Chapter 5: The Abandoned Village
Renji adjusted the hood of his cloak as he ventured beyond the capital walls, his footsteps echoing through the desolate path leading to the abandoned village of Eldermoor. According to his game knowledge, this place once held a treasure trove of forgotten relics, artifacts left behind by a powerful dark sorcerer. But unlike in the game, Renji wasn't just after loot—he needed an edge to survive.
"Alright, according to the map, the vault should be in the village chapel," he muttered, gripping the hilt of his sword as he approached the decaying buildings. The air was thick with an eerie silence, the remnants of long-forgotten lives scattered in broken carts and ruined homes.
As he entered the village square, something felt off. The usual swarm of game-placed monsters was nowhere to be found. Instead, a faint, ominous aura pulsed from the chapel in the center of the village.
"This... this isn't how it was in the game," he whispered.
Pushing the heavy doors open, Renji stepped inside. The interior was in shambles, cobwebs hanging from the rafters, and the altar cracked with age. But in the center of the hall, amidst the debris, sat a strange, pulsating black egg.
Renji's eyes widened. "Wait a second... this... this isn't treasure. This is... the final boss?"
In the game, the end boss was a monstrous being of darkness, terrorizing the world and standing as the ultimate challenge. But before him now was a tiny, round creature emerging from the egg. It had crimson eyes, small bat-like wings, and let out a soft, almost adorable growl.
Renji knelt cautiously. "You're... kinda cute," he admitted, reaching out. The creature stared at him, then unexpectedly jumped into his arms, its tiny body radiating warmth.
Suddenly, a surge of energy coursed through Renji. Dark tendrils coiled around his body, seeping into his skin. He gasped as visions flooded his mind—ancient power, destruction, and a deep, insatiable hunger... but also loyalty, protection, and strength beyond measure.
[You have formed a bond with Nyx, the Dark Sovereign]
Renji's body shuddered as his appearance began to shift. His hair darkened to a deep obsidian, his eyes took on a crimson hue, and an intricate black mark spread across his arm. He felt a newfound power surging within him, an affinity for dark magic like never before.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Looks like I just awakened my 'bloodline,'" he muttered with a smirk, knowing his family's inherent dark element affinity would provide the perfect cover.
Nyx purred in his arms, looking up at him with curiosity. "Alright, little guy. You and I are going to get along just fine."
With renewed confidence, Renji turned to leave the chapel, ready to embrace the power now coursing through his veins. The game had just changed—and this time, he was writing his own story.