The forest was too quiet that night.
Kaizen felt it in his bones — the silence before something bad happens.
The wind stopped, and even the fire near him flickered like it was afraid.
> Kaizen (thinking): "That voice said someone is watching me… so who are they?"
He raised the sword slowly, his heart beating faster.
The red eyes in the darkness didn't move.
Then suddenly—
Whoosh!
A black dagger flew straight toward him.
Kaizen barely dodged it, rolling to the ground.
A man in dark armor stepped out from the trees, his face hidden by a metal mask.
> Masked Man: "The Shadow Warlord sends his regards."
Kaizen: "So it's true… he found me."
Kaizen rushed forward with his sword glowing faintly.
The enemy was faster, his attacks sharp like lightning.
Metal clashed again and again, sparks flying everywhere.
> Kaizen (gritting teeth): "He's too fast… I can't even see his moves!"
He jumped back, panting, sweat dripping from his chin.
Then the system panel appeared again, glowing bright blue:
Attribute Level XP
Strength 12/100 380
Speed 10/100 340
Stamina 12/100 400
Skill Rank B
Acquired Skills Shadow Slash
> System: [New function unlocked — Echo Absorb]
Kaizen blinked.
> Kaizen: "Echo... Absorb?"
The sword pulsed in his hand.
When the masked man lunged again, Kaizen reacted without thinking — his blade moved faster than before, leaving behind a faint echo of light.
The echo followed the same motion, striking a second time.
Slash!
The masked man stopped — his armor cracked, blood dripping down.
> Kaizen (breathing hard): "That… was Echo Slash?"
System: [Skill absorbed: Dagger Rush]
Suddenly, Kaizen's eyes widened. He felt something new — his muscles lighter, his reflex sharper.
He had just absorbed the enemy's skill.
> Kaizen (grinning slightly): "So… every battle makes me stronger."
The masked man fell to his knees.
Before dying, he whispered through his mask:
> Masked Man: "The Warlord… will come for you… boy…"
Then silence again. Only the sound of Kaizen's breathing filled the forest.
He looked at his sword. It was now shining faintly with a crimson glow, almost alive.
> Kaizen: "If this is the power of the Forgotten Blade… then I'll master it, no matter the cost."
The moonlight hit the blood-soaked ground as Kaizen walked away — a new strength rising inside him,
and a shadow of fate following behind.