The falling star(drake reincarnation)

Chapter nine(blood in the void)

The ground still trembled hours after the blood drop pod landed.

Drake stood outside the ruined temple wall, eyes locked on the faint red glow in the distant trees. The wind had changed—it now carried the scent of old blood… and something ancient.

System Alert:

⟨Unknown Hostile Approaching – Identity Masked⟩  

Threat Level: Classified – Estimated Power: Planetary King-Class (Restricted)  

Bloodline Match: 0% – Entity is not human⟩

Riva clutched her weapon. “Something’s moving out there. It’s not a beast.”

Syrian frowned. “It’s hunting. That much is clear.”

Drake’s bloodline stirred inside him, reacting with a subtle burn in his veins. Sky’s voice echoed softly:

“This thing was created to destroy you. You can’t face it carelessly.”

“But if I don’t fight, it’ll kill them all,” Drake muttered.

Suddenly—

The trees split open, and out stepped a towering figure in black armor, its face hidden behind a cracked metal mask. Red energy leaked from its joints, and its voice was deep and distorted.

“Hybrid. The Order sends its regards.”

Without warning, it launched forward, targeting Drake.

The ground exploded.

Drake activated Shadow Fang Mirage, dodging in an instant, but the force of the Reaper’s blow split the earth behind him. Syrian copied a shield skill just in time to protect Riva.

System Notification:

⟨Emergency Quest: Survive the Reaper⟩  

•⁠  ⁠Objective: Last 3 Minutes  

•⁠  ⁠Reward: +1,000,000 XP  

•⁠  ⁠Bonus: Unlocked Bloodline Skill (???) if victory achieved

Drake gritted his teeth. “Sky. We need to switch.”

But Sky's tone was grim.  

“No. Not yet. You need to grow. I’ll guide you—but this is your fight.”

Drake focused, combining his fire attribute with Shadow Steps, dodging the Reaper’s strikes. Syrian and Riva flanked, striking with everything they had—but the Reaper regenerated too quickly.

Suddenly, the system pulsed:

⟨Bloodline Skill Unlocked: Vampiric Edge – Phase 1⟩  

Temporary Boost: Speed +60%, Qi Penetration Active  

Warning: Recoil damage possible after use

Drake didn’t hesitate.

He vanished—then reappeared above the Reaper, blade of flame and shadow in hand, plunging it into the armored enemy’s chest.

A loud explosion of crimson energy filled the area.

When the smoke cleared, the Reaper had been knocked back—but not killed.

It growled, mask cracked, leaking void fluid.

Then… it retreated, vanishing into mist.

System Notification:

⟨Quest Complete: Survive the Reaper⟩  

Reward: +1,000,000 XP  

Bonus: Vampiric Edge – Permanently Unlocked  

Hidden Passive Unlocked: Hunger Surge (Low-Tier)

Drake fell to one knee, panting.

Syrian placed a hand on his shoulder. “You just fought a death weapon… and lived.”

Riva looked into the forest. “This trial isn’t about survival anymore. It’s war.”

And far away, the Uruk-hai elders slammed their fists on the table.

“The Reaper failed. Send the next unit.”

Drake wiped sweat from his brow, still catching his breath. The taste of burnt air and blood lingered in his mouth. 

Syrian scanned the area cautiously. “That was no ordinary enemy. If that’s the Order’s idea of a scout, then we’re in for hell.”

Riva nodded, eyes narrowed. “We need to get stronger—fast.”

Drake felt the new power surging through his veins—the Vampiric Edge skill pulsing with raw energy. But the warning about recoil lingered in his mind.  

Suddenly, the system chimed, the familiar glowing interface appearing before them.

⟨System Update: New Feature Unlocked – Black Market Access⟩

[Welcome to the Black Market — Spend XP to buy weapons, blood crystals, skill tokens, and rare items.]

Drake’s eyes lit up. “Finally... a way to gear up.”

Syrian: “Do you think this is legit? It sounds too good to be true.”

Riva: “With the Order hunting us, every advantage counts.”

The system displayed a menu:

Black Market Items:

•⁠  ⁠Inferno Blade — 500,000 XP  

•⁠  ⁠Shadow Cloak — 350,000 XP  

•⁠  ⁠Blood Crystal Shard (Rare) — 200,000 XP  

•⁠  ⁠Qi Amplifier Token — 150,000 XP

•⁠  ⁠Combat Skill Scroll: Flame Fangs — 400,000 XP  

Drake glanced at his current XP—just over 2 million.

He hesitated. Should he buy the weapon now or save for a bigger upgrade?

Sky whispered in his mind:  

“Balance offense and defense. The Inferno Blade’s power complements your fire attribute, but the Shadow Cloak can keep you alive longer.”

Syrian smirked. “Tough choice. But I say get the Inferno Blade. Let’s make them regret coming after you.”

Riva nodded. “Agreed. But don’t ignore defense.”

Drake made his choice.

“Inferno Blade, please.”

The system confirmed the purchase. The weapon materialized in Drake’s hand—black steel etched with glowing red runes.

“Let’s train,” Drake said, feeling the weight and power in his grasp.

The forest seemed to hold its breath.

Because the battle in the Broken Void was just beginning.

The Inferno Blade felt alive in Drake’s hand. Its black steel shimmered faintly, veins of molten red tracing intricate runes along its surface. The moment he grasped the hilt, a surge of warmth coursed through his arm, mingling with the fire qi inside him.

“Sky, can you analyze this weapon?” Drake asked, flexing his fingers around the handle.

Sky’s voice echoed:  

“The Inferno Blade is a rare weapon forged in the volcanic forges of the Fire Realm. Its flames aren’t just heat; they consume qi and can burn through most defenses. It will amplify your fire attribute significantly.”

Drake smiled. “Looks like my fire just got a serious upgrade.”

Syrian and Riva watched with interest. Syrian crossed his arms, clearly impressed. “Well, that’s one way to make an entrance. But don’t get cocky — we all have to train if we want to survive this place.”

Riva nodded in agreement. “And with that Reaper around, every second counts.”

Drake raised the blade, feeling the fire ripple from the runes to the tip. He focused, channeling his qi into the sword. The flames erupted, swirling around the blade like a living thing.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training field, Drake wiped the sweat from his brow. The Inferno Blade felt like an extension of his arm now, the fire qi flowing smoothly through the runes as he practiced precise, blazing strikes.

“Your progress is impressive,” Sky’s voice echoed softly inside Drake’s mind. “The blade is responding well to your qi control. But remember, you must balance your energy. Overuse of the bloodline’s power could backfire.”

Drake nodded. “I know. I won’t rush it.”

Nearby, Syrian was sparring with Riva, their movements fluid and calculated. Syrian’s smug grin faded when he noticed Drake’s intense focus.

“You’re holding back, Drake,” Syrian called out, sheathing his sword. “Why not show us what you’re really capable of?”

Drake shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Not yet. The last thing I want is to attract unwanted attention.”

Riva walked over, her fiery hair flickering in the evening light. “Smart move. With the Order and the Uruk-hai lurking, staying under the radar is crucial.”

Just then, the system chimed softly, interrupting the calm.

⟨New Quest: Investigate the Academy’s Hidden Library⟩  

Reward: Rare Skill Scroll + 500,000 XP

Drake’s eyes narrowed. “Looks like our next challenge found us.”

Syrian’s brow furrowed. “The hidden library? I heard rumors—it’s filled with ancient knowledge and forbidden techniques. But no one’s been able to access it.”

Riva crossed her arms. “If we want to grow stronger, that’s exactly where we need to go.”

Drake sheathed the Inferno Blade. “Then it’s settled. We prepare for the mission tomorrow. Rest up, everyone.”

That night, as the campfire crackled, the three sat in quiet contemplation. Each knew the path ahead would test them beyond anything they’d faced.

---

The following morning, the team gathered at the academy’s grand entrance. The towering gates loomed above them, etched with ancient runes glowing faintly with qi energy.

As they entered, whispers and curious glances followed them. The academy was no stranger to rivalry, and Drake’s rising reputation was beginning to unsettle some.

Their first stop was the council chamber, where the headmaster awaited.

“Drake, Syrian, Riva,” the headmaster greeted them, his voice calm but authoritative. “The hidden library holds many secrets, but also dangers. You must be prepared for whatever you face.”

Drake bowed respectfully. “We understand, sir. We won’t fail.”

The headmaster’s eyes lingered on Drake. “One more thing—trust no one.”

With that ominous warning, the trio set off toward the restricted wing of the academy, where the hidden library was said to lie.

---

Inside the dimly lit corridors, they moved silently, their footsteps muffled by thick carpets. Ancient statues and glowing sigils lined the walls, pulsing with quiet power.

At the library’s entrance stood a massive door covered in intricate carvings — dragons entwined with phoenixes, fire merging with shadows.

Syrian stepped forward. “How do we get through?”

Drake studied the carvings. “This looks like a puzzle—maybe something related to qi control.”

He concentrated, sending a wave of fire qi through his palm. The runes on the door flared brightly, responding to his energy.

“Keep watching,” Drake said.

Riva focused her bloodline energy, adding her shadowy flame to the mix.

The door shuddered, ancient mechanisms grinding as it slowly creaked open, revealing rows upon rows of dusty tomes and scrolls — the lost knowledge of the academy.

---

Inside, the air was thick with power. Drake ran his fingers over the ancient books, sensing the immense qi bound within them.

“Look at this,” Syrian said, pulling out a scroll titled “Flame Shadow Techniques.”

Drake’s eyes lit up. “This could enhance my shadow steps with fire qi.”

Riva found a book on the Nerikai bloodline’s deeper abilities, her fingers trembling slightly.

Suddenly, the system buzzed urgently.

⟨Warning: Unauthorized presence detected. Potential enemy breach imminent.⟩

Before they could react, the shadows around them thickened, twisting into sinister shapes.

The Uruk-hai clan had followed them.

---

The battle erupted inside the library’s sacred halls. Books flew as qi blasts collided, fire and shadow swirling in deadly dance.

Drake’s Inferno Blade sliced through illusions, while Riva’s Nerikai powers disrupted enemy clones.

Syrian fought fiercely, his stolen abilities giving him an edge.

Despite their strength, the Uruk-hai pressed relentlessly, their leader sneering as he faced Drake.

“You think you’re ready, little fire?” he taunted. “We’ve only just begun.”

As the dust settled, the trio stood victorious but weary.

Drake looked at his companions, resolve hardening.

“We’re not just fighting for survival anymore. This is war.”

Sky whispered:  

“Your path grows darker, but your power will shine brighter.”

And so, the fires of the Broken Void blazed brighter than ever.

---

End of Chapter 9