Forgotten Monarch''s Sword plunged into Wain''s chest, and the mes engulfed him. Wain did not fight back as it did not hurt him. He felt strange as if the sword was trying to contact him.


    The mes gradually grewrger but then diminished and headed toward Forgotten Monarch''s Sword. The sword flew out of Wain''s chest and sliced his palm. The wound was shallow, but it was enough to make the sword''s de sprinkle with blood.


    The mes mixed with the blood, and the sword began to change.


    The handle became slightly longer, and a square ck guard appeared. The sword became much sharper, and a ck and blue me line appeared on it in the middle of the de.


    The sword plunged into the ground, and the fire went out.


    Wain sighed and touched the weapon.


    [Nameless Monarch''s Sword (Second Chronicle, Ascendant Rating)


    A mighty monarch once held this sword, but time has spared no one. His name was wiped from the pages of history and forgotten forever. But when one story ends, another always begins.


    The new owner of the sword was someone nameless and unknown. He was able to make contact with the sword and fulfill all conditions to unleash the full power of the weapon.


    *This weapon can only be used by Nameless. Otherwise, the seal is activated, and the sword bes useless.


    *The total number of stats must exceed 1.000, otherwise the seal will block the sword.


    *Strength+30, Agility+35, Vitality+5, Stamina+10. Speed increased by 10%. Attack speed increased by 15%.


    *Passive skill "Contact with the Owner" was created.


    *Created an active skill - "Tarnishing me Incision".


    - Contact with the Owner


    Nameless Monarch''s Sword is linked to you, and your progress in attaining Martial Essence will be much faster when using this weapon].


    - Tarnishing me Incision.


    Gathering energy on the sword de, swing the sword from top to bottom and create a massive vertical de from Tarnishing me.]


    ''Hmm, the bonuses to stats remain the same, but the Chronicle and Rating have gone up. The sword is definitely much more powerful. However, what is Martial Essence?'' Wain wondered.


    It was the first time he had seen the term, and he had never heard of anything like it before.


    Wain shook his head and returned the sword to the Ring of Damned. The Seal of Darkness shed brightly, and Wain hit a spatial rift.


    He headed for the entrance to the real world but stopped at the end. Wain turned around and looked at the wooden door standing not far from his gate.


    "There are too many iprehensible things going ontely. Maybe the omniscient bartender can help me figure it out." Wain muttered and headed for the door.


    ...


    Even though all the Worlds had merged into one and the universe had changed dramatically, there was no change in the bar. As before, it was one of the most peaceful andfortable ces.


    Sven was slowly wiping his ss with his eyes closed and thinking about something.


    When he saw Wain, he smiled weakly and put his ss aside.


    "Wee. It''s been a long time since I''ve seen you."


    "Well... I''ve been too busy, most likely even you have been touched by the merging of worlds. Right?" Wain sat down behind the bar and smoked.


    "Huh, sure. It was something really massive, but it''s a natural progression, that''s the will of the World of Darkness."


    "The World of Darkness? Is that what this is all about? Can you tell me about it?"


    Sven shook his head, "No, and not because it''s secret information. I have nothing to tell you. The World of Darkness is not a living organism like me or you, it can''t talk, but it can show intentions."


    "I see. Will you treat me to something unusual?"


    "Sure, but pay it forward."


    Wain nodded, and a few dozen souls flew out of his hand.


    Sven smiled and brought one fruit from the warehouse. It wasrge, with a thick, spiky rind. The fruit looked ugly and creepy.


    "This cocktail is one of my favorites, it''s simple and tasty, but I like it best because of this fruit." Sven said, slowly peeling the fruit from its peel.


    The inside of the fruit was smooth and resembled a starry sky in color.


    "It reminds me that very often, behind an ugly wrapper, there can be something beautiful, but first you have to find the right approach to see that beauty." Sven muttered and finely sliced the fruit into cubes.


    He tossed it into a ss and half poured in whiskey.


    "The cocktail, Honesty of the Stars, is ready." Sven said and slid the ss toward Wain.


    He took a sip, and his eyes went wide.


    "As always, an unusual and unique taste." Wain said quietly, enjoying the cocktail.


    "Why did youe here?"


    "I want to know something. What is Martial Essence? I''ve had toe across it recently."


    "Ah, I see. You''ve only recently be a Second Chronicle, judging by your energy fluctuations. I can see why you don''t know about it yet."


    "That''s something important. Right?"


    "Yes. Wain, you know that you have to meet a special condition for all subsequent evolutions except the first."


    Wain nodded.


    "Everyone''s conditions are unique, but there is something every Second Chronicle creature must learn to be able to go through the third evolution. You must define Martial Essence for yourself and reach the first level of mastery in it."


    "I see, another condition to be stronger. It seems like there will be more and more conditions as time goes on."


    "Huh, sure. The stronger you are, the harder and thornier your path. It''s only natural."


    "So what am I need to do? Martial Essence is some kind of ability?"


    "Not really. Besides the skills we get from the souls of other creatures, we can also create our own. This is usually something higher Chronicle creatures spend time on, as it can take longer to advance there. Martial Essence is somewhat simr to creating your skill.


    For example, a swordsman practicing fencing for decades became a Second Chronicle. In that case, he will acquire his Martial Essence over time, and it will be the Art of the Sword. The same is true of other weapons, whether spear, axe, hammer, bow, or magical staffs and wands."


    "Does it have to be some kind of weapon?"


    "No. You can choose hand-to-handbat or some mixed or your own style if you want. You have to find something that works for you. That''s the main goal of Martial Essence. I advise you to use Beyond at this time. That power will tell you which direction to go, like a subconscious." Sven muttered.


    "I see. Thanks for the cocktail." Wain said and headed over and got up from his chair.


    "Leaving already? Don''t you want to buy something? My assortment has never disappointed you before."


    "Not this time. Now I have somewhere to spend my souls, and I have other problems. Anyway, I''ll be back."


    "I see, but I''ll still offer you something." Sven uttered and opened his palm. On it was a small, dark crystal.


    "What is it?"


    "This is a pass to the neutral zone of one crazy old man. Perhaps it will help you grow stronger and understand what your Martial Essence is."