Early morning fog shrouded the island's steep, sharp rocky cliffs and dense forests of the island. The old man's words echoed in Zero's mind as he stepped onto the shore, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing against him. The island was silent, but beneath that silence lurked a lurking threat creatures from the Underworld, restless and hungry.
Zero adjusted his stance, scanning the horizon. Memories flickered in his mind: I was once at the peak...the strongest...nothing could touch me. But that was before. The Shadow Master had sealed away the majority of his elemental power, leaving him with only a fragment of Dark Elemental energy. For a moment, doubt whispered, but he shook it off.
No. I have my inner strength. That is mine.
As he ventured deeper into the island, the trees crept and the rocks formed natural paths between them. The shadows changed, and the air carried a gripping chill. A low growl sounded from behind the rock formations. Suddenly a creature from the underworld, large and strange, lunged out of the darkness, its claws pointed at his back.
In an instant, Zero harnessed his inner strength. A subtle aura enveloped him, invisible to the demon's eyes. Its claws passed him harmlessly. Confused, the demon hesitated, growling, but Zero had already moved, spinning and delivering a precise strike. His spear collided with the demon's chest, releasing energy that tore through the creature. The demon shattered into pieces, its chest hollowed by the impact, but not a single blade touched it.
Zero exhaled, feeling the raw power of his inner energy coursing through him. This was… different from before. Elemental or not, I can still fight.
He continued through the forest, the sound of distant creatures echoing in the thick fog. Branches scraped his arms, and roots threatened to trip him, but every movement was deliberate. He stumbled upon scattered items among the undergrowth: a few elixirs to restore stamina, small relics that glimmered faintly in the dim light, and simple weapons swords and daggers ordinary by legend's standards, but essential for survival.
None of the legendary artifacts the old man had spoken of appeared… yet. But even in their absence, Zero could feel the potential of the island. Each tree, each rock, each demon presented a lesson in strategy, skill, and resilience. His inner strength acted as both shield and guide, teaching him the flow of energy, the rhythm of combat, the precision of power applied without relying on raw elemental might.
Hours passed, and the sun dipped lower. Shadows stretched across the forest floor like dark veins. Zero paused, sensing the pulse of the island — alive, testing, waiting. Every creature he faced, every challenge overcome, built not just his strength, but his understanding. Inner energy was no longer abstract; it was tangible, responsive, lethal when needed.
Zero moved forward, determination etched in every step. The island was not just a test of survival; it was a harsh trial, shaping him for what awaited in the Tower. And somewhere in its depths, the legendary artifacts and secrets waited rewards for those who could endure.
A few kilometers after Zero entered the forest, a chilling sound tore through the silence. It was a mixture of screams, bones snapping, and something monstrous feasting without mercy. Zero instantly moved toward the noise, slipping between trees like a shadow.
Through the thick fog, he finally saw it —
a massive creature, clearly not of this world, its body pulsing with veins of dark crimson. The beast, an Abyss Devourer, was tearing through several smaller creatures, devouring them whole while the survivors fled in terror.
One of the smaller creatures stumbled out from the chaos, barely able to move, its breath weak and unsteady.
Zero narrowed his eyes.
If I want information about this place… this one might be my only chance.
Zero activated his Shadow Art, fading from sight as if swallowed by darkness itself. In an instant, he appeared behind the fleeing creature. A precise strike to the back of its neck rendered the creature unconscious without killing it — just enough to keep it alive for questioning.
He lifted it briefly, making sure it was still breathing.
Before it had fainted, Zero heard it scream for help… and strangely, he understood the language perfectly.
Night was closing in fast. Zero found a small cave tucked beneath a rocky ledge, hidden from wandering beasts. He lit a small fire, ate a simple meal, and waited.
After some time, the small creature finally stirred.
Zero moved instantly — Shadow Step — appearing behind the creature, silent as death itself.
His voice was calm, but sharp:
"Who are you? Why were you running earlier?
What was that giant creature?
Is it your enemy… or something else?
And are you truly a resident of this island?"
The creature flinched at Zero's presence but slowly shook its head.
"I… I'm not from this place," it whispered weakly. "I come from another world. My name is Kyren."
Zero remained silent, listening.
"As for the giant beast," Kyren continued, fear trembling in its voice, "that was an Abyss Devourer… one of the pets belonging to a Demon General."
Zero's expression hardened.
A Demon General…? But the old man said they were already destroyed…
He leaned slightly closer.
"Is this a new general? One that just arrived on this island?"
Kyren hesitated before answering.
"I don't know… I arrived here only thirty years ago. But the people here told stories — that a previous general was killed a hundred years ago by three of the strongest warriors of this world."
Zero exhaled slowly.
So the Shadow Master has lived more than a hundred years… just like the old man said. And that battle… must have been unimaginable.
He stood up.
"Eat. Rest. I'll ask the rest tomorrow."
Kyren nodded weakly and leaned against the cave wall, exhausted.
Outside, the moon climbed high above the forest, casting long shadows over the island.
Zero sat near the cave entrance, eyes sharp, mind turning.
The island held more secrets than he expected…
and tomorrow, the answers would begin.