The air grew thick with tension as Seo Jun Xin faced the soaring beast before him. Its glowing red eyes burned like coals, filled with an ancient, predatory intelligence. The A-class monster’s black, sinewy frame shimmered with an unnatural light, its horns scraping the low ceiling of the cavern.

Jun Xin gripped his makeshift weapon tightly, his hands sweaty but steady. The newfound energy coursing through his veins gave him clarity, yet it did little to quell the pit in his stomach. The creature was immense. Its power is the real deal—like a storm compressed into a living form. Even with his heightened senses, he knew this fight would be unlike any he’d faced before.

"Analysis Protocol: Limitless activated," the mechanical voice in his head announced. A cascade of information flooded his vision—weaknesses, attack patterns, vulnerabilities—but it was overwhelming, like trying to read a book while running for his life.

"Weakness detected: Joint points along the left foreleg and lower abdomen are structurally weaker. Recommended action: Target and disable."

Jun Xin frowned. "Yeah, great idea," he muttered, "if I had the strength to actually hurt it."

The beast roared, its deep, guttural cry echoing through the cavern and shaking loose fragments of rock. It crouched, muscles coiling like springs, before launching itself toward Jun Xin with terrifying speed.

He rolled to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding the crushing force of its claws. The impact cratered the ground where he had stood moments earlier, sending dust and debris flying. Jun Xin scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding.

"Okay, let’s think," he said, darting behind a rough outcrop of rock. "Strength-wise, I’m outclassed. But maybe... just maybe, I can outmaneuver it."

The system’s voice chimed again. "Current physical capabilities insufficient to engage. Suggested action: Evade and retreat."

Jun Xin let out a breathless laugh. "You don’t say."

The monster roared again, this time spewing a jet of black energy from its mouth. The attack obliterated the rock outcrop, forcing Jun Xin to dive behind another piece of cover. The heat singed his skin as he hit the ground hard, coughing against the dust cloud.

"Escape. I need to escape," he muttered, his eyes scanning the cavern for an exit. The only visible way out was the tunnel he’d entered from, now partially collapsed and far too narrow for the beast to follow. But reaching it meant crossing the chamber and getting past the creature.

The system chimed once more. "Analysis updated: Terrain advantage available. Central stalagmites are structurally unstable. Collapsing them may create a temporary barrier."

Jun Xin’s eyes darted toward the stalagmites—massive, uneven pillars stretching from floor to ceiling. If he could bring them down, he might buy enough time to reach the tunnel.

"Let’s hope this works," he said, gripping his weapon tightly. He darted from cover, sprinting toward the center of the chamber. The beast growled and charged after him, its claws gouging deep trenches into the ground with every step.

As Jun Xin ran, the system continued feeding him data. "Warning: Proximity to target is critical. Optimal distance for detonation is within a 5-meter radius."

"You’re really testing my nerves here," he muttered, skidding to a halt near one of the larger stalagmites. He raised his weapon and struck at its base with all his might. The first hit chipped it, and the second created a crack that spread upward.

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The monster was closing in fast. Jun Xin could feel the air shift with each of its thundering steps. "Come on, come on!" he yelled, striking the stalagmite again. With a loud crack, it began to topple, but the beast was already upon him.

It swiped with its massive claws, forcing Jun Xin to roll out of the way. The stalagmite crashed down, narrowly missing the creature and creating a wall of dust and debris between them. Jun Xin didn’t wait to see if it would hold. He ran toward the tunnel, his legs burning with effort.

The beast roared in fury, its red eyes glowing brighter as it slammed against the fallen stalagmite. The debris trembled but held firm, giving Jun Xin precious seconds to reach the tunnel. He dove inside, scraping his hands and knees on the rough floor but not stopping.

The tunnel was narrow and dark, the air damp and suffocating. Jun Xin’s breaths came in ragged gasps as he crawled and stumbled forward, his body aching from exhaustion. Behind him, the sounds of the beast’s enraged roars grew fainter, but he knew it wouldn’t give up so easily.

"System," he said between breaths, "how much further until I’m safe?"

"Destination unknown. Path analysis incomplete. Proceed with caution."

"Thanks for the encouragement," he muttered, pushing himself to move faster.

After what felt like an eternity, the tunnel opened into another chamber. This one was smaller, its walls lined with strange, glowing crystals that pulsed with a soft blue light. The sight was almost calming, but Jun Xin knew better than to let his guard down.

"What is this place?" he asked, his voice echoing faintly.

The system responded. "Energy signatures detected. Crystals contain high concentrations of mana. Potential utility: replenishment of energy reserves."

Jun Xin approached one of the crystals cautiously. "Replenishment? You mean they can help me recover?"

"Affirmative. Contact required to initiate absorption."

He hesitated for a moment before placing his hand on the crystal. A warm, tingling sensation spread through his body as the crystal’s light dimmed slightly. The aches in his muscles eased, and his mind felt clearer.

"Not bad," he said, pulling his hand away. He glanced around the chamber, taking note of the other crystals. "These might come in handy later."

A distant rumble interrupted his thoughts. The beast was still trying to break through the collapsed tunnel. Jun Xin’s reprieve was over.

"System, is there another way out?" he asked, scanning the chamber.

"Analyzing... Alternative route detected. Passage located behind the largest crystal formation."

Jun Xin turned to where the system indicated. Sure enough, there was a narrow opening partially hidden by a cluster of crystals. He hurried toward it, squeezing through the tight space. The passage was even narrower than the last tunnel, forcing him to crawl on his hands and knees.

The sound of the beast’s roars grew louder again, echoing through the cavern. Jun Xin’s heart raced as he moved as quickly as the cramped space allowed. He could feel the vibrations of the creature’s efforts to break through, each one closer than the last.

Finally, the passage widened, and Jun Xin stumbled into yet another chamber. This one was different. The air was colder, and the walls were covered in strange markings that glowed faintly. At the center was a pedestal similar to the one he had touched earlier, though this one radiated a different kind of energy.

The system chimed again. "Warning: High-energy artifact detected. Interaction not advised unless prepared for unknown consequences."

Jun Xin stared at the pedestal, torn between caution and curiosity. Before he could decide, the ground shook violently. The beast had broken through.

"No time for second-guessing," he said, running toward the pedestal. He placed his hand on it, bracing himself for whatever might come next.

A surge of energy shot through him, far more intense than before. His vision blurred, and the system’s voice became a constant hum in his mind. Information flooded him at an overwhelming rate, but among the chaos, one message stood out:

"Escape protocol initiated. Do you wish to accept? Failure to accept will result in termination."

Jun Xin’s mind raced. "Accept!" he shouted, barely able to think through the pain.

The energy enveloped him completely, and the world around him dissolved into light. The last thing he heard was the beast’s enraged roar as the chamber disappeared.

When the light faded, Jun Xin found himself lying on cold, hard ground. He sat up slowly, his body trembling. The cavern was gone, replaced by a vast, open plain under a starless sky. The air was still, almost too still.