Ex rank talent Awakening: 100\% Dodge rate

"Can you keep your end of the bargain and tell me how to manifest my will?" Kyle asked leisurely, lounging as he addressed Zert.

He had fulfilled his part of their deal, orchestrating a perfect plan that accelerated the downfall of the humans. War was no longer a possibility—it was inevitable. The demonic seed he had fed to the king had fanned the flames of conflict, persuading other rulers and tribal chiefs to wage war against the Grey Empire. "The Grey Empire cannot be trusted" had become his most effective argument.

"Earl Kodiac has requested you. I am to take you to him when you're ready," Zert said, clearly displeased.

Zert didn't like the fact that Kodiac had agreed to help Kyle—it irritated him deeply. In the demon realm, teaching someone to manifest their will was forbidden without the approval of specific demons. Zert wasn't one of them. That was why he'd needed Kodiac's approval before accepting the deal.

Even if Zert had wanted to teach Kyle, he wouldn't have been able to. A seal was placed on all demons who weren't chosen, making them forget the process after manifesting their will.

Kyle followed Zert calmly, but inwardly, he was growing impatient. He had stagnated for far too long—so long that two others had caught up with him. He wouldn't have gone through this whole ordeal if Lilith hadn't been such a terrible teacher. Her explanations had been cryptic and useless.

"What does she even mean by 'close your eyes, sleep, and wake up the next day to awaken your will?'" Kyle muttered under his breath.

"I've brought Kyle to you as requested, Earl," Zert said, bowing respectfully. He was nervous, afraid of irritating Kodiac and suffering the consequences.

Kyle, however, didn't even bother with formalities.

"Teach me what we agreed," he demanded immediately. He wasn't in the mood for pleasantries.

"Speak to me arrogantly again, and you will forfeit your life countless times until you begin to scorn resurrections," Kodiac warned, his voice low, but brimming with threat and authority.

Kyle remained silent, staring at Kodiac, his eyes burning with the desire to fulfill his part of the deal.

Bam!

Countless swords struck the body of the Sword Eater. Every single one shattered into fragments.

The Sword Eater paused for a second—then returned to its feast.

Despite the combined effort of thousands of swords, not a single point of the Sword Eater's HP dropped.

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But Brian didn't care.

Still in his flow, he watched the broken swords fall like rain, each piece glittering as it descended.

"Beautiful," he muttered, captivated.

His gaze remained fixed. His thoughts, too. All centered around one thing: the sword.

What is a sword? What makes a sword… a sword? What is the use of a sword? What's a sword without its wielder?

So many thoughts raced through his mind, but they all had one focus—the sword.

Brian closed his eyes, letting the epiphany wash over him. His heart stirred.

"As long as it's sharp and cuts down my foes, it is a sword," he whispered. "My sword and I are one. It's an extension of my body. A sword goes beyond what I can see—these are all scraps. Real swords come from my very soul."

He opened his eyes, a newfound realization burning within them.

Brian pointed his index finger at the Sword Eater and casually swung it downward, his intent sharp and unwavering—as if he were wielding a blade.

Rooooarrr!!

The Sword Eater screamed for the first time, blood pouring from its thick hide.

[Congratulations on completing the task!]

[You have manifested your will! Continue to grow stronger and fill your will more and more!]

[You have touched the boundary of the concept—Sword!]

[Your talent is reacting strongly to your actions and is urging to cross the boundary!]

[The will of the universe is denying your talent from doing so!]

[Your talent is fighting against the will of the universe! Your talent has taken a step towards the boundary!]

[Congratulations! Your talent has evolved from Ex rank to Concept (Pseudo)]

[The ??? Talent DEATH is furious at your talent for daring to encroach on its domain and bend reality!]

[The ??? Talent DEATH is baring its fangs and has decided to show a glimpse of its power!]

[Your pseudo concept SWORD is bowing its head in fear and reverence toward the ??? Talent DEATH]

[The ??? Talent DEATH has evolved into the Concept—DEATH!]

[The Concept—DEATH applauds the pseudo concept SWORD for its bravery and assists in upgrading it!]

[Congratulations! You have gained the Concept—SWORD!]

[Supreme beings are paying close attention to you!]

[Warning! Tread carefully!]

[The God of War is enraged and keeping a close eye on you!]

[The Goddess of Earth is keeping a close eye on you!]

[The God of…]

[Your Concept—SWORD is extremely annoyed at the beings spying on you and has cut off their ability to monitor you!]

[The Concept—DEATH is pleased and commends the action of your concept!]

[You are free from the gaze of all beings!]

Brian blinked, stunned by the flood of system messages.

It was insane—absolutely insane. But he wasn't going to question it. Whatever just happened, he had clearly gained a lot from it.

"But what is that DEATH talent?" Brian muttered. "Can someone actually have a talent like that? There's no way that belongs to a human. Must be a divine being in the Apocalypse..."

Roooaaarrr!!

The Sword Eater screamed again, snapping Brian from his thoughts.

"…Right. So what now, system? There's no way I can fight that thing. What am I supposed to do now?"

[Leave it to me. Just this once, I'll help you for free. Call it a newbie's gift.]

"…System? You can talk?" Brian asked, startled.

[I am not the system. I am the consciousness of the dying Supreme Will. I am the Concept—SWORD! Consider yourself lucky that I have chosen you as my partner! You should grovel on the ground and worship me for choosing you. But worry not—I care not for such things. Now off you go, while I deal with this beast that dares call itself the 'Warder of Swords!']