RISE OF THE HOLY DEMONIC GOD

[3rd May]

The next day, after a session of secret training to enhance his abilities, Rey discovered several advantageous features for future battles. 

He realized that the weapons stored in his inventory could also be equipped from his shadow with the help of his ability. 

This meant he didn't even have to see the items in his inventory; he could just store them into his shadow and easily retrieve them as needed.

With this idea in mind, Rey attempted to implement it but failed miserably due to the low rank of his ability. He tried to store other objects into his shadow using his <Darkness> ability, but only a small number of objects could get inside, and they were ejected out like a spring, as if the shadow couldn't hold the strain.

Undeterred, Rey explored other ways to increase the proficiency of his ability push it to the next realm. 

He was confident that reaching the next stage would grant him additional abilities or enhance existing ones.

Despite spending the whole experimenting with different methods to improve his ability, he ended the day by checking the rank and quality of his weapons. 

He wanted to see if the effect of his Arsenal mutation was working. 

To his satisfaction, all his weapons and shields been upgraded by sub-realm. showed significant changes, while others received minor boosts in their effects.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Ravager Claw

TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: Straight Sword
DURABILITY: 250/250
ATTACK POWER: 20 – 35

───◈ Item Description ◈───
A straight sword crafted from the claw of a High-Grade Stage 1 Ravager Beast. Its slightly curved blade retains an even greater ferocity, making it more effective in battle. Improved material resilience increases durability and sharpness retention.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Feral Edge] – Inflicts 8% extra damage to unarmored targets.
➤ [Residual Instinct] – Increases attack speed by 6% when fighting weaker beast-type enemies.

───◈ Limitations ◈───
✦Unrefinable – Cannot be enhanced or reforged.
✦ Weak Armor Penetration – Less effective against high-tier armor or magical defenses.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Ironfang Spear

TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon
TYPE: Spear
DURABILITY: 360/360
ATTACK POWER: 45 – 56

───◈ Item Description ◈───
A 7-foot-long spear crafted from the sharpened horn of a Peak Stage 1 Steelhorn Stalker. Now refined further, its piercing power has increased, making it more effective against reinforced armor.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Armor Piercer] – Deals 20% bonus damage against armored enemies.
➤ [Steadfast Grip] – Reduces recoil from parries and deflected attacks by 14%.

───◈ Limitations ◈───
✦Weighty Strikes – Slightly slower attack speed compared to lighter spears.
✦ No Elemental Affinity – Lacks natural enchantment potential.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Jackal Guard

TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: Shield
DURABILITY: 230/230
DEFENSE RATING: 21 – 32

───◈ Item Description ◈───
A one-handed shield crafted from the reinforced bone and hardened hide of a High Stage 1 Duskridge Jackal. Enhanced structural integrity allows it to absorb more impact without breaking.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Instinctive Guard] – Improves reaction speed by 9% when blocking surprise attacks.
➤ [Reinforced Hide] – Reduces incoming piercing and slashing damage by 15%.

───◈ Limitations ◈───
✦ Limited Impact Absorption – Less effective against blunt force attacks.
✦ Small Surface Area – Requires precise positioning for maximum protection.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Shadowbranch Bow

TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Bow
DURABILITY: 200/200
DRAW WEIGHT: 19 Kg
RANGE: 68 – 100 meters

───◈ Item Description ◈───
A finely crafted bow reinforced with the tendons and flexible bone of a Mid Stage 1 Dusksprint. Now possessing even greater elasticity, it enables more powerful and precise shots.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Steady Aim] – Reduces hand tremors by 10% when drawing the bow.
➤ [Dusksprint's Swiftness] – Increases arrow speed by 14%, further improving range and penetration.

───◈ Limitations ◈───
✦ Limited Power Scaling – Cannot effectively fire heavier arrows.
✦ Durability Erosion – Loses tension over time without proper maintenance.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

"Howlcleaver"
TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon+
TYPE: Greatsword
DURABILITY: 248/280
ATTACK POWER: 195 - 230
RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E-

───◈ Item Description ◈───

A massive yet refined weapon, the Howlcleaver Greatsword was forged from the fanged bones and reinforced hide of a Mid Stage 2 Thunderhowl Beast, a predator feared for its raw power and lightning-fast strikes. Weighing 72 kg, the sheer heft of the blade demands immense strength but rewards its wielder with bone-crushing force.

The blade retains traces of the beast's lingering energy, allowing for high-impact slashes that can rupture armor and stagger foes. Despite being previously wielded, the sword remains in exceptional condition, bearing only minor signs of wear. Its slightly curved edge enables swift but devastating attacks, making it a rare blend of lethal power and surprising agility.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───

➤ [Residual Thunderhowl] – Occasionally releases a faint shockwave upon impact, slightly amplifying damage.
➤ [Momentum Cleave] – Gains increased swing speed after consecutive attacks.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

✦ Worn Grip – Requires maintenance to prevent reduced handling efficiency.
✦ High Strength Requirement – Ineffective in the hands of those lacking sufficient physical power.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Stormweave Gauntlets

TIER: 0 | RANK: Common
TYPE: Gauntlets
DURABILITY: 170/170
DEFENSE: 18 - 26

───◈ Item Description ◈───
A pair of lightweight, reinforced gauntlets now infused with additional durability, improving both protection and flexibility.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Weave Resilience] – Reduces impact damage by 10%, improving grip strength further.
➤ [Swift Guard] – Increases reaction speed when blocking light attacks by 8%.

───◈ Limitations ◈───

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Ironbrand Pistol

TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon-
TYPE: Firearm (Single-Handed)
DURABILITY: 185/185
ATTACK POWER: 30- 41 (Varies by Ammunition)
FIRE RATE: High Moderate

───◈ Item Description ◈───
A finely crafted single-handed firearm, now slightly reinforced to handle stronger rounds and recoil more effectively.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Steady Grip] – Reduces recoil by 10%, improving shot stability.
➤ [Quick Draw] – Weapon switching speed further increased.

───◈ Limitations ◈───
✦ Ammunition Dependent – Requires compatible rounds; performance varies based on bullet type.
✦ Limited Customization – Basic model lacks advanced modification slots.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Tremor Maul

TIER: 0 | RANK: Uncommon
TYPE: War Hammer (Two-Handed)
DURABILITY: 240/240
ATTACK POWER: 75 - 94
RECOMMENDED STRENGTH: E

───◈ Item Description ◈───
A colossal war hammer with enhanced striking power, capable of causing even larger shockwaves on impact.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Seismic Impact] – Shockwaves now stagger enemies in a slightly larger radius.
➤ [Momentum Strike] – 5% Bonus damage from consecutive swings further increased.

───◈ Limitations ◈───
✦ Extreme Weight – Requires immense strength, inefficient for weak or untrained users.
✦ Slow Attack Speed – Powerful but requires time to recover between swings.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Silent Fang

TIER: 0 | RANK: Common+
TYPE: Katana (Double-Handed)
DURABILITY: 100/100
ATTACK POWER: 17 - 24

───◈ Item Description ◈───
A sleek and deadly katana forged from the refined bones and fangs of a Duskscale Panther, a Mid Stage 1 beast renowned for its agility and razor-sharp claws. Now further refined, it boasts a keener edge and enhanced durability.

The hilt is wrapped in dark leather, providing a firm and comfortable grip that enables seamless, fluid movements. Designed for assassins, duelists, and those who live by the blade, the Silent Fang is a weapon of deadly efficiency.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Phantom Edge] – Further increases attack speed when striking consecutively.
➤ [Silent Step] – Reduces footstep noise even further while wielded.

───◈ Limitations ◈───
✦ Lightweight Design – Still lacks raw power compared to heavier weapons.
✦ Requires Precision – Most effective in the hands of a skilled user.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Nightfang

TIER: 0 | RANK:

───◈ Item Description ◈───
The Nightfang Dagger is crafted from the fangs and reinforced bone of a Low Rank Stage 1 Shadowfang Scorpion, a beast known for its agility and hardened exoskeleton. Further refined, the blade has become even sharper, with its dark tint deepening to absorb more ambient light, making it stealthier than before.

Its lightweight design ensures ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for those who favor speed and efficiency in combat.

───◈ Item Effects ◈───
➤ [Shadow Veil] – Further reduces weapon gleam in low light, making it even harder to spot.
➤ [Swift Execution] – Slightly increases critical strike damage on unaware enemies and weak points.

───◈ Limitations ◈───
✦ Short Reach – Ineffective in direct combat against longer weapons.
✦ Lightweight Build – Not suited for heavy blocking or brute force clashes.

───◈◈◈◈◈───

Every item rank was by one sub-realm, with the Howlcleaver being the only exception, remaining at the same rank due to its status, as expected.

Rey was confident that with enhancements, the secret raid was destined for success.

During breakfast with his family, he mentioned that he was going to stay at a friend's house tonight to avoid any misunderstand he wasn't found in his room later.

His mother asked some questions but eventually agreed when he explained that he would be studying to help his friend prepare for an exam.

After giving him simple rules, such as returning home in the morning, going to his friend's house in the evening, and calling her at least once, she allowed him to stay over.

Little did she know, her son, who claimed to be studying at his friend's house, was actually planning to spy on the only Martial Center in Lumina City, under the Empire direct control like any other Martial center present in all cities of five kingdoms.

He was risking trouble if anything went wrong or if he made a mistake, as Martial Centers were primarily the royal family's control, serving as a foundation for individuals to cultivate and become martial warriors or cultivators.

The status of warriors was not very high, equivalent low-level nobles, while cultivators who tempered their bodies with body cultivation art were like hidden gems, equivalent to high nobles, with some even on par with dukes.

The two cultivators he had encountered earlier were not worth mentioning, as they were of such low quality that they couldn't even be properly called Initiate rank.

These individuals hadn't even tempered their bodies with body refining arts. Yes, body refining arts were available, but they could only be used before starting the cultivation path, as nothing worked on the body afterward for unknown reasons.

The only issue was that body refining arts were highly expensive, with a value even higher than cultivation techniques.

The difference between cultivator with body refining one without is like constructing a building without a proper foundation and with proper foundation. 

That's why most youngsters try to get into martial universities to use the body refining art before starting their cultivation. 

Now, Rey was certain that he would be facing a body-tempered cultivator there, 100%, as if there isn't one then where should be. 

The martial center may look normal, but its prestige isn't normal at all.

After Emmy and Jasmine left home for their respective places, Rey was ready to head to the martial center in the evening. 

He also checked out his old armor and mask, which he found in good condition inside Zero who was repairing them in the place it was damaged into the fight against Jacob before.

While planning which weapon to use in the raid, Aiden suggested one to him. He advised Rey to use dagger, as it would be the best option for sneaking. 

Using a heavy or long weapon might cause problems later on. A bow could also pose issues. 

Rey's Umbral Telekinesis could control the daggers with the total weight of the five daggers being just 4 kg and the other blade not exceeding 2 kg.

Rey tried using the dagger with his ability and found he could handle all six normally without any problem. He trained repeatedly, performing various tricks and improving his control and balance with them.

As the time for the raid approached in a few hours, his mother and sister were home early. Emmy wasn't alone, as Jasmine returned home earlier than usual. Rey took a simple bag to avoid any question that he was going other than his friend's house. Jasmine and Emmy carried on with their usual day.

Rey left home, determined not to waste any more time, and walking toward the where the center was located.

After walking past many people and buildings, he finally reached the designated area where he was supposed to be.

Despite it being evening and many people and buildings winding down, the martial center still active as usual.

He decided to spend some time there until the center closed.

After spending about one to two hours, the center started to become less active as many people were leaving to go home or other places, even the staff was leaving after their shift.

In half an hour, the whole center was empty for the manager and a few more staff members who were also preparing to leave.

The gate locked with two guards standing to protect it.

Rey wanted to sneak inside while they were closing the gate, but he wasn't able to get inside with his {Shadowmeld} before the gate was shut.

He then tried to head inside through another entrance, like a window, vent or somewhere else.

He looked around several times, but his luck seemed to be bad as every window was closed, and he couldn't break any of them without getting caught.

He tried to find other ways and eventually caught sight of an entrance could use right now, a slightly open window.

It was his chance, but the problem was that the window on the third floor. He knew it would be difficult to reach, but he could resolve it with his skill.

"{Phantom Stride}" He used his skill, which mutated from {Parkour}, and he was sure that even though the core was different, the mechanism of the skill was still the same.

His body started to feel the changes much more than the passive effects as his eyes, which previously couldn't find edges to climb over, now could effectively.

He approached the wall and began to climb, his skills still in effect.

He was getting the hang of it as his body movements became more comfortable for climbing.

Within a few seconds, he was close to the window, but the problem was that nothing was nearby except the window itself, so the only option was to jump toward it.

If he missed, the fall would hurt, though not severely, but the guards would become alert and search him around for the intruder.

He was certain he would fail, but an idea came to him as he prepared for the jump and to use the plan he had just devised.

"{Abyssal Strength}, {Umbral Dash}," he muttered, using his strength and speed-enhancing skills. His legs received a boost in strength, and with a dash and burst of power, lunged toward the window, as planned, reached its edge and grasped.

He climbed up and entered, finding himself in one of the third-floor bathrooms.

He looked around and saw no one nearby. His previously impaired vision suddenly improved, allowing him to see everything.

He then remembered that his physique has a minor night vision, which was good enough for now.

Rey looked around and headed toward the door while closing the window slightly but not completely, as this might serve as his exit later on.

He exited the bathroom and checked around to see if any guards were present.

Fortunately, he was in stealth mode, and just as he rounded the corner, he saw a security guard in front of him.

He sighed in relief and moved away from the guard's area. After analyzing the situation, he discovered that there were five on the third floor, an equal number on the second floor, and twelve on the first floor including two standing outside right now.

In total, there were five floors in the building, so if he counted it all up, there were thirty to thirty-two guards present assuming there wasn't an underground basement.

He began searching each floor to find the room the Center's documents could be located.

After half an hour of investigation, he found a room that was guarded by a security guard. While with Aiden's help, he managed to avoid all security cameras, if not, at least most of the cameras in roaming around.

Upon reaching the first floor, he found a room guarded by a guard who never left his post. As he approached, a nameplate indicating that it was office of the Center's Director.

He tried to get inside the room, but even the narrowest edge was inaccessible.

'What I do? I don't think there's any other room left to, and this won't leave his post for even a second,' he thought, looking around and getting an idea from his surroundings.

He decided to take the risk and gamble not getting caught.

He moved a distance away and looked at a photo, possibly of the director or previous one.

He went ahead and swiftly made fall, creating a small noise as if it was done unintentionally. 

The guard at the gate reacted instantly, becoming alert and approaching full awareness of his surroundings.

However, he did not expect someone to walk past him easily without being noticed.

Rey, who walked past the guard effortlessly, looked around. 

Unbeknownst to guard, someone had opened and closed the door cautiously to avoid detection. 

When guard returned, he found nothing suspicious and returned to his duty.

Inside the room, Rey was amazed by the design and decoration. 

"These big shots really did spend a lot of money," he said, moving around the room.

"But even with such high security, I am here with ease., I just need to gather proof and leave the same way," Rey said joyfully as he searched for evidence. 

However, Aiden was not satisfied with this method as it would not help him later on. 

So, he made a change to his skill, becoming visible again as he deactivated his skill without Rey's knowledge.

Aiden also did not inform Rey that was a hidden camera in the room. Once the skill effect wore off, Rey became visible on the camera. Meanwhile, in the security room of the Center, the observer on duty noticed something strange in the Director's office. 

At first, he saw no one in Director's room, but suddenly someone appeared, searching the room for something.

He was shocked as he hurriedly took out his walkie-talkie and called the guards guarding floor and others in conference.

"All, head toward the Director's office. An intruder is inside, searching through all the stuff", he shouted, sending the message to everyone. He decided to take one more step which might put his life at risk. But still did it as he took his phone and dialed a number displayed as "Boss."

After a few rings, someone picked up the call, and a voice came from the other.

"Hello, what's the reason for calling this late at night?"

"Sir, sorry to disturb you, but something has happened here. An in-intruder is inside your office, searching everywhere, including your desktop," he informed his boss. There was silence for a few seconds before the boss responded.

"You all must want to die right now, don't you? With security like you all, how was someone to get inside? Do I pay you for playing games, you fool? Catch this man quickly, or if you can't handle him, try to stall until I can get there. Even if you all have to die, stop him from leaving before I arrive, or I will personally kill you all in such a brutal that even your families won't be able to find or see your bodies," the boss said, leaving the man drenched in sweat.

"Okay boss, we will try to stop him until you arrive," he said, putting away his phone and starting to give orders to the guards approaching the director office.

Meanwhile, the boss, still unknown, was coming back in an amount of time.

While Rey who was searching through the boss's desktop after Aiden broke its code was unaware that his presence had been detected, and fate was uncertain as to whether he get in one piece or not.

-<To Be Continued>- 

The next chapter will be full of action, so don't miss it. If you have made it this far, it is obvious that you can add it to your library. Also, please point out any mistakes if you find any {But maybe not going to find any😁}.