Embrace of the void

Michael arrived at the Silverfang family estate, greeted by the guard who let him in without hesitation. It appeared that Lady Nora had given him specific instructions.

As he stepped inside, he found the servant Julian waiting for him at the door.

"Hello, the lady has been expecting you," Julian said, his demeanor respectful.

"Let's go in," Michael replied, following Julian through the corridors.

They entered a room different from the one Michael had visited previously, where Lady Nora awaited him, poised and composed.

"You may leave now, Julian," she instructed.

"As you wish, my lady," Julian replied before exiting the room.

"It seems you've been quite busy lately," Nora remarked, her eyes studying him.

"Yes, I was training in the forest," Michael answered.

"Well, you should exercise caution. Although it seems no one is pursuing you, the forest is rife with bandits."

"I will be more careful," he assured her.

"Now, to our main topic. I have found what you were searching for," Nora said, her tone shifting to one of importance.

Michael felt a surge of excitement as she produced a bracelet from her storage ring. The bracelet, crafted from an unusual black metal, appeared unremarkable at first glance.

"This is an artifact of the highest A+ rank, known as the Fool's Cuff," Nora explained.

The name caught Michael off guard.

"As its name suggests, this bracelet gives the impression that you are a fool in front of others," she continued, a hint of amusement in her voice. "But do not be deceived; despite its rank, it surpasses many S-rank artifacts."

"When activated, it conceals your true class and rank from anyone below S-rank. Moreover, it allows you to feign your rank and class entirely."

Michael's excitement grew.

"Since you do not plan to join the academy or travel to the capital or other major cities, this bracelet will serve you well. At your current level, you cannot wield artifacts higher than A-rank."

Michael nodded in understanding. He possessed numerous artifacts and relics within his ring, but he had refrained from using them, aware they exceeded his current capabilities.

Nora then retrieved another item, a mask that caught Michael's eye.

"This is the Abyssal Horns Mask," she said, holding it up. The mask was a deep black, accentuated with touches of purple, shaped like a human skull adorned with two prominent horns and sharp fangs. Its design exuded an air of majesty and intimidation.

"This artifact, also at the top of A rank, provides full facial protection, making it impossible for anyone to identify the wearer. It is perfect for adventurers or mercenaries wishing to conceal their identity. The mask enhances stealth skills and instills terror in others. Consider it a gift from me."

Michael beamed with gratitude. "Thank you. This must have cost you a great deal. I owe you."

"It is a gift; there is no need for debt," Nora replied with a gentle smile.

"Alright, if you insist."

"Now, for your second request," she continued, her expression turning serious. "I searched extensively and leveraged the Alliance's influence. While I couldn't procure a human body, I managed to acquire the body of a Dark Elf boy."

Michael's excitement was palpable.

"This individual was an assassin tasked with eliminating one of the Duke's sons. Although he failed and was killed, he managed to take down several guards and servants during his mission. Had there not been an awakened A-rank presence in the Duke's household, he might have succeeded or escaped."

"That's incredible news!" Michael exclaimed.

"From my investigations, the assassin's name was Dave, known in his organization as the Intellect Reaper. He was both a genius and dangerously unstable. His class remains unknown, but reports indicate he had a strong affinity for darkness, shadows, and space."

"It seems I've struck gold," Michael said, his enthusiasm evident.

Nora produced the body from her storage ring, revealing it to be in excellent condition. The Dark Elf had jet-black hair and dark skin, slightly taller than Michael.

"Thank you! I will repay you for this one day," Michael promised earnestly.

"Survive first, and then we can talk about repayment," she replied with a knowing smile. "Now that I've fulfilled my part, you must keep your distance from my family. My husband's protection is no longer necessary."

"Understood. I plan to leave soon. Once I reach rank E, you won't hear from me again."

"I will hold you to that. Take care of yourself," she said, her tone sincere.

"Thank you. Goodbye for now."

Michael hurried out of the Silverfang residence, making his way back to his own home. Upon arrival, he activated the isolation formation and descended into the basement, anticipation coursing through him.

Once there, he retrieved the body and laid it on the ground.

"This will be my first companion," he said, excitement bubbling within him.

Taking a deep breath, Michael prepared himself. He recalled the experience of testing his skill on the goblin in the forest.

"I need to activate his skills alongside my innate ability," he reminded himself.

From his parents' ring, he extracted several items: an S-grade mana core and three unusual crystals radiating energy—space crystal, dark crystal, and shadow crystal. These crystals could enhance the affinities of anyone below S-grade, and while Michael had many in his possession, they were useless to him since his affinities were already at S-grade or higher.

With determination, he took another deep breath and activated his skill: Undead Revival . A swirling black and purple aura enveloped the corpse, causing it to tremble.

Simultaneously, he invoked his innate ability. The elemental crystals and mana core levitated above the body, rapidly absorbed by it.

In an explosive display of black and purple flames, the corpse's flesh began to peel away, only to be replaced by new, vibrant flesh.

Suddenly, Michael felt a sharp sensation in his soul, followed by intense pain.

Screaming in agony, he sensed something attempting to sever a part of his very essence. Overwhelmed, Michael soon lost consciousness, unaware of the transformation that continued in his absence.

After a while, the reanimated corpse stirred, its senses awakening as it attempted to comprehend its surroundings. Its gaze fell upon Michael, who lay unconscious on the floor, and a sinister grin spread across its face.

Suddenly, the corpse erupted into a fit of manic laughter, echoing through the basement like a haunting melody. The sound was unsettling, a blend of madness and exhilaration, as if it reveled in its newfound existence.

However, the laughter soon subsided, replaced by an eerie calm. The corpse, now imbued with a semblance of life, glanced around the room, taking in every detail with a predatory focus.

With a surprising grace, it knelt beside Michael, assessing him closely. After a moment's contemplation, it carefully lifted Michael into its arms

The corpse then made its way to the stairs, navigating the isolation formation with a deliberate pace. It carried Michael to his room, the flickering lights casting shadows that danced along the walls, mirroring the dark aura that surrounded the newly reanimated being.

As it laid Michael down on the bed, the corpse paused, its expression inscrutable. For now, it awaited its master's awakening, ready to serve the will of the one who had brought it back from the void.