The sun struggled to pierce the gray clouds. The city streets still smelled of rain and smoke.
Kang Yeon walked through the marketplace, unnoticed—or at least, that's what he thought.
Until a sudden roar shattered the morning calm.
A small Rift had appeared in the alley near the market. From it poured a low-level monster, no bigger than a child but viciously clawed, with eyes glowing red.
Screams erupted immediately. Civilians scattered, tripping over crates and puddles.
Yeon froze for a moment, watching the chaos.
Should I run? Or…?
A familiar voice called from behind:
"Yeon! You can't just watch!"
He turned. Luna Aster had appeared beside him. Calm, poised, her hands glowing faintly with an aura of power.
Yeon swallowed. "I… I can handle it," he said softly.
Luna's eyes narrowed. "F rank? Against a Rift spawn? Don't make me laugh… or cry."
Yeon's jaw tightened. F rank, huh… but I'm not F anymore.
He stepped forward. Words formed in his mind. I don't even know what this will do…
"…Stop."
The monster froze mid-leap, claws inches from a vendor's face.
Yeon's hands shook, heart racing. I can't hesitate.
"…Die."
The creature's body collapsed instantly, leaving only a black stain on the cobblestones. Civilians screamed and fled, some crying.
Luna's eyes widened slightly. "…You did that?"
Yeon's chest heaved. "I… I didn't mean to hurt anyone else."
She studied him silently for a moment, then nodded. "You're… different. Stronger than your rank. That much is clear."
A window appeared briefly in Yeon's vision:
> SKILL ACQUIRED: Word of Death (C-Rank)
SOUL BURDEN: 12%
He coughed. Soul burden… climbing fast.
A small girl approached, holding a basket of spilled vegetables. Her eyes were wide, not with fear, but admiration.
"You… you saved us!" she whispered.
Yeon looked at her. Something strange stirred in his chest. I didn't think anyone would ever… thank me.
Luna smiled faintly. "Careful," she said quietly. "The world won't always be this easy. People will hate you. And some… will want to kill you for power alone."
Yeon nodded, swallowing hard. "I know. But… if the world hates me, I'll just make it obey."
Her lips twitched into the faintest smile. "That's… dangerous."
He met her gaze. "Dangerous is exactly what I'm good at."
A chill wind blew through the alley, carrying the scent of rain and ozone. Somewhere deep inside, Yeon felt it—the thrill of power, of control, and of finally, finally standing above those who had always stepped on him.
And for the first time, he didn't feel alone.
Luna's voice came again, softer this time: "Kang Yeon… don't lose yourself."
Yeon's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Don't worry. I won't."
But deep down, a whisper of fear lingered: If this power grows… what will I become?
....