Chapter 1-New World
Is this death?
It felt… strangely comfortable.
The pain, the noise, the burdens I carried through life—gone, as if they had never existed.
I floated—or maybe I just existed—suspended in a vast expanse of reflectionless black. There was no ground beneath me, no sky above. No sound. No time. Just stillness. Absolute, infinite stillness.
It was like being cradled by the void itself. No weight. No fear. Just... peace.
But something was wrong.
Though my body—if I even had one—felt light and free, a strange unease coiled deep within me. I should have felt relieved, but part of me resisted the calm. As if something important had been forgotten.
"Do you have any regrets?"
The voice echoed endlessly in my mind. It wasn't loud, yet it filled every corner of the void. Neither male nor female, warm nor cold. It simply was—the question made manifest, as if the void itself had spoken.
Regrets?
I tried to answer, but nothing came to mind. My memories felt distant, like whispers drowned beneath black water.
Regrets... I don't know. I can't remember.
"Think carefully."
The voice came closer—not threatening, just persistent. Urging me. Pleading, almost.
Then it struck—sharp, sudden, like lightning cleaving through the dark.
Ah... yes.
I wanted... another chance.
"If I gave you another chance, would you make the most of it?"
The words vibrated through me, pulsing with strange gravity. The void itself seemed to hold its breath.
I clenched my fists—not that I had any.
"Give it to me!" I shouted.
The void trembled.
"Very well," the voice intoned, fading like smoke into the dark.
"As you wish."
And just like that, the peace shattered.
---
"Wakey wakey."
The voice was casual—too casual. I blinked.
Before me stood a man—or something like a man. He moved with an otherworldly grace, his presence serene yet commanding. Short white hair, as pure as untouched snow, framed a face so perfect it felt unreal. Divine, even. His skin glowed faintly, as if light bent toward him instead of away.
"Who... who are you?" I croaked, my eyes fluttering open. My head throbbed. My body was sluggish. The world around me swam in a hazy blur.
He smiled. Too friendly. Almost disturbingly so.
"Weaver," he said.
"Weaver... are you a god or something?"
"Something like that," he replied with a lopsided grin. "But you're awfully calm."
I looked around.
There was... nothing. Just sky. Endless sky and a gentle breeze. It should've felt wrong, but instead it radiated peace. Tranquility.
"Where are we?"
"A place beyond heaven and earth," he said, glancing lazily upward at the non-existent ceiling. "But that's none of your concern."
He took a step forward, arms spreading wide.
"You seek another chance, and I wish to give it to you by sending you to another world. And since my benevolence knows no bounds…"
"I'll even grant you a single ability of your choosing."
I stared. The sky beneath my feet rippled like water. My legs wobbled slightly as I rose.
"About this new world… anything I should know?"
Weaver's grin widened.
"A world that defies the logic of your old one. Magic. Demons. Monsters. Wonders and nightmares alike."
I took a moment to breathe. This was real—whatever "real" meant here.
"Will the ability I choose be… limited in any way?"
He tilted his head politely. "It can be anything."
A silence stretched between us.
Then came the question.
"Now… what is it you desire?"
I thought carefully. If I only had one choice, it needed to be something that would serve me in all things—growth, survival, strength.
But before I could speak, something... pulled at me. As if whispering from deep within.
A single word echoed again and again in my mind, like a mantra.
Predation.
Why that word? I didn't know. It was as if someone—or something—wanted me to say it. The voice in my head repeated it, again and again, until I finally gave in.
"I've decided."
Weaver's eyes gleamed with curiosity. He leaned in, his smile sharpening.
I met his gaze and spoke with resolve.
"Predation. An ability that allows me to grow stronger—infinitely—by devouring others."
He chuckled. "Ah… now that's an interesting one."
"Could you also include... a growth effect?" I asked, half-expecting him to refuse.
Instead, he beamed. "Of course. I'll even make it evolve. But—" he raised a finger, "—certain conditions or items will be required to unlock its full potential."
I frowned. "What kind of conditions?"
He laughed, the sound unnervingly pleasant. "Now, where's the fun in spoiling the surprise?"
Weaver's exaggerated grin stretched wider than it should have. He raised his hand.
"Now off you go! Oh—and when you arrive, make sure to say 'Status Window.' You'll thank me later."
As a blinding light surrounded me, I glanced back at him.
"Thanks… for the second chance."
The light swallowed me whole.
But just before I vanished completely, I caught a glimpse of Weaver's lips moving.
He said something.
Something I couldn't hear.
Then he turned… and walked away.
Instantaneously, he was there—
Surrounded by unfamiliar houses.
The village was small and secluded, nestled between rolling green hills and dense woodlands. Thatched-roof cottages lined the dirt paths, their chimneys releasing thin wisps of smoke into the crisp morning air. A gentle breeze rustled through golden wheat fields, carrying the faint scent of fresh earth and blooming wildflowers. In the distance, a narrow stream shimmered beneath the sunlight, its waters flowing lazily through the heart of the village, reflecting the soft hues of the sky. Birds chirped overhead, their song weaving into the distant chatter of villagers going about their daily routines—unaware that a stranger had arrived in their midst.
Before doing anything else, Vergil muttered, "Status window."
A blue panel shimmered into existence before his eyes.
---
Name: Vergil
Tier: 0
Level: 1
Title: Commoner
Lifespan: 65 years
Spouses: None
Race: Human
Class: None
Stats:
Strength: 5
Constitution: 7
Dexterity: 6
Intuition: 4
Magic Power: 2
Mana Capacity: 3
Equipment:
Basic Clothing (+2 Defense)
Skills:
Passive Skills: None
Active Skills: Authority of Predation (???)
Special Traits:
Special Constitution: None
Arts: None
Special Eyes: None
Confidants: None
Available Stat Points: 0
---
Tutorial:
Welcome, user, to the tutorial. I will now explain how the status window functions.
Vergil's eyes scanned the screen as the system continued.
Strength – Determines your physical power.
Constitution – Governs endurance, stamina, and resistance to damage.
Dexterity – Measures agility, coordination, and balance.
Intuition – Influences your sense for danger.
Wisdom – Affects perception, awareness, and insight.
Magic Power – Determines the potency of your spells.
Mana Capacity – Dictates how much mana your body can store and recover. (Mana replenishes slowly through rest or breathing techniques.)
Additional energy types such as Yuan Qi, Demonic Energy, and Divine Energy exist, but you must acquire them yourself.
Hidden stats such as Willpower, Vitality, Charisma, and Luck exist. These cannot be raised through stat points and must be developed through other means. They are currently all set at 6.
Vergil took mental notes.
You currently possess only one active skill: Authority of Predation. No passive skills have been unlocked.
Special constitutions, arts, and unique eyes are not obtained through stat points. They are acquired through birth or rare circumstances.
His gaze dropped to the Confidants section.
Confidants reflect your relationships, ranked from 1 to 10. Deepening bonds with certain individuals can unlock special effects. Fake or superficial relationships will not count.
Your current lifespan is 65 years. This cannot be increased with stat points, but there are methods to extend it.
Vergil narrowed his eyes. "How do I increase my lifespan?"
Lifespan can be extended through Yuan Qi cultivation or by acquiring rare treasures.
"So I need either rare items or Yuan Qi… neither of which I have." Vergil muttered. "Then how do I obtain Yuan Qi?"
There are two primary methods: cultivating diligently—requiring natural talent—or using the Authority of Predation to consume Yuan Qi from other lifeforms.
Be warned: consuming Yuan Qi through predation may result in rapid breakthroughs, but it is extremely painful.
A new list appeared:
---
Cultivation Realms & Lifespan Bonuses:
Qi Gathering → +5 years
Qi Condensing → +10 years
Bone Forging → +25 years
Profound Heavens → +50 years
Radiant Stage → +100 years
Ethereal Stage → +250 years
Sole Harmony → +500 years
Genesis → +1,000 years
Spirit King → +2,000 years
There are realms beyond these, but they require unique conditions. I will inform you when the time comes.
---
Vergil's mind buzzed. "So if I cultivate properly, I can live for centuries…"
His eyes returned to Authority of Predation.
"System, why is there a question mark next to my skill?"
Skills are ranked from F– to EX. However, Authority of Predation surpasses conventional ranking systems. It has the potential to evolve and unlock new functions, making it immeasurable.
Vergil smirked. "Then how do I unlock those functions?"
Your skill will evolve under unique circumstances. I cannot provide specifics, but I will notify you when the time comes.
So the system wasn't all-knowing. Good to know.
His gaze dropped to the Arts section.
Arts—or fighting styles—define how a person fights. This includes swordsmanship, breathing techniques, and other specialized disciplines. Mastery determines both effectiveness and combat performance.
"Interesting… That's all for now. I'll ask more questions later."
Choose your class, Vergil. Many types are available. Choose wisely—this cannot be changed.
Classes Available:
Warrior
Mage
Assassin
Thief
Magic Swordsman
…
Vergil scrolled through the list. What suits me…? He had never wielded a weapon before. He wasn't even sure he had talent.
Then, a class caught his eye—All Master. A class that wielded all weapons and gained new passive skills as its level increased.
"System, I want this class."
Class registered. It will now appear on your status window.
Vergil smirked. This should work. It only adds +1 to all stats, unlike others that boost Strength and Constitution more. But with Predation, I can absorb stats from enemies.
Note: When absorbing stats from lifeforms, stronger enemies grant full stats. Weaker enemies may only grant decimal increases.
Vergil nodded. Makes sense. I shouldn't gain five whole stats from weaklings when I'm thousands ahead.
Good luck, user. May the blessing of the world—Eternia—be with you. Ask anything at any time, and I will respond to the best of my ability.
Vergil tilted his head. "Eternia, huh… fits."
He checked his new status:
---
Name: Vergil
Level: 1
Title: Commoner
Lifespan: 65 years
Spouses: None
Race: Human
Class: All Master
Stats:
Strength: 6
Constitution: 8
Dexterity: 7
Intuition: 4
Magic Power: 3
Mana Capacity: 4
Equipment:
Basic Clothing (+2 Defense)
Skills:
Passive: None
Active: Authority of Predation (???)
Special Constitution: None
Arts: None
Special Eyes: None
Confidants: None
Stat Points: 0
Money: 5 gold
---
"Not bad for now."
Five gold… is that a lot? He wasn't sure. He needed to be discreet until he learned more. For now, he needed a weapon.
He spotted an elderly woman nearby and approached.
"Excuse me, ma'am. Do you know where the blacksmith is?"
She gave him a puzzled look. "£@£÷@&@*£&÷×&#=&÷."
Vergil stiffened. Damn. A language barrier? He clenched his jaw. The system didn't even give me the local language!
"System, is there a way to learn the language?"
Would you like to integrate the language of Eternium into your memory?
"Yes. Do it."
Pain exploded in his skull. A flood of words, grammar, and meaning crashed into his mind like a tsunami. Sweat poured from his face, and his vision blurred. His stomach turned—but he didn't break.
The old woman stepped closer, concerned. "Young man, are you alright?"
Vergil steadied himself, breathing through the pain. "I'm fine, thank you."
She smiled in relief. "Goodness, you had me worried."
"Do you know where the blacksmith is?"
"Just head down the street—you'll see it."
"Thank you very much."
She called out as he turned. "Wait—what's your name?"
"Vergil."
She chuckled. "If you ever need advice, come see me. I'm Elvira."
"I will, if the time comes."
He made his way down the path until the rhythmic hammering of metal grew louder. The blacksmith's workshop came into view—and so did the man behind the forge.
A giant of a man, easily over six and a half feet tall, with arms thick from a lifetime of work. Calloused hands. Soot-streaked skin. A leather apron strained against his broad chest. His beard was a wild, ash-flecked mess, and his eyes burned like embers beneath a furrowed brow.
When he moved, the wooden floor trembled. His voice rumbled deep like stone grinding against stone.
"Welcome, young blood."
Vergil blinked. "Young blood?"
The man laughed. "It's just a saying, boy. And judging from how scrawny you are, it fits."
He's right, Vergil thought.
He turned and spotted a mirror. His reflection stared back.
Average height. Slender build. Narrow shoulders. Soft, smooth hands unaccustomed to work. His short black hair fell slightly out of place. Brown eyes—warm, but unremarkable. A face that might be considered handsome in the right light, but forgettable at a glance.
There was nothing intimidating about him. He looked like someone meant to be overlooked.
But not for long, he promised himself.
The system muttered in his mind:
[Scrawny-looking ass.]
Its attitude had shifted from formal to casually rude—but Vergil thought that was normal.
"The fuck you just say to me?" he muttered.
The blacksmith ignored it and asked, "So, kid, what are you looking for?"
"A dagger," Vergil replied confidently, brushing off the system's jab.
The reason I chose a dagger, out of all weapons, is simple.
In my previous life, I'd only ever used a knife. Most people would rush to grab a sword, but those decisions can get you killed. I need to survive.
"A dagger, eh? No weapon training, I presume?"
"Yeah."
The blacksmith headed to the back and returned shortly after, holding a dagger.
As Vergil inspected it, the system analyzed the weapon:
---
[Metal Dagger]
Attack: +5
Description:
The dagger is worn but well-maintained, its blade bearing faint marks of past battles and countless sharpenings. The steel has lost its original shine, now carrying a dull, weathered gleam—but no rust mars its surface. The edge, though not razor-sharp, still holds enough bite to cut cleanly with the right force.
The hilt is wrapped in aged leather, darkened and softened by years of use, molded to the grip of its former wielder. Small nicks and scratches mark the cross guard—evidence of deflected blows and hasty parries. A faint engraving runs along the base of the blade, half-worn but still legible—a name, a motto, or the insignia of a long-forgotten craftsman.
This dagger carries a quiet history—neither pristine nor broken. It's not a relic, not a showpiece. It's a tool. Reliable, and deadly in the right hands.
---
The blacksmith exhaled. "This dagger's been in the inventory for a while. It was my first creation, back when I was just starting out. I've used it myself a few times, kept it in good condition. But because it's just... normal, adventurers don't usually want it. Low-tier and all."
"Thanks, man. How much?" Vergil asked.
"The name's Gilbert," the blacksmith said with a smirk. "And it's on the house."
"Then thanks, Gilbert," Vergil chuckled.
"You taking on a monster subjugation by any chance?"
"I am. But... I've got no clue where to go," Vergil admitted.
Gilbert sighed. "You're really new to this, huh? Head straight out from the entrance—you'll see the Adventurers' Guild."
Vergil paused, frowning. "Why are you helping me so much? I'm a stranger. You've got no reason to go this far."
This guy's been helpful, maybe a bit too much. Info was fine, but giving me the dagger for free? Either he's just a good man… or he has a reason.
Gilbert only smiled. "Think of it as a blacksmith's intuition."
Vergil smiled and handed over a gold coin. "Take it."
Gilbert's eyes widened. "That dagger's only worth 30 silver at best!"
Vergil fastened the weapon to his waist. "Think of it as my way of showing gratitude."
In my old world, the saying was to repay gratitude twice—and revenge tenfold.
For me? Gratitude is repaid tenfold… and revenge a hundredfold.
It won't hurt to make allies along the way. Before I even think about the higher realms where Weever lived, I need to conquer this one first.
---
[System Notification]
> [Your relationship with Gilbert has progressed to ★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (1/10 Stars). You can now view your relationships in the 'Confidants' section. Say 'Confidants' to access it.]
"Is he someone that can grant special effects if I improve our relationship?" Vergil asked.
[No. He is not one of the key people of his 'class.']
"Explain."
[To gain system effects such as stat boosts, synergy skills, and more, the target must either be or have the potential to become the pinnacle of their class. I will inform you of such individuals. However, it is up to you to form relationships with them.
Remember: your words can either strengthen or ruin a connection.]
"Huh. What an interesting system," Vergil murmured, amused.
---
Vergil walked through the doors of the Adventurers' Guild.
Behind the polished desk sat a receptionist—poised, professional. Her hands moved with practiced ease through paperwork and a sleek crystal interface. Her uniform was crisp, her hair neat and elegant. A headset rested on her ear, allowing her to multitask without missing a beat.
She looked up and smiled politely. "How can I help you?"
"I'd like to register as an adventurer."
"That will be three gold to issue your ID and allow you to accept subjugation requests."
The moment he heard the price, Vergil felt like he'd been stabbed in the chest.
Looks like I'll be broke in this life too.
He sighed and handed over three gold coins, barely holding back tears. "Here you go."
"Can I get your name as well? It will be used as your identity when you visit other guilds in this kingdom."
"It's Vergil," he replied.
She nodded and disappeared into the back. A few minutes later, she returned with a card embedded with a glowing mana crystal.
---
[Adventurer's ID]
Name: Vergil
Rank: F – Adventurer
---
Seems about right, he thought.
"You can raise your rank by completing requests of your level or one rank higher," she explained. "Right now, you're only allowed to take on E-rank requests at most."
Probably to stop idiots from rushing into things and dying. Makes sense.
"What requests are available right now?" he asked.
"The only subjugation request currently available to you is an F-rank goblin hunt in Rotroot Forest."
Vergil gave a slow nod. "I'll take it."
"Please bring back proof of your hunt—goblin crystals, preferably."
So crystals are the proof, huh?
He turned from the reception desk, a smirk forming on his lips.
Time to slaughter some goblins.