The aftermath of the battle left the square in shambles.
Smoke curled into the evening sky, and the once-bustling festival was now eerily silent save for the distant murmurs of civilians seeking shelter and healers tending to the wounded.
Sang-hoon leaned heavily on his lance, his breath ragged. Around him, Mira, Arden, Elena, and the others regrouped, their beasts showing equal signs of exhaustion.
Kaelith pressed against Sang-hoon's leg, his shadow-tinged flames flickering softly as if reflecting his tamer's fatigue.
Then came the familiar chime in his mind, a sound he had come to associate with both relief and responsibility.
[Mission Complete: Malrath's Reckoning]
Objective Achieved: Malrath has been defeated. Civilians and key personnel are safe.
Rewards:
5000 XP
Attribute Points: +5
Unique Equipment: Shadowbreaker Pendant
[Level Up!]
Level: 5 → 6
Attribute Points Available: 5
The rush of leveling up coursed through Sang-hoon's body, a fleeting yet invigorating sensation that pushed back the weight of exhaustion. He steadied himself, glancing at the glowing interface still hovering in his vision.
"Another level," he muttered, his tone carrying a mix of relief and unease.
But something gnawed at him.
Sang-hoon's thoughts drifted as the others coordinated with guards to secure the area. This wasn't the first time something felt off.
The attack on the Vault had happened far earlier than it should have, and Malrath—one of the Reaver's supposed lieutenants—wasn't even a part of the original storyline.
Why now?
The system? The world itself? Sang-hoon couldn't shake the feeling that he was being tested—forced to face challenges meant to shape him into something more.
He gritted his teeth. "This isn't the game anymore. It's evolving… or I'm being pushed."
His gaze wandered to the charred remnants of Malrath's greatsword, its jagged pieces scattered across the square like remnants of a nightmare.
If this world was intent on throwing everything at him, he needed to be ready.
---
As the others helped with the civilians, Sang-hoon slipped away unnoticed, Kaelith trotting silently at his side. The little dragon glanced up at him, his glowing eyes reflecting a silent question.
"I need answers," Sang-hoon said quietly, more to himself than to Kaelith. "And power. I need to stop holding back."
He made his way to the forest near the Academy, the familiar path illuminated only by the faint glow of the moon filtering through the canopy.
The air grew cooler as he ventured deeper, his mind racing.
Among the fragmented memories from Count Arvendale, a specific technique had stood out—a ritual involving runes of promise, etched onto the body as a binding contract.
He once used that power in one of his playthroughs as well.
The memories were clear: the promises could grant immense power in times of need, but the cost of failure was steep.
"In the game, it was just stats," Sang-hoon murmured. "But here… it's my life on the line."
---
In a secluded clearing, Sang-hoon knelt. Kaelith perched nearby, his small frame radiating warmth despite the cold night air.
The system interface appeared before him, responding to his intent.
[Do you wish to initiate the Rune of Promises ritual?]
Warning: Promises carry a penalty upon failure. Confirm?
"Yes," Sang-hoon whispered, his voice steady despite the weight of the decision.
The air around him seemed to shift. A faint glow enveloped his chest, and an ancient language began to carve itself into his skin, the characters luminous and flowing like molten gold.
The system prompted him to speak his promises aloud.
[First Promise:]
Sang-hoon clenched his fists. "I promise to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
The runes glowed brighter, binding the vow to his very being.
[Second Promise:]
"I promise to never abandon my allies, no matter the odds."
The second line of runes etched itself beside the first, their light pulsating in rhythm with his heartbeat.
[Third Promise:]
Sang-hoon hesitated, his mind flickering to Kaelith, Mira, Elena, and the others. "I promise to fight with everything I have, even when there's no hope."
The third set of runes burned into his chest, their glow intensifying.
[Fourth Promise:]
The air grew heavier as Sang-hoon took a deep breath. He glanced at Kaelith, whose gaze never wavered.
"I promise to save this world."
The final set of runes blazed to life, their glow a brilliant white that outshone the moonlight. The ancient script formed a seamless pattern across his chest, its meaning clear: Sang-hoon was now bound by his word.
A system notification appeared:
[Rune of Promises Activated.]
Promises: 4
Effect: Increased power, resilience, and clarity in dire moments.
Penalty for failure: Vitality will drop to zero.
Kaelith let out a soft chirp, nuzzling against Sang-hoon's arm. If he could speak, Sang-hoon imagined he'd say something like, You've got this, but don't mess it up.
Sang-hoon exhaled, his breath visible in the cool air. The glowing runes began to fade, their presence still tangible beneath his skin.
He stood, his determination solidified. "No more hesitation. No more doubts."
His eyes gleamed with renewed resolve as he turned back toward the Academy, the promise of his oaths guiding his steps.