The dawn’s golden hues painted the village of Ulaz in soft, tranquil light, but within Sam’s heart, a tempest raged. He stood with Lareth at the village’s edge, where the forest loomed like a silent sentinel. The crisp morning air carried the scent of damp earth and distant woodsmoke, yet the conversation between them was anything but calm.
Lareth’s eyes were sharp, calculating. The usual veil of mystery that surrounded him was momentarily cast aside, revealing an intensity that made Sam’s chest tighten.
“Sam,” Lareth began, his voice steady but laced with something deeper—urgency. “We need to discuss the nature of the threat we’re facing. The darkness in your dreams isn’t just a warning—it’s a glimpse of what’s to come. A force is moving, and its reach is extending beyond what we initially thought.”
Sam shifted his weight, a slow unease coiling within him. The weight of those dreams had grown heavier with each passing night, the visions becoming more vivid, more relentless. It was never just shadow anymore—it was hunger. The darkness didn’t simply spread; it consumed.
“What exactly are we up against?” Sam asked, forcing his voice to remain even. “I’ve been training harder than ever, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’m missing something crucial.”
Lareth exhaled, his gaze drifting toward the distant mountains as if searching for unseen answers. “We’re dealing with an entity that seeks not just destruction but consumption. It doesn’t merely kill—it corrupts, twists, reshapes. Its influence seeps into the very fabric of existence, altering those it touches.”
A chill ran down Sam’s spine. He knew that kind of darkness. He had felt it.
Lareth turned back to him, his gaze sharp. “And that’s why you are both our greatest weapon and our greatest risk.”
Sam clenched his fists, the words settling in his bones like a bitter truth. He had suspected for a long time that his abilities, his very existence, were tied to something far beyond his understanding. But now it was confirmed—his power wasn’t just unique. It was dangerous.
“The Monarch’s Revival,” Lareth continued, his tone measured, “is a force of balance, but balance is always threatened by extremes. Your connection to it makes you invaluable, but it also makes you vulnerable. If this darkness senses you before you’re ready, it won’t hesitate to claim you.”
Sam’s pulse quickened. Lareth’s words carried layers of meaning—layers Sam wasn’t sure he was ready to unearth.
“We need knowledge,” Lareth said firmly. “I’ll be diving into ancient texts, searching for anything that might shed light on what we’re dealing with. In the meantime, your training must evolve. Mastering your shadow magic is no longer enough. You need to refine every aspect of your abilities.”
Sam nodded, swallowing the knot of uncertainty in his throat. “I’ve been working on my control, but there’s something else that worries me—something I’ve only heard whispers about. The rage forms.”
Lareth’s expression darkened.
“I don’t even have access to them yet,” Sam continued, “but if they’re as dangerous as people say, how do I prepare? How do I keep them from overwhelming me when the time comes?”
Lareth regarded him in silence for a long moment before speaking. “The rage forms are not simply power unleashed—they are power without restraint. They feed off emotion, amplify instincts, and strip away reason. If you unlock them unprepared, you won’t be in control. The form will be.”
A cold shudder passed through Sam. He had expected the forms to be powerful, but to hear Lareth describe them as something else entirely—as if they had a mind of their own—made the thought all the more terrifying.
“The only way to prepare,” Lareth continued, “is to strengthen your mind. Training your body is important, but the rage forms will test your willpower above all else. We’ll begin with intense mental fortitude exercises—meditation under strain, deprivation training, and controlled exposure to raw energy surges. The goal isn’t to suppress the rage forms but to understand them before they ever surface.”
Sam let the words sink in. It made sense. Power wasn’t just about strength—it was about control.
“And,” Lareth added, his tone dropping slightly, “there’s something else. If you ever feel something pulling at you, something trying to wake up inside you—don’t give in.”
Sam stiffened. The way Lareth said it, the way his voice dipped lower, as if he was hinting at something far worse than raw rage… it sent a prickle of unease down his spine.
Lareth wasn’t just talking about power. He was talking about something deeper.
Sam’s voice came out quieter than he intended. “What happens if I do?”
Lareth’s expression was unreadable. “Then we’ll have bigger problems than the darkness in your dreams.”
For a moment, the only sound between them was the wind rustling through the trees.
Finally, Sam exhaled. “So, what’s the plan? How do we prepare for something this… big?”
Lareth smirked, though there was no amusement in it. “We prepare for war.”
Forging Strength
The following days became a blur of relentless training.
Lareth pushed Sam past his limits, not just physically but mentally. The meditation exercises were brutal—hours spent focusing under extreme conditions. Sometimes Lareth forced him to sit in freezing water, his body shivering as he tried to find stillness. Other times, he meditated while Lareth hurled insults at him, trying to provoke an emotional response.
But the worst training was the deprivation sessions. Lareth would place him in complete darkness, stripping away sound, sight, even his sense of time. Alone in the void, Sam was left to battle his own mind, his own fears.
It was during one of these sessions that he first heard it.
A whisper.
Sam…
He jolted upright, his heart hammering. The darkness around him remained unchanged, suffocating in its silence.
Then—
You are not ready.
Sam’s breath caught. The voice—it was familiar. It was the same voice from the Crucible.
His pulse raced, but before he could react further, the darkness faded. Lareth had ended the session.
Sam blinked against the sudden light, his head pounding. Lareth studied him closely, as if he could sense something had happened.
“You heard something,” Lareth said, not a question, but a statement.
Sam hesitated. His mind screamed at him to tell Lareth. To tell someone. But then… the last warning from that voice echoed in his mind.
Tell anyone, and I will destroy you and all you hold dear.
His stomach twisted.
“…No,” he lied. “Nothing happened.”
Lareth watched him for a moment longer before nodding. “Good. Then we move on.”
The Subtle Shift
As the weeks passed, Sam grew stronger. His control over his shadows sharpened, his endurance increased, and his mind grew more resistant to external pressures.
But something had changed.
The dreams weren’t stopping. The voice in the darkness was getting clearer. And worst of all, the fire within him felt different.
It wasn’t just heat. It wasn’t just power.
It was waiting.
Watching.
Biding its time.
And somewhere, deep in the corners of his mind, a single thought whispered through the cracks of his sanity.
What if this power isn’t meant to be controlled?
What if it’s meant to be unleashed?
Sam’s breath came in ragged gasps, his vision blurred with sweat as he steadied himself against the relentless burn coursing through his body. Around him, the training ground was little more than scorched earth—blackened craters where his flames had lashed out, jagged scars where his shadows had torn through the terrain. The last vestiges of fire clung stubbornly to the rocks, smoldering embers dancing in the cool twilight breeze.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
His fingers still tingled from the raw energy he had unleashed, a dangerous heat lurking beneath his skin, ready to erupt again at the slightest provocation. It was intoxicating… and terrifying.
Isonorai stood a few feet away, arms crossed, watching him with a mixture of pride and scrutiny. The evening light cast sharp shadows across her face, emphasizing the quiet caution in her gaze.
“You’ve come a long way, Sam,” she admitted, though there was no warmth in her voice. It wasn’t disapproval—it was concern.
Sam exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. “But?”
“But power like yours demands more than mastery,” she said. “It demands discipline. What I saw just now—" she gestured toward the destruction around them—"wasn't control. It was instinct. You wield fire like a weapon, but if you don’t understand it… it’ll burn you first.”
Sam clenched his fists. He knew she was right. Every time he tapped into his magic, he felt it—something lurking just beneath the surface. His fire wasn’t just a force; it was alive. It had a will. And the more he used it, the harder it became to tell whether it obeyed him… or if he was merely unleashing it.
“I’m trying,” he admitted, frustration leaking into his voice. “But it’s not just fire. It’s everything. The shadows, the power inside me—I feel like they’re pulling me in opposite directions.”
Isonorai’s expression softened, just slightly. “Then stop pulling back. You’re treating them like enemies, like opposing forces. But power isn’t about conflict—it’s about balance.”
Balance.
The word echoed in Sam’s mind. It made sense, but how was he supposed to find that balance when every time he reached for his power, it pushed back?
Still, he nodded. “Alright,” he said, determination settling over him. “Let’s go again.”
Isonorai smirked. “Good. Because next time, I’m not going easy on you.”
Dinner and Doubt
By the time Sam returned home, the comforting aroma of roasted vegetables and fresh bread filled the air. The warmth of the hearth contrasted sharply with the cold weight of his thoughts.
His mother smiled as she set down a steaming plate in front of him, but her eyes flickered with worry. “You’ve been training too hard again, haven’t you?”
“I’m fine,” Sam said, though even he wasn’t sure if that was true.
His father, sitting across from him, studied him carefully. “You’ve always been stubborn, Sam. But don’t mistake stubbornness for strength.”
“I’m not being reckless,” Sam insisted. “I just… I need to be ready.”
His mother’s hand rested gently over his. “We know. But we also need you to come back to us in one piece.”
The weight of her words settled deep in his chest. He wanted to promise them that he would. That he could.
But deep down, he knew… some promises weren’t his to make.
A Conversation with the System
Long after his family had gone to bed, Sam sat in the dim glow of his room, his thoughts restless. He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly.
Then—
[System Notification: New Quests Available]
His eyes snapped open as the glowing interface materialized before him. The text shimmered, listing the newest set of objectives.
> [Quest: Prepare for the Battle]
Objective: Gather resources, allies, and information for the upcoming battle.
Reward: 5000 XP, [Mystic Flame] Skill, 1 Attribute Point.
[Quest: Train Your Magic]
Objective: Reach a higher level of mastery in fire and shadow magic.
Reward: 4000 XP, [Inferno Burst] Skill, 1 Skill Point.
[Quest: Speak with the Goddess]
Objective: Commune with the Goddess and seek her guidance.
Reward: 6000 XP, [Divine Protection] Skill, 2 Attribute Points.
[Quest: Unlock New Shadow Skill]
Objective: Unlock a new ability from the Book of Shadows.
Reward: 3000 XP, [Shadow Chains] Skill, 1 Skill Point.
Sam stared at the list, his pulse quickening. These weren’t just minor skill quests—these were steps toward something bigger.
“System,” he murmured, “show me my stats.”
The interface shifted.
> [Samuel Raveish]
Class: Shadow Mage
Level: 17
Rank: D
Health: 317/317
Mana: 355/355
Strength: 50
Agility: 44
Sense: 38
Reaction Speed: 47
Reaction Time: 48
Intellect: 44
Perception: 42
Stamina: 41
Credits: 166,967
He was stronger than before, but the locked abilities still mocked him.
“System,” Sam said carefully, “what can you tell me about the Rage Forms?”
There was a long pause before the response came.
[System Response: Rage Forms are transformations that exponentially increase power but come with the risk of corruption. Higher forms grant greater strength, but at the cost of mental stability.]
Sam’s breath caught. “And the higher levels? What happens at Forms 13 through 15?”
[System Response: Forms 13-15 have an extremely high risk of irreversible corruption. Once these forms are entered, the user’s control diminishes exponentially. If corruption exceeds a critical threshold, it will become irreversible.]
His hands tightened into fists. “Is there a way to undo corruption?”
A pause.
[System Response: Corruption can be mitigated through mental fortitude and purification techniques. However, once a certain threshold is surpassed, it is permanent.]
Sam’s blood ran cold.
The more power he used, the closer he danced to an abyss with no way back.
He had already felt something lurking inside him during training—something that whispered in the back of his mind, something that made his flames burn too hot, his shadows stretch too far.
He swallowed hard.
“What happens if I lose myself?”
This time, the system’s response was immediate.
[System Response: You will cease to be Samuel Raveish.]
A chill ran down his spine.
He wasn’t just fighting an external battle.
He was fighting himself.
And if he wasn’t careful…
He wouldn’t be the one to win.
[Rage Forms Overview]
age Form 1-3: Provides a moderate increase in power and physical attributes. The user maintains control but experiences heightened aggression.
age Form 4-6: Significant increase in power and speed. The user becomes more unstable, with minor loss of control and increased aggression.
age Form 7-9: Major power boost. User experiences substantial mental strain, leading to erratic behavior and reduced self-control.
age Form 10-12: Extreme increase in power and abilities. User’s mind becomes severely corrupted, leading to significant loss of control and potential for violent outbursts.
age Form 13-15: Maximum power increase. User risks complete loss of self-control and complete corruption. These forms are dangerous and can lead to irreversible changes in personality and morality.
The System’s Ominous Warning
Sam’s mind reeled as he absorbed the information on the Rage Forms. The temptation of power was undeniable, yet the price was steep—far steeper than he had imagined. The idea that his mind could be corrupted beyond recognition sent a cold shiver down his spine.
But before he could dwell on it further, the System interrupted his thoughts.
[System Notification: Additional Information Available]
Sam’s breath caught. “Additional information?”
A new screen materialized before him, glowing with an eerie crimson light. The usual orderly text was distorted, shifting unnaturally, almost as if the words themselves were alive.
> [WARNING: ACCESSING RESTRICTED DATA]
Monarch Protocol Override—Processing…
Rage Forms Final Stage: The Devourer State
Sam’s heartbeat thundered in his ears. The Devourer State?
He hadn’t seen any mention of that before.
> [System Override Complete]
Final Stage of Rage Forms Unlocked
The text flickered violently, before stabilizing.
> Rage Form 16-???
Title: The Devourer State
Effect: ???
Consequence: ???
Warning: The user who enters this state is no longer bound by mortal constraints. However, the cost of such power is absolute. The Monarch’s Revival may not be able to restore the user if full corruption is reached.
The Monarch’s Revival may not be able to restore the user.
Sam’s blood turned to ice.
“No…” he whispered. “That’s impossible. The Monarch’s Revival is absolute. It’s brought me back before—it has to work.”
[System Response: Absolute is an illusion. There are forces beyond the Monarch’s Revival. If corruption in The Devourer State reaches its peak, revival will not be possible. The user will cease to exist in both body and soul.]
Sam’s throat went dry. Cease to exist.
Not just death. Not just rebirth.
Total erasure.
The System continued.
[System Warning: If you continue on this path, you must be prepared. There will come a time when you must make a choice—power or self. If you falter… there will be no turning back.]
The words lingered, heavy with finality.
For the first time in a long while, Sam felt trapped.
Not by enemies.
Not by fate.
But by the power within himself.
And for the first time… he wasn’t sure if he would survive it.
Sam sat motionless on the edge of his bed, the faint glow of the System Interface illuminating his face. His breath was slow, measured—yet his mind was a raging storm.
The Devourer State. A power so immense that even the Monarch’s Revival might not bring him back if he lost himself to it. The words “cease to exist” echoed in his head like a death knell.
For the first time, he wondered if this was too much.
Too much power. Too much risk. Too much weight to carry alone.
He exhaled sharply, trying to push the thoughts away. He couldn’t afford doubt. Not now. Not ever. If he started questioning himself, he would hesitate—and hesitation in battle meant death.
He needed a distraction. Something tangible. Something to ground him.
“System,” he muttered, dragging a hand down his face. “Show me my skills.”
[System Notification: Displaying Current Skills]
A familiar list unfolded before him, neatly categorized into his core strengths.
[Skills]
Goddess Divine Protection: Provides a 0.5% immunity to enemy attacks when hit. (Minimal but might be a lifesaver in a critical moment.)
Reborn Battler Divination: Grants a 7% physical attack increase and a 4% defense increase to physical attacks when activated. (A solid buff, but not enough for high-level threats.)
Scale A Pult: Transforms any nearby scaly creature’s scale into a barrage of scaly weapons that penetrate and immobilize enemies. (Situational, but deadly in the right circumstances.)
[Abilities]
Shadow’s Sword (10 Mana to create): Conjures shadows into a sword that deals shadow damage to opponents. Mana Consumption: 1 mana per second. (Low-cost, effective for sustained combat.)
Shadow Stealth: Allows the user to sneak through shadows, hiding their presence. Mana Consumption: 2 mana per second. (Perfect for ambushes.)
Shadow Ball: Uses surrounding shadows to create a shadow ball. The power and size depend on the amount of mana invested. Mana Consumption: Varies with use. (Flexible, but requires strategy.)
Shadow Strike: Infuses shadow magic into a single, powerful strike. Deals high shadow damage to a single target. Mana Consumption: 25 mana. (A lethal finishing move.)
[Locked Features]
Shadows Fortune: Locked. (Why? What did it do?)
Emotion Enhance: Not decided. (The system was leaving this up to him?)
Rage Manager: Locked. (Could this help control the Rage Forms?)
Rage Consumer: Locked. (That name alone made his stomach churn.)
Sam clenched his fists. His abilities had grown, but were they enough? The Devourer State loomed over him like a dark specter, whispering of a power beyond limits.
No. He wouldn’t let it control him.
Power was only as strong as the person wielding it.
He needed to become stronger, not just in magic, but in strategy, discipline, and mental resilience.
The Rage Forms were tempting. Too tempting. And that was the problem.
If he ever let them take over…
He might not be Sam anymore.
And that terrified him more than any enemy.
A Dangerous Realization
His gaze flickered back to the Locked Features. His gut told him that they weren’t just locked—they were sealed.
“System,” he said slowly. “Why are some features locked?”
[System Response: Certain features are sealed due to potential instability. Accessing them prematurely may lead to irreversible consequences.]
Sam’s chest tightened. Irreversible.
“What about Rage Manager? Can that help me control the Rage Forms?”
[System Response: Insufficient Data. Rage Manager’s function can only be revealed once the user reaches the threshold for unlocking it.]
He gritted his teeth. It’s always like this. The system gives just enough information to warn me, but never enough to prepare me.
It was guiding him, but also… testing him.
Every choice had weight. Every power had a cost.
And somewhere in the back of his mind, he realized—
The system wasn’t just a tool.
It was watching him.
It was waiting.
Unanswered Questions
Sam sighed, rubbing his temples. He needed more information. He needed to understand what the System wasn’t telling him.
But for now, he had enough to focus on.
Train. Prepare. Master his abilities.
And, above all—
Resist the call of the Devourer State.
Because something told him…
That one day, he would have to face it.
And if he wasn’t ready—
It would consume him whole.
