Forged in the Dreadlands

Darkness enveloped Jae-Hyun, oppressive and suffocating. It wasn’t the black void of unconsciousness; it was something deeper, alive with malice. He felt weightless, suspended in the void, as whispers swirled around him. They were faint at first, like the hiss of wind, but soon they grew louder, more insistent. The words were unintelligible, but they carried a tone of command, urging him forward.

Then, a singular voice pierced through the cacophony—cold, commanding, yet inviting.

"Prove your worth."

Jae-Hyun’s eyes snapped open, and he found himself standing in a vast, desolate plain. The sky above was a swirling canvas of red and black, with jagged streaks of lightning illuminating the barren land. The ground beneath his feet was cracked and dry, glowing faintly with crimson veins that pulsed like a heartbeat. In the distance, a massive black spire loomed, its jagged silhouette cutting into the sky.

A figure materialized before him, cloaked in shadow. Though its form was indistinct, its presence was undeniable, a force that demanded respect.

"This is your trial," the voice intoned, resonating from the shadowy figure. "Face your hatred, embrace your truth, and claim your place."

Before Jae-Hyun could respond, the world shifted. He was no longer on the barren plain but standing in the grand hall of the Silver Talon Guild. It was eerily quiet, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle, yet it was unmistakably the same place. The marble floors gleamed, and the towering banners bearing the guild’s emblem hung motionless.

At the far end of the hall, figures began to appear. First, it was the guards and allies of his father’s guild, their faces twisted with mockery and disdain. Among them stood Tae-Jun, arms crossed, his ever-present smirk taunting Jae-Hyun. And behind them all was his father, his imposing form radiating the cold authority that had crushed Jae-Hyun’s spirit for years.

Jae-Hyun’s nails bit into his palms as he clenched his fists. His thoughts roared louder than the shadow’s voice. These are the people who discarded me. Who betrayed me. Who left me to die. Their contempt, their sneers... no more. I’ve lived in their shadow long enough.

But another thought crept into his mind, sharp and undeniable: If I do this, what will be left of me? His resolve wavered for a fraction of a second, but the voice returned, cutting through his hesitation.

"Prove your worth. Destroy what chains you."

A blade appeared in his hand, materializing from the air itself. It was unlike any weapon he’d wielded before, its dark surface etched with glowing crimson runes. It pulsed with power, as though it could sense his rage.

Jae-Hyun advanced, his steps heavy and deliberate. The guards moved to intercept him, but he didn’t hesitate. His blade cut through the first with brutal precision, the weapon’s runes flaring with each strike. They fell one by one, their sneers replaced by looks of shock and terror. Jae-Hyun’s movements were unrelenting, fueled by a wrath he had kept buried for too long.

But as each guard fell, his mind whispered doubts. Is this all they’ve got? This can’t be real. They’re nothing compared to the actual guards. The realization stung. It’s not about their strength. This trial isn’t about them. It’s about me—what I’m willing to do.

"This is for leaving me to rot," he snarled as he drove the blade through the chest of another guard. Blood spattered across the pristine floors, staining the guild’s symbol beneath his feet. "This is for every moment you made me feel worthless."

The air around him grew heavy, crackling with energy. His anger was no longer just his own; it seemed to feed the weapon, the runes burning brighter with every life it claimed. His breaths came in ragged gasps, yet his focus sharpened. This trial… it’s testing me. Testing if I can embrace this hatred.

Finally, he stood before Tae-Jun. His brother’s smirk was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating glare. Tae-Jun raised his sword, his posture that of a seasoned fighter.

"So, you’ve decided to fight back," Tae-Jun said, his tone dripping with mockery. "Too little, too late."

"You don’t get to decide that," Jae-Hyun spat back, his voice venomous.

Their blades clashed, sparks flying as steel met steel. Tae-Jun was strong, his movements precise, but Jae-Hyun’s rage gave him an edge. Every swing of his blade was fueled by years of resentment, every parry a declaration that he would no longer be their victim. Yet, with each strike, he realized: This is too easy. This isn’t Tae-Jun. This is what I imagine him to be. It’s the trial testing me.

Finally, Jae-Hyun saw an opening and drove his blade into Tae-Jun’s chest.

Tae-Jun gasped, blood staining his lips as he fell to his knees. Jae-Hyun towered over him, his blade still embedded in his brother’s chest.

"You thought I’d die easily," Jae-Hyun growled, twisting the blade. "You thought wrong."

He pulled the weapon free, letting Tae-Jun’s lifeless body collapse to the ground.

At the far end of the hall, his father stood motionless, his expression unreadable. The shadowy figure’s voice echoed again. "The source of your torment awaits. End it."

Jae-Hyun approached, each step echoing through the silent hall. His father watched him, his gaze cold and piercing.

"You’re no son of mine," his father said, his voice as sharp as a blade.

"I never wanted to be," Jae-Hyun replied, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.

They clashed, but unlike Tae-Jun, his father fought with an overwhelming strength that forced Jae-Hyun to his limits. Every strike was brutal, every blow a reminder of why his father had dominated the guild. But Jae-Hyun refused to yield. He dodged, parried, and countered, his movements growing more precise as his anger sharpened his focus.

"You never saw me as anything but a failure," Jae-Hyun spat between labored breaths. "But I’ll be the one to end you."

Finally, he found his opening. His blade pierced his father’s chest, driving deep. His father staggered, his eyes wide with shock.

"This is for Mi-Rae," Jae-Hyun said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging within him. "For what you’ve done to her. And for what you’ve done to me."

With a final thrust, his father collapsed, lifeless.

The silence that followed was deafening. Jae-Hyun stood alone in the hall, his breaths ragged, his body trembling. He had done it. He had destroyed the chains that had bound him for so long. But as the adrenaline faded, a new emotion crept in—uncertainty.

"Jae-Hyun?" a soft voice called out, cutting through the silence.

He turned sharply. Mi-Rae stood at the far end of the hall, her expression a mix of fear and sorrow.

"What... what have you done?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Jae-Hyun took a step toward her, but the ground beneath him began to crack and shift. The hall dissolved, replaced by the void once more. And then he heard another voice, one he hadn’t heard in years.

"My son..."

It was her. His mother. Her voice was soft, melodic, and filled with warmth. But it was impossible. She was gone. She had been gone for years.

"Mother?" he whispered, his voice breaking.

The shadowy figure reappeared, its form more distinct now. Behind it, silhouettes of his mother and Mi-Rae flickered like mirages.

"What does this mean?" Jae-Hyun demanded, his voice filled with both desperation and anger.

The figure didn’t answer. Instead, the world shifted again, the silhouettes fading into darkness. But one thing remained. The voice from before, cold and commanding, echoed once more.

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"Welcome to the Abyssal Accord. Power answers those who grasp it."

The Spark of Defiance

For a moment, he remained frozen, the weight of those words sinking into him. Jae-Hyun glanced at the blade in his hand, its dark surface still faintly pulsing from the trial. How it had followed him here, he didn’t know, but he wasn’t about to question it. He blinked, and a shimmering panel appeared before his eyes. Lines of text scrolled across, written in a stark, glowing script. It was unlike anything he had seen before.

His name stood at the top:

Jae-Hyun - Level 1

* Health: 24/120

* Stamina: 7/40

* Mana: 30/30

* Strength: 7

* Agility: 9

* Intelligence: 8

* Resilience: 15

* Perception: 12

* Eclipse Domain: 2% (Represents mastery over ★★★★★ energy.)

His eyes narrowed at the unfamiliar term, Eclipse Domain. The description was vague, censored almost, leaving him with more questions than answers.

“What the hell is this?” he muttered, his voice hoarse. Yet despite his confusion, a flicker of curiosity burned within him. This system—this thing—had brought order to the chaos he had been thrust into. Was it some divine intervention? Or perhaps another twisted part of the Hollow Dreadlands?

Beneath the stats, a list of skills caught his attention:

* Predator's Insight (Level 1): "Grants the ability to instinctively sense minor weaknesses in a single opponent's movements or defenses during combat."

* Reaper’s Claim (Level 1): "The act of harvesting what remains of a fallen being's essence."

* Reaper’s Summon (Level 1): "A skill to call forth shadows of the Abyss. Each summon has a fraction of your power to its form."

* Pierce the Veil (Level 1): "A precision attack that strikes at an enemy's vulnerabilities. Effectiveness depends on the user's perception and control."

His fingers hovered over the shimmering screen. The descriptions were precise, yet cryptic, leaving much to his imagination.

This isn’t random, he thought. Whoever made this wants me to use it. Wants me to survive. But why?

His attention shifted to another section labeled Features:

* Inventory: 30 slots, currently empty.

* Shop - Level 1: Basic items like bandages, rudimentary weapons, and low-level potions. Higher-tier items remained locked, teasing him with their silhouettes.

* Quests and Achievements: The only entry was a header: Survivor’s Path.

Jae-Hyun exhaled slowly, the magnitude of this discovery overwhelming. He clenched his fists, ignoring the sting of his wounds. If I use this right, it might just keep me alive.

EXPLORING THE SYSTEM

Curiosity overcame him as he selected Reaper’s Claim. He glanced around at the clearing where he had battled the goblins. The beast that had torn them apart was long gone, but its carnage remained. Tentatively, he approached a fallen goblin, its body limp and lifeless.

"Activate Reaper’s Claim."

The skill responded instantly. A faint, dark glow emanated from his palm as he reached toward the goblin’s chest. Particles of shadowy energy appeared, which flowed into his hand like a stream of ink. The process was chilling yet fascinating. When it ended, a small notification appeared:

+4 Reaper Points.

As the energy settled within him, the system interface shimmered briefly:

Reaper Points acquired. You can now use Reaper’s Summoning.

He felt... something, a faint hum of energy resonating within him. It wasn’t physical strength but a resource he could wield.

“What are these reaper points for?” he mused aloud. The answer was clear in his skill list: Reaper’s Summon.

He didn’t try it immediately. Instead, his focus shifted to resting and recovering. His body was screaming for reprieve. Blood matted his tattered clothes, and his limbs felt like lead. The system might have been a boon, but it wouldn’t save him from collapsing if he pushed too hard.

REST AND REFLECTION

Jae-Hyun found a hollow beneath the roots of a massive tree, a defensible position obscured by thick moss and shadow. He stripped fabric from his sleeves, binding his wounds as best as he could.

I need to recover. If something attacks now, I’m finished.

As he leaned back against the coarse bark, his thoughts drifted. The system had changed everything. The Hollow Dreadlands were no longer an insurmountable nightmare. He had tools now—skills, stats, and knowledge he could grow. But the cost of survival gnawed at him.

Power answers those who grasp it.

The system’s words echoed in his mind. If I’m going to survive, I need to become something more. I need to understand this power and master it.

And then there was Mi-Rae. Her face appeared vividly in his mind, her warm smile, her unwavering belief in him. She’s the only one left. I have to get out of here for her.

THE FIRST HUNT

Rested but still aching, Jae-Hyun resumed his journey. He moved cautiously, his eyes darting across the dense mist that seemed to thicken with every step. His body, though tired, felt more attuned—as though the system’s presence had sharpened his instincts.

Then, he heard it. A faint rustling to his left. He froze, Predator’s Insight activating subtly. The air around him seemed to sharpen, and faint threads of possibility unraveled before his eyes, guiding his focus. The fog seemed to part just enough for him to see it: a Rift Stalker.

The creature was about the size of a wolf, its translucent skin revealing faint, star-like glimmers within. It moved with unsettling grace, its sharp claws scraping against the rocky ground. A notification appeared:

Rift Stalker

"A lesser predator of the Hollow Dreadlands. Dangerous in isolation, devastating in packs."

Jae-Hyun gritted his teeth. This was no goblin. Its speed and reflexes would test him in ways he wasn’t ready for. Yet, a part of him burned with determination. This is my chance to learn.

Jae-Hyun drew his blade, its unfamiliar weight feeling heavier in his hands than it should have. The Rift Stalker moved first, lunging with claws that glinted like shards of glass in the dim light. Jae-Hyun barely sidestepped the attack, feeling the rush of air as the claws grazed his shirt.

It's fast—too fast.

The creature didn't give him a moment to recover, twisting mid-air and swiping again. This time, Jae-Hyun managed to parry with his blade, but the impact jarred his arm, numbing his fingers. He stumbled back, his breath coming in short, sharp bursts.

Pierce the Veil! he commanded in his mind, his inner voice shaking. The skill activated, his vision honing in on the Rift Stalker’s movements. A faint glimmer in its side caught his attention—a weakness. He lunged forward, aiming for the mark, but the creature twisted away, its claws slashing across his arm.

Pain erupted, hot and searing. Jae-Hyun cried out, clutching his bleeding arm. His stamina bar dropped further, a glaring warning on the edge of his vision. Damn it. I’m not fast enough!

The Rift Stalker didn’t relent. It prowled closer, its translucent body shimmering as it blended into the mist. Jae-Hyun’s heart pounded. Predator’s Insight activated again, faint threads of possibility weaving into his vision. He noticed a hitch in the creature’s gait—a subtle limp.

“It’s compensating,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “If I can push it…”

The creature lunged again. This time, Jae-Hyun dropped low, rolling beneath its swipe and slashing upward with all his strength. The blade connected with its flank, cutting deep. The Rift Stalker howled, its body recoiling. Blood, dark and viscous, splattered across the ground.

But Jae-Hyun paid for the strike. The creature’s tail whipped around, slamming into his side and sending him sprawling. He hit the ground hard, the impact forcing the air from his lungs. His health bar blinked, warning him of the damage.

Get up!

His vision swam, but he forced himself to his feet, gripping his blade with trembling hands. The Rift Stalker limped, its movements slower now, but its eyes burned with fury. Jae-Hyun could barely stand, yet something inside him refused to give up.

“One more…” he muttered, raising his blade. His breath was ragged, his muscles screaming in protest. He watched as the creature circled him, preparing to pounce.

When it lunged, he didn’t retreat. Instead, he stepped into the attack, narrowly dodging its claws and thrusting his blade upward. Pierce the Veil activated again, guiding his strike. The blade pierced through the creature’s throat, the precision of the attack silencing it mid-roar.

The Rift Stalker collapsed, its body twitching before going still. Jae-Hyun staggered back, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from his wounds, mixing with the creature’s on the ground. He swayed, his vision narrowing, but a notification appeared before he could collapse:

+5 Reaper Points.

A Step Forward

As the creature disintegrated under Reaper’s Claim, Jae-Hyun’s system updated:

Level Up!

* Health: +10

* Stamina: +5

* Mana: +3

* Stat Points Earned: 5

He immediately allocated them:

* Agility: +2

* Strength: +1

* Stamina: +2

His stats felt more balanced, his body slightly stronger. Yet, the fight had exposed his vulnerabilities. I need more stamina. More control. I can’t let one fight drain me like that.

The faint glow of Reaper Points hummed within him. He explored the system, discovering that these points could be used for future summons. Summons... to fight alongside me. If I master this, I might stand a chance against stronger creatures.

As he stood over the remains of the Rift Stalker, Jae-Hyun’s resolve hardened. This is just the beginning. I’ll get stronger. I’ll leave this place. And when I do...

He clenched his fists, his gaze piercing through the mist. I’ll come back for revenge.

With each step forward, the mist seemed to part slightly, as if the Hollow Dreadlands themselves acknowledged his resolve. His mind sharpened on survival, vengeance, and the path ahead.