Rebuilding

Two days had passed since the Blade Selection. Whispers of Lucien's "pure-blooded awakening" had already begun to spread through the estate like wildfire. The intensity of his mana—refined, untainted, and radiant—had not been seen since the current patriarch's youth. On the morning of the third day, a servant came to his quarters with stiff posture and a message. "Young master" "The Patriarch wishes to see you. Now." She said with an indifferent gaze.

Lucien said nothing. He stood, dusted off his training robe, and followed. Within the Crimson Main Estate — Patriarch's Office

Valken Crimson sat behind an aged obsidian desk that looked carved from the remains of a forgotten battlefield. The room was silent, save for the ticking of an ancient mana-infused clock in the corner. Lucien entered, eyes calm, posture composed. "Sit," Velphyr said. The two locked eyes—blood of the same bloodline. Silence followed. The tension was heavy, yet the Patriarch's expression showed neither hostility nor warmth. Then, after a long pause, Valken spoke. "A pure-blooded awakening... Only a few in our history have achieved it. And yet... yours felt nearly identical to my own." He rose, walking slowly to the window. "You are granted access to the Ancient Library and the Ancestral Storage. Use them well. But be warned—power misused is power revoked." Lucien's eyes remained fixed. He bowed slightly. "Understoood"

Later That Day — The Ancient Library. It was a towering, circular chamber carved into the inner mountain beside the estate. The air was thick with ancient mana, dust, and the weight of countless sword saints who had once walked these halls. Lucien walked between towering shelves filled with scrolls, tomes, and relic-records from centuries of Crimson swordmasters. He began with mana absorption techniques—looking for those that resonated with his internal flow. After absorbing a few, he discarded dozens.

Then came the swordsmanship section—ranging from standard techniques to near-mythical ones forgotten by time.

That's when it happened.

[Ding!]

System Notification

Unique Authority Gained: [COPY]

You may now copy any technique you see or read, regardless of rank or origin.

Lucien blinked. Shocked. He smiled. Without hesitation, he began weaving through the shelves again—this time quicker. With every page his eyes scanned, a new technique etched itself into his soul.

[Sword Technique Acquired: Crimson Moon Fang]

[Mana Art Acquired: Blood Pulse Circulation]

[Sword Technique Acquired: Heaven Severing Style]

[Mana Art Acquired: Lunar Core Expansion]

Until—He opened a scroll sealed in iron clasps near the bottom of a hidden alcove.

The scroll glowed red the moment his fingers brushed it.

[Ding!]

[System Notification]

You have discovered a technique classified as: [Draconic Slayer Art: Vortex Fang of Final Chaos]

Used to slay [Absolute Dragons] — entities just below Dragon Gods.

Origin: Unknown Plane.

Copying... Complete.

Lucien's lips barely parted.

"...This one sounds amazing."

Crimson Vault — Ancestral Storage

Lucien's next destination. Guarded by steel sentries and layered with magical seals, it was a place no one under the patriarch's permission could ever approach. The walls shimmered with the essence of myth. Relics. Artifacts. Relic armors. Cursed rings. Ancient beast remains, and even the teeth of Gods. And yet, none of them called to him. Until it did. In the corner, buried in shadows, stood a simple crimson blade stabbed into an obsidian pedestal. No intricate hilt. Faint blue aura.

[Ding!]

System Notification

You have discovered a bound weapon: [Mythic Rank – Crimson Void]

Due to your unique halo, this weapon has recognized your existence.

[Bound: Crimson Void]

No other wielder may ever touch this sword. Lucien stepped forward. The moment his hand gripped the hilt—The entire vault trembled slightly. The sword let out a quiet hum, like a dragon breathing in its sleep. He sheathed it quietly and turned around.

Crimson Training Grounds — Nightfall

The next few hours, Lucien stood beneath the moon, sword in hand, scroll opened beside him. "Draconic Slayer Art… Show me your depth." He began to move. Each swing echoed not just strength, but annihilation. With every motion. He wasn't just preparing to become a swordsman. He was becomig a god.

Lucien Crimson

Status: Regressor

Title: Heir of Fafnir

Weapon: [Mythic] Crimson Void

Authorities:

Chaotic Fear – Your presence instills unnatural dread in weaker enemies.

Copy – Able to replicate any seen or read technique.

??? – [Sealed]

??? – [Sealed]

??? – [Sealed]

New Techniques:

Vortex Fang of Final Flame – [Draconic Slayer Art]

Heaven Severance Style

Crimson Moon Fang

Blood Pulse Circulation

Lunar Core Expansion

Fragments Unlocked: 3/?