(POV Kevin)
From the day I returned, I embarked on an intense and rigorous training regimen at the first light of dawn. I began my days with 7-kilometer runs, pushing myself to the limits of my abilities, followed by a strenuous weightlifting session. This initial part of my morning training lasted from 6 to 10 a.m. After this intense effort, I allowed myself a nourishing meal to replenish my strength, followed by a short, restorative one-hour nap. Then, in the afternoon, I resumed with mana control, also known as energy flow mastery.
The first step in this process is to become familiar with mana, to feel it and make it move within oneself. This requires work through meditation, concentration, and specific techniques, allowing better usage in the necessary proportions according to the situation, enabling precise adjustments. With mana, one can enhance different aspects such as strength, speed, endurance, and more.
The second step, called forging, involves creating what is known as channels within the body. This is the creation of veins to carry mana much faster and in greater quantities. It’s a complex process that requires advanced mastery of flow manipulation. Forging the channels demands meticulous precision to shape the energy pathways, thus allowing an optimal flow of mana throughout the body.
The third step is the creation of a mana core. This core is often spherical in shape and is designed to store and release mana in a controlled manner. It acts as an additional reservoir, enabling access to greater power reserves and maintaining optimal energy stability.
It is important to note that these steps represent only part of the process, as there are others with variations as well. But each demands dedication, regular practice, and a deep understanding of the principles. Each step is consequently more difficult than the last, requiring continuous training and rigorous discipline to progress towards total mana mastery.
For now, as someone new to this world, I was only at the first step. The beginning proved quite challenging for someone like me who had hardly ever been awakened. I decided to train in an isolated place, in a small park where few people went. Fortunately for me, I had a great capacity for learning and a perseverance forged through the trials I had endured. So each day, I committed to pushing my limits, determined to accomplish my quest for revenge.
By the end of the first week of practice, I began to perceive my mana more clearly and tangibly. This energy, which I had barely explored until then, revealed itself to me in all its power and versatility. By connecting to this inner reserve, I felt a vibrant and electrifying sensation course through my being. The mana pulsed within me, ready to be channeled and directed according to my will. I discovered that this energy had a malleable nature, capable of adapting to the different intentions and needs I demanded of it.
I realized that mana was much more than just a raw energy; it was a creative and transformative force. I could shape and mold it to meet specific goals.
After three weeks of diligent practice, I made significant progress in my ability to manipulate mana within my body. I managed to move it gently, with an increasingly precise sense of control. Every movement of the mana became an energetic dance within my being.
Then, during the fourth week, I noticed a marked improvement in my fluidity and dexterity when manipulating mana. My energy movements became more natural, more harmonious. I could circulate mana with greater ease, directing it precisely where I desired.
I particularly thought back to that incredible black sword with which I had exterminated the monsters. I thought of it in the same way I had previously, and after several attempts, it materialized in a black veil. I felt a thrill of excitement, holding that incredible sword in my hand once again.
A sword imbued with an abyssal darkness, similar to the abyss I had visited, now rested in my hands. Possessing a singular and mysterious aura, this dark hue seemed to absorb the light, creating a mystical and unsettling aura around the weapon. Each time my fingers brushed its hilt, a chilling wave seemed to spread through my being, reminding me of the dark power residing within it and deep within me. An embodiment of dark power pulsated deep within its structure, patiently waiting to be unleashed. Every time I held it, I could feel that sinister energy vibrating along my palm, permeating my veins with an electrifying sensation.
So, I decided to name it Seth, in reference to the Egyptian mythological god. Seth, the god of Aridity, Disease, the desert, and especially Darkness. He draws his power from the terror inspired by his voice and breath, compared respectively to thunder and the scorching desert wind. Seth is called the "Ripper," "Warrior God," or my favorite, "The One Who Kills the Light."
"The sword Seth, which kills the light." (Kevin)
Just as I felt in this sword, there was also within me a different energy from mana, immeasurable and terrifying, which I could not access. In fact, I could only use insignificant fragments of it. Moreover, my mana mixed with this unknown energy.
Over the weeks, with training, my body gradually began to build muscle, becoming a bit more robust. Normally, it should have taken a bit more time to gain muscle. Even though it was happening on a small scale for now, it was strange that I was progressing so quickly. So, I later decided to increase the workload. But for now, classes were going to resume in exactly three days, so I had little time left for training.
The next day, as I returned home after an intense training session, a strange sensation coursed through my body. The hairs on my skin stood up, making me feel an imminent alert. I couldn’t explain it, but I knew a portal was about to form. As if to confirm my intuitions, the sky began to darken rapidly.
Guided by the chills running through my body, I let myself be led to a specific place. My instincts directed me towards a small stream located at the heart of the park’s forest. As I approached, the intensity of the chills increased, a sign that I was getting closer.
Upon reaching the stream, it shimmered softly under the moonlight, the air was strangely infused with a flow of mana. Through my training, I had also learned to sense the surrounding mana, and I could feel the abnormally vibrant energy emanating from this place.
Suddenly, a lightning bolt tore through the sky, striking just a few meters from me, creating an intense flash of light. In its wake, an enigmatic red portal opened before my eyes.
Quickly, I came to a conclusion regarding this month of training:
"If I am able to progress rapidly with physical training and energy control, then by facing monsters, I will evolve even faster!" (Kevin)
My heart began to race at the mere thought of becoming stronger. However, was I capable of clearing a rift on my own? At worst, if I found myself in trouble, I would only have to escape since the monsters wouldn’t be able to cross. But, imagine if I found myself surrounded, would I be able to flee?
"No, I don’t have to be afraid, I am already dead! I must change, I must never again be that scared child! That child who suffers events in pain. I must become a monster that even demons will fear; I will kill anything that stands in my way!" (Kevin)
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Having made my choice, I still took the time to measure the rift before entering. Using a well-known technique, I infused my mana into the portal itself to get an estimate of its level. When infusing mana, the portal reacts and sends mana back as well. If the portal's mana overwhelms you completely, it’s crucial not to enter.
In my case, the two manas opposed each other, almost balancing out. The portal’s mana slightly overpowered mine. So, the portal was roughly at my level, or perhaps slightly higher. I estimated that I was currently at rank 10, so the portal should be at the same level, or just above. The technique is quite unreliable, but it was all I had, as I didn’t have access to the machine called a calculator, which measures a rift’s level. However, my mind was solely focused on becoming stronger.
With conviction, I entered the rift, and immediately all my senses went on high alert. The rift was, once again, a cavern made of dull blue rock. I wandered through its rocky corridors, eventually entering an open chamber after a few minutes. This place finally presented the much-anticipated and predictable encounter with monsters. I now found myself face to face with a pack of beasts, more specifically, a pack of white wolves with scorpion stingers as tails. I counted about fifteen in total, and once they spotted me, they charged at me.
"Seth!" I immediately called out.
My sword materialized in a dark veil in my right hand, and I quickly got into position. I hastily analyzed the situation in front of me, assessing the position and behavior of each monster to respond accordingly. Two wolves were at the forefront, probably the most immediate threats. Behind them, five others were slightly behind, strategically spaced, ready to seize an opportunity to attack. The other monsters were grouped in the background, forming a compact mass that could be difficult to penetrate.
That said, this configuration actually worked to my advantage, as facing a compact, grouped block on my own would be challenging. I noted the advantage offered by the two most advanced wolves and the need to neutralize them quickly. The other five would then close in, and I would have to briefly retreat and eliminate them quickly, as the remaining ones would soon arrive, representing a numerical and dangerous threat. I stood ready, my mind focused and determined, to engage in battle with firm resolve.
In that moment, only the howls and footsteps of the wolves could be heard, the air electrified by the imminent clash. I was ready to face the monsters before me, aware of the challenges ahead but determined to triumph and prove the power that lay dormant within me. I fixed my gaze on the two priority wolves, evaluating their movements and looking for weaknesses in their guard. Ready to act, I used my mana mastery to increase my speed and strength, preparing for the impending fight.
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When the right moment came, I charged at the wolves, my sword slicing through the air. I attacked them with blinding speed and precision, targeting their vulnerable points while avoiding their counterattacks. My unwavering determination and sword mastery quickly paid off, and the two wolves were defeated, ending their immediate threat.
However, I knew that time was against me. The other five monsters, closing in quickly, would soon enter the fray. I briefly retreated, looking to position myself strategically to face this new wave of adversaries. Taking advantage of my speed and mobility, I attacked with fervor, aiming to eliminate the five monsters as quickly as possible. I used my mana control to increase the power of my attacks while remaining agile and adaptable to dodge their counterattacks. The battle raged on, the monsters’ claws and fangs seeking to tear me apart, but I fought with determination and precision.
In the end, each of the five monsters fell under the blows of my sword. However, the battle was far from over, and I needed to stay vigilant against the numerical strength and growing threat looming ahead. I then decided to run in this vast space, forcing the wolves to follow me in an attempt to break up the compact block of the remaining eight wolves. By succeeding in distancing them even by a few meters, I was given the opportunity to eliminate them one by one. My sword whistled through the air, slicing them with deadly precision and fierce intensity. Finally, I was the only one left standing, with the corpses of the monsters all around me.
Catching my breath as the dust of battle slowly settled, I had done it—I had defeated an entire group of monsters on my own without sustaining a single injury. The thrill of combat and the satisfaction coursed through every cell of my body, reinforcing my confidence and assurance.
However, before I could fully relish my victory, more howls echoed from the depths of the cave, and I saw about fifty more enraged beasts charging towards me.
"You've got to be kidding me!" I said anxiously as I saw this new wave of monsters.
Faced with this new imminent threat, there was no time to hesitate or get lost in anxiety. So, I quickly shifted my mindset back into combat mode, rapidly assessing the situation. The presence of fifty more enraged beasts represented a significant challenge, far beyond what I had faced previously.
I retreated to a defensive position, preparing to face this tide of monsters. As I engaged them, I began cutting down several wolves in this massive, disorganized wave. Naturally, there were now far too many angles to defend against with these beasts attacking me from all sides.
"Argh!" I let out, as wounds began to mark my body, caused by the claws and bites of the enraged beasts. But I focused primarily on avoiding the venomous stinger strikes, which contained a potentially paralyzing poison in large quantities. I concentrated intensely, using my reflexes and mana mastery to skillfully dodge these dangerous attacks while continuing to fight.
However, inevitably, the wounds kept accumulating on my body at an alarming rate. Claws tore into my flesh, bites sunk deep, and the pain became more and more intense. Each wound was a testament to the ferocity of my opponents.
"I’m going to die if this keeps up!" I gasped.
Without warning, a sharp pain shot through my body, as I hadn’t had time to react to one of the beast’s attacks. It had managed to slash my abdomen with a brutal strike, and a fountain of blood gushed from the long cut, staining the cave floor.
My legs buckled under the impact, forcing me to lean on my sword to avoid collapsing completely. The searing pain took hold of me, but another sensation emerged within me, an indomitable rage rising rapidly.
"There’s no way I’m going to let mere beasts like you kill me!" I shouted.
All my rage and energy poured into my sword—something I had only tried a few times during my training. However, given the urgency of the situation, this was my only chance. I had called what resulted from it a:
"Slash!" (Kevin)
The energy infused into Seth was released all at once, unleashing a sinister black beam. It was a mana blade of incredible intensity, slicing through 10 beasts in one blow, spilling their entrails onto the ground.
The surviving beasts were stunned, taken aback to see their comrades annihilated in an instant. The apparent dominance they had previously exerted dissipated in the face of my dazzling display of power.
I stood up, my breathing labored, my body battered, but my eyes burned with relentless determination. Taking advantage of this brief opening, I reasserted my position, ready to face the remaining beasts. My blade once again animated with a dark aura as I injected more mana into it, now glinting, ready to be used again with devastating precision.
"Now the real fight begins!" (Kevin)
In a flurry of swift movements, I narrowly dodged several claw strikes aimed at my face. Unfortunately, a few of them still grazed me, leaving bloody marks on my skin. The pain added to the physical exhaustion that was beginning to take hold of me.
As I tried to catch my breath, I felt a violent tug on my clothing, causing me to stumble backward. The fabric tore further, exposing a part of my body. While being pulled by the momentum, I managed to narrowly avoid a blow that could have been fatal.
Sweating profusely, my exhausted body was feeling the strain with every movement. The injuries piled up, reducing my ability to continue fighting with the same vigor as at the beginning.
Despite my efforts, I could still see about twenty wolves standing before me, with others arriving, ready to attack. Fatigue and pain threatened to overwhelm me, but I clung to my determination, refusing to give in to exhaustion.
"Come on, I’ll tear you apart, I’ve long been accustomed to pain!" I shouted.
I launched into a frenzied fight, where ten more wolves fell. In a burst of bravery and determination, I threw myself into a frenzied battle against the remaining wolves. My sore body and gaping wounds did not hold me back, as my will to survive and conquer was stronger than ever. My dark sword danced in my hands, striking with renewed ferocity.
Every movement was marked by deadly precision, aimed at mercilessly eliminating my adversaries. Ten more wolves fell to my swift and relentless attacks, their breaths extinguished in a final roar. The beasts, caught off guard by my devastating onslaught, were unable to cope with my unshakable determination. The fury of the battle resonated through every fiber of my being, transporting me into a deadly dance.
I was driven by an inexplicable inner force, drawing from my deepest resources to continue fighting against the obstacles before me. Each wolf that fell was a victory, a testament to my growing power. My body was marked by wounds and fatigue, but I refused to falter. Every moment was a battle for survival, and I couldn't afford to weaken. Sweat dripped down my forehead, mingling determination with exhaustion.
I knew that even after this new wave of victories, the fight wasn't over yet. More adversaries could still rise to challenge me. But in that moment, I savored a brief pause, letting the excitement of the battle mix with a fleeting sense of triumph. The fallen wolves at my feet bore witness to my unyielding resolve and determination to survive in this whirlwind of violence.
"If I die here, I won’t be able to protect what I hold dear! I’ll lose everything!"
My body started to heat up, hot air escaping from my mouth as if I had become a furnace expelling hot steam.
"If I want to become strong, I must devour you!" (Kevin)
Every time I killed a monster, I felt myself growing stronger and becoming more accustomed to the rhythm. Along with the heat, black lightning frequently manifested around me. With each monster I defeated, I felt my strength increase, while my confidence and adaptability to the demands of battle grew. I became familiar with the frenzied pace of the fight, my movements becoming more fluid and precise with every moment. Simultaneously, a dark and electrifying energy slowly awakened within me. Black lightning now crackled frequently around my body.
"Slash!" I said, launching a new blade.
Finally, after a long ordeal, I managed to bring down the 100th wolf I had encountered.
"Should I continue?" I wondered as I looked at my body and my tattered clothing.
My body was battered, covered in my own blood mixed with that of the beasts I had slain. My T-shirt had been reduced to shreds, a testament to the harsh battles I had faced. The injuries were more numerous than ever before, but in reality, they represented only a fraction of the suffering I had endured over the years.
"Yes, I can do it!" I declared determinedly.
Despite these injuries, I remained standing, ready to continue the fight. My body, hardened by previous trials, was used to pain and effort. I estimated that I was now at about 50% of my capacity, but my mind was resolute, my heart still beating with indomitable fervor. I knew I had to keep moving forward, confronting every challenge with determination and courage.
Scars and wounds had become an integral part of my journey, testifying to my resilience and resolve. I gathered myself, taking a deep breath to draw from the remaining reserves of energy. The battle was not yet over, and I was committed to seeing it through to the end. Even at 50% of my capacity, I remained a formidable force ready to overcome any obstacles that lay in my path.
And as if to respond to me, I saw numerous glowing eyes shining from the depths of the cave. I took a deep breath before shouting:
"Bring it on!"
After a long and exhausting fight through the dungeon, I finally reached the boss room, where I was confronted with an imposing sight. Before me stood the giant wolf, the final guardian of this dungeon. Its size exceeded anything I could have imagined, its white fur, piercing orange eyes seemed to read my soul, while its sharp fangs gleamed with deadly menace. My injuries and fatigue no longer mattered. All that counted was giving my best, pushing my limits, and triumphing over this formidable adversary. I strove to keep my mind clear and my reflexes sharp, using my mana mastery to strengthen my defense and increase my endurance.
"So, you're just an XXL version." (Kevin)
Given the giant wolf's massive size, I expected it to be powerful, but in the end, it was its speed that caught me off guard. With a single howl, it launched itself toward me with surprising swiftness, closing the distance between us in an instant.
"Fast!" (Kevin)
My reflexes were put to the test as I had to act quickly to dodge its impending attack. I leaped to the side, barely avoiding its sharp fangs that snapped shut where I had been just a second before. The giant wolf's strength and agility were astounding. Its momentum continued, forcing me to maintain maximum concentration and move with increased speed and precision to stay out of its reach.
The wolf completely overwhelmed me, as its size gave it a much greater attack range than that of an ordinary wolf. I finally took a hit, sending me crashing into a wall, blood spewing from my mouth. I had no time to focus on the pain, as it charged at me again. I narrowly dodged, while it destroyed the wall where I had just been standing. I launched a counterattack, but it only caused a small cut.
"What!" I exclaimed, surprised, while also struggling with the pain.
I was exhausted and surely had a few broken ribs, but fortunately, no vital organs seemed to be affected. The reality was that I was completely spent, my body screaming in pain. At most, I could only launch six more slashes before running out of mana, which would mean my death. I then made a decision, staking my life on this idea.
"It's all or nothing!" (Kevin)
Instead of launching a few weak slashes, I would launch just one! Instead of putting in a bit of energy as usual, I would triple that input to create a much larger attack.
I began gathering every remaining ounce of mana within me as the wolf continued its relentless attacks. In a deadly and fierce dance, it attacked me without respite, while my sword glowed with a dark and infernal aura. I was ready to release this mass of energy, but I only had one shot and had to strike true. Finally, after numerous breathless exchanges, I found the decisive opening I needed. I found myself, after dodging, just a few meters above its neck.
"Devour, Seth!" (Kevin)
Darkness enveloped my sword, infusing my attack with power far beyond a simple slash. The shadows surrounding it seemed tangible, thick and charged. The darkness then descended; however, what I hadn’t anticipated was that the darkness would erupt with unpredictable intensity.
Instead of slicing through the giant wolf’s neck, an explosion of energy occurred, sending dark shards in all directions. This was the result of my lack of control and experience. The wolf collapsed, stunned, unable to move, but still alive to my dismay. Half of its face and a large portion of its neck had been blown off by the explosion. Without hesitation, I rushed toward the giant wolf before it could regain its senses to finish it off.
"You're the one who dies!" I said, driving my sword into its skull.
The giant wolf let out a howl of pain, marking the end of both itself and our battle. As black lightning once again escaped from my body, I stood victorious on the monster's corpse.