The ground trembled beneath their feet. The vibrations were almost imperceptible, but Dean could feel them, like a shadow, a threat drawing closer. The goblins were there, surrounding the house. Their muffled growls and animalistic chuckles echoed in the dark night. There was no escape.
Lior stood close to his brother, an overwhelming pressure settling in his chest. He felt an eerie sensation, as if the world around him was growing heavier. They slowly ascended the stairs, silent, each step resounding like a hammer blow. Their bodies seemed to be at war with the environment around them. They knew there was no refuge, no safety left. The goblins were getting closer. Their growls were growing louder.
In the parents' room, the carnage was unimaginable. The floor was covered in blood, a dark red pool mixing with torn pieces of flesh and limbs. Arms and legs were scattered around the room, mutilated beyond recognition. Dean shuddered in disgust and rage. But there was no time to waste. Lior was exhausted, nearly drained of his strength. So Dean, without a word, took the remains of their mother, wrapped them in a blanket, and placed them in an old wheelbarrow.
Lior, disoriented, tried to help, but his fatigue pinned him in place. Dean did not stop. He cried, his face twisted with pain and frustration. But there was no room for reflection anymore. They had to leave. They had to run.
Then… the system activated.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Extreme hostility detected. Class activation initiated.
A cold, impersonal voice rang in their heads, breaking the heavy silence in the house.
> [CLASS CHOICE – Lior]
Divine Class detected. Sacrifice required: your sight.
Lior felt an intense heat surge through his body, and before he could even comprehend what was happening, unbearable pain invaded his eyes. It felt as if burning daggers pierced his skull. He fell to his knees, screaming in agony.
> AAAH!!! I… I CAN'T SEE!!!
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Your sight has been sacrificed. You have now acquired Mastery of the Earth – Level 0.
[Skill unlocked: Terrific Sensation.]
You can feel the vibrations under your feet within a 50-meter radius. You perceive all movements, living beings, and objects in contact with the earth. However, you are now blind.
Lior could no longer see, but he felt the earth around him as if it were a living entity. Every vibration, every movement beneath his feet spoke to him. He now understood, in a strange way, that the ground was all that kept him conscious. But the pain of losing his sight was unbearable, and he felt utterly lost in an encompassing darkness.
Dean rushed to support him, panicked.
[CLASS CHOICE – Dean]
Divine Class detected – The Almighty. Sacrifice required: the soul of the deceased or that of your brother.
Dean had no time to think. The goblins were closing in; time was running out. He turned toward the remains of their parents, consumed by guilt, despair, and rage. There was no other choice.
The system's interface appeared before him, but this time, he didn't get to choose. The system imposed the Darkness element on him without recourse.
> [FORCED CHOICE – Dean]
Darkness element activated.
Another voice echoed in his head, cold and unyielding.
[Skill unlocked: Shadow Twin.]
The Shadow Twin is an entity created from the darkness of your soul. It can manifest and fight in your place, shaping itself according to your darkest desires. The more you delve into darkness, the stronger it becomes. It is an extension of your fears, the manifestation of your deepest nightmares.
Dean felt a surge of black energy fill his body. He felt the power rush through him, a force he could not yet fully comprehend. His muscles tensed, his skin crawled. But the shadow around him became more and more palpable, an amorphous silhouette behind him, ready to materialize. The shadow was there, his dark twin, his reflection in the darkness.
He realized that this power would not come without a price. With every use, more of his soul would be consumed by the darkness. But there was no choice. Survival came first.
Dean then turned to Lior, his hand trembling, and once again, he devoured the remains of their parents. Every piece, every fragment of flesh. He ate frantically, crying, silently screaming with every bite. But he did not stop. There was no going back. He sacrificed the souls of his parents to gain the power necessary for their survival.
> "It's for Lior… it's to survive… it's… it's for him…"
The pain of each bite was overwhelming, but he knew it was necessary. His mind was consumed with memories, with visions of their parents, their love, their warmth… now he devoured them, sacrificing their souls for his own power.
[SYSTEM MESSAGE]
Both divine classes are activated. The links are confirmed.
Then, a status window appeared.
[Lior's Status]
Divine Class: Mastery of Earth – Level 0
Skill: Terrific Sensation
Stats:
Strength: 10
Endurance: 10
Speed: 5
Intelligence: 10
Lior felt the earth beneath him vibrate differently, like an extension of himself, but he knew he would never see the world the same again. He was now bound to the earth, for better or worse.
[Dean's Status]
Divine Class: The Almighty – Level 0
Skill: Shadow Twin
Stats:
Strength: 20
Endurance: 25
Speed: 18
Intelligence: 10
Description: Dean possesses the physical strength of one of the greatest fighters in history and the speed of a cheetah.
The system showed Dean a window detailing his power. The sensation of strength overtook him, a monstrous force. He felt like he could destroy everything around him. But alongside this raw strength, something darker manifested.
[Skill unlocked: Shadow Twin.]
The Shadow Twin is an entity created from the darkness of your soul. It takes the form of your deepest fears, your darkest nightmares. It can materialize and fight for you. It is as fast and fierce as you wish it to be, but it also has its own hunger for destruction.
Dean felt the shadow rise behind him, a black silhouette, shapeless yet menacing. Its red eyes glowed in the dim light, and he realized that this creature could be whatever he wanted it to be. A silent protector, but an unstoppable killer.
Lior, though unable to see, felt the earth tremble beneath their feet in a new way. A chill ran through him as the creature took form, a shifting shadow behind his brother.
Then, they heard a noise. A crack. The earth trembled once again.
A massive silhouette emerged from the darkness of the forest, snapping a tree in half with a single swipe of its claw. It was more than three meters tall, covered in fur as thick as lead. Its claws were sharper than razors, and its red eyes glowed like two infernal flames. It didn't need to roar to inspire terror – its mere presence suffocated the air.
Lior shivered.
Dean took a step back, sweat pouring down his face.
The monster was not just powerful. It was invincible.
And it had seen them.