The wind blew cold across the hills of Arkhaven, carrying with it the smell of iron and dust.
Draven Noctyros stood alone, observing the warriors of foreign races he had detected days before.
This time, they did not come hesitantly. They marched with determination, weapons in hand and gazes fixed on the strange presence that had made their comrades retreat.
The Great Sage spoke immediately:
[Threat Level: Critical]
[Races Detected: Multiple — Specialized Warriors]
[Estimated Combined Strength: High]
[Recommendation: Activate Conqueror's Haki and Noctharum]
Draven took a deep breath.
He was not afraid. His special body, molded for evolution and adaptation, reacted even before his mind could comprehend.
The shadows around him began to condense, forming black and violet tentacles that moved according to his will.
Conqueror's Haki emerged again, enveloping him in an invisible pressure that made the ground tremble slightly. The group's leader advanced first, attempting to test Draven's strength.
It was the same green-skinned warrior with long horns he had observed before, but now more imposing: small scales shimmered beneath his skin, his muscles were tense, and his red eyes fixed on Draven radiated determination and hostility.
The Great Sage analyzed:
[Analyzing enemy leader]
[Estimated strength: high — greater than the average for warrior races]
[Threat level: critical]
"Boy… you won't survive if you stay there!"
The leader shouted, advancing with sharp claws and pointed horns.
Draven closed his eyes for a moment, sensing every movement, every intention around him.
The Great Sage spoke again:
[Analyzing multiple enemies]
[Combined forces: superior to ordinary humans]
[Probability of victory: moderate, without full power use]
Then Draven acted.
Not with ordinary blows.
He allowed Noctharum to flow freely, amplified by Conqueror's Haki.
Shadows exploded around them, enveloping the warriors in black and violet tentacles.
They fell, stunned, unable to continue advancing, but still conscious.
The leader hesitated, the invisible pressure crushing his will, forcing him to stop.
Draven did not attack with deadly force.
He wanted to test, not destroy.
The warriors realized this and retreated, cautious, but already visibly fearful of his presence.
The Great Sage recorded:
[Noctharum: Initial successful use]
[Partial control: 45%]
[Experience gained: First real battle completed]
The first real contact with the outside world showed Draven two things:
1- His power is absolute compared to ordinary mortals.
2- Other warriors and races would perceive his difference—and begin to fear him.
Draven gazed at the horizon.
The shadows around him rippled, reacting to his thoughts and emotions.
He knew he wouldn't be ignored again.
The Great Sage concluded:
The awakening of Noctharum has attracted attention.
Future conflicts: inevitable.
Draven took a deep breath.
The world was beginning to reveal itself in all its complexity.
And he knew that the battles to come would be far greater than this one.
But, at that moment, alone in the hills, with the shadows dancing gently around him, Draven Noctyros felt for the first time the true taste of power and the solitude he would carry for the rest of his life.