Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince

Chapter 2: Offer from Darkness

Leon stood frozen, his body stiffened against the black -robed man's gaze. The green light from his bone stick throbbed slowly, emitting an unnatural aura. 

"You're still young, but that power has chosen you." The man's voice was heavy and echoed, as if he came from a distant place. "I can help you master it."

The system does not provide danger warnings, but Leon remains alert. If this person knows about the Arkana System, he is clearly not an ordinary person. 

"Who are you?" Leon asked, his voice was cold. His hands remained in the dagger handle, ready to act. 

The man smiled faintly. "My name is a variant, a forgotten knowledge guard." He stepped forward with a movement that almost floated. "I've been waiting for someone like you for years."

[Warning: Individuals are not identified as having high energy fluctuations. 

Leon felt cold sweat on the nape of his neck. What does this man mean waiting for him? 

"You're still fragile," continued the variant, "But the system you have will take you to the peak of power. If you want to survive in this world, you need more than just the instinct of survival."

[Special mission option is available.]

1. Accept the offer of variant and learn from his teachings. (Present: ???)

2. Reject the offer and continue the journey alone. (Gift: Increased Attribute +2)

3. Attack the variant before he can act. (Gift: Mysterious Artifacts)

Leon sighed, his mind racing. The choice here can change the path of his destiny. The variant looks strong, but can he be trusted? 

His eyes stared at the robed man sharply. This is the beginning of a decision that will determine his fate in this world. 

Leon looked at the screen of the system that floated in front of him. Three open choices in front of him, each carrying consequences that he could not imagine. 

The variant is still standing calmly, staring at him with green eyes that like diverting his soul. He was not in a hurry, as if he knew that Leon was wrestling with his own mind. 

Finally, Leon took a deep breath and extended his hand. "I will accept your offer, but if you betray, I will not hesitate to finish you."

A small smile appeared on the face of the variant. "Wise choice."

[Special mission is accepted: 'dark path and light']

[Present: ???]

The variant of waving his bone stick, and in an instant, the space around them changed. The towering Everwood trees appear to spin, and in seconds, Leon found himself standing in a stone room illuminated by the torchlight. The air is filled with ancient aroma, mixed with a thick trace of magic. 

"Welcome to the forgotten Sanctum," said the variant while walking to the large stone table in the middle of the room. "This place existed before the Solmaria kingdom stood up. Here, we will start your trip."

Leon is still alert, his eyes swept the room. There are shelves full of scrolls, swords on display on the walls, and strange symbols that glow faintly on the stone floor. 

"What exactly is your goal?" Leon asked, his tone remained sharp. 

The variant looked at him for a moment before answering. "I want to guide you to be more than just a fighter. The system you have is something unique, and your potential has not been touched. If you want to survive and change your destiny, you need to understand the strength that has been given to you."

Leon frowned. "Why do you care?"

The variant smiled a little, but there was sadness in the look in his eyes. "Because I have been like you. I know how it doesn't feel to have control over your own destiny."

Before Leon could answer, the system screen reappeared. 

[New Mission Available: 'First Exercise']

Master the basis of the use of Arkana in battle. 

Learn the 'Void Strike' technique from the variant. 

Face the first test in the Sanctum. 

[Gift: Increase in Level +1, Secret Weapon]

Leon clenched his fist. This is the beginning of something bigger. 

Without hesitation, he said, "Alright. Show me what to do."

Smiling variant, and with one movement, the fire in the torches around them enlarges. The shadow dancing on the wall, indicates that tonight, Leon will step into the darkness to find the light of his strength. 

* Exercise in Sanctum

The Sanctum room feels more suffocating when Leon stands in the middle, staring at the variant that stands not far from a large stone table. The torch light that lights up in every corner describes the shadow that moves quickly on the wall, creating an atmosphere full of tension. 

"The first training begins," said the variant, his voice was firm and echoed in a quiet stone room. He stepped forward, the right hand lifted the bone stick which removed the faint green light. "You will learn how to use Arkana, the energy flowing in your body."

Leon looked at him attentively. The system in him began to work again, reminding about what he just learned. Arkana, the power that he had not fully understood, but he felt it in his body - the source of power that could change everything. 

"You must know that Arkana is not just a physical strength. This is the essence of everything in this world - from the land we step on to the sky that we look at. This flows through every living creature, every inanimate object, and even that time itself."

Leon nodded slowly, even though his mind was still filled with many questions. "What should I do?"

The variant lifts the stick and with a subtle movement, a green energy ball burns on the tip of the stick. "Concentrate Arkana in your body. Feel the flow."

Leon closed his eyes, trying to feel the changes that occur in him. His body began to tremble slowly. The room temperature feels different, more intense. Carefully, he tried to call Arkana's energy inside him, feeling it flowing from the core of his body to the outside. 

[Arkana's awareness process begins.]

A few seconds passed without results. Leon opened his eyes, feeling frustrated. However, when he will give up, the system speaks. 

[Warning: Users are adapting to Arkana. Awareness lasts longer than expected.]

Leon bit his lower lip, trying hard to concentrate. He knows that this is not something that can be obtained easily. With a stronger determination, he closed his eyes again and focused his mind on the energy flowing in his body. 

Instantly, he felt a small explosion inside him - something brought in bright. A deep dark energy flows throughout his body, making every muscle and joints feel alive with new power. Instantly, the green energy ball on the end of the stick variant turns jet blue. 

[Arkana's awareness is complete.]

[Skills obtained: 'Void Strike' - attacks with the power of Arkana, can tear the temporary reality. 

Leon was panting, his breathing hunted. "I ... I can feel it."

The variant nodded satisfied. "Good. Void Strike is the ability that can change the course of battle. But that is not all. There are many other Arkana techniques that you must learn."

Leon stood tall, his body trembled because of the energy he had just accessed. "I'm ready for more."