A dim glow illuminated the void-like space before him as a translucent panel appeared in Alaric's vision.
[Shadowfang Blade]—A weapon forged from the essence of the void. It grows stronger as its wielder does. Currently, it possesses the following abilities:
Edge of Shadows: Increases lethality against enemies below Rank 3.
Phantom Step: Slightly enhances movement speed in combat.
Devour Essence (Sealed): Unlocks at a higher level.
Alaric ran his fingers along the dagger's sleek, dark surface. The blade felt unnaturally cold, pulsing with a faint, eerie glow that seemed to drink in the surrounding light. Its weight was perfectly balanced, neither too heavy nor too light, as though it had been forged specifically for his grip.
He twirled it between his fingers, testing its responsiveness. With a swift motion, he slashed at a nearby boulder, expecting only a minor scratch. Instead, the blade carved cleanly through the stone, leaving behind a jagged wound in its surface. The ease of the cut sent a chill down his spine.
This is no ordinary weapon.
A new screen materialized before him.
[Choose Your Class]
Knight – Master of weapons and aura, excelling in direct combat.
Mage – Wielders of elemental and arcane forces.
Magus Knight – A rare hybrid of knight and mage, fusing magic with swordplay.
Assassin – Masters of stealth, speed, and shadow magic.
Alaric hesitated, his fingers hovering over the Assassin option. His past as a noble and knight-in-training clashed with the idea of embracing the shadows. The teachings of House Draven had instilled discipline, honor, and the pride of knighthood in him. Choosing this path would mean forsaking those ideals.
But honor didn't save my family. Honor didn't stop my exile.
Gritting his teeth, he made his decision.
[Class Chosen: Assassin]
A rush of energy coursed through his veins as the system processed his selection.
[You have obtained the following abilities:]
Shadow Cloak (Beginner Skill): Briefly blends into the darkness, making detection harder.
Silent Stride (Passive): Reduces noise from movement, enhancing stealth.
Alaric exhaled sharply as the changes settled in. His breathing felt lighter, his movements more fluid. It was as if his body had instinctively adapted to this new path.
A sudden chime from the system interrupted his thoughts.
[Warning: Hostile creatures detected nearby.]
His eyes narrowed. In the distance, shifting figures emerged from the undergrowth—sleek, obsidian-furred wolves with glowing red eyes.
[Shadow Wolves – Rank 1 Creatures]
Alaric gripped the Shadowfang Blade tighter. He crouched low, slipping into the natural cover of the forest, his newly enhanced stealth making each step near-silent.
The lead wolf snarled, sniffing the air. The pack spread out, circling the area, their predatory instincts honed from hunting exiles like him.
Time to put my new abilities to the test.
First Kill
The wolves prowled forward, unaware of the predator lurking among them.
Alaric activated Shadow Cloak. A strange sensation washed over him as the shadows wrapped around his body, rendering him nearly invisible. He moved like a whisper, positioning himself behind the nearest wolf.
With a sharp exhale, he struck.
The Shadowfang Blade slid effortlessly into the creature's throat, the Edge of Shadows ability ensuring an instant kill. The wolf barely had time to whimper before collapsing into the dirt. The other wolves froze, sensing their companion's sudden absence.
[First Kill Bonus: +1 Agility, +1 Skill Point]
A rush of satisfaction filled him. For the first time since his exile, he didn't feel like prey. He was the hunter now.
But there were still three more.
One of the wolves howled, alerting the others. They lunged toward his last known position. Alaric sprang into action, using Phantom Step to weave between their attacks. His speed had increased just enough to stay ahead of their fangs.
Another opening.
He dodged under a leaping wolf, slashing upward. The blade sliced through its underbelly, spilling its darkened entrails onto the forest floor. A third wolf lunged, but Alaric rolled to the side, using his momentum to drive the dagger through its skull.
The last wolf hesitated, ears flattened, sensing its impending doom. It turned to flee.
Alaric wasn't about to let it go.
He surged forward, Phantom Step enhancing his movements. In a single fluid motion, he leaped onto the beast's back and plunged the Shadowfang Blade into its spine. The wolf crashed to the ground, lifeless.
A silence fell over the forest, the scent of blood thick in the air.
[Battle Complete: Shadow Wolves Defeated]
A Taste of Power
Alaric stood amidst the fallen wolves, breathing heavily. His heart pounded, not from fear—but exhilaration. He had been exiled, stripped of his title, cast out like a discarded pawn.
But now? Now he was something else entirely.
The system chimed again.
[Level Up: Apprentice Assassin – Level 2]
Strength +1
Agility +2
Perception +1
Another notification followed.
[New Skill Unlocked: Lethal Precision]
Increases critical hit chance against unaware enemies.
Alaric knelt beside the fallen wolves, retrieving his dagger. He recalled the harsh lessons of survival drilled into him as a child—waste nothing. Using a sharp stone, he skinned the best pelt, the process messy but necessary. The fur would serve as makeshift armor against the cold nights ahead.
Glancing at the darkened sky, he knew his next destination awaited.
His first sign-in had granted him power.
His next would bring him closer to vengeance.