"Ahh… sigh... how long has it been? Being sealed is tasteless," Azerak murmured as everyone in Dared's arena stood stunned.
What was he talking about? Who was he?
They were confused and puzzled. Dared had always been nothing but a weak, level-one planetary being. But now… now it felt like he had changed. Like he'd beco a new being… no, like he'd been possessed.
A strange and desolate aura surrounded him, leaving everyone in disarray. The aura felt ancient—destructive and ruinous.
"W-Who… who are you?" one of them managed to stamr, gulping in fear.
The sight of the trembling man before him made Azerak frown slightly.
"It must have been too long… so long that you've all forgotten . My voice once made the strongest tremble in fear. It made your so-called leaders run for shelter. My presence invoked authority and dread in all beings.
I was the one who climbed—step by step—from a young prince in a universal-level organization… to the strongest being across the multiverse.
I forged paths for humanity, disturbed thousands of races across existence, and ascended to that—"
Suddenly, Azerak paused. His eyes narrowed as a terrifying realization dawned on him.
"…It's fine. I understand.
You all… perish."
With that single word, everyone present disintegrated into dust. Silence followed.
And just like that, Dared regained control of his body.
"Wait, what now? Hey… who are you? What did you do just now? What were you talking about earlier?" Dared asked in shock, staring at his hands. Is this even the sa body? Another being had used it—and unleashed terrifying power through it.
Or… was that being just that strong?
Dared longed for such strength, but more than that, he needed answers. Who was that being? Would it harm him? Would it take over his body and erase him?
All he got was silence. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "Look here—you're in my body. Believe it or not, we're stuck together now, so at least tell who you are. Are you harming my body?!"
Still no answer.
"Bastard," Dared cursed, just as his vision blurred—and then shifted.
Suddenly, he was standing in a vast expanse of fragnted land. There was no sky above—only space. Before him stood a being… and beside the being was a massive pool of blood.
"You're the first to complete the trial. Congratulations on being the survivor. You now qualify to join the Dreadborne Organization—but one final trial remains," said a lazy voice.
A couch appeared out of nowhere, and the figure casually sat down.
Light illuminated the being's features: white hair and eyes, a tall and perfectly built body, and a strikingly handso face. His simple t-shirt and trousers sohow gave off an air of aloof nobility.
No aura was released… and yet, a suffocating pressure lingered in the air—an unconscious charm born of overwhelming power.
"We've been watching you all—through every trial, every decision. As you should know by now, only the strong can join this organization. We care nothing for numbers. One of us is stronger than a thousand powerhouses from another group," the being said, as an apple materialized in his hand. He took a bite.
Dared remained silent, watching the man calmly eat. Despite the casual manner, he could feel it—this being's realm was far, far beyond his own. Every movent he made was graceful, tid, and unnaturally refined.
Finally, after a mont, Dared asked the only thing on his mind.
"…Who are you?"
He had his guesses. This must be one of the generals of the Dreadborne Organization—probably the sa one who had spoken to them during the trials.
Though he wished to join, Dared remained cautious. Nobody knew much about this group. How could he be so confident—claiming they needed quality over numbers?
Then again, thinking back on the trial… their numbers had dropped drastically. They started with ten billion survivors, divided into a hundred groups per arena, and only one survivor per group?
How many would be left after everything? A few million? Maybe just one million?
Dared felt a chill crawl down his spine. The trial had been far more terrifying than he realized. And this organization—what were they truly planning?
But even after this, could they really be as strong as he claid?
Or…
Dared glanced at the massive blood pool beside the man.
Maybe his confidence lies there? he wondered. Maybe we enter it to change our physique… awaken sothing within…
It was all speculation. He couldn't figure it out. But this organization was mysterious, powerful… and he was deeply curious.
"I an… I can accept we'll grow stronger. This blood pool obviously has a purpose for us, right? But one thousand tis stronger? Are you sure about what you're saying?" Dared asked, frowning.
The white-haired man chuckled.
"My na is Nephem. I am a general of the Dreadborne Organization. For now, you may only et . As you grow stronger, you'll et the other generals… and perhaps, one day, even the Abyssal Throne. Though I doubt that.
As for your questions—you'll get your answers soon. Enter the pool."
With a casual smack of his lips, a glass of juice appeared in his hand. Nephem sipped it slowly, grinning.
Dared's eyes narrowed. His thoughts were jumbled, his instincts on high alert. But still… he nodded and stepped toward the pool.
"I didn't leave ho—and the chance to rebuild the Assassin Organization—just to back out now. I saw Dad's failure. He lacked strength. But I want power. Power to destroy my enemies—and protect my family," Dared thought, clenching his fists.
"…What have they done to ?" he asked himself.
He said he wanted to protect his family… yet he felt nothing. No love. No warmth. Just a hollow sense of obligation. As if he was rely keeping a promise.
But it didn't matter.
Dad once told : to reach the top, you must climb over mountains of corpses and leave everything behind—to chase one goal… to beco the strongest being alive.
With that, Dared stepped into the pool. His consciousness blurred as he fell deep into its depths.
Sowhere within him… a pair of ancient eyes opened.
"…What is this blood?" Azerak whispered, shocked.
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