Azrael Kaelthorne stood before the family head, his cold golden eyes meeting the duke's piercing gaze. The atmosphere in the study was suffocating, the presence of the strongest swordsman and archmage in the empire weighing down the room like an unshakable mountain.
Kneeling before his father, Azrael spoke with unwavering calm.
"Azrael Kaelthorne reporting."
The family head, Grand Duke Kaelthorne, nodded in acknowledgment. "You have done well to reach this level of power so quickly. Tell me, what do you seek as a reward?"
Azrael, without hesitation, responded. "Allow me to take one sword from the family's treasure room."
A flicker of surprise crossed the Grand Duke's face before he smirked. "Very well. In five days, you will head to the Nychtheos Mountains—the Northern Frontlines."
Azrael's mind processed the name instantly. The Demonic Night Mountains—a cursed land where endless waves of demons roamed, slaughtering any intruders. His expression remained unreadable, but internally, he realized the true purpose of this mission.
"He wants me to cull thousands of demons alone."
Still, Azrael didn't falter. He met the Grand Duke's gaze and answered without hesitation.
"I will complete the mission and return."
"Good," the Grand Duke said, his voice carrying an air of approval. "That is the attitude of a Kaelthorne. The mission duration is three months and fifteen days. Make good use of that time."
With a final bow, Azrael left the study, his mind already shifting toward the treasure room.
---
The Abyssal Crown – The Founding Death
The Kaelthorne family's treasure room was vast, containing countless legendary weapons, artifacts, and tomes. Yet, among them, Azrael felt a presence unlike any other. A deep, suffocating aura of death and darkness called to him.
His steps halted in front of a long, obsidian-black sword resting on an altar. A frigid, deathly mist surrounded it, and the air itself felt frozen. The moment his hand neared its hilt, an overwhelming sense of power surged through him.
[System Alert]
You have discovered: "Necrilith – Abyssal Crown of the First Sovereign"
(Translation: "Founding Death")
Azrael's breath slowed as he inspected the blade.
---
Weapon: Necrilith – Abyssal Crown of the First Sovereign
Aura Boost: +100
Strength & Agility Boost: +50
Mana Boost: +150
Damage Increase Against Demons, Demi-Gods, and Gods: +120%
Description: A weapon forged from the bones and blood of gods and evil gods, tempered with an Elder Dragon's heart, and crafted using Ten Thousand-Year Cold Iron—a metal that freezes all it touches.
Requirement: Only the successor of the First Family Head may wield it.
Sealed Power: ???
---
As Azrael read further, he noticed the words "ABYSSAL CROWN" engraved along the blade.
His heart pounded. The First Family Head… was also a System user?
"System," he asked coldly. "Confirm."
[System Alert: Information is too high-leveled to be accessed.]
Azrael's eyes narrowed. So there is more to this than I thought…
Just then, another notification appeared before him.
---
[Mission Alert: Slaughter of the Demons]
Objective: Kill as many demons as possible in the Nychtheos Mountains.
Time Limit: 3 months, 15 days.
Rewards:
+70 Stat Points
+50,000 System Points
??? (Bonus Reward for Exceeding Quota)
---
Azrael exhaled slowly, gripping Necrilith tightly. This mission… is a stepping stone for what's to come.
He turned, left the treasure room, and returned the key to the family head. Then, without hesitation, he began his preparations—packing a vast supply of food, clothes, and survival gear.
Before departing, he opened the System Shop and purchased a legendary Abyssal Crown Coat for 40,000 system points.
---
Item: Abyssal Crown Coat
Agility Boost: +40
Endurance Boost: +40
Sealed Power: ???
---
As he donned the coat, its weight felt almost nonexistent, yet its protection was immeasurable.
Five days later, with Necrilith strapped to his back and his destination in sight, Azrael Kaelthorne stepped toward the Demonic Night Mountains—a lone figure against the howling winds of war.
Three months of bloodshed awaited him.
---
End of Chapter 13