The unknown person stepped toward him, each footfall echoing with an otherworldly weight.
When he spoke, his voice carried the impossible blend of command and nobility like a monarch who had ruled far beyond mortal ages.
"Abandon the notion of the peaks. Ascend far enough to stand before me that alone will be your true trial."
Before he could respond, the figure extended a sword toward him. It was the very same blade the stranger had wielded moments ago, yet now it felt heavier… older… as if it bore the weight of countless forgotten eras.
"My departure marks your beginning. Do not be satisfied with the peaks. Climb, rise, ascend until even my shadow can no longer bind you, And then… come.... "
A faint, unreadable smile touched the figure's lips.
"Claim the throne I leave behind… successor."
The word lingered in the air like a decree.
And then without a sound the figure dissolved into nothingness, leaving behind only the cold sword resting in his hands.
"What… just happened? Successor? What were those words supposed to mean?" His voice trembled. "Did I just get involved in something I shouldn't have…?"
The sword pulsed with a chilling aura, frost creeping along the metal.
Then dinga blue, familiar window materialized out of the empty air.
Ding!!
Sword Acquired: [Void Reaver Shadow Blade]
A blade of unknown origin, forged from living shadow itself.
A weapon wielded only by one who can tear through the very fabric of the void.
A destroyer of realities capable of severing even that which should never be cut.
This was no mere sword.
It was a manifestation of void-born power, a terror whispered across countless realms.
Raven stood frozen, the notification fading before his eyes. Shock held his body still, yet a faint spark flickered deep within his gaze. The stranger's words echoed relentlessly in his mind…
Successor...
After a long moment of silent contemplation, wondering what path he was supposed to take now, Raven's attention was pulled by something beside the place where the sword manual lay.
A small box Plain, Unadorned,
Completely out of place compared to the ornate coffin from earlier.
He knelt down and lifted the lid.
Inside was a key.
Raven's shoulders slumped.
"Not this again…" he muttered, exasperated.
Not knowing what else to do, Raven spent nearly half an hour searching the chamber's walls. Just as frustration began to settle in, his fingers brushed against a small, almost invisible door perfectly shaped for the key he had found earlier.
He slid the key in, Click.
The door creaked open.
Raven's eyes widened. Even after everything he had experienced today, this shocked him the most.
Beyond the door lay a room bathed in soft, shifting lights. At its center was a small pool, its surface rippling with colors crimson flame, azure water, emerald wind, golden earth, and more. Every elemental symbol shimmered around it, dancing like living sigils.
"I… I know this," Raven whispered, breath catching.
"An Elemental Chamber Or as the priests call it… Elemental Baptism."
He stepped closer, awe overwhelming him.
"Its purpose is to draw out a person's innate element. Something so rare… I never imagined I'd find one here. These days, even the Emperor can't obtain this."
For a long moment he hesitated then instinct overpowered reason.
Raven jumped into the chamber.
The liquid-like elements surged toward him as if greeting an old friend. They wrapped around him, swirling, embracing, pulling him deeper into their luminous depths.
Minutes passed. Ten long, breathless minutes.
Then something stirred.
Deep within him… something awakened.
"What… what is this feeling…?"
Raven staggered out of the chamber, clutching his chest. His heartbeat thundered like a war drum.
"I need to get out… now."
A strange warmth surged through his veins no, not warmth… power. His entire body glowed faintly, as if coated in a thin layer of starlight.
"It feels like… my body just went through a metamorphosis."
Every muscle felt lighter yet stronger. His senses sharper. His very physique… transformed.
Without hesitation, he called out:
"Status Window."
Ding—!
The familiar blue screen shimmered into existence before him. But something was undeniably different this time.
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Raven Blackheart
Age: 17
Gender: Male
Class: Swordsman
Core: Adept Stage 1
Talent Grade: ???
Evaluation: ???
Unique Ability: None Detected
Blessing: None
Traits:
• Eyes of Perception
• Ultimate Physique
Elements: NIGHT, THUNDER (NEW!!)
BASE STATS
Stat Rank
Strength E+
Endurance E+
Stamina D+
Agility E
Intelligence E+
Charm E+
Mana C+
SKILLS
• Intermediate Quick Step — 10%
• Intermediate Swordsmanship — 35%
• Intermediate Handling — 30%
> "An anomaly… strong, yet far from the summit.
A seed with the faint possibility to rise beyond its limits."
Raven exhaled slowly, absorbing every line of the screen. His lips curled into a small, satisfied smile.
"Elements… they're not rare. Every awakener gets one based on their affinity." He clenched his fist. "But I have two."
Dual elements weren't unheard of in ancient records there were even individuals with three or four. And in this era, the legendary hero AURTHOR possessed all known elements.
Even then… this felt different.
Raven's gaze sharpened.
"Night an advanced form of the dark element i think so,Stronger, sturdier… deadlier." A spark of excitement flickered in his eyes. "And thunder… destructive and fast."perfect for an swordsman.
And a path opened by an unknown being.
Ding!!
You have obtained the "UNKNOWN" Blessing…
A chill swept across Raven's spine as new text etched itself onto the screen.
Blessing – Mysterious Aura: Voidborn Insight
The one whose presence is "unknown "
Not even the universe itself recognizes your existence.
Abilities – Voidborn Insight
• The blessed individual sees truths never meant for mortal eyes.
• Can perceive hidden intents, falsehoods, unspoken threats, and unseen anomalies.
• (Other abilities locked insufficient host power)
Raven stared at the window, a faint tremor in his fingers.
"…Unknown even to the universe? What kind of blessing is this…?"
The memory of the mysterious figure their presence, their words flashed through his mind like lightning.
"Is this… a clue? Did that person leave this behind for me?"
He exhaled slowly, determination hardening in his gaze.
"I have to do some research when I get out of this ruin. Whatever this blessing is… it's far bigger than I thought."