LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 18: A New Dawn
Ten hours later, Raven woke up, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the dim light of the room. He looked around, realizing he was lying in a comfortable bed. Slowly sitting up, he muttered, "What happened? Did I black out? Did I win?"
Before he could think further, a familiar *ding* echoed in his mind, and a glowing blue screen appeared before him. His eyes widened as he read the text:
**You have leveled up!!!! X5**
**You have acquired new skills!!!! X4**
**Old skills have evolved!!!! X5**
As he processed the message, the screen shifted to display his updated status, revealing all his details and newfound powers.
---
**Status Screen**
**Name:** Raven Cross
**Age:** 17
**Species:** Abyssal Phoenix
**Gender:** Male
**Level:** 75
**Health Points (HP):** 60,000 / 60,000
**Magic Points (MP):** 45,000 / 45,000
**Strength:** 20,000
**Agility:** 22,000
**Attack:** 25,000
**Intelligence:** 18,000
---
**Skills Gained**
- **Abyssal Nova:** Unleashes a massive explosion of fire and shadow energy, dealing immense area-of-effect damage.
- **Ethereal Blades:** Summons spectral blades that attack independently, providing offensive and defensive versatility.
- **Abyssal Fortitude:** Temporarily boosts defense and resistance to all damage types.
- **Flamebound Strike:** Enhances physical attacks with fire energy, creating explosive impacts on contact.
**Evolved Skills**
- **Void Tempest** → **Eternal Tempest:** Generates an unrelenting storm of energy that cuts through multiple enemies.
- **Abyss Step** → **Abyss Rift:** Enhances teleportation with explosive shockwaves upon arrival.
- **Infernal Howl** → **Infernal Wail:** Releases a fiery shockwave that stuns and burns all enemies in range.
- **Root Genesis** → **Abyssal Thorns:** Roots that deal continuous dark energy damage while immobilizing foes.
- **Quill Maelstrom** → **Abyssal Barrage:** Launches shadow-imbued quills with explosive impacts.
---
**Unique Skills**
- **Abyssal Eternity (Evolved from Abyssal Devourer):** The ultimate form of Raven's consuming power. It allows him to absorb not only physical entities but also magical constructs, energy, and even abstract concepts like memories or emotions. Every successful consumption empowers him further, evolving his abilities and regenerating his health and magic points.
- **Abyssal Ascendant:** Unlocks Raven's hidden potential, doubling all base stats for a limited time and granting the ultimate skill Shadowflame Cataclysm.
- **Abyssal Convergence:** Consumes nearby energy to regenerate health and magic points while boosting stats.
- **Abyssal Shift:** Transforms the user into a flock of shadowy ravens to avoid damage and reposition.
---
**Weapons**
- **Eclipsing Fang → Eternal Fang:** Evolved from Eclipsing Fang, this legendary blade now channels pure abyssal and phoenix energies, amplifying the power of all fire and shadow-based skills. It has gained the ability to absorb energy from defeated foes, further strengthening its wielder.
- **Shadowfang:** A secondary weapon designed for stealth-based attacks and precision strikes.
---
**Items**
- **Phoenix Bracelet:** A keepsake from Raven's mother that grants a passive boost to fire resistance.
- **Elixir of Revival:** A rare potion that fully restores health and magic points.
---
Raven stared at the status screen, a grin forming on his lips. "Five levels and four new skills… and my old skills evolved too. This power… it's unreal."
He clenched his fists, feeling the strength coursing through him. With a renewed sense of determination, he stood up, ready for whatever challenges awaited him.
Raven put on his clothes and walked out of the room. As he descended the stairs, he took in the lively atmosphere of the guild. The sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and adventurers sharing stories filled the air. However, his attention was drawn to a commotion near the center of the hall.
Two adventurers stood facing each other, weapons drawn, their voices rising above the crowd.
"You think you can take my spot on that mission, you bastard?" one of them yelled, his face red with anger.
"It's not your mission," the other retorted, gripping his sword tightly. "You didn't even sign up for it yet!"
The onlookers began to cheer and shout.
"Let them fight!" one adventurer hollered.
"My money's on the guy with the axe!" another shouted, laughing.
From behind the receptionist desk, Mira's voice rang out, firm but tinged with frustration. "Stop it! Both of you! Fighting in the guild is forbidden! If you don't stop, I'll have to report this to the Guild Master!"
But the two men ignored her, their focus solely on each other. They raised their weapons, ready to strike.
Before they could clash, a cold, commanding voice cut through the chaos. "*Skill: Abyssal Barrage.*"
In an instant, a storm of shadowy quills shot toward the fighters, separating them and sending them tumbling backward onto the floor. The hall fell silent as everyone turned, searching for the source of the sudden attack.
One of the fighters, still dazed, muttered, "What the hell was that?"
The other, scrambling to his feet, looked around in confusion. "Who did that?"
A cold, commanding voice echoed through the guild. "That's enough, idiots. When Mira says stop, you stop. Got me?"
All eyes shifted to the stairs. There stood Raven, his aura radiating authority. The adventurers who had been fighting stammered, trying to find their words, clearly shaken.
"It's him," one of the onlookers whispered. "Raven Cross."
"D-didn't he collapse fighting the Guild Master? How is he even standing up?" another muttered.
"He's the one who fought the Guild Master… and won," someone else said, their voice tinged with disbelief.
"Yeah, I heard he's not even human anymore," another adventurer added nervously. "They say he evolved into something called an Abyssal Phoenix."
"You mean the monster who stood toe-to-toe with the Guild Master?" one of the fighters whispered, his voice trembling. "That's… that's him?"
Mira, who had been watching the scene unfold, broke into a wide smile. She dashed from behind the desk, tears welling in her eyes. Without hesitation, she threw herself at Raven, wrapping him in a tight hug.
"Raven! You're awake!" she said, her voice trembling with relief. "I was so worried! After you collapsed last night, I didn't know if you'd be okay."
Raven blinked in surprise, then slowly wrapped his arms around her. His voice was calm but warm. "I'm fine, Mira. Thanks for taking care of me."
Mira pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a bright smile. "I'm just glad you're okay. You really pushed yourself too hard."
The room remained silent, everyone too stunned to speak as they processed the unexpected yet powerful return of Raven Cross. The whispers continued as adventurers exchanged incredulous looks.
"Is it just me, or does he look even stronger now?" one murmured.
"Of course he's stronger," another replied. "After fighting the Guild Master, there's no way he wouldn't grow."
"He's terrifying, but… kind of cool," someone admitted under their breath.
Mira, still smiling, took a step back, allowing Raven to descend the stairs fully. As he reached the bottom, he glanced at the adventurers around him, his calm, cold expression returning.
"Let's hope there's no more trouble today," he said, his voice carrying an air of finality. The adventurers nodded quickly, murmuring their agreement as they returned to their seats.
Raven glanced back at Mira, who was still smiling at him. He gave her a small nod before walking toward the mission board, ready for whatever came next.
Raven walked back to the receptionist desk where Mira stood, organizing papers. He smiled at her, his demeanor calm but curious.
"So," Raven began, "I'm not F-rank anymore, right? After defeating the Guild Master, he said I'd be promoted to A-rank. So… I'm A-rank now. What do I have to do?"
The room fell silent for a moment as his words echoed across the guild hall. Then, a cacophony of voices erupted from the adventurers around him.
"Wait, he's A-rank already?" one yelled, clearly shocked.
"That's insane! It takes years to get to A-rank!" another exclaimed.
"Well, he did fight the Guild Master and win," someone else muttered, still in disbelief.
Mira, smiling warmly, looked up at Raven. "Oh, I almost forgot!" she said, laughing softly. "Yes, the Guild Master did say you'd be promoted to A-rank. But first, give me your guild card so I can officially update your rank."
Raven smiled and handed her his guild card. "Alright, here you go."
Mira took the card and disappeared into a back room. The adventurers around the hall continued murmuring.
"An A-rank? Just like that?" someone whispered.
"Guess beating the Guild Master skips a few steps," another said enviously.
"I don't think anyone's ever done that before," a veteran adventurer muttered. "He's something else."
A few minutes later, Mira returned, holding a card with a distinct new color that gleamed in the light. She smiled as she handed it to Raven. "Here you go—your new A-rank guild card."
Raven took the card, inspecting it for a moment. The golden accents and intricate design were a clear upgrade from his old card. "So, it's official now? I'm really an A-rank adventurer?" he asked, a genuine smile forming on his face.
Mira blushed slightly, stammering. "Y-yes, you are. Congratulations, Raven."
Her reaction didn't go unnoticed by the nearby adventurers, who exchanged knowing looks and whispered amongst themselves.
"Did she just blush?" one muttered.
"She's got it bad for him," another said with a smirk.
Raven, unaware of the comments, nodded at Mira. "Thanks a lot, Mira. I appreciate it."
Mira smiled brightly, still flustered. "N-no problem at all. Just make sure to uphold the responsibilities of an A-rank adventurer, okay?"
"Got it," Raven said, slipping the card into his pocket. He glanced around the hall, his expression calm and confident as he prepared for the next step in his journey.
---
After receiving his new card, Raven made his way to the mission board designated for A-rank adventurers. As he approached, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. "I can't believe I went straight from F-rank to A-rank," he thought to himself. "All those other ranks skipped. It's almost surreal."
He scanned the board, his eyes darting across the missions available. Each one detailed tasks of immense difficulty, from slaying high-level monsters to escorting diplomats through treacherous territories.
### Missions Available
**Mission 1: Slay the Obsidian Wyvern**
**Details:** The Obsidian Wyvern has been terrorizing the northern mines, attacking miners and disrupting operations. It is heavily armored with scales that reflect light like polished stone, making it resistant to most physical attacks. The wyvern is known to breathe black flames capable of melting steel.
**Reward:** 50,000 gold coins, rare ore access.
**Difficulty:** High.
**Mission 2: Escort the Royal Envoy**
**Details:** The kingdom's envoy must reach the neighboring nation safely for a critical diplomatic meeting. The route is plagued by bandits and rogue magic users, with reports of an ambush planned along the main road. Protect the envoy at all costs.
**Reward:** 30,000 gold coins, favor with the royal family.
**Difficulty:** Moderate to High.
**Mission 3: Investigate the Cursed Ruins**
**Details:** Strange phenomena have been reported near the ancient ruins of Kaelthar. Villagers speak of whispers in the dark and shadows that move on their own. Retrieve the Artifact of Light rumored to be hidden within the ruins and report back on the source of the disturbances.
**Reward:** 70,000 gold coins, enchanted equipment.
**Difficulty:** Extremely High.
**Mission 4: Hunt the Shadow Fang Pack**
**Details:** A pack of shadow-infused wolves has been attacking travelers and caravans in the dense forests south of the city. Each wolf is highly aggressive and coordinated, with the alpha reportedly possessing shadow magic.
**Reward:** 40,000 gold coins, access to exclusive guild gear.
**Difficulty:** High.
Raven read each mission aloud, his voice steady. "Slay the Obsidian Wyvern… Escort the Royal Envoy… Investigate the Cursed Ruins… Hunt the Shadow Fang Pack…"
He paused, crossing his arms as he weighed his options. "Which one should I take?" he mused. "They're all challenging, but I need to pick something that'll push me further."
Around him, adventurers watched in quiet awe, still processing the fact that Raven had joined the elite ranks of the guild. Whispers filled the air.
"Do you think he'll take the wyvern mission?" one asked.
"I bet he goes for the ruins," another said. "That one sounds insane."
Raven ignored the murmurs, focusing solely on the tasks before him, ready to prove himself further as an A-rank adventurer.