Death to Power
Copyright© 2025 by TheSmartOne
Chapter 19: One Strike
Kaden’s consciousness reappeared in the endless void of absolute darkness.
DING!
[You have died.]
[At what point in time do you wish to revive?]
There was no hesitation this time.
“The same as last time.”
He knew it was foolish. The beasts numbered in the thousands, and he was just one person—an Awakened, no less. The being clearly didn’t want him to pass this test.
No. It wanted him to die.
And strangely, that aligned with Kaden’s goal. Because now he understood:
To grow stronger—he had to die first.
DING! Confirmed.
[You were killed by an Awakened Black Wolf. You have obtained a trait fragment: Wolf’s Instincts.]
[You have unlocked a new attribute: Perception.]
Kaden blinked in surprise. Already, on his second death, he had gained a trait fragment, and one that unlocked a whole new attribute.
“Death, can I view my profile here?”
[Yes.]
A sudden curiosity struck him.
“What happens to the outside world while I’m here?”
[Time does not exist in this space. The world outside remains frozen at the moment of your death.]
It was a strange explanation—one he didn’t fully grasp. But one thing was clear: he had no time limit here.
A small, satisfied smile crossed his face.
“Show me my profile.”
<<<<< Profile >>>>>
Name: Kaden Warborn
Age: 10
Rank: Awakened
Origin: Bloodsoaked Sword King (Legendary)
Titles: Child of Blood
STR: 30 → 35
AGL: 45
CONS: 50
MANA: 32
INT: 28
WILL: 8 → 50
PER: 30
Stat Points: 0
Fragments: Trait – Wolf’s Instincts
Quests in Progress: 1
Death Coins: 500
Skill – Awakened:
Blood Reservoir – Every successful kill adds blood to an internal reservoir. This blood can be used as fuel—for weaponry, formation, or healing.
<<<<< End >>>>>
Kaden studied his profile closely. He had made real progress—especially his Will stat, which now stood equal to his Constitution, his previous highest.
He grinned.
“But it’s still not enough.”
Progress was good, but it wasn’t victory. Not yet.
“Revive me, Death.”
The black clock appeared again.
Click—
Everything turned blank.
“Do you accept this test?”
The voice rang out again. Kaden rose from his kneeling position.
“I accept.”
“Perfect!”
“Let the test begin!”
With a clap, the test commenced once more.
But this time—Kaden struck first.
SLASH!
A sweeping red arc carved through the beasts before they could even react.
Red spears rained from above. Explosions erupted amidst their ranks. Kaden dove into the horde, Reditha flashing crimson in his hand. Each swing severed heads with precise savagery.
A hammer suddenly crashed toward him—but he ducked, instinctively.
It whooshed overhead.
He turned—an ogre.