Jimmy stared at the massive doors of The Hollow Den. A strange, magnetic energy pulsed from them, pulling him forward with a force he couldn’t explain—and definitely didn’t trust. He stepped inside.

The doors swung shut behind him with an ominous thud, trapping him in darkness. Seconds later, torches flared to life along the walls, casting flickering shadows across the wide chamber. Symbols were etched into the stone floor, their harsh lines and spirals streaked with dried blood. A chill crept up his spine, and then came the ping.

System Notification: Dungeon Level 1: Objective – Survive for 7 minutes.

A timer appeared in his vision. The clock was already ticking down, and as if on cue, a low growl rumbled from the shadows. Jimmy sighed, reaching for his sword and stepping into the center of the chamber.

The growling grew louder. Out of the darkness, a pair of blue, hungry eyes glowed, fixed on him with a predator’s focus. A wolf, larger and leaner than those outside, stalked toward him, fur matted and coated in frost. Two more pairs of eyes gleamed behind it.

Jimmy gripped his sword, forcing his heart to calm. “Seven minutes of this?” he muttered. “Alright, System, let’s see what you’ve got.”

The first wolf lunged. Jimmy sidestepped, swinging his sword down in a rough arc. Slash! The blade connected, cutting into the wolf’s shoulder. It yelped and staggered back, but another wolf was already on him, lunging low with teeth bared. Jimmy kicked it back with a shaky boot to the snout, then twisted just as the third wolf sprang at him, claws outstretched.

He ducked, thrusting upward with all his strength. The sword caught the creature’s side, and the impact shot up his arm, leaving his muscles throbbing. Blood splattered across the symbols beneath his feet. He glanced at the timer. 6:10. Only fifty seconds down?

The first wolf writhed at his feet, and he drove his sword into its head, ending its movements with grim finality. At the bottom of his vision, his experience bar crept upward with each kill. If I level up mid-fight, that’ll heal me… Might be my only shot at getting out of here in one piece.

The growling intensified. Six more wolves prowled out from the shadows, and he knew immediately that this round was going to be much harder.

Their movements were faster now, coordinated—more like a pack of trained killers than wild beasts. One lunged from his left, and he barely dodged, the rush of icy breath close enough to sting his skin. He retaliated with a wide slash, nicking its side before it retreated.

But the next wolf was already on him. Jimmy spun, bringing his sword down hard, but before he could pull it free, the wolf lunged forward, claws raking across his shoulder.

System Notification: Health at 80%.

A sharp, stinging pain flared through his shoulder as he staggered back.

“Stay… on your feet!” he growled to himself, yanking his sword free and slashing again, catching one wolf across the muzzle. Blood sprayed, but he didn’t stop. Each second felt like an eternity, and the wolves’ attacks came faster, more relentless.

Slash! Dodge! Block!

He dodged left, slashed right, blocking one set of snapping jaws, then ducked just in time to avoid another’s leap. His body screamed with each movement, and his breath burned in his lungs. The wolves seemed to sense his fatigue, their attacks honing in on every weakness.

Another leapt at him, fangs bared, and Jimmy swung hard, catching it mid-air with a crushing blow. But he was too slow to evade the next one; it sank its teeth into his leg, biting deep into his calf.

System Notification: Health at 60%.

He gasped, the pain radiating up his leg. Jimmy staggered, pulling free of the wolf’s jaws and swinging his sword down, his movements slowing under the weight of exhaustion and pain. His vision blurred momentarily as his health continued to dip.

He turned to block another attack, but a third wolf darted in from his blind side, claws tearing through the thin fabric of his hoodie and sinking into his side.

System Notification: Health at 45%.

The pain flared hot and immediate. His breathing grew ragged, each movement making him feel like he was splitting open. Blood trickled down his side as he kicked the wolf back, swinging his sword wildly in an attempt to keep them all at bay. The seconds ticked by with agonizing slowness, each moment heavier than the last.

His muscles were on the verge of collapse, but his survival instinct kept him moving. His vision started to narrow, his focus sharpening as if he were operating on some primal autopilot. Everything became muted: the wolves’ snarls, the clash of claws on stone, even his own heartbeat. He saw their movements a split second before they lunged, a faint shift of muscles that let him dodge with a fluidity he hadn’t realized he had.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Another wolf lunged, jaws snapping inches from his face, but he sidestepped, thrusting his sword forward with a brutal twist. His vision flashed as he leveled up.

System Notification: Level Up! You have reached Level 5. Class Selection Unlocked.

Strength surged through him, raw and electric. His wounds sealed, his exhaustion faded, and he let out a fierce, guttural roar. Grinning, his eyes blazing, he gripped his sword, its weight now effortless.

The wolves were circling, but he didn’t wait for them to close in. He charged forward, slashing with reckless abandon. His blade sliced through flesh and bone with terrifying ease. Slash! Slash! Blood sprayed across his face, but he didn’t care. A wild, unhinged laugh escaped his throat as he moved from one wolf to the next.

Another lunged from his side, and he spun, meeting its leap with an upward slice. His strikes came faster, each one driven by a brutal instinct to destroy. The remaining wolves faltered, their snarls turning to uncertain whines as he tore through them, one by one.

Jimmy’s muscles burned, his arm throbbed, but he didn’t stop. Every swing felt lighter, stronger, the thrill of the fight consuming him. Each wolf fell, and his grin only widened, his focus narrowing to a single, relentless purpose: survive.

With one final swing, he struck down the last wolf, sending it crumpling to the floor in a bloody heap. His breath came in harsh, heavy gasps as he stood over his fallen foes, blood splattered across his face, his clothes torn but his body surging with energy.

When the adrenaline rush finally subsided, his legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the stone floor. The exhaustion hit him like a wall, the lingering effects of the fight fading and leaving only a bone-deep weariness.

A few moments later, a familiar blue glow blinked in his vision.

System Notification: Objective Completed: First Floor Cleared. Timer Expired.

Analysis in Progress…

System Update: Jimmy Holloway has been assigned to an Advanced Path. Probability of survival: Low. Adjusting rewards to match difficulty level.

Compensatory Reward: Treasure Chest Unlocked. Additional Rewards Granted.

A heavy wooden chest appeared beside him, bound in iron, its presence radiating an almost tangible weight. Apparently, the System was compensating him for this brutal difficulty. At least someone, or something, was keeping score.

Groaning, he pushed himself up on his elbows, wiping the blood from his face. He eyed the chest, a strange mix of relief and skepticism flashing through him.

He reached out and opened the chest. Inside, nestled in dark cloth, were two items: a vial containing a dark, steel-blue liquid, and a sheathed katana with a thick, wrapped hilt. The blade radiated a quiet, restrained power that made his pulse quicken.

Items Obtained:

* Essence of the Steelbound: A “drinkable gym membership” left behind by a legendary swordsman. This Essence fortifies muscle, endurance, and resilience, aligning the drinker with a fragment of said swordsman’s spirit—because clearly, Jimmy’s path just screams “needs extra help.”

* Steelbound Katana: A blade with all the subtlety of a wrecking ball and twice the weight. Only for those who can handle its bulk and energy. Full potential unlocked if you have biceps the size of small trees. Good luck, Jimmy.

Jimmy stared at the item descriptions, blinking. “Did… did the System just tell me to ‘drink a gym membership’?” He tilted his head, frowning at the katana. “And it’s a sword with a personality? Fantastic.”

He reached for the katana, gripping the hilt. But the moment he tried to lift it, his arms gave an embarrassing tremble. He blinked, adjusting his grip, and pulled with both hands. The blade barely budged.

“Great,” he muttered. “A sword I can’t even pick up. Just what I needed.”

With a sigh, he set the katana down and shook out his arms, feeling a little less heroic than a moment ago. But he still had one more task: selecting his class. Opening his Status screen, he watched as his stats and level flickered into view.

Status: Jimmy Holloway

Level: 5

Title: [Unassigned]

Class: None

Core Stats:

* Strength: 12

* Dexterity: 14

* Intelligence: 9

* Vitality: 15

A new button pulsed in the corner of his vision: Class Upgrade.

He tapped it, and a message popped up, cheerful and almost mocking.

System Notification: Congratulations! This is your one and only chance to select a Class. After this, you’re stuck with it like a bad haircut. Future upgrades will be limited to Sub-Classes, which are just fancy ways of saying, “Here’s some extra stuff for what you already chose.” Enjoy your decision, because there’s no take-backs!

Jimmy raised an eyebrow, muttering to himself. “A permanent decision, huh? No pressure, then.”

He took a deep breath, leaning back against the cold stone wall, and tapped the Class Upgrade button again. Three options flashed onto the screen, each with its own description, as if the System itself was trying to nudge him toward something that fit his style—or at least amuse itself at his expense.

Class Options:

Blade Disciple

For those who believe that raw strength and a solid swing are all it takes to stay alive. Blade Disciples specialize in straightforward attacks and pure, unfiltered power. No fancy spells, no complex techniques—just a weapon and a whole lot of grit. Be prepared to muscle your way through, with minimal flair and maximum force.

Primary Stat Boost: Strength, Dexterity

Stormblade Initiate

A class for those who want a little extra spark with their swordsmanship. The Stormblade Initiate combines weapon skills with lightning abilities, turning each swing into a shockingly good time. Ideal for those who think subtlety is overrated.

Primary Stat Boost: Dexterity, Intelligence

Phantom Strider

For those who prefer their combat with a side of stealth. Phantom Striders excel in agility, evasion, and quick strikes from the shadows. Perfect for those who believe silence is golden, and that opponents are expendable.

Primary Stat Boost: Dexterity, Vitality