All Chapters of Archfiend System: Chapter 1
- Chapter 8
8 chapters
Pilot
Throughout this sprawling world, greatness was defined by Systems—magnificent and intricate channels through which power flowed, distinguishing the worthless from the elite. Every child born into civilization received their System at the age of ten, a sacred ritual presided over by the Council of Ascendants. Blue light would corona their brows, ancient runes would inscribe themselves across their skin, and they would transform into something more than human. Mages wielded fire and lightning. Warriors gained strength that could bend steel. Healers commanded life itself.Klein Slash had experienced none of this.He stood in the marketplace of Krell, watching from the shadows of a crumbling archway as a young girl no more than ten years old underwent her Awakening. Her parents wept with joy. The gathered crowd erupted in cheers as violet light erupted from her chest—a Mystic System, rare and coveted. Her mother pressed her face against the girl's forehead in gratitude, murmuring prayers
Archfiend
At first, Klein thought it was the ARCHFIEND, come to crush him as it had crushed the warrior woman. But as the creature descended into the ravine, Klein realized something extraordinary was happening. The ARCHFIEND was *fleeing*. The adventurers had driven it back somehow, perhaps by overwhelming force combined with desperation. It retreated toward the higher peaks, moving with inhuman speed and grace, its form seeming to phase partially out of reality as it climbed.It paused at the rim of the ravine, silhouetted against the storm clouds above. For a single, eternal moment, its attention fixed upon Klein Slash—a insignificant Systemless laborer cowering against a stone wall, utterly powerless and utterly alone.Then it descended into the ravine.Klein should have been filled with terror. Instead, something strange happened. As the ARCHFIEND approached, moving with terrible inevitability toward him, Klein felt a profound calm settle over his mind. He had spent his entire life running
Status
"Hello? Anyone there?" Klein tried again, louder this time. His voice echoed back at him from the walls. The sound made him feel even more isolated. The Divine ARCHFIEND was supposed to be watching over him, but it seemed like he was left to fend for himself.Klein started tapping his foot, trying to stay calm. The steady rhythm helped a bit, but frustration built inside him. Was this some sort of test? Was Storm watching from the shadows, waiting to see how he would handle the silence?He knew he had to keep waiting, but it was getting harder by the minute. Klein took a deep breath, trying to focus on staying calm. He didn’t want to lose his cool and make things worse.But the uncertainty was becoming too much to handle. He needed some kind of answer, some indication that he wasn’t completely forgotten.No response came.Suddenly, Klein realized something. "My wounds." The agonizing pain that had enveloped him vanished instantly. Overjoyed, he credited the ARCHFIEND for granting his
Devour
Klein stood there, feeling the strength coursing through him. He took a moment to breathe, fully aware that his life had changed forever. “I can’t believe it,” he murmured to himself, a grin spreading across his face. The ordinary days he once knew were behind him, and he prepared to embrace his new identity as a System Bearer. The dragonic aura flowing within him felt like a gift, and he was determined to use it to its fullest potential. With a renewed sense of purpose, he spread his wings again, ready to take flight. “Time to show everyone I’m not just a Blank anymore!”Just as he gathered himself to test his ARCHFIEND Shout ability, a deep, resonant voice echoed in his mind. “Playing with the grace you received? You humans are tactless.” The voice dripped with raw power, making everything around him feel insignificant. Klein's heart raced, and he recognized the voice immediately. “Mr. Divine ARCHFIEND!” he exclaimed, struggling to keep his voice steady. His fear amplified the words
Return
Klein stood in solemn silence, the weight of Storm’s words hanging in the air like a heavy fog. His mind raced, grappling with the reality of his dreams coming true, yet it felt surreal—almost too good to be true. Three questions formed in his mind, each one pressing against his consciousness like a drumbeat. “Won’t the Devour still fail?” he asked, his voice steady but laced with uncertainty. “And if it works, what will happen to you? What do you want me to do with all that power?”Storm’s response came with a calmness that belied the gravity of the situation. “Firstly, it won’t. The probability applies when the target is resisting,” he explained, his deep voice resonating within Klein’s mind. “Secondly, I will cease to exist. Do not fret, for I have lived so long I cannot deduce the years. I wish to rest in eternal slumber without regrets. Consider it a request, my only request. Lastly, do whatever you want. I told you from the beginning… You are not a servant.”Klein felt his heart
Payback
Klein stood alone in the vast cavern, surrounded by the remnants of his training. The incredible transformation he had undergone over the past 24 hours felt surreal, and he found himself questioning reality more than once. How many times had he asked himself if he was dreaming? He lost count. Despite pinching his skin and trying to wake up, he remained firmly planted in Storm’s realm, where everything felt real and vibrant."My system level is comparable to the top 10 System Bearers," he marveled, unable to contain the awe in his voice. "Unbelievable!" The words reverberated off the stone walls, echoing back to him, as if the cavern itself shared in his excitement.Klein remembered the complexities of system levels. He knew that advancing by even a single level usually took years of grueling effort, countless battles, and unwavering dedication. Many System Bearers spent their entire lives stuck at the same level, while here he was, standing at level 11 after just one day. He couldn’t
Dragonic Damnation
Manny felt a surge of determination as he activated his System, the power coursing through him like wildfire. Without hesitation, his regular clothes evaporated, replaced by a full suit of Crimson Red Armor that shimmered with an intimidating brilliance as it settled over his body. The armor, with its sharp edges and intricate designs, pulsed with energy, radiating an aura of menace.“Crimson Armor!” he shouted, his voice booming and echoing through the courtyard. The Garrison Whites roared in approval, their excitement palpable as they formed a semicircle around him, eager to witness the impending confrontation.Klein simply smiled, his gaze unwavering as it locked onto Manny’s. He stood his ground, not flinching, not taking a step back. The confidence radiating from him made the onlookers uneasy. Some began to murmur amongst themselves, questioning Klein's sanity.“He wants to challenge a Vice?” one whispered in disbelief.“Pft, Manny will wipe the floor with this Blank,” another sc
Vax
Klein’s shout rang out through the courtyard, filled with fierce determination as he lunged at Manny, delivering a single, devastating punch. The impact was brutal, echoing like thunder as it connected with Manny’s face. The force of the blow sent Manny flying through the air, twisting and turning like a ragdoll caught in a storm. Dust and debris erupted around him, swirling chaotically as shockwaves rippled through the ground.Klein didn’t hesitate. He propelled himself into the air, effortlessly hovering above Manny’s airborne form, a predatory gleam in his eyes. As Manny reached the peak of his flight, Klein descended, slamming him back down with a force that shook the earth beneath them. The ground exploded into a crater upon impact, debris scattering everywhere and sending the surrounding knights reeling.A heavy silence fell over the Garrison Whites who remained conscious, their faces frozen in shock and disbelief. Manny, one of their esteemed commanders, had been defeated so ea