Samael winced, a deafening ring shrouding his ears from the constant notifications he received.

He still wasn't used to the high-pitched bell sound it produced. Nonetheless, he glanced at the floating screens in front of him, glimmer dancing in his eyes. With how much the race change had benefited him...

Samael rubbed his hand together, a wide grin etched in his face.

Successfully inherited: [The legacy of the void].

Received the following title: [Loved by the Void]

His brows raised as he inquired. "What's this title for?"

He knew what a title meant for humans. In nobility, it typically signifies a person's status or is a proof of strength. Just like how a commoner would bow down before someone titled "Duke" or "Dragon Slayer," But by now, Samael already etched in his mind that the system held a different logic compared to what he knew. So he must be cautious about what he does and make sure to understand before moving.

Titles are powers, blessings, or curses sealed in words using [REDACTED].

Another sensitive information huh? Samael shrugged. There was no point dwelling over it. Besides, he already knew what he wanted to know anyway.

What does mine do? He asked the system

[Loved by the Void]

-The abyss is with you, as you are with the Void.

EFFECTS:

• Ability to converse with void creatures

• Complete affinity with the void element

A wide smile slithered its way to his face. Complete affinity with the void element? That's what he's been waiting for! All these years he yearned for power, and now its in his hands.

"But first... let's get this out of the way." Multiple glowing panels beamed on his face.

Detected the inheritance of [the legacy of the void].

Authority level increased! You have unlocked new features. Namely: [Status screen] and higher access to sensitive information.

Status screen? Samael wondered.

As if sensing his confusion, another panel warped in front of him.

[Stats]

Name: Samael

Title: [Loved by the Void]

Age: 8 Years and 3 months old

Species: Void Spawn [+]

Affinity: Void [+]

Condition: Good, healthy

STATS

STR: 9.2

SPD/AGI: 8.7

CONSTITUTION: 11.5

SPIRIT: 12.4

CHARM: 6

∆SKILLS [+]

Samael jolted back, his eyes wide as he glanced at the hovering screen.

He carefully read the contents, his eyes narrowed down as he gazed at each the letters.

Does this perhaps show me my strengths and weaknesses? It does show my condition, though, which is pretty helpful. The boy imagined that this could probably tell if he's poisoned or cursed, which can be very helpful in the long run.

"Guide—Eh. Maybe we should call you a different name?" He proposed. He just didn't feel like calling his companion "guide" or "system." It left a bad taste in his mouth.

The system sat in silence. Thus, Samael proceeded with his plan.

"From today on, I'll call you Codex! It sounds a lot cooler, and given your vast knowledge, I think it suits you!" The boy spoke, his tone brimming with excitement.

A new name was registered. From Guide ---> Codex

"Great." Samael exclaimed, a grin plastered on his face.

"Now back to my question earlier. What do str, spd, and all these words mean?" He asked.

"Also, please simplify it." He pleaded with a red tint on his cheeks.

STR: stands for brute strength.

SPD/AGI: acceleration, deceleration speed, reaction time, running speed,

Constitution: durability, health, immunity against elemental damage,

Spirit: mental strength, soul strength, determination, thinking speed

CHARM: Charisma, Looks, Persuasion,

"Wow, so it has everything covered." The boy muttered as his eyes darted back and forth.

Unbeknownst to him, his stats far exceed those of the same age as him.

The stats of kids his age are usually around 2–3. While adults range around 4-5. If that person has received some form of basic training, they can reach up to 6. However, this doesn't apply to other power holders. Those who train themselves hard and are blessed with great elements can reach up to two digits, sometimes even three. Of course, that is only if they put extreme effort into their climb to power.

Samael digested the information without much trouble. After all, the system has already simplified it to the best of its abilities. There was a problem though, he was still at a loss for how to interact with this power of his.

Perhaps by thinking of basic commands? He wondered. The boy released a mouthful of air. There was no harm in trying it. No one will judge him... Right?

Here goes nothing... Codex, open skills! He commanded.

A panel materialized before his eyes, hovering high in the air. His eyes jolted wide, his jaws hanging low.

The boy looked at the skills screen with low expectations. He didn't want to disappoint himself if he had no skills whatsoever.

[Skills]

✓Overdrive (Innate): Allows the user to enter a berserk-like state. Improves physical capabilities but can damage the body of the user. [+]

✓Superhuman senses (innate): the basic five senses of the user are enhanced. [Passive]

His eyes widened in glee, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

He actually had skills!

Samael punched the air, his visage blooming in happiness.

After his small celebration, the boy finally sat still and calmed down. Now that he paid attention on his skills, there was something odd about them. The enhanced senses were understandable. He had it since he was a child, but this "overdrive"... He never knew of its existence until now.

He had so many questions about it. When did he obtain it, how did he obtain it or why this skill in particular? Is it that "power" I use whenever I'm in great danger? He didn't know. But he set aside those meaningless thoughts for now. What matters is that it was his and his alone. This was something no one could take away from him.

Unfortunately, not everything is rainbows and sunshines. The skills description was worrying. Risk damaging his body in exchange for a boost in power? That sounded like trouble. The boy shook his head, etching a mental note in his head to avoid using this skill often until he managed to learn more about it.

Now there was one last thing that bothered him.

"What is this?"

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[Void Spawn [-] ]

Evolution progress: Tier 0 Mark 0

Marker: 0/50

Special trait: Heir type

-A species of void beings capable of extreme destruction and power.

Ughh... Samael sat down, his hands massaging his temples. He felt dizzy with all this information. He hasn't even fully absorbed the fact that this is all real.

"...Codex, care to explain?" He asked in exasperation, the throbbing in his head not helping in the slightest.

The marker function is available in the race and affinity panels. It allows the user to see their progress on their evolution and elemental level.

In order to increase your race marker, the user must absorb essence, or void essence, to be precise. However, this doesn't apply for the void mastery.

"And how exactly...?" Samael asked, his forehead creased tight.

The guide went silent, as if in disbelief of his stupidity, before replying.

By personally slaying an enemy, the user can devour the essence of the creature. As for the element, there are various way. Such as repeated use of element, submersion, emission... Etc.

Samael's forehead creased. He ran his eyes over the explanation of the Codex. He didn't understand what this essence was or how to even devour that same concept.

Samael shrugged and checked for other notifications. He'll just leave this complex topic for the future. He's getting tired just listening to it.

Seeing that he had already finished everything, the boy commanded the codex to close the panels.

I'm starting to get used to this. Samael thought. Rising to his feet, he dusted himself— When he felt friction in his movements.

Hmm?

"Oh, come on! Really?!" Samael exclaimed. Apparently, he grew too big for his clothes and tore them. Now it looked like a rag slung over his body. It looks like I'm going to need some clothes first.

***

Samael grunted, his hands white as snow as he tightly slung the rabbit hide in his body.

He had to improvise since he had no spare clothes that could fit him. Luckily, he already knew how to do this, so it didn't take that long. It was however, boring.

While hunting, he noticed a sudden decrease in the difficulty of his hunts.

Somehow, his speed far exceeded those of the crimson rabbits, making his hunts mere childs play. Not that he was complaining, though.

There was one thing bugging him. He lost his bag in the ruins and never saw it again. All his weapons and rations were there. This left him with nothing, no food, water, not even weapons! Maybe it was true that every fortune comes with a price.

Samael lay above a tree branch, the cold wind wafting through his disheveled hair. He gazed at the stars, on his palm nested a ruby-red necklace. The only item he had left. He was thankful that it wasn't taken away from him. After all, this was the only proof of their promise.

Samael sighed, shutting his eyes tight. Please be safe...

When the golden hue of the sun peeked at the horizon. Samael wasted no time. There was uncertainty in his heart, but he didn't let it drag him down.

His direction was the same as before. Towards the direction of the rising sun. He figured that if Lilith was indeed missing, then he could ask for help in her village, or maybe, just maybe, she's already there.

He did notice something else. The forest is eerily quiet. He hasn't seen a single bird nor bug in the last few hours of his voyage.

A cold shiver ran down his spine. In all the time he spent here, these signs usually meant one of two things: Either he was in a predator's hunting territory or something was after him. Something of great horror.

Samael perked his ears, his eyes narrowed down. Sure enough, he could feel the silent shifting in the shadows and the watchful eyes that held malice, carefully observing his every movement. The boy silently cursed his luck. He had no weapons or tools; how was he going to fend for himself?

Samael hastened his pace, cold sweat drenching his back. He bolted through the trees, merging with their towering shadows, but whatever was chasing him was persistent. Even after all his attempts, the thing was still on his tail.

Does it want to eat me that badly?! His mind raced. The boy wiped the cold beads of sweat from his forehead, casting brief gazes at the dark crevices of the forest. He failed to see anything, but his senses told him otherwise.

If I can't lose it, then I'll just have to lure it out. He decided.

Samael took a deep breath, his foot digging deep in the earth as he propelled himself. The wind whipped his face, blowing away his dark hair.

His eyes widened. He knew that there was some increase in his physical performance after the change, but he didn't think it was this much!

On the corner of his eyes, a shadow darted from the crimson trees. Galloping towards him with haste.

His mouth curved to a smirk.

Samael glanced over his shoulder. He grimaced at the sight of the creature. Its appearance took that of a hybrid fly and praying mantis.

It had a wide elongated claw, similar to that of a praying mantis, but its head took the form of a fly. Its skin shone green with spiky protrusion coming off its back.

It was one hell of a sight. Not to mention, it was fast too! It was easily catching up to the boy without much trouble.

"Tsk" Samael braked with his foot, swiftly taking a sharp turn.

The abomination tilted its head, its eyes locked on Samael's silhouette.

With its massive body, it struggled to shift sideways, falling forward with a thundering explosion. Sending billowing patches of dirt skyward.

The creature shook its head, planting its claws in the dirt as it rose to its feet.

Samael's gaze narrowed. Hmm... I see, so its body is not agile enough. He concluded.

The boy kept making sharp turns, playing with the weakness of the beast. This act enraged the creature.

It let out a blood curdling screech as it swung its scythe-like claws in a fervent frenzy. The crimson trees were diced, the sharp raptorial legs of the beast cutting through them like butter.

This sight alone would send an ordinary person to shock.

That would be if he was ordinary.

Samael's brows furrowed. He glanced at his hand, thoughts and emotions running wild in his head.

It was odd. Not the events currently transpiring, but rather, how he felt.

He felt no fear.

No hesitation.

No pity.

What was happening with him?

He came to halt, his gaze landing on the frenzied abomination. It succumbed to its anger, and now it's nothing but a mindless creature. Perhaps it can serve as a lesson for him, to never succumb to his anger.

Samael bent down, picking a sharp stone and weighing it in his hands.

This will do. He hauled his arm back, his foot planting behind him as he launched the stone forward.

It zoomed in the air, landing on the beast with a thundering explosion.

The monster roared at the top of its lungs. Lines marred the surface of the abominations head.

Samael swallowed hard as he witnessed how the stone was pulverised the moment it struck the creature's body. It appears his deduction was correct.

Sprinting swiftly, he dashed to a different location. Taking great care to conceal his whereabouts, before catapulting another stone.

The projectile flew in an arc, breezing in the air— The creatures raptorial claws swiped forward, eradicating the stone to dust.

It jerked its head towards his direction, and with a mighty roar, it galloped towards his position.

Samael observed the beast with laser focus, his visage unperturbed. The beast yanked its claws forward, forming a makeshift pike.

Samael's lips quivered, a smirk slithering to his lips.

The boy nimbly weaved to the side. This time, he remembered to place his foot right so he didn't tumble like before.

The monster flew past him, colliding with a tree in an ear-numbing explosion. Forming a small dust cloud.

As the dust settled, its silhouette came to view.

Samael's jaw fell open. The beast flailed around, its body lodged between the towering crimson trees, unscathed.

As expected, its agility is low, but its stupidly hard armor makes up for the flaw. Samael grunted in exasperation.

Samael's gaze darted back and forth, scanning the horizon for any available weapon.

His vision sweeped past the splintered trees, landing on a tree branch imbedded in the earth.

That will do.

He took the branch and tightened his grip, ripping it in half, forming a makeshift spear.

He glanced at the beast, searching the its body for a gap.

If this creature could run that fast but have such great armor, then surely there will be gaps in its joints. That was his target, and surely enough, he was proven correct.

A small area in the abominations legs nested a patch of crimson flesh. Squirming under the guiding protection of its unyielding armor.

He lowered his stance, thrusting his foot against the ground as he darted forward, closing the distance in no time and with all his strength, he plunged his improvised weapon, piercing the green flesh of the creature.

With his newfound power combined with his momentum, the beast's limb was torn apart, soaring in the sky before landing with a loud thud.

The creature released an blood curdling cry. Its green blood spurted like a fountain, quenching the thirst of the crimson grass.

Fueled with pain, the beast roared utter rage, escaping through its imprisonment. It swung its raptorial legs in crazed panic.

The beast swung in a frenzy, uncaring for the damage it was causing. For the first time in its long life, it felt a threat to its existence. A real danger that can kill it. Consumed with fear, its primal instinct took control of its body.

It is said that when a creature is cornered and left with no choice, it will enter a state of berserk. That's where the beast kin derived their unique skill, and the same can apply to Samael.

His skill was somehow similar in origin. He faced death so many times that his body succumbed to its instincts and developed this peculiar trait.

The repeated threat to his livelihood forced his body to awaken this primal instinct that all creatures possess but not all have access to.

Strangely, Samael didn't feel any distress or panic. In fact, he felt quite the opposite. He felt nothing. No pity, no anger, no fear. Just pure laser focus.

He wasn't like this before. At least until his recent race change. Did his heritage or evolution change him?

...There was no point in asking himself such a meaningless question. There was a change. Something in him was awakened, or rather, waking up. A dormant personality that finally found the strength to open its eyes. And he didn't know how to respond to it.

Samael flinched as he broke from his stupor. His palm grasping tight his ruby red necklace. A faint voice resonating in his ears.

An imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He was him. He promised to never succumb to desperation again. He could only embrace himself and look at the brighter side of things. After all, how could he feel hopeless when Lilith's promise is there to keep his monsters at bay?

It was time to finish this fight.

"Let me end your misery." Samael muttered in a solemn tone.

The makeshift spear hummed in the air as it descended in a swift thrust, stopping its movement once and for all. Its body went limp and fell down with a soft thud.

It was over.

Conditions met. Activating the hidden feature: [Devour]

Samael winced as an odd sensation assaulted his head. It was like something was forcefully rammed into his brain without his permission, and it felt absolutely uncomfortable.

Weird letters forcefully etched themselves on his head, giving him a mild case of migraine.

Those words slowly morphed, allowing him to understand their meanings. It carved itself deep in his mind as if these information was his all along.

Is this the function "devour"? He wondered. He didn't know what to do with the newly acquired ability. However, his body acted on its own volition.

Following what the system told him, Samael raised his hand and said:

"May your soul find peace and solace under the watchful eyes of the Void"

"Devour..."

The corpse of the abomination liquidised. Its skin tore from its body, followed by its bones and flesh, evaporating into a blood mist.

From its husk, an onyx black energy swirled, forming a small dark sphere. Hovering above his palm.

Samael gazed at the black orb, its mystical glow bathing his eyes. He instinctively knew what this black sphere was.

It was void essence

He felt the power that resided in this pebble-sized orb. So he did what he felt was right.

He absorbed it.

Devoured Void essence of "Krueger" +3

Your power grows stronger.