Shadowbound Ascension: The Necromancer's Journey

Aiden Shadowbane strode purposefully and the dark cloak he wore fluttered thoughtlessly when he stepped out of the Eclipse Auction House. It had been such a successful auction. Not only had he made an astronomical 7000 billion, credits but he had also got himself some rare and powerful items. As much as the night sounded like a media construction of his perfect catch—many trays, much wine, beautiful sparkling water—I wonder what the biggest payoff of the evening was wasn't even an item he could buy. It was the VVIP card—an item held only by the most powerful figures in the world: To simplistically separate the new generation of hunters that are currently operating under the M-Rank system from the Old Generation Hunters. Now, however, he was the master of one.

The mere card it self was not just an emblem of status. It allowed him to newly freed abilities of the game, the highest level of dungeons, and the option to communicate with other players around the world who play hunters. I think I like this part, where the mask helps Aiden smirk in a wicked fashion. By the time he reached 30 he had impressed his way higher than people could have guessed, but he realized this is just the first phase.

While walking, he was recalling the events that took place in the auction. Of the seven Potions of Restoration, three has been bought by the three new-generation M-Rank hunters namely: the Lord of Shadows, Wrath's Fist, and the Angel of Dawn. All these hunters were legends themselves and had decided to keep the potions for the older generation of M-Rank hunters who were believed to be on their death beds.

It did not take Aiden long to find out what had become of his invention, and how it helped people. The next day the world was shocked by an announcement made and telecasted on almost all the channels of the world. The 'Old Generation M-Rank hunters' who were recently rejuvenated and were identified to be decades younger had announced their comeback. This particular scene is one that silenced the world in a bid to have a glance at it.

It had tracked their faces; the first time their faces had been captured sore with the fatigue but now energetic, spirited and look powerful. Seven legendary characters had stood at the very frontlines of humanity's battle against dungeons, or rather, they stood when the news had come in that these talents were exclusive to the seven of them alone; it was a major turning point in the war, though deservedly so.

Aiden watched the broadcast without speaking. He had realized some of his potions would be for those who hold influential positions but seeing the Old Generation M-Rank hunters back in action, ready to return to the world of dungeons gave him some inexplicable satisfaction.

With vague concern he continued to listen to the broadcast while watching the Lord of Shadows by the side of the newly revived M-Rank hunters. Shrouded in darkness, he did not become any less mysterious but with the representatives of the previous generation by his side, his powers increased even more.

Wrath's Fist was alread destructive monster; now he looked even more so, thanks to his regained youth and the strength of a young man. His eyes were fully charged with violence and as if he wanted his guild to go deeper into tougher dungeons again.

And then there was the Angel of Dawn, whose moonsilvered purity had somehow increased now as though she has been blessed with the sunshine of the new day. She was once known to have cured numerous sick persons and at her young age again she appeared to be ready to tackle the most globe's extreme challenges.

But amidst all the excitement and celebration, one detail sent a chill down Aiden's spine. The leader of the Hunter Killers had purchased one of the Potions of Restoration as well.

No one knew who he was. Not even the M-Rank hunters. But the fact that an M-Rank hunter had been leading the Hunter Killers all along—and had remained hidden from even the world's most powerful forces—was unsettling.

Aiden leaned back in his chair, contemplating his next move. The system pinged softly in his mind, but this time, it wasn't a warning. It was a reminder: he had gained significant credits from the auction, and now it was time to review the items he had purchased.

He opened his inventory, the system interface lighting up before him. The list of items was impressive—each one offering unique abilities that would undoubtedly aid him in his journey. He scanned through the descriptions, his eyes settling on one in particular: a set of enchanted gauntlets that increased strength and agility by 20% when worn, and a mystical amulet that provided passive regeneration of mana, allowing for longer use of his abilities without tiring.

Satisfied with his purchases, Aiden stood up and made his way toward the training grounds. He had no intention of sitting still. The system's new features, the items in his possession, and the knowledge he had gained were all tools he would use to grow even stronger.

As he arrived at the training area, he called up his status screen and took a moment to appreciate the progress he had made. His stats had skyrocketed from his relentless daily quests, and his talents were finally starting to take shape.

But Aiden knew that in this world, power alone wasn't enough. There were always greater threats lurking in the shadows—enemies who thrived on the weakness of others.

He activated the Shadow Affinity talent, feeling the familiar cloak of darkness envelop him. His movements became smoother, more fluid, as the shadows responded to his commands. A small smile crept onto his face. This talent was only at Rank E, but with enough time and effort, he knew it could grow into something far more powerful.

As he trained, he kept one thought in mind: the leader of the Hunter Killers. He couldn't shake the feeling that their paths were destined to cross again. And next time, he would be ready.

Hours passed as Aiden pushed himself to his limits, testing the new abilities and items he had acquired. By the time he was done, his muscles burned with fatigue, but his spirit remained unshaken. He knew what he had to do next.

A notification from the system flashed across his vision, snapping him out of his thoughts.

[System Update: Special quest unlocked.] [Objective: Learn the truth about your father's past and his connection to the M-Rank hunters.]

Aiden's heart raced. The truth about his father was finally within reach.

With renewed determination, he left the training grounds, his mind focused on the quest ahead. The world around him was changing rapidly—powerful figures were emerging, and old legends were returning. But Aiden was determined to carve out his place among them.

As he made his way into the night, cloaked in shadows, he couldn't help but feel a sense of destiny pulling him forward. The path ahead was dangerous, but he had never been more ready to face it.