Pain was Dante Varros' oldest companion.

For five years, he had endured it. The fists, the broken bones, the humiliation. At Arcadia Academy, the strong ruled, and the weak were nothing but entertainment. And Dante? He had been their favorite toy, a nameless orphan with no power, no backing, and no way to fight back.

But today, that would change.

The cavern walls trembled as a monstrous roar echoed through the tunnels. The scent of blood and rot hung thick in the air. Shadows flickered against the jagged stone, cast by the dim, sputtering light of conjured orbs.

The dungeon raid had gone wrong.

Twelve students had entered this place, led by Gareth Valstein, heir to the Valstein family and one of Dante's worst tormentors. This was supposed to be a controlled training exercise—an easy dungeon clear before graduation.

For them, it was a game. For Dante, it was an opportunity.

The academy had forced him to come along as a support, a living bait if necessary. He was used to it. But this time, he had come willingly.

Screams rang through the cavern as Crimson Crawlers surged from the tunnels, their serrated mandibles dripping venom. Their armored bodies clattered against the stone, moving too fast, too many at once. The formation broke. Spells flew wildly, blades missed their mark, and the scent of burning flesh filled the air as panicked students fought for their lives.

Dante pressed himself against the jagged rock wall, watching, waiting. His heart was steady. He had been waiting for this moment.

And then he saw him.

Gareth Valstein.

The golden-haired noble was stumbling, his expensive enchanted armor torn, blood dripping from a wound on his side. His sword hand was shaking. A Crimson Crawler lunged at him, its mandibles snapping shut just inches from his throat.

He was vulnerable.

Dante's grip tightened around the dagger hidden in his sleeve.

He had spent five years at the bottom. Five years knowing this world had no justice. No fairness. No mercy.

So neither would he.

The noble's voice was hoarse as he shouted for help, but his friends had already abandoned him, retreating further into the dungeon. Cowards. Typical nobles—they only cared about themselves.

Dante stepped forward, his footfalls drowned beneath the chaos. The Crimson Crawler reared back for another strike.

And Dante made his move.

With precise, silent steps, he reached Gareth just as the noble deflected the monster's attack. Dante struck, swift and cold. His dagger plunged between the gaps in Gareth's armor, twisting deep into flesh.

Gareth choked, his body going rigid.

Dante leaned in close, his voice barely above a whisper. "Five years. You should've killed me when you had the chance."

He ripped the blade free. Gareth staggered, blood spilling from his mouth, eyes wide with disbelief. He tried to speak, but only a strangled gurgle came out as he collapsed to his knees.

The Crimson Crawler lunged again.

Dante didn't stay to watch. He stepped back, letting the monster finish what he started.

A chime rang in his mind. A notification. A voice, cold and mechanical.

You have slain Gareth Valstein.

Select your reward:

[1] Phantom Blade – Summon an ethereal weapon that phases through armor.

[2] Heightened Reflexes – Increase reaction speed drastically.

[3] Swordmastery (Intermediate) – Improve proficiency with swords.

[4] +10 Years Lifespan.

Dante exhaled slowly. The choice was clear.

He selected Phantom Blade.

Power surged through him. A spectral weapon flickered into existence in his hand, its blade shimmering like a mirage. Weightless. Deadly. Untouchable.

The Crimson Crawler finished its feast, turning towards him next. He welcomed it.

Because for the first time in his life, he was no longer prey.