Chapter 4: Fear Faced
The system interface vanished, and Ariz found himself in a pitch-black void. There was no sound, no light—only endless darkness.
Then, a flicker. A faint light emerged in the distance, and from it, a familiar silhouette stepped forward.
It was Zayen. Grinning from ear to ear, surrounded by his usual gang of minions.
"You're nothing but trash," Zayen sneered. "A waste of space. Today, your pathetic life ends here."
He laughed, and the others joined in. Then they charged.
Ariz instinctively raised his arms to defend himself. But as he moved, an eerie realization crept into his mind.
This already happened.
This isn't real... right?
The blows kept coming.
This can't be happening again... This can't...
Suddenly, a mechanical chime echoed in his mind.
Ding!
[Trial of Fear initiated.]Quest: Face your fear.Reward: Status Window, 2 Skill Points, Rank VII Swordsmanship Manual.Penalty: System will be deleted.
Ariz clenched his fists, teeth grinding. He tried to lunge at Zayen, but his limbs felt like stone.
Why can't I move?
Zayen's fists and boots crashed into him again and again. His body gave way. He collapsed—bloodied, broken.
The coldness of defeat washed over him.
Then a voice whispered, sharp and metallic.
"This is your fear, Host. Your deepest wound... your shame... your weakness."
Sebas.
Ariz growled, struggling to rise. "Let me fight! Let me kill that bastard! Let me fight for real!"
"Then prove you can," Sebas replied. "If you break free here, you are worthy. If you don't—this second chance means nothing."
The illusion flickered.
Suddenly, Zayen was gone.
In his place stood... Ariz himself. A younger version. Bloodied. Broken. Helpless.
His own eyes stared back at him, full of despair.
Was this how I looked that day...? So powerless?
The younger Ariz laughed—high, hollow, and twisted.
"You were never meant for greatness," he spat. "Even your parents threw you away like trash."
Ariz trembled. His fists curled.
"NO!" he roared. "I was thrown away... but I'll never stay down!"
He forced himself to his feet. His body shook, but his will burned.
A phantom scythe formed in his hand—shaped from sheer willpower.
Zayen reappeared. The illusion surged forward for one final strike.
But this time—Ariz struck first.
One clean slice.
Zayen's head flew. His body crumpled to the ground with a thud.
The illusion shattered like glass.
Silence.
Then—light.
Ding!
[Trial cleared: Fear Faced.]Title Unlocked: Fear Breaker.System Functions Unlocked: Basic Status Access.Rewards: 2 Skill Points, Rank VII Swordsmanship Manual.
Ariz gasped, jolting upright.
He was back in the bathing area. No blood. No wounds.
He looked down at his hands—unharmed.
Then a chill ran through his spine.
"System and Host synchronization complete."
The voice was cold. Formal. Loyal.
"Acknowledged. System Codename: Sebas. Bound to Host: Ariz."
A translucent window unfolded before his eyes.
[Status Window]
Host Name: Ariz al-Suleiman
Level: 1
Race: Human
Age: 14
Soul Type: Shadowbound
Affinities: Dark Magic (High)
Swordsmanship: Intermediate – Declining
Stats:
Strength – 5
Agility – 4
Vitality – 6
Wisdom – 7
Magic Power – ??? (Sealed)
Luck – 1
Titles:
Survivor of Death
Fear Breaker
System Note:
Warning: Swordsmanship potential degradation detected.
Cause: Sealed magic attempting to forcefully draw on host's talent.
Defensive barrier applied to prevent permanent damage.
System Features:
Training Simulation – Unlocked
Time Chamber – Locked
Spirit Teaching – Locked
Shop – Locked
Inventory – Locked
Quests – No active quests
Ariz stared at the window, stunned.
My swordsmanship... it's fading.
"What's happening to me?" he whispered.
"Your magic seal is awakening," Sebas replied. "It is attempting to break free by consuming your swordsmanship potential."
Ariz's jaw tightened. "Then let it. I'll handle it."
"You cannot," Sebas said flatly. "If the seal breaks now, it will kill you. I intervened to protect the host. But the system will now stop the fading. You can use your potential again—though not at its full strength. Damage will heal with time. As of now, you hold potential of Rank VIII – Celestial. The seal will be opened... when you are ready."
Ariz exhaled slowly.
He'd faced his fear—and won.
The boy who had once begged for mercy beneath Zayen's boots no longer existed. That version of him had shattered in the trial, just like the illusion.
He looked down at his hands again. Steady now. No longer trembling.
Not because he was healed.
But because he had chosen to rise.
Even if the world calls me trash... Even if my power fades...
I'll carve my path forward with my sword—until I earn the strength to break every chain.
He stood tall, eyes blazing.
"Sebas," he said.
"Yes, Host?"
"Prepare the training simulation."
"Confirmed. Initializing now."
A new screen lit up, glowing bright with the word:[Welcome to the Arena]
Ariz stepped forward.
This time, not to run.
But to sharpen his blade for the battles ahead.