Killed Me? Now I Have Your Power Chapter 5: Cycle Of Rebirth System
Previously on Killed Me? Now I Have Your Power...
Chapter 5 – System
[Principle: Die to become stronger.]
Kaden gazed at the system's message, his eyebrows furrowing deeply.
'Die... to grow more powerful?'
'What sort of bizarre reasoning is this?'
'System—'
Before he could dwell on it more, a booming, lively shout disrupted his concentration.
"Little brother! I knew you wouldn't let me down! Hahahaha! You're a Warborn—you can't be feeble!"
Dain charged at him like a whirlwind of brawn and racket, enveloping him in a crushing embrace.
"Argh..." Kaden grimaced, his words smothered against Dain's torso.
"Oh—oops!" Dain released him at last, chuckling heartily.
Kaden breathed out, adjusting his posture. "Please, Brother Dain... don't ever do that again."
His voice stayed composed even through the ache.
"Tch. Don't fault me—blame that fragile frame of yours."
Kaden offered no reply. He merely pivoted toward his relatives.
His father loomed imposingly with folded arms. His mother beamed with affection next to him. Daela's expression stayed inscrutable alone.
Yet within, her mind churned.
'He unlocked a superior Origin rank. Excellent... Now he can protect himself.'
She uttered not a word. Still, her ease was genuine.
Yet she would continue watching over him. After all, he was her younger sibling.
And she refused to let the world shatter him.
Sarena advanced and drew Kaden into a gentle hug.
"Congratulations, my son."
Kaden melted into her comforting presence.
Among everything that pulled him from the scars of his past existence, this stood out—his family. Her in particular.
Daela and Dain had aided his recovery in their peculiar manners too.
Because of them, he'd discovered something invaluable:
Hope.
Hope potent enough to stir his desire to live once more.
Hope intense enough to drive him toward greater strength.
For he would never permit the horrors from Earth to recur—not in this realm. Not to himself. Not to those dear to him.
Witnessing their joyful grins directed at him...
He couldn't resist.
He returned the smile.
A rarity.
A splendor.
"Thank you... all of you."
They halted.
Gaping.
As if beholding a wonder.
Did he just... smile? Daela's eyes widened in shock.
Sarena inhaled sharply. "My son is far too striking! You need to smile often, Kaden!"
"Damn, little brother. I had no idea your features could pull that off," Dain remarked, his face alight with joy.
Garros tossed back his head in roaring laughter. "HAHAHAHA! That's the spirit! Grin wide with teeth bared and full of gusto! That's pure Warborn style, eh Dain?!"
"Absolutely right, Father!" Dain flashed a wide smile. "But let's introduce him gradually. He's fresh to this thrill and triumph."
Even Daela's mouth twitched into a subtle grin.
The chamber thrummed with cozy energy.
But suddenly—
"Now," Garros declared, retrieving another crystal—this one shining white. "We must determine your Origin's category and level."
"This is an Identification Orb. Simply place your hand on it. It'll reveal everything essential."
Kaden inclined his head.
He was aware of his Origin's title... yet not the complete details.
He laid his palm on the orb.
At once, a display appeared in their view:
⸻
{Origin: Bloodsoaked Sword King}
{Type: Weapon – Sword}
{Grade: Legendary}
{Description: Forged from bloodshed and conflict, you are shaped for combat. Your power increases by consuming the blood of the defeated. Battle. Slay. Consume. This defines you, Child of Blood.}
⸻
A prolonged hush fell over them.
"...Damn," Dain whispered softly.
"This is unfair," Daela stated tonelessly.
Sarena and Garros exchanged glances—and erupted into synchronized laughter.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
CLAP!
They smacked palms, cackling wildly.
Dain and Daela averted their gazes, flushed with secondhand shame.
Kaden let out a sigh.
He remained unaccustomed to this wild aspect of his parents. His mother especially. In matters of war and might... she matched Garros completely.
"I told you," Garros remarked, brushing away joyful tears. "A offspring born amid blood can never be commonplace!"
"You fretted needlessly, Sarena!"
"Hmm. True enough," she laughed lightly. "But I'm pleased our judgment held."
"I'm worn out," Kaden cut in. "I'll retreat to my quarters."
Garros dipped his chin. "You've merited rest. But—did you sense a tug? A bond upon awakening your Origin?"
Kaden hesitated, then affirmed with a nod.
"I did."
"That's Fokay," Garros explained. "A realm apart from ours. Populated by varied races and creatures. It's the sole domain where your Origin can advance."
He locked eyes with Kaden, tone solemn.
"Ready yourself prior to stepping in. You won't come back to Darklore till you've fulfilled your initial evolution mission."
"Understood," Kaden replied, demeanor grave.
"Then depart."
Kaden spun and strode off.
His thoughts raced with inquiries regarding his System and Fokay.
"I'm off to Fokay as well." Dain yawned and stretched. "I need to infuse my origin core. I considered hunting beasts near the stronghold for practice, but they're far too feeble. And I can't delay further."
"So bye." He smirked.
WHOOSH—
He disappeared in a flare of fire.
Daela trailed quietly. "I'm off to train."
Just Sarena and Garros lingered.
Their grins dissolved.
Their faces hardened.
"...Must we take that agreement now?" Sarena inquired.
"No alternative," Garros responded darkly. "With Kaden having unlocked such a formidable Origin, refusal isn't possible anymore."
"This stems from your father. That cursed elder. And now he's gone missing."
Garros stayed silent. He merely offered an uneasy grin.
Sarena alone had the boldness to speak of his father so.
It was among the traits that made him adore her.
...
Within Kaden's chamber—
He perched on his bed's rim, fingers clasped under his jaw.
"System," he uttered steadily. "Reveal your functions to me."
[Welcome, Host, to the Cycle of Rebirth System.]
[The core idea is straightforward: Die to become stronger.]
[Quests will come your way. Fulfilling them grants Death Coins and stat points.]
[Should you perish—by foe or force—you may spend Death Coins to turn back time and resurrect.]
[Yet here's the catch—every death allows you to claim a piece of your slayer's Origin.]
[Thus, Host, hold nothing back...]
[Seek out death.]
...I beg your fucking pardon?
—End of Chapter 5—