2025-04-03 01:28:31Blood flows in frozen soil. The biting night air pierced Leon Ardendale's skin, the third prince of the Solmaria kingdom, who is now lying between the roots of the old tree in the Everwood Expanse. His chest and left arm were full of wounds, while his breathing was gasping, trying to survive on the verge of death.
Betrayal. He still did not believe that his stepbrother, Prince Edgar, dared to launch a coup and kill their father, King Theodric. Leon himself is a witness that should be silenced. The kingdoms who had vowed loyal to now drew the sword at him, forcing him to escape as far as possible from the palace.
However, Everwood is not a shelter. This forest is more dangerous than all the knights chasing him. It is said that anyone who enters the deepest part will never return.
His eyes that began to blur caught the shadows of moving between the trees. The creatures approached, hissing sound and growl filled the air.
"My end is close," he thought.
However, right when his consciousness began to fade, a sound echoed in his head.
[Arkana System is detected. Run the activation protocol.]
Golden purple light emerged from the soil below, forming a complicated circle with ancient symbols that he had never seen before. A radiant transparent window appeared before his eyes, as if it was real and indisputable.
[Welcome, new user.]
[Name: Leon Ardendale]
[Status: Severe injuries | 12%vital energy]
[Running the Emergency Recovery phase ...]
Instantly, the pain in his body decreased. The wounds on his body began to close, even though the weakness still enveloped his entire body. However, before Leon could fully understand what happened, the screen changed again.
[Warning: System activation requires payment. Select your sacrifice.]
1. Memory about your mother
2. Emotions 'fear'
3. Half of your life expectancy
Leon's heart beat fast. This choice ... Too cruel. He felt the fear that swelled - but, without strength, he would die.
His hands trembled as he pointed his fingers to the second choice.
[You have sacrificed 'fear'.]
The strange cold crept into his soul. He could feel the change instantly - like a chain that was released from his mind. There is no more trembling when facing threats, there is no more fear of death.
[Sacrifice is accepted. Activating the first skill: 'Echo of the Forgotten'.]
[Effect: Every time you kill enemies, you can absorb one of their memories.
When Leon was still trying to understand what was happening, the creatures in the darkness jumped at him.
But this time, there is no fear. Only sharp silence and survival instincts are stronger than before.
He held a dagger that was still tucked at his waist and prepared to face his first battle as a Arkana System user.
Resurrection in Everwood!
Leon's eyes burned in darkness. There was no fear that enveloped him when two large shadows shot at him from between trees. His teeth closed tightly, and the instinct survived took over.
The first sharp claw rolled towards his chest, but Leon avoided him with a quick movement that surprised himself. He crouched down, lifted his dagger, and stabbed it into the stomach of the creature.
[‘Echo of the forgotten’ active.
[Absorb memory: shadow stalker]
Leon's mind was suddenly filled with images-visions of the creature. Night hunting in the darkness, lurking prey that is lost, tearing them at speeds that are not visible to the human eyes.
And then, an extraordinary understanding infiltrated his mind.
[Skills Obtained: 'Silent Step' - Reduces Sound Steps Until Unheard.]
'This is amazing.'
There is no time to think longer. The second creature, bigger than the first, jump with his claws ready to tear his neck. But Leon had moved before his brain really processed him. His body shot to the side at a speed that should be impossible for ordinary people.
Silent Step works perfectly.
He spinning quickly, avoiding attacks, then cut the throat of the creature with a clean movement. Black blood flowed between his fingers when he felt the strange satisfaction he had never felt before.
[‘Echo of the forgotten’ active.
[Absorb memory: alpha stalker shadow]
[Skills obtained: 'Predator’s Gaze' - able to see in total darkness.]
Leon's vision suddenly changed. What was only a shadow and silhouette is now clear like during the day. He can see every detail from the forest, from broken branches to the steam that comes out of the creature's wreck he just killed.
Then, the system screen reappears.
[Congratulations, new user.]
[Rise Level: 1 → 3]
[Status Points Available: 5]
[Select the attribute to be increased.]
Strength
Agility
Vitality
Intelligence
Charisma
Leon clenched his fist. This is not just an ordinary system. This is the beginning of its resurrection.
Without hesitation, he chose 'agility' and 'strength', feeling instant changes in his body. His muscles stiffened, his body's response felt sharper. He took a deep breath, staring at the darkness of Everwood.
He is no longer a weak and wasted prince.
Now, he is a hunter.
-----
Everwood night air is still thick with blood aroma. Leon stood between the two -shadow stalker's wrecks he had just killed, his chest up and down with his breathing which began to stabilize. There is no fear. There is no doubt. Only the silence and instinct of survival dominated his mind.
However, he could not remain silent. Everwood still has a much larger danger. Leon activates Predator’s Gaze, and instantly, the darkness that had been concentrated turned into a clear panorama of detailed detailed. He saw a faint footprint on the ground, mixed with blood spots that had begun to dry up.
[Detecting Arkana's energy source near the location.]
The system spoke again, showing the direction he had to go. Without wasting time, Leon stepped forward, moving in total silence thanks to Silent Step. Every movement feels natural, like the instinct of a new hunter.
On the way, rustling sounds heard from behind the bushes. He immediately crouched down, his eyes narrowed while observing something big moved between the trees.
The figure emerged from the shadow-a figure of a large-bodied man with a black robe filled with ancient symbols. In his hand grasped a stick from the bone, removing the greenish light that was gently throbbing.
'Witch .…'
Leon couldn't hide his surprise. In Solmaria, magicians are prohibited because they are considered followers of prohibited teachings. But this man stood here, in the middle of Everwood, without fear.
Without warning, the man turned to look at him, the green eyes glowed directly at Leon.
"A system user ... I have been waiting for the one like you for a long time."
Leon's heart was beating fast. How can this man know about the Arkana System? And more importantly, is he an enemy or allies?
In an instant, the air around them changed.
[Warning: Increased threat level.]
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Leon stood frozen, his body stiffened against the black -robed man's gaze. The green light from his bone stick throbbed slowly, emitting an unnatural aura. "You're still young, but that power has chosen you." The man's voice was heavy and echoed, as if he came from a distant place. "I can help you master it."The system does not provide danger warnings, but Leon remains alert. If this person knows about the Arkana System, he is clearly not an ordinary person. "Who are you?" Leon asked, his voice was cold. His hands remained in the dagger handle, ready to act. The man smiled faintly. "My name is a variant, a forgotten knowledge guard." He stepped forward with a movement that almost floated. "I've been waiting for someone like you for years."[Warning: Individuals are not identified as having high energy fluctuations. Leon felt cold sweat on the nape of his neck. What does this man mean waiting for him? "You're still fragile," continued the variant, "But the system you have will ta
Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince Chapter 3. Second test
Variant grinned, the stick sparkled in the air. "Alright, we continue. Your test has just begun."The Sanctum room is again filled with increasingly intense light. Leon's decision to receive this training began to show results. But, he knew this was only the first step of the long journey he had to take. With the power of Arkana he had just obtained, Leon was ready to face the next exam. However, there is something darker lurking - something far bigger than what he can imagine. Leon felt his body staggered, even though Arkana's power had just flowed through his body. The energy feels unreal, as if there is another world that interacts with each other in its body. Each of his body fibers responded, every bloodstream is now filled with potentials that he never knew before. "You have started the journey that will change your life forever, Leon," said the variant, his voice was serious. "However, your training has just begun. To master Arkana, you need to be more than just physical st
Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince Chapter 4Battle in the ruins
The variant stared at him sharply. "In it, you will face the power that has been waiting for centuries. A legacy from previous Arkana users."Leon took a deep breath. He knew that there was no way back. If he wants to master his strength fully, he must pass all these tests. With a steady step, he grabbed the door grip and pushed it slowly. The blue light covered his body, and in an instant, he disappeared from the room. ---When his consciousness returned, Leon found himself in the middle of an ancient ruins. The surrounding air is filled with the aroma of dust and ancient magic that feels thick. In front of him, there was a large altar with dim symbols. However, before he could go further, the roar echoing around him. From the shadow of the ruins, dark creatures began to appear. Their eyes glowed red, and their bodies were filled with an evil aura that made the air feel heavy. [Warning: Destiny door guard creatures have been active!]Leon took a sharp breath. This is not just a
Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince Chapter 5 Eyes that penetrate the darkness
The black -robed figure finally spoke. "This is the possibility of your future."Leon turned his head sharply. "Future?""Yes. If you keep walking on this road without understanding what you really are looking for, you will end like this - destroyed, without purpose."Leon clenched his fist. "I won't end like that."The figure nodded slowly. "Then prove it."Suddenly, the battlefield disappeared, and Leon returned to the unlimited sky. Arkana's fragments in front of her sparkled, but this time, she could see something in it - a symbol of an eye -shaped glowing golden. [Fragmen Arkana Open: Truth penetrating eyes][New ability obtained: Arkana's vision]Leon felt a change in him. The world around him became clearer, as if he could see the hidden layers in reality. He can feel the energy that rotates in the air, even seeing a vague shadow that was previously invisible. Before he could react further, the world around him spinned again. In an instant, he returned to the ruins, standing
Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince Chapter 6The shadow lurking
Leon looked at the trees around him, feeling something wrong. There is a voice ... a voice that shouldn't be there. Like a whisper that fell in the air. He turned to the variant. "You hear that?"A silent variant for a moment, then nodded slowly. "It's not the sound of the wind."Leon felt his hair standing. He activated Arkana's vision deeper, trying to see the source of the sound. And that's where he saw it - a faint -shaped humanoid shaped that stands between the trees, staring at him with blank eyes. [Entity unknown detected][Analysis ... failed]Leon immediately grabbed his sword. "There's something there."The variant is not surprised. "I know.""What's that?" Leon asked in a low voice. The variant stares forward with a serious expression. "If we are lucky, it is only the spirit of this forest guard. If we are not lucky ..."Leon is waiting for the sequel, but the variant does not finish his words. Suddenly, the whisper sound even louder. Now, Leon can understand some of th
Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince Chapter 7 Black Tower
The variant of cutting one more shadow before shouting. "Then we run away!"Leon knows it's the right decision. The two of them immediately turned around and ran as fast as possible, leaving the shadows behind. They ran endlessly, jumped over large roots and penetrated dense bushes. However, the scary whispering sound continued to follow them. And then, suddenly, light appeared in front of them. Out of the shadow of the forest, they arrived at an ancient ruins. Giant stone pillars towering, covered with moss and roots. In the midst of the ruins, a giant magic circle carved on the ground, dim and dim. Panting variant. "We can use it to leave here!"Leon doesn't hesitate. They immediately stepped into the magic circle. However, before they could activate it, a sound echoed in the air. "You won't go anywhere."Leon and the variant froze. From the darkness, the figure of a black robe with bright red eyes appeared, walking slowly towards them. Leon immediately recognized his aura.
Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince Chapter 8 Touring to the Black Tower
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Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince Chapter 9 unexpected loss
[Dark energy detected beyond the threshold. Must immediately overcome the source for survival.]Leon took a deep breath, concentrating energy in his body. "I will not give up!"With the remaining power, he focused energy in one point in his chest and released it. A bright light explosion suddenly radiated from within him, destroying the dark energy that wrapped his body. The black -robed figure looked surprised, but did not show fear. "So fast ... interesting."However, before Leon could go further, the crystal ball exploded with a deafening explosion. The strong wind sweeps the entire room, and Leon is thrown back. When his eyes opened again, the black -robed figure had disappeared, and the black tower seemed to disappear in a dark fog. Leon felt dizzy, his body was tired, and the system gave a warning about the level of damage that was quite severe. But one thing is certain: this is just the beginning. Leon woke up with a heavy feeling all over his body. When his eyes open, what
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Chapter 17: Last Resistance
Arcana System: Rise of the Forsaken Prince "🇦🇹A deep silence enveloped them for a moment. Only their breathing sounds heard, combined with the roar of the shook. Leon looked at the guard figure with sharp eyes, although fear began to creep in the corner of his mind. The figure was bigger than an ordinary human, and the dark aura that radiated from him was very pressure, as if the world itself opposed it. Vireon stood tall beside Leon, holding her sword tightly. His expression was firm, although there was a sense of worry that looked faint in his eyes. "Don't let yourself doubt, Leon," he said, his voice seemed to whisper but full of warnings. "We have to survive, whatever happens."Leon swallowed hard, trying to calm his heartbeat faster. Slowly, he took a deep breath and felt the cold breeze that blows, carrying the aroma of a thick fog that is increasingly tense. "How do we deal with it?" Leon asked, his voice sounded heavy. Fear and confusion began to mix in his heart, but he
Chapter 16
🇦🇹16.The temple began to tremble violently, big stones began to fall, overwriting the floor with a loud voice echoing. The roar seemed to come from the depth of the earth, arousing a deep fear in Leon's heart.Vireon ran closer, pulling Leon to get up. "We have to get out of here! Now!"However, Leon remained silent, his eyes fixed on the crystal ball which now radiates dazzling white light."Mother ..." he whispered, his heart felt broken.Vireon shook Leon's body, forcing him to look in the other direction. "Leon! This is not a mother! This is an illusion! Don't be trapped!"With difficulty, Leon finally turned his head, surprised by the reality in front of his eyes. There, between the temples, he saw the shadow - the mother - but this time his face was filled with scary laughter, not the smile he knew.
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🇦🇹15."We have arrived," Vireon said in a seriosa tone. "This is a place where the actual test will begin."Leon nodded, his eyes staring at the ruins of the temple with curiosity. Each step feels heavier, as if there is a power that presses from all directions."There is no way back now," he thought to himself.When they entered the temple area, the atmosphere changed completely. A deep silence enveloped them, there was no wind or whatever was heard other than the sound of their footsteps that hit a loud stone floor. In front of them, a large altar stands majestically in the middle of the room, surrounded by sharp obsidian stones. On the altar, a large crystal ball emits strange light that flows mysterious energy.Leon stopped, his eyes locked on the crystal ball, as if the ball had an extraordinary appeal. He felt something connected him
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🇦🇹Chapter 14 Mount Serpentia, Traces of Mother's ShadowThe mountain breeze began to blow hard. From a distance, the summit of Mount Serpentia began to look faint, covered in clouds. "Then," Leon said, stepping first, "It's time we go up."The wind bit the skin when Leon and Vireon tread the slopes of Mount Serpentia. The sky began to be purple red, like the blood frozen time. The mist down slowly, covering the path with a silent blanket. "This mountain ... is not just a place. This is a life tomb," murmured Vireon while pressing her stick to the ground. "Many rise, never come back."Leon took a breath. "I'm not many people."Faint, the sound of bells heard. Far. Repeated. But not from anywhere that can be seen by the eye. "You hear that?" Leon asked. "Voice illusion," Vireon answered shortly. "The first test. Don't be tempted to pursue the direction of the sound."Leon turned quickly. On the left side, as if the shadow passed. Like a woman with loose hair ... staring at her. "
CHAPTER 13. RISE BLOOD, CUTE WITHING
The roar of energy shakes the air. Leon's aura is now wrapping his body like a living layer of black-purple fire. His eyes were bright red. His breathing was heavy, deep, and rhythmic. His body adapted quickly, as if every sigh of breath was integrated with the strength of the ancestral heritage that now exploded out of him. The two remaining hunters exchanged glances. They are no longer rash. "He began to blend," whispered one of them. "It can't be left. Call a curse level three."One of the hunters lifts his middle finger to the sky. Blood drips from the palm of the hand and forms a circular symbol in the air. Suddenly the ground trembled, and from the gaps of the stone, the scaly black hands appeared that stuck wildly, gripping whatever they achieved. Leon was grinning. "Do you think I'm afraid of lonely mubs like that?"But Vireon shouted, "Don't underestimate it! It's a summons from the darkness of the darkness! If your body is touched, your soul energy can be snatched away!"
Chapter 13RISE BLOOD, CUTE WITHING
The roar of energy shakes the air. Leon's aura is now wrapping his body like a living layer of black-purple fire. His eyes were bright red. His breathing was heavy, deep, and rhythmic. His body adapted quickly, as if every sigh of breath was integrated with the strength of the ancestral heritage that now exploded out of him. The two remaining hunters exchanged glances. They are no longer rash. "He began to blend," whispered one of them. "It can't be left. Call a curse level three."One of the hunters lifts his middle finger to the sky. Blood drips from the palm of the hand and forms a circular symbol in the air. Suddenly the ground trembled, and from the gaps of the stone, the scaly black hands appeared that stuck wildly, gripping whatever they achieved. Leon was grinning. "Do you think I'm afraid of lonely mubs like that?"But Vireon shouted, "Don't underestimate it! It's a summons from the darkness of the darkness! If your body is touched, your soul energy can be snatched away!"
chapter 12
Shortly thereafter, the fog around him trembled. From the gap between the dead trees, a shadow appeared in a dark robe. He did not walk, but hovering slowly closer, his face was covered in a silver mask with dragon carving. Leon prepares to be alert, his magic energy slowly flows into the palm of the hand. "Calm down, the prince was wasted," said the figure, his voice was heavy and echoed like an echo between ancient rocks. "I'm not your enemy. I ... your inheritance keeper."Leon stiffened. The words hit him loudly. "What do you mean? Who are you really?"The figure raised his hand. From the palm of his hand appeared a pale blue light, forming the symbol of the Old Kingdom-the same lambes as leon had seen in the prohibited records of the Arkana Academy Library. "My name is Vireon, the last guard of the Arkana Dynasty. When the palace was destroyed and the blood of the nobles was hunted to the roots, our job was to hide a true heritage. And now, that blood is beating in your body."
Chapter 11call from depth
Leon's steps are more stable to enter the darker valley, even though the light inside him still radiates brightly. Every step feels heavy, as if the land underneath reminds of the dark history that is carved in this earth. Cold and moist air burst into his body, increasing the weight of the burden he must carry. However, he did not feel afraid. Every word of the valley guard woman echoed in her mind, pushing her to step forward. [Warning: The dark entity is getting closer. Be careful.]Warnings from the system reappeared, but Leon felt no need to depend on the system to find out what to do. The power that flows in him, although not yet fully controlled, gives him more than enough encouragement to move forward. He already knew that this was the choice he made - and there was no way backwards. In front of him, a ruins of ancient buildings emerged from the fog that began to surround him. A large temple that used to be used for magical or worship ceremonies, is now destroyed and forgott
Chapter 10 Forgotten world
However, before everything was dark, Leon felt something had changed. A soft voice, like a whisper coming from within himself, was clearly heard. "Control ... control ... or everything will be destroyed."The voice made Leon open his eyes and tried to control the power that flowed into his body. He felt a very strange sensation - like there were two competing forces in him. One is full of darkness and destruction, while the other feels warm and full of life. Leon knew that he could not constantly rely on systems or external forces. This is the time for him to fight alone, to fight the destiny that binds him. With all courage, he focused himself on the light in his heart - a light that had been covered by darkness. Slowly, the strength in him began to turn around, flowing with control. The gate, which previously could not be opened, now began to move. Slowly, the black stone shifted, giving a way to Leon to a bigger and more mysterious world. Behind the gate, Leon saw a vast valle