The dark red light spun like a violent tornado, tearing through the mist. Bones cracked and flesh tore, echoing across the silent graveyard.
Arthur stood firm, his dark eyes reflecting the bloody storm. The sheer pressure of the magic made the air thick, each breath a struggle.
Then—the storm collapsed. The red light shattered into countless dark sparks.
When the dust settled, Arthur's breath caught. In the center of a small crater stood a monster born from a nightmare.
Over two and a half meters tall, its skeletal frame of black steel—the Iron-Bone Knight's core—was now wrapped tightly in thick, corrupted red muscle fibers. Its massive bone blade had mutated, glowing with a dark, blood-red aura, and its hollow eyes burned with a raging crimson inferno.
[Ding! Irregular Synthesis Successful!]
[You have created a Level 10 Rare species: Blood-Iron Ghoul Fiend.]
[Skills:]
- Brutal Cleave
- Blood Frenzy
- Absolute Loyalty
Arthur's eyes widened. He had just created a monster capable of annihilating an entire squad of Level 10 Awakened students—and he was only Level 3.
"Perfect," he whispered.
But as he took a step forward, his vision blurred. A sharp pain stabbed his brain like a heated needle. Arthur stumbled to one knee, gripping the ground, breathing heavily. A drop of warm liquid fell onto the dirt. He touched his upper lip—blood. His nose was bleeding.
[Warning! Host's Mental Energy severely depleted. Irregular Synthesis places a massive burden on the soul. Current Level and Intelligence stats too low for frequent use. Please rest to recover.]
Arthur wiped the blood away, his breathing slowly steadying. Instead of fear, a faint, cold smile crept across his pale face.
"So that's the limit," he muttered. "No mana cost, but playing God strains the mind. Fair enough."
A logical limitation. If he could fuse hundreds of dead monsters at Level 3, the world would be his by tomorrow. Now he had a clear goal: level up, strengthen his mind, and remove the boundaries.
He looked up at the towering Blood-Iron Ghoul Fiend. It stood perfectly still, awaiting his command. Because it was a summon, no words were needed.
Return. Arthur commanded in his mind.
The massive beast dissolved into shadow, sinking perfectly into Arthur's own.
His headache eased into a dull throb. He walked to the Ghoul's original death site and picked up the faintly glowing green orb.
[Corrupted Ghoul Core (Uncommon) acquired.]
Five thousand credits—enough to escape another meal of stale academy bread. Arthur tucked the core into his pocket, pulled his hood up, and quietly slipped into the dark streets of the city.
Fifteen minutes later.
Two upper-year students wearing the silver Academy Patrol badges entered the Beginner's Graveyard. Level 12, clad in shiny armor and wielding weapons.
"I swear I heard a massive roar here," the swordsman said, holding a glowing lantern.
"It's just the Beginner's Graveyard, Mark," his mage partner yawned. "Probably a slime popping. What's the worst that—"
He stopped. His voice died in his throat.
"What is it?" Mark stepped forward, eyes widening in horror.
In the center of the graveyard, the ground was shattered. Tombstones were reduced to dust. Black blood pooled across the dirt, and a thick severed arm lay beside it.
"That... that's the Elite Ghoul's arm," Mark stammered, face pale. "Level 8 Boss. Teachers warned us to avoid it until graduation exams!"
The mage trembled, pointing to the crater. The Ghoul's massive head lay split perfectly in half—a single, clean strike.
"One strike…" the mage whispered. "Impossible. Only a high-level instructor or Silver-Rank Guild Master could do this..."
Mark swallowed hard, staring at the empty graveyard. "Who… who was here?"