Veil of Power

The Academy courtyard was eerily quiet under the moonlight. Dante stood at the edge, his back pressed against the cold stone wall, his thoughts a whirlwind of calculation. He had survived the dungeon. He had killed. And now, he was stronger. But survival was just the beginning.

His fingers twitched, and with a thought, his Phantom Blade materialized in his grip—a weapon of pure darkness, flickering like smoke yet sharp enough to cut through steel. He let it dissolve, then exhaled slowly. It was time to assess himself properly.

A mental command brought up his Status Window—a privilege granted only to those with awakened abilities. The translucent screen flickered before his eyes, revealing the truth of his current state.

[Status Window]

Name: Dante Varros

Rank: F

Age: 15

Lifespan: 80 Years

Essence Core: Dormant

Abilities:

Hunter (??? - Unique) – Grants the ability to plunder one skill, talent, ability, or lifespan from slain targets.

Phantom Blade (C-Rank) – Summon an ethereal weapon that phases through armor and solid matter.

Mirage Veil (D-Rank) – Temporarily distort light to become nearly invisible.

Shadow Step (D-Rank) – Instantly shift a short distance in any direction.

Predator's Insight (C-Rank) – Enhances senses to detect fear, weakness, and killing intent in others.

Skills:

Dagger Mastery (E-Rank) – Basic proficiency with daggers and short blades.

Survival Instinct (D-Rank) – Enhanced awareness and adaptability in life-threatening situations.

Stealth (D-Rank) – Ability to move silently and blend into surroundings.

Talents:

Cold Calculus – Exceptional ability to analyze situations and make ruthless decisions.

Unyielding Will – Mental fortitude against pain, fear, and external influence.

[Rank System]

Ranks determine one's strength, authority, and survival capability in the world of Nyxterra. The official ranking system is as follows:

F-Rank – Weakest individuals, often commoners or those without awakened abilities.

E-Rank – Slightly stronger than average, capable of minor enhancements.

D-Rank – Trained individuals with combat experience or specialized abilities.

C-Rank – The rank of most professional fighters, adventurers, and soldiers.

B-Rank – Elite warriors, often serving as enforcers or captains.

A-Rank – Commanders, faction leaders, and high-tier specialists.

S-Rank – Legendary figures, rarely encountered, possessing overwhelming power.

SS-Rank – Near-mythical beings, with few existing in the world.

SSS-Rank – The pinnacle of power, the rulers of Nyxterra.

Advancement:

A person advances by refining their Essence Core, honing their skills, and breaking through personal limits. This requires:

Accumulation of Essence Energy – Absorbing and refining essence through training, combat, or other means.

Comprehension and Evolution – Deepening understanding of one's abilities and pushing them to evolve.

Physical and Mental Conditioning – Strengthening the body and mind to sustain higher levels of power.

External Assistance – Consumption of rare potions, artifacts, and external aid to accelerate breakthroughs.

Official Evaluation – Ranks must be confirmed through sanctioned tests to gain recognition.

Dante's eyes narrowed at the rank beside his name. F-Rank. A joke. A fabrication.

By the Academy's standards, he was among the weakest students. But that was the veil he chose to keep over himself. Power was best wielded from the shadows.

He clenched his fists. Ranks weren't just classifications—they dictated respect, authority, and survival. He understood the system well enough. A person advanced by refining their Essence Core, honing their skills, and breaking through their limits. Official evaluations tested these aspects, ensuring rank-ups weren't granted carelessly.

But Dante was different. His Hunter ability ignored all bottlenecks. He didn't need to train tirelessly for years. He could steal power directly.

That was why the Academy couldn't measure him accurately. His Essence Core was dormant, unreadable, a smokescreen hiding what he truly was. He had already surpassed an average E-Rank, maybe even D-Rank, and no one knew.

He smirked. That was how he wanted it.

A rustle in the distance snapped him from his thoughts. Jared and Meren. The last two survivors of the dungeon incident. Loose ends. They would die soon, but not here. Not yet. He had to maintain appearances for now.

Straightening his posture, he stepped out of the shadows and made his way toward the dormitories. Graduation was approaching. Soon, he'd leave the Academy behind. And when he did…

The real hunt would begin.