Chapter 18: The First Skill: Void Slash

The forest lay silent, the moonlight filtering through the canopy and casting dappled shadows on the ground. Kael Ardyn stood in the center of a small clearing, Blade Core humming faintly in his grip. He felt the energy within him pulse, reacting to his intent, and knew it was time to unlock the first skill that would define his journey.

“Void Slash…” Kael whispered, testing the name on his tongue. The words carried weight, as if the power itself recognized his call.

He raised his sword, focusing every ounce of concentration into the Blade Core. Dark energy began to shimmer along the edge, coalescing into a blade of shadows that extended beyond the steel. Kael felt it resonate with his mark, and for a moment, the world seemed to slow around him.

A fallen tree lay across the clearing, the perfect test. Kael swung his sword in a smooth arc, unleashing the Void Slash. The energy surged outward, cutting through the trunk with ease, splitting it into pieces that splintered across the forest floor.

A thrill of exhilaration surged through Kael. “It works…” he murmured, his eyes wide with awe. The skill was not just powerful—it was an extension of himself, a manifestation of his will.

Kael practiced tirelessly, experimenting with different angles, speeds, and motions. Each swing sharpened his instincts, and each strike of Void Slash became more fluid, more precise. The skill was versatile, capable of both offense and defense, and it resonated deeply with his growing Blade Core.

Hours passed unnoticed, the forest alive with the quiet hum of energy. Kael’s body ached, but he pushed past the fatigue, driven by the promise of growth and the determination to surpass every limit.

Finally, he sheathed his sword, the faint glow of Void Slash receding into the Blade Core. Kael’s chest heaved, a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration flooding him.

“This is only the beginning,” he whispered. “Void Slash is mine… and I will master it. Every enemy, every trial… I will rise above.”

With the first skill awakened, Kael Ardyn felt a surge of confidence. The path ahead was perilous, but now he had a weapon and a skill that could turn the tide. The hunter’s journey continued, each step a test of will, strength, and the relentless pursuit of survival.