Travis checked out his abilities and smiled at his stats.


    ---


    『 Travis Blackthorn


    Class: Death’s Swordsman


    Level: 1 (Max Level: 100)


    ---


    Stats


    Strength: 3/10


    (Skinny; struggles with heavy lifting or prolonged physical effort.)


    Dexterity: 5/10


    (Average coordination; can handle basic tasks but is not particularly agile.)


    Constitution: 4/10


    (Prone to getting tired quickly; not very durable.)


    Intelligence: 6/10


    (A little above average; good at solving problems when focused.)


    Wisdom: 5/10


    (Occasionally shows insight but often misses the bigger picture.)


    』


    "I mean, sure, they’re a little harsh, but it’s the truth, I guess," Travis thought, his eyes gleaming with a mix of surprise and disbelief. "I’m just excited that I’ve got this kind of potential."


    For the first time in a long while, Travis felt a real sense of joy bubbling within him. It was a feeling so foreign yet so welcome—a feeling that he might actually have something to show for all the struggles he’d endured. This ability—this gift—was something to be proud of. Even though life still felt like a series of relentless challenges, this was the one break he’d been waiting for. Maybe, just maybe, this was his chance to finally change everything.


    He grinned, his heart pounding as he gazed at the glowing letters of his new title: God Swordsman.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "God Swordsman," he repeated in his mind. "That sounds fucking cool."


    Zephyros watched Travis with a knowing smile before leaning back in his chair, his expression settling into something more serious. A flash of bright light illuminated the room, casting a radiant glow over six of the twenty students in the class. It was as if the very air had thickened, charged with an unseen power.


    "Congratulations," Zephyros’s voice cut through the stillness, his tone deep and resonant. "You six are the students with the highest potential. In the world you are about to enter, you’ll be granted a rank that has never been seen before. You will hold the title of SS."


    A ripple of awe passed through the students, each of them hanging on his every word.


    "You see," Zephyros continued, his gaze sweeping over them, "in the world you’ll be facing, power is measured by ranks. The highest rank known today is S, and it’s a rank held by only three individuals. Among them, the strongest is known simply as The Emperor of the Golden Empire."


    Travis felt a thrill at hearing this. The Emperor—the pinnacle of power. To even think of holding such a rank—SS, a rank beyond S—was almost too much to fathom. His mind raced with possibilities.


    Zephyros paused for effect, allowing the weight of his words to settle in before he went on. "Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about what you’ll be doing."


    As Zephyros continued to explain the details of their new world and future, a subtle shift occurred in the room. One student, Kael, locked his eyes on Travis. His gaze was sharp, filled with the unmistakable gleam of jealousy. He couldn’t tear his eyes away, watching as Travis reveled in the glory of his new title.


    Kael’s fingers twitched as he glanced down at his own system, his thoughts darkening. The sting of envy burned through him like wildfire. Why did he get God Swordsman? He was no different, no less deserving.


    He scrolled through his own system, eyes narrowing as they landed on a bright red button at the bottom of the screen. The words [STEAL] were written in bold, glowing letters.


    "What the...?" Kael muttered under his breath, feeling a surge of excitement and fear twist in his gut. His ability was Steal—he could steal other people’s abilities. The realization hit him like a lightning strike. "I can steal people''s abilities!"


    The description of his ability flickered in his mind, an eerie calm taking over as he read it again.


    [Steal: Permanently steal someone''s ability if they are on the same level as you or below.]


    A wicked grin spread across Kael''s face. Travis is just some dork—he’s weaker than me. I can steal his ability. I can take everything he’s got.


    His hand moved almost instinctively toward the red button. His heart raced as he pressed it, the thrill of power coursing through his veins.


    The system immediately shut down, closing in front of him with an abrupt click. Kael’s eyes widened in confusion, but before he could react further, a strange energy began to swirl around him. It was unlike anything he had ever felt—a raw, overwhelming force that flooded into his body, making him feel more powerful than ever before.


    Meanwhile, Travis felt a sudden and crushing weakness surge through him. His body went limp, and he collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. His system flickered in front of him, the familiar interface beginning to crumble into nothingness.


    Travis’s mind raced, but his body refused to respond. He looked up in confusion and pain, barely able to comprehend what was happening. Something had gone horribly wrong.


    Zephyros observed the scene with a slow, knowing smirk creeping across his face. His eyes flicked between Travis and Kael, his lips curling slightly. "Well, it seems I was mistaken," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "Travis is not part of the six after all. The new six are as follows:"


    He paused for dramatic effect, allowing the weight of the words to sink in.


    "? Elara Winters


    ? Darius Kane


    ? Leaona Hart


    ? Silas Draven


    ? Freya Alden


    ? Kael Varyn"


    Zephyros’s voice echoed in the room as he spoke Kael’s name last, a cruel twist of fate that seemed almost too perfect. "Congratulations, everyone," he added with a faint chuckle, the tension in the air palpable as the remaining students processed the shocking turn of events.


    TO BE CONTINUED