[2nd May]

The day was clear.

Several days had passed since Rey placed his order, and today was the scheduled delivery.

He had not wasted a single moment during the wait.

Every day, without exception, Rey trained. His body hurt. His mind strained. His control sharpened. Yet despite all that effort, one thing refused to move forward.

Darkness.

No matter how many times he tried, how deeply he focused, the ability would not grow.

For two full days, its manifestation and control remained stagnant, as if it had hit an invisible wall.

No one could explain why.

Not Aiden.Not Victor.Not even Zero.

The frustration built slowly, then all at once.

In the end, Rey stopped forcing it.

He shifted his attention to his other abilities, pouring everything into whatwouldrespond.

Umbral Telekinesis.Dark Matter Manipulation.Abyssal Blood Manipulation.

After the mutation, his control over these abilities had become noticeably sharper. The curse further refined his precision, forcing discipline into every action.

His Telekinesis had grown the most stable.

The weight limit rose to10 kilograms, allowing him to control multiple objects simultaneously. In terms of raw strain, he could briefly exceed that limit, but doing so placed immense pressure on his mind.

Pushing past it felt like trying to tear his thoughts apart.

Still, progress was progress.

His Matter Manipulation had changed fundamentally.

Before, it had been limited to normal matter.

Now, it responded to bothnormal matter and dark matter, and the method of control felt entirely different. During training, Rey discovered he could partially manipulate his own armour.

He could detach sections, shift them, and circulate the material across his body.

It was clumsy for now.

But later, in real combat, this would save his life.

The most problematic ability wasAbyssal Blood Manipulation.

Unlike the others, it had becomeharder.

Several times harder.

The reason was a newly manifested ability that appeared on Victor’s ability list.

<Monarch’s Blood>

An ability that felt wrong.

Incomplete.

Almost nonexistent.

“Do you guys really not know what this is?” Rey asked after watching Victor and Aiden argue over it.

Victor frowned deeply, his memory combing through thousands of years.

“No. We don’t,” he admitted. “Even the name itself is strange. ‘Monarch’ and ‘Blood’ are common terms on their own. But together… nothing like this exists in the Supercluster Belt.”

Aiden nodded, his tone serious.

“Monarchs exist. Blood exists. But Monarchs aren’t born through blood. Their ascension comes from cores, souls, physiques, or other foundations. Even Blood Monarchs are not formedbyblood.”

He looked at Rey sharply.

“And their blood still wouldn’t qualify to manifest as an ability.”

Aiden gestured with his chin.

“Cut yourself.”

Rey didn’t hesitate.

A shallow cut opened on his finger.

Nothing came out.

He frowned and squeezed harder.

Only then did a drop emerge.

It wasn’t normal blood.

The colour was adeep, absolute red, so dark it was nearly black. It felt heavy just existing.

Victor raised his hand and attempted to control it.

The blood resisted.

Even he couldn’t move it properly.

It was as if the blood itself rejected authority.

Like a monarch refusing command.

Rey tried.

The resistance vanished.

The blood obeyed him, but his control was crude, inexperienced, and unstable.

The irony was clear.

No one else could control it.

And the one who could… barely understood how.

For now, the only benefit was absolute immunity. No one could manipulate Rey’s blood but him.

That alone made it valuable.

After finishing the examination, Rey left his house and locked the door behind him.

The delivery time was approaching.

He followed the location marker through sparsely populated streets until he reached the designated area. Hardly anyone was around.

Without hesitation, Rey activated his skill.

{Shadowmeld}

His presence vanished.

Not hidden.

Erased.

Minutes passed.

Then ten.

The delivery was late.

“Are they serious?” Rey muttered from within the shadows. “Late again?”

“Relax,” Aiden replied calmly. “Running away with an order like yours is punishable by death. They’ll come.”

Fifteen minutes later, a large truck appeared in the distance.

Rey recognised the logo instantly.

It rolled to a stop.

Two men stepped out, scanning the area.

“Where’s the client?” one of them asked. “We’re already late.”

“Maybe nearby,” the other replied. “Wait ten minutes. Then we leave.”

Just as they turned back, footsteps echoed.

A figure approached.

A long coat reached his knees.A mask hid his face.

He stopped before them.

“Sir, confirmation please,” one of the men said. “Name and security code.”

“Dragon Knight 0x0,” Rey replied flatly.“Code: 34256730. Hurry up.”

They almost laughed.

Almost.

The man entered the code.

His expression drained of colour.

Ten weapons.

One of them isStage 2.

“Y-yes, sir,” he stammered. “Please follow us.”

His partner checked the list.

He swallowed.

Inside the truck, the shutter opened, revealing neatly stacked crates.

They climbed inside.

Inspection began.

First, theNightfang daggers. Five blades. Perfect.

Next,Ironbrand, the pistol. Even the delivery men stared. They had never seen one like it.

Then cameRavager Claw.

Wrapped in cloth.

Cold. Heavy. Balanced.

Authentic.

Silent Fangfollowed.

Rey tested the edge, slicing his finger. No blood flowed.

He nodded.

The spear,Ironfang, stood tall and elegant.

Crafted from Steelhorn Stalker horn.

Next cameHowlcleaver.

The massive greatsword.

Rey tried lifting it.

Once.

Failed.

Twice.

Barely.

He exhaled slowly.

Not yet.

But someday.

The remaining items followed quickly.

Stormweavegauntlets.Jackal Guardshield.ShadowBranchbow.Tremor Maul, so heavy it took five men to load.

Rey extended his hand.

The ring glowed.

All ten weapons vanished.

The truck lifted slightly as the weight disappeared.

The delivery men froze.

A spatial storage.

Royal-level.

Rey was already gone.

As the truck drove away, Rey moved through the shadows, cancelling every notification that tried to surface.

No distractions.

No mistakes.

With his new arsenal secured, he returned home unseen.

His clothes had changed during that time, and after running more, he reached home. He still had plenty of time to check his status since Emmy was not home yet.

He closed his room door behind him and opened the system panel to check for any changes. Before he could do that, Aiden and the others arrived.

“What’s going on right now? Why are there so many notifications? Did something happen to my status again?” Rey asked, noticing Aiden’s smirk before he responded.

“Listen, don’t check your status just yet. First, take a look at your weapon status before moving forward,” Aiden suggested. Confused by this approach, Rey nodded and opened the Inventory to check the status of all his items.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Ravager Claw]

TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+TYPE: Straight SwordDURABILITY: 200/200ATTACK POWER: 15 – 22

───◈Item Description◈───

A straight sword crafted from the claw of aHigh-Grade Stage 1 Ravager Beast. At3.5 feet in length, its slightly curved blade holds traces of the beast's lingering ferocity, making it a reliable weapon in combat. The natural resilience of the material grants itabove-average durability, enabling it to withstand repeated use without wearing out too quickly.

With a weight of4.3 kg, it provides a solid balance between speed and power, making it suitable for both swift strikes and steady blows.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Feral Edge]– Inflicts5% extra damageto unarmored targets.➤[Residual Instinct]– Slightly increasesattack speed by 3%when fighting weaker beast-type enemies.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Ironfang Spear]

TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-TYPE: SpearDURABILITY: 250/250ATTACK POWER: 18 – 26

───◈Item Description◈───

A7-foot-longspear crafted from the sharpened horn of aPeak Stage 1 Steelhorn Stalker. The natural resilience of the beast's horn grants itexceptional piercing power, allowing it to drive through tough hides and reinforced armour with ease. Itsbalanced weightmakes it versatile for bothprecision thrusts and heavy sweeps, while the durability of its material ensures long-lasting effectiveness in battle.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Armour Piercer]– Deals10% bonus damageagainst armoured enemies.➤[Steadfast Grip]– Reduces recoil from parries and deflected attacks by5%.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Jackal Guard]

TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+TYPE: ShieldDURABILITY: 190/190DEFENSE RATING: 12 – 18

───◈Item Description◈───

Acompact, one-handed shieldcrafted from thereinforced bone and hardened hideof aHigh Stage 1 Duskridge Jackal. Designed foragile defence, itslightweight buildallows for swift manoeuvring, while itsdurable structureoffers reliable protection against direct strikes. The shield'sslightly curved designenhances its ability todeflect incoming attacks, and the beast's natural properties provideenhanced resistance to piercing and slashing damage.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Instinctive Guard]– Slightly improves reaction speed when blocking surprise attacks.➤[Reinforced Hide]– Reduces incomingpiercing and slashing damageby8%.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Shadowbranch Bow]

TIER: 0 | RANK: CommonTYPE: BowDURABILITY: 165/165DRAW WEIGHT: 17 KgRANGE: 50 – 80 meters

───◈Item Description◈───

Afinely crafted bowformed from thereinforced tendons and flexible boneof aMid Stage 1 Dusksprint. Theresilient hornsof the beast providenatural durability and flexibility, ensuring a steady draw and powerful release. Strung with thebeast's own sinew, the bowstring possesseshigh tensile strength, enhancing the force behind each shot.

Designed forprecision and speed, the Shadowbranch Bow allows arrows to be loosed withminimal vibration and maximum stability, making it an excellent weapon forhunters and skilled marksmen.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Steady Aim]– Slightly reduces hand tremors when drawing the bow.➤[Dusksprint's Swiftness]– Increases arrow speed by5%, improving range and penetration.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Howlcleaver]

TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon+TYPE: GreatswordDURABILITY: 248/280ATTACK POWER: 195 - 230RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E+

───◈Item Description◈───

Amassive yet refined weapon, the Howlcleaver Greatsword was forged from thefanged bones and reinforced hideof aMid Stage 2 Thunderhowl Beast, a predator feared for itsraw power and lightning-fast strikes. Weighing216 kg, the sheer heft of the blade demands immense strength but rewards its wielder withbone-crushing force.

The blade retains traces of the beast's lingering energy, allowing forhigh-impact slashesthat canrupture armour and stagger foes. Despite beingpreviously wielded, the sword remains inexceptional condition, bearing only minor signs of wear. Its slightly curved edge enablesswift but devastating attacks, making it a rare blend oflethal power and surprising agility.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Residual Thunderhowl]– Occasionally releases a faint shockwave upon impact, slightly amplifying damage.➤[Momentum Cleave]– Gainsincreased swing speedafter consecutive attacks.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Stormweave Gauntlets]

TIER: 0 | RANK: Common-TYPE: GauntletsDURABILITY: 140/140DEFENSE: 12 - 18

───◈Item Description◈───

A pair oflightweight, reinforced gauntlets, the Stormweave Gauntlets combinehardened steel platingwith theresilient beast-thread clothof aLow Stage 1 creature. The result is aflexible yet sturdypiece of armour, offeringmoderate protectionwhile ensuringunhindered hand movements.

Despite theirlow weight, the gauntlets aresurprisingly durable, capable ofabsorbing shock from repeated blows. Ideal forfighters who prioritise speed, they allow forquick strikes and precise manoeuvreswithout compromisingdefensive integrity.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Weave Resilience]– Reduces minor impact damage to the hands, improving grip strength.➤[Swift Guard]– Increases reaction speed when blocking light attacks.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Ironbrand Pistol]

TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+TYPE: Firearm (Single-Handed)DURABILITY: 160/160ATTACK POWER: 24 - 32 (Varies by Ammunition)FIRE RATE: Moderate

───◈Item Description◈───

A finely craftedsingle-handed firearm, the Ironbrand Pistol is forged fromreinforced alloys and tempered steel, ensuringlongevity and stabilityeven under intense use. Designed withprecision and adaptabilityin mind, it handlesenergy-infused roundswithout warping while maintaininghigh firing accuracy.

Itsbalanced weightmakes it an ideal sidearm forswordsmen, duelists, and close-range fighters, allowing forseamless transitionsbetween melee and ranged combat. Built forendurance and efficiency, the Ironbrand Pistol is atrusted weaponfor those who demandreliable firepower without sacrificing mobility.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Steady Grip]– Reduces recoil slightly, improving shot stability.➤[Quick Draw]– Faster weapon switching speed when paired with a melee weapon.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Tremor Maul]

TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-TYPE: War Hammer (Two-Handed)DURABILITY: 190/190ATTACK POWER: 62 - 78RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E

───◈Item Description◈───

Acolossal two-handed war hammerforged from thereinforced bones and dense hideof aPeak Stage 1 Ironback Brute. Weighing a crushing80 kilograms, the Tremor Maul is a weapononly the strongest can wield effectively. Itsmassive headdeliversearth-shatteringblows, capable ofpulverizing armor, collapsing structures, and sending tremors through the groundupon impact.

Thereinforced handle, wrapped inthick leather, providesa firm grip, ensuring the wielder can control its devastating swings. A weapon built purely forbrute force,the Tremor Maul is a battlefield behemoth thatdominates through sheer destructive power.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Seismic Impact]– Heavy strikes generate minor shockwaves, staggering nearby enemies.➤[Momentum Strike]– Consecutive swings increase damage slightly with each hit.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Silent Fang]

TIER:0 | RANK:CommonTYPE:Katana (Double-Handed)DURABILITY:90/90ATTACK POWER:15 - 22

───◈Item Description◈───

Asleek and deadly katanaforged from the refined bones and fangs of aDuskscalePanther, aMid Stage 1 beastrenowned for its agility and razor-sharp claws. Weighing only 1.5 kilograms, the Silent Fang is exceptionallylightweight yet incredibly durable, allowing for swift and precise strikes. Its razor-honed edge cuts through flesh and bone with minimal resistance, making it a lethal weapon for those who favour speed over brute strength.

The hilt is wrapped indark leather, providing a firm and comfortable grip that enables seamless, fluid movements. Designed for assassins, duelists, and those who live by the blade, the Silent Fang is a weapon of deadly efficiency.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Phantom Edge]– Increases attack speed slightly when striking consecutively.➤[Silent Step]– Lightens footsteps while wielded, reducing noise when moving.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

[Nightfang]

TIER:0 | RANK:Common-TYPE:Dagger (One-Handed)DURABILITY:65/65ATTACK POWER:10 - 15

───◈Item Description◈───

The Nightfang Dagger is crafted from thefangs and reinforced boneof aLow Rank Stage 1Shadowfang Scorpion, a beast known for its agility and hardened exoskeleton. Weighing only 800 grams, the blade has asleek, almost organic curve, with a faint dark tint that hints at its origins. Its sharp edge and durable structure make it a reliable weapon for swift, precise strikes. The lightweight design ensures ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for those who favour speed and efficiency in combat.

───◈Item Effects◈───

➤[Shadow Veil]– Reduces weapon gleam in low light, making it harder to spot.➤[Swift Execution]– Slightly increases critical strike damage on unaware enemies.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

The items appeared quite appealing to Rey, but Aiden seemed not even a tiny bit satisfied, as he had far more impressive things in his life than Rey could ever imagine.

"So, what's next? Can I check the notifications or not?" Rey asked. Aiden nodded and sat down on the bed, eager to see Rey's reaction as he reviewed them.

"Yes, you can check them now. Just don’t let me see your expression after you do," Aiden said, lowering his voice on the last words.

───◈ System Notification ◈───

[System has detected an anomaly within one of the host's abilities.][Ability, <Dark Arsenal>, is shedding its constraints, revealing its true form after fulfilling a hidden condition.]

───◈ Hidden Completion Requirement ◈───✦ Possession of a complete arsenal, encompassing all weapon types.

[The dormant essence within <Dark Arsenal> is awakening.][Its limitations are dissolving, unveiling its full potential.]

───◈ Mutation Process Initiated ◈───[Analysing evolutionary changes…][Reconstructing ability framework…][Refining energy flow…]

───◈ Mutation Complete! ◈───[Congratulations! Your ability <Dark Arsenal> has undergone a complete transformation.][Generating updated ability details…]

Would you like to review the evolved ability?▶ [Yes] / [No]

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Rey selects "Yes" as the system begins to display the evolved ability in front of him.

<Dark Arsenal> {Stage 1}(Mutated Ability)

───◈ Ability Effects ◈───

➤Shadow Arsenal:The Host can store an unlimited number of weapons withinDark Arsenaland summon them instantly from the shadows at will.➤Corrupted Growth:Darkness-infused weapons, or those created viaItem GenesisorDark Matter Manipulation, gain2.5 times the proficiency growth rate.➤Weapon Rank Enhancement:Stored weapons withinDark Arsenalare automaticallyupgraded by one sub-rank, up to the highest rarity currently stored.➤Arsenal Synchronisation – Attack Power Buff:For every weapon stored inDark Arsenal, the Host gains a+5% attack power increase, up to a maximum of+50%.➤Abyssal Arsenal Synchronisation:Weapons stored inDark Arsenalgradually adapt to the Host's combat style.• Wielding anArsenal weaponreducesstamina consumption by 15%.• Increasesattack speed slightlyfor stored weapons.

───◈ Arsenal Mastery ◈───

Sword:E- ↑ (3%)|Dagger/Knives:E- ↑ (8%)| Spear:F+ ↑ (4%) |Shield:F ↑ (24%) |Bow:F- (0%) |Greatsword:F+ ↑ (87%)|Hand-to-Hand:E- ↑ (0%) |Gun:F- (0%) |Hammer:F ↑ (13%) |Katana:F-(0%)

───◈◈◈◈◈───

What lay before Rey was too overwhelming to focus on and be happy, as this happened every time he received a large number of notifications.

"It seems I'm truly experiencing an overwhelming stroke of luck," Rey said, savouring every moment after the notification and spinning around in delight.

"Yes, yes, it's your ninth time telling us this, so stop," Victor said, growing bored with him dancing with joy.

"Rey, stop this nonsense," Aiden said firmly. "Tomorrow evening is going to be very different from any ordinary day. We're planning to sneak into the training center after it closes." Aiden's words caused Rey to hesitate, caught between a mix of fear and anticipation.

"Let's begin the second raid of your life, Rey. May wealth accompany you home after the success of our mission," Victor said with a grin as he returned to rest. Rey, on the other hand, began training his abilities and skills, knowing that even a small increase in power could be beneficial for tomorrow.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com