Ethan blinked at the system window still glowing in his vision. His arms were shaking like wet noodles, and blood was slowly dripping off his scraped knuckles.
'No way… I really did it. I fucking did it…'
He staggered a step forward, grinning like a madman. He lifted the wooden sword above his head in triumph.
"I'm a knight, bitches!" he yelled into the courtyard, voice hoarse.
A few knights looked at each other, exchanging awkward coughs. One muttered, "Kid's lost his mind."
Ethan didn't care. He was about to pump his fists into the air—when the world suddenly spun sideways.
Uh… oh.
Everything blurred into white light as he fell face-first into the dirt. And then darkness swallowed him whole.
When Ethan woke up again, his head felt like someone had hammered nails into his skull.
He squinted, groaning. "Uuugh… where the hell am I…?"
He was lying on a long velvet runner, in a vast hall whose stone walls were lit by flickering torches. Rows of armored knights lined either side. Sunlight poured through tall stained-glass windows, painting colors over the polished floors.
A booming voice echoed. "The boy awakes."
Ethan sat up abruptly—instantly regretting it because the world spun again. He forced himself to his feet.
At the far end of the hall stood Sir Vandelion, towering like a living fortress. A ceremonial red cloak hung over his broad shoulders, trimmed with golden thread.
"Ethan Graves," Vandelion called, voice carrying like thunder. "Step forth."
Ethan shuffled forward, legs still half-dead.
A knight held out a crimson pillow. Resting atop it was a polished silver crest: a lion entwined with dark thorns.
Vandelion picked it up and pinned it to Ethan's chest with surprising gentleness.
"I hereby recognize you as a knight of the Empire. Wear this crest, and let all know your allegiance."
[ITEM OBTAINED: Imperial Knight's Crest]
[Effect: Grants official status as an Imperial Knight. Increases reputation among Empire factions.]
Ethan stared at the crest, eyes stinging. Holy shit… this is real. I'm not just some nobody anymore.
The knights broke into polite applause—though Ethan caught several sour looks. A few knights crossed their arms, faces twisted in scorn
One guy muttered just loud enough for Ethan to hear, "Tch… kid got lucky. He's not worthy.
Ethan ignored him. He grinned and lifted the crest. "Suck it, haters.
Suddenly, his system window flashed again:
[SYSTEM REWARD GRANTED]
[Congratulations! For unlocking Hybrid Class Potential, you have received a Unique Skill.]
[Skill Acquired: Dark Blade]
[Effect: Imbues sword strikes with dark mana, dealing hybrid physical and magic damage. Scales with both Strength and Intellect. Can bypass 20% of enemy defenses. Cooldown: 10 seconds.]
Ethan's jaw dropped open. "No fucking way…"
Dark Blade… that's broken as hell! In the game, only the secret bosses had skills like that…
He clenched his fist, practically vibrating with excitement. Alright, I've got the knight's class in the bag…
He glanced at Vandelion, then down at his new crest. Now… time to complete the other half of the plan.
He flicked his fingers and summoned his map window. The parchment-colored screen unfurled before his eyes. Cities, roads, and quest markers sparkled across the display.
"Next stop… Dark Mage class." Ethan smirked, eyes glinting.