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Chapter 3 - Chapter 1-New World

Is this death? It felt… strangely comfortable. The pain, the noise, the burdens he carried through life—gone, as if they had never existed.

He floated—or maybe he simply existed—within a vast expanse of reflectionless black. There was no ground beneath him, no sky above. No sound, no time. Just stillness. Absolute, infinite stillness. It was like being cradled by the void itself. No weight, no fear… just peace.

But something was wrong.

Though his body felt light and free, a strange unease coiled deep within him. He should have felt relieved, yet a part of him resisted the calm. As if something important had been forgotten.

"Do you have any regrets?"

A voice, not loud, yet it echoed endlessly within his mind. It was neither man nor woman, warm nor cold. It simply was—the question manifesting itself as if the void had decided to speak.

Regrets?

He tried to answer, but nothing came to mind. His memories felt distant, like whispers drowned beneath black water. Regrets... I don't know. I can't remember.

"Think carefully."

The voice was closer now. Not menacing, but... persistent.

Then it came—sharp, like lightning piercing the dark.

Ah… yes. I wanted another chance.

"If I gave you another chance, would you make the most of it?"

The words vibrated through him, filling the empty space with gravity. The black void pulsed, ever so slightly, as if holding its breath.

He clenched his fists—not that he could see

"Hell yeah. He spat with fire. I'll make it count, this time. I Will not bend to the will of others. I'll be my own person. I want to be something I could never be."

The void trembled.

"Very well," the voice intoned, now fading into the depths, yet etched into every corner of the darkness.

As you wish.

And in that moment, the peace shattered.

"Wakey Wakey", He says as he stands with an otherworldly grace, his presence both serene and commanding. His short white hair, as pure as untouched snow, frames an ethereal face—features so perfect they seem almost unreal, sculpted with divine precision. His skin carries a faint, luminous glow, as if the light itself bends to his will, casting a soft radiance wherever he walks.

"Who are you?" i say as my eyes fluttered open, his head throbbing and his body sluggish, the world around him a hazy blur as he struggled to shake off the fog of sleep.

"Hmmm, most address me as Weaver"

"Weaver huh, are you a god or something?"

"Something like that"

"Where am I?" I ask

""You seek another chance, didnt you? I shall grant it. Entertain me. And of course, I'll bestow upon you an ability and a system before you step into your new world."

Vergil steadies himself, regaining his composure before asking, "What kind of world am I stepping into?"

The man says "a world full of adventure,demons angels dragons, where things like mana exist."

Vergil asks with a grin "will my custom ability be limited in anway?"

The man politely smiles and says "No it's can be anything you want but I will include that this may be your only ability."

Vergil asks his final question after giving it some thought "can I become a God too"

The man gives a big smile and laughs "if you try hard enough then maybe"

"Now what ability do you want"

Vergil thought carefully, his ability must be versatile enough to be used in combat or be used for support, i prefer to work alone so that won't do, i need a power that will allow me transcend all!'

Vergil ponders and comes to a realisation, what if I create an ability that steals other lifeforms stats and skills, wouldn't that make me the strongest?

'I'll call it 'predation'

"I've decided"

The man grins with a hint of a anticipation on what ability you have created in your mind

"Predation is what I call it, an ability that allows the user to digest others and steals their stats and skills, this is what i will use to transcend all other lifeforms

The man gives a grin of happiness and says "what a monstrous skill that is, do you want to add any other effects you want it to have, remember this is limited"

Vergil thinks carefully what could I add

And says "add an effect call observer-allows the user to see other people's stats and skills through the system and make it a 'growth skill'

Vergil had one thing on his mind to transcend all beings at whatever cost, he needed to check other people's skills to see if they needed to be eaten or not and growth which unlocks now effects as I grow.

"I think we should change it, you won't need the observer skill since the system can do that for you and for the growth part..."

"What about it?"

'Those items should still be there' Weever thought to himself

"I'll make it so that there are conditions or items needed to unlock the rest of the effects"

"What will i need?" Vergil is quiree

"Where's the fun in spoiling the surprise?"

He smiled

"Now off you go... oh yeah when you get there make sure to say status window"

As the light surrounded him, Vergil remembered one thing. The people that ripped out his organs

"Wait… is it possible to return back to my own world?"

His chest tightened with fear. "Wait, shit—!" he shouted, but before he could do anything, the blinding light swallowed him whole, dragging him toward the unknown.

Before being dragged he sees Weever mouth something, I dont know if it was a yes or no but he gave a big smile afterwords

"God I want to punch that face so bad"

A blinding light engulfed Vergil, and in an instant, he was transported to a quiet village, his arrival unnoticed by its inhabitants.

The village was small and secluded, nestled between rolling green hills and dense woodland. Thatched-roof cottages lined the dirt pathways, their chimneys releasing thin wisps of smoke into the crisp morning air. A gentle breeze rustled through the golden fields of wheat, carrying the faint scent of fresh earth and blooming wildflowers. In the distance, a narrow stream glistened under the sunlight, its waters flowing lazily through the village, reflecting the soft hues of the sky. The sound of birds chirping mixed with the distant chatter of villagers going about their daily routines, unaware of the stranger who had just arrived in their midst.

Before doing anything

Vergil says "status window"

A blue panel appeared before Vergil.

---

Name: Vergil

Level: 1

Title: Commoner

Lifespan: 65 years

Spouses: None

Race: Human

Class: None

Stats:

Strength: 5

Constitution: 7

Dexterity: 6

Intuition-4

Magic Power: 2

Mana Capacity: 3

Equipment:

Basic Clothing (+2 Defense)

Skills:

Passive Skills: None

Active Skills: Authority of Predation (???)

Special Traits:

Special Constitution: None

Arts: None

Special Eyes: None

Confidants: None

Available Stat Points: 0

---

Tutorial:

"Welcome, user, to the tutorial. I will now explain how the status window functions."

Vergil's eyes scanned the screen as the system continued.

Strength – Determines your physical power.

Constitution – Governs endurance, stamina, and resistance to damage.

Dexterity – Measures agility, coordination, and balance.

Intuition – Influences your sense for danger

Wisdom – Influences intuition, perception, self-awareness, common sense, and insight.

Magic Power – Determines the potency of your spells.

Mana Capacity – Dictates how much mana your body can store and recover. (Mana replenishes slowly through rest or breathing techniques.)

"There are additional energy types, such as Yuan Qi, Demonic Energy, and Divine Energy, but you must acquire them yourself."

"Hidden stats also exist—such as Willpower, Vitality, Charisma, and Luck. These cannot be increased with stat points and must be developed through other means. Currently, they are all set at 6."

Vergil noted the information carefully.

"You currently possess only one active skill: Authority of Predation. No passive skills have been unlocked."

"Special constitutions, arts, and unique eyes are not obtained through stat points. They are either acquired from birth or gained under rare circumstances."

Vergil's attention shifted to the Confidants section.

"Confidants reflect your relationships with others, ranked from 1 to 10. Deepening bonds with certain individuals can unlock special effects. However, fake relationships will not count."

"Your current lifespan is 65 years. This cannot be increased with stat points, but there are other ways to extend it."

Vergil narrowed his eyes. "How do I increase my lifespan?"

"Lifespan can be extended through Yuan Qi cultivation or by obtaining rare treasures that enhance longevity."

"So I need either rare items or Yuan Qi, neither of which I have…"

Vergil pondered for a moment. "How do I obtain Yuan Qi?"

"There are two primary methods: cultivating diligently—which requires natural talent—or using the Authority of Predation to consume Yuan Qi from other lifeforms."

"Be warned: consuming Yuan Qi through predation may result in rapid breakthroughs, but doing so can be extremely painful."

Vergil read through the cultivation stages and their corresponding lifespan gains:

Qi Gathering Realm → +5 years

Qi Condensing Realm → +10 years

Bone Forging Realm → +25 years

Profound Heavens Realm → +50 years

Radiant Stage → +100 years

Ethereal Stage → +250 years

Sole Harmony Realm → +500 years

Genesis Realm → +1,000 years

Spirit King Realm → +2,000 years

"There are realms beyond these, but they require godhood to attain. I will inform you when the time comes."

Vergil processed the information. "So if I cultivate properly, I can extend my life dramatically."

As his gaze returned to the Authority of Predation, his frown deepened.

"System, why is there a question mark next to my skill?"

"Skills are ranked from F- to EX. However, your Authority of Predation surpasses all conventional rankings. It has the potential to evolve and unlock new functions, making it immeasurable."

Vergil smirked. "Then how do I unlock these new functions?"

"Your skill will evolve under unique circumstances. I cannot provide specifics, but I will notify you when opportunities arise."

Vergil sighed. So the system isn't all-knowing after all…

As his eyes drifted down the status window, something caught his attention—Arts.

"Arts or fighting styles define how a person fights in combat. They include techniques like swordsmanship, breathing methods, and other specialized skills. A person's mastery of their fighting style shows their level of proficiency and how effectively they can use it in battle."

"Interesting, that's all for now, I'll ask any questions that i need down the line"

Choose your class user,there are many types of them, here's the list, remember you can't change your class once its set and the

Warrior

Mage

Assassin

Theif

Magic swordsman

...

Vergil scrolls through the list and thinks "what class could suit me, a person that will in the future be able to do anything, he keeps scrolling down the list and finds a class called the all-master

All master- A class that is able to use all weapons types proficiently, this class is not suitable for others, as there are not many weapons that can switch forms and the muscles needed for each weapon varies- adds 1 points to each stat

"System this is the class I want to have"

"Class has been registered and will be shown on your status window"

Vergil gives a smirk 'this should be good for now, although it only adds 1 stat to all my normals parameters, unlike the other classes that add 4 and 3 stats to strength and Constitution like the Warrior, usually this would be better, however predation makes up for it, I can absorb the stats of my opponents.

Please note that when absorbing stats from other lifeforms, if they are stronger than you, most stats will be obtained and added to yours, however if they are weaker than you, you may get decimals instead of a whole stat point

'Understandable, it wouldn't make sense for me to gain for example 5 stat points from a weaker enemy when my stats are in the thousands, its only natural' he thought

"Good luck user, may the blessing of the world Eternia be with you, if you have any further questions, dont hesitate to ask and will respond to the best of my ability.

'Eternia huh, suits this world perfectly'

Vergil checks his status again

Name:Vergil

Level-1

Title-commoner

Lifespan- 65 years

Spouses-none

Race:Human

Class:All master

Strength-6

Constitution-8

Dexterity-7

Intuition-4

Magic power-3

Mana capacity-4

Equipment

Basic clothing- +2 defense

Passive skills-None

Active Skills-Authority of predation(???)

Special constitution-None

Arts-None

Special eyes-None

Confidants-None

Available stat points-0

Money- 5 gold

"Not too bad for now"

'It seems I've got 5 gold as well, seems that's the currency around here, but i have no clue on its value, is it like bronze, silver, gold platinum, I need to be discreet can't be too obvious or else it will cause trouble. I'll head to the blacksmith and get a weapon.

Vergil glanced around and spotted an elderly woman nearby. Approaching her, he asked politely, "Excuse me, ma'am, do you know where the blacksmith is?"

The old woman gave him a puzzled look before responding, "£@£÷@&@*£&÷×&#=&÷."

Vergil's expression stiffened. Damn it… a language barrier? He clenched his jaw. That useless system didn't even give me the local language!

"System, is there a way for me to learn this world's language?"

A moment of silence passed before the system responded in his mind.

"Would you like to integrate the language of Eternium into your memory?"

Vergil didn't hesitate. "Yes, do it."

The next moment, an unbearable headache crashed into his skull. He clenched his teeth as sweat trickled down his face. It felt as if thousands of words and phrases were forcefully engraved into his mind, an endless stream of knowledge pouring in like a dam breaking. His stomach churned, and for a second, he thought he might throw up—but he swallowed it down, refusing to show weakness.

The elderly woman, now looking concerned, stepped closer. "Young man, are you alright?"

Vergil took a deep breath, steadying himself. "I'm fine, thank you."

She sighed in relief. "Goodness, you had me worried."

Regaining his composure, Vergil asked again, "Do you know where the blacksmith is?"

The woman smiled. "Just head down the street, and you'll see it."

Vergil nodded. "Thank you very much."

As he turned to leave, the old woman called out, "Wait, young man—what's your name?"

He didn't look back. "Vergil."

She chuckled softly. "If you ever need advice, feel free to come see me. My name is Elvira."

Vergil gave a slight wave. "I will, if the time comes."

With that, he continued down the street, heading toward the blacksmith.

The man working there.He's a towering figure, easily over six and a half feet tall, with shoulders broad enough to fill a doorway. His arms are thick with muscle, corded from years of hammering steel, and his hands are calloused and scarred, evidence of a lifetime at the forge. His skin is tanned and streaked with soot, a permanent mark of his trade. A heavy leather apron, darkened by years of use, is strapped tightly around his chest, barely containing his massive frame. His beard is thick and unruly, flecked with ash, and his deep-set eyes glow like embers beneath a furrowed brow.

When he moves, it's with a deliberate power, each step heavy enough to shake the wooden floor of his workshop. His voice is a deep, gravelly rumble, softened only when speaking to those he cares for. The heat of the forge never seems to bother him—sweat beads on his brow but never slows his work. He is a man of few words, letting his hammer and anvil speak for him, shaping molten metal into weapons, tools, and armor with the skill of a master. Despite his intimidating presence, those who know him well speak of a quiet kindness, a fierce loyalty, and a heart as strong as the steel he tempers.

"Welcome young blood"

Vergil confused murmurs "young blood?"

The man laughs and says "It's a saying young man, that's how I can tell your inexperienced, your so scrawny.

'Well he is right I thought, My looks should be the same since my rebirth'

Vergil takes a look in the mirror and sees himself.

He's a man of unremarkable stature, standing at an average height but with a frame that leans more toward frail than fit. His shoulders are narrow, his limbs lacking definition, and there's a certain tiredness in the way he moves, as if the weight of the world is just a little too much for him. His skin is smooth, untouched by labor or hardship, and his hands are soft, unused to gripping anything heavier than a pen or a cup.

His short black hair is neatly kept, though it has a tendency to fall slightly out of place, giving him a somewhat disheveled look. His brown eyes are expressive but not particularly striking—warm, perhaps, but easy to overlook in a crowd. His face is his only saving grace, just above average in appearance, with features that are symmetrical and pleasant but not enough to turn heads. He might be called handsome in the right light, but never breathtaking.

There's an air of quietness about him, as if he prefers to stay in the background, unnoticed. Whether by choice or circumstance, he blends in, never standing out for his strength, wit, or charisma. He carries himself with a subtle hesitance, as if unsure of his own presence, and his voice, though steady, lacks the depth or authority to command attention. A man who exists without demanding notice, slipping easily into the fabric of the world around him.

The sytem says "scrawny looking ass."

'The fuck you say to me' He says

"So kid what you looking for"

"A dagger" he says confidently ignoring the harsg comment the system made

The reason I chose a dagger out of all the weapons, is because I've never used a weapon in my previous life other than a knife, most people would pick a sword but in reality those decisions could kill me. I must ensure my survival.

"A dagger eh, no weapon training i presume"

"Yes"

The blacksmith heads to the back and shows me the dagger.

Upon closer inspection the system analyses it and says

Metal dagger

Attack-+5

Description-

The dagger is worn but well-maintained, its blade bearing the faint marks of past battles and countless sharpenings. The steel has lost its original shine, now carrying a dull, weathered gleam, but no signs of rust mar its surface. The edge, though not razor-sharp, still holds enough bite to cut cleanly with the right hand behind it.

The hilt is wrapped in aged leather, softened and darkened by years of use, molded to fit the grip of its wielder. Small nicks and scratches mark the crossguard, evidence of deflected blows and hasty parries. A faint engraving runs along the base of the blade, half-worn but still legible—a name, a motto, or perhaps the insignia of a long-forgotten craftsman.

The dagger carries a quiet history, neither pristine nor broken, a weapon that has seen its share of struggles and survived. It is not a showpiece, nor is it a relic; it is simply a tool, reliable and deadly in the right hands.

The blacksmith sighs and says "this dagger has been in inventory for a while, it was my first creation when I was starting out, although its been used by me, it kept it in good condition over the years, but due to it being, well normal, adventures don't usually need them since they are low tier.

"Thanks man, how much?"

"The names Gilbert to you, and i'ts on the house"

"Then thanks Gilbert" Vergil chuckles

"Are you taking on a monster subjugation by any chance"

"I am but I have no clue where to go" Vergil says

Gilbert sighs "your really new to this huh, head straight from the entrance and you will see the adventures guild"

"Why are you helping me so much, i'm a stranger you just met, you have no reason to help me" Vergil questions

'This man has helped me quite a bit, the information was normal, but giving me the dagger for free, either hes just nice or he has a hidden agenda.

Gilbert says "Think of it as a blacksmiths Intuition"

Vergil smiles and says "take it"

Vergil puts 1 gold in his hand

Gilbert jolted in surprise. "That dagger's only worth 30 silver at best!"

Vergil fastened the dagger to his waist, chuckling. "Think of it as my way of showing gratitude."

In my old world, the saying was pay gratitude twice and revenge tenfold, but for me, gratitude is repaid tenfold—and revenge a hundredfold. It wouldn't hurt to make some allies along the way. Before I even think about the higher realms where Weever lived, I need to conquer this one first.

[System Notification]

What is it?

[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 a person that can give special effects if i can improve our relationship"

" No, as he is not one of the key people of his 'class'

Vergil confused says "explain"

"To gain effects from the sytem such as increase stats, synergy skills etc, the user must be a person who is either at the pinnacle at their class or has the potential to be at the pinnacle of their class. Hence I will inform you of people that have the potential to become the pinnacle.

However it is up to you to form a relationship with them, remember what you say can either improve or ruin your relationship them."

"What an interesting system" He says amused by the feature

Vergil walked through the doors of the adventure guilds and walks towards the receptionist behind the polished desk with a poised demeanor, her hands deftly sorting through paperwork or tapping away at a keyboard with effortless efficiency. Her uniform is crisp, well-fitted, and professional, complementing her neatly styled hair—whether tied in a sleek bun or falling just above her shoulders in perfect waves.

Her expression is warm but controlled, a polite smile gracing her lips as she greets visitors with a practiced ease. Sharp brown eyes—quick and observant—scan every newcomer, assessing their needs before they even speak. A headset rests lightly on her ear, allowing her to multitask seamlessly, juggling phone calls, scheduling appointments, and directing guests without ever seeming flustered.

There's an air of calm competence about her, as if no request is too complicated, no problem too overwhelming. Her voice is smooth and professional, carrying just the right balance of friendliness and authority. She is the silent gatekeeper, the first point of contact, the one who keeps the chaos of the front desk in perfect order.

"How can I help you?" the receptionist asked with a small smile.

"I'd like to register as an adventurer," Vergil replied.

"That will be three gold to issue your ID and allow you to take on monster subjugation requests."

The moment Vergil heard the price, it felt like an arrow piercing his heart. Looks like I'll be broke in this life too.

With a quiet sigh, he placed four gold coins on the counter, almost shedding a tear as he did so. "Here you go."

"Can I get your name as well, this will be used for your identity when you visit other guilds in this kingdom

"It's Vergil," he said,

The receptionist nodded and disappeared into the back. A few moments later, she returned with an adventurer's ID embedded with a mana crystal.

Name: Vergil

Rank: F - Adventurer

Seems about right, Vergil thought to himself.

"You can raise your rank by completing requests and subjugations of your current rank or one rank above," the receptionist explained. "At this stage, you're only allowed to take on E-rank requests at most."

Probably to keep reckless idiots from getting themselves killed. Not that it concerns me, he mused.

"What requests are available right now?" he asked.

"The only subjugation request currently available for you is an F-rank goblin hunt in Rotroot Forest."

Vergil considered it for a moment before giving a nod. "I'll take it."

"Please bring back proof of your hunt, such as the goblins crystals you get," she instructed.

So crystals are the proof of subjugation, huh?

With that, Vergil turned away from the reception desk, a smirk forming on his lips. Time to slaughter some goblins.

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