The air was still thick with the aftermath of destruction. The Black Hollow Industrial District was nothing but a wasteland now— collapsed buildings, shattered ground, and the lingering scorch marks from my battle with Varkos.
But I didn't care about the ruins.
I activated Shadow Walk, my body dissolving into the shadows, disappearing from the battlefield in an instant. Within moments, I reappeared on the rooftop of an abandoned skyscraper, overlooking the ruined cityscape.
I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders."That was a good Fight."
Then, I called out to the System.
"System, show me the status window."
A familiar blue screen appeared before me. My eyes widened slightly as I took in the updates.
[Status Window]
Name: Samuel Gebb
Possessed By: Heavenly Demon
Level: 40 (Increased after recent battle)
- Strength: 149
- Agility:135
- Endurance: 130
- Intelligence: 150
- Charisma:120
New Skill Unlocked:
Breath of Destruction – A powerful breath of fire that can erase all creatures in existence within its range.
(Cooldown: 7 Minutes)
New Ability Unlocked:
Black Bones- All bones are replaced with black bones of demons. Endurance will increase rapidly during every battle.
I stared at the new skills and abilities, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction.
I let out a low chuckle. "So, I'm really getting everything back, huh?"
In my second life, it had taken me two hundred years to acquire these abilities. Two centuries of war, bloodshed, and destruction.
And yet, here I was—getting them back within days.
The System suddenly chimed again.
[Would you like to claim the reward]
[YES] / [NO]
I clenched my fists, feeling power coursing through my veins, my muscles pulsing with the sheer force of my new strength.
Then, a **wicked smirk** spread across my lips.
"Hell yes."
The moment I confirmed, a surge of power erupted through my body.
My bones cracked and reshaped, my muscles tightened, and a fiery energy burned deep within my core. I could feel it—the Breath of Destruction, waiting to be unleashed.*
I let out a slow breath, watching the **heat distort the air around me.
"Varkos was just the beginning."
I looked down at the ruined city beneath me, then up at the endless sky above.
The moment I stepped into the Villa, the tension in the air was suffocating. The luxurious space felt empty, but the weight of past actions hung between us like a storm cloud.
Abigail stood in the center of the living room, her arms crossed, her face an unreadable mask. Cold. Detached. But her eyes flickered with something else.
I ignored her. Didn't glance. Didn't acknowledge her presence.
My boots left muddy imprints on the pristine marble floor as I made my way toward the Guest Room, my tattered clothes stained with blood and dirt.
Then, her voice cut through the silence.
"What happened to you? Why are your clothes like this?"
Her voice carried an edge of concern—whether it was genuine or not, I couldn't tell.
I kept walking.
"Ms. Bardot," I said formally, my tone devoid of emotion. "You're not the only one who wants to see me in despair. Being a Private Investigator, I have more things to deal with."
She took a step forward, her eyes widening as she saw the blood dripping from my head.
"But… blood is dripping from your head," she said, her voice suddenly trembling.
I paused, then slowly turned my head slightly—not to face her, but just enough to let her know I had heard her.
Then, my words cut through the air like ice.
"Ms. Bardot, when you were with other men, and I asked for a divorce, you threw a bottle of red wine at my head. Do you remember?"
She stiffened.
I continued, my voice cold and merciless.
"You didn't care back then. In fact, you told me to clean up the room and my own blood because you didn't want it ruining your precious dinner date with another man."
Abigail's breathing hitched.
I turned away.
"So tell me, why the sudden fake concern?"
She suddenly moved in front of me, her eyes blazing with frustration. "It wasn't like that!" she snapped, grabbing the collar of my already ruined shirt. "How many times do I have to tell you? It was all just a setup to—"
I cut her off instantly.
"Where is the proof?" I asked, my voice a razor's edge. "And why should I believe you?"
Her grip on my collar tightened, but she had no answer.
"Three years, Ms. Bardot," I continued, my tone dark. "Three years of torment. You let those men humiliate me. You stood there and watched."
She flinched.
"And now," I let out a cold chuckle, "Now you want me to believe you? Based on nothing but your words?"
I shook her off, her hands slipping from my collar as I took a step back. More blood dripped from my wound, splattering against the perfect white floor beneath us.
I looked down at it, then back at her.
A mocking smirk curled my lips.
"I'm sorry for ruining your expensive floor."
I met her gaze, my eyes like frozen steel.
"I'll clean it later."
Then, without another word, I walked past her, leaving her standing there—silent, shaken, and alone.
I stepped into the Guest Room, shutting the door behind me with a quiet click. The moment I was alone, I let out a slow exhale, running a hand through my bloodied hair.
Abigail's words still echoed in my mind—but I didn't care.
She could say whatever she wanted. I had no time to entertain her lies or her so-called explanations.
I wiped the blood from my forehead, feeling the sting of the open wound, but it didn't bother me. Pain was just a reminder that I was alive.
I sat down on the edge of the bed and called out to the System.
"System, show me new tasks. I need to level up."
A familiar blue screen materialized before me, glowing faintly in the dim light.
---
[Available Quests]
1. The Phantom Syndicate – A notorious underground syndicate has been trafficking supernatural artifacts and using them to manipulate reality. Find their leader and eliminate them.
(Reward: +12 Strength, +8 Intelligence, Special Item Unlock)
2. Nightcreature Extermination (Elite) – A powerful Alpha Nightcreature has appeared in the outskirts of the city, terrorizing everything in its path. Track it down and eliminate it before it grows too strong.
(Reward: +15 Strength, +10 Endurance, Combat Skill Upgrade)
3. The Cursed Manor – Reports have surfaced about an abandoned mansion where people enter but never leave. The presence of a high-level curse has been detected. Investigate and break the curse.
(Reward: +10 Agility, Hidden Ability Unlock)
4. Bounty Hunter Mission – Eliminate the Ghost Assassin – A dangerous contract killer known as the Ghost Assassin has resurfaced, targeting influential people. Track them down and bring them to justice—dead or alive.
(Reward: +12 Strength, +6 Charisma, Stealth Upgrade)
---
I scanned through the list, analyzing each mission carefully.
Each of them offered decent rewards, but I wasn't just looking for power—I wanted something that would push me further, something that would keep me at my peak before my next real challenge.
I leaned back, smirking to myself.
"These missions aren't bad…" I murmured, my fingers hovering over the selections.
Then, after a moment of thought, I made my decision.
"Activate Quest 2 – Nightcreature Extermination."
---
[Quest Activated: Elite Nightcreature Extermination]
Objective: Track and eliminate the Alpha Nightcreature before it evolves further.
Location: Eastern Ruins, outside the city
Estimated Threat Level: S-Class
Reward: +15 Strength, +10 Endurance, Combat Skill Upgrade
---
A dangerous grin crossed my face.
"Time to hunt."
I grabbed my jacket, stepping toward the door without a second thought. There was no time to waste.
The streets were waiting. The hunt was on.