Chapter 216 Shadow Mana Art



Click...

As the metal door creaked open, I quickly slipped into the dimly lit room and took in my surroundings.

It was a normal room, no different from the hallway I had just run through.

Sheets of color-changing metal were covering its walls, reflecting the hazy glow of the single flickering light bulb hanging from the ceiling, casting eerie shadows.

However, in the middle of the room stood an ancient contraption, an altar engraved with mysterious symbols and adorned with faded remnants of once vibrant tapestries.

On top of it, lay a book.

An old, dark tome with a cover that had a strange symbol etched onto it.

It was the Shadow Mana Art.

"Finally..."

I whispered to myself, my heart pounding in my chest.

"I've finally found it..."

Taking a step forward, I felt my entire body tingle with anticipation.

This was the culmination of months of tireless training and constant mental pressure.

To be completely honest, I was very tired.

My body was fatigued, which is normal after how many battles I fought in the past few days.

However, I wasn't talking about physical exhaustion.

I was drained mentally and emotionally.

Reincarnation, new identities, and endless battles had taken their toll.

Although I was an Awakener, I was still human.

Well... not completely a human but something in that direction.

Anyway, I was getting tired of constantly being on edge, always alert and ready for the next challenge.

"Heroes want breaks too..."

I smirked, imagining myself being a hero.

However, that smile soon disappeared.

I wasn't a hero.

This world already has four of them and I didn't meet the requirements to be one.

"I'm more like a broken villain~"

Giggling, I felt my face twist into a smile.

I had killed people and left others to die without a second thought.

Although I knew the future, I didn't do anything to save people's lives or prevent the tragedies that unfolded before me.

The only events I intervened with, were those that would benefit me or the protagonists.

"At least I can admit my flaws."

Brushing my dark bangs to the side, I looked directly at the dark tome on the altar, determination burning in my eyes.

Some time ago, I told myself that once I got a Seven Star Mana Art, I would officially retire from being an Extra.

"It's time..."

Reaching out for the book, I carefully touched its weathered cover, my fingertips tingling with anticipation.

Click...

Instantly, the book turned into ashes, falling onto the altar with a whispering sound.

For a second, nothing happened but the next moment, knowledge began to flood my mind.

"Ughhh..."

This was very painful as well.

Although I could handle pain really well, it made me fall to my knees and let out a series of groans.

It was as if somebody was performing an operation on my consciousness, dissecting it and rearranging its very essence.

"Fuck..."

Cursing, I tried to embrace the information, feeling many connections forming and insights unfolding.

It was like watching a movie, listening to a podcast and reading at the speed of sound at the same time, all while my brain was being stretched to its limits.

Luckily, this didn't last very long as the process soon came to an end.

However, I didn't rise from my knees.

It wasn't because I didn't want to.

It was because if I did, I'd fall to the ground.

"..."

Slowly, I extended my arm forward.

"Abyss Shadow: Shadowy Blade!"

A long, sleek blade appeared in my palm, emanating an eerie black aura.

The blade flickered in and out of existence, seeming to vanish and reappear with each blink.

A small smirk appeared on my face.

"Abyss Shadow: Free Shadow!"

Suddenly, my own Shadow began to twist and curl, detaching from my body and forming a separate entity beside me.

It was like many Shadows I've seen, formless, constantly changing, however, it was also a tad different.

Its golden eyes seemed a lot similar to mine.

"This is good..."

Weaving my hand, I dispersed my Shadowy Blade and Shadow.

"..."

Looking around for a moment, I took a deep breath and focused on my Mana.

"Abyss Shadow: Shadow Ascendance!"

I felt my body change, the Shadows surrounding me began to curl, twist around me, and merge with my form.

It was as if they were reaching out to embrace me, becoming one with my being.

Huff...

As the transformation ended, I let out a deep breath, embracing the newfound power coursing through my veins.

Looking at the metal walls, I observed my new appearance.

I was taller.

I had grown a few inches in height, my stature more imposing now.

My hands were more muscular and had sharp claws made out of Shadows.

My face was also obstructed by a Shadowy mask, leaving only my golden visible eyes peering out.

I was also wearing a weird layer of Shadow Armor that made me look like a middle age Shadow Knight.

"This seems cool..."

Looking at my reflection, I commented.

Since I just learned the Shadow Mana Art, I only had these abilities at my disposal to tap into the power of the Shadows.

"I should test this out..."

As if forgetting the fatigue, I spun around my heel, going toward the metal door that stood before me.

Creak...

Emerging into the other room, I noticed that the massive Metal machines were still fighting with the little spiders, trying to get rid of the small metal monsters that tried to dig into their skin and sever the wires, cause shortcuts and kill them.

"I should join them..."

A small smile appeared on my face and I stretched out my hand, summoning the new weapon I just gained.

"Abyss Shadow: Shadowy Blade!"

A sleek sword appeared in my hand, making my grip tighten with anticipation.

The nearest colossal machine was locked in a fierce struggle with a swarm of metallic spiders, its massive limbs flailing wildly. As I closed the distance, I focused my newfound power and channeled it into the blade.

"This is gonna be fun..."

I whispered, the words barely escaping my masked lips.

Swish...

The blade seemed to elongate and sharpen even further, becoming a deadly weapon of darkness. With a single, powerful swing, I struck the metallic behemoth. The Shadowy Blade sliced through its thick armor like it was paper, and the massive machine groaned in agony before collapsing to the ground, a tangle of sparking wires and twisted metal.

But my work wasn't done yet.

The horde of spiders that had been swarming around the fallen giant now turned their attention to me. They leaped from the dying machine's metal skin, their razor-sharp legs clicking menacingly.

"..."

Without hesitation, I swung the Shadowy Blade twice in quick succession. Each swing created a devastating arc of shadowy energy, and with precision, I cut down the approaching spiders. They disintegrated into metallic shards as the dark energy sliced through them, leaving nothing but the echoing clinks of their demise.

The room was filled with the eerie silence that followed the chaos. The metallic giants and their tormentors had momentarily forgotten their battle, and all eyes were on me. My heart pounded in my chest as I stood there, a figure shrouded in shadow, my golden eyes glowing with newfound power.

I couldn't help but smirk beneath my Shadowy mask.

"This is truly powerful..."

***

Thud...

The last metal creature hit the ground, its lifeless body crumpling under its own weight.

Metal spiders that were eating it within, spilled out into the area, instantly lunging toward me, however, all it took was a single swipe of my Shadow to wipe them out.

With a powerful thrust, the Shadow slashed his clawed hand across the horde, killing most of them in the process and also taking care of the other ones with a flurry of swift and precise strikes.

"Good job..."

Looking at my Shadow retracting to its original place and connecting to my body, I felt a smirk cross my face.

"This is fucking powerful..."

Suddenly, the Shadow Armor that covered me began to retract, marking the 10 minute mark.

It seems that now, the Shadow Ascendance could only last for this long.

"It's still good enough..."

Looking at the disappearing layer of Shadows, I muttered.

Not only did the armor give me good defense but also provided me with a minor Attribute boost.

"I wonder how others would react..."

Imagining the faces of some of the students, I let out a small giggle.

I wasn't going to show the full extent of my power but I should display a little bit of it.

The Queen's tournament is about to occur and the most promising students within the Academy will be participating.

I needed to show some of my power to attract attention and gain a place in this tournament.

The Rewards were simply too good to give up on.

The Third place gets a significant cash prize and an A Rank Artifact of their choosing.

The Second one receives a five star Weapon Style and allowance to enter direct combat in the frontlines against Demons.

However, the first place gets an Egg.

A small golden egg of a dragon.

"..."

I need it or rather I need to win it and give it to Kai.

Why?

Well, because he will lose his mind if I don't.

It's complicated but he will cause a lot of problems if he doesn't bond with that creature soon.