Chapter 1: Awakening of the Seal
The day had finally come.
Eighteen years of waiting, of preparation, had led Mark Song to this moment. The Warrior Exam was no ordinary test. For some, it was a stepping stone to fame and fortune. For others, it was a matter of survival. And Mark knew that in this world, failure could mean death.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Warrior Exam," the instructor's voice boomed, carrying the weight of authority across the hall. "Most of you have waited for this your entire lives. Listen carefully—this is not a game. This is life or death."
Mark's heart raced. He had read countless archives, watched videos of past exams, studied strategies and monster behaviors. But hearing it in person… it was far different. The gravity of the moment pressed against him like a physical weight.
"This job is dangerous," the instructor continued, pacing slowly across the stage. "Not everyone is cut out for it. After registration, you are advised to join a clan or the Warrior Association. Progress alone is slow, and the monsters will not wait."
He paused, scanning the participants with sharp, unwavering eyes. "Just because you receive an Ability Seal doesn't make you strong. That is only the beginning. Training, strategy, and growth are what make you powerful. Without effort, your seal is useless."
Finally, he delivered the last warning. "Artifacts are forbidden in the exam. We will enter a Moral-1 Goblin Dungeon shortly. Take these minutes to prepare."
Mark gripped the crystal in his hand. He didn't focus on the warnings. The thought of monsters, the seal that would appear after the first kill, and the unknown power it might grant consumed him.
Eighty years ago, pocket worlds began opening across the globe. Monsters poured out, wreaking havoc wherever they appeared. Humanity survived only after discovering Ability Seals. Kill a monster, and a seal would manifest. Most people received one. Some were cursed with weak seals. A rare few… never received anything at all.
Over the decades, the world had adapted. Entire economies, governments, even wars now revolved around warriors and their seals. The stronger the seal, the higher the rank. The greater the influence. Survival depended on it.
"Line up," the instructor commanded. "Step into the dungeon portal calmly. Time will not wait for hesitation."
Participants rushed forward, disappearing into the shimmering portals one by one. Mark's chest tightened with anticipation and fear. Finally, it was his turn. One step… and the world shifted.
The forest that greeted him was alive. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, scattering golden patches on the forest floor. The scent of wet earth and leaves hung thick in the air. The instructor remained at the front, overseeing the dungeon, while participants spread out, sharpening weapons or whispering strategies to their partners.
"Welcome to your first dungeon," the instructor's voice carried unnaturally, almost mechanical. "You have one hour to kill a monster and reveal your Ability Seal. This is a Moral-1 Goblin Dungeon. Simple for beginners… but hobgoblins also roam here. Kill a goblin, and your seal will appear on your right shoulder. Your Status Window will then be available. Grouping is advised. No one may challenge the Goblin Boss. I will be observing. Time starts now."
Everyone surged forward, but Mark's eyes scanned the forest carefully. Every shadow could hide a goblin. Every rustle of leaves could be death.
"Hey. Can I join you?"
A voice broke through the tension. Mark turned to see a girl with short, blood-red hair and piercing blue eyes. She was watching him intently.
"Sure," he replied, though his throat felt dry.
"I'm Issy," she said, extending her hand. Mark shook it.
"Mark."
They moved cautiously into the forest. Silence hung heavy between them, broken only by the crunch of leaves underfoot. Every sound could signal an ambush.
Minutes passed before Mark spotted movement: two small, green figures, barely three feet tall, daggers clutched in hand. Goblins.
He grabbed Issy, pulling her down behind a tree.
"What—" she began, but he clamped his hand over her mouth and pointed.
She froze, then readied her sword, following his lead.
"Think we can take them?" she whispered.
"They're not smart. We should be fine," Mark replied.
"I'll take the one on the left," she said, charging forward. Mark dashed toward the right goblin, gripping his sword tightly.
He swung with all his strength.
Swosh!
The goblin dodged, lunging with its dagger. Mark managed to step aside, but a shallow cut grazed his leg. Pain flared, and he cursed under his breath.
This is going to require more than I thought…
He steadied himself, assumed a proper battle stance, and waited for the goblin to strike again. When it charged, predictable this time, Mark timed his swing perfectly, driving his sword into its gut.
"Ekkk!! Ekkk!!"
The goblin shrieked and collapsed.
Ability Seal revealed.
Mark's eyes widened. On his right shoulder, a dark mark had formed, taking the shape of a demon.
Demonic Devil Seal…
He instinctively opened his Status Window.
Status Window:
Name: Mark Song
Age: 18
Rank: Level 1
HP: 90/100
MP: 100/100
Strength: 13
Speed: 10
Agility: 10
Defense: 13
Mental Strength: 15
Ability Seal: Demonic Devil
Fighting Arts:
Demonic Stair [Lvl 1]: Emits an aura of fear, weakening enemies by 20%. Cannot affect anyone 3 ranks higher.
Demon Rage [Lvl 1]: Enter 30-second bloodlust. +10% Strength. 8-hour cooldown
Items Equipped: Standard Sword
Not bad—but the seal was unfamiliar. No one had ever mentioned a Demonic Devil Seal before.
Mark studied his skills. Demonic Stair could terrify and weaken enemies. Demon Rage was a short but potent burst of strength. If mastered, these skills could make him lethal.
He was still analyzing when Issy called out sharply.
"Mark!!"
Her leg had been grazed by a goblin.
"Just a scratch," he reassured, though he glanced at the blood with concern.
Her gaze shifted past him. Mark followed it.
A hobgoblin—larger than a man, wielding a double-headed axe—was charging toward them.
"It's stronger… smarter… be careful," Mark warned.
"I think we can handle it," Issy said. Flames ignited along her sword.
No time to admire her skill. The hobgoblin swung its axe with terrifying speed. Issy countered, cutting its arm, but the force of the blow sent her flying into a tree.
Mark's jaw tightened. He couldn't leave her.
The hobgoblin lunged again. Mark struck, slicing its stomach, but it barely reacted.
Time to use my skills.
He activated Demonic Stair. The air around him thickened. The hobgoblin faltered, slowed, fear briefly visible in its eyes.
Mark pressed the attack, cutting repeatedly, blood spraying with each strike.
It blocked one swing and knocked him back. MP drained fast—he couldn't sustain it for long.
He braced himself. End this now.
Demon Rage activated.
Power surged through him. His vision blurred. Every strike came faster than the hobgoblin could react. Lightning-fast, precise, unstoppable.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
Finally, the beast's head fell.
Demon Rage deactivated.
Mark collapsed, exhausted, vision swimming.
[Level Up] [Level Up] [Level Up] [Level Up]
Before darkness took him, he realized with a chilling clarity:
This was only the beginning.