I scanned through the options carefully, my gaze flickering between the two Monarch items—the Monarch's Daggers and the Monarch's Bow.
Both were exceptional. Both carried overwhelming power.
But right now, I needed something that aligned with my fighting style.
I had been using daggers from the start. I had adapted to close-quarters combat, utilizing my speed, Phantom Dash, and precise strikes to take down enemies swiftly.
A bow would be useful, no doubt. But it wasn't my primary weapon.
My decision was made.
"Purchase Monarch's Daggers."
The moment I confirmed the purchase, my gold balance dropped by 8,500, leaving me with 1,500 Gold remaining.
A system prompt followed immediately after.
***
[ System Notification ]
Purchase Confirmed!
You have obtained: Monarch's Daggers
***
A dark, shifting mist swirled before me, coalescing into the form of two gleaming daggers. They weren't like any ordinary weapons—I could feel the sheer dominance radiating from them, as if the very air recognized them as weapons fit for a ruler.
I reached out, grasping both hilts. The moment my fingers wrapped around them, a pulse of abyssal energy surged through me.
The daggers were perfectly balanced in my hands, neither too light nor too heavy. Their design was intricate—black blades with a faint violet glow, and a sigil etched near the hilt that pulsed like a living entity.
I gave them a few test swings. Smooth. Silent. Deadly.
***
[ Equipment Acquired: Monarch's Daggers ]
Attack Power: +500
Effect 1: Phantom Execution – Strikes leave behind a delayed afterimage attack, dealing 30% of the original damage after 1 second.
Effect 2: Abyssal Dominion – While fighting in darkness or shadowed areas, attack speed increases by 35%.
Effect 3: Evolvable – These daggers have untapped potential and will evolve alongside their wielder.
***
A smirk played on my lips. "Now this… this is a real weapon."
As I was about to close the shop, another system notification flickered before me.
***
[ System Notification ]
Compatible Items Detected!
Umbral Fang and Monarch's Daggers share a unique synergy.
Fusion is possible to create a more powerful and personalized weapon.
Would you like to proceed with fusion?
[Yes] / [No]
***
I froze. "Fusion?"
My eyes darted between my inventory and the Monarch's Daggers in my hands. Umbral Fang—the unique dagger I had been using up until now—was a powerful weapon on its own, crafted from condensed shadow essence.
And now, the system was telling me I could merge it with Monarch's Daggers to create something even stronger?
My heartbeat quickened. This wasn't just an upgrade. This was a chance to forge something truly deadly.
I didn't hesitate. "Yes."
The moment I confirmed, the system activated.
A deep, resonating hum filled the air as both weapons floated before me. Dark energy surged from Umbral Fang, intertwining with the violet aura of Monarch's Daggers. The weapons pulsed, colliding in a violent burst of abyssal power.
The ground trembled beneath me as a swirling vortex of shadow and dominion energy engulfed the fusion process. Sparks of black and violet lightning crackled in the air.
Then—
BOOM!
A shockwave blasted outward, forcing me to shield my face.
As the energy finally settled, two new daggers hovered in the air before me—identical in shape but radiating an overwhelming aura.
I reached out instinctively, grasping them.
The moment my fingers wrapped around the hilts, a surge of raw power flooded through my veins.
These weren't just weapons anymore.
They were an extension of me.
***
[ Weapon Fusion Complete! ]
You have obtained: Abyss Monarch Daggers (Unique-Grade, Evolvable)
Attack Power: +900
Effect 1: Phantom Execution – Strikes leave behind a delayed afterimage attack, dealing 40% of the original damage after 1 second.
Effect 2: Abyssal Dominion – While fighting in darkness or shadowed areas, attack speed increases by 40%.
Effect 3: Umbral Rend – Successful attacks weaken the target's defense by 15% for 5 seconds.
Effect 4: Evolvable – These daggers have absorbed the essence of Umbral Fang and Monarch's Daggers. They will continue to grow stronger alongside their wielder.
***
I exhaled sharply.
As I gripped the newly fused Abyss Monarch Daggers, I could feel the overwhelming power coursing through them.
But that wasn't the only thing that had changed.
I had just gained 15 levels from defeating the Forgotten Sentinel, and with the massive stat boost, I needed to check my updated status.
"Status."
A familiar blue screen materialized before my eyes.
***
[ Updated Status Window ]
Name: Ryzen Kael
Level: 45
Class:System's Avatar / Abyss Monarch
Adventurer Rank: A
-
[ Titles ]
Abyss Monarch (Mythic)
You have become one with the Abyss, commanding its power and creatures.
Abyssal creatures naturally submit to your will.
Slain enemies may be reborn as Abyssal Servants under your control.
Abyss-related abilities are significantly enhanced.
Your presence distorts reality, allowing limited control over the Abyss itself.
-
[ Stats ]
Strength (STR): 85 (+900 AP from Abyss Monarch Daggers)
Agility (AGI): 90
Vitality (VIT): 70
Intelligence (INT): 65
Unallocated Stat Points: 40
-
[ Exclusive Skills ]
Adaptive Growth (Active)
Ruler of Abyss (Upgraded) (Active/Passive)
Phantom Dash (Active/Passive Hybrid)
Abyssal Warhound – Fenrir (A-Rank Familiar)
Predator's Instinct (Passive Skill)
[ Abyssborn Pact ](Passive)
-
[ Special System Stats ]
Fatigue: 8/100
HP: 4500/4500
MP: 3900/3900
***
I glanced at my Updated Status Window, taking in the changes.
My stats had increased drastically—especially Strength, which had been boosted by +900 Attack Power thanks to the Abyss Monarch Daggers. My HP and MP had also surged, making me significantly more durable and capable of sustaining prolonged battles.
With 40 unallocated stat points, I needed to make my next move carefully.
"Distribute Points."
A prompt appeared.
***
[ Allocate Stat Points ]
Agility (AGI): +15 → (105)
Vitality (VIT): +10 → (80)
Intelligence (INT): +15 → (80)
The moment I confirmed my choices, a surge of energy coursed through my body. My muscles tensed, my reflexes sharpened, and my vision became clearer, as if I was stepping into a higher state of existence.
I clenched my fists.
"This… feels incredible."
***
[ Updated Stats ]
Strength (STR): 85 (+900 AP from Abyss Monarch Daggers)
Agility (AGI): 105
Vitality (VIT): 80
Intelligence (INT): 80
Unallocated Stat Points: 0
***
As soon as I closed my Status Window, the air around me shifted.