Chapter 124: The Last Night Before Departure
The final day had arrived.
Tomorrow, Rey would leave the city where he grew up, stepping onto the path that would take him back to the capital—the place of his birth, and the stage for the Entrance Exam of the Dragon Kingdom.
The thought stirred something heavy inside him. Nostalgia, yes… but not entirely warmth.
It was a hollow sort of silence, an emptiness gnawing at his chest that he couldn't explain.
He kept reminding himself: 'This isn't a farewell. I'll return to visit my family. This isn't the end.'
But it still felt like one.
For the last two days, neither Aiden nor Victor had pushed him into training. No orders, no lectures, no drills. Just silence.
The freedom was strange, almost too strange, and though Rey enjoyed it, he knew it wouldn't last. They weren't the type to let him idle forever.
Unable to sit still, he spent hours refining his skills on his own.
Most of them were now lodged at the edge of breakthrough, yet stubbornly refused to evolve further—as if an invisible wall stood in their way.
Still, he made one discovery—his mana.
It was absurd. Nearly bottomless. His recovery rate was unmatched, and even when he burned through techniques, the drain was almost laughably small compared to others.
'If not for that… I'd probably still be crawling in circles by now.'
That stroke of luck had carried him farther than he realised.
It was pure chance, too, that he even found out about the Entrance Exam in time.
Two nights ago, while walking past the living room, he overheard the broadcast his mother was watching.
"Registration for the Noctis Arcanum University Entrance Exam begins June 1st. Applications must be submitted in person at the Capital.
The exam itself will be conducted across every Kingdom and Empire on the 10th of June."
Rey nearly froze in the hallway when he heard it. That single moment had changed everything.
And so, the next morning, he began packing. A plain bag filled with the bare essentials—nothing more, nothing less.
As he zipped it shut, he couldn't help but think, 'Noctis Arcanum University… backed by the Royal Family themselves. A project this vast can't be simple. What exactly are they planning?'
He pushed the thought aside, slung the packed bag against the wall, and headed downstairs.
The scent of fresh herbs and simmering broth greeted him from the kitchen. His mother was there, sleeves rolled up, calmly working as if the world outside couldn't touch her.
Rey had always found it strange how easily she could take days off whenever she pleased, almost like she owned the place she worked at. But he never pressed.
He lingered in the doorway before finally speaking."Mom… there's something I need to talk about."
Jasmine didn't turn around. She kept chopping vegetables, her movements smooth and steady.
"I know what you're going to say. I saw the news too. Don't go wandering near the old district—there might still be beasts hiding there."
Rey shook his head."No… not that. I'm talking about the Entrance Exam. I need to go to the Capital."
Her hands froze mid-motion. A single heartbeat of silence passed before she resumed, slower this time.
"Oh… that." Her voice was soft, almost detached. "You're free to go wherever you want."
Rey blinked, surprised by how casually she said it. He turned to leave, thinking there was nothing more to discuss—
Until her voice cut through the kitchen once more.
"Rey."
He stopped.
Her back was still to him. She didn't turn, but he could hear the weight in her tone—the tremble of someone holding back tears.
"I know I can't lock you down out of fear. Children aren't meant to stay in their nest forever. They're meant to fly higher. But I'm greedy."
The knife in her hand lowered to the counter. Her shoulders tensed.
"No matter where you go, no matter what happens… promise me you'll come back alive. Safe. Both you and your sister. Because if either of you were gone…" Her voice faltered. "…I wouldn't know how to keep living."
The kitchen grew quiet. Only the faint bubbling of the broth filled the silence.
Rey stood there, unable to find words. He could have promised her casually, told her not to worry, but lies tasted bitter on his tongue.
Instead, he clenched his fists at his sides, etching her plea deep into his heart like a brand.
'I'll come back alive. No matter what it takes.'
Without answering, he turned and walked away.
Back in his room, he sat on the bed and opened his status screen, eyes fixed on the progress he had carved for himself since the cavern incident.
Tomorrow, everything would change.
⟪You have levelled up! ×14 ⟫
⟪You have gained 280 Unallocated Points. ⟫
⟪Relics-designated stats have been integrated into your status. ⟫
⟪Your control over the relics has increased.
➤ Manipulation Level: 0.0006% → 0.0019%
➤ Manifestation Level: 0.006% → .019%
➤ Authority Level: 0.0000000006% → 0.0000000019% ⟫
======
[Eternal Omniverse System]
Name: Rey Shadowthrone
Age: 18
Race: Human (Fully Dark-Attributed)
Physique: Darkness Physique (Upgradable)
Titles: Self-Learner, The Psycho, The Killing Manic, Abyss's Blessed, Absolute Path Initiate
Class: None
Level: 19 [9,260/25,000]
Rank: 0th Rank
Core: Darksyth Core [F+] {0.1%} (Rank 0) [!]
Curse: Nirzveil's Covenant (Origin- Grade)
Variant: Oblivion Gloom (Darkness Path)
Laws: Death {.0013%}, Soul {.000009%}, 'Darkness' {.01312%}, Shadow {.0011%}
[Attributes]
HP: 2,915/2,915 (Reserve Energy: +2,915)
MP: 4147.5/4147.5(Mana Overload: +4147.5)
Stats:
Strength (STR): 504 [C+] (↑210)
Agility (AGI): 506 [C+] (↑210)
Vitality (VIT): 583 [C+] (↑322)
Intelligence (INT): 553 {+1,106} [A+] (↑364)
Stamina (STA): 525 [C+] (↑266)
Endurance (END):
495 [C] (↑266) Luck (LUK): F+ (Dependent on Core)
Free Stat Points: 298 (280↑)
Derived Stats:
Attack Power (ATK): 606 [(STR + AGI) * 1.2] (Potential Strength: +606)
Magical Power (MGL): 995.4 [INT * 1.2] (Arcane Potential: +995.4)
Defence (DEF): 510 [(END + STA) * 1] (Reinforcement Reserve: +510)
[Skills]
Active Skills:
Elemental Kinesis (F+) (!) | Leap (E) (!) | Echoshade (E) (!) | Throw....
Passive Skills:
Darkflow (E+) (!) | Voidrest (E+) (!) | Hyper Perception (D) (!) | Persistent Stamina (E+) (!) | Heightened Sense (D) (!) | Critical Hit (D) | Calm Mind (D) (!)....
Resistance:
Heat Resistance (F) | Anesthetic Resistance (F)
Art/Technique(s):
Veil of the Unseen Abyss {Stage 0 – Concealment of Shadows} [38%]
Abilities:
Tier 0: DARKNESS (EX+)
Inventory:
Ravager Claw (Common+) | Ironfang Spear (Uncommon-)....
[God's Relic(S)]
1. Victor (Absolute)
Abilities:
1. <Devouring Abyss> [Absolute Rank / Forbidden] {Stage 0}
2. <Eternal Darkness Body> [Absolute Rank] {Stage 0}
3. <Abyssal Regeneration> {Stage 0}
4. <Umbral Adaptation> {Stage 0}
5. <Abyssal Blood Manipulation> {Stage 0}
6. <Monarch's Blood> {Stage 0}
7-16.Locked (Unlocks at Rank 1-10)
~~~~~~~
2. Aiden(Absolute)
Abilities:
1. <Abyssal Comprehension> {Stage 0}
2. <UmbralTelekinesis> [Absolute Rank] {Stage 0} (!)
→ Control objects up to 25kgwith mental strength. → In dark areas, the weight limit triples, and movement speed doubles.
→ Can now control objects infused with darkness corruption with greater precision.
3. <Void Insight> {Stage 0}
4. <Dark Dominion> {Stage 0}
5-14.Locked (Unlocks at Rank 1-10)
~~~~~~~
3. Zero (Absolute)
Weapon Stats: +5 Agility, +4 Strength, +1 Stamina
Abilities:
1. <Dark Matter Manipulation> {Rank 0}
2. <Eternal Darkforge> (!)
→ Upgrade Quantity [F+] {Tier 0} (0/3)
→ Upgrade Quality [E-] {Tier 0} (0/5)
→ Upgrade Points (UP): 62 (Gained per Level)
3. <Item Genesis> {Stage 0}
4. <Devourer's Grasp> {Stage 0}
5. <Dark Arsenal> {Stage 0}
6. <Core Resonance> {Stage 0}
───◈ Arsenal Mastery ◈───
Sword: E+ ↑ (99%)
Dagger/Knives: E+ ↑ (99%)
Spear: E+ ↑ (99%)
Shield: E+ ↑ (78%)
Bow: E+ ↑ (99%)
Greatsword: D- ↑ (76%)
Hand-to-Hand: E+ ↑ (18%)
Gun: E (11%)
Hammer: E+ ↑ (2%)
Katana: E+ (94%)
───◈◈◈◈◈───
7-16.Locked (Unlocks at Rank 1-10)
//Note//:
Ding! Congratulations, dear Host! 🎉
Well… this is unexpected. Somehow, a mere mortal like you—talentless, reckless, and absurdly ordinary—now holds artifacts, techniques and secrets that could ignite wars across the cosmos. High-tier gods would spill their essence, armies would crumble, and realms would tremble for the things you clutch in your hands. And you? You're still… you.
A physique meant for legends. Weapons that could tear dimensions apart. A system that even celestial beings would bow to. And yet here you are—a walking paradox: infinitely dangerous, and yet hopelessly unremarkable. Honestly, a rock might be more ambitious than you. At least it wouldn't forget its purpose in the middle of battle.
Still… with guidance (and a lot of handholding), maybe—just maybe—you won't waste the cosmic chaos you've been gifted. Or at the very least, you'll become slightly less of a catastrophe. 🥲
Brace yourself, oh accidental warlord. The universe is about to notice you… whether you're ready or not.
======
Rey's eyes lingered on the new system note.
A long, mocking message that pretended to cheer him on, only to drag him through the mud at the same time.
A rock more ambitious than him?
He almost tore the panel in half.
Still… buried beneath the sarcasm, he caught the hints of potential. The words "legendary physique," "god-tier relics," and "universe noticing you" refused to leave his mind.
His chest tightened.
Mockery or not, the system didn't lie.
Rey dismissed the note and pulled open his status.
And froze.
His level had leapt from 6 to 19 in just days. The surge of experience he'd hoarded was finally unleashed, and his body carried the proof.
Every stat was surging toward heights he'd never dreamed of. Strength, agility, vitality—C+ grade. Stamina, endurance—towering. Intelligence? It was breaking past limits, climbing to A+.
His veins thrummed with energy. His body felt like it was no longer his own.
Even standing still, he felt taller, broader. His reflection had begun to betray him—an inch taller here, sharper muscles there. Clothes once loose now clung tight, threatening to split at the seams.
James was no longer taller than him. Not even close.
Explaining this to his mother and sister was… impossible.
Growth spurts didn't work like this.
Luckily, Zero had altered his clothes, weaving in stretchable threads to keep up with his unnatural growth.
Otherwise, he would have walked around looking like a brute about to explode out of his own shirt.
But the true relief lay in his core.
Progress.
Even if it was just 0.1%, his Darksyth Core had finally advanced. For days, doubt gnawed at him—what if this unknown core was a dead end? What if it never moved, no matter how hard he tried?
But now… the path forward existed.
And the reason was clear. His control skills had sharpened, particularly Voidrest, which seemed to be the anchor of his core's evolution.
Other skills rose too, their grades climbing, but none matched the sheer impact of mastering his mana.
His gaze shifted to the relic section.
That's when his pulse quickened.
Aiden's <Umbral Telekinesis>—once a modest 10kg limit—now allowed him to command 25kg with his mind. And in darkness, the power multiplied further.
Rey clenched his fist, imagining entire arsenals floating around him like obedient wolves.
'If I hit Level 20… could it grow again?'
The thought alone sent a thrill racing through his chest.
Then came Zero.
Her <Eternal Darkforge> pulsed with promise. A staggering 62 upgrade points sat unused, waiting for his command.
Each point is a chance to reshape weapons, enhance armour, and refine the dark matter that pulsed under her control.
The possibilities twisted his stomach with anticipation.
He almost dove straight into experimentation. But Aiden's warning cut through.
"Quantity first. Always. Touch quality upgrades too early, and you'll regret it. Imagine your clothes shrinking mid-battle. Do you want that?"
Rey's face went pale.
His mind conjured the nightmare instantly, and he dropped the idea without hesitation.
Listening to the voice of experience, he nodded. For once, he wouldn't rush.
He steadied himself. Drew in a breath.
And gave the command.
"System… upgrade. Just as we planned."
The air around him quivered. His heart hammered in his chest.
This was it—
The system obeyed his command without hesitation.
A ripple of dark light shivered through the room, and then—boom. A muffled detonation burst from his clothes.
Shadows quaked as a fountain of liquid-black matter spilled across the floor, thick and molten like solidified night.
Rey's pulse raced.
But instead of panicking, he kept his focus, as such a thing had happened before.
Quantity first. Then quality.
The liquid fibers surged upward, compressing and threading themselves into his outfit like a second skin. His clothes tightened, then flexed, as if reborn from the abyss itself.
He pushed forward, alternating between quantity and quality upgrades, until the last of his points drained away.
The air calmed, leaving him standing in silence—clothes gleaming faintly with a sheen that hadn't been there before.
__
<Eternal Darkforge>
→ Upgrade Quantity [D-] {Tier 0} (0/12)
→ Upgrade Quality [D-] {Tier 0} (0/12)
→ Upgrade Points (UP): 5 (Gained per Level)
__
Both quantity and quality had climbed into D-rank. The only wall now was the lack of points.
Rey exhaled and let the panel fade.
Not much else had changed—his arsenal mastery untouched after days trapped indoors.
He drifted to the window.
Evening had swallowed the sky whole. The sun was gone, stolen behind the planet's curve, leaving the world cloaked in darkness.
Tomorrow… he'd leave this house.
He turned back to his bed, rummaging through his pack, checking supplies one last time—when the doorknob turned.
The door opened.
Rey already knew who it was, but he still turned with feigned surprise.
His mother stepped in, her gaze soft but unyielding. Her eyes immediately fell on the mess of items sprawled across his bed. A sigh left her lips.
"Mom—"
Before he could explain, she brushed past him, plucked the items from his hands, and began packing them herself.
Neat. Precise. Efficient.
Rey scratched his cheek awkwardly. She had misunderstood. She thought he'd been fumbling at packing, so she took over—just like always.
And honestly? She wasn't wrong.
By the time she finished, the same bag that looked stuffed to bursting under his hands was now half its size, perfectly arranged.
His combat skills might have soared, but basic life tasks? Still hopeless.
He chuckled under his breath. Cooking, cleaning, packing… always her domain. Without her, he'd probably burn half the house down.
When she zipped the last pocket closed, she gave him a sharp side glance. He answered with a sheepish grin.
"I came to call you for dinner," she said, voice even, "but looking at this mess, I decided to take things into my own hands."
Rey froze as she continued.
"I've arranged a place for you to stay temporarily—until the entrance test is done and the results are out. It's a house in the capital, not some shabby inn. If you pass, you can leave straight for the Empire from there. I won't be able to send you off twice in such a short time. Emmy and I will cheer you on from here."
Her words ended with a faint smile. But the tone was firm. Commanding.
Then, casually, she added, "Now come down immediately. If you're late, you'll go to bed without dinner."
And she left.
Rey blinked after her, caught between shock and warmth. She had already thought of everything… even his lodging.
'How did she arrange all this so quickly?'
He guessed it must have been the remnants of their noble connections. Still, he couldn't shake the thought—his mother was far more resourceful than she appeared.
Dinner was quiet.
Until Emmy learned he was leaving tomorrow.
Her fork froze halfway to her mouth. Her eyes widened, then dimmed.
She had assumed she had more time. Weeks, at least. But tomorrow?
Her lips pressed tight, words swallowed by gloom. She barely touched her food, disappointment etched clearly across her face.
Rey forced a smile, murmuring promises he couldn't keep—quick returns, short absence. Lies meant to soothe, because the truth would shatter her resolve.
When the meal ended, he offered to do the dishes. This time, Jasmine allowed it, disappearing into another room while Rey moved with mechanical precision.
His hands flowed over plates and glasses, stacking them neatly, not a drop out of place.
A stray thought crossed his mind.
'Why doesn't the system give me a dishwashing skill? Or maybe an all-purpose household mastery? That'd be overpowered in its own way.'
He almost laughed at himself.
Minutes later, he finished—and froze.
Jasmine sat across the table, waiting silently.
A small, lacquered box rested before her. Black surface, silver flower motif, crimson streaks running like veins.
Rey sat opposite her, tension prickling his skin.
"What is this, Mom?"
She gestured toward it, eyes unreadable. "Open it. It's something I was meant to give you when you chose your future. My final duty as your mother."
Her voice held mystery. Weight. Finality.
Rey's throat tightened. His fingers trembled as he reached for the lid.
He lifted it.
And what he saw inside—
Blew his mind apart.
--To Be Continued--
What could be inside the box? Is it yet another intriguing legacy item like the ring he received, or is it something completely unexpected?
The mystery deepens, and you won't want to miss what comes next!
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Until then, stay curious, and have a wonderful day or evening!