combat preparation, and no elaborate tests of strength or skill. It was straightforward in its acquisition, requiring nothing more than locating its hiding place.


    But therein lay the real challenge. The skill was engraved on a single tree deep within a sprawling forest, marked by enormous claw marks across its trunk. Finding that specific tree among countless others was a task that tested patience more than anything else.


    "As easy as it sounds, it''s practically impossible," Daemon muttered, recalling his first attempt at finding the tree.


    The memory of wandering aimlessly through the forest, searching for what felt like a needle in a haystack, made him shudder. "I swear, finding that tree nearly brought me to tears while playing the game."


    Taking a deep breath, Daemon gazed at the dense forest sprawling ahead. Towering trees intertwined their branches, and the earthy scent of herbs filled the air. The forest felt alive, each rustle and distant sound hinting at its hidden secrets and potential dangers.


    Reaching into his bag, Daemon pulled out a smooth, blue marble. Holding it in his hand, he tapped it three times. With a faint hum, the marble floated into the air, glowing softly, casting a cool blue light around him. It hovered close, illuminating his path like a magical torch.


    He stepped forward, his movements slow and deliberate. Though he knew the general location of the tree from the game, but Daemon remained cautious. He didn''t let overconfidence cloud his judgment.


    "Games and reality aren''t the same," he reminded himself quietly. The forest might not be exactly as he remembered. If he underestimated it, he knew it could quickly turn into a fatal mistake. With that thought, Daemon pressed on, determined yet vigilant, his glowing guide lighting the way.


    After over an hour of walking, Daemon finally came to a halt. In front of him stood a tree unlike any other. Its towering branches stretched toward the heavens, adorned with leaves that shimmered faintly, as though they held the light of distant stars. The sight was mesmerizing, otherworldly, and undeniably powerful.


    The air around the tree carried a distinct energy¡ªa subtle hum that vibrated through the atmosphere. Daemon''s heart raced as he stood before it, knowing he had found the tree that housed the skill [Predator].


    Taking a deep breath, he extended his hand. His fingers brushed against the rough bark, and a strange warmth spread through his palm. The tree seemed to respond, as if recognizing him. A surge of energy coursed through his body, flowing from the tree''s core into his being.


    Daemon stood still, absorbing the power. The essence of the skill resonated within him, filling him with strength.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    As Daemon stood before the ancient tree, a mechanical voice echoed in his mind, clear and emotionless.


    [The skill ''Predator'' is going through resonance with you...]


    He froze, his eyes widening in anticipation.


    [The skill ''Predator'' is going through resonance with you...]


    The words repeated, growing more distinct as the energy coursing through him intensified.


    [The skill ''Predator'' has over 90% resonance with you...]


    Daemon''s breath hitched. He had never encountered anything like this before.


    [The skill ''Predator'' has been obtained.]


    A description of the skill materialized in front of his eyes:


    [Predator]


    Effect: Reduces the opponent''s stats by 50% while increasing the user''s stats by 50%.Additional Effect: Instills deep fear in the opponent''s mind. Depending on their mental strength, this fear can either hinder their movements or paralyze them entirely.


    Daemon stared at the skill''s description in his mind, a mixture of shock and disbelief washing over him. The details were far superior to what he had known. The addition of fear as an effect¡ªespecially one powerful enough to incapacitate¡ªwasn''t something he remembered.


    "Could it be because of this resonance?" Daemon murmured to himself.


    He clenched his fist, feeling the overwhelming strength of the skill settle into his very core.


    Feeling a surge of satisfaction, Daemon turned away from the glowing tree and set his sights on his next destination.


    Time wasn''t on his side. He knew he was lagging far behind the others¡ªhis competitors, his future enemies, and even the main cast. If he wanted to have any hope of surviving and thriving in this world, he needed to act quickly.


    Daemon''s greatest weakness at the moment was painfully clear: his lack of stats. It was a glaring disadvantage, one he had no choice but to overcome.


    His path was simple yet daunting¡ªto gather as many hidden pieces as possible in the shortest amount of time. Every boost, every advantage, no matter how small, was critical.


    So that''s why the next hidden piece he is going to get will not only help in increasing his stats, but also his combat efficiency.


    It had already been a month since the academy term began. In the original game, this period served as filler. But Daemon knew the truth¡ªafter this, events would start unfolding rapidly, and the pace would only accelerate.


    "According to my calculations, I barely have a week left." Daemon muttered to himself, his thoughts racing.


    *********


    The Aegis Hunter Academy held five hidden pieces within its grounds, each a valuable treasure. Three were unique skills, one was a special item, and the last offered a direct boost to strength. These hidden pieces were not just rare¡ªthey were essential.


    When players first began their journey in the game, they quickly discovered how challenging it became after the first two events. By the time the third event rolled around, the difficulty spiked dramatically.


    For Arthur, the game''s protagonist, it was practically impossible to clear the third event without becoming at least a three-star hunter. Unless the players had flawless strategies, the event seemed like an insurmountable wall.


    This led to a wave of frustration among players. Many began experimenting and strategizing, seeking solutions to break through this difficulty curve. After countless hours of trial and error, someone finally found an answer.


    One key approach was to gather as many allies as possible before the second event concluded. Doing so provided the strength in numbers needed to tackle the third event. But to gather allies, players had to invest time in completing numerous side events, each unlocking potential companions or resources.


    One day, entirely by accident, a player stumbled upon a remarkable hidden piece¡ªa dungeon unlike any other. This dungeon wasn''t just a test of skill or strategy; it granted a unique opportunity to increase a player''s rank.


    When this discovery spread, it revolutionized the way players approached the game. Arthur, the protagonist, used this very dungeon to break past his limitations. He raised his rank to become a three-star hunter, which allowed him to overcome the daunting third event.


    Daemon knew this story well. That''s why he was headed for the dungeon now. With his current strength, it was his best shot at gaining the edge he desperately needed.


    From his memories, Daemon recalled the dungeon''s location clearly. It lay in the Elysium Dominion''s District D.


    Fortunately, since the forest he had just left bordered District D, the journey wouldn''t take long. His plan was increase his power as much as possible before looking for the hidden piece out the academy.

 Aegis Hunter Academy (2)

    Daemon stood before an imposing iron gate, its surface etched with intricate runes that seemed to pulse faintly in the dim light. These were an ancient language, which tells the way to unlock the door.


    In the game, players needed extensive knowledge of the world''s lore to decipher the runes and gain entry. But, Daemon wasn''t bound by those limitations.


    With practiced precision, he began tapping specific points on the door. Each place he touched left behind a faint blue glow, like nodes lighting up in response to his movements.


    Satisfied, he pressed on several more spots, carefully connecting the glowing points. One by one, the nodes connected and formed a unique pattern.


    As the heavy door creaked open, Daemon stepped inside, the air shifted subtly.


    [You have entered the dungeon.]


    As the message popped up, Daemon entered the dungeon.


    His eyes scanned the dimly lit space ahead. Rows of dummies stood silently, lined up in eerie precision. There were exactly ninety-six of them, motionless and lifeless at first glance.


    But Daemon knew that these weren''t ordinary training dummies¡ªthey were golems. They had humanoid shapes, faceless, with smooth surfaces devoid of features. Each one bore a circle drawn on a different part of its body, a subtle marker that hinted at their purpose.


    He studied them closely, recalling his knowledge from the game. "Just like before," he muttered to himself. "They''ll remain still unless one crosses a certain distance."


    Daemon reached into his new backpack and pulled out a steel sword. His previous bag, destroyed beyond repair in the last dungeon, had been replaced with this one. Crafted with spatial manipulation magic, the bag allowed him to store a surprisingly large number of items despite its modest appearance.


    Gripping the sword, he examined it carefully. The blade gleamed faintly under the dim light of the dungeon, and a familiar notification appeared in his mind.


    [Ordinary Steel Sword: A sword forged from steel. It has extremely low mana conductivity.]


    Looking at the sword, he couldn''t help but feel disappointed at how weak his sword is. Though it was serviceable for now, its limitations were glaring.


    Still, it was the only weapon he had at the moment, and he knew he''d have to make do. Clenching the hilt tighter, he turned his focus back to the rows of silent golems ahead.


    Daemon turned his attention to a golem with a circle etched into the center of its chest. Without hesitation, he gripped the steel sword firmly in his right hand and surged forward.


    The moment he crossed an invisible threshold, the golems sprang to life, their rigid bodies jerking into motion. But it was too late for the one in Daemon''s sights. He closed the distance in an instant and swung his sword with precision, striking the circle on the golem''s chest.


    With a sound like breaking stone, the golem collapsed to the ground, lifeless, as if it were a puppet whose strings had been severed.


    A familiar notification flashed before Daemon''s eyes.


    [Your strength has increased by 2.]


    A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "It works," he muttered under his breath, feeling a surge of satisfaction.


    This was the hidden piece of the dungeon¡ªa unique mechanic that allowed one to destroy golems instantly by targeting the circles on their bodies. As a reward, each successful hit granted a direct boost to his stats.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    As Daemon prepared to target his next opponent, a bronze golem suddenly lurched forward, moving with surprising speed. It positioned itself in his path, blocking his way. Daemon twisted his body to avoid its charge.


    The golem wasted no time, dashing toward him again, closing the distance with relentless determination. Daemon''s sharp eyes scanned its body, searching for the circle that would bring it down.


    However, the golem didn''t give him a chance to focus, its attacks coming one after another. Daemon was forced into a constant cycle of dodging and blocking.


    Suddenly, the golem swung its massive fist, aiming directly for Daemon''s head. Reacting in the nick of time, he tilted his head to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow. That''s when he saw it¡ªthe circle, etched just below the elbow on the underside of the golem''s arm.


    ''Found it.''


    Seizing the opportunity, Daemon gripped his sword tightly and swung with precision, aiming directly for the mark.


    A sharp, cracking sound echoed as his blade connected with the circle. The golem froze for a moment before collapsing to the ground, lifeless. A deep slash marred the glowing mark on its arm.


    A notification appeared in front of him.


    [Your speed has increased by 2.]


    Daemon allowed himself a brief moment of relief, as he caught his breath.


    This was Daemon''s first time wielding a sword, and it showed. His movements were clumsy and unrefined, each swing lacking the grace and precision of someone experienced.


    "Originally, Daemon was a dagger user," he thought to himself. "But it didn''t suit me, so I decided to switch to a sword."


    His eyes shifted to the remaining golems standing ahead, their faceless forms standing motionless but ready. As he assessed his next move, one of the golems stepped forward.


    Daemon tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, bracing himself for another battle. At least there was one silver lining¡ªthese golems didn''t swarm him. They attacked one at a time, giving him just enough room to focus on each encounter individually.


    Before the golem could charge toward him, Daemon made his move, striking first with decisive intent.


    There was a reason for his preemptive attack.


    "The circle is on the shoulder," he muttered under his breath, his eyes locked onto the circle etched into the golem''s upper body.


    Daemon had devised a straightforward strategy. If he spotted the circle he would immediately go on the offensive, delivering a precise strike before the golem had a chance to retaliate. But if the circle wasn''t visible, he would shift to a defensive stance, conserving his energy as much as possible while carefully looking for the circle on his opponent.


    It was a simple plan. He couldn''t afford to waste stamina recklessly. With this strategy in mind, Daemon tightened his grip on the steel sword and lunged toward the golem, aiming directly for the circle.


    Thanks to his increased speed, Daemon closed the gap in an instant. The golem tried to raise its hand, but it was too slow. Before it could block, Daemon''s sword hit its target, and the golem collapsed to the ground.


    A notification flashed in front of him:


    [Your agility has increased by 3]


    Just as Daemon was about to catch his breath, another golem appeared, charging at him.


    Daemon''s eyes locked onto the circle on the golem''s stomach. Without hesitation, he launched himself forward, taking the initiative once again. His sword swung with precision, aiming directly at the mark.


    This time, things didn''t go as planned. As Daemon swung his sword at the golem''s marked spot, the golem swiftly raised its arm and deflected the strike. The impact sent a jolt of pain through Daemon''s hand, making it go numb. He nearly lost grip on the sword.


    But the golem wasn''t done yet. After blocking the sword, it punched forward with incredible force, aiming straight for Daemon''s chest.


    Reacting quickly, Daemon raised his forearm to block the punch. The force of the blow sent him stumbling backward, and his arm trembled from the pain.


    Daemon studied the golem in front of him, his mind racing. ''This one is stronger than the others,'' he thought. It was true¡ªthe golem before him was far more powerful than the ones he had fought earlier.


    As Daemon grew stronger from defeating the previous golems, the dungeon seemed to send even tougher opponents to challenge him. Despite the new difficulty, Daemon refused to back down.


    ''It''s going to be tough, but it''s not impossible,'' Daemon thought to himself as he charged forward.


    Daemon swung his sword towards the golem''s neck, but just as he expected, the golem raised its hand to block the attack. However, Daemon had already planned his move. In a swift motion, he leaned forward and changed the trajectory of his sword, stabbing it toward the circle on the golem''s stomach.


    With a sharp clicking sound, the golem fell backward, deactivated.


    [Your Dexterity has increased by 3]


    A message appeared before him, but Daemon didn''t feel the relief he expected. Instead, tension lingered in his chest. ''This was only the fourth golem,'' he thought, ''What will the remaining ninety-two be like?''


    He turned his attention to the fifth golem stepping forward. Taking a deep breath, Daemon prepared himself for the next challenge, walking forward with resolve.

 Aegis Hunter Academy (3)

    Inside a large room, a boy with purple eyes was panting heavily, his body trembling with exhaustion. He was surrounded by countless fallen golems, their humanoid shapes scattered across the ground.


    The boy''s legs shook, barely able to support his weight. His face was bruised, and his clothes were torn in multiple places from the battle.


    With a deep breath, he reached for a small bottle from his bag, resting on the floor beside him. The liquid inside was a vibrant green.


    "This is the last one," he muttered to himself, lifting the bottle to his lips and drinking it in one swift gulp.


    Almost immediately, he felt a warm sensation spread through his body. His bruised face began to heal, and the cuts and scrapes on his body closed up, leaving him feeling stronger.


    Daemon looked at his now healed body, his fists clenched and unclenched as he tested his strength. A determined expression crossed his face as he turned toward the door at the far end of the room.


    He took a deep breath, then spoke aloud in a confident, challenging tone, "I, Daemon Gracefall, want to challenge the great knight to a duel."


    As soon as he spoke, the door trembled and slowly creaked open on its own. A chilling presence filled the air, making Daemon''s body tense. His fist clenched tightly in response, but he refused to retreat.


    Stepping forward, he walked toward the door with unwavering confidence.


    Before entering the dungeon, none of his stats had even reached 20. Now, after his battles and growth, every stat was in the 30s. Not a single stat remained below 30.


    In just two days, Daemon had gained this much strength¡ªsomething even the game''s protagonists couldn''t achieve unless they had access to hidden pieces.


    As Daemon stepped into the expansive arena, he was greeted by the sight of a lone knight golem standing tall in the center. Its gleaming white armor seemed to radiate an aura of purity and strength, and in its hand, it held a sword with a silver blade etched with glowing blue runes.


    The sight of the knight gave off an overwhelming sense of holiness, making the air around it feel heavy and charged.


    Daemon continued forward, his steps steady as he entered the arena and drew his sword. The knight, as if acknowledging his presence, mirrored his action. It unsheathed its blade and raised it in a formal stance.


    A familiar sound echoed in Daemon''s mind.


    Ding!


    A translucent window materialized before him, :


    [Quest: Defeat the ''Dungeon''s Great Knight''


    Rewards: Skill stone,


    Great knight''s sword


    Do you accept the quest? Yes/No]


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Daemon selected "Yes" and dismissed the window with a sharp nod.


    Turning his focus back to the knight, Daemon gripped his sword tightly, his eyes narrowing as he sized up his opponent.


    As if on cue, both Daemon and the knight golem moved simultaneously. Their swords clashed with a resounding clang, locking together in a tense deadlock.


    ''It seems our strength is evenly matched,'' Daemon thought, a determined glint in his eyes. Without wasting a moment, he shifted his sword, tilting it to break the deadlock. The knight''s blade wavered, leaving an opening on its left side. Seizing the opportunity, Daemon swung his sword with precision.


    Clang!


    His attack struck the knight''s armor but failed to penetrate it. Daemon''s eyes widened in disbelief. The knight''s armor was tougher than he anticipated. Before he could adjust his strategy, the knight golem regained its balance and swung its sword, aiming directly for Daemon''s head.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Reacting instinctively, Daemon pulled back his weapon just in time to block the blow. The force of the impact sent a shockwave of pain through his arms.


    "Keuk!" he groaned, his hands trembling under the strain. But the knight didn''t relent. It raised its sword high and began a relentless series of vertical strikes. Each blow was heavy and unyielding, making Daemon''s arms throb with pain as he struggled to block every strike.


    With no other option, Daemon slid backward, his boots skidding across the arena floor as he tried to put some distance between himself and the knight. His arms trembled from the repeated blows, and he tightened his grip on the sword, his breathing uneven.


    He stared at the knight, its imposing figure unwavering. ''That armor is ridiculously tough'', he thought, frustration flickering in his mind. ''I can''t pierce it with normal attacks.''


    Taking a deep breath, Daemon forced himself to steady his shaking hands. He adjusted his stance, focusing his energy. Slowly, a faint blue energy began to envelop his sword, wrapping around it. The blade seemed to hum with renewed sharpness.


    It was something he learned earlier, while battling the golems outside. Back then, he''d also struggled to break through their defenses. And after thinking about it a lot, how to break through their defenses, he came up with this technique.


    However, since it was a technique crudely made, he couldn''t always use it. That''s why he was trying keep it as a last resort.


    Daemon exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. ''I thought my increased strength would be enough to handle this knight,'' he admitted to himself. ''But I was too arrogant.''


    Now, with the blue energy coursing along his blade, Daemon''s confidence returned. He fixed his gaze on the knight and he leapt towards it.


    The knight golem responded swiftly, leaping toward Daemon with startling speed.


    Daemon gritted his teeth. He knew this technique wouldn''t last long. Every second counted, and he had to end this battle quickly.


    "Dash," he muttered, activating his skill. Instantly, his speed surged, and in the blink of an eye, he closed the gap between himself and the knight.


    Before the golem could react, Daemon swung his sword, now glowing with concentrated blue energy. The blade sliced through the knight''s formidable armor, leaving a deep gash across its chest.


    Daemon didn''t let up. With his enhanced speed and agility, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, targeting the golem''s left arm, neck, and waist. The knight fought back fiercely, its blade flashing as it parried some of Daemon''s attacks. The strikes aimed at its waist and neck were deflected, but the relentless assault finally paid off.


    With a precise, powerful swing, Daemon severed the knight''s left arm. The dismembered limb fell to the ground with a metallic clang, and Daemon stepped back, his breathing heavy.


    The blue energy around Daemon''s sword began to flicker, a clear sign that the technique was reaching its limit. He knew he couldn''t maintain it any longer. Just as doubt began to creep in, a familiar notification echoed in his mind.


    [Cold-blooded has been activated]


    Daemon''s frenzied thoughts stilled. The tension and desperation melted away, replaced by an icy calm. His mind, now sharp and focused, analyzed every movement of the knight in front of him. But the system wasn''t done.


    [Tenacity has been activated]


    A surge of raw power coursed through Daemon''s body, filling him with renewed strength. The passive skill ''Tenacity'' had triggered, amplifying his stats in response to his declining health. His grip on the sword tightened, and he felt his muscles brimming with potential.


    However, He didn''t rush. This time, he took a measured breath and focused.


    With a steady hand, he poured more mana into his sword. The flickering blue energy around the blade grew thicker, longer, and more vibrant.


    At the same time, he amplified his speed and agility, feeding more mana into his Dash skill. The effect was immediate: his body felt lighter, faster, more precise.


    Daemon dashed forward, his body flickering like a shadow, appearing directly in front of the knight. Without hesitation, he launched into a relentless assault, his sword swinging in a blur of motion. Blue arcs of energy streaked through the air as his blade struck from every direction, each strike aimed at the knight''s vital points.


    The knight''s missing left arm left it vulnerable, its movements sluggish and imprecise. It tried to counter, but Daemon''s relentless attacks gave it no chance to recover. Strike after strike, Daemon''s blade cut into the knight, leaving deep gashes and glowing marks etched into its once-pristine armor.


    Daemon knew every golem had a core, the source of its power. He didn''t know where this knight''s core was hidden, but it didn''t matter. His plan was simple: destroy it so thoroughly that it couldn''t move, core or no core.


    The knight staggered under the assault, unable to keep up. Finally, with one last flurry of strikes, Daemon''s sword sliced through its joints and body. The golem crumbled to the ground, its pieces scattered across the arena. The once-imposing knight lay in ruins, its glow fading as its power extinguished.


    Daemon stood for a moment, swaying on his feet, before his legs gave out beneath him. He collapsed onto the cold floor, his body utterly drained. The blue glow around his sword faded, and the faint hum of mana that had surrounded him disappeared entirely.


    He had poured nearly all his mana into his attacks and his Dash skill, pushing himself beyond his limits. Now, his body screamed in protest, his stamina and mana reserves completely depleted.


    Lying flat on his back, his arms spread wide, Daemon stared at the ceiling. His breathing was shallow, and his eyelids grew heavy. The warmth of exhaustion pulled him into its embrace, and within moments, his eyes closed as sleep overtook him.

 Aegis Hunter Academy (4)

    "Ugh¡­ I feel like crap," Daemon muttered, his voice low and hoarse. He was sitting on the cold ground, his back leaning against a broken piece of the knight golem. The exhaustion hit him hard¡ªevery bit of fatigue from his earlier battles with the other golems had finally caught up with him, weighing down his body like heavy chains.


    Physically, he wasn''t in terrible shape, thanks to the potions he carried. His wounds had healed, and his strength had somewhat returned. But the real burden was mental.


    The strain of using up all his mana, combined with the constant focus required during the battles, had left his mind utterly drained. He was so tired that he hadn''t even realized when he passed out after defeating the Great Knight.


    Daemon let out a long, weary sigh as he planted his hands on the ground and pushed himself upright. His legs trembled slightly from fatigue, but they held firm. He stood still for a moment, steadying his breath and clearing his mind. The battle had taken everything he had.


    As he straightened up, his eyes caught the faint glow of a notification window floating in front of him.


    [Congratulations! You have completed the quest.]


    [Would you like to claim the rewards? Yes/No]


    Without hesitation, Daemon selected ''Yes''. Almost immediately, he felt a warm surge of energy flow through his body, spreading from his core to every limb.


    [Your stats have increased by 5.]


    A small but satisfied smile appeared on his face. The boost in his stats was exactly what he needed, but the rewards didn''t stop there.


    In a brief flash of light, a skill stone materialized in his hand. It was smooth and cold to the touch, marked with intricate blue runes. Without wasting any time, Daemon tightened his grip around the stone, applying pressure until it shattered. As the fragments disappeared into glowing particles, a familiar wave of power coursed through him, almost like an old memory returning to life.


    [You have obtained the skill ''Sword Storm''.]


    Daemon shifted his gaze toward the skill description floating before him.


    [Sword Storm: An Area of Effect skill. A storm of invisible sharp energy surrounds the user that cleaves and slices anything entering its range.]


    Reading the description, Daemon''s eyes widened in disbelief. "This skill is¡­ way too powerful," he murmured to himself, unable to hide the surprise in his voice.


    The initial shock quickly gave way to excitement. His heart began to race as a grin spread across his face. He clenched and unclenched his hands, imagining the sheer destructive power of the skill in action. It was a rare feeling¡ªlike a child receiving a brand-new toy, eager to try it out right away. The possibilities of using this skill flooded his mind, each thought making him more eager to test it.


    Daemon''s excitement simmered down as he regained his composure. There was no point in celebrating just yet¡ªgetting out of the dungeon was the top priority. Without wasting another second, he slung his backpack over his shoulder and began retracing his steps.


    Unlike before, when he had spent hours navigating the twisting paths and hidden passages, this time the route was clear in his mind. His pace was steady, and before long, he reached the familiar exit. Stepping outside, Daemon felt a cool breeze brush against his face. He stood on the same road he had taken to enter, but now the sky above was dark, scattered with stars. Night had fallen.


    Glancing at the sky, he let out a quiet sigh. "I was planning to leave the Academy grounds tonight to grab that hidden piece outside," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with mild disappointment. "But it''s already late. That''s not going to work now."Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    With a resigned shrug, Daemon decided it was best to head back. There was no rush. He had made significant progress today. For now, rest was what he needed most.


    ***************


    When Daemon finally made it back to his room, the first thing he noticed was a pile of neatly arranged packets on the floor. He blinked in surprise before a thought crossed his mind. ''The delivery service here sure is fast''.


    Then again, it wasn''t too shocking. Considering the Academy''s reputation, speedy service was the norm. He dropped his backpack by the bed and walked over to inspect the packages.


    The materials he had ordered weren''t anything fancy. Just a variety of herbs, each carefully sealed. They were all ingredients for crafting a potion called ''Vitae''. Despite the fancy-sounding name, its effect was relatively straightforward¡ªit boosted the body''s natural healing process.


    Daemon nodded in satisfaction as he checked everything. "Good, all here," he muttered to himself.


    This wasn''t an ordinary potion¡ªfar from it. The recipe for Vitae wasn''t something readily available in this world. In fact, it was supposed to be discovered much later in the future. According to the potion''s description in the game, it had been developed by an alchemist as a remedy for his chronic illness. That bit of lore always stuck with Daemon, and now he intended to recreate it himself, long before anyone else could.


    With a focused expression, he carefully laid out the herbs. No one knew of this potion yet, which meant he had to get everything right on his own. Grabbing a small mortar and pestle, he began crushing the herbs one by one. As he worked, a faint liquid seeped out from the crushed leaves. Without wasting time, he added the remaining herbs to the mix, grinding them thoroughly until the various liquids combined, forming a thick blue-green solution.


    Daemon poured the mixture into a small glass vial and set it over a flame. The soft crackling of the fire filled the room as he kept a close eye on the vial, ensuring the heat remained steady. After about fifteen minutes, the liquid inside turned a bright orange.


    He removed the vial from the heat and held it up to examine the potion. The orange glow reflected faintly in his purple eyes. "Looks about right," he murmured, satisfied with the result.


    Daemon took a deep breath, steadying his nerves before raising the vial to his lips. Without giving himself time to hesitate, he downed the potion in one go. The moment the liquid touched his tongue, his eyes shot wide open. The taste was overwhelmingly bitter¡ªso much so that tears welled up in his eyes, and he had to fight the urge to spit it out.


    Clenching his jaw tightly, he forced himself to swallow, the foul taste lingering in his mouth like an unwelcome guest.


    Barely a second after the potion reached his stomach, a rush of energy surged through his body. But it wasn''t a pleasant sensation. Instead, an excruciating pain rippled through him, as though every muscle and fibre of his being was being pulled taut and tested beyond their limits.


    "Kugh¡ª!" Daemon grunted in pain, clutching his chest as his entire body trembled under the strain. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his breathing became ragged. The pain was intense, but mercifully brief. After a few agonizing moments, the discomfort began to fade, leaving him gasping for air.


    "Is it over?" he muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. Though drained, he was curious about the potion''s effectiveness. He wanted proof that his efforts hadn''t been in vain.


    Without hesitation, he grabbed a small knife from his bag and made a shallow cut on the back of his hand. Blood welled up from the wound, trickling down his fingers. Daemon watched intently as, slowly but surely, the cut began to close on its own. Within seconds, only a faint scar remained where the wound had been.


    Daemon wiped away the last traces of blood from his hand, his eyes fixed on the faint scar. ''The scar will vanish soon too,'' he thought, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. The potion had done its job, despite the bitter taste and the brief agony it brought. It wasn''t pleasant, but it worked¡ªand that was all that mattered.


    With the test complete, Daemon felt the exhaustion creeping back in. Without wasting any time, he headed toward the washroom. As he stepped under the warm stream of water, the heat eased the tension in his muscles, gradually melting away the fatigue that clung to him like a heavy cloak. He stood there for a while, savouring the comfort, letting the water wash away the grime and weariness from the past few days.


    After his shower, Daemon emerged feeling refreshed. His long black hair, still damp, clung to his face and neck. He quickly towel-dried it, then slipped into a loose black shirt. The fabric hung comfortably on his shoulders as he walked toward the bed.


    Without a second thought, he flopped onto the mattress, sinking into its softness. His eyelids grew heavy, and with a deep sigh of relief, he allowed himself to finally relax, the weight of the past two days momentarily forgotten.


    "Let''s skip school tomorrow"


    Daemon softly muttered to himself before falling asleep.

 Aegis Hunter Academy (5)

    The gentle warmth of the morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft, golden light across Daemon''s bed. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open, the remnants of sleep still clouding his mind.


    "Yawwwn..." Daemon stretched lazily, his body protesting the sudden movement. After the exhausting battles of yesterday, he had earned himself a well-needed rest. He had pushed himself to his limits, and today, he decided to give himself a break.


    Not wanting to face the grind of the school today, Daemon decided to skip his Monday classes. Aegis Hunter Academy, despite being one of the most prestigious institutions in the human domain, was still, at its core, a school. The usual rules applied, and one of those rules was the Academy Points, or AP, system.


    To stay enrolled, students had to maintain a certain number of AP, and if their points dropped too low, they faced expulsion. In Aegis Hunter Academy, AP wasn''t just a grade system¡ªit was also the currency that fueled daily life. It was how students bought supplies, paid for services, and lived their lives within the school.


    And of course, attendance at Aegis Hunter Academy also contributed to AP. For someone like Daemon, who was ranked last among all the first-year students, every point counted. His AP was already dangerously low.


    ''Since my AP is already at rock bottom, skipping one class won''t make much of a difference,'' Daemon thought casually. He didn''t seem too concerned about losing a few more points.


    "I''ll just train today," he muttered to himself as he climbed out of bed. Without wasting time, he brushed his teeth and took a quick cold shower, the chill helping him shake off any lingering drowsiness.


    Feeling refreshed, Daemon made his way to the cafeteria. Approaching the counter, he said to the young cafeteria worker, "Morning Breakfast Combo, please."


    The worker glanced at the clock for a moment. It was already 10 a.m. Most students had finished breakfast long ago and were now in class. The cafeteria was mostly empty, save for a few scattered students who didn''t have morning classes.


    Skipping classes was rare at the academy. Since attending lectures rewarded students with free AP, most made sure never to miss them. To the worker, Daemon''s presence was odd¡ªwhy would anyone skip an easy chance to gain points?


    After about three minutes, his breakfast was ready. Daemon grabbed the tray, quickly ate the meal, and got up without delay. His mind was already on his next destination¡ªthe Training Hall. He had decided that if he wasn''t going to class today, he would at least use the time to improve himself.


    *************


    The Training Hall of Aegis Hunter Academy was divided into three sections: Training Hall A, B, and C. Each hall served a distinct purpose, catering to different kinds of students and training regimens. Right now, Daemon was headed toward Training Hall C.


    Without paying attention to the array of advanced training equipment lining the hall, Daemon walked straight to the AI Combat Room. He stopped in front of a sleek metal door and took out his student ID, holding it against the scanner.


    Ding! A robotic voice echoed, calm and precise.


    <Daemon Gracefall. Hunter Department. First-year student. Rank: 3250 out of 3250.>


    The door slid open with a quiet hiss. This particular room was designed for combat training, its AI system capable of adjusting the room''s settings to match the user''s desired difficulty and strength level.


    the AI prompted.


    Daemon paused for a moment, considering his options. He clenched his hand into a fist, feeling a flicker of excitement rise within him.


    ''Let''s see how strong I really am''


    "Set the difficulty to first stage," Daemon instructed calmly.


    <Understood. Adjusting the difficulty to the first stage.>


    Daemon knew how these stages worked¡ªeach one required the user to fight AI-controlled robots. The challenge grew progressively harder with each stage. He clenched his fingers around the hilt of an ordinary training sword, leaving the [Knight''s Greatsword] untouched. It was far too valuable and conspicuous to use in front of others. Better to keep it hidden for now.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    <Difficulty set. Beginning in three seconds.>


    <Two seconds.>


    <One second.>


    Ding!


    As the countdown ended, the bright lights in the room flickered off, plunging the space into darkness for a brief moment before dim battle lights illuminated the arena. Five humanoid robots appeared in front of Daemon, their mechanical limbs whirring as they moved into position.


    Daemon''s eyes locked onto his opponents. His heart remained steady


    Without hesitation, the robots lunged at him in a coordinated assault. The first swung its metallic arm toward him, but Daemon sidestepped swiftly, avoiding the strike by a narrow margin. He parried the next incoming blow with precision, his plain sword meeting cold steel with a sharp clang.


    This wasn''t about winning. He could have ended this quickly if he wanted to. His strength had grown enough to crush these machines with ease. But that wasn''t his goal. He was here to refine his technique, something he had little experience with. Though he had improved since his early battles, but he still lacked experience.


    He carefully studied each attack, analyzing the movement and momentum of his opponents.


    ''Aim for the center of momentum and divert the energy.''


    With that in mind, he shifted his stance. When the next robot attacked, Daemon angled his blade perfectly, redirecting the force of the blow to the side. Using the momentum of the parry, he transitioned smoothly into an offensive strike, targeting another robot nearby.


    Daemon continued refining his sword techniques, switching between different focuses. At times, he emphasized defense, expertly parrying each attack with precision. Other moments, he worked on offense, delivering swift, calculated strikes. He even tested his speed, dodging and countering faster than before. The world around him seemed to fade as he immersed himself in honing his skills.


    One by one, the robots fell, their metallic forms crashing to the ground until none remained.


    "Stage complete," a robotic voice announced.


    <You have completed the first stage. Would you like to enter the second stage?>


    "Yes," Daemon replied without hesitation.


    As he waited for the next stage to begin, a fleeting thought crossed his mind. The original Daemon from this world would have struggled to survive the first stage, let alone clear it so easily. Yet here he was, standing tall, ready to take on the second stage without even breaking a sweat.


    A sense of pride swelled in his chest.


    <Understood. Adjusting the difficulty to the second stage.>


    The lights dimmed once more, and with a faint mechanical hum, the robots powered up. Their metallic bodies gleamed faintly in the dim room as they moved into formation, their movements sharp and precise. This time, seven robots emerged, each more coordinated than before.


    Daemon''s eyes scanned his opponents, noting their positioning and the way they moved. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, feeling the familiar weight in his hand. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and waited for them to close in.


    Without hesitation, the robots charged. Daemon met them head-on, deflecting their blows, dodging swift strikes, and countering when the opportunity presented itself.


    Time passed, and Daemon lost count of how many robots he had faced. Each stage became harder, the number of robots increasing, their speed and strength improving. But Daemon pressed on, pushing himself further and further.


    With a final swing of his sword, Daemon destroyed the last robot standing. Sparks flew as its metallic frame collapsed to the ground with a dull thud. He straightened, breathing heavily, sweat dripping down his face.


    Before he could even catch his breath, the familiar mechanical voice echoed through the room.


    <You have finished the number of tries allotted to you.>


    <You have completed the fourth stage.>


    Daemon let out a slow breath, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. He glanced around the empty training hall, the broken remains of robots scattered across the floor.


    "Not bad," he muttered to himself, sheathing his sword.


    Since Daemon''s rank was at the bottom, he didn''t have access to unlimited tries in the combat room. While he thought it was a shame, he didn''t dwell on it.


    Stepping out of the room, he wiped the sweat from his face with the towel he had brought along. Since it was already he made his way to the cafeteria to grab a meal.


    After finishing his lunch and taking a short break, Daemon headed back to the training area. Although the combat room was off-limits to him for the rest of the day, there were plenty of other facilities he could use to train.


    ''This will be my final session for today,'' Daemon thought as he made his way to the next training hall. Tomorrow, he planned to make things official by registering swords as his primary weapon instead of daggers. It was a necessary step, as the academy required students to report any significant change in their combat style.


    With that thought lingering in his mind, Daemon tightened his grip on the practice sword and resumed his training.


    Suddenly, a familiar chime rang out, breaking his concentration. Daemon paused mid-swing, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the source of the sound. A glowing notification window floated in front of him.


    --------------------------


    Sorry guys for the late update. I couldn''t update the chapters due to certain personal reasons.


    And I wanted to add that, there are some changes


    Monarchs ---> Venerables


    Amelia Blaze -----> Amelia Emberfall


    Thank you Guys for your support.

 Breaking Spirit (1)

    Suddenly, a familiar chime rang out, breaking his concentration. Daemon paused mid-swing, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the source of the sound. A glowing notification window floated in front of him.


    [Quest: Revenge of Daemon Gracefall]


    [Description: Since his arrival at Aegis Hunter Academy, the original Daemon Gracefall endured constant bullying and violence. His tormentors never stopped until they brought about his tragic end. Now, as someone who has taken over his body, you have the chance to avenge him.


    Rewards: Skill ''Sword Mastery''


    Would you like to accept the quest? Yes / No]


    Daemon''s gaze lingered on the glowing quest window, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the reward: Sword Mastery (Passive Skill). He was still new to swordsmanship. Despite steady progress, he knew he lagged behind most of his fellow first-years, many of whom had years of experience wielding weapons.


    Without hesitation, Daemon selected ''Yes'' and accepted the quest. The window vanished with a faint shimmer, but the weight of the task ahead stayed in his mind.


    Satisfied with his decision, he gathered his things and left the training grounds. By the time he stepped outside, the sky had darkened, and a cool breeze brushed against his face. The once-bustling academy grounds were now quiet, with only the distant flicker of lights illuminating the empty pathways.


    As Daemon made his way toward the dormitory, his thoughts drifted to the days ahead. From what he remembers, the real events¡ªthe official start of the academy''s plot¡ªwould unfold in just a week.


    The quest for revenge against his bullies? That was something he had already pushed to the back of his mind. They didn''t seem worth the effort. The strongest among them, as far as he remembered, was barely a peak 1-star hunter. Low-level thugs, scraping the bottom of the academy''s hierarchy. With his current abilities, defeating them wouldn''t be a challenge.


    "They probably just took out their frustrations on the original Daemon," he thought, feeling nothing but indifference. In fact, he was not at all interested in this ''revenge'' bullshit. It was the original Daemon who was bullied not him.


    The only reason he accepted the Quest in the first place was because of the reward. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have cared at all.


    As he continued walking, Daemon''s steps slowed slightly. His senses sharpened, and he quickly became aware of three faint presences following him from a distance. Instinctively, his hand twitched toward his weapon, but he remained outwardly calm, waiting to see what they would do.


    Daemon veered off his original path, heading toward a nearby forest. The Aegis Hunter Academy was built on vast land, offering students not only advanced facilities but also a tranquil forest where they could unwind or train in peace.


    As he entered the dense canopy of trees, the shadows lengthened around him. He walked deeper into the woods, his footsteps light and deliberate. After covering enough ground to feel isolated from the rest of the academy, he stopped and waited.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    A moment later, a mocking voice rang out, breaking the quiet of the forest. "Hahaha, look who we have here."


    Daemon turned his gaze toward the source of the voice, spotting three figures emerging from the shadows. His sharp eyes scanned them carefully¡ªtwo men and one woman, all wearing smug expressions.


    ''Ah, so it''s these guys,'' Daemon mused as he tilted his head slightly, recognizing the trio.


    At the front stood a burly brute named Ren Locke, the self-proclaimed leader of the group, his sneer filled with contempt. He took a step forward, towering over Daemon with a posture meant to intimidate. "What''s a weakling like you doing here, huh? Think some extra training will make you stronger? Lowest rank loser."


    The taunt was generic¡ªnothing Daemon hadn''t heard before. It sounded like one of those overused lines you''d find in every bully''s handbook. He barely paid attention to Ren''s words, his gaze shifting briefly to the other two.


    The boy standing to Ren''s left was Dylan, thin with brown hair and sharp green eyes. He didn''t look particularly threatening. Beside him was Amy, the girl with striking orange hair and blue eyes. Though at the bottom of the hierarchy, she was quite popular because of her looks.


    Amy stood a few steps behind the two boys, her voice oozing with mockery and amusement. "Oh, come on, boys. Don''t let him off so easily. Teach him what it means to be at the bottom of the ranks," she urged, a playful yet cruel smirk playing on her lips.


    Daemon remained calm, a faint trace of mockery appearing in his expression. His voice was steady, carrying just enough disdain to rile them up. "You keep going on and on about being the lowest rank. You do realize you''re not much better yourselves, right?"


    His words struck a nerve. The smirks on their faces froze for a moment before twisting into anger. Then came the laughter, loud and forced, as if they were trying to mask their irritation.


    "Listen to this little rat," Ren sneered, taking a step forward. "Thinks he''s tough, huh? Let''s see how tough you are when you''re on the ground." Without waiting for a reply, he charged straight at Daemon.


    Ren pulled his right fist back, aiming a powerful punch straight at Daemon''s face. With a simple tilt of his head, Daemon dodged the attack effortlessly. Seeing his initial strike miss, Ren''s frustration boiled over, and he began throwing punch after punch in rapid succession.


    Daemon, however, remained calm, his feet moving with ease as he sidestepped each blow. ''Just as I thought¡ªI''m stronger,'' he noted to himself. Unlike the game where only hunter ranks were displayed, there were no visible stats to compare, so Daemon hadn''t been entirely sure of his current strength. Now, though, it was clear.


    After observing Ren''s clumsy attacks for long enough, Daemon decided it was time to act. Dodging one final swing, he swiftly closed the distance and drove a solid punch into Ren''s solar plexus. The impact was precise and brutal.


    Ren''s assault came to an abrupt halt. He staggered back, clutching his chest, gasping for air as he fell to one knee. His face contorted in pain, and he struggled to catch his breath. Daemon, meanwhile, stood over him, calm and collected.


    A mocking smile crept across Daemon''s face as he let out a soft, taunting laugh. "All that talk about me being the lowest rank, and yet all it took was a single punch to bring you to your knees."


    Ren''s face darkened, his pride stinging more than the pain in his chest. Daemon''s words reminded him of a past defeat, a moment that had haunted him ever since. Gritting his teeth, he clenched his fists, fury driving him to rise and attack again.


    But before he could fully stand, Daemon moved. With swift precision, he delivered a sharp kick to the side of Ren''s head. The impact sent Ren sprawling across the rough forest floor, his body skidding until it collided with a tree. He slumped against the trunk, dazed and motionless.


    Daemon tilted his head slightly, his expression shifting into something darker¡ªa sinister, almost playful smile danced on his lips. "Now, now, let''s not get hasty, shall we?" he said, his tone dripping with sadistic mockery. His eyes flicked toward Dylan and Amy, who had remained frozen in place. "We still have two more people waiting their turn," he added, his voice eerily calm but filled with menace.

 Breaking Spirit (2)

    "Huh?" Dylan and Amy stared in disbelief, their eyes widening as they saw Ren lying motionless on the ground. For a brief moment, confusion clouded their minds¡ªthey couldn''t understand what had just happened.


    A few seconds ago, Ren had been attacking with confidence, yet now he was crumpled against a tree, completely defeated. Surprise quickly turned into fear, then concern. Something felt off. Just two days ago, they had easily overpowered Daemon, beating him whenever they wanted. But now¡­ something had changed.


    The three of them¡ªRen, Dylan, and Amy¡ªwere at the bottom of the academy''s ranking. They had grouped together, bound by a shared sense of inferiority. Realizing their lack of talent compared to others, they constantly struggled with feelings of worthlessness.


    Then they found Daemon.


    He was weaker, even lower in the ranks than they were. To them, Daemon had been an easy target, someone they could vent their frustrations on¡ªa convenient outlet for their pent-up anger and insecurities. They had beaten him repeatedly, using his helplessness to feel stronger.


    But now, as they stood there watching Ren defeated with a single strike, fear crept into their hearts. Daemon wasn''t the same person they used to bully. Something about him had changed, and they could feel it.


    "Now, now, let''s not get hasty, shall we?" Daemon''s voice echoed through the forest, his tone laced with a mocking edge, his smile sinister. "We still have two more people waiting their turn." His words sent a cold shiver down Dylan and Amy''s spines.


    For a moment, fear gripped them tightly. But then, as they glanced at each other, they began regaining their composure. He''s still just one person, they thought. If we attack together, we can overpower him.


    As their confidence returned, Daemon''s voice cut through the air again, sharper than before. "Done regaining your composure?" he asked, his tone dripping with derision.


    Anger flared in their eyes. "You bastard!" Dylan roared, charging at Daemon from behind in an attempt to catch him off guard.


    Daemon didn''t even flinch. With a swift spin, he delivered a precise kick to Dylan''s chest, sending him sprawling backward, crashing into the ground with a painful grunt. Before Daemon could turn his attention fully back to Amy, he caught a faint glimmer in her eyes¡ªsomething was off.


    She''s using mana.


    In an instant, a wave of mental energy shot toward him, aimed at disorienting his mind. However, before it could take hold, a notification appeared in his vision:


    [A mental attack has been detected.]


    [''Cold-blooded'' has been activated.]


    [You have nullified the mental attack. Your resistance towards mental attacks has risen.]


    Daemon''s smile widened, becoming colder. Amy''s eyes widened in shock when she realized her attack had failed.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Nice trick," Daemon said, stepping forward slowly, his voice calm but menacing. "Too bad¡­ it didn''t work."


    Amy''s heart pounded in her chest as she instinctively took a step back, trying to create some distance between herself and Daemon. But no matter how far she moved, he seemed to close the gap with each step, his wide smile never fading.


    The smile itself sent a chill down her spine. It wasn''t just a smile; it was something more unsettling. Daemon''s face, handsome and composed, twisted into something that made her feel sick. It was the kind of smile you''d expect from a child who found a new toy¡ªinnocent and yet terrifying. It was the kind of smile that made you realize the toy was never meant to be treated gently.


    Before she could make sense of the fear building up in her chest, Daemon was standing right in front of her.


    Without a word, his fist swung toward her face. The blow landed brutally. Amy''s world spun as she felt the sickening crack of her nose breaking under the force. Blood shot from the wound, splattering across her face as she was knocked backward, her body crashing into the hard ground.


    Daemon stood still, watching as Amy groaned on the ground, her face twisted in pain. He raised his gaze to the other two, taking in their sorry state. Ren had finally managed to get to his feet, leaning against one of the trees for support. His head tilted slightly, as if still dizzy from the kick that had sent him crashing to the ground. He was struggling to keep his balance, his legs unsteady beneath him.


    Daemon''s eyes shifted to Dylan next. The boy was clutching his chest, his face pale and strained, as if each breath was a battle. His body was trembling, clearly unable to recover from the force of Daemon''s earlier kick.


    A sense of disappointment washed over Daemon as he looked at them. He had been hoping for more of a challenge, a true test to see just how far his abilities had come. But these three? They couldn''t even stand after a single blow. The fight had been over before it had even truly begun.


    Though disappointed, Daemon wasn''t surprised. In fact, he had expected this outcome. Hidden pieces were meant to be game changers, after all. And this fight was the perfect proof of that.


    Daemon''s determination only grew stronger as he looked at the three of them. He was more motivated than ever to gather the hidden pieces. With a deep sigh, he looked at Ren and Dylan, his gaze cold. "Okay, you two, come here."


    At the sound of his voice, Ren and Dylan''s bodies tensed, a shiver running through them. They were in no condition to move towards Daemon. After all, it was Daemon who had caused their current state. But despite the fear gnawing at them, neither made a move.


    Daemon''s eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a chilling tone. "If you don''t come within five seconds, I will make sure it gets even more painful for you."


    The threat was clear, and it sent another shudder through them. The humiliation was unbearable, but they knew they had no choice. They were awakened, so their bodies healed faster than normal humans, and though their bodies still ached and their faces were pale, they slowly forced themselves to move.


    Reluctantly, they made their way toward Daemon, each step heavy with the weight of their pride and pain.


    The three of them slowly made their way toward Daemon, standing before him, their bodies still battered from the previous exchange. Daemon glanced down at Amy, still lying on the ground, blood staining her face.


    "Do I need to give you a special invitation?" he asked coldly.


    At the sound of his voice, Amy scrambled to her feet, wincing in pain, blood still dripping from her face. She tried to stand, but the pain was clearly too much for her.


    Daemon turned his gaze to Ren, who was standing before him. Without warning, Daemon''s fist shot out and landed squarely in Ren''s stomach. This time, Daemon used his full strength. The impact was brutal¡ªRen immediately coughed up blood and collapsed to the ground.


    Daemon walked over to the fallen Ren, who was gasping for air. He looked down at him with a cold expression and said, "Didn''t I tell you to come within five seconds?"

 Breaking Spirit (3)

    In many fantasy stories, there''s always that familiar trope¡ªa weak protagonist who starts off as a victim of bullying. After gaining some mysterious power, they inevitably challenge their tormentors in front of the entire school. The crowd jeers, background characters mock him, whispering about how foolish he is, predicting his humiliating defeat.


    But, as the plot goes, the protagonist miraculously defeats the bullies. Victory seems sweet¡ªuntil one of the bullies runs crying to someone stronger. That stronger person comes seeking revenge, only to be beaten as well. Just when it seems over, the defeated enemy is revealed to be part of some larger gang or faction, and the cycle repeats. More enemies are sent. More fights happen. Eventually, the gang leader himself steps in, only to meet the same fate¡ªdefeat at the hands of the protagonist.


    It''s a predictable pattern, dragging on as one pointless fight after another unfolds.


    Daemon had no intention of following that script.


    Why waste time with this endless cycle of revenge and escalation when it could all be dealt with at once? Instead of inviting retaliation, Daemon aimed to instil something far more powerful in his enemies: fear. Fear so deep and overwhelming that the mere thought of opposing him would paralyze them. Fear so crushing that the bullies wouldn''t dare think of revenge.


    That, Daemon thought, was how you end things properly.


    Daemon stood there, hands and face smeared with blood, gazing down at the three broken figures sprawled on the ground. They lay motionless, barely clinging to consciousness. If it weren''t for the faint rise and fall of their chests, anyone would have thought they were corpses.


    Their faces were swollen and bruised, smeared with dried blood. Red welts and dark bruises covered their bodies, while splatters of blood marked the dirt around them. It was clear¡ªthey had been thoroughly beaten. Were they ordinary humans, they''d have died several times over by now. Thankfully, their status as awakeners ensured they clung stubbornly to life.


    The outcome of the fight was painfully obvious.


    With a cheerful tone that didn''t match the brutal scene, Daemon said, "Good. It looks like we''re on equal footing now." His voice was disturbingly light, as though he were chatting about something mundane.


    It wasn''t that Daemon delighted in the violence. He wasn''t some bloodthirsty psychopath who enjoyed inflicting pain for its own sake. No, his current mood had everything to do with the quest he''d just completed. The reward¡ªSword Mastery¡ªwas now his, and after seeing the description of the skill, he was more than satisfied.


    ''With my main objective accomplished, only the clean up remains,'' he mused, his eyes sweeping over the beaten trio. A calm smile played on his lips.


    Daemon crouched down beside the unconscious trio, carefully rifling through their pockets. He wasn''t feeling particularly generous, but leaving them in such a pitiful state without any means of recovery didn''t serve his purpose. As he searched Dylan, his fingers closed around a small vial tucked in the boy''s pocket.


    ''Makes sense,'' Daemon thought, inspecting the potion. ''He''s the weakest of the three. He probably keeps this around in case he gets hurt.''


    Without hesitation, Daemon removed the lid, the faint scent of herbs and magic wafting into the air. Rather than using the entire potion on one person, he decided to share it among all three of them. Carefully, he administered a few drops to each, watching as their wounds closed slightly, enough for them to regain consciousness and stand, albeit shakily.


    It wasn''t a perfect recovery, but it was enough. The bruises faded somewhat, and their breathing steadied. Now they could at least stay on their feet without collapsing.


    Satisfied, Daemon straightened up, his cold gaze sweeping over them.


    Daemon''s expression shifted suddenly, the cold edge in his eyes replaced by a cheerful, almost carefree smile. His abrupt change in demeanor was unsettling, and as they watched him, a single thought echoed in the minds of Ren, Dylan, and Amy: ''This guy... he''s not normal.''


    With a voice that now carried an unnerving lightness, Daemon spoke, "It looks like you guys are healed, right?"


    The trio flinched at his words. ''Like hell we are,'' they all thought in unison. While the potion had helped a little, their bodies still ached with pain, their faces and limbs marred by bruises. It was painfully clear just how badly they had been beaten.


    Despite their thoughts, none of them dared say anything other than what Daemon wanted to hear. Fear had gripped their minds completely, and they stammered out a weak response, "Y-Yes."


    Their voices trembled as they replied, betraying their anxiety. Though their wounds still hurt, none of them dared complain. Right now, their only concern was not provoking Daemon further.


    "I''m glad," Daemon said with a bright smile, as though they had just finished a friendly chat instead of a brutal beatdown. "You see, now that all the debts are settled, how about we become friends?"


    "F-Friends?" Ren stammered, his voice trembling with confusion. His mind struggled to process the situation. Daemon had just beaten them senseless, then partially healed them, and now he was casually suggesting they become friends. The absurdity of it left him speechless, and the others wore the same bewildered expressions.


    "Yeah, friends," Daemon repeated, his tone light and casual, as if nothing unusual had happened. "I mean, I''ve been here at the academy for a month, and I haven''t made any friends. I guess I have to blame my gloomy atmosphere for that, don''t I?" He let out a small laugh.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Ren found himself nodding unconsciously, too scared to do otherwise. He didn''t know what Daemon was thinking, but right now, all he wanted was to get away from this unpredictable person as quickly as possible. The word friends felt more like a trap than a genuine offer, but none of them dared voice their doubts.


    "Great, but there''s a slight problem," Daemon said with a playful grin. "You see, right now, I only need one friend. But there are three of you, aren''t there? So... who wants to be my friend?"


    A tense silence filled the air as Ren, Dylan, and Amy exchanged nervous glances. None of them wanted to be the first to speak, unsure of whether this was some sort of twisted joke. After a brief hesitation, Amy stepped forward, her voice trembling but firm. "I¡­ I want to be your friend."


    Ren and Dylan stared at her, wide-eyed and stunned. Even though Ren was the strongest and their leader, but it is Amy who is the mastermind behind most of their ''acts''.


    There was a heavy pause before Ren''s expression shifted, anger flashing in his eyes. He clenched his fists tightly, glaring at Amy. "You¡­ you bitch! This whole mess is because of you!" he spat furiously. His voice grew louder as he turned to Daemon, desperation and spite mingling in his tone. "It was her idea to bully you in the first place, Daemon. She''s the one who dragged us into this!"


    Amy flinched at Ren''s words but didn''t step back. Though her face was pale and her hands trembled slightly, "Daemon he is lying, this was never my idea, the only reason I bullied you was because they forced me to."


    Daemon watched the unfolding scene with an amused expression, as though he were merely a spectator in some theatre play.


    Ren stomped forward in rage, his fists clenched, ready to lash out at Amy. But before he could take another step, the sound of clapping echoed through the quiet forest. Everyone instinctively turned toward Daemon, who stood there with a calm, almost playful expression.


    "It''s okay, Amy," Daemon said, his voice light and reassuring. "I believe you. So now, we''re friends, right?"


    Amy blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his sudden kindness. "R-Right," she stammered, but inwardly, her thoughts were different. ''Hmph, I don''t know how you got this strong, but men are all the same. A few sweet words, and they come wagging their tails''.


    Daemon''s smile widened. "Good choice. Since we''re friends now, how about granting me a little request?"


    Amy answered quickly, almost too eagerly, her voice adopting a more seductive tone. "Yes, of course."


    In her mind, she was certain of her assumption. ''Like I thought, you''re no different from the rest''.


    But Daemon''s smile didn''t waver, and there was a glint in his eyes that made it clear¡ªthis wasn''t going to go the way she thought.


    Daemon''s smile didn''t falter, only growing wider, and in his eyes gleamed something unsettling, something dark. "Alright then," he said in a cheerful tone. "Kill Ren and Dylan."


    The words hung in the air like a heavy fog, suffocating them. The forest, already dim and silent, seemed to grow colder. All three froze in place, staring at Daemon in disbelief. Amy''s bruised face twisted in shock, her eyes searching his expression for any hint that this might be a cruel joke.


    "W-What?" Amy stammered, her voice trembling. "C-Come on, Daemon, stop joking¡­ This isn''t funny."


    Daemon tilted his head slightly, as if he found their reactions amusing. But when no laughter came from him, only silence, a pit formed in their stomachs. They waited, hoping he would say something to ease the tension.


    Instead, Daemon let out a quiet sigh. Without warning, something changed. His expression remained calm, but an invisible pressure filled the air.


    [''Predator'' has been activated.]


    A sudden wave of fear crashed over them like a tidal force, pressing down on their chests. Their bodies felt weak, their strength draining away as though something had sapped it from them. Their legs trembled uncontrollably, and before they knew it, they were on the ground, unable to stand.


    Daemon walked forward, his steps slow and deliberate, each one echoing in their ears like a death knell. His calm demeanour only made the growing fear worse. He moved past Ren and Amy without sparing them a glance, heading straight toward Dylan, who lay trembling on the ground.


    With every step Daemon took, their hearts pounded faster, like a frantic drumbeat echoing inside their chests. They couldn''t run. They couldn''t fight. All they could do was watch in terrified silence as Daemon closed in, his presence suffocating, like a predator circling its helpless prey.


    Daemon reached Dylan, his footsteps slow and quiet. Without hesitation, he drew his sword from its sheath, the blade gleaming dully in the dim forest light. According to the academy''s rules, students were forbidden from using weapons outside the designated training grounds unless given explicit permission during class. Violating this rule could lead to suspension or even expulsion. Because of this, most students never dared to draw their weapons, even during heated fights.


    But Daemon didn''t care about the rules.


    With the sword unsheathed, Daemon stood over Dylan, who lay trembling on the ground. The oppressive aura of his activated skill, ''Predator,'' continued to weigh heavily on Dylan''s already fragile mind. The skill didn''t just weaken the body¡ªit planted pure, unrelenting fear into the hearts of those caught in its grasp. And Dylan, already terrified beyond reason, could barely breathe, let alone move.


    "P-Please¡­ I don''t want to die¡­" Dylan stammered, his voice quivering, tears welling in his eyes. He was helpless, fear etched onto his pale face as he stared up at Daemon. Every part of him screamed for mercy.


    Daemon didn''t respond. His expression was unreadable, cold and distant. Without a word, he raised his sword, the sharp tip aimed directly at Dylan''s chest. Then, in one swift motion, he plunged the blade into Dylan''s heart.


    The sword pierced through flesh and bone effortlessly, the sickening sound of metal tearing through a body echoing faintly in the quiet forest. Blood splattered across Daemon''s hand and face, warm and vivid, staining the silver of his blade. He felt the resistance give way as the sword sank deeper, stopping only when the hilt touched Dylan''s chest.


    ''So, this is what it feels like¡­ to pierce someone. To kill someone,'' Daemon thought, his mind strangely calm despite the brutality of the act.


    Dylan''s eyes widened in shock, his mouth opening slightly as though he wanted to say something, but no words came. For a brief moment, he seemed unable to comprehend what had just happened. Then, slowly, his eyelids fluttered and closed, his life slipping away. His body fell limp, and a dark red pool of blood began to spread beneath him, soaking into the earth.


    Daemon withdrew his sword, the blade glistening crimson in the dim light. He glanced down at the lifeless body without a hint of emotion.


    ''I don''t feel any disgust... it''s nothing like those stories where the protagonist kills for the first time and feels sick or guilty.'' The thought flickered through Daemon''s mind as he stared at Dylan''s lifeless body. There was no queasiness, no regret¡ªjust cold detachment. Killing had turned out to be far less dramatic than those novels had described.


    Breaking away from his thoughts, Daemon turned his head slowly toward Ren and Amy, blood splattered across his face like a grotesque mask. His expression remained eerily calm, but his eyes carried a chilling intensity that made it clear he was completely serious.


    "Do I still look like I''m joking?" he asked, his voice low and steady, each word laced with cold finality.

 Breaking Spirit (4)

    Devil.


    That was the only word Amy could use to describe Daemon in that moment. His cold purple eyes glowed faintly, their eerie light cutting through the darkness of the forest. Blood smeared his face, a stark contrast against his pale skin. He stood there, motionless yet menacing


    Ren and Amy stared, stunned beyond words. They had bullied plenty of students before¡ªmocked them, beaten them¡ªbut never had they taken a life. Watching Dylan''s lifeless body lying in a pool of blood, the brutal reality of the situation hit them harder than any blow they had ever dealt. They had never imagined Daemon would go this far.


    Amy''s heart pounded in her chest, fear gripping her tightly. The sheer cruelty of what she had just witnessed left her shaken. That was when, the aura of dread that had weighed on her moments ago finally began to fade, and she could feel her strength returning. Yet, despite regaining her strength, the fear did not leave. It lingered, sinking deep into her mind.


    Trembling, she dared to look into Daemon''s eyes again. What she saw made her stomach twist. Those eyes... cold and devoid of mercy. They didn''t seem human. She had never seen such lifeless, predatory eyes before, and the chill they carried left her feeling small and powerless.


    Suddenly, Daemon''s words echoed in her mind.


    "I''ll have to kill if I want to survive." She thought to herself.


    Amy''s breath hitched as she slowly turned her gaze toward Ren. Fear gnawed at her insides, but she couldn''t ignore the truth. If she hesitated now, her life might end here just as Dylan''s had. Her mind raced as she realized what needed to be done. It was kill... or be killed.


    Amy''s trembling hands slowly pulled the dagger from her bag, her eyes fixed on Ren. He, too, was shaking, his body still haunted by the image of Dylan''s death. The terror had paralyzed both of them.


    Her mind raced as she prepared for the only way out. With a quick, practiced movement, she activated her skill¡ªMind Haze. The world around Ren seemed to blur, and the fog crept into his mind, clouding his thoughts. His eyes glazed over, a dazed, vacant look overtaking him. Amy saw her chance and lunged forward, jumping at him with all her desperation.


    The dagger found its mark, but Ren''s tough physical nature, due to him being a physical type hunter, resisted the blade. The dagger didn''t pierce deeply enough, only grazing his skin. She could feel the strain in her own arms as she tried to push the dagger deeper into him, but her strength was not enough.


    Panicking, Amy pulled the dagger out and stabbed again. Blood sprayed from Ren''s chest, splattering across her face, but she didn''t stop. The frantic fear and desperation surged within her, forcing her to stab again and again. Each strike was a release, pouring her panic, her terror, into every thrust of the dagger.


    She knew her skill would only last for so long¡ªshe could feel it slipping away, the haze in Ren''s mind beginning to dissipate. In that moment, her desperation reached its peak. Tears blurred her vision, but she didn''t stop. She kept stabbing, her dagger sinking deeper with each blow. She felt his blood coat her hands and arms, the warmth of it mingling with the cold fear inside her.


    It was as if she were in a trance, her mind numb, focused only on the task at hand. She could barely hear her own ragged breathing over the frantic pounding of her heart. In that single, chaotic moment, she poured every ounce of fear and desperation into her strikes.


    What felt like an eternity to Amy finally came to an end. Her trembling hands froze midair, and she slowly looked down. Ren''s lifeless body lay beneath her, his chest covered in deep, jagged wounds. Blood soaked his clothes and pooled around him, a gruesome scene that made Amy''s stomach twist violently.


    For a brief moment, she could only stare in shock, her mind struggling to process what had just happened. The reality hit her like a crashing wave¡ªthis was her first kill. The realization brought a sickening feeling that rose rapidly from her stomach to her throat. She stumbled back from Ren''s body, dropping the blood-stained dagger as if it had suddenly burned her fingers.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    "Bleurgh¡­" She collapsed to her knees and vomited onto the ground, her entire body shuddering uncontrollably. The metallic stench of blood mixed with the bile in her mouth, making it worse.


    Amy couldn''t keep her mind steady. Her thoughts were a swirling storm of confusion, fear, and regret. She felt hollow and lost, as if something inside her had shattered. Her breaths came in short, uneven gasps, and she clutched her chest, trying to calm the chaos within her.


    Amid the turmoil, she suddenly felt a hand rest gently on her shoulder. The unexpected touch made her flinch, but when she turned her head, she met Daemon''s calm, cold gaze. His face was still splattered with blood, but his expression held an eerie calmness, as if what had just happened was nothing out of the ordinary.


    "Good job," he said quietly, his tone unsettlingly neutral. The simple words carried a strange weight, making Amy''s chaotic emotions even harder to bear.


    "I trust I don''t need to explain why you shouldn''t mention tonight''s events to anyone," Daemon said, his voice calm yet carrying a weight that made Amy''s heart race even faster.


    Before she could gather her thoughts, Daemon extended his hand toward her. "Give me your dagger."


    Amy hesitated for a brief moment, her trembling fingers tightly gripping the bloodied weapon. But the cold look in Daemon''s eyes left no room for refusal. Swallowing her fear, she handed over the dagger, her hands shaking uncontrollably. She didn''t know what Daemon intended to do, and the uncertainty gnawed at her nerves.


    Daemon took the dagger without a word and turned toward the forest''s exit. His footsteps were steady, echoing faintly in the stillness of the night. Just when Amy thought he was gone, he suddenly stopped and looked back over his shoulder, his gaze piercing through the darkness.


    "Get rid of the bodies," he said, his tone devoid of emotion, as if it were a simple task like tidying up a room.


    Amy flinched at his words, her body stiffening in fear. For a moment, she couldn''t move, but when Daemon''s gaze lingered on her, she forced herself to nod, unable to find her voice.


    Without waiting for a response, Daemon turned away and disappeared into the shadows of the forest, leaving Amy alone amidst the blood and death.


    *******************


    Ring!


    The shrill sound of the alarm echoed through the quiet room, dragging Daemon out of his sleep.


    "Ugh¡­" he groaned, his voice heavy with fatigue.


    Since his body was covered in blood of Dylan when he returned, Daemon had no choice but to activate his ''Stealth'' skill just to sneak back into his dorm without being noticed.


    Glancing at the clock, he saw the glowing numbers¡ª6:00 AM.


    "Six already, huh?" he muttered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Guess I''ve got enough time to deal with the weapon change."


    As per the academy''s rules, any change in a student''s primary weapon had to be officially registered. Daemon didn''t particularly care for the rules, but he had no intention of drawing unnecessary attention to himself either. Skipping the process wasn''t an option.


    If it weren''t for this annoying formality, he wouldn''t have bothered waking up so early. He was never a morning person¡ªnot in this life, nor in his previous one.


    With a sigh, he dragged himself out of bed, preparing for the day ahead.


    "Let''s get this over with," Daemon thought as he stepped out of his room.


    The cold air nipped at his skin, and the sky was still a deep shade of blue. The sun hadn''t yet risen, and with winter fast approaching, the campus remained mostly empty at this early hour. Only a few distant shadows of early risers moved around the grounds.


    Daemon made his way toward the student administration building. Upon entering, he saw a lone secretary sitting behind a desk, her posture calm and composed. In this world, work hours began much earlier than what he was used to in his past life¡ªanother thing he wasn''t particularly fond of.


    "I want to change my weapon," Daemon said without wasting time.


    The secretary gave a polite nod, her expression remaining neutral. "Sure, we can arrange that for you. Which weapon are you planning to switch to?"


    "Sword," Daemon replied simply, his voice steady.


    Following the secretary''s instructions, Daemon made his way to the testing area. Upon arrival, he was handed a basic sword¡ªsimple in design but balanced enough for proper evaluation.


    Gripping the sword, he tested its weight, giving it a few practice swings. The cold metal felt solid in his hand, and though the weapon was nothing special, it was enough to warm up with. He moved into the empty training area, performing fluid strikes and quick footwork, getting a feel for the sword''s balance and his own movements.


    As Daemon continued, a figure entered the room, catching his attention. It was an instructor¡ªstern, broad-shouldered, and carrying an air of authority. He wore a formal instructor''s uniform, the badge on his chest marking him as the Coordinator of the Swordsmanship Course.


    He had seen this character countless times in the game.


    ''Leymar, if I''m not wrong,'' Daemon thought, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the man.


    The testing area was a vast, open field designed specifically for weapon trials. Different target ranges stretched across the field, each set at varying distances. The targets came in all shapes and sizes, crafted from sturdy materials that could endure repeated strikes from swords and other weapons.


    "All right, let''s begin," Instructor Leymar said, his voice steady and commanding.