Brand New Life Online: Rise Of The Goddess Of Harvest

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Asteria.

A mysterious bone sword created in ancient times, it held a profound connection to her very essence, particularly the past of her soul. Elayne had begun to slowly unravel that this might relate to the Giantess she encountered in her dreams.

From what she could gather, Asteria was forged by an ancient god and given to another. Afterward, she passed from hand to hand. The Netherworld’s energies gradually mutated her original form. As she consumed souls and creatures of this realm, she developed a strange, eerie appearance.

Her true self slowly distorted as she forgot her origins, becoming a resentful, weeping specter that yearned for someone to wield and love her forever. However, with her true power sealed, her wielders eventually grew frustrated. Unable to understand her apparent weakness, they discarded her, selling her to the next owner.

It was unbearably cruel. The pain twisted her psyche until she resembled the very monster Elayne had once fought to protect herself from. Those memories felt strangely hazy, as if pieces were missing, like she had not fully been present.

She wasn’t sure why, but she chose not to dwell on it. After all, when she grasped the sword, she had been drawn into its Soul World. It was natural to feel dizzy or disoriented afterward.

“Well, you got yourself an incredible sword,” Yaga admitted. “But be careful with her. I sense a strong, resentful aura. It’s my first time seeing such a bizarre blade. I’ve encountered many cursed swords, but nothing like this. She feels almost like an obsessive lover.”

“She has suffered greatly and has trust issues,” Elayne said softly. “She just needs someone who won’t abandon her like everyone else. And I won’t. I’ve already refined her into my Soul Treasure.”

“Well, that’s… nice, I suppose?” Yaga sighed. “Just be careful regardless. Ah, there’s the monastery.”

“Yeah,” Mark nodded. “Alright, Norman, Shade. Let’s see if you can get a Class.”

Usually, Undead were treated as Monsters that evolved by leveling and devouring souls while cultivating their Nether Cores. However, the members of the Demon Tree Religious Order followed a different path.

They avoided devouring souls and instead communed with nature, practicing unique cultivation methods. They were strange outcasts among the Undead.

Thus, the System appeared to reward this choice by granting them Classes and Skills, much like other intelligent races, rather than treating them solely as monsters.

Elayne began to suspect that the System judged individuals based on their actions, determining the most suitable path for growth.

Norman and Shade waited patiently in line. When their turn came, they touched the Class Changing Stone and successfully received Classes and Skills.

Norman obtained an intriguing Class named White Bone Pugilist.

[Congratulations! You have unlocked the Job Class: White Bone Pugilist – Tier 1]

[Your Level Cap has increased to Level 100]

[All of your Stats have increased by +2,500]

[You have acquired the Class Skill: White Bone Fist Style – Tier 1: Level 1/10]

The accompanying Skill, White Bone Fist Style, seemed similar to Sailor’s, granting techniques and enhancing combat potential.

Norman was generally a pacifist who disliked fighting, but when necessary, he became a formidable force—second only to Mark among the skeletons. His massive, watermelon-sized fists knew exactly where to strike for maximum impact.

Meanwhile, Shade received a Class and Skill perfectly suited to his expertise: Curse Rune Creation.

[Congratulations! You have unlocked the Job Class: Curse Rune Sorcerer – Tier 1]

[Your Level Cap has increased to Level 100]

[All of your Stats have increased by +2,500]

[You have acquired the Class Skill: Cursed Rune Mastery – Tier 1: Level 1/10]

This Skill granted Shade greater freedom, accelerating his knowledge and understanding of Curse Runes.

“Feeling stronger now?” Elayne asked with a gentle smile.

“Yeah, it’s incredible,” Norman said, nodding. The beast-man skeleton seemed genuinely pleased. “It’s an odd-sounding Class and Skill, but they suit my skeletal body. I wish I were a zombie, but I’ll make do with what I am.”

“…” Shade remained mostly silent, quietly admiring his new powers. “Hm…”

“What’s wrong?” Mark asked.

“Is it not good?” Elayne pressed.

“I’m stronger,” Shade murmured. “Strong… stronger…”

“Yes, you are,” Elayne nodded warmly. “Let’s keep working together, Shade.”

“…!” Shade turned his empty red eyes toward Elayne and seemed to agree. Though she couldn’t always understand him, she tried her best. “Ok… Master… do you need Runes? New Runes? I can make new Runes.” Suddenly, he spoke in a rush.

“I was thinking about it,” Elayne admitted. “The other Runes are still progressing, but I believe they’ll reach the next Rank soon.”

“Hmmm…” Shade studied Elayne’s soul. “Big soul. Large. Enough for many Runes.”

“Is that so? I’m just worried about the side effects. With four already, I feel… a bit off,” Elayne confessed, acknowledging her growing quirks.

But Shade shook his head. “Cursed Runes have different properties. They can worsen things, but they can also help.”

“Really?” Yaga asked, intrigued as she overheard. “Tell me what you’ve discovered, little one.”

“Cursed Runes… some feed on bad energy,” Shade explained. “Some are neutral. A mix is good. Stronger, faster growth. Helps fight foes.”

“Hmm,” Mark nodded. “They are indeed the quickest path to power. Most Undead bear dozens or even hundreds. The more they have, the stronger they become.”

“Unlike Nether Core methods, Cursed Runes don’t require souls,” Elayne noted. “Though they can be used for torture, they’re also a direct source of power. I wonder if Noble Races use them too?”

“It depends,” Yaga replied. “It often comes down to mental strength. Cursed Runes are potent, but they bring varied side effects to non-Undead minds. Some races view them as filthy, while others embrace them.”

“I see,” Elayne nodded. “Well, we’re done here. Shall we head back?”

On their return to the mansion, Elayne spotted Chalk—Blank’s little sister—wandering and peeking into rooms. She found the girl admiring her clothes and dresses.

“M-Miss Chalk? What are you doing in my room?”

“W-Wha…!” Chalk yelped, tumbling backward onto the floor. “Don’t startle me like that, you useless undead!”

“I’m so sorry,” Elayne said with an apologetic smile. “Are you interested in my dresses?”

“Hah! As if I’d ever care about a zombie’s dresses,” Chalk huffed, standing and storming off. “D-Don’t get cocky!”

Watching her retreat and slam her door, Elayne sighed. To her, Chalk seemed like someone deeply lonely, craving friendship. Then again, she had felt the same about Blank once—and look where that led.

“Odd…”

Elayne settled on her bed and began practicing her new Skill while holding Asteria, her new companion. The living sword rested quietly, exhausted from the earlier battle.

“You’re in good hands now, Asteria. Don’t worry.”

She spent the rest of the day cultivating various energies and studying Cultivation Methods she had long wanted to master but lacked the time—or strength—for until now. With her stats greatly improved over recent months, she was ready.

The methods were Body Cultivation techniques for Zombies and Skeletons: the Bone Reinforcing Ritual and the Rotten Flesh Strengthening Method. These were the most fundamental practices among Undead.

Back when she was weaker and physically frail, Elayne could never learn them, especially since they typically required a Nether Core.

Now, she would attempt them anyway. In this world of dangers far greater than the Living World, she needed to strengthen her body. She could not afford weakness.

She focused on simpler versions that relied solely on internal energies, valuing growth earned through her own effort over external aids. She preferred this path even if the System rewarded her regardless.

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