Chapter 3 – The First Kill

One Death, One Power: The Cycle of the Chosen

Chapter 3 – The First Kill

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The blade pulsed in Riku’s hand like a living thing, heavy yet familiar—like it had always belonged to him. Black steel, serrated at the edges, humming with violent intent. Runes spiraled along its spine, glowing blood-red.

The Bloodhowler growled, low and guttural, sensing a change.

Riku’s grin widened. He felt fearless. Hungry. Like part of the sword had slipped into him too.

The monster charged, claws raised.

Riku stepped forward, not back.

He didn’t block.

He swung.

CLANG—CRACK!

The blade slammed into the creature’s claw, shattering bone on impact. Sparks flew. Blood sprayed. The beast howled and staggered.

A memory surfaced.

"Death Sword... grows stronger with every kill."

Riku darted left, slid under its swiping tail, and sliced upward.

The sword screamed again. It fed on blood—and it loved it.

“Come on!” he shouted, slashing wildly. Each strike moved faster, heavier. The blade grew longer, jagged lightning coursing through its edge.

The Bloodhowler pounced again.

Too slow.

SHUNK!

Riku drove the blade through its throat.

The beast choked—eyes rolling back—then collapsed in a heap, twitching. Riku stood over it, panting, coated in sweat and blood.

Then the sword pulsed.

Words appeared in the air again.

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<>

Death Sword Kill Count: 1

New Effect Unlocked: Blood Drain – Restores minor health on each kill.

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Riku laughed—part relief, part disbelief.

“I just solo’d a level 17 monster… right after dying for the first time.”

The phoenix mark on his chest flickered slightly.

One death. One power.

And now... one victory.

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He looked at the sword, which had now retracted slightly into a more manageable size, its edge still dripping.

A thought hit him like a hammer:

What happens when I need a different power?

Will I have to die again? Give this up? Lose the sword?

The thrill faded slightly.

“I’m not just collecting powers. I’m trading lives for them. Every time I die, I have to let go of the last me.”

That was the price.

Still… he’d won. He had survived.

And now he could feel it—deep in the trees, a town not too far. Maybe safety. Maybe allies. Or more danger.

Whatever came next, he knew one thing:

“I’m not afraid to die,” Riku whispered. “As long as I come back stronger.”

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End of Chapter 3

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Chapter 4 (next coming soon)

In next Chapter 4 our main character Riku enters a frontier town and learns about a powerful group of warriors who can sense his resurrection mark—and fear it?

(Bonus Questions)

What kind of Power do you guys think phoenix have?

Next,

Is it great to have this kind of ability or not, comment about your opinions?

Next,

Can you guys tell me any manga, manhwa, manhua or comics that is related to mine novel or any other novel that is similar to this novel?

Thank u, Everyone for reading.

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