The realization struck hard power alone wasn't enough. To truly make a difference and grow stronger, I needed more than just raw strength. I needed authority, something that would make people listen and follow me. But who would ever take a 15-year-old boy seriously?
As I walked down the busy streets, lost in thought, my eyes caught something intriguing a small mask shop nestled between two bustling stores. A strange sense of curiosity pulled me toward it.
"This might be the answer," I muttered as I stepped inside.
The shop smelled of old leather and mystery, its shelves packed with masks of all shapes and colors. My eyes immediately fell on a demon-shaped black mask with intricate patterns carved into its surface. It exuded an aura of fear and command, perfect for what I had in mind.
"This suits me," I said, picking it up and feeling its weight in my hands. The dark, glossy finish reflected just enough light to hint at its menacing design.
Once I bought the mask, I infused it with Void energy. As the energy seeped into the mask, it absorbed the power effortlessly, forming a faint, almost invisible shimmer. No ordinary eye would recognize me now not even those who used advanced technology. I was no longer just a boy. I was becoming a symbol.
The First Hunt
With my mask concealing my identity, I decided to put my plan into action. The country was plagued with problems, including increasing monster outbreaks and gates threatening the lives of thousands. I focused on smaller gates at first, targeting 5-star gates—the lowest but still dangerous enough to challenge me.
My first battle as the masked figure was unforgettable. I stepped into the gate and faced a horde of monsters. They were fierce, relentless, but not strong enough to rival the Void-infused techniques I had mastered.
"Shatter the Horizon!" I roared, slashing through a pack of beasts with a horizontal strike that split the air itself. The Void energy sliced through them like paper, leaving a ripple in the atmosphere.
The battle ended with me standing victorious, the corpses of monsters disintegrating into nothingness around me. It wasn't just a test of my strength it was proof that I could protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
The Birth of Black
News spread like wildfire. No one knew who I was, only that a masked figure had single-handedly cleared a gate that many feared to approach. People began to call me "Black," a nickname inspired by my shadowy mask and mysterious presence.
At first, I thought little of it. But as days turned into weeks and more gates fell under my blade, the name took on a life of its own. In whispered conversations, in the desperate cries of those in need, my name echoed Black, the hero who shielded the Philippines from destruction.
Despite my age, I had become a symbol of hope, and I couldn't help but smile behind the mask. The nickname "Black" resonated with me. It wasn't just a title it was my shield, my disguise, and my identity as I fought to grow stronger and make a difference in this chaotic world.
A Nation's Hero
I didn't stop at just the 5-star gates. With each battle, my skills improved, my mastery over the Void deepened, and my reputation soared. As the people grew more dependent on me, so did my understanding of what it truly meant to wield power.
I didn't need to demand authority it was given to me by the people I saved. With every victory, my voice carried more weight. Behind the mask, I was more than just a boy. I was their hero, their protector, and their hope.
And as the days passed, I realized that this was only the beginning. If I was going to grow stronger, I couldn't stop here. There were greater gates, stronger monsters, and darker threats waiting beyond the horizon. But with my mask and the Void at my side, I was ready to face them all.
The rise of Black had just begun.