[Talent Name: Soul Devourer]
[Class: S]
[Tier: 1]
[Ability Summary:
Every time Ashen takes down a demon or dark entity, he absorbs its soul and magical energy. This grants him some of their abilities and special powers—sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently. He can enhance his attacks using the absorbed power or even forge entirely new skills.
The stronger the creature he defeats, the more complex and powerful he becomes.]
[Usage:
Over time, Ashen can mix and match different powers. He might fly with the wings of a fallen demon, unleash hellfire from one hand and icy death from the other, or vanish into the shadows with the gift of a Shade Demon. Every fight isn't just about surviving—it's a chance to evolve.]
[Limitation:
Absorbing too many abilities can mess with his mind, and sometimes, powers may activate on their own. If the powers are too contradictory, inner conflicts may emerge. Plus, he's bound to slay dark entities to maintain or gain power—it's both a gift and a curse.]
Ashen opened his eyes.
He was in bed, surrounded by his whole family—his father, his mother, his sister, and his brother.
"He's fine, I swear. He just awakened his talent," Raven said, tapping his forehead and glancing at their mom.
The ring of the phone echoed from the hallway.
"That's my phone. Alice, honey, can you grab it?" Darian, their father, said warmly.
Though Darian was a Class A talent holder, he didn't use his powers much. He was more focused on running his tech development company.
"Here you go, Dad." Alice handed the phone to him.
It was a call from Ashreach Academy.
The biggest academy for Talents in the entire world.
3,520 floors.
345,000 staff.
A building 13,000 meters tall.
Designed like a massive, sleek, glowing cone, surrounded by lush forests.
Ashreach wasn't like your average high school. It provided specialized, personalized training based on one's unique abilities.
Inside the Academy, there were elite tournaments with million-Auron prizes… and entry cards to access alternate worlds.
Ashreach had crushed the competition. It was the final boss of all academies.
"This is Ashreach Academy. We're calling to remind you about registering your children's abilities," said a composed voice—Arkan Velrath, the head of the entire academy.
"We already brought two of them in. Only one left. He's still recovering, but as soon as he's ready, we'll be there," Darian replied, then ended the call.
"What was it like, bro? That moment? How did you save me?" Alice asked, turning to Ashen.
"I don't think Ashen did anything," Raven scoffed. "I was the one fighting. Maybe I just overpowered them."
Alice raised an eyebrow and gave him the most sarcastic look she could pull off.
"I feel fine. I can head to the academy right now," Ashen said quietly after a long pause, turning to his father.
"You'll go when I say you're ready," Darian snapped before walking out.
Their mother leaned in, kissed Ashen on the forehead, and told Alice and Raven to look after their brother before leaving the room.
"I'm bored as hell! Let's do something. Wanna try conquering the first floor of the Zeraphine Domain?" Alice asked with a spark in her eye.
"…Are you stupid?" Raven muttered, staring at her.
"Wait, are we even allowed in there?" Ashen looked confused.
"Dude, we literally killed those three! We should have enough XP to enter the first world, right?" Alice insisted.
"First of all, you need an entry card. Second, you can't just stroll in," Raven said coldly, glaring at her.
"Also, are you sure we were the ones who killed them? Kinda doubt it," Ashen asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Check the XP system!" Alice shouted.
[System: Checking XP… Results Found.]
LV0 Alice – 0/125
LV0 Raven – 0/125
LV0 Ashen – 124/125
"What the hell?! I did all the work and this bastard gets all the XP?" Raven yelled, furious.But he knew he didnt do anything
"True, I didn't have my talent back then, but you didn't do shit either! So shut it, Raven," Ashen snapped back.
"Say one more word, you damn monkey—" Raven growled.
Right then, their dad slammed the door open and walked in.
"Looks like you're feeling better, Ashen. Get up. We're heading to the academy."
Ashen quickly got dressed in fresh clothes, and they all got in the car.
"What's the name of my talent? What Class is it?" Ashen asked his father as they drove.
"You'll see soon. You remember the rings your siblings wear? You're getting one too. It'll let you check your XP, talent details—everything," Darian replied calmly.
The massive building of Ashreach Academy came into view from afar.
After a while, they arrived.
They got out of the car and walked toward the entrance.
The enormous doors opened for them. A quick sanitation scan passed over their bodies before they were allowed inside.
Inside the academy, no ordinary humans worked there. Instead, giant angels made of geometric shapes sat behind the desks. Each had multiple wings and glowing eyes circling their forms like halos.
"Ohhh, you must be Mr. Darian. Headmaster Arkan insisted on giving the AURA Ring to your son personally," one of the angels said in a soothing, echoing voice.
"Yes, that's me. Which floor?" Darian asked.
"Floor 3,520. That white elevator is faster—take that one."
"Thanks." Darian nodded and led them toward the elevator.
There was only one button on it—labeled "Director's Office."
He pressed it.
In the blink of an eye, they were in the office.
Standing inside was Arkan Velrath, the only human in history who had ever cleared 12 floors of the Zeraphine Domain.
"Mr. Darian. Ashen. I've been expecting you," Arkan said warmly. "So, the talent finally awakened, huh? Ashen, I've seen a lot of talents over the years—but this? I've never come face-to-face with something like this. How did it awaken? Anything you remember? Awakening a Talent after 16 is crazy rare."
"Honestly… I don't remember much. Everything just… went black," Ashen replied quietly.
Arkan smiled and made a quick call.
Moments later, two angelic beings entered the room carrying a small red box. They handed it to Arkan.
He gently offered the box to Ashen.
Ashen slowly opened it… and what he saw inside left him frozen in shock.