Chapter 8 - The Weight of Power
The battle’s aftermath left the air heavy with silence. Jae-Hyun stood still for a moment, his breathing steadying as the weight of his unleashed power began to settle in his mind. His shadows, once chaotic and untamed, had receded into calm obedience. His sharp blue eyes scanned the area, ensuring no further threats lingered. Nearby, Ahri wiped blood from the edge of her sword, her confident stance betraying no sign of weakness despite the battle’s toll.
“That was reckless, even for you,” she said, sliding her blade into its sheath. There was no fear in her tone, only sharp observation. Her voice carried a balance of concern and respect, reflecting her unshakable confidence.
Jae-Hyun glanced over his shoulder, his hood casting shadows over his face. “We’re almost out of here. Save the lecture for when it matters.”
Ahri crossed her arms, leaning slightly on one hip. “You’re not off the hook. But fine, let’s focus on getting out first.”
She seemed unshaken, but deep down, a flicker of fear lingered. Though Ahri had kept her composure, she couldn’t shake the memory of Jae-Hyun’s shadows turning toward her. If he hadn’t regained control… She quickly dismissed the thought, unwilling to let it show. Her strength wasn’t just in her swordsmanship—it was in her resolve to never falter, even when fear clawed at her.
Reaching into his satchel, Jae-Hyun retrieved two small vials of glowing liquid. Without a word, he handed one to Ahri. She accepted it with a nod, uncorking the potion and downing it swiftly. A faint glow spread through her body, the dull aches and wounds from the fight vanishing. Jae-Hyun drank his own potion with the same efficiency, the two falling into step as they began moving again.
The forest around them remained dense and unwelcoming, the twisted trees clawing at the faint light of morning that filtered through the canopy. Shadows danced unnaturally along the ground, but neither of them showed any sign of hesitation. Jae-Hyun walked ahead, his gaze sharp and unwavering. Only he could see the faint system interface flickering in his vision:
System Notification: Objective: Reach the city. Progress: 80%.
A voice followed, cold and taunting, resonating in his mind. “Ah, don’t forget to maintain control. Wouldn’t want to hurt anyone, now would we?”
Jae-Hyun’s jaw tightened as he dismissed the notification with a sharp blink. The system’s mocking tone was the last thing he needed.
As they moved through the Vale, the two encountered several monsters lurking in the shadows. Wolves with glowing eyes, twisted serpents slithering from beneath the roots, and even a hulking beast that emerged from the mist. However, these creatures posed no significant challenge. Jae-Hyun’s shadows struck swiftly, while Ahri’s precise swordsmanship and well-timed skills made quick work of the threats. It was clear they worked seamlessly as a team, their movements efficient and confident.
“Nothing but fodder,” Ahri remarked as the last of the creatures dissolved into mist. She flicked a strand of hair from her face, her tone carrying a hint of amusement. “You’d think the Vale would offer more of a challenge.”
Jae-Hyun’s gaze shifted toward her, his voice cutting through the moment. “Did you forget that you almost died?”
Ahri raised an eyebrow, her tone firm but laced with dry humour. “Almost. But almost isn’t dead, is it? Besides, I trusted you to handle it.”
Her expression didn’t falter. “I didn’t forget. But I’m not about to let one moment define me, Jae-Hyun. Besides,” she added with a smirk, “I was never out of the fight.”
As the trees began to thin, revealing the incline ahead, Ahri’s gaze shifted to the faint skyline visible through the mist. The city’s spires rose like distant sentinels, a reminder of how close they were to their goal. She glanced at Jae-Hyun, noting his unrelenting focus.
“What’s the plan once we’re there?” she asked, her voice calm, with a slight edge of curiosity.
“Information first. About the gates, the Tower, the Silver Talon Guild…” He paused for a moment, his voice lowering. “And my sister.”
Ahri tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing. “Your sister? You keep mentioning her, but who is she? What’s her name?”
Jae-Hyun’s expression shifted, a flicker of something unspoken crossing his face. “Her name is Mi-Rae,” he said finally, his tone soft yet edged with resolve.
Ahri’s eyes narrowed slightly, her lips pressing into a thoughtful line. “Mi-Rae… I think I’ve heard that name before.” Ahri’s brow furrowed deeper as she searched her memories. The name tugged at something distant in her mind, a half-formed connection she couldn’t quite place. “Maybe from a guild report or a passing conversation... I’ll need to think about it.”
Jae-Hyun’s gaze snapped toward her, but she shook her head quickly. “I’ll need to think about where. It’s familiar, but I can’t place it.”
Before he could respond, she asked again, her tone sharp but not accusatory. “And the Silver Talon Guild? Why them?”
Jae-Hyun’s voice hardened, though he kept it measured. “I’ll explain when the time comes. For now, I need to gather information about their leader and vice-leader. They’re tied to everything.”
Ahri frowned slightly but nodded. She could tell there was more to his story, but she respected his silence. For now.
They crested the ridge, the clearing offering a momentary reprieve. Ahri rested her hand on the hilt of her sword, her sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. Despite her relaxed posture, there was no mistaking the readiness in her stance. She exuded confidence, her presence a quiet yet undeniable force beside Jae-Hyun’s more brooding demeanour.
After a moment, she spoke again, her tone softer but firm. “You’re stronger than you think, Jae-Hyun. But you’re not the only one carrying weight here. Don’t forget that.”
He didn’t respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the city in the distance. Finally, he said, “I know. And I won’t let either of us falter.”
The silence that followed wasn’t tense but filled with unspoken understanding. They both knew the challenges ahead would test them—physically, emotionally, and morally. But for now, they allowed themselves a brief moment of peace.
As the faint sounds of birdsong broke the stillness, the two reached the edge of the Twilight Vale. The dense, suffocating forest was behind them now, and the open plains leading toward the city stretched out before them. The crisp air of the plains felt like a breath of freedom after the Twilight Vale’s oppressive grip. Golden grasses swayed gently under the soft breeze, their path clearer now but no less daunting. The light of the city ahead offered the promise of answers—and perhaps, hope.
The open plains leading to Seoul stretched out in golden waves, swaying gently under the soft afternoon breeze. The oppressive weight of the Twilight Vale was behind them, and for the first time in days, the horizon felt vast and free. Despite the respite, Jae-Hyun’s mind remained fixed on the challenges ahead.
The city’s towering walls stood proud and imposing, gleaming faintly with the residual energy of the barrier that encased it. Beyond those walls lay Seoul, a city rumored to have retained some of its pre-Cataclysm vibrancy despite the ever-present shadow of the gates. Jae-Hyun led the way, his hood drawn low to shield his features, while Ahri followed a step behind, her eyes wide with wonder.
System Notification: Objective Complete: Reach the city.
Reward: Quest Enhancer Unlocked.
The notification flickered briefly in Jae-Hyun’s vision. He dismissed it for the moment, though curiosity tugged at him. What exactly was a “Quest Enhancer”? The faint smirk in the system’s voice lingered in his mind, as if mocking his anticipation.
As they approached the city gates, Ahri couldn’t contain her amazement. “This is incredible,” she murmured. “I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s like the Cataclysm never happened here.”
Before heading further into the city, Jae-Hyun motioned toward a nearby electronics shop. “We’ll need these,” he said curtly.
Inside, as they browsed the phones, Ahri couldn’t help but look at her torn and bloodied outfit in the shop’s reflection. “We look like we just crawled out of a dungeon,” she muttered.
Jae-Hyun barely glanced at himself. “That’s because we did. We’ll deal with it after this.”
Ahri rolled her eyes but returned her focus to the phones. She couldn’t hide her curiosity, running her fingers along the sleek designs. “I haven't used one of those in a while” she admitted.
Jae-Hyun picked out two basic models, handing one to her. “It’s simple. I’ll set it up for you.” He swiftly activated both phones, inputting their contact details and linking them through a private system interface. “Now we can stay in touch. Remember to call me if anything happens.”
Ahri grinned slightly as she saved his number. “Don’t expect me to call you just for fun.”
“Good,” Jae-Hyun replied, sliding his phone into his pocket. “Next stop—clothes.”
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The pair soon found a boutique nestled on a quieter street, its display showcasing both stylish and functional clothing tailored for adventurers. Ahri’s eyes lit up as she stepped inside, immediately drawn to the racks of pristine garments.
“This is… definitely better than what we’re wearing,” she said, her fingers brushing over a tailored jacket. She held it up against herself, the sleek design accentuating her figure while still looking practical. “What do you think?”
Jae-Hyun glanced at her briefly. “Functional.”
Ahri groaned. “Functional? I’m asking about how it looks, not if I can climb a mountain in it.” She rolled her eyes and disappeared further into the store.
While Ahri tried on outfit after outfit, Jae-Hyun approached a clerk. “I need something practical but refined. Dark colors, durable.”
The clerk nodded quickly, pulling a few options from a nearby rack. Jae-Hyun settled on a sleek black overcoat paired with fitted pants and sturdy boots, the ensemble understated but exuding a quiet sophistication. It was something that wouldn’t draw attention yet reflected a sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, Ahri returned with a playful smirk, showing off another choice: a fitted leather jacket paired with a stylish blouse and sturdy dark boots that complemented the look. “Now this, this has to be better than functional,” she teased, twirling slightly.
Jae-Hyun glanced up and, after a brief pause, said simply, “Better.”
Ahri snorted. “I’ll take that as high praise from you.”
At the counter, she hesitated as the total was calculated. “This is a bit much,” she murmured, glancing at Jae-Hyun.
He stepped forward, handing over the system-linked card without hesitation. “It’s fine. We can’t walk around looking like we just crawled out of a battlefield. People will notice.”
Ahri sighed but nodded, watching as the shopkeeper processed the transaction. “Thanks. You’re surprisingly generous when it comes to appearances.”
Jae-Hyun shrugged. “It’s not about appearances. It’s about not being bothered. Looking like we belong here keeps people from asking questions.”
She smiled faintly as they exited the shop, now both looking far more presentable amidst the bustling city. “Still, thanks. Even if your reasoning is as cold as always.”
“Don’t mention it,” Jae-Hyun replied, his tone indifferent but his steps lighter as they blended into the crowd.
Ahri slowed her pace slightly, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. She stepped closer to Jae-Hyun, tilting her head as she studied his expression. “You know, I didn’t really hear a proper compliment or praise from you about my clothes,” she teased, her voice lilting with mock indignation.
Jae-Hyun stiffened, his usually stoic demeanor cracking as a faint flush crept up his neck. He glanced away, clearly flustered. “You look…” he hesitated, struggling to find the right words before finally muttering, “You look pretty.”
Ahri’s playful expression faltered, her cheeks tinging pink as she blinked at him in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to actually say it. “Oh,” she managed, her teasing tone replaced by something softer. “Thank you.”
For a moment, the air between them felt lighter, charged with an awkward but genuine warmth. Ahri cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “You’re still bad at this, but I’ll take it,” she said with a small laugh, breaking the tension as they continued walking.
Ahri’s eyes darted around, taking in every detail. “I’ve only heard stories about cities like this,” she admitted. “It’s so... alive. It almost feels normal.”
Jae-Hyun handed her a slim black card, its surface faintly gleaming with an almost otherworldly quality. “Use this.”
Ahri frowned slightly, slipping the card into her pocket. “Alright, but what should I look for? Apartment, house, hotel?”
Jae-Hyun glanced around briefly before answering. “Something close to the city center. The closer, the better.”
She raised an eyebrow. “That’s going to cost us.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. Just make it work.”
Ahri sighed, though there was a faint smile on her lips. “Fine. But don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.”
“I’ll be careful,” Jae-Hyun replied, his tone clipped. “Meet me at that central fountain when you’re done.”
Ahri turned and disappeared into the crowd, her confident stride making her blend seamlessly with the bustling throng. Jae-Hyun watched her go, his phone buzzing briefly as she sent a quick message: "Let me know if you get into trouble." He smirked faintly at the irony before ducking into a shadowed alley. It was time to gather information.
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The Quest Enhancer
Once alone, Jae-Hyun accessed the system’s menu, bringing up the details of his new reward.
Quest Enhancer: Enhances the rewards of active quests. Increases difficulty proportionally.
The description was straightforward, but its implications were immense. Stronger rewards meant faster progression, but the increased difficulty could easily turn a manageable quest into a deadly one. Jae-Hyun’s lips pressed into a thin line. The system always offered power at a cost.
“Let’s see how this plays out,” he muttered to himself, dismissing the menu for now.
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The City’s Shadows
Navigating through the city’s labyrinthine streets, Jae-Hyun kept his hood low and his steps deliberate. His goal was simple: gather information on the Silver Talon Guild and the rising gate activity. He avoided the larger crowds, sticking to quieter alleys and lesser-known taverns where whispers carried more weight than shouts.
In a dimly lit bar on the city’s outskirts, Jae-Hyun found his first lead. The patrons were a mix of mercenaries and lower-ranked adventurers, their armor scuffed and their expressions weary. He slid into a corner booth, his presence largely ignored until he placed a small stack of coins on the table. The bartender, a wiry man with sharp eyes, approached cautiously.
“What are you buying?” the man asked, his voice low.
“Information,” Jae-Hyun replied, his tone cold. “What’s the Silver Talon Guild been up to?”
The bartender’s eyes flickered with recognition at the name but quickly narrowed in suspicion. “Why do you care?”
“That’s my business. Just tell me what you know.”
The man hesitated before speaking. “Rumors say they’ve been stretched thin lately. Too many gates, not enough manpower. Their leader’s been keeping a low profile, but the vice-leader’s been... active. People say he’s looking for something. Or someone.”
Jae-Hyun’s gaze hardened. He pushed another pile of bills across the table. “What about the Tower? Any activity there?”
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The bartender glanced around before leaning in closer. “They’re saying a new floor opened recently. No one’s made it back yet to confirm. But if it’s true... well, you know what that means.”
Jae-Hyun nodded and stood, pulling his hood further down as he left the bar. The pieces were beginning to align, but he needed more.
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Ahri’s Perspective
Meanwhile, Ahri wandered the streets, searching for a place to stay. She marveled at the variety of people and goods, from street performers juggling flames to merchants selling exotic wares. It was overwhelming but exhilarating.
Eventually, she found a modest hotel tucked away near the city center. The building had a clean but unassuming exterior, its faded sign swinging slightly in the breeze. Stepping inside, Ahri was greeted by a kind-eyed older woman who ran the place.
“Two rooms,” Ahri said after a brief pause, glancing at the rate sheet on the counter. Her eyes widened slightly at the price. “That’s… a bit steep.”
She hesitated, pulling out the card before sending Jae-Hyun a quick message: "Rooms here are expensive. You sure about this?"
The reply came almost immediately: "Just get them. Doesn’t matter."
With a small sigh, Ahri handed over the card. “Two rooms, then.” Once Ahri secured the rooms at the hotel, she decided to wait for Jae-Hyun at a small cafe nearby. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the soft hum of conversation. She ordered a drink and sat near the window, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the soft clink of glasses and the murmur of nearby conversations. The café was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the harsh world outside. Ahri glanced at her phone, idly scrolling as she let the cozy atmosphere ease her tension.
Curiosity got the better of her as she typed in the name: Silver Talon Guild. What she found made her pause. Articles and scattered mentions revealed more than she had anticipated: Jae-Hyun’s connection to the guild, his fall from grace, and even hints about his sister, Mi-rae. According to one report, Jae-Hyun had been declared dead during a failed expedition, a tragic event that added to the guild's notoriety. His sister, Mi-rae, was frequently mentioned in the same breath, celebrated as a prodigy whose potential had captivated the guild's higher-ups.
Ahri frowned as she leaned back in her chair, the café’s warm light reflecting on her phone screen. Dead? That doesn’t line up at all. She glanced out the window, her thoughts swirling. The man she traveled with was alive and exuding power—an enigma that didn’t match the reports. What else aren’t you telling me, Jae-Hyun? The pieces started to align, but the full picture remained elusive.
When Jae-Hyun arrived, his hood was drawn low, and his presence caused a subtle shift in the air. Ahri waved him over, her expression unreadable.
“You’re late,” she said, her tone light but carrying a hint of curiosity.
Jae-Hyun sat across from her, slipping the key she handed earlier into his pocket. “I got what I needed. What about you?”
Ahri leaned back slightly, studying him. “I got us two rooms at the hotel. Near the center, like you asked. It wasn’t cheap.”
“It’s fine,” he said, brushing off her concern. His gaze sharpened as he noticed her hesitance. “What else?”
Ahri leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You keep a lot to yourself, don’t you?” she asked, her voice sharper now. Her gaze held his, unrelenting.
Jae-Hyun hesitated, the weight of her words pressing against the wall he had carefully built around himself. Finally, he sighed, his voice low and deliberate. “It’s more complicated than you think.”
Jae-Hyun didn’t respond, his expression unreadable. She tapped her phone lightly on the table before speaking again. “I know who you are. Or at least, who you were. The Silver Talon Guild, your sister Mi-rae... why didn’t you tell me?”
Jae-Hyun’s eyes flickered briefly, his calm exterior cracking for a split second. “I’m sorry,” Jae-Hyun said, his voice quieter than before. “It didn’t matter at the time. I just… I just want to get back with my sister and get my revenge on them.”
“Doesn’t matter?” Ahri pressed, her tone firm. “You’re tied to a guild that’s practically a household name, and you’re connected to a girl people call a prodigy. How does that not matter?”
“It matters when I say it does,” Jae-Hyun said coldly, his gaze steady. “For now, I need to know everything about the Silver Talon Guild—my father, my brother, their operations. That’s all that’s important.”
Ahri studied him for a moment before sighing. “Fine. But you’re going to have to explain it all to me eventually. No more secrets.”
Jae-Hyun leaned back slightly, his tone softening. “When the time comes. For now, we focus on what’s ahead.”
As they finished their drinks, the soft glow of the city lights filtered through the cafe windows, painting their silhouettes against the bustling streets outside. Despite the calm moment, both knew that the road ahead would be anything but peaceful. The real challenges lay ahead.
As night descended over Seoul, the city’s energy persisted, its streets alive with activity even as Jae-Hyun and Ahri returned to their hotel. The hustle of merchants, adventurers, and ordinary citizens gradually faded behind the hotel’s doors, replaced by the subdued hum of the lobby.
Jae-Hyun quietly accepted the key from Ahri and headed to his room without a word. Once inside, he tossed his coat onto the bed and leaned against the wall, exhaling slowly. The events of the past day replayed in his mind: the Twilight Vale, the fracture, and the revelations shared with Ahri. His body still carried the lingering ache of exertion, but that wasn’t what weighed on him.
He pulled up his system interface, scanning through the notifications he had dismissed earlier.
System Notification: Quest Complete.
* Experience Gained: 27, 980 XP.
* Level Up: 29.
* Stat Points Gained: 45.
Another notification blinked below:
Eclipse Domain Progress: 22%.
Jae-Hyun frowned, the percentage burning in his vision like a quiet warning. The domain keeps growing, he thought, his mind drawn back to the uncontrollable surge of power he had experienced during the battle in the Twilight Vale. It had been exhilarating but dangerous. The cost of losing himself to it was a line he couldn’t afford to cross again. Not if he wanted to protect Ahri.
Dismissing the notifications, he scrolled through the system shop, his gaze skimming over new items that had appeared. Among them was the Fracture Key, an item he had noticed before but hadn’t yet considered. Previously marked as Rank D, it had now risen to Rank C.
He hovered over the description, the system offering its usual cold, detached explanation.
Fracture Key (Rank C): Unlocks access to a ranked fracture dimension. Danger level corresponds to rank. Higher rewards await those who dare.
Jae-Hyun’s mind flickered back to the last fracture he had faced. It had been grueling, pushing him to his limits. But now, with his recent growth and determination to ascend further, he felt ready to take on the challenge.
The system’s faint chuckle echoed in his mind.
“Time to push the limits,” he muttered.
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A Conversation in the Shadows
Elsewhere, deep within the fortified walls of the Silver Talon Guild, two figures stood in a dimly lit chamber. Tae-Jun, the vice-leader, leaned against a heavy oak table, his expression sharp and calculated. Across from him, his father and guild leader, Min-Seok, regarded him with a mix of irritation and intrigue.
“You’re saying he’s alive?” Min-Seok’s voice was low, but the weight of his words filled the room.
“Someone spotted him in a village,” Tae-Jun replied, his tone clipped. “There’s no mistaking it. The description matches perfectly.”
Min-Seok’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the table. “If he’s alive, then it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a problem.”
“He already is,” Tae-Jun countered. “If word spreads, it won’t just tarnish our reputation. It will raise questions about the expedition and his death.”
The elder man’s gaze darkened. “We’ll raise the bounty. Double it.”
“Double?” Tae-Jun arched a brow. “That’s significant.”
Min-Seok leaned forward, his voice a growl. “I don’t care what it costs. No one can know he survived. And if he’s foolish enough to come here… we’ll make sure he doesn’t leave.”
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Morning in the Capital
The next morning, sunlight filtered through the city’s streets, casting a golden hue over its bustling life. Jae-Hyun had woken early, completing his daily quest in the quiet solitude of his room. The routine felt grounding, a small but necessary reminder of his methodical approach to gaining strength.
Ahri, meanwhile, spent her time exploring the city. She marveled at its vibrant streets, the mingling of old-world charm with modern resilience. Merchants called out their wares, adventurers swapped stories over cups of steaming tea, and children laughed as they darted between stalls. For a moment, it almost felt normal.
Jae-Hyun used the time to prepare. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he pulled the Fracture Key from his inventory. Its surface pulsed faintly, as though alive. The system’s voice broke the silence.
Jae-Hyun studied the key for a moment before making his decision. If I’m going to grow stronger, there’s no point in holding back. He accessed the new Quest Enhancer feature in the system and applied it to the key.
The shard glowed brighter, its surface shifting as cracks of crimson light webbed across its jagged form. He held his breath as he waited for the system’s confirmation.
System Notification: Key Enhanced. Rank C Challenge: Upper-Tier.
Jae-Hyun inspected the key again and frowned. “Still Rank C? High-tier at most,” he muttered to himself. As if in response, the system’s voice echoed in his mind, carrying a faint, mocking chuckle.
Oh, is that what you think?**
“I was right,” he muttered, his grip tightening around the key. Without wasting another moment, he activated it. The room around him dissolved into darkness, the transition almost suffocating in its intensity. When light returned, Jae-Hyun found himself standing in an entirely different realm.
System Notification: Quest Activated: Defying Odds - Rank A
His heart skipped a beat. “Rank A?” he murmured, a wave of unease washing over him. The key had shown Rank C. Was this the result of the Quest Enhancer? Did it only reveal its true difficulty after entry?
He didn’t have time to process his thoughts. The world around him demanded his full attention. The ground beneath his feet was jagged obsidian, crisscrossed with molten cracks that pulsed faintly. The air was thick and oppressive, carrying the faint scent of ash that seemed to cling to his skin.
Ahead, a massive figure loomed, seated upon a throne of dark stone and bones that seemed to pulse with a sinister energy. As Jae-Hyun’s eyes locked onto the figure, a familiar system window materialized in front of him:
System Notification:
Demon General Kaelzar - Rank ?
The name burned bright red, as if warning him of the immense danger ahead. The demon’s crimson skin was etched with glowing runes that pulsated like a heartbeat. Black horns curved wickedly from its head, and its eyes burned with an intensity that seemed to pierce through Jae-Hyun’s very soul. Despite its monstrous form, there was an unsettling elegance in its posture, as though it were royalty presiding over its domain.
Above the throne, a massive portrait hung on the wall—a depiction of a being even more fearsome, the Demon King. Its gaze radiated an unyielding power that made Jae-Hyun’s chest tighten. Yet, it was clear the figure before him was not the Demon King itself, but one of its servants.
The demon didn’t attack immediately. Instead, it stood motionless, its gaze inscrutable and heavy, as though measuring Jae-Hyun’s worth in ways he couldn’t comprehend. When it finally moved, it exuded an air of calculated menace, every step deliberate, radiating a power that seemed to mock the very notion of resistance. Its voice echoed, deep and resonant, though not spoken aloud but directly into Jae-Hyun’s mind.
Prove yourself, bearer of the future. Show me your strength and resolve.
Without waiting for a response, the demon lunged, its massive form closing the distance in an instant. Jae-Hyun barely had time to react, rolling to the side as the demon’s fist shattered the ground where he had stood.
The battle was relentless. Each blow from the demon carried the weight of an avalanche, forcing Jae-Hyun to dodge or deflect with every ounce of skill he possessed. The air itself seemed to vibrate with the force of their clashes. Jae-Hyun summoned his shadows in desperation, but they were shredded by the demon's clawed hands, their dark forms dissipating like smoke. Every strike Jae-Hyun delivered barely scratched the creature’s crimson armor-like skin, leaving him battered and breathless while the ground beneath them cracked and crumbled from the sheer power of the demon's attacks. It felt less like a battle and more like survival, yet the demon's movements hinted at something more purposeful, its actions almost guiding him into situations where his resolve and instincts were pushed to their absolute limits. The fractures in the obsidian floor mirrored the cracks forming in Jae-Hyun’s resolve, and for a moment, he faltered. His breathing ragged, his body trembling under the sheer force of the demon’s power, he almost gave in. The strength gap between them was insurmountable—the demon was on an entirely different plane of existence.
“There’s no way…” he muttered, his grip on his weapon weakening. Despair began to creep in, but he steeled himself, forcing his legs to stand firm. “No. Not yet.”
Taking a gamble, Jae-Hyun spoke, his voice hoarse but steady. “Why did you do that to the Demon King?”
The demon’s movement stopped abruptly, its burning eyes narrowing slightly. The glow of the runes across its body dimmed momentarily, as if Jae-Hyun’s words struck a deep chord within it. The glow of the runes across its body dimmed momentarily, as if the weight of Jae-Hyun’s words resonated somewhere deep within. Jae-Hyun continued, his words carrying the weight of his anger and confusion. “How could you betray him like that?”
The words hung in the air, and for a fleeting moment, the oppressive aura seemed to waver. Then, with a roar that shook the very ground, the demon lunged at him, its strength doubling in fury. Jae-Hyun barely had time to block the blow, the impact sending him sprawling across the fractured floor. His body screamed in pain, every movement agonizing.
As he struggled to rise, a memory flashed before his eyes. He recognized this demon—it was the same one he had seen in the Memory Rift. It had stood against the betrayal of the Demon King, challenging the entity that imprisoned him. He remembered the way it had been struck down, its defiance silenced in an instant.
The demon loomed over him now, preparing another devastating strike. Jae-Hyun’s voice rose in desperation, a mixture of defiance and hope. “You believed in him... you didn’t betray him. I remember.”
The demon hesitated, its form pausing mid-attack. Its glowing eyes flickered as if considering his words, a fleeting moment of recognition passing through them. Jae-Hyun seized the opportunity, fumbling to retrieve healing potions from his inventory. He drank them quickly, the effects soothing some of his pain and restoring his stamina.
Standing once more, he fixed the demon with a determined gaze. “I’ll give you my best fight, in his honor.”
The battle resumed with renewed intensity. Though he was still at a disadvantage, Jae-Hyun fought with everything he had, each move sharper and more calculated than the last.
Finally, after an unrelenting exchange, the demon made a strange move—an unnatural opening that seemed deliberate. Jae-Hyun’s instincts screamed at him to act, and he didn’t hesitate. Summoning the last reserves of his strength, he pushed forward. His shadows surged weakly, binding the demon’s limbs just long enough for him to leap. With a cry, he drove his blade into the glowing runes on the demon’s chest.
The demon froze, its gaze locking onto Jae-Hyun. There was no anger in its burning eyes now—only something that resembled recognition, as though it had been waiting for this moment.
You hold the will of the Demon King, the demon’s voice echoed, softer now, almost reverent. Thank you.
The system chimed as Jae-Hyun activated Reaper's Claim, shadows coiling around the demon's massive form. As the shadows enveloped it, Jae-Hyun felt a surge of power coursing through him, an almost unbearable weight pressing down on his body. His heart pounded as the sheer enormity of controlling such a being settled over him. It wasn’t just strength; it was the burden of command, a bond forged in the depths of the Eclipse Domain. He gasped as the notification appeared in his vision.
System Notification: Reaper's Claim Successful.
System Notification: Eclipse Domain Progress: +10%.
The first step is taken. Are you ready for what's next?
The first step is taken. Are you ready for what's next?
System Notification: Shadow General Kaelzar Added.
System Notification: Shadow General Kaelzar's level has been reset to match your current power level. As your stats increase, Kaelzar's strength and abilities will be restored progressively.
New Rank Obtained: Shadow General
Jae-Hyun fell to one knee, his breath ragged as the fracture dissolved around him. The surge of power left him trembling, and a strange heat coursed through his veins. His body ached, yet he felt an undeniable connection to something greater. Kaelzar’s essence lingered in his mind—a presence of ancient strength and unyielding loyalty. It wasn’t just a General he had gained, but a bond forged in the depths of the Eclipse Domain, one that demanded respect and responsibility. He opened the system interface again, studying the new addition.
“Kaelzar,” he murmured, the name carrying an almost reverent weight. The fractured memory of the demon’s past flickered in his mind, and he wondered just how far this bond would take him. For now, he would use Kaelzar’s strength to grow—to prepare for the challenges ahead.
The battle was over, but his journey had only begun.
The fracture’s oppressive atmosphere began to fade as the system chimed in Jae-Hyun’s mind. The tension in his muscles loosened slightly, though his body remained sore and battered from the grueling battle. As the fiery glow of the obsidian castle dimmed, his system interface materialized before him, its text glowing faintly.
System Notification: Quest Complete
* Level Up! Level Up! Level Up!
* Level Up! Level Up! Level Up!
* Level Up! Level Up! Level Up!
* Special Reward Unlocked: Abyssal Bond (Mythical Skill)
Jae-Hyun’s breath hitched. The bold golden text on the notification screen radiated an aura unlike anything he had seen before. A new window opened, offering a detailed explanation:
Abyssal Bond
Type: Mythical Skill
Description: Grants the ability to form a growth bond with a selected person or creature. The bonded entity gains access to system mechanics, allowing them to level up, acquire abilities, and grow stronger under the bond. The bond is reciprocal, requiring mutual consent. Be warned: the death of a bonded individual will result in severe penalties, including stat reductions and potential instabilities.
System Note: The power to uplift is as heavy as the power to destroy. Use it wisely.
Jae-Hyun stared at the notification, his mind swirling with possibilities and questions. A skill that lets someone grow alongside me? He could see the potential—empowering allies to rise to greater heights, creating a force capable of tackling even greater challenges. Yet the risks were just as stark. If the bonded person fell, the repercussions could be catastrophic.
The screen lingered for a moment longer before fading into the void of the fracture. The oppressive air of the dimension lingered in his senses even as he crossed through the shimmering portal. When his feet touched the ground on the other side, the stark contrast struck him. The hotel room was quiet, its soft glow and mundane furnishings so ordinary that they felt surreal after the fiery chaos he had just endured. The faint hum of the city beyond the window reminded him that life outside the fractures carried on, oblivious to the battles waged within.
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Jae-Hyun collapsed onto the bed, his exhaustion taking over. The battle replayed in his mind, from the demon’s overwhelming strength to the moment of hesitation that had allowed him to win. He thought of Kaelzar—not just the demon he had defeated but the being who now stood as his Shadow General. The weight of that title wasn’t lost on him. Kaelzar’s past, the memories tied to the Demon King, and the new ability left him with more questions than answers. The demon’s quiet hesitation during the battle and its connection to the Demon King gnawed at him. Kaelzar wasn’t just another addition to his army—it was a piece of a larger puzzle, a potential ally in understanding the truths of the Eclipse Domain. What role would it play in the battles to come? And what truths had it yet to reveal?
Eclipse Domain Progress: 32%
The notification lingered in his thoughts. It’s tied to the Demon King’s power… he realized, his heart heavy with the implications. Every time I lose control, every time the Eclipse Domain grows, I’m walking closer to that abyss.
Jae-Hyun’s gaze shifted to his hands. He could still feel the faint echo of Kaelzar’s power, a reminder of how far he had to go. Yet, the new skill—Abyssal Bond—nagged at him. Who could he trust with such a gift? Ahri? She was strong and capable, but the bond’s risks weighed on him. Would it burden her too much? Kaelzar? The demon’s loyalty to the Demon King and its raw power were undeniable, but could a bond deepen their connection or awaken something more within it? And what of others he might meet? Would the skill force him to forge alliances he would not have otherwise considered? The possibilities stretched endlessly, leaving him uneasy. And if not her, then who?
The thought remained unresolved as sleep finally claimed him. His body surrendered to the exhaustion, and his mind drifted into uneasy dreams filled with shadows and fire. In the depths of his slumber, a single figure lingered—a throne beneath a burning sky, the faint silhouette of the Demon King watching.