The sun dipped low behind the twin peaks of Eldoria, casting long shadows across Arcanum City.
As Kazuki Ren walked through the bustling streets, eyes followed him. Whispers floated through the air like the scent of roasted meats and fresh-baked bread.
"That's him... the Soulbinder."
"I saw his evaluation—absorbing goblin souls!"
"He might actually rise fast… or crash harder."
Ren kept his gaze forward, blocking out the noise.
He had no time for gossip.
Albrecht walked beside him, his staff clicking softly against the marble road.
"You made quite an impression, Ren. The Guild Masters are already discussing sponsorships."
Ren shook his head.
"I didn't come here for fame. I just want to survive… and grow stronger."
The old master smiled knowingly.
"Strength attracts many things — allies, enemies… and temptations."
As if summoned by those very words, a familiar voice called out.
"Yo, rookie."
Ren turned to see her — Aria Nightshade.
She was leaning casually against a stone pillar, one leg crossed over the other, arms folded. Her crimson hair glimmered like a living flame under the setting sun.
That sharp grin again — playful, dangerous.
"Enjoying your moment under the spotlight?" she teased.
Ren narrowed his eyes.
"What do you want?"
"Relax. I'm just curious about the new 'Soulbinder' everyone's losing their minds over."
She stepped closer, her boots clicking with authority.
"You surprised me back there. That extraction skill… I've never seen anything like it."
"Neither have I," Ren admitted honestly.
Aria smirked.
"Good. Keep it that way."
She poked a finger against his chest, her tone suddenly dropping into something darker.
"But listen carefully — power draws attention. Some people will want to use you. Some will want to destroy you. And some…"
Her eyes flickered with a strange amusement.
"…might just want to break you in for fun."
Ren held her gaze, refusing to back down.
"I'm not that easy to break."
"Oh? We'll see."
Her voice was almost a purr as she turned and sauntered away, leaving Ren standing there with his pulse racing.
Albrecht chuckled softly.
"That one is dangerous. Keep your guard up, Kazuki."
The First Assignment
Early the next morning, Ren received his first assignment.
Target: Goblin Den
Location: Shadowvale Woods
Objective: Eliminate at least 10 goblins.
Rank: F-Class Trial Hunt.
Ren inspected the basic leather armor and iron sword issued by the guild.
Albrecht patted his shoulder.
"Be cautious. Goblins may seem weak, but in packs, they are cunning."
"I understand."
"And remember…"
The old man's voice lowered.
"Focus on learning control over your Soulbinder abilities. The more essence you absorb, the more unstable your mind may become."
The forest greeted him with eerie silence.
Ren's steps were light as he navigated through the twisting trees. Strange glowing insects buzzed in the undergrowth.
He kept his senses sharp, every muscle ready.
Ten goblins. Simple.
Suddenly, a rustle.
A trio of goblins burst out from the bushes, their jagged blades raised.
Ren reacted instantly.
He ducked under the first swing, drove his sword clean through the second goblin's chest, twisted, and yanked it free just in time to slash across the third one's throat.
The remaining goblin tried to flee—but Ren was faster.
With an unnatural burst of speed, he closed the distance, slamming his fist into the goblin's skull, cracking it like fragile glass.
The faint purple mist rose again.
Soulbind: Extraction Initiated.
[Skill Acquired: Night Vision (Lv.1)]
Ren exhaled slowly, letting the rush of foreign energy settle into his core.
This power... it's addictive.
But the real challenge waited deeper in Shadowvale.
As he advanced, the trees thickened, the air grew heavier.
A foul stench wafted through the air—rot and blood.
Ren stumbled upon a small clearing where a goblin camp stood.
At least twelve of them.
More than expected.
Among them stood a larger creature — a Goblin Brute — nearly twice the size of the others, wielding a massive club.
Perfect chance to test myself.
Ren crouched behind a boulder, analyzing their movements.
The regular goblins squabbled over scraps of meat, oblivious to danger.
He gripped his sword tightly, channeling his rapidly growing skills.
Enhanced Reflexes. Night Vision. Soulbind Energy Reserve — stable.
He launched the attack like a shadow.
The first goblin didn't even see the blade that sliced through its throat.
Two more fell within seconds.
The camp erupted in shrieks.
The Brute roared, rallying its remaining warriors.
Four goblins charged at once.
Ren dodged, parried, and disarmed them in fluid, almost graceful movements. Each kill fed his Soulbind.
[Skill Acquired: Minor Agility Boost (Lv.1)]
[Skill Acquired: Iron Skin (Lv.1)]
The surge of new strength made him faster, tougher, more precise.
But then — the Brute charged.
Its club smashed into the ground where Ren had stood a moment before, sending dirt and rocks flying.
Ren flipped backward, barely evading the crushing blow.
He's strong.
The Brute bellowed again, eyes glowing crimson.
It rushed forward like a raging bull.
Ren sidestepped, sliding beneath its swing and slashing across its exposed flank. The beast howled, but its thick skin absorbed most of the damage.
Ren needed more.
I need to end this NOW.
As the Brute lunged again, Ren gambled everything.
He leapt forward, ducked under the club mid-swing, and drove his sword straight up through the beast's throat, piercing into its skull.
The Brute's massive body trembled, then collapsed with a thunderous crash.
As the purple mist rose, Ren felt a surge unlike any before.
[Skill Acquired: Brute Strength (Lv.1)]
His muscles bulged slightly, his stamina replenished instantly.
Suddenly, a slow clap echoed from the trees.
Ren spun around, sword ready.
"Impressive."
It was Aria Nightshade.
She stepped into the clearing, eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
"I was curious if you'd survive your first real hunt. Seems I underestimated you."
"You were watching me?" Ren asked sharply.
"Of course. You're interesting, rookie."
She sauntered closer, stopping just a few feet from him.
"That Soulbind power of yours is dangerous... and very attractive."
Her voice softened, playful yet predatory.
"You know, most rookies die on their first solo mission. But not you. You're... deliciously different."
Ren kept his guard up, though his pulse quickened under her intense gaze.
"What do you want, Aria?"
"Simple."
Her smile widened.
"I want to see how far you'll rise. And maybe... help you get there. For a price, of course."
"And that price?"
"That," she whispered, leaning closer so her breath tickled his ear,
"is something we'll negotiate later."
Before Ren could respond, Aria abruptly pulled back, her sharp eyes narrowing.
"We're not alone."
From the treeline emerged three hooded figures — cloaked cultists, their eyes glowing unnaturally green.
"The Soulbinder has arrived," one hissed.
"The Monarch will be pleased."
Ren tensed.
The Monarch of Death? They serve him?
Aria's hand shot to her twin daggers.
"Looks like your training isn't over yet, rookie."
The cultists chanted, dark energy swirling in their palms.
"Prepare yourself, Kazuki," Aria whispered, her voice filled with deadly excitement.
"This is where the real game begins."