Damien leaned against the rough bark of a tree, the cool night air prickling his skin. His breathing had steadied after the battle, but the adrenaline still coursed through his veins. The sword in his hand—Ebonfang—felt like an extension of his very being, its dark, gleaming blade etched with glowing runes that pulsed faintly in the dim light.
The power surging through him was undeniable, a stark contrast to the helplessness that had defined his entire life. For the first time, the chains of the curse were gone. He could feel it in every movement, every breath.
Curiosity burned within him. He raised his hand and focused, willing the familiar Stat Window to appear.
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[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Damien Ashenblade
Title: The Blade's Chosen
Level: 1
Class: Celestial Bladebearer
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CORE STATS:
Stat Current Value Description Strength 14 Physical attack power and carry weight significantly increased. Agility 16 Enhanced speed, reflexes, and attack precision. Endurance 12 Increased stamina and resistance to physical damage. Intelligence 10 Improved comprehension of combat and magical techniques. Perception 15 Sharpened senses, critical hit chances, and enemy detection. Vitality 13 Enhanced health pool and recovery rate.
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UNIQUE TRAITS:
Trait Name Description Celestial Resonance Bonded with the Celestial Blade, unlocking latent abilities and enhancing growth potential.
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ABILITIES:
Ability Name Type Description Astral Slash Active Unleashes a wave of celestial energy that deals massive damage to multiple enemies in its path. Phase Step Active Briefly shifts the user between physical and astral forms, allowing for instant evasion or repositioning. Blade Echo Passive Every third attack creates a spectral afterimage, dealing bonus damage. Celestial Aura Passive Enhances combat efficiency, increasing strength and agility. Reduces enemy accuracy within its range.
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DYNAMIC BUFFS:
- EXP Boost: +200% EXP gain from combat with higher-level enemies.
- Health Regeneration: 5% of max health regenerated per minute outside of combat.
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Damien’s eyes widened as he scanned the screen. His entire life, he had seen this window filled with pitiful, locked stats—constant reminders of the curse that shackled him. Now, the numbers before him told a different story.
“Fourteen strength… sixteen agility…” he muttered, almost in disbelief. His gaze drifted to the abilities section. Astral Slash, Phase Step, Blade Echo. Each name resonated with him, promising power and versatility in combat. He clenched his fists, feeling the raw energy humming beneath his skin.
He dismissed the screen and turned his attention back to Ebonfang, its dark blade still pulsing with faint light. His fingers tightened around the hilt as he recalled the description of Astral Slash. Without hesitation, he stepped into the open space of the clearing, his stance steady.
“Let’s see what you can do,” he said to the blade, as if it could hear him.
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Damien raised Ebonfang and visualized the technique. The blade seemed to respond, its runes flaring brighter as he channeled his intent. He felt the surge of celestial energy flow through him, and with a powerful swing, he unleashed it.
A brilliant arc of energy erupted from the sword, slicing through the air and crashing into a large boulder at the edge of the clearing. The impact was deafening, and when the light faded, the boulder lay in shattered pieces, cracks spidering out across the ground.
Damien exhaled slowly, a grin spreading across his face. “So that’s Astral Slash…”
The satisfaction was short-lived. From the shadows beyond the clearing, a low, guttural growl echoed. Damien’s body tensed as two pairs of glowing red eyes emerged, their owners stepping into the light. They were hulking, monstrous creatures, their forms twisted with sinew and shadow. Wraithborn—larger and more feral than the ones he had faced before.
Damien didn’t flinch. Instead, his grip on Ebonfang tightened, and a familiar, fiery determination ignited within him.
The first Wraithborn lunged, claws extended to tear through him. But Damien was faster. He activated Phase Step, his form flickering for an instant before reappearing behind the creature. The beast’s claws raked through empty air.
Without hesitation, Damien slashed downward, triggering Blade Echo. A spectral afterimage of his strike followed immediately, slicing through the Wraithborn’s torso. The creature howled as it dissolved into black mist.
The second monster hesitated, snarling as it assessed its foe. Damien felt a surge of confidence. Celestial Aura activated passively, the air around him shimmering faintly. The Wraithborn stepped forward, but its movements were sluggish, its accuracy faltering within the aura’s influence.
Damien closed the distance in a heartbeat. His strikes were precise, relentless. A final slash, accompanied by another Blade Echo, brought the creature to its knees before it, too, disintegrated into mist.
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As the clearing fell silent once more, Damien lowered his sword. His chest rose and fell steadily, and a calm, victorious smile spread across his face.
He glanced at Ebonfang, its blade gleaming faintly in the moonlight. “Looks like we’re just getting started.”
With the curse gone and power flowing through him, Damien felt a surge of hope and purpose. This was more than just a new chapter—it was a new life. He had spent years as the weakest member of the Ashenblade family, a burden in their eyes.
Not anymore.
He sheathed Ebonfang and turned toward the path ahead, ready to face whatever challenges awaited. The world had always doubted him, but now, with the Celestial Blade in hand, Damien would carve his place in history.
And nothing would stand in his way.