THE REBIRTH OF THE FALLEN PRINCE

DESTINED ARC .

3RD PERSON POV

Two hundred billion years ago, long before existence itself took form, there was nothing—only an infinite void, dark, empty, and silent. An expanse that stretched infinitely, with no space, no time, no light, just the incomprehensible absence of everything. This was the ultimate emptiness, untouched by existence, a true blank slate where not a single thing could be perceived or felt. It was a space where reality had yet to unfold, a place where no life could emerge, and no time could pass. A cold, infinite nothingness, stretching beyond the horizon of understanding.

Then, from this great chasm of void, an unprecedented force stirred. A radiance, a brilliance unlike any seen before, emerged from the endless dark. It wasn't a mere flicker or a weak glimmer; it was an overwhelming light, encompassing all that was pure, unimaginable, and beyond mortal comprehension. This presence, this force, was the Will of God—an entity of absolute power, a being of pure will, infinite knowledge, and unparalleled dominion. Its existence was not constrained by time or space, for it was beyond them. Omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, it could perceive all things and shape all things, with no limits to its reach or influence.

As it came into being, the Will of God immediately understood the nature of existence, recognizing the need for time and space. The understanding that creation could not unfold without these fundamental forces led to its first act—an act that would shape everything to come: the creation of time and space themselves. These concepts allowed existence to evolve, to grow, and to change. Time, to give flow to events, and space, to offer a place for things to exist, were born from the very will of this entity, forming the foundational pillars of all things that would follow.

And so, with time and space in place, the Will of God shaped the next crucial pieces of existence: the Four Primordial Spirits. These beings, birthed from its own essence, embodied the core elements of the universe itself, becoming the building blocks of creation.

Primordial Spirit of Light: The embodiment of radiance, purity, and the beginning of all things good.

Primordial Spirit of Darkness: The counterpart to light, representing the absence, shadow, and the necessary contrast for the light to be understood.

Primordial Spirit of Time and Space: The guardian of the universe's fabric, guiding the flow of existence across infinite dimensions.

Primordial Spirit of Elements: The essence of nature, controlling all forms of matter, from fire and water to earth and air.

These four spirits, born of the Will of God, were entrusted with the governing of the most fundamental aspects of existence. Their roles ensured that the balance between light and dark, time and space, and the forces of nature remained intact. Together, they formed the heart of the newly created cosmos.

With creation taking shape, the Will of God also decided to introduce sentient beings into its vast universe. It gave birth to the Angels, who would embody purity, guidance, and the protection of the natural order, and the Demons, who would represent chaos, destruction, and the testing of balance. These beings were not just servants; they played essential roles in the unfolding drama of the world. Both angels and demons were a necessary part of the divine experiment that the Will of God had set in motion—a plan that would unfold across countless worlds.

Yet, even with all of creation set into motion, the Will of God still felt something was missing. It desired to create a system that would govern everything, allowing the vast universe to maintain its balance without direct intervention from the entity itself. And so, it created The Echo of Creation, a system that would control power, evolution, life, and death. This system would carry out the will of God in every corner of existence, enforcing the very laws it had created.

But the Will of God's design didn't stop there. To bring true autonomy to the world, it created The System of Skills, a manifestation of the very power it had over existence. This system would allow beings within the universe to access incredible abilities—skills that reflected the core forces of creation. And in a stunning move, the Will of God isolated a portion of its divine authority into Five Sacred Skills. These skills were powerful beyond measure, and anyone who obtained all five would become as strong as the Will of God itself. Yet, these skills were bound by one condition: they could only be wielded by those with a completely pure soul—except for three of them. The other three could be obtained by those with darkened souls, offering balance between purity and corruption.

After establishing this system, the Will of God set the stage for the birth of twelve universes. Each universe was its own unique world, governed by its own rules, time, and creatures. The Will of God allowed life to flourish across these realms, watching as diverse forms of existence took shape, from the simplest organisms to the most complex civilizations. Each universe, with its own distinct flavor of life, grew and evolved within the boundaries of time and space.

Yet, even with everything created, the Will of God still felt an insatiable longing. Despite being all-powerful, it yearned to experience existence as a being capable of growth, struggle, and suffering. It wanted to understand life not just as the creator, but as a participant. It sought to walk the path of a mortal—to experience the pain, the joys, and the lessons that could only be understood through living and dying.

And so, the Will of God made a choice. It created a vassal—a being capable of holding immense power, but limited by time and space, just as any mortal would be. This vassal would be the avatar of the Will of God, experiencing the world in ways the Will itself never could. The vassal would walk among mortals, bound by the flow of time, susceptible to pain, suffering, and death.

Thus, The Vassal was born—a reflection of the Will of God, imbued with divine power, yet not omnipotent. It was a being that could live, learn, and experience life in all its complexities. This vassal would serve as the bridge between the divine and the mortal, marking the beginning of a journey where even the most omnipotent of beings would come to understand the limits of existence.

----END OF POV ----

3RD PERSON POV (riku Yamazaki )

Groaning softly, Riku's eyes fluttered open. His body ached, his head was heavy, and the world around him blurred before snapping into focus. The first thing he saw was blood—thick, dark pools soaking the ground, painting the destroyed village in a gruesome red. Scattered corpses littered the ground, their lifeless eyes staring at nothing. Houses were reduced to smoldering ruins, and faint flames crackled in the distance, the smoke biting at his lungs.

He blinked rapidly, struggling to process the scene. "What... what is this?" he murmured, his voice hoarse and shaky. He pushed himself to a sitting position, looking around with wide, horrified eyes.

"Why am I here? What happened?" His heart raced as he staggered to his feet, the chilling silence pressing down on him. His hands trembled as he ran them through his hair, his mind desperately trying to piece together the events that had led to this moment.

Then it hit him—memories flooding back like a dam breaking. His sister's betrayal in his past life, the blade piercing his chest. His parents in this life, their warm smiles replaced by the cold stillness of death. The soldiers, their cruel laughter as they slaughtered innocents. And then... the blood, the rage, the black sword in his hand as he cut them down one by one.

He shuddered, gripping his head. "I... I killed them," he whispered, his voice cracking. "I really killed them. I killed living beings... humans."

His gaze dropped to the black sword lying in the dirt nearby. Blood still dripped from its blade, glinting ominously in the dim light. He reached down and picked it up, the weight of it heavy in his hand, not just physically but emotionally.

"Why... why did I do this?" he asked aloud, his voice filled with anguish. The regret clawed at his chest, but at the same time, a dark satisfaction lurked beneath the surface. "They deserved it," he whispered, trying to convince himself. "They killed my parents... they destroyed everything. But... does that justify it?"

His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed something strange—his voice. It was deeper, more mature. He froze, confusion etched across his face. "What... what happened to my voice? It's... different." His hands touched his throat instinctively. "It's not like before. I sound older... but how? Why?"

Then he looked down at himself, his body bare. Panic set in as he scrambled to cover himself, his cheeks burning in embarrassment despite the grim surroundings. "Why... why am I naked?! What happened to my clothes?"

Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind: [[ Evolution is complete. ]]

He froze, his eyes darting around. "What was that? Evolution? What do you mean by evolution?" he questioned, but the voice offered no reply.

Another voice, colder and more mechanical, followed:

<< (EV) updated to 50,000. In addition to evolution, soul skills have evolved into a unique skill. >>

"EV? Soul skills? Unique skill?" Riku whispered, his brow furrowed as he tried to understand. "What does any of that even mean? Why is this happening to me?"

He sighed heavily, looking around again at the destruction. The sight of the village—the blood-soaked ground, the charred remains of houses—stirred something deep within him. Slowly, he turned and made his way toward what was left of his house.

The door creaked as he pushed it open, the familiar interior now reduced to ash and ruin. He walked carefully, his footsteps echoing in the empty halls. When he reached the small room where his family had kept their belongings, he spotted a pile of clothes untouched by the destruction.

He rummaged through the pile and found a black shirt with loose sleeves, black pants, and a choker with a simple strap. The dark attire seemed fitting, almost like it called to him. He slipped into the clothes, the fabric cool against his skin. As he secured the choker around his neck, he glanced at his reflection in a cracked mirror.

"This... will do," he muttered, his voice hollow.

With slow, heavy steps, he ascended the stairs to the upstairs room. There, his breath hitched as he saw them—his parents. Their lifeless bodies lay on the floor, still as they had been when they died. His mother's hand was outstretched, as if trying to reach for him, and his father's protective stance had been frozen in time.

Riku dropped to his knees, his sword clattering to the floor. Tears welled up in his eyes as he stared at them, guilt and pain crashing over him in waves. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry," he whispered, his voice trembling. "I couldn't protect you. I failed you... again."

He reached out, his fingers brushing against his mother's hand. It was cold, lifeless. The reality of their loss hit him harder than anything else. "Why? Why was I born into this? Why do I have to suffer like this again?"

After a long moment, he stood, wiping his tears. "I'll make sure you rest properly this time," he said softly.

With determination in his steps, he walked outside, searching for a peaceful spot amidst the chaos. The ground was soft near a small grove untouched by fire, the air quieter here. He began to dig, his hands blistering as he worked. Each movement felt like penance, his guilt driving him forward.

As he laid his parents to rest, he spoke quietly, his voice raw. "I promise... I won't let this happen again. I'll survive. I'll fight. And I'll make sure their blood wasn't spilled in vain."

When it was done, he stood before the simple graves, his fists clenched. The weight of his vow settled on his shoulders as he turned back to the destroyed village, a fire burning in his heart.

Riku turned away from the graves he had just made, his gaze wandering to the edge of the village. There, beyond the destruction and death, lay a dense forest. The towering trees seemed endless, their emerald leaves shifting gently with the breeze. It was the only place untouched by the chaos around him.

"A forest…" he murmured, staring at the expanse. His stomach growled faintly, pulling him out of his thoughts. "I need food. There's no way I'll survive without it." He rubbed his stomach, grimacing. "Guess I'll have to hunt. Shouldn't be too hard... right?"

He sighed and adjusted the sword strapped to his waist. "Alright then," he said, steeling himself. "Let's see what this forest has to offer."

As he stepped into the forest, a sudden chill washed over him. The air was damp and filled with the earthy scent of moss, bark, and wet leaves. Sunlight barely penetrated the thick canopy, casting fragmented rays on the forest floor.

Each step he took was cautious, his eyes scanning his surroundings. Twigs cracked under his boots, and the distant rustle of leaves filled the otherwise silent forest. It felt alive, yet eerily still.

He walked deeper, his senses on high alert, but there were no signs of life. No animals, no birds—just the occasional rustling of bushes. "Where are all the animals?" he muttered, growing frustrated. "This place should be full of them…"

He stopped by a large tree, leaning against it for a moment. "This world," he said softly, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I don't understand it. Magic exists. Abilities exist. They call them skills here... but what are soul skills? Unique skills? And EV? I don't even know what that means."

He ran a hand through his hair, sighing. "It's like I've been thrown into some kind of dream , but no one bothered to give me the rules."

Just as he pushed himself off the tree, a voice echoed in his mind, cold and mechanical: [[ Warning: Hostile presence detected. Bear approaching from the right. ]]

Riku froze, his heart pounding. "A bear?!" he whispered, spinning to face the direction the voice mentioned. His grip on his sword tightened as the bushes rustled violently.

Before he could react further, the bear burst through the undergrowth—a massive beast with matted fur and sharp claws. It roared, its eyes locked onto Riku.

[[ Activating Adapter skill. Dodge left. ]]

Riku's body moved on its own, twisting to the left just as the bear swiped at him. The claws missed him by inches, slicing through the air with deadly force.

"W-What the hell?!" Riku stammered, stumbling back. "That... that skill just saved me!"

The bear roared and charged again, its massive paws thundering against the ground. Riku sidestepped, narrowly avoiding its attack, and swung his sword at its side. The blade cut into the bear's thick hide, drawing blood, but the beast barely flinched.

"This thing's tough," Riku muttered, his breathing ragged. The bear turned, its dark eyes burning with rage, and lunged again.

[[ Weak point detected: Neck. Attack with precision. ]]

The voice rang in his head again, and Riku's eyes darted to the bear's exposed neck. "The neck... got it," he said through gritted teeth.

As the bear lunged, Riku ducked low and rolled to the side. He steadied himself, his grip on the sword tightening. The bear turned to face him, roaring in frustration.

This time, when the beast charged, Riku stepped forward instead of back, swinging his sword upward with all his strength. The blade cut cleanly into the bear's neck, severing arteries. The bear let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing to the ground in a pool of blood.

Riku stood there, panting, his sword dripping with crimson. "That was... way too close," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

He looked down at the massive corpse, shaking his head. "This voice… it's useful. Really useful. But I have no idea how to control it," he said aloud. "How does it even work?"

Pushing the thought aside, he knelt by the bear and unsheathed his sword again. "Alright, let's see if I still remember how to do this," he muttered. Carefully, he began skinning the bear, working methodically. The fur came off in large sections, and he set it aside.

"Good thing I trained for survival back then," he murmured. "Guess it's finally paying off."

Once the bear was skinned, he cut off chunks of meat. His hands were steady, despite the messiness of the task. "This should last me a while," he said, nodding to himself.

He quickly gathered dry sticks and branches from the forest floor, stacking them in a small pit. "Alright, fire magic," he said, holding out his hand. Concentrating, he summoned the element magic he had unlocked earlier. A small flame flickered to life in his palm before spreading to the sticks.

"Not bad," he said, watching the fire grow. He skewered the meat on sticks, holding them over the flames. The smell of roasting meat soon filled the air, making his stomach rumble.

When the meat was cooked through, he took a bite, savoring the flavor. It was rough and gamey, but it was food. "Could be worse," he muttered, chewing thoughtfully. "I'm lucky I learned how to survive back then. Otherwise…" He trailed off, shaking his head.

He finished his meal, leaning back against a tree with a sigh. "This world... it's strange. But if I want to survive, I need to figure it out."

Riku leaned back against the rough bark of a tree, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the campfire. The warmth from the fire wrapped around him, but the chill of unanswered questions kept his mind restless. He prodded at the flames with a stick, his thoughts circling back to the strange voice that had guided him earlier.

"Maybe I should just… ask it," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. The dense canopy of trees above cast shifting shadows, making the forest feel even more alive. "It saved me from that bear, after all. Maybe it can tell me what's going on."

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he spoke aloud. "What are you?"

Nothing but silence greeted him.

Riku frowned, frustration beginning to bubble. He tapped the ground with his black sword, the faint metallic ring cutting through the still night air. "Okay… What are skills?" he tried again, but still, no response came.

Clenching his jaw, he tried once more. "Fine. Then what does EV mean?"

The silence that followed was almost mocking.

Letting out a sharp breath, he raked his hand through his messy hair. "This isn't working," he muttered, his frustration giving way to a quiet despair. "It answers when it feels like it, but not when I need it to—"

Before he could finish his thought, the voice returned, its tone precise and mechanical:

[[ Initializing advanced communication interface... Creating 'Talk-Back' functionality. Estimated time: 20 seconds. ]]

Riku blinked, stunned by the sudden reply. "What the...?" He leaned forward, gripping his sword tightly. "Talk-back function? What does that even mean? What's being activated or created?"

The voice offered no further clarification.

Riku groaned and rubbed his temples. "This is getting ridiculous."

Just as he began to resign himself to silence, the voice returned:

[[ Activation successful. Talk-Back functionality enabled. Individual may now ask questions. ]]

Riku stared into the fire, his heart pounding. "What the hell is happening?" he muttered, shaking his head. "Did I just… unlock something?"

Taking a calming breath, he decided to test the voice. "What are you?"

The reply was immediate, calm, and unwavering:

[[ I am your soul skill, which has evolved into a unique skill. ]]

His eyes widened as he tried to process the words. "Soul skill? Unique skill? What do those even mean?"

The voice explained:

[[ Soul skills are abilities tied to an individual's essence. They are innate powers that reflect the core of who you are. When an individual evolves significantly, their soul skill may ascend into a unique skill—an exclusive ability with greater potential and functionality. Unique skills are extremely rare and often define the identity of their wielder. ]]

Riku leaned forward, staring at the flames. "So… I had this soul skill, and now it's something even stronger?" He rubbed the back of his neck, his thoughts spiraling. "This is insane. I didn't even know things like this existed."

After a moment, Riku steeled himself and asked, "Alright. Then… what are my skills? What do I have?"

The voice responded promptly:

[[ You possess two unique skills, which is an extraordinary anomaly. Most individuals are fortunate to obtain even one. ]]

Riku raised an eyebrow, startled. "Two? That's rare?"

[[ Extremely rare. Now listing your unique skills: ]]

[[ 1. Analyser: This skill provides detailed information and analysis. It can assess threats, detect weaknesses, and offer guidance. However, its knowledge is limited to accessible information. It does not possess omniscient understanding. ]]

He tilted his head, a small smirk forming. "So… you're the one answering my questions?"

[[ Correct. I am the Analyser skill. ]]

Riku let out a low whistle. "That explains a lot. But… you don't know everything?"

[[ Affirmative. My database is limited. I can only provide information accessible within my parameters. ]]

"Figures," he muttered, rolling his eyes. "Still, you've been pretty useful so far."

The voice continued:

[[ 2. Adapter: This skill enables the individual to adjust to situations in real-time. It enhances physical and mental responses, allowing for instinctive reactions to danger. Adapter also improves adaptability to new environments, combat styles, and magic usage. ]]

Riku's expression shifted to one of realization. "So that's why I dodged that bear earlier without thinking. The Adapter skill kicked in?"

[[ Correct. Adapter activates automatically when a threat is detected, enhancing your survival capabilities. ]]

Leaning back, Riku exhaled slowly. "This is… a lot to take in. Soul skills, unique skills, rare abilities… and I have two of them?" He shook his head, a small, uncertain smile tugging at his lips. "Well, at least I'm not totally helpless in this world."

The forest loomed around him, the flickering firelight casting dancing shadows against the trees. Riku stared into the flames, his mind buzzing. "I don't know why I have these skills or how I got them," he said quietly, "but I guess I should be grateful. They've already saved my life once."

He paused, gripping his sword tightly as his expression hardened. "But… if I'm going to survive here, I need to understand these abilities better. Analyser, Adapter… I'll figure out how to use you both to their fullest potential."

For the first time, the voice remained silent, and Riku found himself welcoming the quiet. It felt… oddly reassuring.

Riku stood, gripping his sword tightly in his hand. The fire crackled softly behind him, casting flickering light on his determined face. He stared at the dense forest ahead, its shadows beckoning him deeper.

"Well," he muttered, sheathing his sword, "if I want answers, I'm not going to find them sitting here." He glanced around the clearing. "There has to be a village or town somewhere. I'll keep moving until I find something—or someone."

With a deep breath, he set off, his boots crunching against the forest floor as he ventured deeper into the wilderness.

The forest thickened as Riku walked, the towering trees forming a canopy that blocked out most of the sunlight. The air grew cooler, and the sounds of distant rustling made him grip his sword tighter.

"This place just keeps getting creepier," he muttered. "At least I haven't run into any—"

A sudden hiss interrupted his thoughts. He turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as a large spider-like creature emerged from the shadows. Its black, glossy body gleamed with venom, and its eight legs clicked menacingly against the ground.

"Of course," Riku groaned, drawing his sword. "It just had to be a giant spider."

The creature lunged at him, its fangs dripping with venom. Riku sidestepped just in time, slashing at its legs. The blade connected, severing one of the limbs. The spider screeched in pain, rearing back before pouncing again.

"Damn it!" Riku cursed, barely managing to roll out of the way. "Analyser, what's the best way to kill this thing?"

[[ Target weak point: abdomen. Strike with sufficient force to incapacitate. ]]

"Got it!" Riku charged forward, ducking under the spider's lunge and slashing upward. His blade pierced the creature's abdomen, and with a final screech, it collapsed to the ground, twitching before going still.

Riku panted, wiping sweat from his brow. "That was disgusting."

A soft, unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind:

<< You have gained the skill Thread Creation. >>

<< You have acquired Poison Resistance and Poison Nullification. >>

He blinked. "Wait, what? That voice? And… new skills?" He shook his head, sheathing his sword. "I guess killing these monsters has some benefits after all."

Riku pressed on, his steps cautious as he ventured deeper into the forest. The trees began to thin slightly, revealing patches of sunlight. For a moment, he allowed himself to relax.

"That spider was bad, but maybe the worst is over," he muttered.

A deafening roar shattered the silence, and Riku froze. His eyes darted upward just in time to see a massive wyvern descending from the sky. Its wings beat powerfully, sending gusts of wind through the trees.

"You've got to be kidding me," Riku said, unsheathing his sword. "Analyser, what do I need to know about this thing?"

[[ Threat level: Moderate. Weakness: wing membranes and underbelly. Caution: fire breath detected. ]]

"Fire breath? Great."

The wyvern swooped down, its claws outstretched. Riku dove to the side, narrowly avoiding being skewered. He sprang to his feet and slashed at one of its wings, slicing through the thin membrane. The wyvern screeched, staggering back before unleashing a stream of fire.

"Adapter, now would be a good time to kick in!" Riku shouted, feeling his reflexes sharpen as he dodged the flames. He rushed forward, rolling under the wyvern's belly and driving his sword into its softer flesh.

The beast thrashed violently, but Riku held firm, yanking his blade free before leaping away. With one final roar, the wyvern collapsed, its massive body crashing to the ground.

The same soft voice echoed again: << You have gained the skill Flight. >>

Riku raised an eyebrow. "Flight, huh? That could be useful." He focused on the new skill, feeling a strange energy surge through him.

"Alright, let's give this a shot," he said, activating the skill. Large, translucent wings appeared on his back, and he grinned. "This is awesome!"

He flapped the wings, lifting off the ground. However, his excitement was short-lived as he wobbled unsteadily and crashed into a tree.

"Damn it!" he groaned, picking himself up. "Guess I need to practice that more."

As Riku continued his journey, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The forest had grown eerily quiet, and every shadow seemed to shift with intent.

"Analyser, anything I should know?" he asked.

[[ Threat detected. Proximity: 50 meters. ]]

Riku gripped his sword, his eyes scanning the area. A low growl emerged from the shadows, and a massive wolf-like creature stepped into view. Its black fur bristled, and its glowing red eyes locked onto him.

"Great. Just great," Riku muttered, raising his weapon. "Analyser, what am I dealing with?"

[[ Threat level: High. Species: Dire Lupus. Weak points: neck and eyes. Caution: enhanced speed and strength detected. ]]

The wolf lunged without warning, its jaws snapping dangerously close to Riku's arm. He barely managed to dodge, swinging his sword in retaliation. The blade grazed the wolf's side, but it hardly seemed fazed.

"This thing's tougher than the others," Riku muttered.

The wolf circled him, its growl deep and menacing. Riku tightened his grip, his muscles tensed.

"Adapter, don't fail me now," he said, feeling his body react instinctively as the wolf charged again. This time, he sidestepped and slashed at its leg, causing it to stumble.

The wolf recovered quickly, its movements a blur as it lunged again. Riku gritted his teeth, using the skills in tandem.

[[ Suggestion: feint attack and target neck. ]]

Following Analyser's advice, Riku pretended to swing at the wolf's side before pivoting and driving his sword into its neck. The beast let out a choked growl before collapsing to the ground.

Panting heavily, Riku leaned against a tree. "That… was too close."

The soft voice returned:

<< You have gained the skill Enhanced Hearing. >>

<< You have acquired Pain Resistance and Pain Nullification. >>

He raised an eyebrow. "Enhanced hearing? That's… actually pretty useful. And pain nullification? That explains why I'm not feeling as banged up as I should."

As Riku cleaned his sword, he couldn't help but chuckle softly. "If every fight's going to be like this, I'm either going to get really strong or really dead."

He looked up at the sky, barely visible through the dense trees. "At least I'm learning. Analyser, Adapter… you've both saved my ass more than once."

Riku continued walking deeper into the forest, his boots crunching against the thick carpet of leaves. The towering trees seemed to stretch endlessly, their gnarled branches forming a canopy that blocked out most of the sunlight.

He sighed, gripping his sword tightly as his eyes scanned the shadows. "How big is this place? It feels like I've been walking for hours."

The deeper he went, the darker it seemed to get. The air grew colder, and the faint sounds of rustling leaves and distant animals filled the silence.

"This forest better have an end," he muttered, glancing around. "Or at least a clearing. I can't keep wandering like this."

But no matter how far he walked, the dense forest showed no sign of thinning.

As the sun began to set, the forest transformed. Shadows grew longer, and the dim light filtering through the trees disappeared entirely, replaced by a cold, creeping darkness.

Riku paused, leaning against a tree to catch his breath. He looked up at the sky, barely visible through the canopy.

"Great," he muttered. "Night's here, and I'm stuck in the middle of this cursed forest. Guess I need to find somewhere to rest before I collapse."

The temperature dropped sharply, and the distant howls of creatures echoed through the trees. Riku tightened his grip on his sword, glancing around warily.

"Can't exactly sleep out in the open," he muttered. "Not unless I want to wake up as something's midnight snack."

After wandering for a bit longer, Riku spotted a dark opening in the side of a hill—a cave. He approached cautiously, peering inside.

"This'll do," he said, stepping into the entrance. "Better than sleeping under a tree, at least."

He took a moment to scan the area, ensuring nothing dangerous lurked inside. Satisfied it was empty, he set his sword down and began gathering some nearby wood to start a fire.

Before long, the cave was illuminated by the warm glow of flames. Riku placed a chunk of the bear meat he had saved from earlier onto a makeshift spit, turning it carefully over the fire.

"Finally," he said, leaning back against the cave wall. "Something that feels almost normal."

As the meat cooked, Riku stared into the flames, his mind racing with questions. He thought back to the strange voice that had announced his new skills earlier.

"Analyser," he said aloud, "I need some answers."

[[ Ready for inquiry. ]]

"That voice… the one that spoke after I killed those monsters. What was it?"

There was a brief pause before Analyser responded:

[[ That voice belongs to The Echo of Creation. ]]

"The Echo of Creation?" Riku repeated, frowning. "What the hell is that?"

[[ The Echo of Creation is a governing force tied to the laws of this world. It oversees all skills and evolutions, granting individuals abilities based on their actions and growth. ]]

Riku leaned forward, intrigued. "So it's like… a system or something? Does it control everything?"

[[ Information beyond this point is restricted. Further details about The Echo of Creation are unavailable within my database. ]]

Riku sighed, leaning back. "Of course you don't know everything. Guess I'll have to figure it out on my own."

Riku poked at the fire with a stick, his thoughts turning to another question that had been nagging at him. "Alright, Analyser. Let's change the subject. What exactly is EV?"

[[ EV, or Entity Value, is a measure of an individual's intrinsic strength, potential, and overall essence. It quantifies factors such as vitality, energy, and influence, providing an approximation of their power level. ]]

Riku tilted his head. "So it's like a power level? What's the range?"

[[ My database contains information on EV levels up to 50,000. Beyond this, no data is available. ]]

"Fifty thousand, huh?" he muttered. "And where do I fall on that scale?"

[[ Analyzing... ]]

Riku waited, his heart pounding slightly. After a moment, the voice returned:

[[ Analysis complete. Current EV: 51,000. ]]

His eyes widened. "Fifty-one thousand? That's higher than what you said you can analyze!"

[[ Affirmative. My database is limited, but your EV surpasses the threshold of known information. This indicates extraordinary potential. ]]

Riku leaned back, staring at the ceiling of the cave. "Extraordinary potential, huh? Doesn't feel like it," he muttered. "But at least it explains why I'm still alive."

The fire crackled softly as Riku laid back, closing his eyes. The events of the day had taken their toll, and exhaustion crept over him.

"Just a few hours of sleep," he murmured. "Then I'll figure out what to do next."

The cave was silent, save for the occasional pop of the fire. But just as Riku began to drift off, a faint voice cut through the stillness.

"Help me…"

Riku's eyes snapped open. He sat up, grabbing his sword and looking around.

"Who's there?" he called, his voice echoing through the cave.

There was no answer. He frowned, gripping his weapon tightly as he stepped outside. The forest was dark and eerily quiet.

"Great," he muttered, scanning the shadows. "Now I'm hearing things—"

"QUICK, OUT OF THE WAY!"

---- TO BE CONTINUED ----