As Kael stood amidst the smoldering ruins of his family, his father's body disintegrating to dust, a quiet hum reverberated in his mind. The System, sensing the culmination of Kael's power, began to speak.
[System Notification]
You have defeated the Draven Clan, your bloodline and legacy.
Reward: +500 XP.
New Weapon Acquired: Blade of the Forsaken
[Blade of the Forsaken]
Effect: Any wound inflicted by this blade cannot be healed.
Description: A cursed weapon forged from the very essence of the Forsaken. It is imbued with the power of destruction, and no mortal or divine force can heal the wounds it creates. Only the most powerful can wield it.
As the message faded, Kael felt the weight of a new weapon materialize in his hand. The Blade of the Forsaken gleamed in the dim light of the destroyed Family Square—a jagged, dark blade pulsing with power. A sinister aura radiated from it, and Kael instinctively gripped it, feeling an ancient, cold energy surge through his arm.
As Kael marveled at the new weapon in his hand, the ground suddenly trembled, and a powerful presence descended from above, a figure cloaked in radiant light. The air seemed to part as a Mystic-ranked warrior descended from the heavens, landing gracefully before Kael. His aura was immense, his power undeniable.
Kael's eyes flicked up to the figure, his grip tightening on the Blade of the Forsaken. The warrior's face was hidden beneath a hood, but his voice—deep, commanding, and calm—carried a weight of authority that made the very air seem to hold its breath.
"You," the warrior said, his eyes glowing with the intensity of his rank. "The one who killed the Dravens. Tell me…" He paused, eyes narrowing as he studied Kael. "Where did the person who attacked the Draven family go?"
Kael stood tall, unfazed by the sudden appearance of this powerful being. His voice was cold and indifferent, his hand tightening around the hilt of his new blade.
"That person," Kael said slowly, the weight of his words hanging in the air, "is me."
The Mystic-ranked warrior's eyes widened, and a slight shift in his posture betrayed the first hint of shock. The warrior had clearly expected an answer that wasn't so… blunt.
Kael raised the Blade of the Forsaken, the dark energy swirling around it like a storm ready to unleash. "And now that you know who I am, warrior, tell me—why have you come?"
The Mystic warrior observed Kael carefully, his expression unreadable. "You've killed your family. You've destroyed a powerful clan—my clan's allies, no less. That is not something to take lightly."
Kael's smirk deepened as he took a step forward, the ground beneath his feet crackling with energy. "I don't take anything lightly, not anymore. And if you think you can stop me…" He allowed the words to hang in the air, unsaid, as the Blade of the Forsaken pulsed ominously in his grasp.
The Mystic-ranked warrior did not flinch. Instead, he studied Kael carefully, as if weighing something invisible in the air. Then, after a long pause, he spoke again, his voice calm but with a deeper understanding.
"I've heard of the Forsaken. But I never thought the first would be you."
Kael tilted his head, intrigued. "The Forsaken?" he repeated, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Tell me more."
The warrior's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, a glint of something ancient and knowing passed through them. "You are the first of your kind, Kael Draven. The Forsaken were thought to be a myth, a curse that would only awaken when the world had been broken enough to allow such power to rise."
Kael's grin widened. "And that's exactly what I've done." He raised the Blade of the Forsaken high, its dark energy pulsating with destructive force. "I've broken the world. And now… I will remake it in my image."
The Mystic-ranked warrior stared at him for a moment, then nodded as though finally understanding. "You've ascended far beyond what I expected. But…" He tilted his head, "I have been sent to assess your strength and intentions. If you wish to continue your path of destruction, I will stand in your way. However, if you wish to… ally yourself with those who stand above all others, we may find a way forward."
Kael's smile was dark and calculating. "I don't need allies." His voice dropped to a low, dangerous whisper. "I need nothing but power."
The Mystic warrior's eyes glowed brighter for a moment, as if assessing Kael's very soul. "Then be prepared, Kael Draven. For the Forsaken are not the only force that walks this earth."
And with that, the Mystic warrior's form began to shimmer, his body becoming ethereal, disappearing into the air like smoke. Kael stood unmoving, the Blade of the Forsaken still crackling with energy in his hand.
He had come this far alone. And he would go even farther—alone—for he was the first Forsaken. No one could stand in his way.
Valtheris – The City of Warriors
Kael walked through the bustling streets of Valtheris, his cloak swaying gently with each step. The scent of sizzling food mixed with the unmistakable aura of power radiating from various warriors walking the streets.
This was a city ruled by strength. If you were weak, you were nothing.
He smirked. If only they knew what had just happened at the Draven estate.
As he wandered deeper, a commotion caught his attention.
A large, open courtyard had been converted into a testing ground. Hundreds of people—some young warriors, others noble-born prodigies—gathered in tight clusters.
Kael's gaze flickered to the massive banners hanging above.
VALTHERIS ROYAL ACADEMY – ELITE TRYOUTS
FOR WARRIORS AGE 18 AND UNDER
Kael exhaled through his nose. An academy, huh? He had never considered it before—he had been too weak, too dismissed by his family.
But now?
Now, he was a Mystic-Ranked Warrior—something almost unheard of at his age.
A smirk crept onto his face.
"Why not?"
As he stepped closer, he caught snippets of conversation from the gathered warriors.
"The academy only accepts the best. If you're not at least an Iron-Ranked Warrior, don't even bother."
"I heard the Crown Prince himself is overseeing the test."
"Did you see that girl over there? That's Seraphine Vale—the Lightning Prodigy. She's already a 4th Earth-Rank Warrior at just seventeen!"
Kael's interest piqued at the last part. A Lightning Prodigy? He had spent a year refining his Lightning Manipulation, pushing it far beyond what any human had likely achieved. If she was considered elite… he was curious to see what passed for 'talent' these days.
Then, a sharp voice cut through the crowd.
"All applicants, form a line! The first test will begin shortly!"
A towering man in dark crimson armor—an Academy Instructor—stood at the center of the courtyard. He radiated strength, likely a High Earth-Ranked Warrior.
Kael stepped into line, his arms crossed, his smirk unwavering.
No one knew who he was.
No one knew what had just happened to his family.
And no one had any idea that the First Forsaken had just entered their ranks.
But they would.
Oh… they would.