Chapter 3: inheritance
The reason Kai didn't bring any weapons or supplies with him was simple: he didn't need them. The location of the inheritance wasn't some dungeon or battlefield. It was actually a safe zone. More than that, it was a spa. A literal high-end resort in the mountains. The kind of place nobles used to relax, where the rich paid extra to soak in mana-infused hot springs. The novel had mentioned it briefly, calling it one of the biggest ironies in the story. A legendary inheritance, hidden in plain sight, inside a luxury spa. It was so ridiculous, most people never even considered looking there. But Kai knew better.
He made his way up the path, ignoring the sound of birds, the soft bubbling of water in nearby pools, and the quiet chatter of guests wrapped in towels or robes. When he reached the main entrance, he stopped right in front of the large stone arch that marked the resort's threshold. People were going in and out casually, completely unaware of what was hidden within.
Kai didn't hesitate. He stood tall, took a deep breath, and yelled loud enough for everyone nearby to hear:
"Me. Me. ME. Me me me me me me. GIVE IT TO MEEEEE."
A few people turned to stare. One woman in a towel gave him a look like he was insane. Someone behind the front desk leaned forward, probably wondering if security should be called.
Kai didn't care.
Still ignoring the stares, he walked past the entrance, found a shaded area near a patch of rocks, and sat down with his back to a tree. No fancy rituals. No item requirements. This part was simple. All he had to do was fall asleep on the grounds of the resort. In the novel, the Lightless Blade didn't respond to blood or trial it responded to intent. To being seen. To being asked.
Sleep came quickly, like it always did when his mind was clear. No stress. No distractions. The mountain air helped too. Cool, quiet, clean.
And then, he woke up.
Or at least, his mind did.
Kai found himself in complete and utter darkness. Not the kind you get in a room with no windows. This was absolute. No floor, no sky. Just void. But he didn't panic. He knew exactly what was happening.