"Alright then, everyone — special equipment will be distributed to you. Some of you already received gear from your families. You can go to your rooms; you're supposed to find them there," Silas said, asking the others to follow the armaments officer, Adam.
When I tried to follow the others to get my weapons, Silas stopped me.
"You're coming with me. I've prepared special equipment for you," he said calmly and motioned for me to follow.
We entered his office. There was a black armor made from some kind of snake leather: a light chest-and-back piece and plates covering the forearms and legs — a light armor that provides defense and comfort without restricting movement. A black cloak was wrapped around it; the suit was in varying shades of black.
"This is your armor. I thought you'd prefer something that won't hold you back. Inject your aura into the armor and cloak." Silas ordered, then went behind the desk and took out something i didn't notice.
I looked at the armor again, stepped forward, and touched it — it really was snake skin. I injected my aura into it.
A status screen appeared before me.
[Armor recognized Level 8]
[Name: Eternal Night ]
[Armor description: Light armor woven from the scales of the Eternal Night Serpent; the armor was forged from the serpent's sharp fangs and the cloak is woven from the Moon Spider's web.]
[Armor abilities]
[Moon Weave: The armor repairs itself when exposed to moon, shadow, or similar abilities.]
[Night Concealment: The cloak hides the Awakened's presence from others depending on surrounding darkness.]
[Eternal Resistance: Increases the Awakened's resistance to curses and mental attacks.]
'This is great — it focuses on plugging defense gaps and boosting survival,' I thought.
While I was astonished by the armor, Silas spoke beside me.
"This armor focuses on your defense. This one is for offense." He placed a large box that could hold a sword.
I stepped forward curiously and opened the box with excitement.
I saw a beautiful katana — a black handle with crimson engravings; the blade was black with a bloody crimson tip.
'It's incredibly beautiful and radiates an aura of terror.'
I reached out toward it, but Silas grabbed my hand and stopped me.
"What's wrong with you?" I asked, my voice clearly irritated.
"Calm down and listen. The armor was level eight because there was no point giving stronger armor to weak people who wouldn't be able to use its true capabilities. But this sword — it's very special," Silas explained, looking at the blade with appreciation in his eyes.
"Listen, Nox. What I'm about to tell you is extremely secret. Don't let anyone else know about it. Understand?" Silas spoke, visibly nervous and tense.
I nodded tensely, waiting for him to continue.
"A year ago two mysterious swords were found in the Abyss world. One was this katana and the other is a long sword that Elena will receive," Silas paused and looked at the sword with a serious expression.
"These swords killed everyone who dared touch them, but through research we discovered something. Do you know what it was?" Silas looked me in the eye directly.
"There were historical art saying that the true bearers of Light and Darkness are the ones who have the right to carry these swords. So the director decided to give the sword to Elena, especially since her light is more distinct than others. We didn't know what to do with the black sword until you appeared," he pointed at me as he spoke with a smile.
"Yes, Nox — you appeared as a true Darkness user, so some thought you should get the sword. Others argued they couldn't trust a person of unknown identity, but the director used his reputation and my to secure it for you. So you should be grateful," he smiled wider, waiting for Nox to shower him with thanks.
"Don't act like you're doing me a favor. Most likely this equipment is to ensure I can protect Elena, right?" I said, forcing an annoying smile similar to his.
Silas' face twitched as he realized his plan had failed.
"Ahem. Anyway, be careful. Just because you use Darkness doesn't mean the sword will accept you. There may be resistance — these swords are spiritual swords," Silas said, trying to hide his embarrassment.
"A spiritual sword? What does that mean?" I tilted my head in confusion; it was the first time I'd heard of something like that.
"A spiritual sword and armor are extremely rare. In reality, it may be impossible to find one. Even if we get one, we give it to the strongest humans, so this is an exception to give them to mere Awakened. Especially considering you might die in the Abyss world and the swords could be lost there," Silas paused, thinking of his next words.
"A spiritual sword forms a connection with the user's soul and fuses with it, so it can evolve as its user develops. Also, the sword's abilities differ from person to person because it draws from the user's own abilities."
"This is unbelievable. Who would have thought such things exist? And you'll just give them to us? Honestly, I don't know whether to be happy or resentful of the director's foolishness," I said, bewildered.
"Just take the damn sword and go." Silas waved his hand as if shooing an annoying fly.
I ignored him and refocused on the sword. I touched the handle gently and injected my aura into it.
[Spiritual Sword recognized]
[Attempting to gain sword's acknowledgment...]
[The sword acknowledged you as its master]
[Sword name: Crimson Resurrection]
[Sword description: This sword was made by #$^# by condensing his power into a primitive metal. This sword spilled the blood of #$&#&, which made them fear seeing this blade.]
[Sword abilities]
[Infinite Renewal: The sword heals itself from any damage using the user's aura.]
[Death's Intent: Grants the wielder the ability to withstand fear and pressure from other enemies, especially stronger onesIt also instills fear in the enemies of the same level or lower. If the power difference is huge, you will be able to harvest their souls just with the intent to kill. ]
[Curse of Doom : Wounds inflicted by the sword's blade do not heal easily and bleed continuously; if the wound is not treated it will rot and infect the enemy with decay that consumes the body completely.]
'Damn, this is insane — in short, a sword that kills its enemy with the simplest moves. But what's with these strange symbols, as if it's forbidden to identify their owners?'
I felt extreme curiosity but decided to leave the matter; perhaps I'd discover more as I grew stronger.
"So how did it go? What's the sword's name, description, and abilities?" Silas asked quickly, curious about the sword.
"I'm not going to tell you anything," I said, turning my face away from him.
"Come on, don't be like that. Please tell me. Haven't I taken good care of you?"
"Good care? My ass. I wish I could punch you and wipe that annoying smile off your face," I screamed at him in refusal and headed for the door to leave.
"Oh my God, you're so heartless. I feel like my fragile heart is going to break," Silas said dramatically, making my insides twist with disgust.
When I grabbed the doorknob, Silas spoke again in a quiet voice.
"Survive, Nox. I don't want to see my favorite student dead."
His words stopped me in my tracks. I turned my head to him and stared into his silver eyes.
"Don't worry. I won't die no matter what," I said firmly, then opened the door and left without waiting for Silas to reply.
'Now the transport wagons are supposed to have already arrived,' I thought as I walked toward the academy gate.
'We will be divided into twenty teams, each team of ten members — that's the limit of people who can enter the Corruption Gate at one time.'
I reviewed the information Silas told us yesterday.
'I wonder where my gate will be,' I muttered quietly, wondering about my destination.
....
When I arrived at the academy gate, the other students were waiting quietly.
I went and stood beside Sora. It seemed Elena hadn't arrived yet.
"It looks like you got some special equipment?"
Sora asked me in his usual calm tone.
"Yeah, as you can see. Silas decided to take care of me—or rather exploit me. But so what, I got useful things out of it."
I said indifferently.
"Hmmm, that's good. But be careful, Silas doesn't have a good reputation among the Awakened."
Sora warned me in a cryptic voice.
"Is it because of his annoying personality? I don't blame them. Every time he smiles, I wish I could smash his face."
I shrugged indifferently.
Elena joined us with a happy smile.
"Oh, it looks like you got something great."
I said with a sarcastic grin.
'Now that I think about it, why am I smiling like that bastard?'
Confused by my own actions, Elena spoke.
"Yeah, yeah, it was something amazing. Do you want to see it?"
Before Elena could take her things out, the Headmaster arrived with Silas, making everyone stand at attention.
The Headmaster stood in the middle, with Silas behind him. He studied the students briefly before opening his mouth to speak.
"I feel proud seeing the results of your training, and I'm certain this is only a step in your lives. I'm confident you will become humanity's pillars and its future leaders."
Nikolai paused for a moment before continuing.
"Survive, students. Survive no matter the cost. Don't let your guard down for even a moment. Consider this the request of an old man."
The Headmaster spoke gently, concern in his voice for his students.
Suddenly, someone appeared to his right, stepping out from a tear in space, emerging from nothing.
The students were startled, but the Headmaster spoke again to ease their fears.
"This is Tenma Starwalkers, head of the Starwalkers family. He personally offered to transport you. He will send you toward the designated gate, where a supervisor will be waiting."
The Headmaster introduced the man beside him.
With violet hair and golden eyes like gem, dressed in a black formal suit with a luxurious long coat, he radiated a regal pressure that made others want to kneel before him.
'That's Sora's father. They look exactly same.'
I thought, glancing at Sora beside me. He stared at his father with complete indifference.
'Does he hate his father, or does he just not care? Either way, it's none of my business.'
I turned my gaze back to the Headmaster and the others, waiting.
"Well then, if you want, Lord Starwalkers."
The Headmaster asked Tenma to begin transporting the students.
"Fine. Let's finish this quickly."
Tenma spoke for the first time. His voice was deep and cold, devoid of emotion.
With a snap of his fingers, stardust surrounded all the students, wrapping their bodies.
Before they could realize what was happening, they found themselves in another place altogether.
'What the hell… I didn't feel anything. what rank is Tenma? Is he Stage Six? Or Five?'
I thought in shock, glancing around. Beside me, Elena remained calm, unfazed by what had happened—it seemed natural for her to deal with powerful people. Eight other students were with us.
"?!"
I was stunned at the sight of a black gate pulsing like a corrupted heart, sending ripples through the surroundings, chilling to the bone.
While the students stared at the gate in awe, a strange voice spoke.
"So, everyone has arrived."
I quickly turned to see who it was.
A woman in her twenties—maybe older, it was hard to tell with an Awakened. Wavy brown hair fell to her lower back, emerald-like green eyes shining.
She wore a white shirt, black suit, red tie, black trousers embroidered with golden patterns, and high heels. She looked like a business executive.
"I am Anna Everbloom."
She smiled gently as she looked at the students.
"We are currently in France, specifically in Marseille. The gate before you is newly formed, having appeared five days ago. Please let me know when you're ready to enter."
She spoke softly, trying to ease the students' tension.
I looked at Elena. True, the other students had good backgrounds, but none were on her level of strength. Naturally, she would be the leader.
Elena smiled kindly in response to Anna.
"Thank you, Miss Anna. But I think it's best not to drag this out and just go in now. No need to increase the tension, right?"
She turned to the others to ask for their opinion.
No one objected, so Anna continued.
"Very well. Let me explain briefly. This is a Grade 9 Corruption Gate. As you know, the limit is ten people To clear the gate and escape, you must find the gate heart and destroys it."
Anna explained, though it was information we already knew.
"Oh, I must remind you, don't worry about your shards collapsing inside the portal. The shard won't destroy you in the Abyss world. "
"Now then, all you need to do is walk toward the gate and it will absorb you directly. Please note—you will appear in different locations, so try to regroup as quickly as you can."
Anna gestured toward the gate, inviting everyone to enter.
Elena looked at me and smiled.
"Shall we go in?"
She tilted her head gently as she asked.
"Yeah, let's finish this quickly."
I said as I walked toward the gate.
A pulling force and chilling cold engulfed our bodies, trying to swallow us whole.
Then, my vision shifted into darkness, as though I stood in endless night.
[You have entered the Abyssal World]
A status screen appeared before me:
[World Name: The Silver Castle]
The moment the screen appeared, I felt my body being dragged at the speed of light into the darkness.
"Ughh!"
A wave of pain hit my head. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a completely different place.
"A world without colors…"
I muttered in awe at the sight before me.
Ash-covered land and silence. A sky blanketed with dark clouds with no trace of the sun. The world's colors had long since been stolen.
Standing on the vast ground, I looked around, hoping to find something to follow.
"Hmm, nothing. Should I just pick a direction? There's not even a sun to guide me."
I grumbled at the current situation, taking a step forward.
"For now, let's just walk and hope we find something."
Little did Nox—or anyone—know that this world would soon turn into a terrifying nightmare, leaving scars on their lives.
---