After the agonizing ordeal, Grey's consciousness blurred and he collapsed into unconsciousness.
When he awoke once more, he sat upright, a mad gleam flashing in his eyes as he laughed softly in satisfaction.
He lowered his gaze to his right hand, where the mark had changed no longer the indistinct, human-shaped figure it once was.
Now, etched upon his skin, was a vivid emblem: a sharp, elegant sword made of darkness itself.
Focusing his will upon the mark, Grey soon felt a torrent of information surging into his mind, as if a projection had been engraved upon his very spirit:
[Soldier of Darkness Authorities:]
1. Time of Darkness: In darkness, your physical attributes increase by 1000%.
2. Stealth of Darkness: You can completely conceal your presence from ordinary individuals and Citizen-rank Paladins while in darkness.
(Note: This ability's effectiveness diminishes against opponents of greater strength.)
3. Weapon of Darkness: You may forge any weapon you imagine from pure darkness, up to five times per day.
Each weapon's durability equals that of diamond.
4. Resistance of Darkness:
In sunlight, all physical attributes are enhanced by 500%, and you may use Weapon of Darkness authority twice daily.
Upon fully assimilating the knowledge, Grey almost lost his composure.
His heart pounded violently against his ribs, a rush of excitement flooding his veins.
"So this," he muttered under his breath, his voice trembling slightly,
"is why they say a Soldier-rank Paladin can fight hundreds alone"
He clenched his fists, feeling a newfound strength surging within.
"Even without using any Authority, my current strength is already comparable to a Citizen-rank Paladin at full exertion.
If I activate Time of Darkness, my power would soar to nearly twenty times that of an ordinary adult .A true monster."
Grey's expression darkened slightly as he contemplated the implications.
"And with Resistance of Darkness
Even under sunlight my former greatest weakness I now possess basic combat capabilities.
Before this even a common man could have ended my life under the noon sky."
He exhaled deeply, his excitement barely suppressed.
"If Soldier-rank is already so formidable how terrifying must the Knight-rank be?"
Once, he had scoffed at tales that a single Knight-rank Paladin could rival an army.
But now,
He found himself inching closer to belief.
Yet alongside this exhilaration came a sobering realization.
"At my current pace of absorbing psychic energy, even with optimal conditions, it would take at least ten years to approach the threshold of transition..."
A frown creased Grey's brow.
"But is this ordeal this harrowing, near-fatal ritual the standard for all Paladins advancing through ranks?"
He had spent long hours in the vast libraries, poring over dusty tomes and forgotten records.
Never once had he encountered any mention of such a brutal, almost sacrificial awakening.
"If it were common," he reasoned grimly, "there should be records tales warnings.
And yet, there is only silence."
His gaze grew cold.
"It seems the waters behind that formless entity are far deeper than they appear.
And I..."
He flexed his bloodstained fingers, feeling the darkness curl beneath his skin.
"At my current strength, I am not yet qualified to peer into its depths."