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Betrayed and sacrificed by a shadowy cult, Alex should have died. Instead, time rewound one week, giving him a second chance.

This time, he has an edge—the power to enhance any item up to a billion times. From a simple heirloom watch to legendary artifacts, his weapons defy logic. But true strength isn’t just about power—it’s about knowing when to reveal it.

Staying in the shadows, Alex plays the world like a chessboard. Between ancient sects, mercenary guilds, and forgotten ruins, danger lurks everywhere. The cult that killed him is still out there. But this time…

He’s the true predator.

The Artifact Monarch

The weight of the Seed of Ascension still lingered in Alex's chest as he left the underground chamber. Though his body had returned to normal, he could feel the changes within him—subtle, but undeniable.

The academy's halls were quiet, the evening curfew nearing. Alex moved swiftly, ensuring no one saw him leaving the restricted area. The cube had vanished, absorbed into him after the trial.

The moment he stepped into his dorm, his communication crystal buzzed. A message flashed.

[Academy Directive: All first-year students must report to the Grand Hall at dawn. Failure to comply will result in immediate disciplinary action.]

Had someone detected his presence underground? Or was this about something else entirely?

He set the crystal aside and exhaled. Tomorrow would bring answers. For now, he had preparations to make.

Dawn arrived faster than expected.

The Grand Hall was packed with students, their whispers filling the air. Alex took a seat toward the back, blending in. He noticed several instructors standing at the front, their expressions unreadable.

Then, the academy's Vice Headmaster stepped forward.

A middle-aged man with sharp eyes and an aura so dense it seemed to bend the air around him. His mere presence silenced the hall.

"Effective immediately," he announced, his voice ringing with authority, "the First-Year Trial will be moved forward."

Alex's fingers tapped against his knee. The trial? This soon?

"We've received reports of an external threat near academy grounds," the Vice Headmaster continued. "To ensure the competency of our students, we will assess your strength ahead of schedule. In three days, the First-Year Trial will begin."

At that moment, another figure stepped forward—a tall man with streaks of silver in his hair, wearing dark ceremonial robes. His presence commanded respect.

It was Instructor Veyron, the man responsible for teaching combat theory.

"As many of you know," Veyron began, his voice calm yet firm, "strength in our world is defined by Aura Ranks. Every awakened individual falls into one of these tiers, from weakest to strongest: Novice, Adept, Elite, Master, Grandmaster, and Ascendant."

Alex listened carefully. He already knew most of this, but hearing it again from an instructor confirmed what he had suspected—this sudden trial wasn't normal.

"To advance in rank, one must refine their aura core," Veyron continued. "But rank alone does not determine one's strength. Mastery of aura techniques, battle instincts, and rare innate talents can turn the tide of any battle."

At the mention of talents, Alex saw several students sit up straighter. Talents were rare abilities individuals were born with, granting them unique advantages. Some were minor enhancements, while others were so powerful they could change the course of a fight.

"And finally," Veyron added, "there are the Artifacts—weapons and tools that can amplify one's abilities. Artifacts are categorized by tiers: Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Mythic. The higher the tier, the stronger the artifact."

Alex kept his expression neutral. If anyone knew about the watch he had enhanced, they would lose their minds.

"Your First-Year Trial will test all of these aspects," Veyron concluded. "Your aura rank, your talent, your combat skill… and your ability to survive."

He could feel it—this wasn't just about assessing strength.

Chapter 14: The Trial Begins Early