Meet with Shadow

___

The Gray Desert. That's the place I'm currently exploring. There's nothing here except for the blowing sands and a sky devoid of clouds or sun. I don't even know how long I've been wandering in this place without a clear purpose. I can't even remember who I am, why I'm here, or how I got here. However, I have a direction I'm heading towards.

A towering pillar stands in front of me. Although I know it's enormous, it's been a long time since I started walking toward that pillar. Cold, hot, frustrated, hungry, thirsty, stressed, in pain, angry, and lonely. What am I doing? I don't know what's happening. I want to go home. Did I even have a home to return to in the first place?

"Ah... I regret."

A hoarse voice emerges from Aeolus' dry and cracked lips. His vocal cords vibrate and break due to not drinking for a long time. His mana and aura have reached their lowest point since he began this second life. The only reason he's not dead is that his mana and aura are sustaining his weak body in this world. Aeolus stops walking and stares at the empty sky above him. What he sees is a shattered moon. One part was sliced with a sword, and its debris fell to the world, while the other part is dented due to an unknown cause. The last piece stands alone in the sky, radiating endless darkness. Countless stars float in the vast expanse of space, and Aeolus tries to reach for a star with his right hand, only to be surprised.

"Why am I holding a sword?"

"This sword is..."

[Nothing] shines and speaks, "Welcome, The Chosen One." Nothing can't be released; it's as if it has become one with Aeolus, or rather, they have truly merged. "What's going on?" Aeolus has no emotions in his eyes; he doesn't blame or get angry at the sword. He only blames his own foolishness for his mistakes. "You are someone foretold by our organization, Dark Moon. A Reincarnator who will become the heir to our highest leader, Shadow. Without further ado, let's head there."

"Wait... Ahhhhh."

Nothing flies toward the tall pillar in the middle of the vast desert. Aeolus flies with his hand gripping Nothing's hilt, feeling the wind eroding his skin and the organs he left behind on the ground making him scream in pain.

They move at the speed of light. The pillar grows closer, and it's enormous, reaching a height of 1,000 kilometers. Unfamiliar energy flows from the pillar to the black moon above. Aeolus and Nothing penetrate the pillar's wall.

"Welcome to the Obelisk of Dark Moon, The Chosen One. I am the sword of Shadow, welcoming you."

Nothing says as it lowers Aeolus. The place is eerily silent, with nothing inside.

"Follow me."

As they walk together, they reach a 50-meter gate.

"Open."

The door opens with just one word from Nothing, surprisingly making no sound. However, Aeolus feels something odd here.

"What is this?"

"Don't ask too many questions and follow me."

"Okay."

A giant tube filled with thick red liquid is in the center of the room. Inside the tube is a throne made of tens of thousands of swords, just like Nothing. Nothing approaches the tube and presses a button in front of it. Afterward, a drop of red liquid appears. It's blood, and Nothing offers the floating blood to Aeolus.

"Drink this. Don't worry; I have no ill intentions toward you. Moreover, the fact that you're a Transmigrator is a closely guarded secret of Dark Moon."

"What will I gain from this?"

"Power to kill anyone in this world. Isn't that what you need more than anything? Don't hesitate; just do it."

"Alright, I'll do it."

Aeolus drinks a drop of the blood and swallows it. An incredible pain follows, and Aeolus collapses immediately. However, the Heavenly Martial Sword God Body instantly regenerates all the parts of his body that were destroyed. But it's not over yet; destruction and regeneration occur repeatedly until his blood quickly floods the room. Aeolus's consciousness fades quickly.

This blood is too potent for an ordinary person to handle; even a God would die if they drank it. It's unclear how much time has passed. The blood, which initially soaked the area around, now covers the entire floor of the room. The blood sea reaches a height of 5 meters, and Aeolus faints in this place. His body is drenched in his own blood.

"As expected of The Chosen One, you are truly extraordinary, Master."

***

"Hmm, it feels like I've been through an incredibly long dream."

Aeolus awakens and stretches as if nothing had happened. He's back in the armory, just like before.

"Did I fall asleep while choosing a weapon? It's embarrassing to think about it."

"In that case, let's pick a Unique-rank weapon and return."

As Aeolus turns, a black longsword floats to greet him. Looking at it, memories flood Aeolus's mind rapidly. He retches and calms down a bit.

"Ugh, so it really did all happen."

"Are you kidding or something? Of course, it all really happened. Now you're my Master, and I welcome your arrival to this world, Shadow."

"So, now I'm Shadow, huh."

"Quite literally, yes. But you're not complete yet. With the power of the first Shadow, your body has been perfected; feel it."

Aeolus Avel Von Ferdant

Level: 150

Trait: System (Uncompleted)

Rank (Platenda): Grandmaster, Archmage Circle 8

Race: Human

Age: 5

Physique:

- Heavenly Martial Sword God Body

- True Darkness

Skills:

- Training (D)

- Wind and Thunder Swordsmanship (Grandmaster)

- Aura (Grandmaster)

- Meditation (D)

- Sword Heart (Grandmaster)

- Reader (D)

- Magic (Archmage)

- True Eye (42)

- Red Energy (0)

- Crescent Moon Swordsmanship (0)

- True Fall (0)

{True Darkness

A physic attribute possessed by those born with Dark Energy. It induces [Fear] in those who see you. Affection for @$@$&# increases by 1,000% (Locked). Additional skills acquired: [Dark Matter Manipulation] and [Eye of Calamity]. }

{[Fear

All creatures that gaze upon you will feel a deep-seated fear. Can be activated/deactivated.]}

{[Dark Matter Manipulation (Locked)]}

{[Eye of Calamity (Locked)]}

{Red Energy

Rank: Myth

Energy created with strong determination, exerting pressure on the aura of affected targets. Red Energy automatically surrounds the user, creating an energy field and protecting them. Enemies within this energy field take continuous damage at a rate of 1% HP per minute. The aura is automatically converted into Red Energy. Red Energy dominates over any other aura, but its effectiveness depends on the user's abilities.}

{Crescent Moon Swordsmanship

Rank: Semi-Myth

A graceful yet powerful swordsmanship art focusing on the harmony and elegance of the sword. Provides a 500% boost to strength, attack speed, and agility when used. It comprises nine forms of swordsmanship.}

{True Fall

Rank: Semi-Myth

Deals 1,000% damage when attacking. Requires 100,000 MP.}

"What are these overpowered skills?!?! Hey, Nothing, are you messing with me? Is this real? Hey, answer me!"

"Calm down, Master, don't shake me like that!!!"