Lightning cracked from the masked figure's spear like a whip, hissing across the ground toward Kaelith. He dove sideways, boots scraping the dirt. The bolt scorched the wagon behind him, filling the air with the smell of burning wood and panic. Lyrielle cried out.
Kaelith's knives trembled in his hands. Not from fear — from rage. His Anger bar glowed like molten metal in his vision.
> [Anger: 96/100]
Another strike came. He rolled, but the spear tip clipped his shoulder, tearing through cloth and skin. Blood splattered. Pain blurred his vision.
The figure advanced silently, spear humming. "You're slow."
Kaelith's heart pounded. Not yet. Not yet.
He lunged forward, knives flashing. The figure parried with one hand, easily knocking his blades aside. Sparks flew where metal met metal. Kaelith staggered back.
Then he saw it — Lyrielle reaching through the wagon slats, eyes wide, tears streaking her face.
Something in him broke.
> [Anger: 100/100]
Berserk Mode Unlocked
Duration: 30 seconds. Cost: 15 years lifespan. Effects: Strength ×3, Speed ×3, Pain Resistance ×∞. Warning: After effect may cause collapse or death.
A roar tore from Kaelith's throat. Black smoke poured from his skin like shadows bleeding into reality. His knives pulsed with the same dark glow.
The masked figure took a step back. "So… you've awakened."
Kaelith blurred forward, speed tripled. His knives struck like fangs. Sparks cascaded as the spear barely deflected the first blow. The second cut across the figure's chestplate, leaving a deep gouge.
Another strike, another. The figure retreated, steps faltering.
"Give her back!" Kaelith's voice was distorted, almost inhuman.
He shadow-stepped, reappearing behind the figure, slashing at the spear arm. Metal rang, and the spear flew from its grip. Kaelith kicked the masked figure in the chest, sending it crashing into a rock.
> [Berserk: 17 seconds remaining]
He ran to the wagon, knives slicing through the lock. He ripped the door open. Lyrielle tumbled out into his arms, trembling.
"Kaelith… your eyes…" she whispered.
"I'm fine," he lied. Shadows swirled around him like a storm.
The masked figure groaned, pushing itself up. "This isn't over…"
Kaelith turned, shadows writhing. "It is." He dashed forward, knives raised. The figure vanished in a flash of light — teleportation. Only the spear remained, sizzling.
> [Berserk: 0 seconds remaining]
The power drained out of him like water from a cracked jar. He collapsed to his knees, clutching Lyrielle.
> [System Notification]
Quest Completed: "Rescue Lyrielle."
Reward: Shop Function Unlocked
Penalty: 15 years lifespan deducted.
Remaining Lifespan: 53 years.
Kaelith's vision blurred, but he forced himself to focus. "Shop… open," he whispered.
A translucent panel unfolded before him, glowing faintly. Lyrielle gasped — she couldn't see it, but she felt the air change.
---
[System Status – Kaelith]
Race: Human (Reincarnated)
Level: 5
Lifespan Remaining: 53 years
Strength: 24
Speed: 27
Vitality: 21
Anger Bar: 0/100
Skills: Shadow Step (basic), God of Negative Emotions (locked active), Berserk Mode (unlocked)
Negative Points: 0
---
[System Shop – Category: Essentials]
Item Name Description Cost (Negative Points)
Minor Lifespan Potion Restores 1 year of lifespan. 500 NP
Basic Combat Manual Increases Strength +5 after training. 700 NP
Escape Token Teleports you up to 10 km away. One use. 1,200 NP
Healing Draught Instantly heals moderate wounds. 300 NP
Mask of Shadows Conceals identity & aura for 24 hours. 900 NP
> More items unlock as Host gains Negative Points.
---
Kaelith blinked. "Negative Points?"
> You gain Negative Points by absorbing or triggering negative emotions in others.
His jaw clenched. He could harvest despair, fear, hatred — but at a cost. Always a cost.
Lyrielle tugged at his sleeve. "Kaelith… you're bleeding."
"I'll live," he said. But his voice was softer now, warmer when he looked at her. He pressed a hand to her cheek. "We're getting out of here."
He grabbed the masked figure's abandoned spear and slung it across his back. His knives felt heavier now, like the weight of his choices had sunk into the steel.
Night had fallen fully. The twin moons hung like silver coins above the canyon. Kaelith lifted Lyrielle into his arms and started walking. The shadows curled at his heels, whispering promises.
Behind them, the campfires burned out. Ahead lay only darkness, a long road, and the Academy he'd once sworn never to touch. But if he wanted power, knowledge, and a way to keep Lyrielle safe, he had no choice.
He would go there. He would grow. And he would never forgive the races that had taken everything.
> [New Quest: "Enter the Academy of Swords and Shadows"]
Reward: Access to Intermediate Shop Tier
Penalty: Lifespan -5 years if failed.
Kaelith's hands tightened on his sister. "I'll make it," he murmured. "I'll make them all pay."
And somewhere in the distance, unseen, the masked figure watched from the shadows, murmuring into an unseen device. "He's stronger than projected. Tell the others. The experiment… is accelerating."
The winds rose, carrying whispers of war and a hundred banners. The path to power had only begun.