[He is Lycaon, the Silver Werewolf. He is the boss of The Trial of the Unprepared.]

Jin Tae-woo tensed, his muscles coiling as he summoned his weapons. The twin crystallite blades emerged from the tops of his wrists, gleaming under the eerie glow of the cavern's silver-blue crystals. He could already tell that this opponent was different.

The goblins, wolves, and lesser creatures he had fought before had been a warm-up at best, designed to lull him into a false sense of security. But Lycaon…

Lycaon was on a completely different level.

This wasn't just some mindless beast, some rabid dungeon monster attacking on instinct. No, this thing had technique. It had form. It had intent.

If he didn't take this fight seriously from the very start, he wouldn't just lose.

He would die.

Then, Lycaon disappeared.

"What?!"

CLANG!

Tae-woo barely had time to react before pure instinct kicked in. His Keen Sense ability flared to life, sharpening his perception just enough to detect movement at his flank. His arms shot up, crystallite coating his forearms just in time to intercept a devastating claw strike.

But even though he blocked the attack, he hadn't accounted for the sheer force behind it.

A shockwave of impact rattled through his bones as the sheer momentum of Lycaon's strike sent him hurtling backward like a ragdoll.

CRASH!

Tae-woo slammed into the stone wall, feeling the breath forcefully driven from his lungs. He barely had time to register the pain before Lycaon was on him again.

The werewolf's massive frame closed the distance in a single leap, its claws slicing through the air with terrifying precision.

Tae-woo ducked, just barely.

SCHRIIIIIIIIIK!

The razor-sharp claws gouged deep into the stone, leaving behind jagged trenches in the cavern wall where his head had been just moments ago.

But Lycaon wasn't done.

Even as Tae-woo dodged the initial attack, the werewolf twisted its torso mid-motion, shifting its balance with unnatural speed.

And then it kicked.

The moment Tae-woo registered the movement, it was already too late.

A blindingly fast roundhouse kick slammed into his side, sending him flying once again.

THUD!

Tae-woo bounced off the floor, rolling across the stone before finally managing to plant his hands down and skid to a stop. His ribs screamed in protest, his entire body reeling from the impact.

"Guh!" He coughed, struggling to breathe. The kick hadn't broken anything, thankfully, but damn, it hurt like hell.

Had it not been for Fast Healing, Lesser, he would probably be struggling just to breathe right now.

Shaking the dizziness from his head, Tae-woo forced himself back onto his feet, only to freeze when he saw Lycaon's fighting stance.

His brows furrowed.

"That stance…"

Tae-woo recognized it immediately.

A wide yet balanced posture, the lead foot shifting lightly on the ball, maintaining perfect control over momentum. The way its clawed hands were positioned, one held loosely forward, the other coiled near its chest, ready to strike or parry in an instant.

The footwork. The body mechanics. The economy of movement.

It was Jeet Kune Do. There was no doubt about it.

"What the hell?" Tae-woo muttered in disbelief. "You're using martial arts?"

It didn't make any sense.

Every monster he had fought before, no matter how strong, had always relied on brute force, raw instincts, or basic attack patterns. Even the intelligent ones, like the goblin shamans, used spells, not hand-to-hand combat.

But this?

This was a deliberate technique. Lycaon wasn't just some wild beast. It was a trained fighter.

The werewolf let out a deep, rumbling growl, rolling its shoulders before sinking deeper into its stance, its crimson eyes gleaming with something terrifyingly human.

Then, with explosive speed, it lunged.

Tae-woo braced himself, but he was too slow.

Lycaon twisted mid-air, rotating into a spinning back kick that sent Tae-woo crashing onto his back before he could even react.

"Gah!" He barely managed to roll to the side, just in time to avoid a follow-up downward axe kick that cratered the floor where he had just been.

This thing was fast.

Too fast.

Even as he scrambled to his feet, Lycaon was already back on him, seamlessly shifting into a flurry of rapid jabs, crosses, and clawed swipes, blending brutality with precision in a way that was far beyond what any normal monster should have been capable of.

Tae-woo was forced entirely onto the defensive, parrying, dodging, and barely keeping up as each attack threatened to rip him apart.

Then…

A perfectly-timed feint.

Lycaon faked a right hook, making Tae-woo raise his guard.

Only for the werewolf to suddenly twist its entire body and deliver a side kick straight into his gut.

BANG!

The impact lifted him off the ground, sending him skidding backward across the stone floor.

Tae-woo landed on one knee, panting heavily. His arms ached, his legs felt sluggish, and his body was already screaming from the accumulated damage. His Fast Healing, Lesser was working on healing his injuries.

And yet, despite all of this.

He grinned.

The Trial of the Unprepared.

He should have known.

All those easy fights leading up to this moment were designed to lower his guard, to make him think he was stronger than he actually was.

And now, here he was, thrown straight into a real fight.

A fight that was beyond what he had experienced earlier.

"Heh…" Tae-woo exhaled, wiping the blood from his lip. He brandished his crystallite blades on his wrists as he pushed himself up again. "I guess I really was unprepared," he muttered to himself.

His gaze locked onto Lycaon, who was still bouncing lightly on its feet, maintaining that signature martial artist's rhythm.

"But I'm not going down that easy."

The werewolf growled in response, baring its fangs as it prepared to attack once more.

Tae-woo cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders before dropping into a ready stance.

"Alright, furball."

He grinned.

"Let's see what you got."

----------------------------------------

Kang Joo-hyun stepped out of the shower, warm steam curling around her as she reached for a towel. The soft fabric slid over her smooth, porcelain skin, clinging for a moment before she wrapped it snugly around her curves. Another towel was twisted up in her silvery hair, trapping the lingering moisture as she padded barefoot across the cool marble floor of her luxury apartment.

She let out a slow breath, savoring the quiet.

Nights like these were rare. Moments where she could let her guard down, where she didn't have to perform, whether in the dungeons or on stage.

Joo-hyun lived alone. She always had, ever since she lost her family.

Her father, a D-Rank Hunter, had died in a dungeon five years ago. His team had been wiped out in an unexpected monster ambush, and his body had never been recovered.

She had been only sixteen at the time.

Her mother never recovered. The grief swallowed her whole, and within a year, she had been committed to a mental asylum, unable to function. The woman who had once been strong, who had once comforted Joo-hyun through every scraped knee and sleepless night, had withered into a shell of herself.

And then, one day, she was gone.

An illness, they said. But Joo-hyun knew better.

Her mother had died of a broken heart.

She had been left utterly alone, just a girl with no family, no purpose, no future.

But then, she had Awakened.

It was sudden, unexpected. One day, she was just another ordinary girl struggling to keep her life together, and the next, she had become a Hunter. An Assassin, no less.

At first, she had no intention of stepping into a dungeon. She wanted nothing to do with the life that had stolen her father away, with the world that had turned her mother into a ghost before she even died.

But then Gong Hye-rin found her.

The Guildmaster of Iron Fang Guild, one of the Six Great Guilds, had taken an interest in her, personally seeking her out. She had offered Joo-hyun a future, a purpose.

And so, Joo-hyun became a Hunter.

And not just a Hunter.

A Hunter Idol.

The life had been grueling at first. The training was endless, the schedule exhausting. She had to balance combat drills with vocal training and dungeon delving with dance practice. It was a life that demanded perfection.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

And yet, she thrived.

She had found a new family in the other members of LUNARIS. She had found a stage where she belonged.

Joo-hyun sighed, running a hand through her damp silver locks as she walked toward the floor-length mirror in her living room. The towel around her body shifted slightly, teasing the gentle curve of her hips, the soft dip of her waist.

She studied her reflection.

Her body was practically sculpted, a blend of elegance and athleticism, the result of relentless training and discipline. She had toned abs, a smooth hourglass silhouette, and a natural sensuality that had captivated countless fans.

Her smooth, unblemished skin, her graceful curves, the way her damp hair cascaded down past her shoulders in a silken wave… She knew how to use these things to her advantage.

In the end, even beauty is a weapon.

Joo-hyun understood this better than most.

Being a Hunter meant survival. Being an idol meant performance. But being a Hunter Idol meant mastering both. Every step, every glance, every breath had to be flawless. Whether on a battlefield or a stage, she had to captivate her audience. And she did.

And yet, despite all her achievements, she knew that her role extended beyond just performing and fighting in dungeons.

Her beauty, her charisma, her allure, these were tools, just like her daggers.

That was why she and her fellow members of LUNARIS had been given a special task.

Seduce Jin Tae-woo.

Joo-hyun sighed, running a hand through her damp hair as she leaned against the counter.

The name had meant nothing to her at first. Another up-and-coming Hunter, one of the many rising through the ranks. But then the headlines started rolling in. "The Man Who Survived the Abyss," "From F-Rank to B-Rank Overnight," and "Mystery Surrounds the Survivor of the Abyssal Gate Incident." His sudden rise in power captured the public's attention, and more importantly, it captured Gong Hye-rin's interest.

Joo-hyun still wasn't sure what her Guildmaster saw in him. B-Rank Hunters were already common enough in Great Guilds like Iron Fang Guild. But Tae-woo was an anomaly, an unknown variable. And Hye-rin was never one to let an opportunity slip by.

If Tae-woo's growth could be cultivated… if his potential could be harnessed…

Then, Iron Fang Guild's prestige would only rise further.

And for that, Hye-rin was willing to use every resource available, including LUNARIS.

Joo-hyun wasn't particularly thrilled about the idea, nor did she have any personal interest in Tae-woo. But if this was what Hye-rin wanted, then she would see it through.

After all, she owed everything to that woman.

Another sigh escaped her lips as she peeled the towel off her body, letting it drop onto the floor. She stood there, completely bare, her skin glowing under the dim apartment lights. The silhouette of the city skyline stretched out behind her, neon reflections flickering against the glass windows.

With slow, measured steps, she sauntered toward her walk-in closet, fingers trailing absently down her arm.

But then…

She paused.

A strange feeling crept over her, prickling at the edge of her consciousness.

It was subtle. Almost imperceptible.

Yet, as a Hunter, an Assassin, no less, her instincts had been honed far beyond that of an ordinary person.

She was being watched.

Joo-hyun's body remained relaxed, her expression unchanged, but her mind sharpened like a drawn blade. She kept walking slowly as if she hadn't noticed anything. Then, as she passed the mirror again, she casually flicked her gaze over her shoulder.

Nothing.

The apartment was empty.

But the feeling lingered.

For a brief moment, she considered drawing her weapons. But after a few more seconds of stillness, the sensation faded, vanishing as quickly as it had come.

Was it just her imagination?

Joo-hyun exhaled through her nose, brushing off the unease.

Maybe she was just tired.

She grabbed a fresh set of clothes from her closet, slipping into a tank top and form-fitting shorts, the fabric clinging to her slim yet athletic frame. As she ran a brush through her damp silver hair, she cast one last glance toward the window.

Nothing.

Shrugging, she pushed the thought aside.

"Probably just my imagination."

----------------------------------------

Tae-woo was struggling, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he tried to match Lycaon's speed and precision. He had opted to use his crystallite claws instead of his blades, recognizing that in this brutal, close-quarters combat, slashes and quick movements were far more effective than trying to wield longer weapons. But even with the advantage of his newly developed abilities, he was barely holding on.

Every exchange left him more winded, his stamina depleting at a concerning rate. While his Fast Healing, Lesser kept him from succumbing to the injuries he sustained, it did nothing to alleviate his exhaustion. He could feel it now, the creeping fatigue slowing his movements, making his reactions just a fraction of a second too late. But against an opponent like Lycaon, even the smallest delay was an invitation to be torn apart.

The werewolf, on the other hand, showed no signs of tiring. Each movement was as fast and precise as the first. Its relentless attacks pushed Tae-woo back, forcing him into a purely defensive stance. Deep gashes marred the walls and floor where their battle had raged, testaments to the sheer power behind Lycaon's strikes. His combat style was an uncanny blend of savage brutality and calculated martial skill. Every move flowed seamlessly into the next, a perfect harmony of instinct and technique.

So far, Tae-woo had managed to evade or deflect the worst of Lycaon's attacks, but he was painfully aware that he had yet to land a solid hit of his own. Every time he struck, the werewolf countered, weaving through his offense with an ease that made it seem almost effortless.

Then, the opening came, but not in his favor.

A sudden, powerful kick slammed into his gut, knocking the wind out of his lungs.

"Guh!" Tae-woo wheezed, his vision momentarily blurring as the impact sent him staggering.

Before he could recover, Lycaon was already upon him. A clawed hand shot forward, gripping his throat and lifting him off the ground as if he weighed nothing. Tae-woo gasped, his legs kicking uselessly in the air. His hands clawed at the beast's grip, but its fingers were like steel, unyielding and merciless.

Through his hazy vision, he saw Lycaon's other hand rise, claws poised to rip through his chest. At this distance, there was no chance to dodge, no room to maneuver. He needed to act now.

His mind raced, scrambling for a solution. He couldn't free himself by force. He couldn't cut through Lycaon's thick hide fast enough.

Then, a memory flashed in his mind. Jae-sik. His monstrous transformation, the way Abyssal Corruption had twisted his body, sprouting extra appendages that had turned him into something inhuman.

Appendages…

A desperate idea formed in his mind.

Just as Lycaon swung its claws toward his chest, Tae-woo willed it to happen. A sharp, jagged crystal blade erupted from his knee, slicing through the fabric of his trousers as he drove it forward, straight into Lycaon's torso.

The blade pierced through, sinking deep into the werewolf's flesh.

Lycaon snarled in pain, but the momentum of its attack was already in motion. The claws slashed toward him, but in the brief second of hesitation from the injury, Tae-woo managed to conjure a thick layer of crystals around his arms, shielding himself from what could have been a fatal blow.

Instead of tearing him apart, the impact sent him flying across the room. He hit the ground hard, rolling across the stone floor before coming to a stop. Pain radiated through his limbs, but he was alive.

And Lycaon…

Lycaon staggered backward, its breath coming in ragged, labored gasps. Blood dripped from the wound in its chest, pooling onto the floor beneath it. The werewolf let out a strangled, wounded howl before it finally collapsed, its silver fur stained with crimson.

Tae-woo remained on the ground, chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. His muscles ached, and his lungs burned, but he had won.

Alice, who had been silent throughout the battle, finally spoke.

[Congratulations, Master. You have defeated Lycaon and completed the Trial of the Unprepared.]

Tae-woo pushed himself up, wincing slightly as his healing factor worked to repair the bruises and minor cuts he had accumulated. His exhaustion weighed heavily on him, but there was still one last thing he had to do.

Dragging himself over to Lycaon's motionless body, he reached down and carved out a piece of its flesh with his crystallite blade. He didn't hesitate this time.

Still panting, he brought the chunk of flesh to his mouth and began to Devour.

----------------------------------------

What happened next was a blur.

As soon as he swallowed the first bite, something changed.

The glowing purple of the Abyssal dungeon suddenly shifted to blue, the eerie dim lighting becoming noticeably brighter. The oppressive atmosphere that had pressed down on him since he arrived lessened as if the very dungeon itself recognized his victory.

Alice spoke again.

[You have conquered the first area of the Abyss. The door before you will lead you to the next area, Master.]

Tae-woo exhaled, finally understanding. So, there were multiple areas within the Abyss, and he had only completed the first.

And, just as he had hoped, his Devour ability rewarded him greatly.

[The first ability you inherited from Lycaon is Beast King.] Alice explained. [In addition to heightened senses, this ability also enhances your strength against beast-type monsters. Because some aspects of Beast King overlap with Keen Sense, Keen Sense has now been absorbed into it.]

Tae-woo rubbed his chin. That wasn't too surprising. Keen Sense had already boosted his perception, but if Beast King was a direct upgrade, then he wasn't losing much. If anything, this was an improvement.

[The second ability you inherited is Flowing Fang.] Alice continued. [It allows you to perform the martial art that Lycaon displayed earlier, which is an advanced combat style specializing in adaptive, fluid movement.]

Tae-woo raised an eyebrow. "So, I can pull off those badass martial arts moves now?"

[Precisely.]

A smile stretched across his lips.

That was going to be fun.

And then, there was his newly unlocked ability as an Abyss Walker.

[You have unlocked an ability called Voidstrider. It allows you to create a miniature portal between the real world and the Abyss, letting you travel freely between the two.]

Tae-woo's eyes widened in realization.

"Wait… so I can leave now?" He blinked, then grinned. "Sweet!" Then, his expression sobered. "Wait, does that mean I can appear anywhere I want?"

[Yes, as long as you have previously visited the location.]

"Ah, so not a full teleportation. I actually have to go to places first before I can portal there later," Tae-woo mused, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, that's still pretty damn convenient."

His gaze drifted toward the massive door ahead, the one leading deeper into the Abyss.

"So… can I come back later?" he asked.

[Yes. You are encouraged to rest before continuing to the next area.]

He let out a breath of relief.

"Alright, then." He flexed his fingers, rolling his shoulders. "Let's get the hell out of here."

Following Alice's instructions, Tae-woo raised one of his crystallite blades and swiped through the air.

A rift formed, a portal leading back to the real world.

The sight alone filled him with relief. He had survived the Abyss again. And now, he had the ability to return whenever he wanted.

Stepping forward, he left the Abyss behind, at least for now.

----------------------------------------

Joo-hyun couldn't sleep.

No matter how many times she tossed and turned, no matter how much she adjusted her pillows or tried to lull herself into exhaustion, sleep simply refused to come.

Her body was sore from the day's training, her mind weary from the weight of her responsibilities, but still, the restlessness clung to her like a second skin. It was frustrating. Even when she wanted nothing more than to close her eyes and drift into oblivion, something inside her remained unsettled.

With a sigh, she gave up.

Maybe a walk would help.

Slipping on a loose hoodie over her casual shorts and tank top, she grabbed her phone and wallet before stepping out of her apartment. The night air was cool against her skin, a welcome contrast to the stuffiness of her bedroom. She made her way to the nearest convenience store, hoping that a little fresh air and a drink would ease her into sleep.

Inside the brightly lit store, she grabbed a can of beer from the fridge, along with a few instant meals to stock up for later. It wasn't that she drank often, far from it. But if a bit of alcohol could take the edge off and help her relax, she didn't mind indulging herself once in a while.

After paying, she stepped back into the night, cracking open the can with a small hiss. The bitter taste coated her tongue as she sipped, sighing softly.

And then, she felt it.

That same presence.

That same uneasy sensation prickled at the back of her neck, just like before.

She groaned internally.

Again?

How persistent could one person be?

Joo-hyun forced herself to keep walking, acting as if she hadn't noticed. But she was already on high alert, every muscle in her body tensing. If she turned around too soon, if she let her stalker know that she had noticed them, they might become even more reckless.

She needed to lose them.

Slipping into a side street, she muttered under her breath, "Invisibility."

In an instant, her body vanished from sight.

She pressed herself against the nearest wall, waiting.

Seconds passed. Then, a minute.

Still, the presence lingered. Whoever was following her was determined.

Her brows furrowed in irritation. Perhaps she really should consider hiring a personal security detail, even if it was just for situations like this. As much as she prided herself on being able to handle herself, there was only so much she could do alone.

But then, just as suddenly as it came, the presence disappeared.

She remained still for a moment longer, making sure the coast was clear before canceling her invisibility and stepping back into the main street.

With a sigh, she continued walking home.

Maybe she had finally managed to shake them off.

Maybe…

A pair of hands grabbed her from behind.

Joo-hyun froze.

A hand clamped over her mouth, stifling her startled gasp, while another locked tightly around her arm, pulling her backward into the shadows of a nearby alleyway.

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

How?

She had lost them, hadn't she?

But… why?

"Hehehe…" A low, breathy chuckle reached her ears, sickeningly close. "Finally, we're together, Selene-ah."

Joo-hyun struggled immediately, thrashing against the grip that held her, but it was too strong. The arm around her was like iron, unyielding despite her efforts. A Hunter. He had to be a Hunter.

"Mmhmm! MMHMM!!" Her muffled screams were useless.

She could feel his breath against her skin as he tightened his hold, his fingers digging into her arm.

"Oho… you're even cuter up close," he murmured, his voice thick with obsession. His free hand traveled lower, and Joo-hyun's entire body shuddered in revulsion.

Fear crawled up her spine like ice.

This was bad.

She had to fight. Had to do something. Anything.

But she was an Assassin, not a brute. Her strength was in speed, agility, and precision. When caught off-guard and physically restrained like this, she was at a severe disadvantage, even against a lower-ranked Hunter.

She couldn't break free.

Joo-hyun thrashed harder, her breaths coming in short, frantic gasps.

The man laughed.

"Shhh, shhh… no need to fight," he whispered. "I'll be gentle."

Tears burned at the corners of her eyes.

No. No, no, no.

Someone… anyone… please…

Help me.

THWACK.

Suddenly, the arms restraining her slackened.

The disgusting breath at her ear disappeared.

Then…

THUD.

Her captor collapsed, his body hitting the ground with a heavy thump.

Joo-hyun gasped as she stumbled forward, but before she could hit the pavement, someone caught her. She sucked in deep, ragged breaths.

For a moment, her mind struggled to catch up with what had just happened.

Then, she heard a voice.

"Hey, are you alright?"

She looked up.

The glow of a nearby streetlamp illuminated the figure standing over her. He was tall, his posture relaxed but alert, broad shoulders squared as he looked down at her. His expression was neutral, unfazed, even, but there was something sharp in his eyes, something assessing.

She knew this man.

She had seen his face before, in the pictures that Gong Hye-rin had shown her. The man whom Hye-rin tasked her and her sisters to seduce so that he could be recruited into their guild.

Jin Tae-woo.

Her savior.

The adrenaline, the fear, and the relief all crashed down on her at once. Her vision swam, the world tilting as her body gave out.

The last thing she saw was his face before everything went dark.