Zamel suddenly found himself in a vast expanse blanketed in pure white.
He looked around but saw only emptiness stretching endlessly in all directions. He cast his gaze beyond, searching for anything—landmarks, objects, even shadows—but found nothing.
There were no walls to mark the boundaries of this space, nor was there a sky or ceiling above him.
There was nothing. Only silence. Only emptiness.
A deep uneasiness crept over him as he tried to make sense of his situation, despite knowing what to expect from his studies. He had learned of this place, had been told about it, yet experiencing it firsthand was far different from simply knowing.
Pushing back the discomfort settling in his chest, he took a deep breath, steeling his heart and calming his mind.
He stood still and waited, expecting the voice that was supposed to speak to him.
Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long before a voice—deep, hollow, and ancient—whispered into his mind.
"Welcome, Zamel von Havengarde. Congratulations on your first awakening. This marks the beginning of your journey toward greatness.
Beware, for the path ahead will be filled with hardships. With each step you take, you will find obstacles blocking your way—whether they come from others who also seek power or from within yourself, born from doubt clouding your mind and the frailty weighing upon your body.
The journey will be long and arduous. It will be up to you whether you remain in mediocrity or rise to power.
Good luck, Zamel. May you succeed in your future endeavors."
The voice was deep, artificial, and devoid of emotion.
Before he could react, the voice resounded once more, its deep, ancient timbre filling the void of his mind.
"Your past speaks for you, Zamel von Havengarde.
The weight of your choices, the fire of your will—
they shape the path that now unfolds before you."
"You have forged your body through relentless trials,
pushed beyond the brink,
tempered in pain,
and risen stronger than those of your years.
The blade, axe and spear are as extensions of your being,
your talent in battle soaring as high as the heavens.
Against overwhelming foes, you have fought without hesitation,
undaunted by the certainty of defeat.
Through countless battles, you have honed your instincts,
sharpened your skill,
and awakened the spirit of a warrior."
"Yet war is not only fought with steel, but with wit.
Your grasp of strategy and command—
adequate, yet far from mastery.
You stand as a commander of merit,
but not yet a legend."
"Isolation has been your companion,
but from it, you have found kinship elsewhere.
With beasts, your heart speaks clearer than words,
your bond deeper than most could ever hope to reach."
"And yet… mana, the force that shapes the world,
slips from your grasp like sand through open fingers.
You wield knowledge of its flow,
yet talent eludes you,
denying you its embrace."
"These truths, carved from your own deeds,
now weave the fate before you.
A choice awaits—paths of power to carve your way forward.
Choose wisely, Zamel,
for the path you walk shall be etched into your very soul,
forever unchanging, forever yours."
The voice faded, leaving behind a silence that felt heavier than ever before.
This time, he was quick to react.
His face twisted in a grimace, as if he'd caught a whiff of something foul. Instead of feeling pride in hearing the list of efforts he poured toward this day being acknowledged, expecting his ego to be filled to the brim. The excitement swelling in his chest crumbled, dragging his hopes down with it.
Anger flared in his mind, and he couldn't stop himself from snapping back at the voice.
"Okay, okay... I know my talents in strategic thinking are somewhat bad, I can accept that, BUT REALLY!!! Do you really have to mention my inadequate talent in MAGIC!!!! Did you really have to diss me so poetically? SCREW YOU, YOU DRAMATIC ASSHOLE! WHOEVER—WHATEVER YOU ARE!!!
He screamed so loudly that it felt as if his throat might rip itself apart.
Expecting the voice to retort back, he waited for a second before something appeared in front of him.
After seeing the objects in front of him, he knew it would be pointless for the voice to speak in his mind again. He forced himself to calm down, giving extra effort to hide his pout.
Five glowing tablets floated still in front of him. He noticed that they differed from one another, with each of their brightness dimming slightly depending on its color. There were two bronze tablets, two silver tablets, and the most noticeable one—the only tablet with a gold color, shining far brighter than the rest.
He looked for more details but found none, except for the light-blue glowing words carved into its surface.
Driven by curiosity, he reached out his hand to touch its surface. The moment he made contact, the tablets disappeared, and he heard words fill his mind again.
"Are you sure this is what you choose?" the voice spoke in its now familiar tone.
Panic surged within him as he understood the words, and he shouted at the top of his lungs, "NO, NO, NO, NO! I DIDN'T CHOOSE WHAT I TOUCHED!" He pleaded loudly, denying the question.
Thankfully, the tablets appeared before him once again, hovering in their previous place.
He sighed deeply in relief and berated himself, kicking himself mentally for his stupidity.
"Damn it, Zamel. Get your act together. This is no time to be clueless." He scolded himself in his mind, trying to calm his fast-beating heart after his previous mistake.
With newfound seriousness, he focused his attention on one of the tablets, intending to read them one by one. His gaze settled specifically on the words, and he read them in his mind. He wanted to understand them all before making his decision.
Path of Power [Rank - Bronze]
- Swordsman -
With your deep knowledge of the way of the sword, you have gained enough experience to make it a choice for your Path of Power.
The sword is one of the primary weapons ever created by mortal hands—a weapon more complex for a beginner to learn but easier to master with experience. Although there are various types of swords, their straightforward design makes them a popular choice among warriors.
Will you walk the path of mastering all types of swords, or will you dedicate yourself to one, refining its art beyond all others? If you choose this path, may your blade cleave through all who dare obstruct your journey—along with the world itself.
Skills Received:
[F] Sword Mastery (Passive) – Reflects one's proficiency in the way of the sword. The more one trains in swordsmanship beyond others, the easier it becomes to refine their technique. In turn, this allows them to grow stronger than their peers. Advances through repeated training in swordsmanship.
[F] Reinforcement (Active - Buff) – A basic body-strengthening skill. By utilizing mana, one can enhance their body, making it more resilient, stronger, faster, and flexible. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Weapon Enhancement (Active - Buff) – A basic weapon-enhancing skill. By utilizing mana, one can strengthen their weapon, making it deadlier and more resilient. Increases weapon durability, slashing power, and penetration capabilities. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Slash (Active) – A simple yet deadly technique of swordsmanship. Greatly enhances the user's strength to assist with slashing. Advances through combat or repeated slashing during training.
[F] Thrust (Active) – A simple yet deadly technique of swordsmanship. Greatly enhances the user's strength to assist with piercing. Advances through combat or repeated thrusting during training.
<----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Path of Power [Rank - Bronze]
-Spearman-
With your deep knowledge of the way of the spear, you have gained enough experience to make it a choice for your Path of Power.
The spear is one of the earliest weapons forged by mortal hands—a weapon simpler for a beginner to learn but far harder to master. Its techniques are vast and complex, requiring relentless dedication to wield proficiently. Various spear designs exist, each crafted for a specific purpose. Their versatility and reach make them a favored choice among warriors, granting them an advantage in battle by maintaining distance from their foes.
Will you walk the path of mastering all types of spears, or will you dedicate yourself to one, refining its art beyond all others? If you choose this path, may your spear obliterate those who dare obstruct your journey and pierce through the world itself.
Skills Received:
[F] Spear Mastery (Passive) – Reflects one's proficiency in the way of the spear. The more one trains in spearmanship beyond others, the easier it becomes to refine their technique. In turn, this allows them to grow stronger than their peers. Advances through repeated training in spearmanship.
[F] Reinforcement (Active - Buff) – A basic body-strengthening skill. By utilizing mana, one can enhance their body, making it more resilient, stronger, faster, and more flexible. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Weapon Enhancement (Active - Buff) – A basic weapon-enhancing skill. By utilizing mana, one can strengthen their weapon, making it deadlier and more resilient. Increases weapon durability, slashing power, and penetration capabilities. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Thrust (Active) – A simple yet deadly technique of spearmanship. Greatly enhances the user's strength to assist with piercing. Advances through combat or repeated thrusting during training.
[F] Swipe (Active) – A simple yet deadly technique of spearmanship. Due to the spear's design, both ends can be used effectively in combat. This skill utilizes the non-bladed end to strike like a pole weapon, adding versatility to the user's attacks. Greatly enhances the user's strength to assist with impact power. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
After reading the information on the two bronze tablets, he quickly shifted his attention to the silver ones, anticipation slowly filling his body.
Path of Power [Rank - Silver] - War Cavalier -
With your deep knowledge of animal riding and the bonds you have forged with various creatures, you have gained enough experience to make this a choice for your Path of Power.
An invention born from mortal minds in times of war, the effectiveness of mounted combat has been so impactful that it remains a staple in warfare even to this day. A War Cavalier is a complex yet powerful path to master. With a chosen mount and specialized techniques, those who walk this path become formidable warriors capable of fighting through crises. The advantage of battling alongside a trusted companion makes this path a popular choice among warriors, granting them a beast they can entrust their lives to without hesitation.
Will you forge bonds with many beasts to enhance your strength, or will a single trusted steed be enough as you refine your combat prowess to traverse the perilous road to power? If you choose this path, may your steed trample those foolish enough to stand in your way, while you cut down those lucky enough to evade its wrath—yet unfortunate enough to face yours. May you and your companion charge ever forward, beyond the very limits of the world itself.
Skills Received:
[F] Tame Steed (Active) – Allows the user to forge a bond with a chosen beast, either through domination or mutual trust. This skill solidifies the bond between rider and steed, though whether it remains permanent is uncertain. Advances through the deepening of the connection with one's steed—the stronger the bond, the more you are connected with them. [F] Share Sense (Active - Buff) – Allows the rider to tap into the senses of their steed, greatly enhancing perception depending on the beast sharing its senses. This also allows them to see what their beast see, if the beast allows it. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Mounted Combat Mastery (Passive) – Reflects one's proficiency in mounted combat. The more one trains in techniques related to fighting while mounted, the easier it becomes to refine them. In turn, this allows the user to surpass their peers. Advances through repeated training.
[F] Reinforcement (Active - Buff) – A basic body-strengthening skill. By utilizing mana, one can enhance their body, making it more resilient, stronger, faster, and more flexible. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Weapon Enhancement (Active - Buff) – A basic weapon-enhancing skill. By utilizing mana, one can strengthen their weapon, making it deadlier and more resilient. Increases weapon durability, slashing power, and penetration capabilities. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Charge (Active) – A basic skill for mounted warriors. This skill allows both rider and steed to charge forward in a straight line, unimpeded. Greatly enhances the power and resilience of both rider and steed while also increasing only the steed's speed.
<----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->
Path of Power [Rank - Silver]
- Ravager -
With your deep knowledge of dual wielding and a foundation in three different weapons—sword, axe, and spear—you wield them with a flow akin to water, combined with the undaunted might of fire. You have gained enough experience to make this a choice for your Path of Power.
A type of warrior born from war, a monster that is an amalgamation of two or more warrior types. If cavaliers are the tip of the spear used to pierce through the enemy, then the Ravager acts as the serrated blade, tearing wounds open to make them bleed deeper. The path of a Ravager is dangerous, both to oneself and their enemies. They forsake defensive capabilities in exchange for maximum offensive power. Those who walk this path—especially the inexperienced—are often consumed by anger, their rage erupting towards enemies like a wrathful inferno. Yet, their fury grants them unnatural strength and speed. Each wound they suffer fuels their anger, and every drop of blood they spill makes them deadlier.
Only a select few dare to walk this treacherous Path of Power, but those who do earn the respect of many for their sheer effectiveness in battle.
Will you walk this path despite the danger or will you dedicate yourself to another Path of Power? If you choose this path, may your wrath, carve through countless enemies foolish enough to stand in your way, as you drown them in blood and burn the world in conflagration of your rage.
Skills Received:
[F] Dual Wielding Mastery (Passive) – Reflects one's proficiency in dual wielding. The more one trains in dual wielding, the easier it becomes to refine their technique. In turn, this allows the user to surpass their peers. Advances through repeated training.
[F] Berserk (Active - Buff) – Allows the user to enter a state of rage. Their mind becomes consumed by anger, making them unable to fully control themselves. Greatly enhances might and dexterity. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Reinforcement (Active - Buff) – A basic body-strengthening skill. By utilizing mana, the user can enhance their body, making it more resilient, stronger, faster, and more flexible. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Weapon Enhancement (Active - Buff) – A basic weapon-enhancing skill. By utilizing mana, the user can strengthen their weapon, making it deadlier and more resilient. Increases weapon durability, slashing power, and penetration capabilities. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Bladestorm (Active - Must be in Rage Mode) – A deadly skill. By utilizing mana, the user spins into a whirlwind of steel, striking all enemies in range with relentless slashes. Each blade dances like a storm, tearing through armor and flesh, leaving only carnage in its wake. The faster the momentum, the deadlier the strikes, making the user an untouchable force of destruction. After use, the user will be slightly weakened, temporarily reducing the benefits of Berserk.
[F] Fearsome Roar (Active - Must be in Rage Mode - Debuff) – The user unleashes a monstrous roar, striking fear into all who hear it. Affected enemies enter a fear-like state, rendering them immobile and drowning them in terror. Effectiveness depends on the enemy's level, with reduced impact on higher-level foes.
Now that he's done reading the information in the two silver tablets, he quickly puts his attention on the shining golden tablet, his excitement filled to the brim.
Path of Power [Rank - Gold]
- Beastmaster -
With the countless deep connections you've built with various beasts, growing closer to them despite the danger, you have gained enough experience to make this a choice for your Path of Power.
The Beastmaster is one of the most unique Paths of Power created by mortals. It is also one of the hardest to master, as those who walk this path must grow stronger alongside the beasts they have bonded with. Those who choose this path will find themselves drawn closer to nature itself, feeling more at home in the wilds. The advantage of battling alongside a trusted companion makes this path a popular choice among warriors, granting them a beast they can entrust their lives to without hesitation—despite the difficulty of advancing to the next level.
Will you venture into the wilds, embracing nature as you forge deep connections with a select few beasts, or will you command an army of creatures that will follow you to the very end? If you choose this path, may you and your trusted companions battle through countless enemies foolish enough to stand in your way. May your bonds grow stronger as you and your beasts push beyond the limits of your world.
Skills Received:
[F] Tame Beast (Active) – Allows the user to forge a bond with a chosen beast, either through domination or mutual trust. This skill solidifies the bond between master and beast, though whether it remains permanent is uncertain. Advances through the deepening of the connection with one's beast—the stronger the bond, the more in sync they become.
[F] Share Sense (Active - Buff) – Allows the user to tap into the senses of their beast, greatly enhancing perception based on the beast's abilities. This also enables the user to see through their beast's eyes if the beast permits it. Advances through combat or repeated use during training.
[F] Animal Empathy (Passive) – Grants the user the ability to understand the emotions, signals, and thoughts of their tamed beast. Advances through frequent interaction and communication with the beast.
[F] Predator's Instinct (Active - Buff) – Heightens the user's perception, particularly in the wild. Advances through combat or dedicated training.
[F] Predatory Strike (Active) – Allows the user to attack with the precision and ferocity of a hunting beast. Greatly enhances attack power and speed. Advances through combat or training.
[F] Prowl (Active) – Enables the user to move silently while hunting or in combat. Moderately enhances perception and striking power. Advances through combat or training.
Taking in the information he had just received, he began to tremble, as if something deep within him was about to burst forth.
He took a deep breath—then roared toward the sky, his voice echoing like a challenge to the heavens themselves.
"YESSSSSSSSSS! I GOT IT! I FUCKING GOT IT! Whoever you are, thank you—really, thank you for giving this to me! Oh, and by the way… I'm sorry I called you a dramatic asshole. Turns out, you weren't so bad after all!"
He shouted into the empty air, as if speaking to an unseen presence.
He turned his attention toward the gold tablet, and without hesitation, he reached out with the speed of a lightning strike, his excitement surging through him.
He couldn't help but feel proud of himself—after all, he was about to become what he had dreamed of every single day of his life. His efforts had paid off. The very fact that the "Observer"—he assumed to be the mysterious owner of the voice—had acknowledged him was proof of that.
Although the other Paths of Power were impressive, none of them truly resonated with him.
For example, Swordsman and Spearman—both were solid choices, and he did enjoy wielding both weapons, but they felt too basic to him. More importantly, they lacked the one thing he wanted most: a bond with a beast.
The silver-ranked paths were tempting, but ultimately, they didn't feel right either.
He could see himself as a Ravager, yet the idea of sacrificing all defense for pure offensive power didn't sit well with him. The thought of needing to get hurt first just to grow stronger and deadlier felt wrong. Not to mention, it would be pretty awkward if people assumed he was some kind of masochist who picked the path just to indulge in a weird kink.
Still, he understood why it had been one of his options. He was well aware of his anger issues, but the idea of weaponizing them didn't sit right with him. And just like the previous two, it lacked what he truly craved—a deep bond with a beast.
Although he could have chosen War Cavalier as his path—since it allowed bonding with a beast—he suspected it came with limitations.
For example, what if he could only tame a specific type of beast, like a horse? And what exactly counted as a "mountable steed"?
What if he wanted to ride atop a giant bird and soar through the endless sky? Or a massive shark to explore the mysterious depths of the ocean? It would be beyond frustrating if he chose this path only to discover he was restricted to horses.
Sure, there were rumors of horses capable of flight or underwater travel, but finding them would take too much time, money, and effort—resources he simply didn't have, despite being born into one of the wealthiest and most powerful families.
And what if fate had been cruel enough to place him on a mountaintop or in the middle of the ocean—somewhere a horse would be utterly useless?
If that were the case, he would absolutely curse the Observer for tricking him—divine punishment be damned.
All those worries vanished the moment he chose Beastmaster as his path.
He first found out about the existence of Beastmasters from a book—a treasure he had stumbled upon in his family's vast library, a collection brimming with knowledge from countless topics. At first, it was curiosity that drove him to read more, but with every page turned, every piece of information absorbed, his curiosity transformed into longing.
Yet, what truly cemented his resolve to become one was his beloved grandmother—the late Matriarch of their family.
He could still vividly recall her reaction when she first learned of his dream. How she had lifted him effortlessly into the air, spinning him around in pure joy, her laughter ringing like a melody.
And he could still hear her voice—warm, reassuring, and filled with love.
When he had timidly admitted his fear that beasts might hate him because of his bloodline, she had simply laughed and cupped his face.
"Oh, don't you worry, boy. With how cute and handsome you are, every beast who lays eyes on you might mistake you for the son of the Great Mother Nature herself! They'll beg you to form a bond with them."
She had smiled then—a breathtaking, angelic smile. Even as time had etched wrinkles upon her face, it had failed miserably to dull the radiance of her beauty.
That was when he learned that his grandmother had once shared his dream. She, too, had longed to become a Beastmaster, but fate had pushed her down a different path.
Yet, even though her dream had never fully come true, she had refused to let go of it.
She had told him, "Even if the world denies you your path, you can still carve your own way toward it."
And she did.
Through countless battles, relentless effort, and unwavering will, she had forged her own path. Though she had never become a true Beastmaster, she had evolved her class into something close—a powerful existence known as the "Cavalier of the Hundred Blades."
To prove her words, she put him down to the ground and stepped back. Then, in the blink of an eye, she vanished.
When she reappeared, she stood adorned in full armor, surrounded by a hundred floating blades, each one shimmering at her back like celestial wings.
And then—a roar echoed through the air.
From above, a mighty gryphon descended, its charcoal-steel feathers gleaming like sharpened blades under the sunlight. Its talons and beak, polished to a razor's edge, glowed like a master-crafted weapon.
Her armor, a resplendent silver accented with gold, shone like the first light of dawn. The pale silver blades behind her flickered with golden radiance, forming an ethereal halo around her.
As the gryphon spread its massive wings, a bright glow illuminated its majestic form, the light cascading over its powerful body as if it were bathed in sunlight.
It was a sight he would never forget.
She then lifted him up with one hand, and together they sat atop the gryphon. With a single mighty clap of its wings, they soared into the sky, climbing higher and higher, as if seeking the gates of heaven.
They glided through the clouds, laughter echoing through the air as they embraced one another. During that time, he asked his grandmother countless questions, and she answered each one with endless patience. He remembered asking her, "If you had wings like those blades on your back, why did you need to ride your gryphon to fly?"
She simply smiled mischievously and said, "For style, of course. I wanted to look cool."
He never stopped asking questions—until, at last, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted off to sleep in his grandmother's warm embrace.
That was the happiest memory he had of her.
If only he had known it would be the last, he would have cherished it even more.
One day she returned home in a casket.
Her once-glorious armor was battered beyond recognition. The hundred blades that had once shone like celestial wings were shattered.
And her gryphon, once an unshakable force of might, now lay weak and wounded in the large carriage that bore her home—its breaths growing fainter and fainter.
When he saw his grandmother inside the casket, he couldn't comprehend it.
No—he refused to.
To him, she had always been unbreakable. Invincible. A force of nature. Yet now, she lay before him, resting in a simple wooden box... Sleeping peacefully... Forever.
He remembered how he wept as they lowered her into the earth, his cries piercing the heavens.
He shouted toward the sky, as if willing his voice to reach her:
"I promise you—I will become a powerful Beastmaster! I will make you proud!"
So proud that when she stood among the angels, embraced by the First True Angel, she could boast to all of them—"That is my grandson."
He forced down the sadness welling in his eyes, threatening to spill as tears.
Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself, forcing a smile. After all, he was one step closer to fulfilling his promise. Now, he had to grow stronger—strong enough to truly make her proud.
Resolve burned within his heart. He exhaled deeply, releasing the sorrow along with his breath.
Just as he finished reminiscing about his beloved grandmother, a voice echoed within his mind once again.
"Congratulations, young Zamel. With your Path of Power chosen, you have taken your first step toward greatness. Charge forth into the unknown, carrying nothing but your courage and unyielding spirit."
This time, he could feel something different in the Observer's voice—a trace of emotion.
He couldn't help but feel grateful for the consideration. At the very least, the Observer had waited for him to finish recalling his happiest memory—one that, unfortunately, had ended in mourning.
"Now, you must take your second step. You must form your core. However, doing so comes at a great cost—you must endure unbearable pain within your very soul. This will solidify the path you have chosen, searing itself into your essence in the form of a core."
Yet, this is not its only boon. With it, you will gain true control over magic, regardless of your natural talent. You will find it easier to absorb the ambient mana around you, and your control over it will become more refined than ever before.
"Do you wish to take this second step, despite the anguish you will endure? Decide now, young Zamel."
The voice spoke, its seriousness unmistakable to Zamel.
His eyes burned with unbreakable resolve, and fortitude filled his heart. Without hesitation, he answered.
"Yes! I want to form my core now."
His voice rang with determination.