After selling his hunting spoils and earning 300 silver coins, Evan returned home with a sense of satisfaction. He now had enough money to survive and help his younger sister, Lilia. However, beneath that satisfaction, something kept lingering in his mind—
Limitless Blade System.
Burning with curiosity, Evan sat on his bed and summoned the system in his mind.
"System, show me the list of techniques I can use right now."
[Displaying technique list...]
[Available techniques for Rank F:]
Void Edge → A slash reinforced with invisible energy, enhancing the sharpness of attacks.
Shadow Step → A swift movement technique to evade or deceive enemies.
Evan nodded. These techniques had already helped him during his hunt in the Rift earlier. But what caught his attention even more was the section below.
[Techniques locked until higher Rank:]
Crimson Fang (Rank E)
Aetherial Rift (Rank C)
Astral Cleave (Rank B)
Tenebris Waltz (Rank A)
His eyes widened as he reached the bottom of the list.
[Rank S Techniques (Locked)]
Sol Invictus → Transforms the sword into a miniature sun, releasing holy energy attacks that burn enemies to ashes.
Nihil Stratos → A slash that erases the existence of targets within a certain radius, as if severing reality itself.
Aethernova → Gathers energy from the atmosphere and releases it in a light-speed attack, annihilating everything in its path.
Evan held his breath. Just reading the descriptions of these techniques sent shivers down his spine.
"If I could use these… I would be invincible."
But reality was harsh—these techniques were still far beyond his reach. Clenching his fists, Evan knew that if he wanted to reach the pinnacle of strength, he had to work hard.
"I must keep fighting, level up, and master stronger techniques."
With newfound determination, Evan lay down on his bed, thinking about his next steps. Tomorrow, he would return to the Dimensional Rift and grow stronger.
The next morning, Evan woke up with renewed enthusiasm. After learning about the various techniques available in the Limitless Blade System, he was eager to test the Rank F techniques he had unlocked. With firm resolve, he set off for the same Dimensional Rift as yesterday.
Upon arrival, he noticed that he wasn't alone. Several other beginner Hunters were also preparing to enter the Rift. One of them was a young man with short brown hair and a sword at his waist, while the other was a girl holding a magic staff.
"Hey, you're the one from yesterday, right?" the young man greeted with a friendly smile. "My name is Reiner. Looks like we're hunting in the same place."
Evan nodded. "I'm Evan. Yeah, I'm back to improve my skills."
The long-haired black-haired girl observed Evan with interest. "I saw you yesterday as well. You seem quite strong for a beginner. My name is Aria."
Evan simply smiled. "I'm still learning. Well then, let's have a good hunt."
Without wasting time, they entered the Rift.
Inside the Rift, the atmosphere felt even more intense than the day before. The dark forest was shrouded in a thin mist, adding to the sense of danger.
[Available Techniques: Void Edge, Shadow Step.]
Evan spotted a Goblin wielding an axe appearing before him. Without hesitation, he activated Void Edge and delivered a swift slash. His sword emitted an invisible aura, enhancing the sharpness of his attack.
Swish!
The goblin was cleaved in half in a single strike.
[Exp +10]
Reiner, who witnessed the attack, whistled in admiration. "Whoa, your technique is impressive. I can't cut down monsters in one hit yet."
"It's just about precision," Evan replied humbly. In truth, the Limitless Blade System gave him a huge advantage, but he had no intention of revealing it.
Aria raised her staff and launched a small fireball at a group of approaching goblins.
"How about we hunt together? It would be more efficient."
Evan considered it for a moment before nodding. "Alright, as long as we stay cautious."
After several hours of hunting, the group faced a greater challenge—a High-Rank Shadow Wolf.
This monster was larger than a regular wolf and moved with incredible speed, making it hard to predict its attacks.
The wolf lunged at Evan with terrifying speed.
[Recommendation: Use Shadow Step.]
Evan immediately activated Shadow Step, dodging the attack in a blink of an eye. He reappeared at the wolf's side and instantly unleashed Void Edge.
His enhanced slash struck the wolf's neck, leaving a deep wound!
But the wolf was still standing, growling in fury.
"Hold it off! I'm preparing a magic attack!" Aria shouted, beginning to chant a spell.
Reiner attempted to distract the wolf from the other side, while Evan waited for the right moment to strike its weak point.
Suddenly, the wolf disappeared into the shadows and reappeared behind Evan, claws raised.
Slash!
Evan gasped as he felt the sharp claws tear into his shoulder. Blood trickled down, but he gritted his teeth and remained focused.
[HP Decreased by 30%]
"Damn it… it's fast!" Evan staggered back, enduring the pain.
The wolf lunged again, aiming for his throat.
Evan was forced to use Shadow Step to evade, but his body was starting to weaken from his injuries.
Reiner shouted, "Evan, hang on! I'll strike from behind!"
But the wolf was too fast.
SWOOSH!
As Evan attempted to counterattack, the wolf spun around and slammed him into the ground with a powerful blow.
[HP Decreased by 50%]
His vision blurred. If he didn't act quickly, he would die.
[Recommendation: Use Void Edge with full power!]
With ragged breath, Evan raised his sword and channeled all his remaining energy into a final strike.
"ARGHHH!!"
Void Edge: Full Release!
An invisible light enveloped his sword as he slashed with all his might.
ZRAKK!!
The wolf staggered, then collapsed lifelessly onto the ground.
[Exp +300]
[Level Up!]
Evan lay on the ground, bloodied and exhausted. Reiner and Aria immediately rushed to his side.
"Are you okay!?" Aria asked worriedly.
Evan gave a weak smile. "I'm still alive… that's enough."
Reiner let out a sigh of relief. "That fight was insane. If you hadn't killed it first, we all might've been dead."
Evan stared at the darkening sky. The battle had nearly cost him his life, yet he wasn't afraid. Instead, he felt even more determined.
"This is just the beginning…" he murmured. "I must keep getting stronger."
With the Limitless Blade System, he knew this was only the first step toward true power. One day, he would unlock the legendary Rank S techniques.
But for now—
He had to survive.