Is this what death feels like?
"How strangely… comfortable," Vergil thought to himself.
The pain, the noise, the burdens I carried through life—gone, erased as if they had never existed.
I drifted—through nothingness—within a black expanse. Only silence, gently pressing against my mind.
All notions of sound and time were gone, leaving only infinite stillness.
The silence stretched endlessly throughout, wrapping around what remained of me like a mother's embrace. My chest began to loosen up as the burdens that had once chained me began to break; however, a small emptiness remained.
My body felt light, as if it had been reduced to mere particles drifting in a black ocean.
Yet a strange uneasiness kept nagging me, as my memories began to fade away. Were they turning into particles? I didn't know. But I knew I was forgetting something.
"Do thou have any regrets?"
A gentle, genderless voice echoed softly, filling the void. Was it my will, or something higher?
Regrets?
I searched my mind to no avail, the memories sinking like stones in water, slipping away before I could even grasp them.
"Think carefully."
The voice came even closer. Not threatening, just persistent.
Then it finally struck me.
Ah… yes.
I wanted… another chance.
"If I gave you another chance, would you make the most of it?"
The words vibrated through my form, pulsing evenly.
Clenching my so-called fists-if I had any-I shouted:
"Give it. I want it!"
The void around me began to tremble and vibrate.
"Very well," the voice intoned, fading away into nothingness before speaking its final words.
"As thou wish."
And just like that, the void shattered.
"Are you finally awake?"
The voice was too casual, as if it were speaking to a long-lost friend.
He looked human yet somehow more. I felt awe just being in his presence, serenely commanding in a mythical way. Short white hair framed a divine face. His skin was glowing faintly.
"Where am I… no, better yet, who are you?" Vergil managed to get the words out, his head throbbing and body sluggish.
His lips formed a smile that was too friendly, unsettling me.
"Weaver is my name," he said.
"Weaver… are you a god? Something like a god?" My voice wavered as I spoke
"Something similar," he replied, tilting his head as a lopsided grin tugged at his lips, "But I'm amazed at how calm you are."
I looked around.
There was nothing but the sky, endless, with a gentle breeze blowing from a direction I couldn't see. It radiated peace and tranquility.
"Where… are we?" I asked, stunned by the new environment.
"A place beyond heaven and earth," he said, glancing lazily upward at the ceiling. "But that's none of your concern at this moment."
He took a step forward, arms spreading wide.
"You sought another chance, and I wish to give it to you by sending you to another world. And since my benevolence knows no bounds…"
"I'll even grant you a single ability of your choosing."
I stared at him, my legs wobbled slightly as I managed to stand upright in the sky.
"About this new world… anything I should know?"
"It's a world that defies the logic of your old one. Magic, demons, monsters, wonders, and nightmares alike."
I took a moment to breathe. Was this finally his chance? Vergil felt that this was real.
"Will the ability I choose be… limited in any way?"
He tilted his head politely. "It can be anything."
A silence stretched between us.
Then came the question.
"Now… what is it you desire?"
Thinking carefully, I realized that if I only had one choice, it needed to be something that would serve me in all things—growth, survival, strength. After all, it was like one of those worlds someone would read about.
But before I could speak, something—or someone—pulled at me, whispering from deep within this place.
A single word echoed again and again in my mind, like a mantra singing a venomous tune.
Predation.
Why that word? I had no clue. It was as if someone or something wanted me to say it. The voice in my head repeated it over and over until I finally gave in. I trusted my instincts.
"I've decided," Vergil said with confidence.
Weaver's eyes gleamed with a hint of curiosity. He leaned in, his smile sharpening.
Our gazes met, and we spoke with resolve.
"Predation."
He chuckled. "Ah… now that's an interesting one."
"Would it be possible to include… a growth effect?" I asked, expecting him to refuse.
Instead, he beamed for some reason. "Of course. I'll even make it evolve. But…", he raised a finger, "certain conditions or items will be required to unlock its full potential."
I frowned. "What kind of conditions are needed?"
He laughed; the sound was unnervingly pleasant. "Now, where's the fun in spoiling the surprise if I just told you everything?"
A grin stretched wider than it should have. Then he raised his hand.
"Now off you go! Oh—and when you arrive, make sure to say 'Status Window.' You'll thank me later."
As a blinding light surrounded me, I glanced back at him.
"Thanks… for the second chance." The words came out, grateful and polite.
The light swallowed me whole.
But just before I vanished completely, I caught a glimpse of Weaver's lips moving.
He said something.
Something I couldn't hear.
Then he turned… and walked away.
It pulled me, gentle at first, tugging my very being as light seeped into the darkness. Growing warmer and ever-brighter. Shapes formed and emerged: crooked houses, smoke curling into the air. The unfamiliar scent of earth and bread drifted on the breeze. My chest tightened reflexively, then relaxed.
However, Vergil's eyes wouldn't tear away. His chest rising and falling with the passing breeze, heart thrumming with something raw and primal. It was unnameable, it was all so lively, the smoke, the air, breathing with the world around me.
Before doing anything else, Vergil muttered, "Status window."
A blue panel shimmered into existence before him, hovering in the air.
Name: Vergil
Tier: 0
Level: 1
Title: Commoner
Lifespan: 65 years
Spouses: None
Race: Human
Class: None
Equipment:
Basic Clothing (+2 Defence)
Skills:
Passive: None
Active: Authority of Predation (???)
Special Traits:
Special Constitution: None
Arts: None
Special Eyes: None
Confidants: None
Available Stat Points: 0
A calm, mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
[Welcome, user, to the tutorial. I will now explain how the status window functions.]
Vergil's gaze flicked over the panel. Strength, Constitution, Dexterity… each stat accompanied by its number, each number a tiny measure of potential.
Strength: 5 – Determines how hard you hit
Constitution: 7 – How much you can take a beating or act
Dexterity: 6 – Speed and balance
Intuition: 4 – Sense of danger
Wisdom: 6 – Awareness and perception
Willpower, Charisma, Luck: 6 – Hidden
Magic Power: 2 – Spell potency
Mana Capacity: 3 – Storage for magic
[Other energies exist – Yuan Qi, Demonic Energy, and Divine Energy. These must be obtained yourself.]
"Faster," he snapped under his breath, brushing a hand through the air.
[You currently possess only one active skill: Authority of Predation. No passive skills have been unlocked.]
His eyes lingered on the Confidants section.
[Confidants are relationships you have formed and are ranked from 1 to 10. Deep bonds unlock special effects, skills, and more. Superficial ties do not count.]
Then Lifespan caught his attention. "Sixty-five years… Can I extend it?" His voice hopeful.
[Yes. Lifespan may be extended through cultivation, which requires Yuan Qi or rare treasures.]
He exhaled. "So either rare items or Yuan Qi… neither of which I have. Then how do I get Yuan Qi?"
[Two methods exist: diligent cultivation, which requires talent, or using the Authority of Predation to consume Yuan Qi from other lifeforms. The latter is extremely painful.]
The panel shifted to a list of cultivation realms and lifespan each realm gives:
Qi Gathering → +5 years
Qi Condensing → +10 years
Bone Forging → +25 years
Profound Heavens → +50 years
Radiant Stage → +100 years
Ethereal Stage → +250 years
Sole Harmony → +500 years
Genesis → +1,000 years
Spirit King → +2,000 years
[Realms beyond these do exist, however, you must meet specific conditions. Notifications will appear when eligible.]
Vergil's chest tightened with anticipation. "Centuries… if I cultivate properly."
He returned to the Authority of Predation. A question mark floated beside its name.
[Skills are ranked F– to EX. Your authority surpasses the normal conventional rankings. It can even evolve under special conditions, unlocking new functions.]
"And how would I unlock these so-called functions?"
[They require unique circumstances. Specifics cannot be provided. You will be notified when eligible.]
He smirked. Even the system had limits.
The panel switched to Arts.
[Arts define techniques: swordsmanship, breathing methods, and other disciplines. Mastery determines effectiveness.]
"Interesting feature… I'll have to explore and test it later."
Finally, Classes appeared.
[Choose wisely. Choice is permanent.]
Warrior
Mage
Assassin
Thief
Magic Swordsman
All Master
Vergil paused. He had never wielded a weapon. Never tested his skill. His gaze settled on All Master—a class capable of acquiring new passive skills as it levelled.
"System, I want this class."
[Class registered. It will now appear in your status window.]
The smirk returned. Minimal stat increase, yes—but Authority of Predation would more than compensate.
[Absorbed stats depend on target; weaker enemies yield fractional gains, compared to stronger foes.]
He nodded. A spark of agreement in his eyes. "Makes sense. No time to waste on weaklings."
[Good luck, user. May the blessing of the world—Eternia—be with you.]
"Eternia, huh… fits." He leaned back, absorbing the panel. Five gold coins jingled in his pouch. Not much, but enough to start.
First step: a weapon. He spotted an elderly woman sitting on a bench nearby and approached.
"Pardon me, ma'am. Can you give directions to the blacksmith?"
She looked puzzled and perplexed before muttering something incomprehensible to him, "£@£÷@&@£&÷×&#=&÷."
Vergil stiffened, his jaw tightening. This was going to be a problem.
'System, is there a way to learn the language?'
[I'll integrate the language of Eternia now]
Words he had never known pressed against his tongue. Each attempt sounded wrong and foreign.
The old woman stepped closer, concerned. "Young man, are you alright?"
Vergil steadied himself, breathing through the pain. "I'm fine, thank you." his voice barely carried past the whisper of leaves around them.
She smiled in relief. "You had me worried there."
"Do you know where the blacksmith is?"
"Just head down the street—you'll see it. "
She called out as he turned. "Wait—what's your name?" tucking a stray hair behind her ear
"Vergil."
She chuckled. "If you ever need advice, come see me. I'm Elvira. I trust you know what to do." Her eyes lingered a heartbeat longer.
"I will, if the time comes."
He made his way down the path until the rhythmic hammering of metal grew louder. The blacksmith's workshop came into view—and so did the man behind the forge.
A towering man, roughly 6 feet, soot-streaked and broad-chested, his beard flecked with ash, eyes burning like embers.
When he moved, the wooden floor trembled. His voice rumbled deep like stone grinding against stone.
"Welcome, young blood."
Vergil blinked. "Young blood?"
The man laughed. "It's just a saying, boy. And judging from how scrawny you are, it fits."
He's right, Vergil thought.
He turned and spotted a mirror. His reflection stared back.
He was slender and soft. A boy unaccustomed to hard labour and ill-suited to survive, unworthy of attention.
But not for long, he promised himself.
[You're so scrawny-looking.] The system sneered in his mind at the reflection. Vergil's lips twitched, half in annoyance and half amused that this system had such tact.
"The fuck you just say to me?" he muttered.
The blacksmith ignored it and asked, "So, kid, what are you looking for?"
"A dagger," Vergil replied confidently, brushing off the system's jab.
An unfamiliar weapon would only slow him down. Let's stick to basics.
"A dagger, eh? No weapon training, I presume?"
"Yeah."
The blacksmith headed to the back and returned shortly after, holding a dagger. Handing it over to him. Vergil's fingers closed around the handle, sharp and steady. No words were needed. It was more than enough.
As Vergil inspected it. The system began analysing the weapon
---
[Metal Dagger]
Attack: +5
Description:
Worn but is in a well-maintained. A faint engraving is visible along the base of the blade, although half-worn. An insignia of a beginner craftsman.
---
The blacksmith exhaled. "This dagger's been in the inventory for a while. It was my first creation, back when I was just starting. I've used it myself a few times, kept it in good condition. But because it's just... normal, adventurers don't usually want it. Low-tier and all."
"Thanks, man. How much?" Vergil asked.
"The name's Gilbert," the blacksmith said with a smirk. "And it's on the house."
"Then thanks, Gilbert," Vergil chuckled.
"You taking on a monster subjugation by any chance?"
"I am. But... I've got no clue where to go," Vergil admitted.
Gilbert sighed. "You're really new to this, huh? Head straight out from the entrance—you'll see the Adventurers' Guild."
Vergil paused, frowning. "Why are you helping me so much? I'm a stranger. You've got no reason to go this far."
This guy's been helpful, maybe a bit too much. Info was fine, but giving me the dagger for free? Either he's just a good man… or he has a reason.
Gilbert only smiled. "Think of it as a blacksmith's intuition."
Vergil smiled and handed over a gold coin. "Take it."
Gilbert's eyes widened. "That dagger's only worth 30 silver at best!"
Vergil fastened the weapon to his waist. "Think of it as my way of showing gratitude."
In my old world, the saying was to repay gratitude twice—and revenge tenfold.
For me? Gratitude is repaid tenfold… and revenge a hundredfold.
Making allies along the way wouldn't hurt. Before facing the realms above, I need to conquer this one first.
[System Notification]
[Your relationship with Gilbert has progressed to ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (1/10 Stars). You can now view your relationships in the 'Confidants' section. Say 'Confidants' to access it.]
"Is he someone who can grant special effects if I improve our relationship?" Vergil asked.
[No, he isn't]
"Explain."
[To gain system effects such as stat boosts, synergy skills, and more, the target must either be or have the potential to become the pinnacle of their class. I will inform you of such individuals. However, it is up to you to form relationships with them.
Remember: your words can either strengthen or ruin a connection.]
"Huh. What an interesting system," Vergil murmured, amused.
---
Vergil walked through the doors of the Adventurers' Guild.
She looked up and smiled politely. "How can I help you?"
"I'd like to register as an adventurer."
"That will be three gold to issue your ID and allow you to accept subjugation requests."
The moment he heard the price, Vergil felt like he'd been stabbed in the chest.
Each coin slipped from his pouch, A sharp jolt disbelief coiled inside him. He was almost broke in less than a day.
He handed it over, his knuckles turning white, each coin that left felt like a strike to his chest.
"Can I get your name as well? It will be used as your identity when you visit other guilds in this kingdom."
"It's Vergil," he replied.
She nodded and disappeared into the back. A few minutes later, she returned with a card embedded with a glowing mana crystal.
---
[Adventurer's ID]
Name: Vergil
Rank: F – Adventurer
---
Seems about right. It wasn't impressive, but it would do.
"You can raise your rank by completing requests of your level or one rank higher," she explained. "Right now, you're only allowed to take on E-rank requests at most."
A safeguard, no doubt, prudent but frustrating all the same.
"What requests are available right now?" he asked.
"The only subjugation request currently available to you is an F-rank goblin hunt in Rotroot Forest."
Vergil gave a slow nod. "I'll take it."
"Please bring back proof of your hunt—goblin crystals, preferably."
So crystals are the proof, huh?
He turned from the reception desk, a smirk forming on his lips, flexing his fingers around the dagger. It was time to hunt some goblins.