Raven got up from the bed, stretching his body. To his surprise, there was no pain or lingering exhaustion. He tilted his head in disbelief, running his hands over his arms and chest.
"I feel… completely fine," he muttered.
Curious, he called out, "Status Screen!"
A glowing blue screen materialized before him, displaying all his details. His eyes widened as he scanned the information.
"No way…" Raven whispered, reading the screen aloud.
Name: Raven Cross
Age: 17
Species: Abyssal Phoenix
Gender: Male
Level: 65
Occupation: Adventurer
Nicknames: Abyss Walker, Phoenix of Shadows
Titles: Monster Slayer, Survivor of Fire, Abyssal Rebirth
Health Points (HP): 40,000 / 40,000
Magic Points (MP): 25,000 / 25,000
Strength: 12,000
Agility: 13,000
Attack: 14,500
Intelligence: 11,000
Skills
Ultimate Skills
Phoenix Ascension: Engulfs the user in flames, restoring all health and increasing combat power by 5x for 10 minutes. Grants immunity to status effects.
Abyssal Rebirth: Transforms the user into an Abyssal Phoenix, granting overwhelming power, enhanced stats, and unique skills for 15 minutes.
Evolved Core Skills
Void Tempest (Evolved from Void Slash): A devastating attack that bypasses all defenses, creating a shockwave that slices through multiple enemies.
Shadow Rift (Evolved from Shadow Edge): Enhances weapon strikes with concentrated dark energy, causing explosive damage on impact.
Root Genesis (Evolved from Root Constrictor): Summons massive roots to immobilize and drain energy from enemies, distributing it as healing to the user and allies.
Infernal Howl (Evolved from Infernal Roar): A fiery roar that damages all enemies in range, igniting them and causing fear.
Quill Maelstrom (Evolved from Quill Storm): Launches a devastating barrage of sharp projectiles with increased range and explosive impact.
Iron Fortress (Evolved from Iron Guard): Creates a stronger, regenerative barrier that absorbs and reflects incoming damage.
Abyss Step (Evolved from Sonic Step): Allows for instant repositioning with shadow trails, confusing enemies and boosting attack speed temporarily.
Howling Rift (Evolved from Piercing Howl): Unleashes a shockwave of sound and wind, disorienting enemies and lowering their defenses significantly.
Blazing Tempest (Evolved from Fire Roar): Creates a fiery vortex that incinerates enemies and pushes them back.
Flame Fang (Evolved from Flame Swipe): Empowers melee strikes with concentrated fire energy, leaving burning effects on enemies.
Root Bind (Evolved from Root Grasp): Summons fast-acting roots that immobilize and weaken enemies in a wide radius.
Abyssal Wings: Grants the ability to fly with increased agility and precision.
Evolved Unique Skills
Abyssal Shift (Evolved from Flock Shift): Allows the user to dissolve into a flock of shadow ravens and reappear anywhere within a wide radius, leaving shadow clones behind to confuse enemies.
Abyssal Convergence (Evolved from Abyssal Devourer): Consumes defeated enemies to gain power, significantly boosting stats and unlocking temporary unique abilities based on the absorbed essence.
Weapons
Eclipsing Fang: A unique blade that grows with its wielder. Channels fiery and dark energies, amplifying all skills and abilities.
Shadowfang: A secondary weapon infused with the power of the abyss. Excels at close-range precision attacks.
Unique Traits
Abyssal Phoenix Form: The combination of fire and shadow grants the user unparalleled destructive capabilities. This form enhances all combat abilities and grants immunity to fire and shadow-based attacks.
Adaptive Evolution: Raven's abilities and weapons grow stronger with each battle, adapting to new challenges and unlocking hidden potential.
Titles Descriptions
Monster Slayer: Awarded for defeating over 100 monsters. Enhances damage dealt to beast-type enemies.
Survivor of Fire: Survived a near-death experience engulfed in flames. Grants 50% resistance to fire-based attacks.
Abyssal Rebirth: Achieved the ultimate form of balance between light and dark energies. Grants exclusive access to Phoenix Ascension and Abyssal Rebirth skills.
Raven stared at the screen, his hands shaking slightly as he processed the information.
"I… evolved?" he murmured. A smirk tugged at his lips as determination flickered in his crimson eyes.
"This power… it's beyond anything I imagined."
He smiled to himself, feeling stronger than ever before. With a deep breath, he let the screen fade and clenched his fists, ready to face whatever challenges awaited him next.
Raven looked around the room and muttered, "Where am I anyway?" Then he heard laughing outside his door. Curious, he opened it and stepped out to see two adults and a child standing in the hallway.
The child's face lit up when he saw Raven. "Hey! Scary man from before! You're awake!"
Raven blinked and recognized the kid instantly. "You're that kid I saved from the Minotaur."
The child laughed. "Yes, I am! Thank you for saving me and my friends!"
Raven walked up to the kid and ruffled his hair, a rare smile gracing his lips. "No problem, kid."
The boy was momentarily confused by Raven's sudden change in demeanor but quickly smiled back, enjoying the gesture. He laughed again, and Raven asked, "So, where am I?"
The boy pointed to the house. "My house. These are my mother and father."
The parents stepped forward, gratitude shining in their eyes. "Thank you for saving our son," they said in unison, expressing their heartfelt thanks.
A flicker of a memory crossed Raven's mind—a vision of his own parents together, smiling. He returned their thanks with a genuine smile. "No problem. Glad I was able to help. By the way, how long have I been out? And where can I find your village leader? I need to speak with him."
The parents exchanged a glance before answering. "You've been out for four days. Come, we'll take you to the leader."
Raven nodded and followed them to the village leader's house. Once there, he recounted the events of the battle with the Minotaur, how he defeated the monster, and how he saved the children. The leader listened intently, nodding in appreciation.
"Thank you, Mr. Cross. Here is your proof of completing the mission," the leader said, handing Raven a document marked with the village's official seal.
Raven accepted it with a nod. "Thank you."
Stepping outside, he noticed the children he had saved waiting for him. They ran up to him, their faces full of gratitude.
"Thank you for saving us from the monster!" they said in unison.
Raven smiled again, ruffling one of their heads. "No problem, you guys. See you around."
He stepped back and whispered, "*Skill: Abyssal Wings.*"
Shadow and fire wings burst forth from his back, the dark and fiery energy radiating power. The villagers gasped in awe, murmuring their opinions, while the children's eyes widened in amazement.
Raven looked at them, smirked, and said, "Bye." Then, with a powerful thrust, he launched himself into the sky, leaving a dazzling trail of fire and shadow in his wake. The villagers watched in stunned silence as he disappeared into the horizon.
Raven soared through the sky with his newly awakened powers, the breeze of fresh air brushing against his face. He felt invigorated, his strength unparalleled since his transformation. Spreading his shadowy wings, he let out a triumphant shout.
"I feel alive!!! Wooooo!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the skies. "Let's get back to the Guild!"
---
Meanwhile, at the guild, Receptionist Mira busied herself helping adventurers, but her mind wasn't entirely on her work. For the past four days, she hadn't seen Raven, and the worry gnawed at her. She had asked several adventurers if they'd seen him, but all she got were shrugs and varied opinions, none of which eased her concern.
The guild's door creaked open, and Mira's head shot up with a hopeful smile. Her heart sank when it wasn't Raven but Liana and the members of the Iron Talons. She quickly composed herself, offering them a polite smile as they approached the receptionist desk.
The Iron Talons leader spoke first. "Hey, Mira, something wrong?"
Liana, noticing the unease in Mira's eyes, chimed in. "Yeah, you can tell us. What's bothering you?"
Mira blushed slightly, her voice soft. "I'm worried about Raven."
Hearing Raven's name, Liana's expression grew serious. "What happened to Raven, Mira?"
Mira sighed. "He hasn't been back in four days since taking that mission about the noises in the woods."
The Iron Talons leader waved it off casually. "Don't worry about it. He's a tough guy; he can handle himself."
Mira shook her head, her blush deepening. "But I feel like something happened to him…"
Some of the Iron Talons noticed Mira's flushed face and concern, and a thought struck them. "Do you… like him?" one asked teasingly.
Mira stammered, flustered. "I… I just worry about him as an adventurer!"
Liana, however, froze when she heard the question, her heart sinking. *Am I jealous?* she thought, clenching her fists. *No, no, no! There's no way I'm jealous!* But her mind betrayed her as an unspoken feeling stirred within her.
The Iron Talons leader chuckled. "Why would you like a guy like Raven? He's brooding and always has that icy cold face."
Mira's voice cut through their teasing, her tone earnest. "Because when I see Raven, I see someone who's strong, kind, and carries so much pain in silence. I want to be there for him."
The guild fell silent. The honesty in Mira's voice shocked everyone. Whispers broke out among the guild members as they voiced their opinions.
Outside, Raven had landed quietly in front of the guild. He'd heard Mira's heartfelt words through the open window. Gathering himself, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The sound of the door swinging open silenced the chatter. All eyes turned to see Raven standing there, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. A collective gasp rose as everyone exclaimed his name.
"Raven!"
Mira turned, tears welling in her eyes. Without thinking, she dashed toward him, throwing her arms around his neck. She hugged him tightly, her voice breaking as she said, "You're safe… I was so worried about you!"
Raven stood there, stunned by her sudden embrace. Memories of his mother's words echoed in his mind—*Let your heart grow. Let someone in.* Slowly, his arms wrapped around Mira, returning the hug.
Mira pulled back slightly, her face red with shock. "Raven…" she stuttered.
For the first time, Raven smiled, a warm and charming smile that lit up his face. "I'm back, Mira. You don't have to worry about me anymore."
The guild froze in place, jaws dropping as they processed the sight of Raven's rare smile and gentle demeanor. Liana walked over, her voice hesitant. "Raven… are you okay? You're acting… different."
Raven turned to her, his smile unfaltering. "Hey, Liana. Nice to see you again. Yeah, I'm fine. I feel more alive. I feel free!" He laughed, a sound so genuine that it left everyone in stunned silence.
The guild erupted into whispers, adventurers sharing their shocked opinions. Mira and Liana both stood there, caught in their own thoughts, trying to process Raven's sudden shift in behavior.
Raven reached into his storage pouch and retrieved the mission report and proof of completion. "Oh yeah," he said casually. "I completed my mission. Here's the report and the proof."
*Let it be continued…*
Raven soared through the sky with his newly awakened powers, the breeze of fresh air brushing against his face. He felt invigorated, his strength unparalleled since his transformation. Spreading his shadowy wings, he let out a triumphant shout.
"I feel alive!!! Wooooo!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the skies. "Let's get back to the Guild!"
---
Meanwhile, at the guild, Receptionist Mira busied herself helping adventurers, but her mind wasn't entirely on her work. For the past four days, she hadn't seen Raven, and the worry gnawed at her. She had asked several adventurers if they'd seen him, but all she got were shrugs and varied opinions, none of which eased her concern.
The guild's door creaked open, and Mira's head shot up with a hopeful smile. Her heart sank when it wasn't Raven but Liana and the members of the Iron Talons. She quickly composed herself, offering them a polite smile as they approached the receptionist desk.
The Iron Talons leader spoke first. "Hey, Mira, something wrong?"
Liana, noticing the unease in Mira's eyes, chimed in. "Yeah, you can tell us. What's bothering you?"
Mira blushed slightly, her voice soft. "I'm worried about Raven."
Hearing Raven's name, Liana's expression grew serious. "What happened to Raven, Mira?"
Mira sighed. "He hasn't been back in four days since taking that mission about the noises in the woods."
The Iron Talons leader waved it off casually. "Don't worry about it. He's a tough guy; he can handle himself."
Mira shook her head, her blush deepening. "But I feel like something happened to him…"
Some of the Iron Talons noticed Mira's flushed face and concern, and a thought struck them. "Do you… like him?" one asked teasingly.
Mira stammered, flustered. "I… I just worry about him as an adventurer!"
Liana, however, froze when she heard the question, her heart sinking. *Am I jealous?* she thought, clenching her fists. *No, no, no! There's no way I'm jealous!* But her mind betrayed her as an unspoken feeling stirred within her.
The Iron Talons leader chuckled. "Why would you like a guy like Raven? He's brooding and always has that icy cold face."
Mira's voice cut through their teasing, her tone earnest. "Because when I see Raven, I see someone who's strong, kind, and carries so much pain in silence. I want to be there for him."
The guild fell silent. The honesty in Mira's voice shocked everyone. Whispers broke out among the guild members as they voiced their opinions.
Outside, Raven had landed quietly in front of the guild. He'd heard Mira's heartfelt words through the open window. Gathering himself, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.
The sound of the door swinging open silenced the chatter. All eyes turned to see Raven standing there, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. A collective gasp rose as everyone exclaimed his name.
"Raven!"
Mira turned, tears welling in her eyes. Without thinking, she dashed toward him, throwing her arms around his neck. She hugged him tightly, her voice breaking as she said, "You're safe… I was so worried about you!"
Raven stood there, stunned by her sudden embrace. Memories of his mother's words echoed in his mind—*Let your heart grow. Let someone in.* Slowly, his arms wrapped around Mira, returning the hug.
Mira pulled back slightly, her face red with shock. "Raven…" she stuttered.
For the first time, Raven smiled, a warm and charming smile that lit up his face. "I'm back, Mira. You don't have to worry about me anymore."
The guild froze in place, jaws dropping as they processed the sight of Raven's rare smile and gentle demeanor. Liana walked over, her voice hesitant. "Raven… are you okay? You're acting… different."
Raven turned to her, his smile unfaltering. "Hey, Liana. Nice to see you again. Yeah, I'm fine. I feel more alive. I feel free!" He laughed, a sound so genuine that it left everyone in stunned silence.
The guild erupted into whispers, adventurers sharing their shocked opinions. Mira and Liana both stood there, caught in their own thoughts, trying to process Raven's sudden shift in behavior.
Raven reached into his storage pouch and retrieved the mission report and proof of completion. "Oh yeah," he said casually. "I completed my mission. Here's the report and the proof."
*Let it be continued…*