Kyle stood up and began walking toward the platform. His foot got tangled in the heavy chains, and he started falling toward the stone. He tried to steady himself and grabbed at the chains, but he failed to hold them properly. In the struggle, a small cut opened on his hand, and a single drop of his blood fell onto the Soulstone. Kyle collapsed onto the ground.
At that moment, the black and purple smoke that had filled the cave began to gather back into the Soulstone. As soon as all the smoke condensed into it, a massive explosion erupted. The blast shook not only the entire cave but also the surrounding twenty kilometers like an earthquake. All living creatures panicked and began running in every direction. Orion and his friends fled out of the cave in fear.
Kyle was terrified. He ran to a corner and hid behind a large rock. The chains around the platform began rattling violently, clashing against the pillars. A horrifying laughter echoed throughout the cave. Once again, smoke spread everywhere—but this time, a figure began forming from within it. The shape grew larger and larger.
Soon, it stood nearly forty feet tall and twenty feet wide—a warrior-like entity.
It looked like a powerful and mysterious warrior whose mere presence could plant fear in the hearts of enemies. It resembled a Spectral Knight.
1. Physical Appearance & Aura:–
Its entire body was surrounded by divine blue and purple energy, signifying that it was not an ordinary human but a high-level spirit. Its hair was long and silver-white, flowing as if carried by unseen winds of power. Its eyes shone with intense light, reflecting determination and wrath. Its body was slightly translucent, revealing that it existed between the physical and spiritual realms.
2. Outfit & Armor:–
It wore the Spectral Sovereign Armor.
Sharp black and purple spikes extended from its shoulders and arms, representing both defense and aggression. Glowing golden and violet runes were carved across the armor, possibly the manifestations of its Soul Contract powers that activate during battle. At the center of its chest plate was a main energy core—the source from which its entire strength radiated.
3. Main Weapon: The Soul-Slayer Blade:–
In its hand was a massive, heavy sword. It did not appear to be made of metal but of pure energy. The edges of the blade glowed with white light, while its center pulsed with deep violet. This sword possessed the power to cut through souls and erase darkness itself.
After some time, everything became silent.
The mysterious being gently opened its eyes and spoke softly, "Why are you silent, Kyle? Do not be afraid. As I told you before, you are not in danger from me. I will not harm you. Come closer."
Kyle slowly stood up and cautiously walked toward it. His eyes widened in shock at what he was seeing.
Trembling, he asked in a stuttering voice, "W-w-who are you? What is your name? Where did you come from?"
The figure replied in a deep voice, "My name is Draken. I am a warrior. Thousands of years ago, a terrible war took place between the gods and demons. I fought on the side of the gods. But a dreadful demon sorcerer cursed me and, through deception, sealed my power inside this stone. Since then, I have been imprisoned within it."
Draken observed Kyle carefully and continued, "I know you do not possess a Soulstone. You have no power. But I can help you."
Kyle was startled. "How do you know I have no power? And how can you help me?"
Draken answered, "I possess the power of a Soul Contract. If you wish, I can grant you my strength. But in return… I will require your body."
Kyle stepped back in fear. "Why do you need my body?"
"Do not misunderstand," Draken replied calmly. "I mean that I will reside within your body, alongside you, if you form a Soul Contract with me. I can give you everything you dream about obtaining every single day."
Kyle thought about his past—how people mocked him daily, bullied him, and treated him as worthless. After a long silence, he said firmly, "I am ready."
Draken warned him, "But my curse will come with my power."
"What is your curse?" Kyle asked.
Draken explained, "Whoever forms a Soul Contract with me—each time they use my power, a pure part of their soul will become impure. If my power is overused, that person will eventually transform into a dangerous demon."
Kyle clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms. He closed his eyes and heard clearly in his mind—the villagers' laughter, Orion's hateful words, every moment he had been called 'trash' and cast aside.
When he opened his eyes again, there was no fear in them—only a cold fire.
"Demon? Curse? Hell? …Are you trying to scare me?" he roared.
His voice echoed throughout the cave.
"You think you can frighten someone who has seen his own death in the eyes of his people every single day? I am 'Soulless,' right? In the eyes of this world, I am already a living corpse. If becoming a dangerous demon is what it takes to gain the respect I never received as a human… then I accept it!"
He stepped forward toward the platform.
"If I must lose a pure part of my soul to stand equal to this world, then so be it! If the price of respect is my life, I am ready to pay it. I will not suffocate in silence anymore. I would rather die fighting. Draken… I want your power, no matter the consequences!"
Draken responded, "Very well. Then the contract begins. Take a deep breath… and grasp the Soulstone."
With those words, Draken returned into the Soulstone.
Cliffhanger :–
Friends, the Soul Contract has now officially begun! Kyle has wagered his soul—but will he be able to endure Draken's curse?
Author note :–
In the next chapter, Kyle's new powers and his first System Interface will be revealed. Do you want to see what Kyle's new Soul Level is?