Jun-seo stood amid a swirling mist that clung to the remains of the battle, his heart still racing from the adrenaline. The sensation of power flowed through him, intoxicating and exhilarating. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the strength he had just tapped into.
A new awareness filled his mind—the Shadow System, his guiding voice, ready to lead him to unimaginable heights.
“Status check,” he commanded softly, and the familiar screen flickered to life in front of him.
Name: Lee Jun-seo
Rank: F
Level: 1
Class: Shadow Keeper
Skill Growth: 0/100
He had completed his first battle, but the thought of remaining an F-rank Hunter gnawed at him. An intense desire to rise beyond his limitations ignited within him. He needed more battles, more experience. Glancing at the remains of the Beast, he knew he could triumph again.
“Next time, I won’t hold back,” he murmured to himself, determination surging.
As if responding to his resolve, another notification blinked into existence.
“New Quest Available: Hunt the Shadows. Eliminate five lower-tier Shadows in the vicinity to gain experience and strengthen your skills.”
“Great, a quest already,” he said, a half-smile forming. This was what he had dreamed of—gaining power through challenges.
With a newfound purpose, Jun-seo plunged into the darkened streets, the abandoned buildings looming like silent sentinels. The night felt charged, surging with energy that made every shadow a potential adversary.
He moved cautiously, his senses heightened as he sought the manifestations of darkness that roamed the remnants of the town. As he rounded a corner, he caught sight of a group of low-tier Shadows gathered in a dilapidated alleyway. They pulsated with a faint glow, grotesque forms twisted with rage and hunger.
“Time to put my skills to the test,” he whispered, focus sharpening.
Recalling the energy he had felt during his clash with the Beast, he grounded himself. The familiarity of the Shadow System surged within him. This time, he wouldn't just react; he would strike first.
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With a deep breath, he charged into the alley, a swift shadow slicing through the darkness.
The Shadows turned, their eerie eyes locking onto him, but he didn't falter. Channeling the power he had seized, he brandished his fist towards the nearest Shadow.
“Death Strike!” he shouted, the words spilling out naturally as the energy erupted from his hand like a geyser, crashing against the nearest Shadow and sending it flying.
It dissipated into a cloud of dark mist, but there was no time for celebration. The other Shadows lunged at him, screeching in fury.
“Bring it on!” he roared, charging forward, adrenaline and energy intertwining.
He pivoted, dodging the first attack, and retaliated with a spinning kick, catching another Shadow off guard. The rush of victory fired through him as he’d never felt before. His body moved fluidly, the training and instincts from years of practice exploding as he unleashed a torrent of attacks.
Stamina surged as he sent Shadows flying one by one, every slash and strike breathing life into his quest. The confrontation felt primal, raw, and yet deeply satisfying; the thrill of combat coursed through his veins like fire.
After what felt like an eternity, the last Shadow crumbled under the weight of his energy. Jun-seo stood amid the remnants, panting heavily yet feeling an indescribable sense of exhilaration.
Notification: Quest Complete!
[*Experience Gained: 50 XP*]
[*Level Up!*]
As the numbers flashed before him, a warm glow enveloped him. He felt energy infuse his body, rushing through him like a tidal wave.
Name: Lee Jun-seo
Rank: F
Level: 2
Class: Shadow Keeper
Skill Growth: 25/100
“Hell yes!” he exclaimed, throwing a fist into the air.
But even as the euphoria of victory settled in, the whisper of unease lingered at the back of his mind. Each encounter with the Shadows only increased his power; however, he knew that increased strength also attracted higher-tier beings—ones that could easily obliterate him if he wasn’t careful.
He lifted his gaze to the sprawling night around him. The world was vast and full of unknowns, danger lurking in every corner below the surface; there would always be stronger foes to face.
As he returned to the main street, the desire to seek strength grew. No longer would he settle for mediocrity. He would train day and night, harness the full potential of the Shadow System, and uncover everything it had to offer him.
“I will become more than just a Hunter,” he vowed, determination hardening in his chest. “I will become a legend.”
With resolve set deep in his heart, he started planning his next steps. He would explore more challenging dungeons, seek out trainers to refine his skills, and gather allies to stand beside him in the battles ahead. But first, he would need to learn the depths of the shadows—the very forces he had allied himself with, the power that could potentially make or break him.
Every step would lead to growth, and every battle would stoke the flames of his ambition. Jun-seo felt the pull of destiny call him deeper into the shadows. This was merely the beginning, and he would not hesitate to embrace the darkness to forge a path toward greatness.