Reborn Regress Return: I Am the Heir of Shadows!

Julian opened his eyes, shocked at the sudden change in his vision. A bright light shone, almost blinding him. Then three black screens appeared, showing him the paths of evolution.

'I've only seen one before.'

Because he delayed his entry during his previous life, Julian could only evolve a single path with the forced class.

He shook his head, removing unwanted memories, and focused on the screens.

The first tree, Abyssal Sorcery (DPS Caster Focus), showed a dark creature casting a strange purple spell with a fierce face as the cover image. This talent tree seemed to focus on direct damage and Julian's strength.

"Harness the abyss to unleash devastating spells and raw shadow magic."

[◊ Will you take the path of Destruction? ◊]

'It's tempting to become stronger, but…' His eyes flicked to the second screen, the title, and theme causing him to frown, shaking his head immediately.

Veil binder (Control & Support Focus)

"Manipulate the battlefield through deception, weakening enemies while empowering yourself."

Julian didn't think this was worth it. However, if he completed one of the talent trees, he might consider using these talents to help him survive in the future.

He knew how dangerous the monsters became after the worlds started to fuse, from colossal giants who needed them to damage a tiny rune to kill them to a mysterious lich that stored its souls in another dimension to avoid death.

"Julian, there's so many to choose from!" Sena's excited squeal caused his focus to fade. The image of a person hiding beneath a black veil didn't appeal to him, so he turned to the last screen…

"Huh?"

Crack!

The moment his eyes read the first line, the entire panel shattered, before a new evolution tree started to appear.

Candles illuminated the darkness, revealing words written in bloody smears. Slowly, the system drew a brand new talent tree. The image of a broken crown rested on its side, embedded in the background.

Shadow Monarch (Shade Focus)

"Command an army of Shades, empowering them while becoming an unstoppable summoner."

"Sena, did anything strange happen?" He quickly glanced at her, watching her rub her chin, light glistening in her eyes.

"Not really, although my third option doesn't fit me."

With that in mind, Julian glanced over the skill trees, hoping he would find something similar to Shadow Monarch, but the other two remained still, unmoving.

'It's annoying I cannot see the specific talents unless I choose one, is this another part of the restriction from the system?'

He couldn't quite reject the idea that Abyssal Sorcery might be quite useful, being able to crush the enemies, but when he thought about the nightmare realm, would he survive long enough to cast spells without Umbra and Nocta?

Eventually, there will be monsters with unique attacks that can one-shot a single player, killing them in a single blow.

That's why he couldn't completely deny the defensive and supportive nature of Veil Binder wasn't helpful or worth it. Instead, he knew that even the system pushed him towards choosing the last tree.

'I want to pick something else just to piss off whoever tried to force my hand, though.'

'Still, considering it had such a fanfare, if this were a novel wouldn't this be my overpowered cheat?'

Julian sighed before moving forward and touching the screen, his finger grazing across the title.

"Will you walk the Path of the Monarch?"

'A tad edgier than usual.'

He tapped the accept button and a small animation played on the screen.

A long, shadowy hand grasped the small crown on its side, and a shapeless figure stepped into the frame wearing it.

[You have chosen Shadow Monarch]

The monarch in the image then pointed upwards and clenched its hand before a flicker of flames revealed the first row of talents to him.

[Legion of the Forgotten] (0/3) — Increases Julian's maximum CP by 1/3/5.

[Dark Ascendance] (0/2) — All Shades gain 5/10% attack speed.

[Abyssal Command] (0/5) — Reduces the cooldown of Rally Unit by 10 seconds and increases the damage and speed boost by 5%

The three icons flashed, with a deep red border. Julian's eyes shone as he saw each talent. Thanks to the system, he would gain 2 points for each level, which meant he should be able to fill each slot.

'Good… let's see…'

He swiped open his character screen and noticed the change already.

Julian Pendragon • Shadow Mancer (SSSR)

• Level: 10 (1,170/20,000)

• HP: 80 → 120

• MP: 200 → 220

• Attack: 4

• Defence: 12

• Speed: 6

• Magic: 18 → 20

• Total: 42 (+9)

• Command Points: 14

• Bonus Attribute Points: 2

The moment he noticed the command points being only one from summoning a third shade, he decided which talent would get a point first.

The second he chose because Sena counted as a shade. When he tapped the icon, a small screen appeared with the names of Nocta, and Umbra greyed out. But Sena's appeared with a white colour, meaning she would benefit.

[Dark Ascendance] (0/2) → (1/2)

[Legion of the Forgotten] (0/3) → (1/3)

"Julian… why did I gain this new option?" Sena tapped his shoulder before pointing to her status screen, where she pointed to the newly added line.

'Bonus Attribute Points: 1'

"Ah? This it's something that you get because you reached the first step of evolution, it grants you a bonus attribute point at each level."

'Though for some reason I gained two…'

The small mark that appeared over Sena's head when he focused on her amused Julian. The small skull was the buff from [Dark Ascendance].

"What do you think, Julian? My normal attribute increased my Attack… should I focus on that?"

Julian raised his eyebrow, thinking about her question.

He could be selfish and see things from his perspective, but Sena was the most important thing for him to consider.

What would she benefit most from?

"What do you feel is lacking, Sena?" His voice was gentle and inquisitive. "Is your attack missing enemies, is your movement speed too slow? Do you run out of stamina or mana?"

Sena tilted her head before placing her index finger on her mouth. She turned her head from side to side, and Julian couldn't help but find her rather cute.

"I want to be faster so that I can protect you next time… and avoid danger myself."

'That's a valid choice, if her natural point increases her attack, then speed is vital to an assault-type like Sena, able to avoid and dodge attacks much easier.'

"Then, focus on speed for now. If you lack defence or magic, I will help you improve them outside the game."

"Eh… really?"

"Yes," He paused, letting go of a light cough as he looked away. "I don't mind doing that for you."

The moment he did, Sena giggled and jumped at him, with a lovely squeal escaping her lips. "I'll do my best! Make sure you teach me!"

"I will."

Mwah!

A soft, warm sensation brushed against his cheek before she made an amusing sound. Her tongue licked the side of his face with a giggle soon after. "Thank you very much!"

'It's nice… having someone rely on me again.'

Before he got lost in old memories and thoughts, he turned to face the sly fox and tapped her nose.

"Let's head to the capital before we log out, and get something to eat."