Chapter 1: The Useless One
The city of Velmire stood as a living testament to mana and marvel—a luminous beacon where crystal towers and spires shimmered under the glow of enchanted moons. At its very heart rose ChronoEdge Academy, a colossal citadel of learning and combat skill, a place where only the brightest young warriors, mages, and all who wielded mystical talents honed their craft to become elite dungeon raiders. Sprawled across acres, the academy featured obsidian towers that pierced stormy skies, floating arenas alive with dueling echoes, and magical wildlife zones where exotic creatures roamed free. For most, ChronoEdge was a dream: a sanctuary where legends were born. For one boy, however, it felt like a gilded cage.
Kael Voss, a slight youth of sixteen, lingered in the shadowed fringes of the training grounds. His hazel eyes, quietly determined yet tinged with despair, were fixed on the small holo‑display that materialized before him—a status screen that encapsulated his entire being in cold, unyielding numbers.
[Status Screen]
Name: Kael Voss
Age: 16
Rank: F
Class: None
Skills:
• [Vaultspace] (???)
Strength: 4
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 7
Vitality: 3
Mana: 6
Dexterity: 4
This was all. A single ability—a so‑called inventory skill that every other student possessed alongside a bevy of flashy secondary talents. Where others could wield swirling torrents of fire or call upon healing energies with a mere gesture, Kael had a solitary skill that many dismissed as mundane. To him, it was his only inheritance in a world where power was the key currency of respect and survival.
Around him burst with life the demonstrations of the skilled—a girl teleported in shimmering flashes, a boy summoning a fiery serpent made of pure, dancing flame. Some students boasted composite skills: multi‑elemental affinities, dangerous offensive spells, or regenerative healing miracles. Possessing only Vaultspace marked Kael as "useless," a label that had followed him like a dark omen ever since he awoke into this brutal hierarchy.
It wasn't long before Lucas Drein, academy prodigy and emblem of superiority, swaggered over with his entourage. Lucas's eyes were alight with derision as he drew near, his every step an assertion of dominance.
"Still messing with that bag‑of‑holding ability, Vault Boy? You sure you're in the right school?" he taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance. With a flick of his wrist, Lucas projected his status screen into the air for everyone to see.
[Status Screen: Lucas Drein]
Rank: B
Skills:
• Flame Serpent (B)
• Burn Pulse (C)
• Mana Control (C)
Strength: 21
Agility: 17
Mana: 34
A chorus of chuckles and sneers followed his words. "Maybe Vaultspace can hold your dreams of ever catching up to me." With that, Lucas dismissed Kael and his timid existence with a flourish of his status display.
Kael's cheeks burned with humiliation, yet he said nothing. Instead, he turned away, clutching the strap of his worn bag as if it were the only tether to his fragile dignity. In this world—a realm ruled by ranking and raw power—the weak were cast aside without a second thought.
Trial Dungeon 001 – Beginner's Gate
The day's light had begun to wane into a cooler dusk when Kael found himself standing at the looming entrance of Trial Dungeon 001, aptly named "Beginner's Gate." The heavyweight structure was a vast arch of obsidian, adorned with pulsating red runes that seethed with ancient magic: a silent warning and a challenge all at once. A group of eleven other first-year students gathered there, teeth chattering not only from the chill but from the palpable mix of nervous excitement and dread.
[TRIAL DUNGEON: Beginner's Gate]
Objective: Survive. Retrieve Core Shard. Time Limit: 2 hours.
Beside Kael, Lira Hale—an unexpected ally in a sea of contempt—stepped up. Her silver hair cascaded gently over her shoulders and her eyes glittered with determination, but it was the softness of her voice that set her apart from the elitist jeers of others. "Stick close to me," she said with a reassuring smile. "I've got minor healing—just in case."
"Thanks," Kael murmured, more to himself than to her, his heart pounding as the portal in front of them shimmered, beckoning them into the unknown.
Together, with hearts steeled by equal parts dread and hopeful urgency, the group stepped into the engulfing portal and vanished instantly into the labyrinthine depths of the Dungeon.
Inside the Dungeon
Inside, the dungeon was a realm of eerie contrast: damp walls slick with moisture, dark corridors where sunlight dared not intrude, and an overwhelming scent of decay mixed with sulfur that stung the nostrils. Faint glows from luminescent moss clung to the walls, casting ghostly shadows that danced with every flicker of movement. In the dim distance, small creatures—a mix of Crag Rats and nimble Cave Mites—scurried about, their presence adding to the grim, unforgiving atmosphere.
As soon as they entered, the groups split apart to tackle different paths. Kael found himself mistakenly abandoned by his teammates—a brief pause in the chaos that forced him alone. At that moment, his portable system's prompt blinked in his vision.
[Activate Vaultspace? Y/N]
He hesitated, heart pounding. The idea of his only skill being more than a storage option flickered in his mind. Could this be his saving grace? Or his escape from humiliation?
A single tap of his finger registered his decision.
[Y Selected. Initiating Vaultspace.]
In an instant, the bleak surroundings dissolved into a flash of pure, blinding white.
Vaultspace
When the world came into focus again, Kael found himself standing in a stark, surreal expanse—a white void stretching into infinity. It was empty, yet somehow alive with the hum of absolute stillness. Gravity held him firmly, temperature was maintained but unchanging, and though there was no ground or sky to mark boundaries, the space itself was tangible.
Curious, Kael reached down and allowed a small, smooth stone to fall from his pocket. It clattered on an invisible surface.
CLINK.
The sound resonated, echoing as if caught in a vast cathedral of silence.
With no one to witness but his own thoughts, Kael began testing the possibilities of this smallest haven. He took his wooden practice sword—scuffed from years of neglect—and started with gentle swings. Each movement felt markedly different here. The void responded in a way that made him feel heavyweight and infinitely capable. To further push his limits, he set a routine: a dozen sword swings, followed by pushups on an unseen floor that seemed as solid as reality. Time took on a curious quality: every second felt like an eternity. Was it training or waiting? He couldn't tell.
Minutes bled into what felt like days.
Finally, after endless repetitions and rigorous self-discipline, he commanded himself to exit.
[Elapsed Real Time: 1 Minute]
[Elapsed Vault Time: 10,000 Hours]
A system notification flashed in his vision:
**> Strength +1
Agility +1**
His limbs, though sore and trembling with fatigue, now felt honed as if they had endured years of rigorous training in moments. A spark of wonder ignited within him—the realization that his Vaultspace was not merely a bag for storing items, but a secret dimension where time and training could be warped to his favor.
Eyes wide with disbelief and burgeoning hope, Kael allowed himself a small, genuine smile. This wasn't just storage—it was a world, a hidden realm where he could redefine his limits.
A Decade of Solitude
Inside Vaultspace, time became Kael's most valuable resource. Over what he estimated to be another decade (his mind lost count in the timeless void), he transformed his training from a desperate whim into an art. Every moment within that boundless white space was a crucible for improvement.
He carved out a patch of terrain using rudimentary stone tools discovered in a forgotten corner of his bag. Slowly, that barren expanse transformed into a miniature training ground—with uneven ground, scratch marks on imaginary trees, and even a makeshift arena marked out by small piles of stone.
In those endless white corridors, Kael experimented with every possibility. He read ancient training manuals that had been stored in his school's digital library long ago, replicating their forms and motions in a concentrated, solitary practice. Battles were simulated against invisible foes, forcing him to refine his timing and precision until every sword swing and defensive maneuver became instinctual.
His daily regimen was relentless. Blindfolded sessions honed his senses, pauses for meditation deepened his connection to his inner mana, and hours spent practicing footwork allowed him to move with a balletic grace that belied his former clumsiness. And, over it all, he stretched his mana, learning the intricacies of how to control and extend it through muscle and marrow.
Every time he returned to reality, small system notifications confirmed his progress:
[Skill Gained: Spatial Awareness (Passive)]
[Skill Gained: Combat Reflex (Passive)]
[Trait Unlocked: Vault Trained]
By then, the world outside had barely registered the passage of time—a mere two minutes in real time—but inside his secret arena, the years had forged him into someone new.
The Ambush
Fresh from another rigorous cycle of training, Kael reemerged from Vaultspace, every inch the scarred warrior he had become. His body ached as if weathered by countless battles, his vision still tinged with the blurred memories of unending hours of combat simulations. The system readout now adjusted:
[Current Rank: F+]
As he stepped back into the dungeon's murky corridors, the quiet was shattered by a hissing, scratching noise. Out of the darkness, a pack of Crag Rats—bigger and more vicious than their common kin—pounced from their hiding places behind rocky outcrops. Their beady eyes glowed with a predatory hunger, and their snarls reverberated in the narrow passageway.
For a split moment, Kael's instincts, honed in Vaultspace, took over. Before he could fully register the ambush, his body flipped into action. With a swift, instinctive slash of his wooden practice sword—a weapon that had once seemed utterly inadequate—he intercepted the first rat. His movements were fluid, each parry and dodge honed past the bounds of his previous limitations.
The system interface blinked rapidly as the battle unfolded in his head:
[Combat Reflex Activated]
One swipe after another, Kael moved with surprising agility. He spun, ducked, and countered—the motion almost balletic in its precision. In less than a minute, the swarm was decimated, their bodies scattering into the dungeon's shadows.
For a heartbeat, silence reigned. Kael's heart pounded loudly in his ears as he slowly assessed the aftermath. The system chime confirmed his success, and though he hadn't yet raised his rank by a full tier, the subtle increase in his core stats was undeniable. There was no time to wallow, but a small, defiant spark ignited inside him. He was not destined to remain in the shadows.
The Final Trial
Deep within the labyrinth of the Trial Dungeon, beyond crumbling corridors and treacherous pitfalls, lay the final challenge—the ultimate gauntlet that would define the fate of every student daring to prove their worth. At the heart of the dungeon, a gargantuan chamber pulsed with an otherworldly glow, its center guarded by an entity that exuded menace—a monstrous Elite Slime, twice the size of an adult man. Its body pulsed with toxic aura, and with every quiver, it threatened to release a burst of noxious energy.
Kael's eyes narrowed. This was his opportunity, the moment to truly prove himself. The Elite Slime was a test not only of his strength but of his will—a challenge few had ever managed to overcome. He approached the chamber with a mix of trepidation and fierce determination, knowing that failure would cement his fate as the perennial outcast, while success could spark the first true recognition of his latent potential.
"Finally," he murmured to himself, a slight smirk curving his lips. "A worthy foe."
Before he engaged, the cruel voice of his inner system whispered for options:
[Activate Vaultspace? Y/N]
Without hesitation, Kael admitted that he needed more time—more space to prepare. With the same resolute tap as before, the world melted away abruptly.
Inside Vaultspace this time, time itself seemed to stretch out like a canvas upon which Kael painted his most rigorous training routines. For what he estimated to be another fifty years living solely within that timeless prison, he refined his technique. The immersive solitude allowed him to master his swordplay in ways never before imaginable. Every blow, every parry was repeated until his mind could predict his body's next move before his hand even lifted the weapon. He delved into study: poring over tomes of magical theory, meditating until his inner mana was in sync with every fiber of his being, and simulating countless iterations of the Elite Slime's movements until he knew its every nuance.
[Skill Gained: Blade Echo (D)]
[Skill Gained: Mana Weave (C)]
[Trait Gained: Combat Sage]
Controlled, steadfast, and electrified by newfound power, Kael eventually reemerged from Vaultspace. Back in the Dungeon, his body was a tapestry of bruises and burns, but it was also a testament to his dedication. Every scar was a badge of honor, every trembling breath a sign of the countless battles fought in the void.
The moment of truth arrived. With the Elite Slime's chamber looming ahead, Kael's pulse quickened. The creature's toxic glow filled the vast room in eerie hues of green and black. Steeling himself, Kael advanced with the quiet determination of a warrior reborn.
He leapt forward, the space around him warping as he dodged a sticky, venomous tendril that lunged out like a whip. His movements were a harmonious blend of practiced precision and raw instinct. Every muscle fired in rapid succession—he parried, pivoted, and counterattacked with a speed that defied belief. The Elite Slime quivered, its form splitting as Kael's blade sliced a clean arc through its gelatinous mass.
Time seemed to suspend, with each second drawn out like an epic struggle between man and monster. The system interface completed one final update:
[Core Shard Obtained]
[Dungeon Clear – MVP: Kael Voss]
[Rank Increased: E]
[New Title: The Vaultborn]
In that moment of triumph, as the Elite Slime disintegrated into a burst of glittering essence, Kael's body vibrated with a blend of exhaustion and elation. His senses, still reeling from the rigorous fight, took in the stunned silence of the onlooking students who had gathered at the portal's exit.
Lucas Drein, previously echoing his lofty arrogance, now gaped in disbelief. "You…?" was all he could sputter, eyes wide in incredulity.
Even the hardened instructors, usually quick to render judgement, paused. In that suspended moment, Kael was no longer the weak, F‑rank kid—they saw a glimmer of something extraordinary in the young fighter before them.
Panting and bleeding, Kael managed to croak out a few strained words before collapsing to one knee, the weight of the battle—both physical and spiritual—overwhelming him. "I need… more time," he whispered, not just for recovery but for the promise of more to come. His shattered body, scarred and trembling, bore silent witness to his journey—a journey that was only just beginning.
Epilogue to Chapter 1
Back at ChronoEdge Academy, word of the Dungeon trial spread like wildfire. In hushed tones and wide-eyed stares, the students and teachers alike discussed the mysterious "Vaultborn"—the once-overlooked Kael Voss who had risen from the ashes of humiliation to claim a victory that defied all expectations.
In the dim light of the academy's infirmary, as Kael lay prostrate on a cot and instructors applied healing potions, a sense of determination rekindled in his tired eyes. Though his body ached, his spirit roared with the promise of future conquests. The path ahead was perilous and unknown, but for the first time, he felt the spark of true potential flickering deep within him—an ember ready to ignite into a blazing inferno.
He clutched the small, battered bag that contained his most unique asset—Vaultspace. It was more than an ability; it was his salvation. With every pulse of his heart, Kael vowed that he would reclaim not only his dignity but also become the most formidable Dungeon Raider ChronoEdge Academy had ever seen.
And while the academy continued to buzz with rumors and speculations of his newfound prowess, Kael's mind already raced with plans. There were countless battles ahead, mysteries to unravel, and truths buried both in Vaultspace and in the very fabric of Velmire itself. For today, the weak had spoken in the language of victory. Tomorrow, he would return even stronger, his inner world transformed into an arsenal of unimaginable power.
Ancient Core Warden, a monstrous golem forged from obsidian and enchanted crystal. It stood three stories tall, with magma-like light pulsing through its rune-inscribed joints. Its face bore no features, only a jagged crown of stone atop a head shaped like a shattered helm. A deep, thunderous hum echoed from its core, radiating mana so thick it felt like suffocating mist to untrained senses.
The students who had made it this far were scattered, injured, and afraid. Among them, Kael found Lira again—blood trailing from her arm, her silver hair matted with sweat and grime. Two others lay unconscious behind her. Lucas Drein stood ahead, flame wreathing his arms as he shouted orders and hurled burning serpents at the Warden. They exploded harmlessly against its crystalline armor.
"We're not strong enough!" Lira cried out, her voice cracking with desperation.
Lucas snarled, "Shut up and keep it distracted!"
But even he was faltering. His mana reserves were draining fast. His attacks had grown sloppy.
Kael stepped forward, his wooden sword still in hand. To the others, he seemed out of place—weak, foolish even. But to him, this was the moment. The crucible.
> [Vaultspace Activated: Partial Sync Mode]
> [Time Perception Acceleration Engaged]
Kael's world slowed. His heartbeats stretched long between the seconds. Every breath of the golem was a study in motion. In that fragmented perception, he weaved between falling debris, ducked under the Warden's sweeping stone arm, and leapt over cracks that erupted beneath his feet.
> [Spatial Awareness: Passive Boost Engaged]
[Combat Reflex: Precision Tier Engaged]
He dashed in—a blur too fast for the eye—and struck a weak point under the golem's arm where exposed mana crystal pulsated. His sword, reinforced by thousands of practice hours, hit true. A thunderous crack split the air as a chunk of its core dislodged. The golem roared, staggered, and turned toward him with focused fury.
Lucas shouted in disbelief, "What the hell was that?!"
Lira, wide-eyed, whispered, "Kael…?"
Kael didn't answer. He pressed the attack.
As the golem's arm came crashing down, he slid beneath it, then activated Vaultspace again—this time flickering briefly into it for a split second, dodging the blow with an impossible movement that looked like teleportation.
Back in reality, he emerged behind the Core Warden, sword raised, and struck once more at the glowing veins.
The system chimed.
> [Critical Hit!]
[Mana Core Stability Disrupted]
The golem spasmed, light leaking from its chest in violent pulses. Kael charged forward for the final blow.
One deep breath. One clean strike.
His sword plunged into the core.
> [Core Shard Retrieved]
[Final Trial Cleared]
[Rank Evaluation Pending...]
---
Aftermath
The Core Warden collapsed in a seismic thud, its body crumbling into glittering dust. The dungeon's glow dimmed, and the exit portal opened with a hum.
Lucas fell to one knee, panting and stunned. Lira looked to Kael, awestruck. The other students—those still conscious—couldn't fathom what had just happened.
Kael stood alone in the silent chamber, the Core Shard cradled in one hand, his sword in the other. For once, the whispers were gone. There was only the quiet breath of awe.
And for the first time, the "useless one" stood at the center of it all.
TO BE CONTINUED...