Chapter 2: The Protocol Within
Ren woke to the scent of burning incense and rusted iron.
Chains bound his wrists to a cold stone wall. A sigil pulsed faintly beneath him—a containment seal, etched by trembling hands. Robed figures stood on the far end of the chamber, whispering frantically.
"He's conscious."
"Keep the seal strong. We summoned a mistake, but it's too late to undo it…"
Ren's eyes glowed faintly with violet runes.
[Void Protocol: Calibrating...][Status: Unknown Host – Adapting Interface… Complete.][Warning: Your existence violates divine law.]
"...What are you talking about?" Ren muttered. His voice felt heavier, deeper.
The system responded:
[Welcome, Ren Kamizuki.][You are now bound to the Void Protocol—a system erased from history.][Weapon Bonded: NULLFANG – The Godslayer][Artifact Tier: Void-Class | Status: Sealed][New Title Acquired: "Mistake of the Gods"]
The High Priest stepped forward, his face pale with dread."You shouldn't have answered the call. The summoning was meant for a hero—blessed by the gods. Not you."
Ren stared, confused. "Then… send me back."
"We can't," the priest said bitterly. "Not without angering them further. The Void-Class is forbidden. Only one such weapon ever existed… and it destroyed a god."
Silence.
The chains rattled softly as Ren clenched his fists.
[Skill Unlocked: Null Domain Lv.1 – All magic cast within this domain is silenced.][Skill Unlocked: Fragment: Code Reversal – Allows limited rewriting of enemy spells.]
The chamber dimmed.
Ren didn't scream. He just smiled faintly, bitterly.
"If I was never meant to be here… then I'll make this world regret ever pulling me in."