Cavern of Silent Roars – Day Three
Ashen crawled across shattered stone, every breath like fire scraping his lungs. His body was torn — lashes down his back, fingernails cracked, a gash above his brow. His muscles twitched with every movement, not from fear — but from rebuilding.
There were no beasts inside the cavern.
Only illusions.
Illusions so real they could kill you.
He had seen his father's last breath, again and again. Felt fire tear through his childhood home. Heard the screams of forgotten kin.
And each time… he stood back up.
System Response Detected...
Fourth Unlock Condition: "Survive the Cavern – Mental and Physical Threshold Reached"
Vein Awakening Method – Ember Pulse Circulation – UNLOCKED
"Fire shall flow where blood once hid. Ignite the slumbering veins, awaken the power beneath."
Effect: Begin cultivation of First Martial Vein
Enhances reflexes, internal stamina, and strikes laced with heat force
Ashen's heart ignited.
It wasn't poetic.
It was literal.
A burning sensation coiled through his chest like a thousand heated needles burrowing into his bones. His vision turned gold for a moment — and then darkness faded into clarity.
He stood.
His first martial vein was open.
Not through pills.
Not through nobles' favor.
Not through bloodline privilege.
But through pain.
Outside the Cavern – Elder Kaien Waited
When the black gate creaked open on the fourth morning, Elder Kaien didn't react. He merely sipped his bitter tea.
But inside, he smiled.
Ashen emerged, shirtless, bloodied, and limping. But his eyes—no longer dull gray—burned faintly with ember-orange light.
He knelt.
"I'm ready for the next trial."
Kaien finally looked at him.
"You are no longer weakblooded.
You now stand at the foot of the true path — the Path of Breaking Worlds."
Meanwhile – Imperial Martial Academy, Inner Division
A girl with midnight hair and violet eyes stood on a rooftop, wind brushing past her robes.
She had been watching him.
Her name: Selene Veyrin, top five in the Inner Division, daughter of the Royal Executioner.
And tonight, her orders were simple:
"Find the traitor heir. If confirmed, eliminate."
But as she watched Ashen exit the cavern, breathing fire, fists clenched and steady — she whispered instead:
"No. I won't kill this one... I want to know how far he'll go."
Vann Family Estate – Nightfall
Gareth Vann sat with his ribs still wrapped, a snarl forming as he heard the latest report.
"He survived the cavern?" he hissed. "That's impossible."
The servant knelt, shaking. "H-He opened his first vein. Witnesses say they saw steam rising from his hands."
Gareth rose.
"Then we do it the Vann way," he said coldly.
"We don't fight him."
He smiled wickedly.
"We destroy the only thing he has left."
Inside Ashen's Room…
The scroll stirred again. Another page unfolded.
Worldbreaker Martial Rank Path Unlocked
1. Stone Root (You are here)
2. Vein Kindling
3. Bone Flame
4. Muscle Thunder
5. Core Bloom
6. Flesh Reforged
7. Soul-Shatter Step
8. Worldbreaker Ascension
Ashen stared at the names, heart pounding.
This was no longer just a system.
This was a prophecy written in his blood.
And he would carve it into the world—
One broken wall at a time.