CHAPTER 2: AWAKENING IN SHADOWS

The Hollow Beckons

The ground was damp, cold, and unforgiving. Jae-Hyun stirred, his body protesting every slight movement. Pain radiated from his back and shoulders, where the Shadehound’s claws had torn into him during the fight, now worsened by the rough treatment of being dragged through the forest. His head throbbed, and a bitter, metallic taste filled his mouth—blood, he realized. As his senses began to sharpen, so did the reality of his situation.

His first clear thought was rage.

“Tae-Jun...” he hissed, his voice hoarse and trembling. His mind replayed the events from earlier: the betrayal, the smug smirk on his brother’s face, and his father’s cold, final judgment. Anger surged through him like fire, burning away the fog of weakness and disorientation. They had planned this, crafted it to perfection, ensuring no one would question his disappearance. The very people he had tried to prove himself to had discarded him as though he were nothing.

But he wasn’t nothing. Not yet.

Jae-Hyun forced himself to sit up, his breath ragged and uneven. His surroundings came into focus, though dimly. The Hollow Dreadlands were aptly named. Ancient trees with gnarled, skeletal branches stretched toward the darkened sky, their bark blackened and slick with moss. A thick mist coiled around the base of the trunks, obscuring the ground and creating the illusion that the earth itself was alive. The air was damp, heavy, and oppressive, carrying a faint stench of decay that seemed to seep into his very skin. It was as though the forest was waiting, watching, eager to claim him.

He clenched his fists, his nails biting into his palms. Anger boiled beneath his skin, hotter and more potent than the pain. They think I’ll just die here, he thought bitterly. They think I’ll vanish, swallowed by this cursed place like so many others before me. But I won’t. I’ll survive. And I’ll make them regret this.

With a sharp exhale, he pushed himself to his feet, swaying slightly as his body protested. His legs felt weak, unsteady, but he gritted his teeth and steadied himself against a nearby tree. Every movement sent jolts of pain through his battered frame, but he embraced it. Pain meant he was still alive. Pain meant he could still fight.

Jae-Hyun’s gaze fell to his hands, trembling but functional. He flexed his fingers, testing his grip. He had no weapon, no supplies, nothing but the tattered clothes on his back and the sheer force of his will. His mind raced, assessing his options. The Hollow Dreadlands were infamous among guild members for their lethality. Stories of adventurers and mercenaries venturing in only to never return were common, whispered like cautionary tales around the guild’s training grounds. The beasts here were unlike any others, twisted and monstrous, thriving in an ecosystem that defied logic and reason.

For a fleeting moment, fear gnawed at the edges of his mind. But he crushed it beneath the weight of his fury. Fear was a luxury he couldn’t afford.

He turned his attention to his surroundings, his eyes scanning the dense, shadowed forest. The mist seemed to thicken the farther it stretched, obscuring his view and making it impossible to see more than a few meters ahead. He listened carefully, straining to pick up any sounds beyond the distant rustling of leaves. The forest was eerily quiet, save for the occasional creak of branches overhead. It was too quiet.

Jae-Hyun knew he couldn’t stay here. He needed to move, to find shelter or higher ground where he could get a better sense of his surroundings. Survival was his first priority, but it wasn’t his end goal. Survival was just the means to an end.

Revenge. That word burned in his mind like a brand. He’d cling to it, let it fuel him when his body begged for rest. Tae-Jun’s smug face, his father’s cold dismissal—they would pay for this. He didn’t know how, not yet, but he would find a way.

“I’ll fucking kill them,” he muttered, his voice low and venomous, as if speaking the words aloud gave them power. “Every single one of them.”

His steps were slow and deliberate as he began to move through the forest, each one sending shockwaves of pain through his battered body. The mist clung to him like a second skin, chilling him to the bone. The ground was uneven, littered with roots and rocks that threatened to trip him at every step. But he pressed on, driven by sheer willpower and the burning need to survive.

After what felt like an eternity, Jae-Hyun’s ears caught a faint sound in the distance—a low, guttural growl. He froze, his entire body tensing as he strained to locate the source. The growl grew louder, closer, and was soon accompanied by the faint crunch of leaves and twigs underfoot. His heart raced, but his mind remained focused. He had no weapon, no means of defending himself. Running wasn’t an option; his body was too weak, and the terrain was unforgiving.

The growling stopped, replaced by an unsettling silence. Jae-Hyun’s breath hitched as his eyes darted around the mist, searching for any sign of movement. Then he saw it. Two glowing green eyes, piercing through the fog like twin lanterns, locked onto him with predatory focus.

For a brief moment, Jae-Hyun’s chest tightened, thinking it might be another Shadehound. But as the figure stepped closer, he saw its hunched form, mottled green skin, and jagged teeth. A goblin. Smaller than a Shadehound, but its wiry limbs and cruel, beady eyes betrayed its cunning. Goblins in the Hollow Dreadlands were never alone, and that realization sent a chill down his spine. If there was one, more were likely nearby.

The goblin tilted its head, sniffing the air. Its mottled green skin was streaked with dark veins, almost as if the forest itself had corrupted it. Fungus grew along its shoulders and arms, glowing faintly in the dim light. Its movements were unnervingly precise, each step calculated, as if guided by an unseen intelligence. It held a crude, rusted blade in one clawed hand, while its other dragged a torn animal carcass. Jae-Hyun’s instincts screamed at him to act before it alerted others. He crouched low, grabbing a sharp rock from the ground as silently as he could.

The goblin’s ears twitched, sensing movement. It snarled, dropping its prize and crouching into an attack stance. Jae-Hyun knew he had to strike first. He lunged forward, his rock swinging in a brutal arc. The goblin dodged, screeching in surprise and slashing at him with its blade. Jae-Hyun barely avoided the strike, his reflexes sluggish from exhaustion.

But desperation fueled him. He feinted left, then slammed the rock into the goblin’s temple with all the force he could muster. The creature let out a strangled cry, its body crumpling to the ground. Jae-Hyun didn’t stop. He struck again and again, rage and fear blending into a single, primal need to eliminate the threat. The sickening crunch of the final blow echoed in his ears, mingling with the acrid scent of dark ichor that splattered his trembling hands. When the goblin finally lay still, dark blood pooling beneath it, he staggered back, his chest heaving.

Jae-Hyun crouched beside the body, his hand brushing over the rock still slick with ichor. The fight had been brief, brutal—but necessary. He stared at his trembling hands, the blood staining his skin, and felt... nothing. No guilt, no remorse. Just the bitter satisfaction of survival. He tightened his grip on the rock, the weight of it reassuring. If survival meant killing, then so be it.

The creature’s death brought no relief. His gaze darted to the surrounding mist, his heart pounding. Goblins were never alone. They thrived in tribes, moving as a unit, hunting as a pack. If one had found him, others couldn’t be far behind.

He wiped his trembling hands on his tattered shirt, his voice a low growl. “Just my luck. One down, and now the whole damn forest knows I’m here.”

Despite the ache in his limbs and the burning in his side, Jae-Hyun forced himself forward. He had no time to rest, no time to think. Survival was no longer a simple matter of endurance—it was a race against time.

Into the Maw

The forest seemed to hold its breath. Jae-Hyun crouched low, his makeshift weapon still damp with goblin ichor. The weight of his actions pressed on him, not as guilt but as an urgent reminder of the stakes. He knew he had little time. Goblins never traveled alone. If this one had strayed, the rest wouldn’t be far behind. His breath fogged in the cold air as his senses heightened, straining to detect the faintest sign of movement.

A sharp, distant cry pierced the oppressive silence. It was guttural and high-pitched, an unmistakable goblin shriek. Jae-Hyun’s heart skipped a beat. The sound was echoed moments later by another, closer this time, then another, overlapping like a chorus of malevolent intent. The forest itself seemed to shift and ripple with their approach.

“Shit,” Jae-Hyun hissed under his breath. He gripped the bloodied rock tighter, though he knew it wouldn’t be enough. The crude weapon had served its purpose against one goblin, but a group? He needed more.

His eyes darted around, searching for anything that could aid him. The mist swirled around the dense undergrowth, obscuring most of the forest floor. Then he saw them—dark, hunched shapes weaving through the fog. The goblins were closing in, their guttural chatter growing louder. Jae-Hyun’s muscles tensed. He prepared to fight, despite knowing the odds were stacked against him.

The goblins emerged, their grotesque forms more menacing than he had anticipated. Their skin was a sickly green, streaked with blackened veins as though corrupted by the Hollow Dreadlands themselves. Small fungi glowed faintly along their twisted limbs, pulsing with an eerie bioluminescence. They clutched crude weapons—rusted blades and jagged spears—and moved with a hive-like coordination that sent a chill down Jae-Hyun’s spine.

He crouched lower, gripping the rock as if it were the last tether to his will. His mind raced for a plan. If he struck quickly, perhaps he could—

The forest erupted with a deafening roar.

The sound froze the goblins in their tracks. It was a noise born of something ancient, something primal, vibrating through the very bones of the earth. Their chatter turned to panicked shrieks as they turned toward the source. Jae-Hyun’s blood ran cold as he followed their gaze.

From the mist, a hulking shadow emerged. It moved with an unnatural fluidity, its sheer size making the ground tremble beneath its weight. As it stepped into view, Jae-Hyun’s breath caught. The beast was monstrous, standing nearly three times his height on four massive limbs. Its obsidian-like scales glistened with a faint, malevolent glow, etched with glowing red runes that seemed to pulse like a heartbeat. Its head was elongated, reptilian, with a maw lined with jagged teeth that dripped a viscous black fluid. Crimson eyes burned with an intelligence that made the goblins look like mere pests.

The goblins scattered, but it was futile. The creature lunged with terrifying speed, its claws cleaving through the closest goblin with a sickening crunch. Dark ichor sprayed across the clearing as the beast tore into its prey. The remaining goblins shrieked and tried to flee, but the creature was relentless. It moved through them like a force of nature, its powerful limbs smashing and slicing with brutal efficiency.

Jae-Hyun watched in stunned silence, his heart hammering in his chest. The beast’s sheer power was overwhelming, its speed a blur. He felt an instinctive urge to run, to get as far away as possible. He took a step back, and a twig snapped underfoot.

The creature’s head snapped toward him, its glowing eyes locking onto his. A low growl rumbled from its throat, vibrating through the air. Jae-Hyun froze, his breath catching. He could feel the weight of its gaze, the predatory intent behind those burning eyes.

His mind screamed for him to run. But then he clenched his jaw. Run? Like a coward? His fingers dug into his scalp, his mind spinning. He thought of Tae-Jun, of his father, of their betrayal. He thought of Mi-Rae, her smile the only warmth he had left in the world. Her unwavering belief in him, the way she had always stood by his side when no one else did. The thought of never seeing her again, of failing her, cut deeper than any claw could.

And deeper still, he felt something stir—an unfamiliar presence at the edge of his thoughts. A fleeting sensation of clarity, almost as though the rage and desperation were sharpening into something tangible.

“No,” he muttered, his voice trembling but resolute. “I won’t die here.”

With a sharp slap across his face, Jae-Hyun forced himself to focus. The sting grounded him, steeled his resolve. He picked up a nearby branch, jagged and heavy, and tightened his grip around it. If this beast wanted to kill him, it would have to fight for it.

The creature advanced, its massive claws sinking into the earth with each step. It moved with a deliberate slowness, toying with him, savoring the hunt. Jae-Hyun’s body screamed at him to flee, but he held his ground. The creature lunged, and he moved.

Jae-Hyun dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the swipe of its claws. The wind from the attack whipped past his face, and he felt the raw power behind it. The beast roared in frustration, turning to face him again. It batted him away with its massive forelimb, sending him sprawling into the dirt. His ribs screamed in protest, and blood filled his mouth as he struggled to his feet.

The beast’s intelligence was unnerving. It circled him, studying his movements, ensuring he had no opening. Jae-Hyun’s breaths came in ragged gasps. His mind raced for a solution. He spotted a cluster of jagged rocks nearby and staggered toward them. The creature followed, its crimson eyes glinting with amusement as though it enjoyed his futile attempts at survival.

The mist thickened around them, swirling as if alive. For a moment, Jae-Hyun thought he could hear faint whispers carried on the wind. The oppressive atmosphere of the Hollow Dreadlands seemed to react to the confrontation, amplifying the tension.

He tripped purposefully, grabbing a sharp stone and concealing it in his hand. As the beast lunged, he swung upward with every ounce of strength left in him. The stone struck its knee, tearing through a gap in its scaled armor. The beast roared, the ground trembling beneath its cry of pain. It stumbled, its injured leg dragging slightly.

For a fleeting moment, triumph surged in Jae-Hyun’s chest. But it was short-lived. The beast’s tail whipped around, striking him squarely and sending him crashing into a tree. Pain exploded across his body, and he crumpled to the ground, barely able to breathe.

The creature loomed over him, its crimson eyes blazing with fury. Jae-Hyun’s vision blurred, but he forced himself to meet its gaze. Even now, as his body threatened to give out, he refused to cower.

Before the beast could deliver the final blow, a distant howl echoed through the forest. The sound was otherworldly, haunting, and powerful. The creature paused, its head snapping toward the source. The howl was followed by another, then another, a symphony of echoes that seemed to reverberate through the trees. With a final glare at Jae-Hyun, the beast growled and turned, limping into the mist.

Jae-Hyun collapsed onto his back, his body trembling. His side throbbed with pain, and his vision swam. He pressed a hand to his wound, wincing at the warmth of his own blood. Somehow, he was still alive. The beast had left, but the forest was far from safe.

He leaned back against the tree, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths. His thoughts were a chaotic swirl of anger, fear, and determination. He had survived, but just barely. And he knew this was only the beginning. The Hollow Dreadlands had more to throw at him, and he would have to face it all.

As darkness began to creep in at the edges of his vision, Jae-Hyun clenched his fists. “I’m not done yet,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “Not by a long shot.”

And as his consciousness faded, a voice echoed in the recesses of his mind, cold and commanding: After all these years of struggle, will you let this be your end? Or will you rise and claim what is yours?

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Forged in the Dreadlands

Darkness enveloped Jae-Hyun, oppressive and suffocating. It wasn’t the black void of unconsciousness; it was something deeper, alive with malice. He felt weightless, suspended in the void, as whispers swirled around him. They were faint at first, like the hiss of wind, but soon they grew louder, more insistent. The words were unintelligible, but they carried a tone of command, urging him forward.

Then, a singular voice pierced through the cacophony—cold, commanding, yet inviting.

"Prove your worth."

Jae-Hyun’s eyes snapped open, and he found himself standing in a vast, desolate plain. The sky above was a swirling canvas of red and black, with jagged streaks of lightning illuminating the barren land. The ground beneath his feet was cracked and dry, glowing faintly with crimson veins that pulsed like a heartbeat. In the distance, a massive black spire loomed, its jagged silhouette cutting into the sky.

A figure materialized before him, cloaked in shadow. Though its form was indistinct, its presence was undeniable, a force that demanded respect.

"This is your trial," the voice intoned, resonating from the shadowy figure. "Face your hatred, embrace your truth, and claim your place."

Before Jae-Hyun could respond, the world shifted. He was no longer on the barren plain but standing in the grand hall of the Silver Talon Guild. It was eerily quiet, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle, yet it was unmistakably the same place. The marble floors gleamed, and the towering banners bearing the guild’s emblem hung motionless.

At the far end of the hall, figures began to appear. First, it was the guards and allies of his father’s guild, their faces twisted with mockery and disdain. Among them stood Tae-Jun, arms crossed, his ever-present smirk taunting Jae-Hyun. And behind them all was his father, his imposing form radiating the cold authority that had crushed Jae-Hyun’s spirit for years.

Jae-Hyun’s nails bit into his palms as he clenched his fists. His thoughts roared louder than the shadow’s voice. These are the people who discarded me. Who betrayed me. Who left me to die. Their contempt, their sneers... no more. I’ve lived in their shadow long enough.

But another thought crept into his mind, sharp and undeniable: If I do this, what will be left of me? His resolve wavered for a fraction of a second, but the voice returned, cutting through his hesitation.

"Prove your worth. Destroy what chains you."

A blade appeared in his hand, materializing from the air itself. It was unlike any weapon he’d wielded before, its dark surface etched with glowing crimson runes. It pulsed with power, as though it could sense his rage.

Jae-Hyun advanced, his steps heavy and deliberate. The guards moved to intercept him, but he didn’t hesitate. His blade cut through the first with brutal precision, the weapon’s runes flaring with each strike. They fell one by one, their sneers replaced by looks of shock and terror. Jae-Hyun’s movements were unrelenting, fueled by a wrath he had kept buried for too long.

But as each guard fell, his mind whispered doubts. Is this all they’ve got? This can’t be real. They’re nothing compared to the actual guards. The realization stung. It’s not about their strength. This trial isn’t about them. It’s about me—what I’m willing to do.

"This is for leaving me to rot," he snarled as he drove the blade through the chest of another guard. Blood spattered across the pristine floors, staining the guild’s symbol beneath his feet. "This is for every moment you made me feel worthless."

The air around him grew heavy, crackling with energy. His anger was no longer just his own; it seemed to feed the weapon, the runes burning brighter with every life it claimed. His breaths came in ragged gasps, yet his focus sharpened. This trial… it’s testing me. Testing if I can embrace this hatred.

Finally, he stood before Tae-Jun. His brother’s smirk was gone, replaced by a cold, calculating glare. Tae-Jun raised his sword, his posture that of a seasoned fighter.

"So, you’ve decided to fight back," Tae-Jun said, his tone dripping with mockery. "Too little, too late."

"You don’t get to decide that," Jae-Hyun spat back, his voice venomous.

Their blades clashed, sparks flying as steel met steel. Tae-Jun was strong, his movements precise, but Jae-Hyun’s rage gave him an edge. Every swing of his blade was fueled by years of resentment, every parry a declaration that he would no longer be their victim. Yet, with each strike, he realized: This is too easy. This isn’t Tae-Jun. This is what I imagine him to be. It’s the trial testing me.

Finally, Jae-Hyun saw an opening and drove his blade into Tae-Jun’s chest.

Tae-Jun gasped, blood staining his lips as he fell to his knees. Jae-Hyun towered over him, his blade still embedded in his brother’s chest.

"You thought I’d die easily," Jae-Hyun growled, twisting the blade. "You thought wrong."

He pulled the weapon free, letting Tae-Jun’s lifeless body collapse to the ground.

At the far end of the hall, his father stood motionless, his expression unreadable. The shadowy figure’s voice echoed again. "The source of your torment awaits. End it."

Jae-Hyun approached, each step echoing through the silent hall. His father watched him, his gaze cold and piercing.

"You’re no son of mine," his father said, his voice as sharp as a blade.

"I never wanted to be," Jae-Hyun replied, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.

They clashed, but unlike Tae-Jun, his father fought with an overwhelming strength that forced Jae-Hyun to his limits. Every strike was brutal, every blow a reminder of why his father had dominated the guild. But Jae-Hyun refused to yield. He dodged, parried, and countered, his movements growing more precise as his anger sharpened his focus.

"You never saw me as anything but a failure," Jae-Hyun spat between labored breaths. "But I’ll be the one to end you."

Finally, he found his opening. His blade pierced his father’s chest, driving deep. His father staggered, his eyes wide with shock.

"This is for Mi-Rae," Jae-Hyun said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging within him. "For what you’ve done to her. And for what you’ve done to me."

With a final thrust, his father collapsed, lifeless.

The silence that followed was deafening. Jae-Hyun stood alone in the hall, his breaths ragged, his body trembling. He had done it. He had destroyed the chains that had bound him for so long. But as the adrenaline faded, a new emotion crept in—uncertainty.

"Jae-Hyun?" a soft voice called out, cutting through the silence.

He turned sharply. Mi-Rae stood at the far end of the hall, her expression a mix of fear and sorrow.

"What... what have you done?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Jae-Hyun took a step toward her, but the ground beneath him began to crack and shift. The hall dissolved, replaced by the void once more. And then he heard another voice, one he hadn’t heard in years.

"My son..."

It was her. His mother. Her voice was soft, melodic, and filled with warmth. But it was impossible. She was gone. She had been gone for years.

"Mother?" he whispered, his voice breaking.

The shadowy figure reappeared, its form more distinct now. Behind it, silhouettes of his mother and Mi-Rae flickered like mirages.

"What does this mean?" Jae-Hyun demanded, his voice filled with both desperation and anger.

The figure didn’t answer. Instead, the world shifted again, the silhouettes fading into darkness. But one thing remained. The voice from before, cold and commanding, echoed once more.

"Welcome to the Abyssal Accord. Power answers those who grasp it."

The Spark of Defiance

For a moment, he remained frozen, the weight of those words sinking into him. He blinked, and a shimmering panel appeared before his eyes. Lines of text scrolled across, written in a stark, glowing script. It was unlike anything he had seen before.

His name stood at the top:

Jae-Hyun - Level 1

* Health: 120/120

* Stamina: 40/40

* Mana: 30/30

* Strength: 7

* Agility: 9

* Intelligence: 8

* Resilience: 15

* Perception: 12

* Eclipse Domain: 2% (Represents mastery over ★★★★★ energy.)

His eyes narrowed at the unfamiliar term, Eclipse Domain. The description was vague, censored almost, leaving him with more questions than answers.

“What the hell is this?” he muttered, his voice hoarse. Yet despite his confusion, a flicker of curiosity burned within him. This system—this thing—had brought order to the chaos he had been thrust into. Was it some divine intervention? Or perhaps another twisted part of the Hollow Dreadlands?

Beneath the stats, a list of skills caught his attention:

* Predator's Insight (Level 1): "Grants the ability to instinctively sense minor weaknesses in a single opponent's movements or defenses during combat."

* Reaper’s Claim (Level 1): "The act of harvesting what remains of a fallen being's essence."

* Reaper’s Summon (Level 1): "A skill to call forth shadows of the Abyss. Each summon has a fraction of your power to its form."

* Pierce the Veil (Level 1): "A precision attack that strikes at an enemy's vulnerabilities. Effectiveness depends on the user's perception and control."

His fingers hovered over the shimmering screen. The descriptions were precise, yet cryptic, leaving much to his imagination.

This isn’t random, he thought. Whoever made this wants me to use it. Wants me to survive. But why?

His attention shifted to another section labeled Features:

* Inventory: 30 slots, currently empty.

* Shop - Level 1: Basic items like bandages, rudimentary weapons, and low-level potions. Higher-tier items remained locked, teasing him with their silhouettes.

* Quests and Achievements: The only entry was a header: Survivor’s Path.

Jae-Hyun exhaled slowly, the magnitude of this discovery overwhelming. He clenched his fists, ignoring the sting of his wounds. If I use this right, it might just keep me alive.

EXPLORING THE SYSTEM

Curiosity overcame him as he selected Reaper’s Claim. He glanced around at the clearing where he had battled the goblins. The beast that had torn them apart was long gone, but its carnage remained. Tentatively, he approached a fallen goblin, its body limp and lifeless.

"Activate Reaper’s Claim."

The skill responded instantly. A faint, dark glow emanated from his palm as he reached toward the goblin’s chest. Particles of shadowy energy appeared, which flowed into his hand like a stream of ink. The process was chilling yet fascinating. When it ended, a small notification appeared:

+4 Reaper Points.

As the energy settled within him, the system interface shimmered briefly:

Reaper Points acquired. You can now use Reaper’s Summoning.

He felt... something, a faint hum of energy resonating within him. It wasn’t physical strength but a resource he could wield.

“What are these reaper points for?” he mused aloud. The answer was clear in his skill list: Reaper’s Summon.

He didn’t try it immediately. Instead, his focus shifted to resting and recovering. His body was screaming for reprieve. Blood matted his tattered clothes, and his limbs felt like lead. The system might have been a boon, but it wouldn’t save him from collapsing if he pushed too hard.

REST AND REFLECTION

Jae-Hyun found a hollow beneath the roots of a massive tree, a defensible position obscured by thick moss and shadow. He stripped fabric from his sleeves, binding his wounds as best as he could.

I need to recover. If something attacks now, I’m finished.

As he leaned back against the coarse bark, his thoughts drifted. The system had changed everything. The Hollow Dreadlands were no longer an insurmountable nightmare. He had tools now—skills, stats, and knowledge he could grow. But the cost of survival gnawed at him.

Power answers those who grasp it.

The system’s words echoed in his mind. If I’m going to survive, I need to become something more. I need to understand this power and master it.

And then there was Mi-Rae. Her face appeared vividly in his mind, her warm smile, her unwavering belief in him. She’s the only one left. I have to get out of here for her.

THE FIRST HUNT

Rested but still aching, Jae-Hyun resumed his journey. He moved cautiously, his eyes darting across the dense mist that seemed to thicken with every step. His body, though tired, felt more attuned—as though the system’s presence had sharpened his instincts.

Then, he heard it. A faint rustling to his left. He froze, Predator’s Insight activating subtly. The air around him seemed to sharpen, and faint threads of possibility unraveled before his eyes, guiding his focus. The fog seemed to part just enough for him to see it: a Rift Stalker.

The creature was about the size of a wolf, its translucent skin revealing faint, star-like glimmers within. It moved with unsettling grace, its sharp claws scraping against the rocky ground. A notification appeared:

Rift Stalker

"A lesser predator of the Hollow Dreadlands. Dangerous in isolation, devastating in packs."

Jae-Hyun gritted his teeth. This was no goblin. Its speed and reflexes would test him in ways he wasn’t ready for. Yet, a part of him burned with determination. This is my chance to learn.

Jae-Hyun drew his blade, its unfamiliar weight feeling heavier in his hands than it should have. The Rift Stalker moved first, lunging with claws that glinted like shards of glass in the dim light. Jae-Hyun barely sidestepped the attack, feeling the rush of air as the claws grazed his shirt.

It's fast—too fast.

The creature didn't give him a moment to recover, twisting mid-air and swiping again. This time, Jae-Hyun managed to parry with his blade, but the impact jarred his arm, numbing his fingers. He stumbled back, his breath coming in short, sharp bursts.

"Pierce the Veil!" he commanded, his voice shaking. The skill activated, his vision honing in on the Rift Stalker’s movements. A faint glimmer in its side caught his attention—a weakness. He lunged forward, aiming for the mark, but the creature twisted away, its claws slashing across his arm.

Pain erupted, hot and searing. Jae-Hyun cried out, clutching his bleeding arm. His stamina bar dropped further, a glaring warning on the edge of his vision. Damn it. I’m not fast enough!

The Rift Stalker didn’t relent. It prowled closer, its translucent body shimmering as it blended into the mist. Jae-Hyun’s heart pounded. Predator’s Insight activated again, faint threads of possibility weaving into his vision. He noticed a hitch in the creature’s gait—a subtle limp.

“It’s compensating,” he muttered through gritted teeth. “If I can push it…”

The creature lunged again. This time, Jae-Hyun dropped low, rolling beneath its swipe and slashing upward with all his strength. The blade connected with its flank, cutting deep. The Rift Stalker howled, its body recoiling. Blood, dark and viscous, splattered across the ground.

But Jae-Hyun paid for the strike. The creature’s tail whipped around, slamming into his side and sending him sprawling. He hit the ground hard, the impact forcing the air from his lungs. His health bar blinked, warning him of the damage.

Get up!

His vision swam, but he forced himself to his feet, gripping his blade with trembling hands. The Rift Stalker limped, its movements slower now, but its eyes burned with fury. Jae-Hyun could barely stand, yet something inside him refused to give up.

“One more…” he muttered, raising his blade. His breath was ragged, his muscles screaming in protest. He watched as the creature circled him, preparing to pounce.

When it lunged, he didn’t retreat. Instead, he stepped into the attack, narrowly dodging its claws and thrusting his blade upward. Pierce the Veil activated again, guiding his strike. The blade pierced through the creature’s throat, the precision of the attack silencing it mid-roar.

The Rift Stalker collapsed, its body twitching before going still. Jae-Hyun staggered back, his chest heaving. Blood dripped from his wounds, mixing with the creature’s on the ground. He swayed, his vision narrowing, but a notification appeared before he could collapse:

+5 Reaper Points.

A Step Forward

As the creature disintegrated under Reaper’s Claim, Jae-Hyun’s system updated:

Level Up!

* Health: +10

* Stamina: +5

* Mana: +3

* Stat Points Earned: 5

He immediately allocated them:

* Agility: +2

* Strength: +1

* Stamina: +2

His stats felt more balanced, his body slightly stronger. Yet, the fight had exposed his vulnerabilities. I need more stamina. More control. I can’t let one fight drain me like that.

The faint glow of Reaper Points hummed within him. He explored the system, discovering that these points could be used for future summons. Summons... to fight alongside me. If I master this, I might stand a chance against stronger creatures.

As he stood over the remains of the Rift Stalker, Jae-Hyun’s resolve hardened. This is just the beginning. I’ll get stronger. I’ll leave this place. And when I do...

He clenched his fists, his gaze piercing through the mist. I’ll come back for revenge.

With each step forward, the mist seemed to part slightly, as if the Hollow Dreadlands themselves acknowledged his resolve. His mind sharpened on survival, vengeance, and the path ahead.