Shadowbound Ascension: The Necromancer's Journey

Aiden walked through the park, his mind still racing with thoughts of the training he had completed. His muscles ached from the relentless pace he'd been pushing himself through, but he couldn't slow down now. The vision of the future—where God and Celestial Rank hunters reigned supreme—played like a constant reminder in the back of his mind. His talents had grown, but they weren't nearly enough.

He needed allies. Strong ones.

As Aiden walked deeper into the park, he noticed something that drew his attention. A boy, roughly his age, sat on a bench, watching over a little girl who was laughing and playing in the grass. The boy had a quiet air about him, his eyes sharp and observant, though there was a tiredness behind them. His clothes were simple, a little worn, but well cared for. It was clear he wasn't from wealth.

Aiden slowed his pace, his instincts drawing him toward the boy. There was something about him—an aura, perhaps—that felt... different. The system in his mind hummed, sensing his focus. Aiden's vision sharpened as he activated the system's ability to scan the boy's potential.

"System, show me his information."

In an instant, data began to flood his vision, outlining the boy's status and potential in sharp detail.

Name: Ethan

Age: 17

Current Rank: Unawakened

Potential Rank: God Rank

Class Potential: ALL WEAPONS MASTER

Status: Unawakened, Low Mana Sensitivity

Aiden's eyes widened as he processed the information. God Rank? That was an exceptionally rare potential. And the class—ALL WEAPONS MASTER—made Ethan even more intriguing. The system provided further details about the class.

"All Weapons Master: A unique and rare class, capable of mastering and wielding any weapon in existence with unparalleled skill. The class holder is not bound by any one type of weapon but can switch between them effortlessly, becoming a force of versatility and lethality."

Aiden's lips curled into a smile. This kid... he has incredible potential. But Ethan was unawakened, his true power dormant. That's something I can change.

As Aiden continued to watch, he noticed the deep care Ethan had for the little girl playing nearby. She must be his sister. They didn't look too different in age, yet there was a sense of protectiveness in Ethan's demeanor that went beyond the average sibling bond. The boy was a guardian in his own right, despite his lack of power.

"He's perfect," Aiden thought. "Not only does he have the potential to become a God Rank hunter, but he's already carrying the weight of responsibility. If I can awaken him and help him grow, he'll become a powerful ally."

But Aiden knew he had to be smart about this. He wasn't powerful enough yet to form a guild of his own, but that didn't mean he couldn't start building connections. The Awakening Restoration Potion (Rank C) was his key to helping Ethan reach his potential, but it wasn't just about giving him power. He needed to gain Ethan's trust, form a bond with him first.

As Aiden contemplated his next move, the system chimed in with its usual efficient tone.

"Class: All Weapons Master confirmed. Awakening this individual will require an Awakening Restoration Potion (Rank C). Recommended course of action: Form a party to accelerate rank and talent growth for all members."

Aiden's eyes lit up. Forming a party... it was an idea he had briefly considered but hadn't fully explored. With Ethan's potential, they could grow together. He could guide Ethan's growth while he worked on his own rise to M Rank. And once they were strong enough, he could form the guild he had been planning all along.

"System," Aiden asked, "is there any way for me to train him even though I'm not strong enough to establish my own guild yet?"

"Suggestion: Lord of Shadows possesses significant resources and training capabilities. Forming an alliance with Ethan and leveraging Lord of Shadows' support will provide the necessary training until your guild formation is complete."

Aiden paused. The system had a point. Lord of Shadows had already shown interest in him, and even though Aiden had turned down his offer to join the Hunters Association as vice head, it didn't mean the door was closed for other types of collaboration.

"Lord of Shadows... of course. He could help train Ethan while I focus on increasing my own power. And once we're both strong enough, I'll form the guild."

His plan was coming together. But first, he needed to approach Ethan carefully. He couldn't just walk up and offer him an Awakening Potion without explaining what it would mean. Aiden needed to befriend him, get to know him, and offer him a path forward—a path that would change his life forever.

With that thought, Aiden approached the bench where Ethan sat.

"Hey," Aiden greeted casually, offering a friendly smile. "That your sister?"

Ethan glanced up, his expression guarded at first, but he nodded. "Yeah. She's all I've got left."

Aiden took a seat beside him, watching the little girl play for a moment before turning back to Ethan. "It's a nice day. You guys come here often?"

Ethan hesitated before nodding again. "Sometimes. She likes it here. It's... quiet."

There was a pause, a subtle tension between them. Aiden could see the boy wasn't used to talking to strangers, but that was fine. He wasn't in a rush.

"I'm Aiden, by the way," he said, extending his hand.

Ethan glanced at it for a moment before shaking it cautiously. "Ethan."

Aiden smiled again, leaning back on the bench. "You ever thought about becoming a hunter?" he asked, keeping his tone light.

Ethan gave him a skeptical look. "A hunter? Me? I'm not awakened. Besides, even if I was, I don't think I'd be much good at it."

Aiden chuckled. "You'd be surprised. Sometimes, people have more potential than they realize."

Ethan looked away, his expression distant. "Maybe. But it's just not in the cards for me."

Aiden didn't push further. He could tell Ethan wasn't ready to fully engage with the idea just yet. But that was fine. He had planted the seed. Now, he just needed to nurture it.

"Well, if you ever change your mind," Aiden said, standing up from the bench, "let me know. I might be able to help."

Ethan looked at him curiously, but before he could respond, Aiden gave a small wave and walked away. As he left, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He had taken the first step in forming his future alliance.

Now, all that was left was to prepare for the day Ethan would awaken. And when that day came, the world would witness the rise of a new power—one that Aiden was already beginning to shape.

But for now, he had to focus on his next step: convincing Lord of Shadows to train Ethan and provide the resources they would both need.

"This is just the beginning," Aiden thought, a glint of determination in his eyes.

And as the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the park, Aiden knew that those shadows were his to command.