With the creature's jagged teeth inching closer to my face, I know I have to act fast. I abruptly remember the last 5 stat points I've been saving. Part of me wants to hold onto them, to wait for a "better" moment. But as its foul breath envelops me, I know there won't be a better moment if I don't survive this one.

"Screw it," I decide to pour all 5 points into strength. The rush of the power that follows is subtle but unmistakable. It isn't earth-shattering, but it's enough. It has to be.

I grip the javelin tightly in my hand, its weight now feeling slightly lighter. The zombie's eye locks onto mine, and in that moment, I see my opportunity. Without hesitation, I thrust the javelin forward, aiming straight for its bloodshot eye.

The wooden tip plunges into its target with a sickening squelch. Thick, dark fluid sprays everywhere as the creature lets out an agonized shriek. Its grip on me loosens, and I press my advantage.

"That's right," I growl, pushing the javelin deeper. "How does it feel to be on the receiving end?"

The Elite Zombie Boss thrashes wildly, its grotesque limbs flailing in every direction. But I hold on, refusing to let go even as its immense strength threatens to crush me. Each thrust of the javelin sends shockwaves through my arms, but I grit my teeth and push through it.

"Come on," I mutter, more to myself than the dying creature. "Just a little more."

Blood and guts splatter everywhere, coating my clothes and skin in a grotesque layer of undead viscera. The smell is overwhelming, a mixture of rot and copper that threatens to make me want to gag. But I can't lose focus now.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the Elite Zombie Boss stops thrashing. Its bloodshot eyes turn dull and lifeless as its monstrous body collapses to the ground. I stand there, gasping for breath, as the realization of what just happened washes over me.

"I... I did it," I whisper, a small chuckle escaping my lips. "I actually won!"

The restroom looks like something straight out of a horror movie, strewn with the gory remnants of our brutal fight. But as I look around, I feel a sense of victory.

Slowly, I yank the javelin out of the creature's lifeless socket, grimacing at the slick feeling of its blood on my hands. As I take a step back, trying to catch my breath, a familiar blue screen appears before me.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Congratulations!

You've reached Level 17!

You've reached Level 18!

You've reached Level 19!

15 new stat points are available.

Dungeon Cleared!

Status Window

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Name: Kei Sato

Level: 19

Health: 125/300

Health Regen: 0.03/Second

Mana: 100/100

Mana Regen: 0.01/Second

Stamina: 50/300

Stamina Regen: 0.03/Second

Strength: 25

Dexterity: 20

Agility: 45

Vitality: 30

Intelligence: 10

Luck: 10

Damage Reduction: 3%

Critical Chance: 1%

Unallocated Points: 15

"Hmmm," I carefully read through the congratulatory message and my new stats. "Looks like I've leveled up. Three times, no less."

The feeling that comes with leveling up is intoxicating. I can't help but let out a wild laugh. it.

As I revel in my victory, a second message pops up, announcing an achievement: Undead Slayer Tier I. My eyes widen as I read the effect, seeing that it grants me a 10% boost to all stats when fighting against undead creatures.

"Not bad," I muse, a smirk playing on my lips. "Maybe it’ll save my life someday."

But as quickly as the excitement comes, it fades. The thought of facing more undead creatures isn’t exactly a good one. The Elite Zombie Boss has been a formidable opponent, smart and strong in ways I hadn't anticipated. The idea of encountering others like it is far from appealing.

I shake my head, pushing the worries aside. "No use dwelling on it now," I tell myself. "What will come, will come. I'll just deal with it when I have to."

With a deep breath, I turn and start making my way back through the school hallways, retracing my steps to get back to the others. Sara, Lily, and Tim are waiting for me, and I can't wait to share the news of our victory and impending escape.

As I approach the classroom where we've set up our temporary base, I pause for a moment. Everything that we've been through, what we've survived, hits me all at once. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, I feel... ready. Ready for whatever comes next.

“Time to get out of this hellhole.”