A man dressed in a black elite suit, with red umbrella that covers his upper is walking gracefully through the overgrown thickets of the Darkwood Forest. The moon was a thin, silvery crescent, its faint light barely breaking through the gnarled canopy overhead. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, but beneath it, a more sinister fragrance lurked. A scent he had grown to know all too well, a scent of brimstone, feral musk, and Mystic fire – The Solarhowler
He tightened his grip on the umbrella he bore, the uncaring wind threatening as the silver cross engraved on the umbrella glistening faintly in the moonlight.
He muttered a quiet prayer, his voice barely a whisper against the rustling leaves.
Suddenly, the air grew still, a silence so profound it was deafening, time seem to stop and flow backwards. The howl that sliced through the silence was chilling, a mournful, high pitched note that will send shivers down anyone's spine. From the shadowy undergrowth, a monstrous figure emerged, its form almost human, yet distorted and terrifying with orange furs that looks like burning grass. A werewolf, standing on its hind legs, its amber eyes glowing with predatory menace.
"Demon," the man intoned, his voice steady despite the time freeze. "In the name of the Holy Church, I shall banish you."
" Odeyssus you should be ashamed fighting a Solarhowler at it's weakest."
" I can kill you even if you fight when bathed in sunlight, you chose to run like a coward all day.
you have been found guilty of mass abduction and forcefully siring.. punishment.... death.
The werewolf bared its fangs, a guttural growl echoing through the forest. With a speed that belied its size, it lunged towards him. Odeyssus swung his umbrella revealing his half face, it looks like it was perfectly cut into two leaving only the lower half, the silver cross burning brightly as the umbrella turned into a red katana as it made contact with the beast, forcing it back. The werewolf snarled, its flesh sizzling where the katana had struck.
The battle was a dance, a deadly waltz under the waning moon. Odeyssus, despite his advantage never went for the killing, moved with the grace and agility of a man half his years. His strikes were measured, each one was not lethal enough so he could continue toying with the beast.
But the werewolf was relentless, its fury and strength formidable. Again and again, it attacked, its claws slashing through the air, barely missing Odeyssus. During one such attack, it managed to clip Odeyssus's katana, but that was a mistake on his part as he lost his hands.
*ROOAARRRR*
werewolf staggered and let out a blood curling roar, pain searing through his body. He fell to one knee, the taste of copper filling his mouth. But he wasn't beaten, not yet. he pressed his hand to his wound, his palm glowing with a soft, golden light. The wound began to close, the magic stemming the flow of blood as he couldn't regenerate due to being exposed to church essence.
With renewed vigor, the werewolf rose, his gaze locked with Odeyssus's. He spun his body, the orange fur burning even brighter now. he lunged at Odeyssus, spinning until it became a blur, The werewolf howled in anger, its body beginning to shimmer and warp with red flames as it flew towards Odeyssus.
Odeyssus raised his right hand and slapped the warewolf head first into the ground, the forest shook forcefully, the impact made a huge crater and sent out a massive Aftershock. Odeyssus stared at the werewolf disfigured face.
" Tsk! I wanted to Play a little but you got excited"
Odeyssus drove his red katana into the beast. The forest was filled with a blinding white light as the werewolf was consumed in a pillar of holy fire. When the light faded, nothing remained of the beast but a pile of ashes and a burnt skull.
Odeyssus picked up the skull and shook off the ash, he stared at the left socked which was dimly lit in blue light before going off.
" Well I had some fun with your clone but you should know this by now...Derek.. you can't hide from the church."
**********************************************
With the masters gone for classes, that Left Jack and the low level masters on their own, well most were in the clinic receiving treatment, masters were suppose to heal on their own but as Purnishment for getting their asses handed to them Anderson made them heal while wearing a restraining shackle, Jack still healed a lot fas ter. He is currently walking down the high street which was full of clothes shops and restaurants.
Jack felt hurt losing to Nathaniel, he got a battle art out of it, but he still felt like shit and he realised something very crucial weapon matters.
The city is an extension of the master academy and full of military personal but not all of them were soldiers. There was still cooks that were needed, admin staff, engineers, building workers and even general people who would run the shop, most of the people are half cyborg if that still counted as people.
While Jack was walking he couldn't help but think back to the fight between him and Nathaniel, he will be lying if he said he wasn't impressed.
He continued to walk down the high street which was filled with shops, until he eventually stopped just outside a store. He headed inside and there were all types of games filled on the shelves.
At the very back of the shop was a VR pod for people to test out before they bought anything. Just like everything else, technology had improved significantly after the great war due to the introduction of witch tech and church tech.
The sun was starting to set outside Jack has a little over four hours before he gets pulled into the Null_realm he immediately when over to the VR room. Just like the capsule in the shop, it was a room filled with rows and rows containing capsules and off to the side was a small shop and counter where masters were able to buy snack and refreshments.
The room was currently devoid of masters, just as Jack expected, but that doesn't mean the market wasn't popular the masters were just busy with classes.
He went up to the front counter that was stationed next to the small cafe. "Hi, I would like passage into the black market."
That will cost you 1,000 credits per hour." The female cyborg replied. Hearing that number could have made Jack gulp. For some reason, he had expected the cost and he had enough money since no one wants to bully him anymore. He payed for an hour placed the watch on the counter, a ding sound confirmed the payment.
The cyborg behind the counter handed Jack an access code 2311024. He walked around the room until he found a capsules closer to a rim, he was certain no one will see him and start asking some dumb questions due to the placement of the rim.
With that, he slowly climbed into the VR capsule. When the machine sensed he was comfortably inside, the capsule lid slowly started close in on him. Then before he realised it, his mind was completely transported to another space.
Jack was now in a large empty white room. There were no walls in sight and it looked like the room was endless. Suddenly a screen appeared in front of him.
"Welcome to the Black market, would you like to?"
[ Log in ] [ Register ] [ Trade as a guest ]
Jack selected register.
[ Please create a User ID ]
Jack thought long and hard, he didn't want anything that could give away his real identity away but at the same time, he wanted a name that would express his newfound self.
Something like endless plot master or S_level master but Plus the idea of naming himself such strange names just sent cringe tinkles running down his spine.
Finally, he had settled on a name.
[ User ID created Infinitum ]
The name was chosen for a few reasons. Jack could see the recreation of a new existence every time he died and he was sure it was infinite unless he ran out of essence. It was as if his body has infinite growth or something else and in the future, he knew he would be stronger then he was now.
He thought the name was very fitting for himself.
The next step was to design his character. The body proportions of his character were the same as him but he was able to choose what hairstyle and simple clothing he wanted on it.
Jack had always been born with black curly hair and wanted to change it but never got the chance to. Now it felt like he could be someone else.
After going through all the options, he finally decided on a long white haired character who wore a complete body tight red armor with a silver mask and left his red eyes unchanged. he looked like a deity from an old fantasy world.
Once the character had been completed, Jack was once again teleported to the large white empty room. That's when Jack noticed something.
While in the room Jack was able to walk around freely and move his body just like he could outside. He was currently dressed as the character.... well it was a little scary seeing more than a thousand reflection of his avatar.
Then when Quinn tried to open up his system to his surprise it appeared like usual, he looked down at his hands and immediately wanted to test something out.
And in that instant, red lighting encased Jack's both hands and scorched the ground... this was the talent he acquired by defeating Jonathan, though he wasn't that good at it.... For whatever reason, it seemed like Jack's system and abilities still worked inside the black market.
[ You information has been encrypted by the admin ]
[ Welcome to the Black market INFINITUM ]
he was immediately teleported to the entrance of the Black Market, As jack materializes in the bustling market, he is surrounded by a myriad of masters and saints.. he could tell this cause saints has a more condensed aura. exotic technologies, and vibrant displays of goods. The air is filled with a cacophony of all world languages.
He was greeted by massive holographic archways that shimmer with cascading lights and project ethereal images of mythical creatures and alien landscapes. The archways serve as portals to other sections of the Black market... 'Just how big is this place?.'
Upon entering the market, he found himself in a labyrinth of bustling streets lined with shops and stalls... and masters kept staring at him from time to time especially the ladies which he found strange..' Is something wrong with my avatar?.'
The streets are alive with a symphony of sounds, from the cheerful chimes of robotic street performers to the hum of hovercrafts zipping overhead. Buildings tower above, adorned with holographic billboards advertising the latest innovations, experiences, and products that defy the limits of the imagination.
Determined to find a powerful weapon, Jack navigates through the labyrinthine market stalls, each offering a unique array of merchandise. He encounters vendors selling energy-based blasters, plasma swords, neural disruptors, and other advanced weaponry, of course you need high- tier shards to purchase something like this if not it would have been some common weapon.
Curious beings and Merchandise from different clans catch his attention, showcasing their remarkable inventions. He engages in conversations, seeking advice on the most formidable weapon available. The locals share stories of legendary artifacts, such as the Quantum Disruptor or the Starfire Cannon, said to possess unimaginable destructive capabilities.
After gathering information and considering his options and the king-tier shard he has at hand, Jack finally stumbles upon a reputable vendor specializing in ancient relics. The vendor presents a peculiar-looking device, intricately crafted and emitting an otherworldly aura.
The vendor explains that the device is known as the "Cosmic Blade," a weapon forged eons ago by an extinct civilization renowned for their mastery of cosmic energy manipulation. The Cosmic Blade is said to be capable of channeling and amplifying the wielder's energy, unleashing devastating attacks.
Intrigued by the potential of such a weapon, Jack would have negotiated a price with the vendor and acquires the Cosmic Blade cause it cost three king-tier shard.. well he doesn't have that much but before coming to the Black market he did some research and he found out awakened shards worth more than regular shard, a shard he just happen to have in his possession. He feels the weight of the weapon in his hand, sensing its inherent power but he needed something more since he wasn't a swordmaster, he needed both offence and defence.
" I want a weapon that provide both offence and defence"
"The bald head man with googly eyes nodded slightly.
"Oh I see you have quite a taste for weapons... by the way nice costume. I will give you a weapon unlike any other made with an alloy found in another dimension defence just as strong as it offence.
He opened a small portal and put his right hand inside, he kept searching relentlessly for some until he showed a creepy smile and brought out a red pair of gauntlet.
" This gauntlet can materialize any weapon of you making while maintaining its form and stats."
" How much does it cost "
" 7 king-tier shard"
"Are you sure you not trying to rip me off"
"Prices in the black market are made for the benefits of the buyers"
Jack stretched his hands out and weaved a king-tier shard but it wasn't like any shard it was brighter and clearer with no cracks.
The man's eyes suddenly got bigger than they were and he started stammering.
" T-th-at is just one shard.... I said seven"
" Now aren't you trying to rip me off?"
Jack placed the shard on the table and took the gauntlets and placed it in his inventory while the man stared at him lost in a trance when he got his senses working again he quickly took the shard and put it away.
Jack turned around to leave, he has almost used an hour in the black market and he wasn't ready to pay a single dime more than he have to, he walked for some distance before returning back to the vendor.
" Ahem.. I'm certain my shard cost a lot more than your gauntlets... Can I get high grade spell or a potion?."
**************************************
Celine sat on her coffee table watching the scenery of the academy estate through her shadow, ever since Jack told her to keep her shadow to herself she has had nothing to do, watching Jack was her job and now he even avoids her like a plague. She sighed.
" Why won't he talk to me? " Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly hears a soft, familiar knock on the door. Her heart skips a beat, recognizing the distinct rhythm.
With a mix of excitement and anticipation, Celine makes her way to the door, her steps quickening with each stride. As she reaches out to grasp the handle, she takes a deep breath, feeling a flutter of nerves dancing in her stomach.
With a gentle pull, she opens the door, revealing Jack standing there, a smile lighting up his face... well that was the first time Jack smiled at her... lot of thought were on a rampage in her head... The warmth in his eyes mirrors her own.
In that moment, time seems to stand still as Celine takes in the sight of Jack endearing presence - the way his hair falls effortlessly, the curve of his smile, and the tender sparkle in his red eyes.
Without uttering a word, Celine dives in for a kiss but Jack averted his Face catching her in an embrace, wrapping his arms around her in a tight, secure hug. Jack stroke her hair slowly which made her shudder with each touch.
Jack feels in control for the first time, he feels like he's the one doing the manipulation now not Celine but he couldn't help but feel bad. he brought his mouth close to her ears as his hot breath touched her, she started heating up, he whispered.
" Celine do you want to buy a Pint of my blood? "