The Dark Prince Curse
Karsha stared at the message with a blank look on his face. He wasn't sure what happened or how it happened, but looking at the message in front of him, Karsha instantly knew he is fucked.
< You have been Cured by the Dark Prince >
'Who the fuck is the Dark Prince?' Karsha screamed inwardly. It didn't make sense; none of this made any sense.
One moment he received a gift, the next he was cursed by some unknown entity that even the system didn't have any idea who he was.
< Host, I currently don't have any information on who the Dark Prince is, but I can tell the curse is from someone very powerful. Proceed with caution >
The system is only in the second version, which also means it doesn't have enough capabilities to know everything there is to know. It has to be upgraded to a higher version to be able to help Karsha more.
Karsha, fully comprehending the system's limitations and the gravity of the situation, refrained from asking further questions. Instead, he turned his attention back to the system and began to read, determined to navigate the challenges ahead with caution and resolve.
< The Dark Prince Curse >
[ Message from the Dark Prince:
Let me guess, you're feeling pretty upset and gloomy right about now. Perfectly understandable. I mean, who would be in the right mindset after receiving a curse as a gift?
I know this may come as a shock to you, but you haven't been cursed in a bad way. You've simply been chosen by me, the Dark Prince, to become one of the select few to wield the Dark Prince Hell Art.
Isn't that what you want? To become stronger and crush your enemies under your foot? Well, I heeded your prayers and answered. I will be bestowing upon you the greatest technique known to the entire dark universe: the Dark Prince Hell Art.
Is it free? Hell no. Who in their right mind would make something so grand-free? Who am I, a charity worker? Don't be ridiculous. I merely seek entertainment, and since you need strength, I am giving it to you in exchange for some amusement.
Let me explain how it works. I have bestowed upon you the Original Dark Prince Hell Art—more precisely, the first two levels. You will have the ability to learn and master these initial levels.
The rest, however, will be locked. I know what you're thinking, but fear not, I don't make plans with loopholes.
You will have access to the first two levels to ensure you understand what you'll be missing out on if you fail to pursue the remaining seven levels.
Yes, there are nine levels in total, each more powerful than the last. You will understand soon enough, hehe.
Additionally, within the technique is a one-time use teleportation rune that will transport you to the Dark Ruins, where the complete technique awaits. When you are ready to accept the remaining levels, tap into the rune, and you will be teleported to the Dark Ruins.
— Travel the Dark Ruins, slaughter the arcane, absorb the blood, and become the Dark Prince.
That about sums everything up. You have been cursed, human, don't mistake that... ]
Karsha sucked in a cold breath as he read the message from what seemed to be a narcissist, a maniac, if not the devil himself.
The message was a clear indication of how sinister the person calling himself the Dark Prince was. Who in their right mind goes around the universe dishing out curses?
'Is that even normal? And what is this about the Dark Universe? Why does it sound familiar?' Karsha wondered about many things, but with the system not having the capabilities yet, he let that slip from his mind and focused on what was within his grasp.
'I have been cursed with a technique, and from how that maniac describes it, I guess it's pretty great,' he thought, letting his emotions calm a little before turning back to the message.
'Travel the Dark Ruins, slaughter the arcane, absorb the blood, and become the Dark Prince.'
'This doesn't sound like something I should take lightly. Was I cursed with only a technique, or is there more to me becoming a Dark Prince?'
Karsha asked himself once more. These days, he seemed to be asking himself a lot of questions. His mind was full of tasks, and as it stood, he had no way of knowing how he would address them all.
Mental fatigue was taking its toll, and Karsha seemed to have a boatload of it. He was under immense stress, and as someone who had lived a life of constant life-and-death decisions, he was nearing his breaking point.
From witnessing the murder of his family to forging a contract with a battle-maniac unknown entity, to reincarnating into the fragile form of a child who had lost everything, Karsha had endured a tumultuous journey. He had been thrust into a year of rigorous training just to escape a treacherous, 70-meter-deep pit, only to find himself manipulated by a hellish sister and bestowed with divine knowledge in alchemy. His actions had enraged a Great Family, leading to his exile on an island teeming with venomous snakes. And as if that weren't harrowing enough, he had to face battles against monstrous foes, each one a hundred times stronger than him. Now, to add to his trials, he found himself cursed by an unknown entity, one who seemed to derive pleasure from the suffering of others.
'Ah, fuck, a bad day in the office, I guess,' he muttered, brushing that off to the back of his mind. He moved on to focus on the technique he had received.
< Congrats, you have received a forbidden divine rank technique; Dark Prince Hell Art >
< Dark Prince Hell Art >
-- Ahh, another lucky bastard or should I say another prey has fallen victim to my ploy. Well, this is the greatest technique you can ever wield, be sure to master it, trust me, you will need it one way or the other. Hahahaha
Rank: Divine
Levels: Nine ( Two Available )
[ Level 1: Sword Pool (F) ]
Using mana, Materialise the Mighty Avatar of the Dark Prince which will open the pool of countless swords. Based on your mastery of the skill, summon the swords and let the Dark One Rain down hell on your enemies.
F = 10 swords
E = 100 swords
D = 1000 swords
C = 10,000 swords
B = 100,000 swords
A = 1,000,000 swords
S = 10,000,000 swords
---
---
SSE = ?????????????
< The higher your cultivation, the stronger the Avatar, and the mightier the attacker's power >
[ I hope you like what you see, now get up from your slumber and get busy. You have a lot to archive and don't even think about underestimating this technique ]
[ Level 2: Giant Sword ]
Based on the sword pool mastery, With a thought, combine the floating swords into one mega huge sword and let the Dark Prince Avatar have fun with it. A strike from it contains a certain percentage of the wielder's total attack power and the Dark Prince's Might.
F = 100% Attack Power
E = 150% Attack Power
D = 200% Attack Power
C = 250% Attack Power
B = 300% Attack Power
A = 400% Attack Power
---
---
SSE: 10,000% Attack Power
< Note: To unlock this level, the host mastery of the first level should be at least B >
[ Let me guess, you like what you are seeing right? Well, you have a choice to make, but first master the two levels when you want to do more, use the rune to come to me.
Don't even think about ignoring me ]
--------------------
"Well, I guess he wasn't exaggerating when he said this is the strongest technique there is," Karsha remarked after reading the description, unable to deny the Dark Prince's words.
The technique was remarkable; both levels were impressive. With the multitude of swords he could summon, Karsha realized he had found something that could narrow the gap between him and the Overlords.
While maintaining the avatar would require mana and the swords he had summoned, the ability to conjure over 10,000 swords at once and continue summoning until he exhausted his mana was not to be underestimated.
With enough mana, he could keep summoning swords nonstop. "This technique is great, too bad it came from a maniac," Karsha muttered.
<So what if it came from a maniac? Host, you have significant advantage that you're not even realizing. The technique doesn't specify any limitations or restrictions.>
The system's voice cut through his thoughts, offering an unexpected perspective.
<Since that's the case, you can utilize your elements. In short, harness lightning and fire, with some practice, you'll be able to imbue swords these>
Karsha's eyes widened as he considered the possibilities.
<One thing to note: the elements are part of you, so how you use them is entirely up you. There no limitations or restrictions on this technique, your wisely. But it's not going be easy, considering mastery as pitiful it gets.>
Karsha sighed, acknowledging the system's blunt truth. "So, it's not just about summoning swords; it's about mastering my elements and combining them with this technique," he mused. "Looks like I have a lot more training ahead of me."
"I need to end this quest within the next three days. I have a lot to do and little time on my hands," Karsha murmured to himself.
Initially, he had planned to spend ten days on the quest, but now that he had access to the Subspace, where a day there equated to just one hour outside, he knew he had to expedite things. Finishing the quest quickly would leave him with at least eight days to spare.
Eight days outside would translate to 192 days inside the Subspace—not much, but with his sharp comprehension speed, even ten days would be a gold mine for him.
As for visiting the Dark Prince's Domain, he would save that for later. Right now, his sole focus was on killing the Overlords.
Taking out an orb, Karsha shattered it, causing a golden light to engulf his surroundings for a few seconds. A small smile escaped his lips as he saw the small book appear in his palm.
< Ding! Congratulations, you have received the fourth piece of The Book Of Annihilation,>
Karsha stored the book and was about to take out a healing orb when a system notification halted him. He turned his focus back to the system message, mentally preparing himself for what he had already anticipated.
< Ding! You have received a second Persona: The Dark Prince. >