More despair

Ryan stood motionless on the surface of the water, his mind racing as he observed the translucent system windows floating before him. Each notification was a reminder of his recent victory, a reward for surviving the titanic ordeal of Portal Y. Yet, despite the satisfaction of seeing his skills and rank increase, one thought lingered: he had survived only because of a last-minute strategic decision.

He recalled the moment when, overwhelmed by exhaustion, he chose to allocate his stat points into strength and mana. A choice that, he now realized, had been crucial for his survival. Had he made a different choice, hesitated, or distributed his points otherwise, he would likely have died in the belly of the oceanic monster.

The next notification caught his attention.

[You have acquired the skill "Mana Master"]

Ryan frowned. "Mana Master," he thought. Did this mean he now had superior control over mana? He opened the skill description.

[Mana Master (D)]: Allows the host to manipulate mana with increased precision, reducing consumption and enhancing the efficiency of mana-related skills.]

A smile spread across his lips. This skill would be invaluable. He had already experienced the power of mana by walking on water, but with this added mastery, he could undoubtedly do much more.

He continued reading the notifications, stopping at the one announcing his advancement to rank D.

[Congratulations! You have advanced to rank D]

"Rank D, huh?" he murmured. The rank jump was a significant milestone. It meant not only an increase in his abilities but also recognition of his growing potential. The fact that he had unlocked the inventory and shop confirmed that his system was evolving with him.

[Inventory Unlocked] [Shop Unlocked]

He opened the inventory out of curiosity. A grid appeared before him, with several slots for storing items. Ryan nodded in satisfaction. "This will make things easier. No more carrying everything physically."

Then he moved on to the shop, intrigued by what he might find there. The interface was simple, divided into categories: equipment, potions, skills, and miscellaneous. He noticed he could buy items using points earned from quests or by trading resources he could collect.

[You have acquired the skill "Telekinesis"]

[You have acquired the skill "Absolute Defense"]

[You have acquired the skill "Adaptation"]

[You have acquired the skill "Crimson Hermit"]

These new skills were impressive, but the one that particularly caught his attention was "Crimson Hermit." He opened its description.

[Crimson Hermit (D)]: A passive skill that allows the host to blend into the environment, making their presence difficult to detect. Perfect for infiltration or evasion.]

"That could be useful," he murmured. He didn't yet know how he would use this skill, but he knew that in this dangerous world, the ability to hide or blend into the environment could make the difference between life and death.

Finally, he arrived at the notification regarding his title.

[Your Title has been unlocked] [Title: Heir of the Crimson King]

A shiver ran down his spine. The title alone evoked ancient power and a destiny he was just beginning to understand. "Heir of the Crimson King," he repeated. Who was this king? Why was he considered his heir? So many questions, and so few answers.

[You have received 10 stat points] [Your E-rank skills have advanced to D-rank]

He smiled at the sight of his additional stat points. He already knew how he would use them. He would distribute these points strategically, focusing on areas where he still had gaps.

Looking around, Ryan realized that the water level had risen again. The portal, which had seemed so distant before, was now within reach. He looked up, observing the gate hovering above him. It glowed softly, like a silent invitation to return.

Taking a deep breath, he mentally prepared to take this step. The world he had left behind was surely changing, just like him. And when he returned, he would be ready to face the challenges that awaited him.

"It's time to go back," he murmured, determined, before launching himself toward the portal.

Ryan emerged from the portal, his body enveloped in an almost imperceptible aura thanks to his newly acquired skill, "Crimson Hermit." Instantly, his body became invisible, and his presence was entirely erased. He was now nothing more than a shadow among shadows, a ghost walking among the living.

Around him, the agents of the Protectors' Association continued to guard the perimeter. The portal had drawn considerable attention, and even at this late hour, teams remained vigilant, monitoring every energy fluctuation. Yet, despite their watchfulness, no one noticed Ryan's exit. The portal, which had been a source of concern for days, was now silent.

Invisible and inaudible, Ryan moved cautiously. Each step he took on the ground was light, calculated, avoiding the slightest noise. He observed the agents around him, some speaking in low voices, others scanning the horizon, hoping for answers to the mystery that eluded them.

"Why is the portal no longer showing any activity?" an agent asked, checking his scanner. "No idea," another replied. "The energy levels have dropped to zero. It's as if it was never there."

Ryan continued to move, skillfully weaving between the agents. He knew that the slightest misstep could betray him, but his confidence in his new skill kept him calm and determined. Each movement was precise, every decision deliberate.

He eventually reached the edge of the monitored perimeter. Ahead of him, the city streets stretched out, deserted and silent under the glow of the streetlights. Ryan cast one last glance back. The agents looked increasingly puzzled, some consulting reports, others exchanging theories.

"The portal just disappeared... just like that," murmured an agent, shaking his head. "It's impossible."

"Maybe it closed on its own," suggested another. "Or maybe... someone entered and caused its closure."

Those words sent a shiver through Ryan, but he didn't stop. He knew the truth would eventually come out, but for now, his main goal was to get home undetected. Thanks to "Crimson Hermit," he had nothing to fear.

As he walked through the streets, Ryan felt a mixture of relief and exhaustion. Each step brought him closer to his refuge, his home where he could finally rest and reflect on all he had experienced. The stars twinkled above him, silent witnesses to his journey.

Finally, he arrived at his front door. With a sigh, he deactivated his skill, becoming visible again. For the first time in hours, he felt like himself again, free from the burden of invisibility. He pushed the door open and entered, leaving the outside world behind.

Inside, everything was quiet. The house was shrouded in darkness, but to Ryan, it was a sanctuary. He sat down on the couch, thinking back on all he had accomplished. The portal, the battle against the monsters, the skills he had acquired... all were part of a journey he had just begun.

He knew more challenges awaited him, but for now, he savored this moment of peace. The outside world could wait. Ryan Knox, the Heir of the Crimson King, was home.

After taking a well-deserved shower, Ryan felt slightly rejuvenated. The water had washed away the fatigue from his body, but his mind remained restless. Wrapped in a towel, he descended the stairs and headed to the living room. He sat on the couch and turned on the television, hoping to find some distraction.

The news channel immediately appeared on the screen, showing live footage. The bold headline at the bottom of the screen caught his attention: "Devastating Attack on Laboratory Z41."

Ryan's heart tightened as he stared at the images. The laboratory, where his sister Rayna worked, was now nothing more than a field of smoking ruins. Rescue teams and Awakened individuals were on-site, sifting through the debris in search of survivors.

Then came the announcement that crushed him: "Rayna Knox, renowned scientist and director of Laboratory Z41, has been declared dead following the attack."

Ryan's face instantly paled. The world around him seemed to collapse. His breath grew short, his hands trembling. He couldn't comprehend or accept it. "No... it's impossible," he murmured, his voice broken.

Every word from the presenter drove the knife deeper into his wound. Memories of his sister flashed before his eyes: her warm smile, her gentle voice, their unbreakable bond. He refused to believe she was gone.

"Rayna... no..." his voice faded into a desperate whisper.

The TV continued to broadcast images of the destruction, but Ryan saw nothing. His mind was drowning in grief, his heart crushed by unbearable pain. Despair enveloped him, dark and oppressive. He was paralyzed, unable to move, unable to think.

Finally, he collapsed onto the couch, his hands covering his face. The tears he had been trying to hold back finally flowed, silent witnesses to his deep sorrow. "This can't be... Rayna can't be dead," he repeated to himself over and over, like a desperate prayer.