Darkspades

In a world ruled by Talent, he was born without one… or so they thought.

Every child’s future is decided at the Awakening Ceremony. Warriors, Mages, Priests, and Thieves rise to glory — but Kaelen Drayce awakens to a humiliating fate: F-Class “Versatile Amateur.” Mocked. Forgotten. Abandoned by the system that worships strength.

But when the world turns its back, destiny whispers a secret:

[Talent Ascension System Activated.]
[Hidden Class Detected: EX-Class - Jack of All Trades.]

Beneath the shadow of broken dreams, Kaelen carries a power beyond comprehension — the ability to master all talents, all paths, and ascend beyond the chains of fate itself.

Rejected by the legendary Astralis Academy, Kaelen is cast into Valewind Institute — the “second-rate” school. His best friend, the prodigy Aria Valcrest, rises alone among the elites, while Kaelen battles through dungeons, betrayal, ancient guild wars, and the awakening of long-forgotten gods.

From commoner to sovereign, from weakling to world-breaker —

The world will learn:
A true Sovereign walks every path.

And no crown forged by blood or destiny can bind him.

Sovereign of Infinite Paths

The dawn air was sharp with the scent of sweat, metal, and nerves.

First-year students packed into the Combat Grounds, a wide open ring of hardened earth surrounded by wooden stands.

Instructors watched from high stone platforms, sharp-eyed and merciless.

Today was the First Combat Assessment — where rankings would be set, reputations built, and futures changed.

Kaelen tightened his grip on his old sword, standing in line with the others.

His heart beat steady now — not with fear, but with cold focus.

[System Quest Active: Finish Top 10% in First Combat Assessment.]

"First Match!" Commander Ardyn roared. "Kaelen Drayce versus Rykard Halden!"

A murmur rippled through the gathered students.

Across the ring, his opponent — a smug-looking boy with fine leather armor and a gleaming new longsword — swaggered into place.

"You're that Versatile Amateur, right?" Rykard sneered. "Maybe they'll give you points for effort."

Kaelen didn't respond. He rolled his shoulders, feeling his muscles loosen from last night's endless training.

A classic lunge — sword flashing toward Kaelen's shoulder.

Kaelen pivoted slightly, the blade slicing harmlessly through the air beside him.

The System whispered softly in his mind:

He saw it clearly — Rykard's overcommitment, the way he left his left side exposed during the lunge.

Kaelen shifted his stance, gripped his sword with both hands, and swung with brutal precision.

A low, tight arc — powered by every muscle, every hour of pain and practice.

The blow crashed against Rykard's guard.

The noble boy's sword shattered with a high-pitched crack.

Rykard staggered back, eyes wide in disbelief — before Kaelen stepped in and slammed the flat of his blade against his chest, sending him sprawling in the dirt.

The silence broke into scattered gasps.

Students whispered, confused, some glaring, others suddenly wary.

He simply saluted the instructor, turned on his heel, and walked calmly back to the line — leaving Rykard coughing and groaning in the dirt behind him.

"Holy crap," Eren muttered from the sidelines, wide-eyed. "That wasn't normal."

Selina clapped quietly, smiling brightly.

Kaelen stood at attention, breathing steadily.

[System Update: Quest Progress 10%. New Option Unlocked.]

[Unlock Second Class Skill - Basic Mage Technique Available.]

Chapter 4: First Blood