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

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

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

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

Klein's expression shifted, his usual lighthearted grin turning serious. He eyed Vax with newfound respect, his amusement fading as he straightened up. "Ever since I awakened, this is the first time I’ve felt even a twinge of pain," he admitted, his voice carrying a weight that hadn’t been there before. His eyes narrowed as he looked Vax over, sizing him up as if realizing for the first time that this fight might actually pose some challenge. "You're good."Vax’s confidence faltered for a brief moment, a crack in his usual calm demeanor. He took a step back, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword, eyes flicking toward Klein’s glowing scales. His lips parted, but he hesitated before speaking, as if trying to brush off the growing tension. "What are you, some kind of monster?" His tone was playful, but there was an edge of real concern in his voice that he couldn’t quite hide. Drops of sweat trickled down his forehead, betraying the strain it was taking to keep his composure.Klei