Zeke's hands trembled as he stared at the dagger in his grip. Its glow was different now—brighter, more alive, as if the weapon had been holding its breath all this time and had finally exhaled.
The whispers, which had haunted him for weeks, were no longer whispers. They were shouts, roaring in his mind like a storm he couldn't escape.
"You've waited long enough. They're in your way. You are meant for more."
His breathing came fast and shallow as the system notification appeared before his eyes.
System Notification: Power of Greed unlocked
The words burned themselves into his mind, each one sharp and final, like the tolling of a bell. Abilities unfolded before him—abilities that made his heart race even as his stomach churned.
Gluttony (evolvable): 25% chance to absorb abilities of enemies or allies killed
Achievement unlocked: Bloody Assassin
Bloody Assassin: Grants five minutes of concealment if user as a clear mind. 5% percent boost to agility, endurance and stamina. 1% chance to inflict certain death on any being struck by the blade of greed.
(Unique title given to the user of greed)
A twenty-five percent chance to absorb the abilities of those he killed. Blood Assassin—a title granted to only one user, giving five minutes of concealment, a ten-percent boost to agility and stamina, and a one-percent chance to inflict certain death on any being he struck.
The blade's glow surged, its light climbing up his arm in tendrils that burned like fire. Another screen blinked into view, as if the system wanted him to see, to know exactly what he had become.
Stats:
Level: 20
HP: 133/190
Strength: 24
Stamina: 35
Endurance: 19
Defense: 18
Agility: 27
Speed: 27
Luck: 10 (Fixed)
Stat Points Available: 0
Title: Bloody Assassin
Unique ability: Power of Greed
Zeke stared at the numbers, his lips parting as the weight of it settled over him. He wasn't sure what he felt—triumph? Fear? His heart pounded in his chest, his thoughts spinning out of control.
"This is it," he thought. "This is what I've been waiting for."
The glow from the dagger crawled higher, sinking into his skin. He let out a sharp breath as the weapon fused with him, its energy carving runes into his arm, etching its mark on him forever. The pain was searing, but he didn't flinch. Instead, he welcomed it, his lips curling into a faint smile.
Dinl stood a few feet away, his knife in hand, his dark eyes fixed on Zeke. He didn't speak right away. He didn't need to. The tension in his posture, the tightness of his grip—everything about him screamed caution.
"What the hell is going on?" Dinl asked finally, his voice low and steady.
Zeke raised his head, the faint glow from his eyes meeting Dinl's. "You wouldn't understand," he said, his voice quiet but firm.
Dinl's expression hardened. "Try me."
Zeke flexed his fingers, watching the light ripple beneath his skin. "This dagger… It's not just a weapon." He tilted his head, studying Dinl with a calm that felt unnerving even to himself. "It's one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Gluttony."
Dinl's body stiffened, the name striking something deep within him. "You fool," he said, his voice sharper now. "Do you even know what you've done?"
Zeke's smile widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Of course I know. That's why I did it."
"That blade destroys everything it touches," Dinl said, stepping forward, his knife glinting in the dim light. "It doesn't grant power—it takes everything from you until there's nothing left."
Zeke's laughter was soft, bitter. "Maybe. But it's worth it."
"You're a damn fool," Dinl muttered, his grip tightening on his knife. "This isn't power. It's suicide."
Dinl lunged without warning, his knife slicing through the air toward Zeke's arm. Zeke sidestepped effortlessly, his movements smooth, fluid, and unnaturally fast.
"You're predictable, Dinl," Zeke said, his voice carrying an edge of mockery.
Dinl's strikes came faster now, sharper, each one aimed with precision. But Zeke met them all with the ease of someone who wasn't fighting an equal—he was toying with him.
Dinl's knife flashed toward Zeke's ribs, but Zeke caught his wrist mid-strike, twisting sharply. Dinl gasped, his weapon falling from his hand.
Zeke didn't hesitate. His glowing fist slammed into Dinl's stomach, sending him sprawling backward. Dinl hit the ground hard, his breath leaving him in a sharp gasp.
"You've always been too trusting, Dinl," Zeke said, stepping closer. His voice was calm now, almost quiet, but there was something razor-sharp beneath it. "That's why you'll lose."
Dinl pushed himself to his knees, his body trembling as blood dripped from his shoulder. His breathing was labored, but he forced himself to meet Zeke's gaze.
"You think this makes you strong?" Dinl spat, his voice raw. "You've given up everything for a shortcut. That's not strength—it's desperation."
Zeke knelt beside him, his glowing arm hovering just above Dinl's chest. "You don't get it, do you?" Zeke said, his tone almost pitiful. "This isn't about playing fair. It's about winning. And you…" He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You're still playing by the rules."
Dinl reached for his knife, but Zeke's fist slammed into his arm, pinning him to the ground. The runes on Zeke's arm flared brightly, their glow casting long shadows across the dirt.
"This is power," Zeke said, his voice steady. "Not hope. Not trust. Just power."
Zeke rose slowly, the faint glow of the dagger fading as it settled beneath his skin. He looked down at Dinl, his expression unreadable.
"You're lucky I didn't kill you," Zeke said quietly. "Not because you deserve to live, but because I don't need to prove anything to you."
Dinl's hand twitches, his body too weak to move as blood pooled beneath him.
"You're wrong, Zeke," Dinl managed, his voice strained. "That blade isn't power—it's a curse. And one day, it'll destroy you."
Zeke chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Maybe," he said, turning away. "But until then… I'm stronger than you'll ever be."
He disappeared, his footsteps fading.
Dinl lay there for a long moment, the pain in his body dulling as his mind raced. He stared up at the dark sky, his jaw tightening.
"This isn't over," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible.
Far above, in the shadowed halls of the Tower, the Puppeteers watched.
"Greed has awakened," one murmured, its many eyes glinting with amusement.
Another's gaze lingered on Dinl. "And yet, he survives. Curious."
"Curious indeed," the first replied. "Let us see how far this thread can unravel before it snaps."
Their laughter echoed into the void, cold and endless.