CHAPTER 2: RUNE MASTER?

I was taken aback when he introduced himself.

"Let me introduce myself," he said with a sly smile. "I'm Khaos, King of Hell." My eyes widened in shock.

I had just said I was willing to make a deal with the devil, but I didn't think I'd actually be dealing with the King of Hell himself.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I realised the true extent of my bargain.

Before I could even process what was happening, Khaos continued, "The power I'm going to give you is a Rune."

I was taken aback. "A Rune?"I repeated, unsure what to make of it.

Khaos nodded, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Yes, a Rune, but not just any Rune. This is a Rune from the King of Hell, and it's truly special. If you use it to its full potential, you could even become a Rune Master."

My mind reeled at the prospect.

"Rune Master?" I exclaimed, but before I could ask any questions, Khaos' attention was diverted. Smelling something... "ah! It seems the food is ready."

He got up, his movements fluid and graceful, and picked up the meat that had been roasting over the fire.

"First, let's eat," he said, his voice firm.

"My mother always said you should never do anything on an empty stomach." He handed me a piece of meat, and I took it, still trying to wrap my head around what was happening.

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I was making a deal with the King of Hell, and he was feeding me like a guest in his home. It was surreal, but I knew I had to focus. I had to learn more about this Rune and what it meant to be a Rune Master.

The food had been surprisingly delicious, the flavors dancing on my tongue - the tender meat, the savory spices, and the hint of sweetness. It was as if the taste buds on my tongue had come alive, and I felt invigorated.

After I finished eating, Khaos approached me with an expectant gaze. "Now, take off your shirt," he instructed, his voice firm but curious.

I hesitated for a moment, wondering what he had planned. But now, I had to focus on what Khaos wanted. I slowly removed my shirt, my heart beating slightly faster with anticipation.

Khaos sat behind me, his fingers tracing intricate patterns on my back. The sensation was both painful and exhilarating, like a thousand needles pricking my skin. But amidst the discomfort, I felt something strange - a warm, tingling energy coursing through my veins. It was mana, I realised, pouring into me like a river.

I gritted my teeth, enduring the pain as Khaos continued his work. Finally, he exclaimed, "Ah, finally done!"

After that he handed me a small, square plate, and I gasped as I saw my own back reflected in it. The skin was etched with glowing runes, pulsing with a soft, blue light. I felt a surge of wonder and trepidation - what had Khaos done to me? And what did these mysterious runes mean for my future?

As I gazed at the glowing runes on my back, Khaos instructed me to think of my 'status' and look at the silver plate again. I furrowed my brow, unsure what to expect. But as I focused on my status, the plate began to glow with a soft, white light. I peered at it, and my eyes widened in amazement.

*Status Window*

Name: [Mark]

Level: 1

Mana: 100/100

Strength: 10

Agility: 10

Intelligence: 10

Rune Mastery: 0%

I stared at the plate, bewildered by the numbers and terms I didn't understand. What did it all mean? Khaos chuckled, seeming to enjoy my confusion. "Your journey begins now," he said, his eyes glinting with excitement.

"With this Rune, you'll grow stronger, faster, and more powerful. But remember, your power is yours alone to control."

I asked Khaos, "How can I become stronger?" He replied with a simple answer, "Hunt monsters and absorb their essence. That's how you grow stronger."

I wanted to know more about my power, but Khaos just shook his head. "You're the one who has to figure it out. I can't tell you any more."

I was determined to become stronger. I had a month to prepare before heading to Aurora Island. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was ready to face the challenge. Khaos, on the other hand, had other plans. "I'll go pick up that lady," he said, leaving me to my training.

I took a deep breath and set off to hunt monsters. I had no idea what lay ahead, but I was determined to become stronger. I would absorb their essence and grow more powerful. I had to. I had a feeling that my journey to Aurora Island would be fraught with danger, and I needed to be prepared.