John’s feet pounded on the stone floor of the tunnel as he sprinted. Occasionally he would swing his knife through the air, releasing a burst of light that would reveal the contours of his surroundings. As he ran, he spotted more Shade Stalkers but they shied away from him. They were afraid of the light, but they were even more afraid of the six-legged behemoth that was chasing him. Dazed as they were, some of them moved too slowly and he had to shoulder past their angular bodies.
He could tell that the Matriarch was getting closer, but he didn’t dare turn around. He kept running through tunnels, from room to room, searching desperately for an exit, a hiding spot - anything. But he found nothing. This cavern was a labyrinth, and it was far larger than he had expected. John’s senses buzzed with the sharp hum of imminent danger.
It was coming.
A guttural shriek from behind, followed by the heavy thud of clawed limbs hitting stone. The Matriarch was fast - faster than something its size had any right to be. John pushed himself harder, forcing mana through his legs, his glowing energy leaving streaks of light in the darkness. His lungs burned but he couldn’t afford to slow down.
A sudden idea struck him. He veered left, diving into a narrow side tunnel. As he pushed forward, the passage grew more and more tight. Eventually he could barely squeeze through - but John prayed that the Matriarch couldn’t follow him in here.
The thought had barely formed when he heard a horrific screech echo through the cavern. A deafening crash followed, stone shattering as the Matriarch forced its way into the narrow passage. The cavern trembled, loose debris raining down on John. It wasn’t going to give up.
John cursed under his breath. If he kept running, he’d be crushed by the collapsing tunnel. He had to act - now. The majority of John’s mana was depleted, and his energy pathways were scorched and battered from overuse - but John grit his teeth and turned around, his remaining mana flaring to life. He rested his hand on his knife hilt, just as he had so many times before, drawing energy toward his hand.
John shut out everything else - the trembling walls, the falling debris, the rage-filled screeching of the Matriarch as it caught sight of him. His entire world narrowed to the blade at his hip and the energy gathering in his grip.
He focused, pulling every bit of mana he had left into his next attack, but it wasn’t enough. His body was sluggish, aching from exhaustion, his pathways nearly spent. If he attacked like this, it wouldn’t be enough. He needed more.
Then, instinct took over. A flicker of understanding ignited within him - a glimpse of something beyond his mortal limits. Light pulsed through his pathways, weaving into his mana, flowing like lava through his veins. His exhaustion, his sluggishness, the weight of his body - they no longer mattered. His grip tightened around his hilt. The moment the Matriarch lunged into view, John drew.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
A blinding arc of light flashed through the tunnel, far faster than thought, faster than any attack he had ever delivered before.
A notification bell rang out as his attack severed the Matriarch’s extended arm, along with a sizable portion of its head. What shocked John the most was that his little blade had barely made contact with the creature, but a ray of light had extended past his knife - disintegrating anything that came into contact with it. That included the tunnel, and as the Matriarch collapsed soundlessly before him, John looked up in awe at the sky through a new, sizable hole in the tunnel ceiling.
His nerves frayed, and unable to believe what he had just witnessed, John opened up his status and looked at his notifications.
Player’s ability Quick Draw has evolved into Flash Draw!
Flash Draw (Epic) (Level 1) - The player has combined countless hours of relentless practice drawing their blade with their insight into the Aspect of Light. The blade flashes with radiant speed - the sharper the player’s focus, the faster and more lethal the strike, leaving a searing trail of light in its wake.
Basic Energy Circulation has leveled up. The player has gained a new level of mastery over this ability.
Player has defeated Morvethra - Shade Stalker Matriarch - Level 15.
Player is the first on their planet to defeat a named boss monster above their level. Additional rewards will be given at the end of this tutorial stage.
Player is the first on their planet to evolve an ability of Epic rarity. Additional rewards will be given at the end of this tutorial stage.
Player has leveled up!
Player has leveled up!
John gulped. He had the feeling that he shouldn’t have been able to kill the Matriarch. He looked down at what was left of his little blade. A large portion of it had fragmented, rendering it useless. Just as he was mourning the loss of his knife, which had become like an old companion, another notification bell echoed in his mind.
Player has received a gift from an anonymous sponsor. Would you like to receive this gift?
What…? A sponsor? Did that mean someone was watching him? A hint of anger coloured John’s thoughts. Was this like some kind of twisted version of The Truman Show? Curiosity getting the better of him, John selected yes to accept the gift. Without any warning, a short sword appeared on the stone floor in front of him, complete with a scabbard and belt strap. Bending down to examine it, a screen appeared with some information.
Roman Gladius
A short, double-edged sword forged from an unfamiliar metal, sharper and stronger than any earthly steel. Designed for swift, decisive strikes, this weapon feels almost weightless in the hand. The leather-wrapped hilt and dark-iron pommel ensure a firm grip, making it an instrument of precision and lethality.
Well, that was thoughtful. They gave him a new weapon just as he lost his old one. Yet John couldn’t get rid of the sour taste in his mouth, finding himself reluctant to replace his trusty knife with this so-called “gift”.
Some “anonymous sponsor” was watching him, and getting a good kick out of seeing him struggle for his life. He placed his damaged knife on the floor gently before picking up the Gladius, hefting it in his hand as he stood.
He would accept this gift, and perhaps later he would find it a more fitting home - buried in the throat of his kind sponsor. After investing 2 points into Instinct and 4 into Focus, John looked up at the huge hole he had carved through the ceiling, the sun dipping below the horizon. Night was coming. Time to get out of here.