O
The stage of the ruined São Paulo Municipal Theater fell silent after the collapse of the Spectral Maestro, whose ethereal strings still vibrated faintly in the air.
Amid the ashes and burning sheet music, a chest adorned with crimson runes materialized, pulsing like a living heart.
Klaus approached, feeling the air grow heavy and warm around him.
When he opened the lid, a scarlet mist burst forth, wrapping around his body like living smoke.
The System reacted instantly:
[Item Acquired: Curse of Primordial Desire (Rank AA)]
[Effect: Automatically activated upon contact.]
A surge of heat coursed through him — not physical, but spiritual.
It was as if something ancient and primal had awakened within his core, roaring to life.
Echoes of instinct and emotion flooded his mind, reminding him that even divine beings carried the weight of their own chaos.
"This isn't just a curse," he muttered, his voice trembling.
"It's… a force of nature."
The System's interface flared, displaying the artifact's description:
[Passive Effect: Intensifies emotions and instincts by 200%. Amplifies vital energy during inner conflict.]
[Secondary Effect: Converts emotional energy into Divine Power — variable efficiency (1 to 40 points).]
[Warning: Excessive use may cause spiritual corruption or temporary loss of control.]
Klaus steadied his breathing, feeling his heartbeat merge with the rhythm of the curse itself.
He activated Divine Resistance, suppressing part of its influence.
The wild energy stabilized — its heat crystallizing into sharp, unwavering focus.
"If it's a weapon, I'll master it."
"If it's a prison, I'll break it."
He stored the chest inside his expanded inventory, his golden eyes lifting toward the night sky — now scarred by glowing, crimson rifts that tore open above São Paulo.
The System spoke again, its voice both divine and mechanical:
[Main Quest Updated: Balance of Desire]
[Objective: Master the Curse of Primordial Desire before it consumes you.]
[Reward: Unlock Superior Class – Draconic Archangel.]
The night deepened.
The apocalypse stirred.
And Klaus — half dragon, half divinity — walked forward, standing at the thin edge between absolute power and self-destruction.