Damien sat on the edge of the cliff behind the Ashenblade estate, the sprawling city of Valdris stretching out below. The wind tugged at his cloak, carrying the distant hum of life from the streets. He came here often, seeking solitude away from the weight of his family’s expectations—or rather, their lack of them.
To the world, Damien Ashenblade was an enigma. The Ashenblade name carried weight, and his father’s exploits were the stuff of legend. His siblings, Kael and Selene, were already prodigies in their own right. And yet, Damien had remained an outsider, not because of his lack of will but because of the curse that shackled him.
He stared down at his hands, flexing his fingers as if expecting something to change. Eighteen years, and the same stagnant powerlessness remained.
“Damien!” a voice called, breaking him from his reverie.
He turned to see Selene approaching, her crimson cloak billowing behind her. She had always been his fiercest protector, and the worry in her eyes now was no different.
“Father’s summoned you,” she said, her voice soft but urgent. “It’s important.”
Damien nodded and stood, his heart already sinking.
The walk back to the estate was quiet. The grand halls, adorned with tapestries and weapons from past victories, felt heavier today. Once inside his room, he hesitated, then sighed. He raised his hand, summoning his stat page—a privilege every Ashenblade could access.
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[STATUS WINDOW]
Name: Damien Ashenblade
Title: None
Level: 0
Class: None
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CORE STATS:
Stat Current Value Description Strength 5 Below average physical attack power and carry weight. Agility 6 Slightly below average speed and reflexes. Endurance 4 Low stamina and weak resistance to physical damage. Intelligence 7 Moderate comprehension of basic combat techniques. Perception 8 Average senses and critical hit chance. Vitality 5 Low health pool and slow recovery rate.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
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UNIQUE TRAITS:
Trait Name Description Shadowbind Curse A debilitating curse that seals potential, severely limiting combat ability and growth.
ABILITIES:
None – Damien has not unlocked any active or passive abilities.
DYNAMIC BUFFS:
None – No active bonuses or adjustments in combat.
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Damien stared at the screen, bitterness twisting in his gut. These numbers, these constraints—they had defined his entire life. No matter how hard he trained or fought, the curse made progress impossible.
“Eighteen years…” he murmured, closing the stat page. “I won’t let this define me forever.”
A knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. He opened it to find Selene waiting, her expression tense. “It’s time.”