Chapter 7 – Chains of Fury

The doorway shimmered behind them as Jae-Hyun and Ahri emerged from the labyrinth. The cold night air greeted them, crisp and biting, a stark contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the maze. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Jae-Hyun’s gaze was distant, his expression unreadable, as though he were still processing the trials they had faced. Ahri, however, broke the silence.

“What happened back there?” she asked, her voice steady, but laced with curiosity and concern. “I don’t remember much after we went through the door. I'm sorry I couldn't help...”

Jae-Hyun didn’t respond immediately. His mind was still clouded with thoughts of the final trial, the figure’s offer, and the choices he had made. He finally glanced at Ahri, his eyes colder than before, devoid of the hesitation that once lingered.

“You don’t need to apologize,” he said curtly, cutting off any further explanation from her. “It wasn’t your fault.”

Ahri frowned but didn’t press further. She noticed the shift in his demeanour—his tone carried a finality that discouraged questions. Instead, she turned her attention to their surroundings. The forest stretched before them, the skeletal trees casting long shadows under the pale moonlight. Somewhere in the distance, a faint rustle echoed, carried by the wind.

“We should find shelter,” Ahri suggested, her voice calm but firm. “It’s late, and the forest isn’t exactly safe at night.”

Jae-Hyun gave a slight nod. “Agreed. We need to reach the city, but we’ll rest for now.”

As they walked, the tension between them remained unspoken. Ahri occasionally glanced at Jae-Hyun, noticing the subtle changes in his posture. He moved with purpose, each step measured, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his blade. There was a sharper edge to him now—an unyielding resolve that seemed to radiate from his very being.

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After several minutes of walking, they spotted the faint glow of headlights in the distance. Drawing closer, they saw a truck parked along a makeshift path, its engine idling softly. A man stood beside it, checking a crate of supplies in the truck bed. He was middle-aged, broad-shouldered, with a thick beard and an open, friendly expression.

“Evening,” the man greeted as they approached. “What brings you two out here at this hour?”

Ahri exchanged a glance with Jae-Hyun, who remained silent. She stepped forward, keeping her tone neutral. “We’re headed to the city. Got a bit turned around in the forest. Could you point us in the right direction?”

The man chuckled, wiping his hands on a rag. “Sure thing. You’re on the right path, but it’s a long walk. There’s a village up ahead where you can rest for the night. I’m heading there myself to drop off supplies. If you don’t mind a bit of company, I can give you a lift.”

Jae-Hyun’s eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing the man. He didn’t sense any immediate danger, but his trust wasn’t easily given. Ahri, sensing his hesitation, added, “We’d appreciate it.”

With a nod, the man gestured for them to hop into the truck bed. “Name’s Hwan-Soo, by the way. Don’t worry, I’m not in the business of harming travellers. Just a simple trader trying to make a living.”

They climbed into the truck, and as it rumbled forward, Hwan-Soo chatted amicably. He spoke of the village’s modest life, the increased demand for supplies, and rumours of strange occurrences near the city. Jae-Hyun listened in silence, his mind focused on the information that might be useful.

“You two look like you’ve seen some trouble,” Hwan-Soo remarked casually. “If you’re heading to the city, be careful. Word is, things have been getting rough. More gates appearing, and some higher-ranked ones too. Even the big guilds are struggling to keep up.”

Jae-Hyun’s interest piqued at the mention of gates. He glanced at Ahri, who gave a subtle nod, understanding his unspoken thoughts.

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They arrived at the village shortly after midnight. It was a quiet place, small and unassuming, with modest wooden buildings clustered around a central square. The only inn in sight had a dimly lit sign swinging gently in the breeze.

“This is where I’ll leave you,” Hwan-Soo said, pulling the truck to a stop. “Inn’s got decent rooms. Not much luxury, but it’ll keep the cold out.”

“Thanks,” Ahri said as she hopped down from the truck bed. Jae-Hyun followed silently, offering a brief nod of acknowledgment.

Inside the inn, the owner greeted them with a sleepy smile. “Only got one room left, I’m afraid. Two beds, if that works for you.”

Ahri glanced at Jae-Hyun, who hesitated for a moment before shrugging slightly. Their eyes met briefly, a silent exchange of wariness passing between them. “We’ll take it,” she finally said.

After getting the key, Jae-Hyun turned to Ahri. “I’m going to take a look around,” he said, his voice cold and purposeful. “See if I can learn anything useful about the city.”

Ahri nodded, though she looked slightly concerned. “Be careful.”

Without further words, Jae-Hyun left the inn, his steps deliberate as he headed toward the village’s modest center. He spotted a dimly lit bar at the corner of the square, the muffled sound of voices and laughter seeping into the quiet night

Jae-Hyun’s gaze swept across the dimly lit village as he walked through the quiet streets, the chill of the night biting at his skin. Lanterns flickered in the wind, casting wavering light on the cobbled paths. The village seemed peaceful on the surface, but Jae-Hyun knew better than to take appearances at face value. The rising tension in the world, the increasing frequency of gates—nothing felt truly safe anymore.

As he approached the bar, the sound of muffled conversation and occasional laughter drifted toward him. The faint scent of alcohol and wood smoke lingered in the air. He pushed the door open, the creak of the hinges momentarily silencing the patrons inside. Eyes flicked toward him briefly before returning to their drinks and conversations. Jae-Hyun scanned the room quickly, noting the rough and weathered appearance of the patrons—many of them likely mercenaries or adventurers passing through.

The bar was modest, with wooden beams supporting a low ceiling and a long counter lined with stools. A few tables were scattered around, occupied by groups of men and women clad in leather armor, cloaks, and worn traveling gear. Jae-Hyun made his way to the counter, ordering a simple drink to avoid drawing too much attention. He wasn’t here to drink—he was here to gather information.

His eyes locked on a group of mercenaries seated at a table in the corner. Their weapons leaned against the wall beside them, and their conversation, though hushed, carried a tone of experience. They looked like they had seen their fair share of danger, and if anyone in this bar knew about what was happening in the city, it would be them.

Jae-Hyun approached their table, his expression cold and unreadable. The mercenaries glanced up as he neared, their chatter ceasing as they took in his presence.

“What do you want?” the leader of the group asked, his tone gruff but not immediately hostile. He was a broad-shouldered man with a scar running across his left cheek, his eyes sharp and calculating.

Jae-Hyun placed a few coins on the table. “I have questions. You have answers.”

The mercenaries exchanged glances. One of them chuckled softly, but it wasn’t a friendly sound. “We don’t sell information to just anyone,” the leader said, leaning back in his chair. “And we don’t take kindly to strangers walking in and acting like they own the place.”

Jae-Hyun didn’t react to the provocation. Instead, he reached into his pouch and pulled out a larger handful of coins, placing them on the table with a soft clink. The mercenaries exchanged wary glances, a brief but tense pause hanging in the air before the leader gave a subtle nod. “Consider this payment for your time.”

The leader eyed the coins for a moment before gesturing for Jae-Hyun to sit. “Fine. You’ve bought yourself a few answers. Ask.”

Jae-Hyun sat down, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp. “What’s the situation in the city?”

The mercenary leader took a sip of his drink before answering. “It’s been getting worse. More gates showing up, and higher-ranked ones too. The guilds are stretched thin trying to keep everything under control. Doesn’t help that the big players are busy with their own problems.”

Jae-Hyun’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Big players?”

The mercenary leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Silver Talon Guild. Their leader’s son died during a recent gate expedition—at least, that’s what they told the public. Word on the street is that something more happened, something they don’t want getting out. And now, there’s talk of an unofficial bounty.”

Jae-Hyun’s grip on his glass tightened imperceptibly. “A bounty?”

The mercenary nodded. “Not public, mind you. Someone’s paying well to see him dead. Most of us aren’t interested—we’re not assassins. But there are always a few desperate or greedy enough to take the job.”

Jae-Hyun’s expression didn’t change, but inside, his mind raced. An unofficial bounty meant more than just danger—it was a declaration that his enemies were no longer content to watch from the shadows. They knew he was alive, and they wanted him silenced quietly. He couldn’t afford to let his guard down, not even for a moment. They know I’m alive. Whoever placed the bounty is either Tae-Jun, my father or someone close to them. They want me gone quietly. He had expected danger, but an unofficial bounty meant things were escalating faster than he’d anticipated.

“Anything else?” Jae-Hyun asked, keeping his tone neutral.

The mercenary leader hesitated before speaking again. “Besides that, only that the gates have been behaving strangely—appearing more frequently and in places they normally don’t. Some of the higher-ranked ones have been very troublesome. No one knows why, but it’s got people nervous.”

Jae-Hyun leaned back slightly, processing the information. Increased gate activity, rising danger in the city, and now mercenaries aware of his existence—it was a lot to take in, but it only reinforced what he already knew: he needed to get stronger, and fast.

He placed another coin on the table. “Thanks for the information. One last thing—if anyone asks, you didn’t see me.”

The mercenary leader pocketed the coin with a nod. “Got it. You were never here.”

Without another word, Jae-Hyun stood and left the bar, his mind already working through what he had learned. He walked back toward the inn, his steps deliberate and his gaze cold. He couldn’t afford to waste any more time. His enemies were closing in, and if he wanted to protect his sister, he needed to stay one step ahead.

As he reached the inn, the quiet of the village seemed almost deceptive. He climbed the stairs to the room he shared with Ahri, his senses on high alert. Whatever was coming next, he would be ready.

But for now, he had a moment to think—and prepare for the inevitable.

The room was small but clean, with two beds pushed against opposite walls. Ahri set down her pack, stretching her arms. “Finally, a bit of rest.”

Jae-Hyun didn’t respond. He placed his belongings neatly beside the bed and sat down, his expression still cold and distant. Ahri watched him for a moment before speaking.

“Did you learn anything new?” she said. “I would say you look more... focused?”

He glanced at her, his gaze unreadable. “We don’t have much time anymore, specially me”

Ahri didn’t press further. She could see the weight he carried, though she didn’t fully understand it. Instead, she lay down on her bed, her mind swirling with unanswered questions.

Jae-Hyun remained seated, staring at the faint glow of the moonlight filtering through the window. His thoughts were a whirlwind of strategies, plans, and uncertainties. He had learned much, but it wasn’t enough. He needed more—more strength, more information. And above all, he needed to find his sister.

Sleep came slowly, the silence of the village broken only by the distant howl of wind through the trees.

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The night passed uneventfully until a sudden, loud banging at the door jolted them awake. Jae-Hyun’s eyes snapped open, his hand instinctively reaching for his blade. Ahri sat up, startled, her eyes wide with confusion.

“What’s going on?” she whispered.

Jae-Hyun didn’t answer. He already knew. The system interface flickered into view, displaying a cold, unyielding message:

System Notification: Kill all enemies (0/7). Penalty: Death.

His grip tightened on the hilt of his blade, his expression hardening into one of cold resolve. There was no hesitation, no room for mercy. He rose to his feet, his voice low and firm.

“Stay behind me.”

Ahri nodded, her trust in him absolute despite the tension crackling in the air. She didn’t fully understand what had hardened him so much, but something about his cold resolve left her both unsettled and reassured. He had changed—and she couldn’t help but trust that this new, sharper edge would keep them alive. The banging grew louder, more insistent, as shadows flickered beneath the door.

Jae-Hyun took a steadying breath, his heart pounding with controlled intensity. This wasn’t just a fight for survival—it was another test. And he would not fail.

The hunt had begun.

System Notification: Kill all enemies (0/7). Penalty: Death.

His grip tightened on the hilt of his blade, his expression hardening into one of cold resolve. There was no hesitation, no room for mercy. He rose to his feet, his voice low and firm.

“Stay behind me.”

Ahri nodded, her trust in him absolute despite the tension crackling in the air. She didn’t fully understand what had hardened him so much, but something about his cold resolve left her both unsettled and reassured. He had changed—and she couldn’t help but trust that this new, sharper edge would keep them alive. The banging grew louder, more insistent, as shadows flickered beneath the door.

Jae-Hyun took a steadying breath, his heart pounding with controlled intensity. This wasn’t just a fight for survival—it was another test. And he would not fail.

The hunt had begun.

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With a swift, fluid motion, Jae-Hyun slid across the room, his blade drawn. The shadows within the room seemed to ripple, responding to his silent command. The banging ceased for a moment, replaced by an eerie silence. Then, with a deafening crash, the door splintered open, and the first assassin charged in.

Before the intruder could react, Jae-Hyun's shadow shot forward like a spear, piercing through the man’s chest. The assassin gasped, his weapon falling from his hand as he crumpled to the ground.

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Enemies killed: 1/7.

Jae-Hyun didn’t pause. He spun on his heel, his eyes narrowing as two more assassins entered. They moved quickly, blades glinting in the dim light, but Jae-Hyun was faster. The shadows around him writhed and coiled, forming tendrils that lashed out, wrapping around one of the attackers and dragging him into the darkness. A wet thud echoed, and the notification flickered again.

Enemies killed: 2/7.

The second assassin lunged, aiming for Jae-Hyun’s throat. He sidestepped effortlessly, his blade flashing in a precise arc. Blood spattered across the wooden floor as the man fell, lifeless.

Enemies killed: 3/7.

Ahri watched in silence, her eyes wide. She had seen Jae-Hyun fight before, but this was different. He moved with lethal precision, every action cold and calculated. There was no hesitation, no mercy—only efficiency.

More footsteps echoed outside. Jae-Hyun didn’t wait for them to breach the doorway. He extended his hand, and the shadows surged forward, slipping through the cracks in the walls and under the door. A strangled cry sounded from the hallway, followed by the dull thud of a body hitting the ground.

Enemies killed: 4/7.

Two more assassins stormed in, their movements coordinated. One feinted left while the other came from the right. Jae-Hyun didn’t flinch. He ducked under the first strike, his shadow forming a blade-like tendril that slashed across the second attacker’s chest. The man fell back, clutching the wound as Jae-Hyun drove his sword through the first assassin.

The wounded assassin stumbled, fear flashing in his eyes. He turned, attempting to flee, but a shadow shot out, piercing his back and dragging him down.

Enemies killed: 5/7.

Only two remained. One of them lunged suddenly, grabbing Ahri and pressing a blade to her throat. “Stay back!” he shouted, his voice shaking with fear. The second assassin stood frozen, his weapon trembling in his hands.

Ahri's eyes widened in shock, her heart racing. For a brief moment, fear gripped her, but Jae-Hyun remained unnervingly calm. She realized, with both unease and awe, how far he had changed—how much colder he had become in the face of danger. His gaze locked on the assassin, cold and unyielding.

“What can you even do?” Jae-Hyun said flatly, his tone devoid of emotion. The assassin tightened his grip, but it was futile.

With a silent command, a shadow emerged from behind the man, swift and merciless. The tendril pierced through his back, and the assassin collapsed without a sound, releasing Ahri as he fell.

The second assassin dropped his blade, falling to his knees. “Please! Mercy! We were just following orders!” One dropped his blade, falling to his knees. “Please! Mercy! We were just following orders!”

The second assassin echoed the plea. “We didn’t have a choice!”

Jae-Hyun’s expression remained cold, his eyes devoid of empathy. The system’s notification flashed once more in his vision:

Kill all enemies (6/7). Penalty: Death.

Mercy was not an option. He stepped forward, his shadow rising behind him like a looming spectre. The assassins flinched, but it was futile. Without a word, Jae-Hyun’s blade sliced through the air, ending their lives in one swift motion.

Enemy killed: 7/7. Quest Complete.

The room fell silent, save for the soft sound of Jae-Hyun’s breathing. Without delay, he activated his skill—Reaper's Claim. Shadows coiled around the bodies, absorbing their essence into nothingness, erasing all traces of blood and corpses. A brief system notification flickered in his vision:

System Notification: Souls absorbed. Cleanup complete. The air grew colder for a brief moment as the skill completed, leaving the room eerily pristine. Ahri stood by the wall, her expression unreadable as she took in the aftermath.

System Notification: Quest Complete. Reward: 15 Stat Points.

Jae-Hyun exhaled slowly, the tension in his body easing slightly as the system’s notification faded. He turned to Ahri, his gaze still cold but steady.

“Are you hurt?” he asked.

She shook her head, stepping forward cautiously. “I’m fine. What about you?”

“Unharmed,” he replied simply. He glanced at the shattered door. “We need to leave. Whoever sent them knows we’re here.”

Ahri nodded, her trust in him unshaken despite the carnage she had just witnessed. She could see that the old Jae-Hyun—the one who hesitated, who doubted—was gone. What stood before her now was someone colder, sharper, and far more dangerous.

They gathered their belongings quickly and exited the room. The village remained eerily silent, the soft rustle of leaves and distant chirping of insects contrasting sharply with the violence that had just unfolded. Shadows clung to the corners of the buildings, masking their movements as if the night itself sought to shield them. Jae-Hyun led the way, his senses on high alert as they slipped into veil of the night.

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The fight was over, but the war was just beginning.

The night was thick with silence, the kind that weighed heavily on the senses. As Jae-Hyun and Ahri slipped through the shadows of the village, their steps were quiet, measured. The dim glow of lanterns faded behind them, leaving only the pale light of the moon to guide their path. Neither spoke for a while, each absorbed in their own thoughts.

Jae-Hyun led the way, his gaze sharp and unyielding as he scanned the surroundings. Every rustle of leaves, every distant sound of nocturnal creatures, put him on edge. He had learned long ago that danger didn’t always announce itself—sometimes, it crept up silently, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Ahri followed closely, her eyes flicking occasionally toward Jae-Hyun. She could see the tension in his posture, the way his hand remained near his weapon, ready to react at a moment’s notice. Despite the calm exterior he projected, she knew there was a storm brewing within him. The events of the night had left her with more questions than answers, and though she trusted him, she couldn’t ignore the growing distance between them.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ahri broke the silence. “Are you going to tell me what’s really going on?” she asked, her voice low but steady.

Jae-Hyun didn’t answer immediately. He kept walking, his eyes fixed ahead as if weighing her words. After a few more steps, he came to a stop beneath the canopy of an ancient tree. The branches cast long shadows over them, blending into the night.

“They put a bounty on my head,” he said finally, his tone cold and detached. “I didn’t do anything to deserve it. They left me to die, and now that they know I’m alive, they want to get rid of me quietly.”

Ahri’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. “Who’s they?”

“The Silver Talon Guild,” Jae-Hyun replied. “More specifically, their vice-leader. He’s the one who betrayed me, and now he’s making sure no one knows I survived.”

Ahri frowned, the pieces of the puzzle slowly coming together in her mind. “So that’s why those assassins were after you. It wasn’t just a random attack.”

Jae-Hyun nodded. “It won’t stop here. More will come. That’s why we need to keep moving. The longer we stay in one place, the more vulnerable we become.”

Ahri was silent for a moment, processing his words. Despite his cold tone, she could sense the weight of every decision he made. This wasn’t just about survival—it was about staying ahead of enemies who would stop at nothing. Yet, despite everything, he remained focused, determined. It was both admirable and concerning. She wondered how much of the old Jae-Hyun still remained beneath that hardened exterior.

“You’re not alone in this,” she said quietly. “Whatever happens, I’m with you.”

Jae-Hyun glanced at her, a flicker of something unspoken passing through his eyes. Gratitude, perhaps, or maybe something deeper. He didn’t respond, but the slight nod he gave her was enough.

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They continued walking until the village was nothing more than a distant memory, the dim lights swallowed by the forest. The air grew colder, the trees thicker, their branches intertwining above like skeletal fingers. It was here that Jae-Hyun finally slowed down, finding a small clearing where they could rest.

“We’ll stop here for a while,” he said, setting down his pack. “But not for long.”

Ahri sat down on a fallen log, her eyes scanning the darkness around them. Despite the quiet, there was a sense of unease that lingered in the air. She knew Jae-Hyun felt it too.

“What’s the plan once we reach the city?” she asked, breaking the silence.

Jae-Hyun didn’t answer right away. He pulled out a small map from his pack which he had obtained earlier, studying it under the faint light of the moon. “First, we gather information. Find out what’s happening with the gates and if there’s any word about my sister. After that... we deal with whatever comes our way.”

Ahri nodded. It wasn’t much of a plan, but given the circumstances, it was better than nothing. She leaned back slightly, her gaze drifting upward to the canopy of leaves above.

“Why do you think the gates are appearing more frequently?” she asked, more to herself than to Jae-Hyun.

“I don’t know,” Jae-Hyun admitted. “But whatever it is, it can’t be good.”

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As they rested, the system interface flickered into Jae-Hyun’s vision, displaying a new notification:

System Notification: New Quest Available.

Objective Progress: 0% of journey completed.

Objective: Reach the city within 48 hours.

Optional Objective: Take the dangerous route through the Twilight Vale. Reward: Special reward and 20 stat points.

Jae-Hyun narrowed his eyes at the notification. The Twilight Vale was notorious for being treacherous, filled with monsters and unpredictable terrain. But it was also the fastest route to the city.

He turned to Ahri. “We have two choices. The long, safer route or the dangerous one that cuts our travel time in half.”

Ahri didn’t hesitate. “The dangerous one. If it gets us there faster, it’s worth the risk. I know you are in a hurry.”

Jae-Hyun nodded. He had expected no less from her. “Alright. We’ll take the Twilight Vale. Stay alert. We move at dawn.”

With that, they settled in for a brief rest, though neither truly slept. The tension in the air was palpable, a constant reminder of the dangers lurking ahead.

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Dawn broke slowly, the first rays of light piercing through the dense forest canopy. Jae-Hyun was already on his feet, his senses sharp and ready. Ahri joined him shortly after, and without wasting any time, they set off toward the Twilight Vale.

The journey was grueling, every step feeling like a test of their endurance. The path was narrow, winding through jagged cliffs and dense undergrowth. The air grew colder as they ascended, a biting wind howling through the narrow passages. Despite the harsh conditions, they pressed on, their determination unwavering.

It wasn’t long before the first signs of danger appeared. A low growl echoed through the pass, followed by the sound of something large moving through the underbrush.

Jae-Hyun drew his blade, his shadows coiling around him like living entities. Ahri readied her weapon, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

“Stay close,” Jae-Hyun said quietly.

Out of the shadows emerged a pack of wolf-like creatures, their eyes glowing with a menacing red light. Their fur was matted, their bodies lean and muscular. They moved with predatory grace, circling the two of them.

Jae-Hyun didn’t wait for them to strike first. With a swift command, his shadows lashed out, striking the nearest wolf and sending it crashing to the ground. The rest of the pack lunged forward, but Jae-Hyun and Ahri met them head-on.

The battle was fast and brutal. Jae-Hyun moved like a shadow himself, his blade flashing in deadly arcs. Each strike was precise, every movement calculated. Ahri fought with equal ferocity, her movements fluid and graceful as she dispatched the wolves with ease.

Within minutes, the pack lay defeated, their bodies fading into the shadows as Jae-Hyun activated Reaper’s Claim once more.

System Notification: Enemies defeated. Bonus experience awarded.

Objective Progress: 35% of journey completed.

Level up!

Breathing heavily, Ahri glanced at Jae-Hyun. “That wasn’t so bad.”

Jae-Hyun gave a faint nod, his expression unreadable. “Let’s keep moving. We don’t know what else might be waiting for us.”

Together, they continued through the Twilight Vale, each step drawing them closer to the city. The wind howled around them, and the shadows seemed to stretch endlessly ahead, but Jae-Hyun’s resolve didn’t waver. No matter what dangers lay ahead, he would reach his sister—and he would find the answers he sought. Somewhere deep within, a faint hope flickered—this wasn’t just a journey for vengeance. It was a chance to reclaim the part of himself that he feared was lost forever.

System Notification: Objective Progress 75%.

The dense foliage of the Twilight Vale stretched around them, casting long shadows that danced eerily with the wind. Jae-Hyun and Ahri pressed on, their pace steady but cautious. The vale had been gruelling so far, but the end was in sight—or so they thought.

A sudden stillness fell over the forest, the kind that made the hairs on the back of Jae-Hyun’s neck stand on end. His steps slowed, his grip tightening on the hilt of his blade. Ahri noticed his change in demeanour and mirrored his caution, her staff at the ready.

“Something’s wrong,” Jae-Hyun muttered, his voice low.

Before Ahri could respond, the system interface flickered before Jae-Hyun’s eyes.

System Notification: New Quest.

Objective: Eliminate the Ogre Band (0/6).

Threat Level: Rank C.

“An ogre band?” Jae-Hyun whispered, glancing around warily. “Rank C… this won’t be easy.”

Jae-Hyun reacted immediately. His eyes scanned the surrounding area, every sense heightened. He caught a faint rumble in the distance, followed by the sound of something large moving through the underbrush.

“Get ready,” he said, his tone cold and focused.

Out of the shadows emerged six massive creatures, each standing nearly twice Jae-Hyun’s height. Their skin was a mottled grey, thick and rough like stone, and their eyes glowed with a predatory red light. Despite their size, they moved with surprising agility, their heavy footfalls barely making a sound.

“They’re fast,” Ahri said, a hint of tension in her voice.

Jae-Hyun nodded. “We’ll have to be faster.”

Without another word, he launched himself forward, shadows coiling around his form as he struck at the nearest ogre. His blade met resistance, but with a surge of power, he drove it deep into the creature’s chest. The ogre roared in pain, but before it could retaliate, Ahri cast a buff spell, enhancing Jae-Hyun’s speed and strength.

“Keep them off me,” Jae-Hyun said, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them.

Ahri nodded, focusing on support spells while fending off the ogres that tried to flank him. Her spells were precise, each one timed perfectly to either bolster Jae-Hyun or disrupt their enemies. The synergy between them became apparent as the battle progressed.

Jae-Hyun’s shadows moved in tandem with Ahri’s spells, the combination turning the tide in their favor. He weaved through the ogres with deadly precision, his blade flashing as he struck vital points. Each time an ogre fell, his system updated, a cold reminder of the task at hand.

System Notification: Enemies defeated (4/6).

Despite their progress, the fight was far from over. The remaining two ogres regrouped, their eyes gleaming with a sinister intelligence. They charged simultaneously, forcing Jae-Hyun and Ahri to split their focus.

“I’ll handle the one on the left!” Ahri called out, dodging and blocking the incoming attack.

Jae-Hyun didn’t respond verbally. He dashed toward the other ogre, his shadows lashing out like whips. The creature swung a massive club, but Jae-Hyun sidestepped with ease, closing the distance and driving his blade into its side. With a final surge of power, he brought the ogre down.

System Notification: Enemies defeated (5/6).

Ahri finished off her opponent with a well-timed spell, and for a moment, it seemed like the battle was over. Both of them stood in silence, catching their breath.

System Notification: Enemies defeated (6/6).

System Notification: Quest Completed.

Reward: 15 stat points.

Then the ground trembled.

“What now?” Ahri muttered, turning toward the source of the disturbance.

Emerging from the shadows was a creature even larger than the previous ogres. Its skin was darker, almost black, and its eyes burned with an intense crimson glow. Unlike the others, it carried an aura of menace that made even Jae-Hyun hesitate for a split second.

System Notification: New Enemy Detected. Onyx Reaver - Rank B.

“This one’s different,” Jae-Hyun said, his voice low but steady.

Before they could react, the rank B ogre charged at blinding speed. Jae-Hyun barely had time to block as the creature’s massive fist slammed into him, sending him skidding back several feet. Ahri immediately cast a healing spell, but the tension in her eyes was clear.

“We can’t fight it head-on,” she said, her voice tight with urgency.

Jae-Hyun didn’t respond. His mind raced, calculating their options. The ogre was fast, strong, and far more dangerous than anything they had faced so far. But retreat wasn’t an option—not with Ahri injured.

“Stay back,” he said, stepping forward. “I’ll handle it.”

Ahri opened her mouth to protest, but something in his eyes stopped her. Reluctantly, she nodded, focusing on maintaining a defensive barrier.

Jae-Hyun advanced, shadows swirling around him like a living armour. The Onyx Reaver roared, charging once more. This time, Jae-Hyun met it head-on, his blade clashing against its massive fists. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, but he held his ground.

For a moment, it seemed like they were evenly matched. But then, with a swift, unexpected move, the ogre managed to break through Jae-Hyun’s defence, its fist connecting with Ahri. She cried out in pain, crumpling to the ground.

Jae-Hyun’s eyes widened, a surge of emotions flooding through him—fear, rage, helplessness. Memories flashed through his mind: his sister crying for him, Ahri lying injured. He clenched his fists, his entire body trembling.

Then it happened.

The power he had felt during the battle with the Chitterfang Queen returned, surging through him like a tidal wave. His shadows darkened, growing more intense, more chaotic. He moved without thought, without hesitation, his blade slashing through the air with terrifying speed.

The ogre didn’t stand a chance. In mere moments, it was reduced to nothing but a lifeless husk, its body crumbling under the sheer force of Jae-Hyun’s unleashed power.

But it didn’t stop there.

Jae-Hyun turned, his eyes devoid of their usual clarity, consumed by the overwhelming force controlling him. His shadows writhed, extending toward Ahri.

“Jae-Hyun!” Ahri’s voice cut through the haze, sharp and desperate.

He froze, the sound of her voice piercing through the storm in his mind. For a moment, everything seemed to stand still. The shadows recoiled, and Jae-Hyun staggered, his breathing ragged as he fought to regain control.

Ahri struggled to her feet, clutching her side. Despite the pain, her eyes remained fixed on him. “Come back,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the fear in her heart. “Please...”

With a final, shuddering breath, Jae-Hyun forced the power back, the chaotic energy dissipating into the air. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions—fear, relief, and frustration at his lack of control. The memory of Ahri’s pained cry replayed in his mind, a stark reminder of how close he had come to losing her. He fell to his knees, the weight of what had just happened crashing down on him.

The battle was over, but something far more dangerous had been unleashed.

Ahri limped closer, her expression a mix of concern and wariness. “We need to talk about what just happened,” she said, her voice quiet but firm, cutting through the lingering tension like a blade.

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