Kazuki walked back toward Windale, the last rays of the sun catching the edges of his new sword. The Ironblood Sword felt solid—well-balanced, forged with care, and humming faintly with mana. But something about it didn't quite sit right.
"It's not mine," he muttered under his breath.
> System Note: Equipment does not currently reflect your fighting style.
Would you like to create a custom weapon skill?
Kazuki paused, eyes lighting up. "Now that sounds like me."
> [Create Skill]: "Soulcut – Blade of the Self"
MP Cost (Creation): 50
Type: Weapon Style / Active Skill
Effect: Creates a blade that reflects your will and adapts to your combat rhythm. Physical damage scales with STR + AGI. Grows stronger as you grow.
Bonus: Skill becomes more efficient the longer it is used continuously in battle.
Create? [Y/N]
Kazuki grinned. "Y."
> Skill Created: [Soulcut – Blade of the Self]
MP: 450/500
New Weapon Created: Soulcut (Bound)
Stats: ATK +10, Adaptive Efficiency, Energy Edge
In a flash of white-blue light, the Ironblood Sword in his hand melted into motes of mana. A new blade formed, sleeker and more refined. Its handle fit his palm perfectly. The edge shimmered faintly, like it was forged from starlight and flame.
"Damn," he whispered. "Now this feels right."
Celestia's voice hummed in his mind, "Beautiful. It's rare to see someone create a living blade so early. Yours resonates with your will."
Kazuki gave it a few practice swings. The sword whispered through the air like it belonged there.
"Finally," he said. "Something that gets me."
---
Windale welcomed him back like a returning folk hero. The merchant he'd saved spread word quickly, and now townsfolk offered free meals, admiring nods, and the occasional awkward request for autographs on bread loaves.
He headed straight to the guild. Behind the counter, the receptionist—Nina, a sharp-eyed half-elf—raised a brow.
"You again? Already finished a full bounty route?"
"Brought down a whole bandit den," Kazuki said casually, placing the quest token on the counter.
Her brow rose. "And you're not even Tier 2?"
"I'm just built different."
She laughed and handed him the rewards. "You're going to make waves, Demon Lord."
---
Later that night, Kazuki sat on the inn's rooftop, blade across his lap, staring at the stars.
Celestia's voice came quietly. "You're moving fast. You'll draw attention soon. Not just from people like Shadewalkers."
He exhaled. "Let 'em come. If someone wants to ruin the world's smile, they can fight me for it."
Celestia was quiet a moment. "You still think that way? About making sure no one has a reason not to smile?"
"More than ever," he said. "I've seen what despair looks like. If I can punch it in the face with a custom blade, then I will."
> New Passive Perk Unlocked: "Will to Protect"
When fighting for the safety or happiness of others, gain +5% to all base stats.
Kazuki chuckled. "Didn't know you could level up your morals."
Celestia laughed. "Turns out you can. And you're leveling faster than most reincarnators ever did."
He blinked. "Wait—most? I thought I was the only one."
A beat of silence.
"You are now," Celestia said. "That's why we're watching you so closely."
Kazuki didn't reply. The wind was picking up.
He turned his eyes back to the sky. "Then I better make this life count."