Mantil was a genius — a man born with talent in everything he touched. Yet, the only thing he truly felt connected to was fighting.
In any other world, Mantil might've soared to unimaginable heights, but fate placed him on Earth — a plane that couldn't handle his potential.
Unwilling to accept the mundane, Mantil pursued power relentlessly. He rose through the ranks, creating a profession called Hunters. They became known as mankind's shield and spear, and Mantil was hailed as their progenitor. Not satisfied, he founded the Hunter's Association — a place to sharpen instincts and mold warriors into true hunters.
Yet, even with all his achievements, Mantil's only goal remained power.
Day and night, he trained. Sword techniques — new and old — were forged and refined under his blade. What terrified others most was his ability to turn anything into a weapon: stone, leaves, even glass. Techniques like Stone's Descent, Leaf Dance, and Deadly Strike were born from his hands.
Mantil's mastery knew no bounds. He even created an art for technology, incomplete yet profound, capable of pushing it to new heights.
Still… he felt empty.
No matter how much he perfected his craft, no matter how many emotions he severed, Mantil could never reach his full potential. A void gnawed at him, a constant reminder that something was missing.
It wasn't until his deathbed that the truth was revealed.
"Child, your talent is frightening. You hold infinite potential."
The voice came from nowhere. Calm. Ancient.
"Who…?" Mantil croaked, his voice hollow.
"It is I — Earth."
"You can talk?" Mantil asked, more curious than surprised.
"Why so calm?" Earth questioned.
"I always felt something was missing," Mantil answered with a faint smile. "Maybe this is it."
Earth fell silent for a moment. "You are dying, Mantil. But this is not the end. I will reincarnate you into another plane. There, you will find what you seek — power beyond comprehension. My blessing will guide you, but heed my words..."
Mantil listened, suppressing his countless questions.
"Do not devour darkness… or it will devour you. There is always a price. For darkness, it is emotions. Until next time, human."
Before Mantil could respond, a metallic voice echoed around him.
Ding!
Interference detected.
Special permission granted.
Fixing two major flaws: weak body and weak physique. Without intervention, host would have died a day after reincarnation.
Reincarnation complete.
Mantil's vision blurred as everything spun around him.