Chapter 6: A New Set of Rules

The next morning

A freezing splash of water ripped him from unconsciousness. Lucian coughed, blinking rapidly as the cold burned his skin. Standing over him was the Viremont butler, face stern as stone.

“Do you want to die lying here like this?” the butler asked in a flat voice.

"How dare you-", Lucian opened his mouth to respond, but then—

> PRESS START TO CONTINUE

[START]

He froze. The crimson glow was back, right in front of him.

“What’s… this red thing?” Lucian asked, eyes darting between the screen and the butler.

The butler’s brows knit together. “What red thing? Don’t talk nonsense. Keep your mouth shut.”

The door closed behind him, leaving Lucian alone with the glowing words.

"So… only I can see this."

With a hesitant breath, he pressed START.

A warm surge of power burst through him. His wounds knitted instantly, the soreness faded, and his heartbeat steadied.

The screen shifted into a clean, organized display:

≡ BLOODBOUND VESSEL ≡

Stage: Blood Mage (1/4)

Level: 1

HP: 150

MP: 100

STR: 10

DEX: 8

VIT: 9

INT: 12

AGI: 10

Abilities:

[Basic Sword Art Lv.1]

Main Quest:

[Gain Your Honor, by Rule: 45]

Shop: LOCKED (Unlocks at Lv.5)

*Note: This system allows you to wield any weapon regardless of your mana sphere position.*

Lucian stared at the numbers, speechless. “…Level… one?”

His jaw tightened. “HP one-fifty? MP one hundred?! STR TEN?! What is all this garbage?!”

Still… his eyes caught on the last line.

A system that lets me wield any weapon… no matter where my mana sphere is.

A slow grin crept across his lips. So I can still fight like a swordsman… and now I have magic too.

His gaze locked onto the quest.

[Gain Your Honor, by Rule: 45]

Lucian’s smile sharpened, turning cold.

He stood up. For the first time in days, his legs didn't shake. 

“Rule 45, huh?” he murmured, testing the weight of his own fist. 

The crimson glow pulsed faintly, almost approving.

For the first time since the duel… Lucian didn’t feel broken. He felt like a throne was waiting for him to claim it.