Chapter 13: Whispers in the Deep
Rayden descended into the chasm left behind by the Revenant's death. At first, it seemed like a shallow crater scorched by fire and rage—but as he stepped toward the edge, the earth shifted. Stone crumbled, and a hidden staircase revealed itself, spiraling into pitch-black depths.
The System didn't prompt him.
No new quest. No guidance. Just silence.
Rayden glanced behind him—only a field of ash and broken bodies remained. There was no going back. He gripped his sword and began his descent, each step echoing like a heartbeat into the hollow darkness.
After what felt like hours, he emerged into a massive underground vault. The air here was colder, heavier—thick with forgotten power. Walls stretched upward like cathedral pillars, etched with ancient runes pulsing faintly in crimson. A colossal door stood at the center, marked with a familiar symbol: the twisted eye of the Berserk System.
"Where is this place?" he asked aloud.
A whisper answered.
Not from the System. Not even from his mind. It came from the walls, from the stone, from the very blood in his veins.
"Welcome, Successor."
He froze.
"Who said that?"
The voice chuckled—dry and ancient, like parchment being torn. "I am the First. The one who tamed the Berserk System before it devoured me."
Rayden narrowed his eyes. "You're dead."
"Dead?" the voice echoed. "In a way. But pieces of me live on, scattered within the System. You unlocked one when you bled into the tomb."
Rayden stepped forward. "You were the one they warned about. The one who tore kingdoms apart."
"I freed them," the voice corrected, tone turning cold. "They were already broken. Bound by chains of false order. I simply reminded the world of what chaos truly meant."
He reached the door, placing his hand on the symbol. The twisted eye blinked—once.
[Berserk System Sync: 43%]
Warning: Unstable memory node detected. Proceed with caution.
Rayden pushed the door open.
Inside, a chamber pulsed with memories—not visions, but living fragments. They drifted like ghosts, replaying moments of brutal conquest, betrayal, and ruin. At the center stood a crystal throne, black and veined with red lightning. Upon it sat a figure—cloaked, skeletal, eyes glowing like burning embers.
"You see me now," the First said, voice calm. "And now you understand the price."
"What price?"
"To become what I was," the First answered. "You must destroy what you are."
Rayden clenched his jaw. "Then why call me here?"
"Because I am dying," the figure said. "My hold on the System fades. And you… you are stronger than I ever was. But still unshaped."
Rayden took a step closer. "What do you want?"
"Take my place," the First rasped. "Claim the Core. Become the Will of the System."
[New Quest: Throne of Ruin]
Objective: Absorb the Berserk Core
Risk: Personality Fragmentation | Permanent Loss of Self
Reward: Skill – System Dominion (Locked)
Rayden looked at the Core pulsing within the throne.
He didn't know if he was ready. If anyone could be.
But one thing was certain: every step deeper into this path meant there was no turning back.
"I came this far," he said. "Let's see what's next."