FROM THE SKY
Chapter 3 – When the Weak Became a Predator
The mist over the Mountain of Death thickened, wrapping around Lux like cold fingers.
Every step he took made the ground crunch with old bones and dried blood. The mountain felt wrong—like the land itself was cursed. Dark Aether leaked from the earth, poisoning everything it touched.
Lux felt it in his veins.
Not fear.
Excitation.
Something was hunting him.
A low growl echoed through the fog.
Then—
Red eyes.
One… two… five…
Corrupted wolves stepped out of the mist, their twisted bodies leaking black smoke. Their flesh was rotten, their fangs jagged like broken knives. They were creatures born from hatred and death.
Lux swallowed.
"I don't even have a real weapon…"
The wolves circled him.
The largest one suddenly lunged.
Lux barely reacted in time, grabbing a fallen branch and swinging with all his strength.
Crack!
The wolf's skull caved in.
[Earth Affinity Activated]
[Wood Chopping → Damage Amplified]
Lux stared at the corpse.
"…I killed it."
Three more wolves charged.
Claws tore into his side.
Blood sprayed.
[Pain Converted → Strength +9%]
Lux staggered—but didn't fall.
Something was changing.
The pain made him feel alive.
"Come on…!" he shouted.
Another wolf bit into his arm.
Lux grabbed it and smashed its head into a rock until it stopped moving.
[Aether Absorbed]
[EXP Gained]
His wounds began closing.
The last two wolves attacked together.
Lux was pushed back, stabbed by claws, ripped by fangs.
His vision blurred.
But instead of fear…
He laughed.
"So this is hell…? I can survive it."
[Extreme Life-Threatening Condition Detected]
[Seal 2 Breaking…]
Crack!
A deep, invisible chain shattered inside Lux's soul.
[Seal 2 Opened]
Skills Gained:
Sword – Basic Mastery
Bow – Basic Mastery
Mid Combat Style: Brutal Flow
Lux's posture changed.
His movements became sharp and deadly.
He ripped a broken metal rod from the ground.
One slash.
A wolf was split in half.
The second tried to flee—
Lux picked up a fallen arrow and threw it with terrifying precision.
It pierced the beast's skull.
Silence fell.
[EXP Gained]
[Level Up!]
Level 1 → Level 2 (Initiate Rank)
Lux felt a surge of energy flood his body.
His bones strengthened.
His soul stabilized.
"I leveled up…"
He clenched his fist.
"So this is how I grow."
Meanwhile – Sky Guard Empire
Inside the holy training hall, the summoned heroes were being evaluated.
Golden status screens floated before them.
Skar
Level 3 – Adept
Sword Spirit awakened
Roy
Level 3 – Adept
Dark Magic Control increased
Albert
Level 3 – Adept
Berserk stability improved
Then—
Alya
Level 4 – Master
Light & Holy Affinity Resonance
Title: Blessed Prodigy
The royal magicians gasped.
"She reached Master rank in one week…!"
Alya's expression was calm, but her eyes were uneasy.
"Where is Lux…?"
No one answered.
Back at the Mountain
Lux stood alone among the dead wolves.
Blood dripped from his fingers.
His level had increased… but his rage was growing faster.
"They are leveling up…"
He looked toward the distant empire.
"And they think I'm dead."
A dark smile spread across his face.
"Good."
He turned toward the deeper part of the mountain.
"If this world wants a monster…"
"I'll become one."
---PRIMe ✨