The notification lingered for only a moment, yet the weight behind it was unmistakable. His gaze sharpened as the system finalized the result, the faint hum within his consciousness settling into clarity.
[Reward Obtained: Demon's Sword]
[Rank: SS]
[Type: Bound Weapon – Exclusive]
"…A weapon," he murmured softly.
But not an ordinary one. The moment he focused on it, something responded. A presence. Subtle, yet heavy.
The sword did not appear outwardly at first. Instead, it manifested within his perception, as if existing in a layer just beyond reality. When he reached out mentally, it answered immediately.
Then, It appeared in his hand. A blade. Dark. Refined. Its surface carried a faint crimson sheen, not bright, not flashy, but deep, like dried blood that had seeped into its very structure.
The design was elegant yet ominous, its edge thin and perfectly aligned, while faint patterns ran along the blade, almost invisible unless one looked closely.
To anyone else, It would look like nothing more than a normal sword. But to him, It was different. Very different.
"…So this is the Demon's Sword."
He focused. And the description unfolded.
[Demon's Sword – Bound Artifact]
A weapon forged from the remnants of a fallen Demon Lord's authority. This blade recognizes only one master and cannot be wielded, copied, or analyzed by others.
Special Traits:
— Absolute Binding: Only the host may use this weapon. All others will perceive it as an ordinary blade.
— Sealed Authority: Contains dormant power and techniques originating from a Demon Lord. Unlock conditions depend on host growth.
— Demonic Resonance: Amplifies compatibility with demonic energy, increasing damage output and efficiency.
— Devouring Edge: Converts inflicted damage into energy absorption, sustaining prolonged combat.
— Hidden Evolution: Weapon evolves alongside host, unlocking higher states and abilities over time.
A faint silence followed as he read through it.
"…A Demon Lord's weapon…"
Not complete. Not yet. But even in its current state, It was far beyond normal. His grip tightened slightly around the hilt. The moment he did, A subtle connection formed. Not forced. Not resisted. It aligned with him. Perfectly.
"…So this is what 'bound' means."
There was no rejection. No adjustment needed. As if the sword had always belonged to him. A faint, almost imperceptible flow of dark energy moved through the blade, responding to his presence. It didn't erupt or leak outward—it remained contained, controlled.
Dangerous. Silent. Efficient.
"…Good."
A faint smile appeared. With this, His combat capability had taken a significant step forward.
He let the sword fade from view, returning it to its hidden state. To others, nothing had changed. No one would know. No one would see.
And that, Was its greatest advantage.
The night passed quietly. When morning came, his eyes opened without hesitation.
"…Right."
The system.
"Login."
The response was immediate.
[Daily Login Reward Received]
[Free Attribute Points +10]
"…Attribute points."
A practical reward. Without wasting time, he opened his status once more. His gaze moved directly to the numbers.
"…Luck."
A brief pause. Then, He assigned all of it.
Luck: 20 → 30.
The moment it updated, something subtle shifted. Not visible, not explosive, but present—a faint sense of alignment, as if unseen probabilities had tilted slightly in his favor.
"…Let's see how much that changes things."
He stood up, his expression calm. Today, Was the final stage.
The academy grounds were even more crowded than before. The anticipation had reached its peak, the atmosphere thick with expectation as candidates gathered once again on the massive platform.
This time, there was no hesitation.
Only focus.
As he stepped forward, his presence already drew attention. Not quietly anymore, but openly. Whispers followed him, eyes tracking his movements, conversations shifting as he passed.
"…So it's like this now."
He didn't react. Didn't need to. Then, A familiar figure appeared ahead. He stopped.
"…You came."
She stood there, arms crossed lightly, her expression composed as always.
His sister.
"How did you—"
She cut him off before he could finish, a faint smile appearing.
"Don't forget,"
she said.
"I'm a student here."
A brief pause.
"And today, I'm part of the organizing group."
"…I see."
She stepped closer, her gaze scanning him once, as if confirming something.
"I watched you yesterday."
There was a hint of satisfaction in her voice.
"You did well."
"…Thanks."
She exhaled softly, then added,
"If you get the chance to choose a mentor…"
Her eyes sharpened slightly.
"Choose the Vice Principal."
He raised an eyebrow slightly.
"…That specific?"
"She's worth it," she replied simply.
No further explanation.
He nodded once.
"I'll keep that in mind."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, She reached out and lightly patted his head.
"…Don't do anything reckless."
Her tone softened just slightly.
"No life-threatening fights. I don't want to deal with that kind of trouble."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I won't."
And that, Made her smile as well. It was brief. But real.
Around them, The atmosphere had changed. Eyes gathered. Not out of curiosity alone. But something sharper. Recognition. Jealousy. Suspicion.
"She's talking to him…"
"…Since when… Oh no... my goddess has been captured...what should I do now."
"…Who is he…"
Most of them didn't know. Didn't understand. But what they saw, Was enough. And what they felt, Turned into intent. Targets were decided silently. And he, Had just become one.
Before anything could escalate, the platform shifted once more.
Kang Jinhyuk stepped forward.
"The final stage,"
he announced. His voice cut through everything.
"Begins now."
The air tightened. The last test, Had arrived.
---
To be continued..