Kael stood in the quiet warmth of his childhood home, his family around him, yet his mind was elsewhere. A sudden surge of power thrummed through him, reminding him that his journey had changed him in ways far beyond what his former self could have ever imagined. Even now, in the simple comfort of his home, the pull of his strength and destiny was undeniable.
His hand instinctively moved to the Riftblade at his side, its cool edge pulsing with power, but it was the notification that blinked before his eyes that truly caught his attention.
Ding!
[System Notification: Status Update Available]
Kael's gaze sharpened. It had been some time since he had checked his status. In the midst of all that had happened—the Dungeon, the Trial, the Rift—the details of his power had become a blur, overshadowed by the chaotic rise of his abilities. Now, standing in the presence of his family, Kael felt the need to ground himself. To understand exactly what he had become.
With a deep breath, he focused on the status window.
[STATUS REPORT]
Name: Kael Drayven
Class: Gatekeeper
Level: 200
XP: 0/500
HP: 10,000/10,000
MP: 25,000/25,000
Attributes:
Strength: 2,500
Dexterity: 2,200
Constitution: 2,300
Intelligence: 1,800
Wisdom: 1,700
Charisma: 1,000
Skills:
Riftblade Mastery (Max Level)
Shadow Fusion (Max Level)
Echo Step (Max Level)
Dimensional Strike (Max Level)
Rift Storm (Max Level)
Battle Instinct (Max Level)
Riftborn Legion (Max Level)
Worldbreaker (New Skill)
Time Dilation (New Skill)
Soul of the Gatekeeper (Unlocked)
Kael's eyes widened as he processed the overwhelming surge of data that flooded his vision. The sheer magnitude of his growth was staggering. Level 200—he had ascended far beyond what he'd thought possible. His attributes were near godlike, and his skills… every single one had reached the pinnacle of mastery.
But it wasn't just the raw numbers that struck him. It was the new abilities, the Worldbreaker and Time Dilation skills, and the passive Soul of the Gatekeeper ability that hinted at his true potential—at a power that now extended beyond the mortal realm.
The sheer power coursing through his body was something Kael could barely comprehend. He had transcended the boundaries of normal mortals, and his abilities reflected that. The Riftblade, once just a weapon of unimaginable power, had now become a part of him—an extension of his will, capable of breaking through any barrier in existence.
And yet, even with all this strength, there was one question that lingered at the back of his mind: Why hadn't the world noticed the change? Why had the gods and the forces of the realm remained indifferent, seemingly unaware of the chaos and power that had erupted around him?
But Kael knew that the answers to those questions were still out of reach. For now, his journey had led him to a crossroads—one where his power, his responsibilities, and the very fabric of reality itself hung in the balance.
The world was not ready for the true weight of what he had become. And, perhaps, it never would be.
But that didn't matter to Kael. He had to take the next step.
As he stood there in the quiet of his old home, a calmness settled over him. It was fleeting, but it was enough. For a brief moment, Kael allowed himself to be who he once was, to remember his roots. But even then, he knew the world, and his destiny, were pulling him forward.
Kael couldn't stay here forever. There was still much to do. And the gods were watching.
End of Chapter 13