Steel and Shadows

Ethan stood in the training yard at dawn, surrounded by young knights-in-training. Their gazes held a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, but no one outright mocked him anymore.

Sir Gareth stood before them, his sharp eyes scanning the group. "Today, we focus on sword drills. Pair up."

Ethan was quickly matched against Garrett Vaughn, a bulky noble heir who had been training since childhood. A smirk crossed Garrett's lips as he twirled his wooden sword effortlessly.

"You should just stand there and surrender, Third Young Master," Garrett sneered. "It'll save you some bruises."

Ethan smiled faintly. Let's see who gets bruised.

Sir Gareth gave the signal. "Begin."

Garrett lunged, aiming a swift downward strike at Ethan's shoulder. Too obvious.

[Demon King's Insight Activated.]

Ethan's world slowed.

He stepped to the side, twisting his body just enough for Garrett's sword to whistle past him.

A gasp rippled through the crowd.

Garrett's eyes widened in shock—but he quickly swung again.

Ethan barely moved his feet, shifting his weight just enough to dodge each strike. To the untrained eye, it looked effortless.

To the knights watching, it looked unnatural.

Sir Gareth's brows furrowed.

"Stop playing around and fight properly, Ethan."

Ethan's smirk faded. Fine.

Garrett swung again—this time, Ethan stepped forward instead of back.

His hand shot out, grabbing Garrett's wrist mid-swing. Before the larger boy could react, Ethan twisted—redirecting the force of the attack and slamming Garrett onto the ground.

THUD!

Silence.

Ethan released his grip, stepping back as Garrett groaned on the dirt.

A knight lost to Ethan Baron.

Sir Gareth crossed his arms. His gaze wasn't angry—but intrigued.

"…Training continues," he said.

Ethan hid a victorious smirk.

Later that night, Ethan sat alone in his chamber, staring at his desk.

Before him lay three items:

A standard iron short sword, taken from the armory. A piece of black ore, scavenged from the forge. A thread of enchanted silver, stolen from a ceremonial robe.

He opened his system.

[Synthesis Activated]

[Select Primary Item:] Iron Short Sword[Select Secondary Item:] Black Ore[Select Additional Enhancements:] Enchanted Silver Thread

[Processing…]

A bright crimson glow engulfed the materials, causing the room to hum with raw energy. Ethan felt a deep pull in his soul—as if he were recreating a lost relic from his past life.

A new blade emerged in his hands.

[Weapon: ShadowFang Blade]Material: Abyss-Forged Iron & Enchanted Silver Durability: 95% (High)Special Effect: Increases cutting precision, dampens user's presence when wielded.

Ethan gripped the weapon.

It was perfectly balanced, its dark edge gleaming under the candlelight. When he held it, his presence naturally faded, almost like a shadow blending into the night.

A perfect weapon for someone like him.

Ethan exhaled, feeling something stir deep within him. His mind whispered old names—old techniques.

It was time to unlock his true martial arts.

Ethan moved to the center of the room and closed his eyes.

His hands formed the first stance of the Heavenly Demon Martial Arts—a forbidden style that combined speed, deception, and overwhelming force.

[Martial Arts Unlock Progress: 10%...]

Ethan breathed slowly, letting his body remember.

He took a step forward—his movements sharp, yet fluid. He executed the first form—Shadow Step, a technique that blurred his motion for a split second.

He moved again—ShadowFang, a precise, lethal thrust meant to pierce vital points.

With each motion, his synchronization with his past self grew stronger.

His old strength was not gone.

It was merely waiting to be reclaimed.

Ethan opened his eyes, gripping ShadowFang Blade tightly.

He was ready.

The next phase of his rise had begun.