Absolute Cheater

Before he could counter, the ground beneath him shifted, and a massive force slammed into his back, sending him flying. He twisted mid-air, stabilizing himself just before another clawed hand swiped at him. This time, he didn't dodge—he countered.

Blood tendrils erupted from his back, spearing into the unseen enemy. A distorted roar echoed as the tendrils wrapped around something solid, pulling it into view.

A creature emerged from the void.

It was massive—towering over him with elongated limbs and a skeletal frame. Its body was wrapped in shifting shadows, its eyes burning red with malice.

Asher smirked. So this is the test?

Then he moved.

His blade sang through the air, slashing at the creature's form. It retaliated with brutal swipes, but Asher weaved through its attacks, cutting deep into its limbs. His blood pulsed in response to the battle, his power heightening.

Another voice echoed in the void.

"He adapts quickly."

A second figure appeared—a humanoid wreathed in red mist, watching from a distance.

Asher didn't pause. He extended his hand, and crimson chains shot from his fingertips, wrapping around the beast's neck. With a sharp pull, he dragged it toward him and drove his blade through its skull. The void trembled as the creature let out a final, ear-splitting screech before dissolving into mist.

Silence.

Then, the deep voice spoke once more.

"You are worthy."

The crimson void shattered.

'The test was simple. I didn't even have to use a fraction of my power,' Asher mumbled as the world around him began to break like pieces of a shattered mirror. A blinding light forced him to close his eyes.

Asher's eyes snapped open. He was back in the underground chamber. The runes beneath him flickered, then dimmed. Evelyn stood at the edge of the platform, arms crossed, a satisfied smirk on her lips.

The hooded figures whispered among themselves before the one who had spoken earlier stepped forward. "You passed."

Asher exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. "Was there ever any doubt?"

Evelyn chuckled. "Oh, plenty. But you handled yourself well."

The hooded figure nodded. "You may proceed."

Asher's gaze flickered toward Evelyn. "Proceed with what?"

Evelyn's smile widened. "With the real offer."

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "You've caught the attention of the Red Fate Organization. We don't just want to test you—we want you to join us-I meant the upper Hierarchy."

Asher's expression remained unreadable.

Evelyn tilted her head. "Tell me, Asher… are you ready to reshape the future?"

I don't like this woman. Asher kept his expression neutral despite the unsettling aura emanating from her. He ignored the feeling for now.

He met Evelyn's gaze without flinching. The chamber was silent except for the faint hum of the runes beneath him.

"How?" he asked, his voice even.

Evelyn nodded. "That's right. You've already seen what we're capable of—manipulating corruption, shaping the course of fate itself. We're not just some rogue cult. We're the architects of a new era."

Asher crossed his arms. "And what exactly does that 'new era' look like?"

The hooded figure beside Evelyn spoke this time, their voice smooth and persuasive. "One free of weakness. Free of the chaos that plagues the world. We do not simply react to fate—we control it."

Asher's fingers twitched slightly at the word control.

Evelyn took a step closer. "Think about it, Asher. You, more than anyone, understand power. You know that the strong survive, and the weak… don't." She tilted her head. "But what if we could rewrite that? What if we could ensure that only those who deserve to survive get to shape the future?"

Asher's lips curved slightly, but there was no warmth in his expression. "And who decides who 'deserves' to survive?"

Evelyn smirked. "We do."

Asher exhaled slowly. "So you think I'll just accept this and join you?"

The hooded figure chuckled. "You wouldn't be the first. Many powerful warriors, scholars, and even nobles have aligned themselves with us. Some were skeptical at first, just like you. But once they saw the truth, they understood."

Evelyn leaned in slightly. "And you, Asher… I know you're not naive. You see the way this world works. You know that the Guild, the Kingdoms, the so-called 'heroes'—they're just as corrupt as the monsters they claim to fight." Her voice softened. "Join us, and you won't just be reacting to threats. You'll be eliminating them before they even have a chance to exist."

A long silence stretched between them.

Asher finally looked up, his crimson eyes glinting. "And if I refuse?"

"Then you'll just be another small part of the organization. Nothing more, nothing less," Evelyn said smoothly.

She stood up, her expression unreadable. "And, Don't think you can leave now. You're already marked—nothing can free you now."

Asher's eyes narrowed as he recalled the notification he'd heard while fighting in that distorted world:

[ Your soul is being invaded. ]

[ The invasion is nullified. However, the enemy does not know it. ]

Asher smiled. Then I'll let them believe I'm under their control for now. Let's see how their higher-ups operate.

Evelyn laughed inwardly. Poor guy. The moment he realizes he's our pawn, he'll give up.

"Then in that case I will join this upper Hierarchy "

"Very well, then. Tomorrow, I will lead you to our main branch," she said as she approached Asher and, to his irritation, settled herself on his lap.

"But for the time being, how about we have some fun?" she whispered seductively, running a finger along his jaw. She gazed into his ruby-like eyes and smirked. "You know, you look like a prince charming. That's why I insisted on bringing you in. I wanted you with me."

Her fingers traced his chest as she leaned closer. "Be mine, Asher. Forget that woman, Serena. She's not worthy of you. Only me. Only I am." She pressed herself against him.

Asher's smile vanished.

He shoved her off. "I prefer my women pure. Not a whore like you."

Evelyn froze, stunned.

"You bastard. What did you just say?!" she shrieked, her face turning red with rage.