RISE OF THE HOLY DEMONIC GOD

After preventing Aiden from destroying the fourth thing, Rey accessed his status and began to see the unlock details of the new or evolved elements on his screen. One by one all the details appeared before him.

~~~

<Race>: Human (Fully Dark-Attributed) – Tier 0

A variant of the human race deeply attuned to darkness. While still in its foundational stage, this being possesses an innate connection to the dark and its various aspects, laying the groundwork for future evolutions.

Affinity: Darkness, Death, Shadow, Void, Curse, Abyss, etc.

Racial Traits:
→ Darkness Affinity (Basic) → Slightly increases proficiency with darkness-related abilities.
→ Shadow Adaptation (Minor) → Blends better in low-light environments, making detection slightly harder.
→ Void Constitution (Initial Stage) → Minor stamina recovery boost in dark environments.

//Note//: This race is at its earliest evolutionary phase, with potential to grow into something far more powerful as it advances.

~~~

"Hmm, I thought perhaps my race should have changed, but it remains human, completely aligned with the darkness element. However, the traits are quite useful for me," Rey said, as Aiden pondered over race, having never heard one entirely aligned to such a singular thing.

Rey did not wait and opened the next one, examining his Physique, as he had not even checked the previous Shadow element one. He thought he might find something beneficial within it.

~~~

<Physique>: Darkness Physique (Upgradable) – Initial Stage

A physique aligned with the essence of darkness, providing fundamental enhancements suited for dark-attribute beings. While currently at its initial stage, it holds the potential for further evolution, unlocking greater powers over time.

Effects:
→ Darkness Affinity Enhancement (Minor): Increases efficiency in absorbing and utilizing dark-element energy.
→ Shadow Resilience (Basic): Slightly reduces damage taken from darkness-based attacks.
→ Night Vision (Lesser): Allows clearer vision in low-light conditions but does not work in complete darkness.
→ Dark Energy Circulation (Beginner): Enhances stamina regeneration slightly when in dark environments.
→ Corruption Resistance (Low): Provides minor resistance to dark-based debuffs and curses.

//Note//: This physique is currently in its early stage and can evolve further, strengthening its connection to darkness and unlocking more powerful traits.

~~~

"Thank goodness, something normal appeared now, or else I might have gone crazy after seeing high-grade all around me," Rey said as he was checking the effects and thought this could be left out for now until Aiden pointed out.

"Kid, you're thinking wrong here, as the growth tag above is quite beneficial. This Physique will grow as you start to grow, reaching sovereign or monarch state. As further stages are still not sure whether it has the potential to grow or not," Aiden said while considering all the stages of the Physique.

"So, this is also not common. Well, being cursed to get powered things is my destiny, I guess," Rey said, feeling a little happy about it.

"Hah! You are the first one to say getting high-grade things is a curse for you," Victor said as he recalled his past when he had to struggle to climb the ladder of power by piling up the bodies of his enemies.

Rey didn't say anything and just left him like that, as didn't to hear his story of struggle and blah-blah.

He opened the next data which was seriously important to begin with. The curse, which the system analyzed for him.

~~~

Curse: Nirzveil's Covenant {Origin-Grade}
Type: Half-Curse & Half-Blessing

Requirement: Must possess the Darkness Law (Origin Grade) and be a direct descendant of the Shadowthrone family. 

Origins & Nature: A contract woven from the very essence of primordial darkness, Nirzveil's Covenant is not a mere curse but an eternal pact, whispered into existence by the first shadow before light was ever born. It is neither granted nor learned—it awakens within those chosen by darkness itself, reshaping their very existence into its perfect vessel.

Effects & Characteristics:

↠ Singularity of Darkness:

→ Any and all elemental affinities are consumed and rewritten into their darkness-infused counterparts, forming an absolute monopoly over the element.
→ No wielder of any other affinity can withstand direct exposure to this power. Their elements will fracture, corrode, or shatter under its influence.

↠ Abyssal Transmutation:

→ Weapons, artifacts, and even raw materials in contact with the bearer will undergo Nirzveil Corruption, warping into darkened entities bound to their will.
→ Even legendary or divine relics will fall to this transformation, evolving into Abyssborne Forms, forever severed from their original nature.

↠ Eclipsed Soul:

→ The wielder's soul itself becomes part of the Darkness Law, making them resistant to spiritual corruption, mental control, or divine influence.
→ With each ascension, emotions will be stripped away, leaving behind only the void of will and purpose.

↠ Evernight's Domain:

→ The bearer is surrounded by an ever-present Nirzveil, a shroud of living darkness that bends reality around them.
→ Any attack made within this veil will be enhanced, and any opposing force will be weakened or consumed.

↠ Charisma of the Abyss {Mutated}:

→ The bearer's presence is irresistibly compelling, radiating an aura of inevitable corruption.
→ Any being who approaches the host with impure intentions will be afflicted by a Curse of Corruption, which can manifest as madness, servitude, or an irreversible descent into darkness.
→ This influence extends to even the most stubborn minds, making betrayal, hostility, or deception a costly act.

↠ The Inescapable Path:

→ Once bound by Nirzveil's Covenant, it can never be undone. Even death will not free the bearer—it will bind their essence into the endless dark, reforming them in another age.
→ Only those who embrace the void in its entirety may truly wield its full power.

//Note//: Half Curse? More like a full blessing for the host. Getting such immense power to rule but it's pointless to hand over the power to such being who didn't have the potential to grow and hold the power.

~~~

"Huh, oi, Veylen. Where is that thing you told us before? Is there any chance you might be wrong here? This thing described most of correctly, but what about the tag over the fifth characteristic? Shouldn't it be something like 'Unfathomable presence' or something?" he asked while ignoring the note below the curse details. as he called Veylen, who was sitting quite pleasantly, not bothering over anything as he heard the words regarding curse description.

"Huh, what did you say?" He rushed over as he the curse details and found whole things same, except the fifth effect was different. Not much, just the pattern had changed and the name over it.

"I didn't know anything about it. Maybe the lord changed it for you since you're the weakest to have the curse imposed on you, so the lord may have thought to weaken curse a little. I remember that my emotions started to fluctuate when I got the curse. Within a few days, they began to be devoured by it. And by the of Tier 3, they were gone as if they never existed," Veylen explained.

Rey was shocked and a little scared to think about what he might become after having his emotions devoured little by little by curse.

"But I don't think there should be problem for you right now. So just focus on other things," Veylen said as he went back to sit again on the furniture in the white room.

Rey didn't say anything, knowing that arguing with him would be pointless right now. He didn't wish to fight someone who could easily kill him. Then, he opened the next description of all skills.

~~~

<<Darkforged Repair>> [C+ Rank]

Type: Passive
Cooldown: N/A
Mana Cost: N/A
Proficiency: 83%

<Description>

An advanced repair ability infused with the essence of darkness. Not only does it restore damaged equipment, but it also enhances and corrupts items over time. Items repaired with this skill slowly adapt to the abyss, increasing their resilience and affinity for dark energies.

<Effects>

Repair Success Rate: 65% → 75%. Darkness Infusion Chance: 30% → 40% (If the item lacks darkness affinity, it may develop one.)
Durability Retention: Items repaired retain 30% more of their original durability.
(!) Abyssal Refinement:5% chance for the item to gain a darkness-based augmentation, enhancing its performance in dark zones. 

~~~~

<<Shadowmeld>> [D Rank]

Type: Semi-Active / Passive
Cooldown: N/A
Mana Cost: 5 MP per second (when active)
Proficiency: 79%

<Description>

A refined stealth ability that allows the user to blend into darkness more efficiently. Movement while in stealth is smoother, and enemies with lower perception struggle to notice the user unless in close proximity. Unlike conventional stealth, Shadowmeld grants an affinity with surrounding darkness, further reducing the chances of detection.

<Effects>

Darkness Concealment: Improved blending in dark environments, making detection harder. Reduced Presence: Lowers noise and presence by 50%.
Movement Penalty Reduced: Speed reduction while stealthed is only -5% instead of the usual -10%.
Evasion Boost: 10% chance to evade non-targeted detection methods.

~~~

<<Umbral Dash>> [E+ Rank]

Type: Active
Cooldown: 3.5 seconds
Mana Cost: 10 MP
Proficiency: 85%

<Description>

An enhanced movement skill that allows the user to burst forward with exceptional speed, briefly phasing through shadows. The acceleration is smoother, reducing strain on the body while improving reaction time.

<Effects>

Burst Speed: Instantly accelerates movement speed by 70% for 2 seconds.
Shadow Phase: If dashing through a darkened area, the user briefly becomes incorporeal for 0.3 seconds, ignoring non-magical obstacles.
Momentum Control: Allows for sharper turns and quicker stops while dashing.
Evasion Boost: 10% chance to avoid a non-lethal attack while dashing.

~~~

<<Abyssal Burst>> [F Rank]

Type: Active
Cooldown: 10 seconds
Mana Cost: 8 MP
Proficiency: 67%

<Description>

A basic combat skill that momentarily surges the user's body with abyssal energy, enhancing physical strength and striking force. This energy briefly amplifies attacks before dispersing.

<Effects>

Strength Boost: Increases Strength by 10% for 5 seconds.
Abyss-Infused Strikes: Attacks during this period deal an additional 5% darkness-based damage. (!) Corruption Strike: A 5% chance to weaken an enemy's resistance to darkness for 3 seconds.

~~~~

<<Phantom Stride>> [E- Rank]

Type: Passive
Cooldown: N/A
Mana Cost: N/A
Proficiency: 72%

<Description>

A movement-based ability that enhances agility and adaptability in combat, allowing the user to navigate obstacles with near-effortless grace. The user instinctively moves through terrain like a fleeting shadow, reducing unnecessary motion and improving traversal efficiency.

<Effects>

Fluid Shadow Movement: Increases movement speed by 15% when climbing, vaulting, or jumping. Silent Landing: Reduces fall damage by 10% from moderate heights and negates noise upon landing.
Momentum Surge: After a successful phantom movement, grants a 5% agility boost for 3 seconds.

//Note//: Even though the skills are enhanced but the user is still the same.

~~~

"Okay, so just as the system notification said, my skills are now aligned with the path darkness due to the curse characteristics of Singularity of Darkness. But isn't it supposed to begin at Tier 1, as you told me. So why is it working right now?" Rey, recalling Veylen's explanation of the effects he throughout his life.

"Yes, I did, but maybe your curse is quite different from anyone else in the family," Veylen replied, as that was the only conclusion he could come to.

Rey shrugged as he opened the new ability, he acquired through his family bloodline or whatever it was.

~~~

<<DARKNESS (EX+)>>

Proficiency: 0%
Tier: 0

<Description>

A transcendent ability that embodies the highest authority over darkness, surpassing all conventional limitations. DARKNESS (EX+) is not simply a mastery of darkness but the foundation of an ultimate force, waiting to be shaped by its wielder. Unlike fixed skills, its growth is not predetermined—it evolves solely through the host's experiments, understanding, and mastery over darkness itself.

This ability holds limitless potential, but it starts as a blank slate—the true power within remains sealed until the host discovers how to wield it. Every use, every breakthrough, and every test will unlock new sub-abilities, molding the darkness into a force that aligns with the host's will.

The direction of evolution is unrestricted—it is neither bound by tradition nor confined to any existing rules. Whether it becomes a devourer of existence, an all-consuming abyss, a supreme authority overshadows, or something beyond comprehension is entirely up to the host's journey.

<<Sub-Abilities>>

→ None.

~~~

"What is that thing? It doesn't even have the usefulness. What can I do with it in this state? I thought I could use it, but now it's ruined," Rey said as he read the description of the ability. With his talent, he was certain even this thing was doomed to fail.

But perhaps others did not think like him.

"Are you sure? I don't think anything else you hold can compare to it," Aiden said, equally shocked by the cheat-like ability.

"What you mean? If this thing is a cheat, then maybe I can fly right now," said, attempting to fly, but nothing happened, rendering Aiden's words baseless to him.

"Will you come here quickly, or should I bring you here myself?" Aiden said with an irritated expression.

"No sir, I'm here," Rey said, hurrying over.

"Listen, imagine you have two things: a lump of clay and a pot. What can you do with both? Or rather, who would you choose?" Aiden asked seriously.

"What kind of question is that? Obviously, I would take the pot because it has a use, whereas clay is just for playing with."

"That's your way of thinking, Rey. You don't think outside the box. Plain thinking doesn't work in the real world. A true genius like me would choose the clay. It's a blank slate, a formless entity that can be molded into anything we desire. I can make a cup, a bowl, a vase, or a beautiful statue. That's the essence here too. You have the ability to make it grow into something you can rely on later."

"But what if that ability turns out to be useless? There are always two sides to a coin."

"Why do you have thought negatively about it?" Making weird face over his negativeness.

"That's my whole life, which has become negative. My life isn't good enough now, especially after meeting you all. I have been caught by my mother more than three times unconscious in my room, over something that people can't understand at all. Do think with my talent, this thing will become something cool or high-grade? Then please, Aiden, you know, and we all know that with my luck, maybe this overpowered skill from your point of view will just become a sideway thing, something for repairing or devouring waste. It won't become a devourer of existence, nor an all-consuming abyss, or neither a supreme authority. It will just become common, just like me," Rey shouted, bringing out his frustration that he had been piling up inside him for a long.

"You may think that I didn't try to do anything. I just smiled or said nothing when you all said I am trash or worse. Even during the training, you all said I didn't have talent. That didn't hurt me and maybe that was okay and true. But that caretaker, Xeleth'Ruun, who didn't even know me, what did he do? He just tried to make us fools and was about to let us go with some random, subpar technique which, although bad in your eyes, was acceptable to me. And people will do the same in the future, and I will do nothing as I don't have the IQ or capability to show others what I am, those books were something I thought that was something I earned with my own potential, with you being a major part of it. But even that was destroyed by your so-called lord. He came over like some great person and punished him, which was good, but after that, she didn't let me have books. Instead, she gave me her so-called compensatory books, which may look like gifts but were an act mercy to prevent her image from being tarnished in front of others for bullying a weak person. That's why she showed me mercy and gave me those eight books, which I didn't even know how to use and where are they right now, I don't know. So, what's the use of them if they can't be founded. Didn't you hear what Ruun said while leaving? He said, 'I will see what you can do even with those books.' As he knew that even with those books and you all, my value may increase, but do you know how much it will increase?
From zero to one or two. And that's it. I will always be a loser, a damn loser who, even if given the whole world to rule over, will just ruin it with my own hands. Hah~ Hah~. But why am I saying all of this to you? You all, with your will Eye lord, forced these things upon me, thinking that maybe, maybe, I might shine. Did I tell you all to do it? NO, I DIDN'T TELL YOU THAT I WANTED THIS. WHAT I WANTED WAS A NORMAL LIFE WITH MY FAMILY. BUT YOU, ALL CAME INTO MY LIFE AND BECAME A OF IT THAT CAN'T BE REMOVED OR CUT AWAY. LIKE A LEECH THAT DOESN'T JUST SUCK MY BLOOD. BUT POSES A DANGER LIKE WALKING ON A THREAD BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. Hah~ Hah~. Do you remember the time I was fighting with Jacob in the factory? I couldn't do anything. You were the one who killed him. My contribution there was just a vessel of yours to shine. And do you remember that dream thing you created, where I saw my family die in front of me and I couldn't do anything? That was like my soul breaking into pieces, seeing the scene again and again was something I still can't handle. I am not some novel protagonist who will come out of despair with the help of his family and love. This life is real and that was an imaginary world woven by a person mind. I wish I had just died there. Maybe that was the right option for me," Rey said without stopping, pouring out everything he had been holding inside for all this time as he sat, taking support from the wall, his eyes watering from all the frustration he brought out

Aiden, who heard his entire speech, didn't interrupt him because he knew that the shouting and crying were necessary for him. Imagine living a normal and happy life and suddenly being thrust into a world where you must kill or be killed to survive.

"Hah, Rey, I know that what we did was not right, but we are doing it for your own. Do you think I chose you to use you as a vessel? No. I chose you over millions of geniuses who rule the billions common like you because you have something unique—not the mind of a hero or a villain, but a heart that never gives up. You always stand your ground, even if the wall in front of you reaches the sky. Even though you knew you might be in danger if Jacob found you while you were saving your friend, you still stopped to help. That may seem like a heroic quality, but even heroes are humans they choose millions over one and own life over one. I also know that putting you in that dream was wrong, but it was for your own sake. What I showed you may happen in the future when mana appears on Earth. Being weak helps no one. So just accept the fact and move forward; moving forward is the one truth no one should disagree with. And if you still want to cry like a child, that's your choice. But if someone comes to kill your family, don't come to us begging for help," Aiden said as he stood up and started to walk away.

"Wait, I didn't say didn't want to get stronger. I was just expressing the sadness piling up inside my heart," Rey said hesitantly, but he still spoke up, as Aiden, who was facing the other way, had a clear smile on his face.

"Now that's more like our little Rey. You shouldn't cry like that." He moved around and said to him.

"Who said I was crying? It was just some dust in my eyes and nothing else."

"Yes, a dust particle inside your soul and mind. Wow, now you even have dust in your soul," Aiden said, teasing him.

"No, it's not like that."

As the room was once again filled with three guys fighting over trivial matters, Rey emerged from the inner space after examining the abilities of the relics. He checked the time and found it was quite late in the evening on the 28th of April. His day had been consumed by a long slumber due to mutation.

After reviewing some things, he went downstairs to have dinner with his family. Emmy, who saw him, was quite happy that he was okay. They had a peaceful dinner as Jasmine told him to go upstairs, rest, and do nothing. The most thing was that neither Emmy nor Jasmine asked about his new bodily changes, as if they already knew about them. This was the most awkward thing for him.

He went upstairs and decided to study a little, as he had an exam on the 15th of May. After studying for some hours, he went to sleep to end his day. Even though he had been asleep for more than 36 hours, he still went to sleep normally, ending his tiring evening and preparing to face the next, which might bring for him. But would he really be able to sleep. Not, I guess.

-<To be Continued>-

Guys ready for the Association scene, then be ready to see some action pack chapters ahead.