> [Memory Core Analysis Complete.]
[Unlocking Passive Skill: Godsmith's Legacy]
[Description: Grants the ability to awaken and reshape divine artifacts once forged by the user in a past life.]
---
Academy Armory – After Midnight
Lohan stood before a sealed vault, hidden beneath the academy's east wing. Only a few even knew of its existence.
But he did.
The door opened with a whisper of ancient magic.
Inside, dozens of relics lay under stasis. Swords, grimoires, scrolls—most forgotten, some forbidden.
His eyes settled on a blade wrapped in crimson cloth.
"…You're still here," he muttered.
> [Artifact Recognized: Eidrasteel – The Soulforged Blade]
[Forged by: Lohan Ardyn (Past Life)]
[Condition: Dormant. Core Awakening Required.]
As his hand touched the cloth, the blade pulsed—slowly, like a heartbeat.
He smiled.
---
Tower – Assassin Dispatch Room
A shadow knelt before Justine.
"No gods this time," she said coldly. "Use mortals. Break him from within."
The assassin nodded, disappearing into mist.
> [Target: Lohan Ardyn – Threat Level Red.]
[Codename: Hollow Fang Activated.]
---
The Next Day – Academy Courtyard
Lohan was back to his "weak student" act. Slouched posture. Avoiding eye contact. Wearing secondhand gear.
Winter watched from a distance, chewing a straw.
"He's still pretending," she muttered.
A student beside her scoffed. "He'll drop out in a week."
Winter didn't even turn. "Say that again, and I'll freeze your teeth off."
The student shut up.
---
Later That Night – Dormitory Rooftop
Lohan unsheathed Eidrasteel. The blade vibrated with restrained power.
> [Core Awakening Initiated – Phase 1.]
[Memory Signature Detected: Trial Blade Form Restored.]
The weapon shimmered, revealing its real form—obsidian-black steel with shifting runes and a crimson edge.
But something else emerged too.
A memory.
---
[Memory Fragment – Tower Floor 88]
"You forged this for me," Justine whispered, holding the blade. "Even after all I did…"
Lohan bled from a dozen wounds. "Because I loved you. Foolishly."
She stabbed him through the chest.
"You should have loved yourself more."
---
Present Day
Lohan stared at the blade in silence.
"Never again," he said.
And the blade pulsed in agreement.
---