2025-03-29 02:23:43The morning sun cast a golden glow over the sprawling grounds of the Eldoria Academy, its towering spires and ancient stone walls standing as a testament to centuries of tradition and excellence.
But for Cain Ashford, the grandeur of the academy felt more like a prison than a place of learning. The whispers had started the moment he stepped out of the examination hall, and they hadn't stopped since. Cain kept his head down, his shoulders hunched as he navigated the crowded courtyard. The air was thick with the buzz of conversation, and every word seemed to be about him. "That's him! The guy who took down Instructor Garron!" "I heard he didn't even break a sweat." "Do you think he's hiding his true power? Maybe he's from one of the hidden clans…" Cain's stomach churned. He had never been good with attention, and now he was the center of it all. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his nails digging into his palms as he tried to steady his breathing. "This is bad. This is so bad. I was supposed to fail and go back to my quiet life. Now everyone's staring at me like I'm some kind of hero… or worse, a freak." He quickened his pace, weaving through the throngs of students, but the whispers followed him like a shadow. He could feel their eyes on him, their gazes burning into his back. Desperate for a moment of peace, he ducked into a secluded alley, leaning against the cool stone wall as he tried to catch his breath. "Okay, Cain. Just stay calm. This is just a misunderstanding. If you keep your head down, they'll forget about you eventually… right?" But deep down, he knew it wasn't that simple. Something had changed during that duel, something he couldn't explain. His body had moved on its own, as if guided by an unseen force. And now, he was paying the price for it. As Cain tried to calm himself, the cold, mechanical voice echoed in his head again, sending a shiver down his spine. [System Notice: Overlord Awakening Process – 2%] [Host's combat instincts are adapting to the environment. Passive skill "Instinctive Combat" has been activated.] [Warning: Host's memories remain suppressed. Proceed with caution.] Cain gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over. "What do you mean, proceed with caution? I didn't ask for any of this! I just want to be normal!" The system didn't respond. Instead, a new notification popped up, glowing faintly in his mind's eye. [Quest Unlocked: "The Gathering Storm"] [Objective: Survive the academy's attention for one week.] [Reward: Memory Fragment – "The Abyssal Tyrant's First Battle."] Cain groaned, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "A quest? Seriously? What is this, some kind of game? And what's this about an Abyssal Tyrant? That sounds like the name of a villain!" The system remained silent, leaving Cain to stew in his confusion. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Alright, fine. If I have to survive this week, I'll do it. But after that, I'm done with all this nonsense." Unbeknownst to Cain, he was being watched. From the rooftop above, Selene Nightshade observed him with a mix of hope and trepidation. Her violet eyes narrowed as she studied his every move, her sharp gaze missing nothing. "His posture, his mannerisms… it's uncanny. But if he truly is my Lord, why doesn't he recognize me? And why does he seem so… ordinary?" She recalled the moment Cain had defeated Instructor Garron. The way his body had moved with such precision and grace, as if guided by an unseen force. It was a technique she had seen only once before, in the hands of the Abyssal Tyrant himself. Selene's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she made a decision. "I need to get closer. If he truly is my Lord, I won't let him face this world alone. And if he's not… well, I'll deal with that when the time comes." With a flick of her wrist, she vanished into the shadows, her presence disappearing as if she had never been there. Cain finally reached his dorm room, relieved to be away from prying eyes. He opened the door, only to find someone already inside. A tall, muscular boy with fiery red hair was unpacking his belongings, his back turned to the door. He looked up as Cain entered, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Ah, you must be my new roommate! Name's Ragnar Bloodfang. Heard you made quite the impression during the entrance exam." Cain froze, his mind racing. "Great. Just what I needed, a fan." Ragnar strode over, clapping Cain on the shoulder with enough force to make him stumble. "Don't be so modest! Taking down Instructor Garron in one hit? That's legendary! I can't wait to spar with you." Cain forced a weak smile, his mind scrambling for a way out of this conversation. "Uh, yeah… about that. I'm not really much of a fighter. It was just luck, really." Ragnar laughed, clearly not buying it. "Luck, huh? Well, I guess we'll see about that. Anyway, make yourself at home. We're gonna be seeing a lot of each other." Cain sighed, realizing that his hopes of staying under the radar were slipping further away. As night fell, Cain lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Ragnar's snores filled the room, but sleep eluded Cain. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and questions, each one more troubling than the last. "Why is this happening to me? I didn't ask for any of this. I just wanted to live a normal life…" The system's voice interrupted his thoughts, its cold tone sending a shiver down his spine. [System Notice: Overlord Awakening Process – 5%] [Host's emotional state is unstable. Initiating calming protocols.] Cain felt a strange warmth spread through his body, calming his nerves. He closed his eyes, finally feeling the weight of exhaustion. "Fine. I'll play along for now. But if this Overlord thing is real… I'm not sure I want to remember." As he drifted off to sleep, a faint memory flickered in his mind, a battlefield shrouded in darkness, a throne of bones, and a voice whispering his name.
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The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 3: Daily life of a background character
The morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of Cain's dorm room, casting a soft golden glow over the modest space. The room was small but functional: a single bed pushed against the wall, a wooden desk cluttered with textbooks and parchment, and a wardrobe that creaked when opened. On the nightstand sat a half-empty glass of water and a crumpled piece of paper, yesterday's failed attempt at a to do list.Cain groaned as he stretched, his limbs heavy with sleep. He blinked at the ceiling, the events of the past few days still feeling like a bizarre dream. The entrance exam, the instructor's accidental defeat, the strange system messages, it all felt like a feverish hallucination. But no, he was here, at the prestigious Eldoria Academy, living the life of a background character. Or so he thought."Alright," Cain muttered to himself, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "No more weird dreams, no more overpowered nonsense. Today, I officially begin my side character arc. Just a nor
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening chapter 4: Old accomplices
The first rays of sunlight pierced through the dense canopy of the ancient forest surrounding the prestigious Eldoria Academy. The academy, a sprawling complex of Gothic spires and ivy-covered stone walls, stood as a bastion of knowledge and power. Its halls were filled with the whispers of ancient magic, and its students were the brightest and most ambitious from across the realms.In the quiet of the early morning, the academy grounds were serene. The dew-kissed grass glistened under the soft light, and the air was filled with the faint scent of blooming nightshade. The silence was broken only by the occasional chirping of birds and the distant toll of the academy's bell tower, signaling the start of a new day.But beneath this tranquil surface, a storm was brewing.In the heart of the academy's labyrinthine library, a figure moved silently through the shadows. Selene Nightshade, her violet eyes gleaming with determination, slipped past the rows of ancient tomes and scrolls. Her
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 5: Infiltration
The academy courtyard was alive with the hum of student activity. The morning sun bathed the stone pathways in golden light, casting long shadows that stretched across the manicured lawns. Students milled about, their laughter and chatter filling the air as they moved between classes, exchanged gossip, or lounged on the grass with books in hand. The academy, a sprawling institution of towering spires and ivy-clad walls, stood as a beacon of knowledge and power, its halls echoing with the footsteps of the ambitious and the gifted.But amidst the bustling crowd, one figure remained still, her presence unnoticed by the throngs below.Perched on a balcony overlooking the courtyard, Selene Nightshade stood like a silent sentinel. Her violet eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the sea of students with practiced precision. Her gaze lingered on one figure in particular.Cain, the boy who had once been their Abyssal Tyrant. He was leaning against a tree, idly flipping through a textbook, c
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 6: Unseen strings
The academy halls were bathed in the soft, golden light of the late afternoon sun. Students bustled about, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Cain, however, was far from energized. He stifled a yawn as he trudged through the corridor, his hands stuffed in his pockets. The day had been uneventful, and he was already counting down the minutes until he could retreat to the comfort of his dorm. "Another normal day, huh?" he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with a hint of boredom.Or so he thought.As he turned a corner, his shoulder lightly brushed against someone. The contact was brief, but it was enough to snap him out of his lethargy. He glanced up, ready to offer a quick apology. "Ah, sorry about—"The words died in his throat.Standing before him was a girl he had never seen before. She was tall, with crimson hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall of fire. Her golden eyes, sharp and piercing, seemed to bore into his very soul. There was an intensity in
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 7: Arrogant Noble
The academy's training grounds were alive with the clatter of wooden swords, the hum of spells being cast, and the rhythmic thud of boots against the packed earth.Students moved in clusters, some practicing their forms, others sparring under the watchful eyes of instructors. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and the faint metallic tang of magic. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the scene, but the crisp breeze of early autumn kept the atmosphere from becoming oppressive.Cain stood at the edge of the grounds, stretching lazily as he watched the chaos unfold. His uniform was slightly disheveled, his dark hair tousled as if he had just rolled out of bed. He yawned, scratching the back of his neck."More training, huh? Can't we just study theory today?" he muttered to no one in particular, his voice tinged with boredom.A smooth, arrogant voice cut through the noise, sharp and deliberate. "Tired already?"Cain turned, his amber eyes narrowing as they la
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 8: Battle Perv
The academy courtyard was bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, its golden rays filtering through the leaves of the ancient oak tree where Cain sat. He leaned against the rough bark, his gaze fixed on the sky as if searching for answers to questions he hadn't fully formed yet. The faint hum of students chatting and the occasional clang of swords from the training grounds filled the air, but Cain's mind was elsewhere. "A system? Reincarnation? What's next, an ancient prophecy?" he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with exasperation.He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his disheveled hair. The absurdity of his situation was not lost on him. Ever since he had awakened in this world, strange occurrences had followed him like a shadow. The latest of these was the mysterious system that seemed to have taken up residence in his mind, its cryptic messages and alerts popping up at the most inconvenient times. "Nope. Not my problem. I'll just ignore it," Cain decla
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 9: Continuous taunts
The morning sun filtered through the tall, arched windows of the academy, casting long golden beams across the polished marble floors. Students bustled through the hallways, their chatter echoing off the high ceilings. Cain, however, was not among the lively crowd. He had made it his mission to remain as inconspicuous as possible. He sat in the farthest corner of the cafeteria, his back pressed against the cold stone wall, his hood pulled low over his face. His tray held a modest breakfast a slice of bread, a boiled egg, and a cup of lukewarm tea. He kept his head down, his eyes darting occasionally to the entrance, scanning for any sign of her. "If I just lay low, she'll get bored and move on," he thought, clutching his cup of tea. It was a reasonable plan. A logical one. Too bad it was already doomed to fail.The moment he lifted his cup to take a sip—*SLAM!*The tray hit the table with a deafening clatter, and Cain nearly choked on his tea. He looked up, his heart sinking as
The Abyssal Tyrant: Overlord’s Awakening Chapter 10: Amusements
The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the academy, casting long golden streaks across the polished marble floors. Cain Ashford, the academy's most reluctant prodigy, stood in the shadow of a towering statue, his mind racing. He had a new plan, a brilliant plan. Avoid Victoria at all costs. "If I'm not there, she can't find me," he muttered to himself, nodding as if to reassure his own logic. It was a solid plan. Simple. Effective. Foolproof. Too bad the universe hated him.Just as he took his first confident step toward the library, a place he was certain Victoria would never venture a familiar chime echoed in his mind.[System Notice: "New Passive Skill Unlocked: Predator's Attraction!"]Cain froze mid-step, his blood running cold. "...I don't like that name," he said, his voice trembling slightly.The system, as always, was unbothered by his discomfort.[Effect: The stronger the pursuer's obsession, the easier they will find you.]Cain's eye twitched. "I REALL
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Chapter 24: The long night
The festival had been a whirlwind of colours, sounds, and laughter, but now, as the last embers of the celebration faded, Cain found himself alone on the quiet streets of Nagasaki His legs ached with every step, each one feeling heavier than the last. The lanterns that lined the streets cast a warm, golden glow, but their light did little to ease his exhaustion. The cool night breeze brushed against his skin, carrying with it the faint scent of street food and the distant echoes of music. It was a peaceful night, but Cain was too tired to appreciate it.He yawned, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. The others had already gone their separate ways—Astra, Lyra, Selene, and Ravena had each taken different paths home, and Mira had simply waved before vanishing into the shados. Now, it was just him and the empty streets."Ugh. Never again," Cain muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the soft rustling of the wind.He trudged forward, his feet dragging against the
Chapter 23: Duel at the festival
Cain was sprawled on the couch, still recovering from the chaos of the last few days. His hair was a mess, his shirt was inside out, and he was pretty sure he'd been wearing the same socks for three days. Life had been… a lot. But just as he was about to drift off into a well-deserved nap, the door slammed open.Astra stood in the doorway, arms crossed, her expression as unimpressed as ever. Behind her, Lyra, Selene, and Ravena loomed like a trio of judgmental angels. "We're going out," Astra declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.Cain blinked, his brain struggling to process the words. "We are?" he asked, his voice cracking slightly.Lyra grinned, plopping down on the couch next to him and ruffling his already disastrous hair. "You need fresh air," she said, her tone far too cheerful for Cain's liking.Selene smirked, leaning against the doorway. "And a change of scenery," she added, her eyes glinting with mischief.Ravena, ever the picture of calm, sipped her tea and d
Chapter 22: Brewing tension
The air inside Cain's house was thick with unspoken tension, a palpable weight that seemed to press down on everyone who crossed the threshold. It had been days since Victoria's unexpected arrival, and the fallout was far from over. Cain sat on the couch in the living room, a book in his hands, though he hadn't turned a page in over an hour. His eyes scanned the same paragraph repeatedly, but the words refused to register. His mind was elsewhere, tangled in the web of drama that Victoria had woven with her mere presence. Across the room, Astra sat in the high backed chair by the fireplace, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her piercing gaze was fixed on Cain, though he refused to meet her eyes. He could feel her stare like a physical force, burning into the side of his face. It wasn't the first time she'd watched him like this, and he doubted it would be the last. But tonight, her silence was particularly unnerving. She hadn't said a word since he'd walked into the room,
Chapter 21: Misunderstandings
The room was heavy with silence, the kind that pressed down on Cain's shoulders like a physical weight. The air was thick with unspoken accusations, and the tension was palpable. Cain sat on the couch, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands gripping his temples as if he could physically ward off the headache brewing behind his eyes. His dark hair was disheveled, and his usually sharp, calculating gaze was now clouded with frustration. Across from him, Selene, Astra, Lyra, and Ravena sat in a semi-circle, their expressions a mix of amusement, skepticism, and outright judgment.Orion and Zane, meanwhile, leaned against the wall, their smirks unmistakable as they watched the scene unfold. They were clearly enjoying every second of this.Cain finally broke the silence, his voice strained but firm. "Okay. Let's be adults about this."Selene raised a brow, her lips curling into a faint smirk. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing blue eyes bore into Cain with
Chapter 20: Laziness
The academy gates stood tall and imposing, their iron bars gleaming under the late afternoon sun. Students poured out in a chaotic stream, their chatter filling the air with a mix of excitement and relief. The midterm break had finally arrived, and for most, it was a chance to escape the rigorous demands of academy life. Backpacks slung over shoulders, laughter echoing, and plans for the week being shouted across the courtyard, it was a scene of pure, unbridled freedom.Cain, however, wasn't feeling the same enthusiasm. He lingered near the back of the crowd, his hands stuffed into his pockets, his expression one of mild exhaustion. The week had been grueling, and all he wanted was to collapse into his bed and not move for the next seven days. No assignments, no training, no drama just peace."One week of peace," he muttered under his breath, stretching his arms above his head. His muscles ached from the relentless training sessions, and his mind felt like it had been put through a w
Chapter 19: Results
The lecture hall was packed to the brim, the air thick with nervous energy. Students fidgeted in their seats, their eyes darting toward the front of the room where Orion stood, holding a single sheet of paper. His usual smug grin was wider than ever, a telltale sign that he was about to deliver news that would either thrill or devastate the class.Cain sat slumped in his usual spot, his arms crossed over his chest, his head tilted back as if he were on the verge of falling asleep. His expression was one of utter indifference, though the faint dark circles under his eyes betrayed the toll the midterms had taken on him. He had survived, barely and that was enough for him.Selene, seated beside him, poked his side with a sly grin. "Nervous?" she teased, her voice dripping with mock concern.Cain yawned, not even bothering to look at her. "Nope."I already survived the damn thing. That's enough.Orion cleared his throat dramatically, silencing the murmurs that had begun to ripple throug
Chapter 18: A competitor
The lecture hall buzzed with the low hum of students chatting, their voices blending into a monotonous drone. Cain sat slumped in his seat, arms folded across his chest, his head tilted back against the chair. His eyes were half-lidded, heavy with exhaustion. The midterm exams had finally ended, and while he had survived barely, the toll they had taken on his energy reserves was evident. He felt like a deflated balloon, drained of all motivation.At the front of the room, Orion stood with his usual air of smug superiority, his sharp eyes scanning the class. The faint smirk on his lips suggested he was about to drop some kind of bombshell. Cain braced himself, though he couldn't muster the energy to care much."Before we continue," Orion began, his voice cutting through the chatter like a knife, "we have a new addition to our little group. A transfer student. Try not to scare her off."Cain rolled his eyes. Great. Another overachiever to make the rest of us looks bad. He slouched furt
Chapter 17: Stress
The academy's grand lecture hall was a cacophony of nervous whispers, frantic page-flipping, and the occasional muffled sob. Students sat in clusters, their faces a spectrum of emotions, some pale with panic, others resigned to their fate. The air was thick with the scent of ink, parchment, and the faint aroma of desperation.Cain, however, was blissfully unaware of the chaos. His head rested lazily on his desk, arms folded beneath him like a makeshift pillow. A soft snore escaped his lips, earning a few sideways glances from his peers. To Cain, exams were a distant problem, a future inconvenience he'd deal with… never, if he had his way.Selene sat beside him, her long legs crossed elegantly as she tapped her nails against the desk in a rhythmic, almost hypnotic pattern. Her lips curled into a faint smirk as she glanced at Cain's sleeping form. "Charming," she muttered under her breath.Across the room, Lyra was sharpening a dagger, the metallic *shink-shink* sound cutting through
Chapter 16: New acquaintance
The newly claimed meeting room of the faction was a spacious, dimly lit chamber tucked away in a secluded corner of the academy. The walls were lined with shelves filled with dusty tomes and strange artefacts, and a large, circular table dominated the centre of the room. Cain sat at the head of the table, slouched in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling as if hoping it would provide him with an escape from the chaos unfolding around him.Selene lounged on a chair beside him, her legs draped over the armrest and a knowing smirk playing on her lips. Lyra sat in the corner, her daggers glinting in the low light as she sharpened them with meticulous precision, her focus entirely on the task at hand. Ravena sat across from Cain, her posture elegant and composed as she sipped tea from a delicate porcelain cup, as though this were an ordinary afternoon social gathering. Valeria stood in the shadows near the door, her arms crossed and her piercing gaze fixed on Cain, silently judging
