The Third Return of the Necrotic Magic Swordsman

Inside the fog-drenched Mistmarsh Basin dungeon, the remnants of battle still lingered in the air. The boss monster had fallen moments ago, its body frozen into a sculpture of defeat by Lucas’s colossal Ice Blast.

Now, amidst the scattered light from the flickering crystals overhead, Lucas and his team—joined by Evan under his guise as Raven—gathered around the final loot drop: a single halberd, glinting with residual mana. Everything else had turned to shards of ice, lost to the cold death of Lucas’s finishing blow.

Lucas picked up the halberd, its blade heavy in his hands, and frowned. ”Well… it’s Caldo rank. Not exactly our style. Does anyone want it, or should we just sell it off? Though I doubt it’ll fetch much.”

Ilya tilted her head and shrugged. ”No one in the team really uses a Polearms weapon like that. Right, Miss Tess?”

Tess nodded in agreement. ”Yeah. You and Mike use swords, Lucas. Raven’s clearly more of a dagger guy. Ilya and I don’t even use such type of weapons .”

”Fair,” Lucas said, turning the weapon in his hands once more before preparing to store it away. ”Then we’ll just—”

”Wait,” Raven interjected softly, stepping forward. His voice, calm and courteous, held a glimmer of intent. ”Would you mind if I take that halberd? I have... the perfect place for it. But if you prefer to sell, I won’t object.”

Lucas blinked in surprise, then chuckled. ”Please. If it helps the team in any way, take it. Honestly, it’s just dead weight for us.”

No one objected. The halberd passed into Raven’s hands—and into Evan’s awaiting system.

Inside his mind, the familiar chime of his talent echoed:

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’1640?! Are you kidding me? That’s daylight robbery!’ Evan winced internally, gritting his teeth. ’Explain. Now.’

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’You’re just a glorified points vacuum at this point. Whatever. Take it. Just don’t give me some trash-tier weapon after all this.’

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’What did you just say?’ Evan scowled mentally, but the talent had already gone silent. With a sigh, he tucked the halberd away, deciding to analyze it later.

The group moved toward the glowing dungeon portal. One by one, they stepped through, their figures vanishing in a cascade of light. Lucas, ever the leader, looked back at the frozen battlefield—then disappeared, the last to leave.

Outside the dungeon, the patrol officer on duty frowned. The dungeon’s glow had dimmed too soon, its fluctuating mana pulse raising alarm. Just as he approached the gate, five figures emerged from the portal.

”What the…? Did you clear it? Already?” he asked in disbelief.

Lucas stepped forward with a grin. ”Yup. Just here to sell the loot.”

”That dungeon takes hours, even for elite teams!”

Lucas smirked and nudged Raven with his elbow. ”It’s easy if you’ve got the Necromancer Prodigy on your side.”

The officer’s eyes widened. ”Ah… I see. That explains everything. You’re lucky to have him.”

As the team melted into the crowd, the officer shook his head. ”Talk of the city, that one…”

But from the rooftops above, hidden in shadow, someone else watched them intently. Eyes narrowed, breath silent. The team was being followed.

Later, inside a busy adventurer building, the group settled in while Lucas left to sell the loot. The bustling noise of post-dungeon chatter echoed around them.

Evan, still cloaked in his Raven identity, kept his eye on Mike—who fidgeted. Restless. Distracted.

”I’ve got something to do. I’ll be back soon,” Mike mumbled, slipping into the crowd.

Evan narrowed his eyes. ’Something’s off…’

Moments later, he excused himself too. ”Tell Lucas I’ll be back in a bit.”

Blending into the flow of pedestrians, Evan quietly followed the trail Mike had taken. After several turns through alleys and side streets, he finally spotted him. Mike was talking to a tall man in a cloak—face hidden, movements sharp.

A loud slap cut through the air. The man’s hand dropped from where it had struck Mike across the cheek. Mike didn’t retaliate. He just nodded, eyes low, and turned to leave.

The man vanished after scanning the area.

Evan’s eyes narrowed. ’What the hell was that?’

He returned to the group shortly after. Lucas had arrived, sorting credits through their guild cards.

”Raven, come here,” Lucas called. ”Let me transfer your share.”

Evan held up a hand. ”No need. I took the boss’s weapon, remember? That’s my share.”

”But the value’s not equal—”

”It’s fine,” Raven replied firmly. ”We’re a team now. There’ll be plenty more loot to split.”

Lucas paused, then smiled faintly. ”Alright… if you say so.”

He divided the remaining credits among the rest.

”Now that we’re done, what do you say? Grab some lunch before heading home?” Lucas asked, upbeat.

”Yes!” Tess and Ilya chimed together, then burst out laughing at their synchronicity.

Raven shook his head. ”Sorry, I’ll pass. I’ve got some business to handle. Rain check?”

Lucas looked disappointed. ”Just a quick bite?”

”Next time. Promise.”

”Lucas,” Mike cut in. ”I’ve gotta leave too. My mom called, and I need to get home.”

Lucas raised a brow. ”That’s... unlike you. But alright. Tomorrow at 9 sharp, okay? We’ve got more raids lined up.”

”I’ll be there,” Mike said quickly, then turned to Raven. ”Hey, want to leave together?”

Raven blinked. ”I’m heading toward the New Lumen District. That your way?”

Mike grinned, a little too easily. ”Guess so.”

Evan nodded slightly, but in his heart… suspicion was beginning to bloom.

”Oh great, my house is also in that direction. Let’s leave together. Maybe we can even become good friends by having a chat.”Mike’s words carried a casual warmth that made it hard to suspect anything beneath the surface.

”Sure, if you say so,” Evan replied, his tone neutral, but his instincts lightly on guard.

The two stepped out of the Hunter Association building and headed toward the main gate. The air was cooling with the evening mist, and for a while, everything felt oddly peaceful.

But the peace was short-lived.

As they exited the gate, they found no taxis waiting—an uncommon sight. Mike chuckled and suggested, ”Let’s walk a little. Maybe we’ll find one further ahead.”

Evan nodded, but a small unease itched in the back of his mind.’No taxis? That’s strange. I’ve never seen it this empty before…’

Still, not wanting to expose his summoned horse in public, especially with Mike right beside him, he kept walking.

They continued along the quiet, dim-lit walkways, the city lights flickering in the distance. Still, no taxis.

’Something’s off…’

”Hey, do you hear that noise?” Mike suddenly said, pointing toward a narrow, unlit alleyway to the side.

Evan paused, listening. ”No... I didn’t hear anything.”

”I think someone’s in trouble. Maybe calling for help. Let’s check it out?” Mike suggested, already jogging toward the alley.

Evan wasn’t sure. There hadn’t been a sound—at least not to his ears. But curiosity, and perhaps a hint of guilt at ignoring a potential call for help, made him follow.

They ventured into the alley, its walls rising high, casting thick shadows in every direction. A few seconds in, Evan found Mike standing still, back turned to him.

”Hey, what’s wrong? Did something happen over there?” Evan called out.

No reply.

His instincts flared. He narrowed his eyes, and his hand slipped toward the hidden dagger beneath his coat.

A faint rustle from a trash bin caught his attention. Mike stepped back, drawing his sword with hesitant hands, his body visibly stiff with fear.

Evan frowned.’He’s scared? Of what?’

But the moment he stepped forward to take a look—

A chill crept down his spine.

And then—That voice.

”Sorry, Raven. I have to do what they said. I can’t disobey their orders... So please—die.”

Mike’s blade flashed downward in a sudden arc, aimed directly at Evan’s unguarded back.

But fate wasn’t done with Evan just yet.

In that instant, something snapped to life within him—A skill long dormant finally activated.

, a Weapon Master skill that allowed him to glimpse the echoes of incoming danger, flared to life.He saw it—A faint transparent image of Mike struck a second before it happened.

Evan spun, unsheathing his blade in a blur and catching Mike’s slash just in time.

Clang!

Sparks flew. Mike’s eyes widened in shock.He hadn’t expected Evan to react in time, let alone block it.

But the betrayal wasn’t over.

Mike suddenly raised his palm, and the air around Evan twisted—Gravity slammed down on him like a boulder, pressing him into the concrete, his limbs growing heavy, breath constricted.

”You’re really trying to kill me?!” Evan growled, struggling against the crushing force.

Mike lunged forward, blade flashing once more, aiming to end it with a single decisive blow.

A boom echoed through the alley, dust spiralling into the air.

Then—silence.

Mike blinked.Evan’s body wasn’t there.

”What?!”

A faint shimmer flickered behind him.

{Shadow Leap} — the skill had saved Evan from certain death.

”You...!” Mike roared, but before he could turn—

Shhk!Shhk!

Twin daggers plunged deep into his back.

”Aghhh!” Mike screamed as Evan twisted the blades cruelly and yanked them out.

”You really didn’t have to do this,” Evan said coldly, stepping back. ”I would’ve walked away if you just asked.”

But Mike wasn’t done.

He whipped his blade backwards, catching Evan off guard with a wide arc.

Evan leapt back.”I don’t want to kill you, damn it! We could’ve figured this out without blood. You don’t want me in your team? Fine. I would’ve left.”

Mike staggered to his feet, blood staining his coat, but his eyes glowed with obsession.

”There’s no other way, Raven! Either I kill you here—or I die.”

Evan clenched his jaw.

So be it.

”Come out. Make him kneel.”

From the shadows, they rose.

Gigantic undead warriors erupted around them—twisted, Undead Bear with eyes that gleamed with death.

Mike gritted his teeth and rushed to engage them, slashing wildly.But every cut he landed, every wound he opened—Evan healed them, sustaining his army with calm precision.

Mike realized the truth too late.This was war by attrition.And he was running out of time.

With a roar, he broke through the undead, his body bruised and bloodied, and charged directly at Evan.

Evan narrowed his eyes.

{Bone Cage}!

Jagged bone spikes erupted from the ground, trapping Mike in a twisted prison. But he shattered through them with brute strength, pushing onward.

But Evan wasn’t finished.

From above, small skeletons leapt down—dog-sized, agile, and relentless. They swarmed Mike, latching onto his limbs and dragging him down.

Then came the heavy steps—

Undead Bears.

Massive and powerful, they pinned him, forcing him to the ground before Evan.

”You really wanted it to end like this?” Evan asked, kneeling beside him. ”I thought maybe we could’ve been friends. Teammates, at least. But now, you’re forcing my hand.”

”You… you don’t understand...!” Mike growled, his face distorted, veins bulging under his skin as he screamed. ”You don’t know what they’ll do to me!”

Evan’s eyes hardened.

”Then you shouldn’t have raised your sword first.”

Suddenly, a violent pulse of energy burst from Mike’s body.The undead were hurled aside as his blade flew back into his hand.

His killing intent surged.

But Evan didn’t flinch.

”Your chance to live was a gift. You threw it away.”

With a calm breath, Evan raised his new sword—Arclash, its edge humming with power.

Then—

{Power Slash}

A blazing arc of energy cleaved through the air, striking from the ground up in a single diagonal sweep.

Mike’s eyes widened.

A thin red line appeared across his body.Then, blood erupted like a geyser.

He stumbled—his sword slipping from his grasp—And collapsed to the ground.

Silence fell once more, broken only by the shallow echo of Evan’s breath.

And then—he sheathed his sword.

His crimson eyes flickered. First with rage… then remorse.

Then—Tears.

They rolled down slowly, silently. Not the kind you cry out with, but the kind that hits harder when there’s no one left to hear them.

”Sorry... I didn’t want to do it but... Sorry... I wasn’t able to... save you… Da—”

His breath faltered.

And then—

Silence.

Just like that… he was gone.

A young life cut short. A final whisper, frozen in time. A body lying cold, drenched in blood and betrayal. And all that remained was a shell—of what could’ve been.

Evan stood there, looking down. Not with hate. Not with relief. Just...

A faint shadow of guilt in his eyes.

”What the hell was that? First trying to kill me, and now crying about saving someone?” he muttered with clenched fists. ”Sorry, kid. I wasn’t gonna kill you… but you didn’t leave me a choice.”

He took a deep breath and forced a crooked smile—half to mask the pain, half to reclaim control.

”Anyway, let me get some compensation for the attack you did on me.”

A glint of malice sparkled in his eyes.

”.”

A storm of dark energy spiralled out from Evan’s body and wrapped around Mike’s corpse, dragging it into an invisible vortex.

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[Stats Absorbed] ➤ +46 STR | +41 AGL | +33 INT | +39 VIT | +41 END | +31 STA]

[Talent Absorbed] ➤ Gravitic Vein (A)]

Evan blinked in surprise. ”He had a talent? I thought he was just a Gravity Swordsman class holder. Didn’t expect an A-rank talent too…”

This wasn’t the plan. He thought his first talent would come from someone like Lucas, not from someone like him. Yet here it was.

”Well… thanks for the treat, bro. Karma really did bite you. You messed up, and now I profit.”

With a casual flick, he opened his talent menu.

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Talent: Gravitic Vein (A-Rank)

Type: Passive/Active Hybrid – Gravity Control

Limits: Scales with Endurance and Intelligence

Description:

A rare combat-born talent once wielded by a battlefield master who mastered the art of manipulating gravity through sheer will and precise strikes. Now embedded within the user’s veins, it allows the user to command gravitational force through their every motion—each step heavier, each blade arc more crushing. Its power grows with mental acuity and physical durability, making it a trait feared in close-quarters duels.

🔹 Core Effects:

Gravity Suppression(Active)Unleash a localized gravitational field to pressurize enemies within a 6-meter radius, reducing their movement speed, jump height, and attack momentum by up to 20%.

(Duration: 10 seconds | Cooldown: 60 seconds)

Weight Modulation(Active)Alter the gravitational weight of yourself, an ally, or an enemy target.

Reduce weight for increased speed, jump height, and air movement.

Increase weight to slow foes, hinder dodge, or crush lighter opponents under their own mass.

(Cooldown: 45 seconds | Duration scales with Intelligence)

Gravity Pulse(Active – Sword Triggered)Deliver a gravity-charged strike or stomp, sending out a rippling pulse that knocks back all enemies in a 5-meter frontal cone.

Deals minor AoE damage.

Can stagger foes or break minor defensive stances.

(Cooldown: 40 seconds)

🔸 Innate Passive – ”Gravitic Flow”

Sword strikes gain +15% impact force

Slightly reduces stamina consumption when grounded

Fall damage immunity while the talent is active

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”Quite a beast of a talent,” Evan muttered. Then his eyes turned cold again.

”And now… let’s see what secrets you had, Mike.”

He pulled off his rune-inscribed mask, the parasite-like artifact that twitched in his palm before launching onto Mike’s lifeless face. The mask hummed ominously, glowing with pulsing sigils as it devoured fragments of memory.

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”Show me everything... from the day he awakened. Nothing before that.”

The world around him blurred.

And then—

He was Mike.

He felt his happiness, his fear, his frustrations. All of it. Joy from awakening a talent. Despair when his so-called friend, Gilder, found out about it. His life spiralled into darkness from that moment.

He became nothing but a tool—a personal hunter sent to level Gilder up while he stayed safe in the backlines.

Then came the real cruelty when he tried to get away from him by trying to break his friendship.

But Gilder kidnapped Mike’s father—a harmless civilian—and held him hostage. A leash around his heart. A weapon of guilt.

Everything crumbled further after Lucas humiliated Gilder during a public match (Chapter 115). Consumed by rage and rejection from Tess, Gilder devised a vile scheme—to kill Lucas and take Tess by force.

He ordered Mike to infiltrate their group to kill Lucas after which he can take Tess for himself.

But the reality was different as Lucas was something out of his reach as every time he tried to kill Lucas, he didn’t get any results.

And on top of it comes another hunter who is on the same level as him, Raven.

But the only difference was that Raven was a Necromancer who wouldn’t be able to handle close combat by Gilder’s brain, as he told him to kill Raven first—the necromancer. Promised freedom of his father as he has hired another hunter of higher level to kill Lucas. Promised mercy for him.

All lies.

Mike agreed, praying for one last chance to save his father.

But instead… he met his end after underestimating his opponent.

Evan’s eyes opened wide as the final memories faded—Mike’s life ending with a vision of his family’s smiling faces in his last moments. As notifications of the system popped in front of him.

[Host has experienced the life of the titleless Individual.]

[You’ve gained new insights into blade mastery.]

[Sword Mastery {S^ (54% → 0%)}]

[Recommendation: Try various sword types to evolve further.]

Evan dropped to his knees, fists clenched.

”...Why... why did you do it?”

”You damn fool. You should’ve just asked for help. Even if not me… Lucas. That idiot would’ve helped you save your father. But no… you threw your life away.”

He punched the concrete—hard.A crater formed beneath his fist, dust rising from the impact.

”I never wanted to kill an innocent… and yet—here we are. And it’s your fault…”

His voice cracked.

But then, his eyes turned determined.

”I’ll keep the promise you got. I’ll send your father home safe. And you—”He reached out, calling his undead powers.”—you’ll help me do it.”

{Undead Raise.}

Bones cracked. Flesh dissolved. And in its place stood a skeletal knight—an undead echo of Mike, clutching his greatsword in silence.

Evan wiped the last tear off his cheek.

”Let’s go. Let’s meet the bas*ard who did this to you.” As moved away from the street going toward the location where Gilder always stayed most of the time.

Gilder’s Penthouse – At Night

The neon lights outside the window glared through the high-rise building as Evan stepped inside the extravagant lobby.

He didn’t flinch as by the memories he already knew where he would meet him.

He took the elevator—the top floor.

No hesitation.

He walked straight into the lounge. Luxurious sofas. A glass table. Two men seated—one, Gilder. The other is unknown.

Gilder noticed him first.

”Hey! Who the hell are you?”

Evan stopped, eyes cold as the void. ”Just someone here to deliver Mike’s final message after he meets his unfortunate end.”

Gilder blinked. Then smirked. ”Oh? That idiot’s dead? Figures. I told him to kill one low-rank necromancer, and he failed even in that, quite a fool, what a waste of talent of having an (A) rank talent on him, it must have been on me instead rather than that poor kid. What a weakling.”

Evan’s eyes twitched.

”You’re the real weakling, Gilder.”

He stepped forward.

”You used him. Manipulated him. And now you spit on his name like trash. Say whatever you want—just know that the necromancer he failed to kill… is me who is here to let you meet your death.”

The other man stood up, cracking his knuckles while laughing as his aura flared.

”Heh. A friend of the dead, huh?” the stranger chuckled. ”Sir Gilder, this won’t be cheap. But I’ll handle him, just don’t forget to raise the amount of money I am going to receive.”

”Kill him, I will be sure to make your account filled with cash for sure,” Gilder commanded. ”Show him what Peak Tier 0 looks like.”

The man’s massive sword shimmered with mana. In a blink, he was in front of Evan who wasn’t even able to react.

Slash.

An explosion rocked the penthouse—glass shattered, debris flying in every direction.

Smoke filled the air.

And Evan’s condition was—

Unknown.

—To Be Continued.

What will happen next? Will Evan manage to defeat his formidable foe, or will he find himself facing his own demise in the quest for vengeance? The tension hangs in the air—what choice will he make in this critical moment?