Amon sat cross-legged on his bed, staring at the black sword in front of him. Its black hilt gleamed under the dim light, red and golden runes glowing faintly along the blade's hilt.Perched beside it was a crimson-eyed bird with a golden tint in its red feathers, watching him as if he were the biggest fool in existence.
"So, what you're saying is... you've bonded with me because—"
"Yes! How many times do I have to repeat myself?" the bird interrupted, ruffling its feathers in annoyance. "I thought you were interesting! I've never seen someone with a will as strong as yours at your age."
"Fine… at least tell me your name, bird guy?."
The bird froze before flapping its wings furiously. "Bird guy?! Listen here, you little monkey! I have a name!" It darted forward, pecking at Amon's head.
"Ow! Ow! Okay, okay! Sorry! Just tell me your name already!"
The bird huffed, perching on Amon's head. It tapped its beak against its feathers, lost in thought. "Hmm… my name… my name… ahh!" It suddenly brightened, eyes gleaming. "I got it! It's Perses!"
A Few Moments Earlier
"Yes, Grandfather. I'll come," Amon had answered Max, nodding in understanding.
He didn't know exactly why Max had summoned him, but he had an idea. It must be because of this, he thought, glancing at the sword in his hand. The blade was massive—far too large for him to wield properly, yet it felt oddly natural in his grasp.
After arriving in his room, something unexpected happened.
A screen materialized before his eyes, glowing with ethereal light.
[New relic has successfully bonded with Walker's soul.]
[Recording it.]
— [True Name]: __________
— [Name]: Amon von Oltheros
— [Rank]: F-
— [Affinities]: Space (Locked), Time (Locked), Destruction (Locked), Dream (Locked)
— [Mana]: Null
— [Will]: F
— [Bonded Relics]
•??? - grade- common {Eternal}
---
Amon's eyes widened as he stared at his status screen. He had suspected the weapon was of high grade, but now he was certain—it was an Eternal-grade relic. Only Fated or Eternal relics could bond with the soul, and now that it was recorded in his status, there was no doubt. His mind raced.
*Is this what they call a golden finger?*
Since his reincarnation, he had been anxious. He knew the Prologue would begin in two years—a catastrophe where even thousands of Ascended-ranked Walkers perished like insects. How was he supposed to survive that? But now, with this relic, he could push his plans forward.
"So, what exactly can this thing do?" he muttered, staring at the sword.
Before he could react, a blur shot out of the weapon and smacked him on the head.
"What do you mean 'this thing,' kid?! Have some manners! How can you talk to a living being like that?"
"Ow, ow, ow! Stop! I said stop!" Amon flailed as he tried to swat at the figure, but his hands phased right through it.
"Hmph! Listen, brat. Never call another being a 'thing.'"
Regaining his composure, Amon narrowed his eyes at the creature. "Who are you, and what do you want?"
And that was how he met Perses.
---
"So, you're called Perses, huh? What kind of bird are you?"
"Listen, kid, I am not a bird—I am a majestic phoenix!" Perses declared proudly, his crimson eyes gleaming as his red and gold feathers shimmered in the light.
"Yeah, yeah, sure. And I'm a Archon."
That was enough to set Perses off. The furious phoenix started pecking at his head again.
"You brat! Show some respect!"
Thus, their endless bickering lasted through the night.
---
The next morning, Amon walked through the palace halls and entered the royal garden, where his grandfather Max, uncle Neo, and father Klien were waiting. Max gave him a nod.
"Do you know why I called you here?"
Amon glanced at the sword in his hand. "It's because of this, right?"
Max nodded. "Yes. It's the first time in generations that the relic has reacted. What do you plan to do with it?"
*As expected of the battle maniac,*Amon thought. *He wants me to use it, but he won't force me.*
"Of course, you must use me in battle! That's what I'm for!" Perses, still perched on Amon's head, chimed in.
*Shut up!*Amon hissed. For some reason, nobody else could see the bird.
Taking a deep breath, he faced his grandfather. "I want to train, but… I can't grow strong without mana veins."
A heavy silence followed. Klien's expression darkened slightly. They all knew how talented Amon was—awakening Will at just three years old—but without mana veins, his body would always remain physically weak.
"No worries," Klien finally said. "You may not be able to reach the Ascended rank, but your Will can still be a great asset."
Max stroked his beard. "Starting today, you'll train with your sister."
Amon froze. His blood ran cold.
*No… not her… That devil incarnate won't even let me eat, let alone sleep!*
"Can't you teach me instead, Father? Or Uncle?" He pleaded.
Klien sighed. "No, son. Your uncle, grandfather, and I are leaving on a mission. We won't be back for at least two years."
"I… I see."
"Besides, you don't even know how to use your Will properly, do you?" Neo smirked.
Klien placed a hand on Amon's shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll teach you everything you need to know before we leave."
Amon swallowed hard. Training with his sister… This was going to be a nightmare.