Ashen's breath caught in his throat.
What he saw inside the small red box froze him in place.
Unlike every other AURA Ring, which was usually solid white with golden edges…
This one was completely transparent.
Ashen blinked. "Why is this… clear?" he asked, staring at it like it was made of starlight.
"Don't be surprised," Arkan said, resting a hand calmly on his shoulder. "It's because of your Talent. Every time you slay a demon… a piece of the ring gets colored in, depending on the soul you absorb."
Ashen's eyes narrowed. "But… my sister's Talent is kind of similar to mine. Why isn't her ring transparent?"
"It's true, there's a certain resemblance between your Talents," Arkan admitted. "But yours is far rarer—classified S-Class. Hers is impressive… but yours? It's one of a kind. Still, the real reason… you'll find that out in time."
Ashen slipped the ring onto his finger, feeling its subtle weight settle in.
'It looks like a normal AURA Ring… the only difference is that it's clear. But why does it feel like it's calling to me?' he thought, feeling a strange pull in his chest.
A small circular button pulsed gently on the side of the ring. Curious, Ashen tapped it.
A translucent blue interface burst into life above his palm, followed by a voice reading out data in a calm tone.
[System: Talent Name — Soul Devourer]
[System: XP — 124/125]
[System: Recently Gained Power: Vel'Tharok]
And more details kept unfolding across the glowing screen.
"Vel'Tharok… That's a pretty heavy name. He was a powerful demon. You've got a solid start, Ashen," Arkan said with a smirk. "And 124 XP already? You're one point away from unlocking access to the first Floor of the Domain."
Ashen blinked. "Honestly… I have no idea what Domains are. Could you explain?"
Arkan's smile grew. He stepped back and crossed his arms. "Let's see… where should I even begin?"
"In every major city, there's a massive tower known as a Domain Tower. Ours is called Zeraphine. It's got 12 floors. Each floor contains different trials—challenges that change depending on the person facing them."
"What do you mean they change?" Ashen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Simple. My Floor Two wouldn't be the same as your Floor Two. But they'll be equal in difficulty," Arkan explained smoothly. "To even try entering a floor, you need entry cards—and the higher you go, the more cards and clearance you'll need."
Ashen leaned in a little. "Okay but… why should I even bother clearing it?"
"Because it's not just about bragging rights," Arkan said seriously. "Clearing a floor increases your XP dramatically, makes your Talent stronger—especially a Devourer Talent like yours. And… it multiplies your future income."
Ashen looked thoughtful. "And if I somehow clear all 12?"
Arkan grinned wide. "Can't you see it? You could be the next Phoenix, Ashen. I see that potential in you."
Before Ashen could respond, Darian cleared his throat.
"Alright, that's enough ambition for one day. We should probably get going," he said with a smile, clearly a bit anxious.
Arkan stood up and shook both their hands.
They stepped into the elevator and zipped back down. A few minutes later, they were in the car and headed home.
Ashen chuckled to himself, staring out the window.
"Oh man… Raven's gonna lose his damn mind when he sees this ring," he laughed.
His father laughed too, though he didn't say anything. He just kept his eyes on the road.
Eventually, they pulled into the driveway.
As soon as they opened the door—
"Hellooooo! What happened? What'd they say? What'd they do? Oh, dinner's ready, guys, come eat! Ugh, do we have to go to school tomorrow?" Alice's voice shot out like rapid fire.
Ashen tossed his shoes off. "Nothing big. Just got my AURA Ring."
He and his father washed their hands and sat down at the table.
Raven squinted, spotting the ring on Ashen's finger.
"Wait… why does your ring look like that?" he asked, brows furrowed.
"Oh wow, he's right—I didn't even notice!" Alice gasped.
Ashen smirked. "Well, some people are just built different, you know? Deserve better stuff."
"Yeah, right," Raven rolled his eyes. "They probably ran outta materials and slapped together whatever scraps they had left."
Ashen just grinned, saying nothing.
They all sat down to eat in a warm, quiet atmosphere. Their mother had gone all-out for dinner in celebration of Ashen's awakening. The steak was juicy, the salad crisp, and the mashed potatoes creamy—just like every special Saturday night meal.
Outside, the sky was darkening. A deep, navy blue spread overhead, while the last few birds chirped softly from the trees. In the distance, the neighbor's piano practice echoed faintly.
After dinner, everyone changed into their pajamas.
Ashen headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth—but then…
CRRRRACK!
A sharp sound sliced through the air.
Like reality itself had just ripped open.
Ashen froze. Then his eyes lit up.
"It's time… Let's see this ring change color."
He dropped the toothbrush and bolted outside.
And there it was.
Dregmir.
[Tier: 2]
A creature born from the mental remains of failed human experiments, Dregmir was a nightmare wrapped in silence. He had the twisted, half-paralyzed form of a tall, faceless man. From his back stretched ten thin, twitching tendrils—like nerve wires constantly writhing in the air.
Each tendril whispered fragments of forgotten memories.
Dregmir didn't run.
Didn't roar.
Didn't chase.
He just walked.
Slow. Whispering curses. Spreading madness.
The closer a person got, the more of themselves they lost—names, memories, purpose. All of it. Gone.
He wasn't built for physical battle. One strong hit could finish him—but that was the problem.
Most people lost their minds before they could even lift a weapon.
Some survived encountering him… but they were never the same.
Broken. Depressed. Hollow.
He'd been spotted once before—on Floor 701—by Arkan and a group of elite students.
They had volunteered for a Zero-Point energy synchronization experiment.
But after that night… that entire floor vanished from academy records.
Ashen's blood pumped with excitement. This was it. This was his chance to add a new color to his ring.
He sprinted forward to face Dregmir.
Flames of Vel'Tharok's power surged in his hands. He threw every attack he had.
But this wasn't a battle of strength.
This was a war of the mind.
Every special ability he'd gained burst out around him—but they couldn't stop the creeping doubt Dregmir whispered into his soul.
Back inside the house, Raven peeked out the window.
"Uhhh… yeah, no thanks. Rather let Ashen die than deal with that thing."
But Alice…
Alice ran.
Her eyes locked onto her brother.
She activated her Talent—instantly copying every motion Dregmir made. Every curse. Every tremor. Every subtle sway.
And then…
She mirrored it all back at him.
Dregmir stumbled—confused and overwhelmed by the weight of his own curse thrown back in his face.
He fell to the ground, gasping, consumed by the very madness he had spread.
Alice grabbed Ashen's arm.
"Go! Finish him! Deliver the final blow and take the power!"