Chapter 3: Blood and Shadows
Riven advanced deeper into the dungeon's twisting corridors, each step echoing against the damp stone. The soft glow of bioluminescent fungi painted eerie patterns along the walls, yet the true light came from the relentless fire burning within him. Every heartbeat drummed with the promise of vengeance—a promise forged from betrayal and sharpened by the taste of newfound power.
At his side, his two loyal goblin shadows moved with silent precision. Their violet eyes, now piercing through the darkness, spoke of unyielding obedience. No longer did they require mana to persist; they existed solely by his will, a constant reminder of the cost of trust and the bitter sting of abandonment.
As he rounded a weathered corner, the faint sounds of movement caught his attention. Three goblins emerged from the gloom, their crude weapons glinting under the meager light. These were not disciplined foes, but desperate scavengers, drawn by the scent of blood and the promise of an easy kill.
Riven's gaze hardened. In that split second, every detail crystallized—the heft of his dagger, the rapid cadence of his pulse, and the quiet yet insistent whisper of the shadows. With a voice as cold and resolute as tempered steel, he commanded, "Attack."
Without a moment's hesitation, his goblin minions surged forward. The first enemy—a gaunt goblin wielding a rusted dagger—was overwhelmed as the nearest shadow leaped, its claw slicing through the creature's throat with lethal efficiency. The second goblin barely had time to react before a flash of dark motion severed its arm, sending its crude bow clattering to the ground. The third goblin, emboldened by its fellows' futile resistance, charged at Riven himself.
Instinct took over. Riven pivoted with uncanny grace, closing the gap in a heartbeat. His dagger became a blur of motion—a clean, precise strike that intercepted the charging goblin's swing. The enemy faltered, shock etched across its features, and then collapsed lifelessly at his feet.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Enemy Defeated: Goblin Warrior
◆ EXP Gained: 25
◆ Shadow Extraction Available
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In the sudden stillness that followed, Riven surveyed the scene with a steely resolve. This corridor was his proving ground—a relentless arena where each drop of blood and reclaimed shadow edged him closer to the vengeance he vowed to exact.
Without delay, he knelt beside the fallen goblin leader. In a tone measured yet resolute, he issued his familiar command: "Rise."
Dark tendrils of shadow unfurled from his outstretched hand, caressing the lifeless form. Within moments, the corpse stirred. The once-blank eyes ignited with that signature violet glow of obedience. A third goblin minion now stood as part of his legion.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Shadow Extraction Successful!
◆ 50 MP Consumed
◆ New Shadow Soldier Added: Goblin Minion
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The satisfaction of success surged through Riven as he watched his newly resurrected soldier join the ranks. His power was undeniable—and now, he sensed a growing momentum within him. In the distance, another stirring echoed; the corridor ahead concealed the promise of further challenge.
Determined, Riven moved forward, his goblin shadows flanking him like silent guardians. Before long, he encountered another group of three goblins, hidden among shattered pillars and twisting alcoves. Their eyes darted nervously as they realized the imminent threat, but fear was no match for the dark force they were about to confront.
"Attack!" Riven commanded, his voice echoing off ancient stone.
In a well-coordinated assault, his shadows surged forth once more. One enemy goblin was caught unawares—a swift lunge from a shadow minion found its mark before the goblin could even cry out. The second was overwhelmed in a cascade of ferocious strikes, and the third, braver than the others, charged directly at Riven.
Time seemed to slow. Riven's instincts took control as he intercepted the charge with practiced precision. His dagger flashed in the dim light, and with a single, decisive blow, the charging goblin was felled, its resistance extinguished in an instant.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Enemy Defeated: Goblin Warrior
◆ EXP Gained: 25
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The clash subsided into a heavy silence, broken only by the subtle hum of the dungeon's ancient magic. Riven surveyed the fallen foes, his gaze lingering on the silent testament to his will. His army of shadows, now totaling five goblin minions, stood ready—a living embodiment of his dark promise.
A soft chime resonated within his mind as experience accumulated. The fallen goblins had granted him 75 EXP, pushing him over the threshold for a level-up. The numbers cascaded before his eyes, and the familiar system display emerged to chronicle his progress.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Level Up!
◆ New Level: 2
◆ Base Stat Increase: +1 to Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intelligence
◆ HP Increase: +100
◆ Free Stat Points Awarded: 5
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A surge of raw energy pulsed through Riven. His senses sharpened, and he felt every fiber of his being reconfigured. The transformation was instant—a tangible reminder of the power surging within him. The system status page materialized in his mind's eye, reflecting his new potential:
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ [MC STATUS PAGE]
◆ Name: Riven
◆ Race: Human
◆ Class: Shadow Monarch
◆ Level: 2
◆ HP: 600 / 600
◆ MP: 165 / 165 (MP = Intelligence × 15, with Intelligence now at 11)
◆ Strength: 21
◆ Agility: 26
◆ Endurance: 19
◆ Intelligence: 11
◆ Luck: 10
◆ Free Stat Points: 5
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Riven opened his eyes, feeling the strength of his newfound level coursing through him. The dungeon, a relentless crucible of blood and shadows, had become both his battlefield and his forge. Every kill, every reclaimed soul, inched him closer to the vengeance he so fervently craved.
With his updated vigor, Riven gripped his dagger with renewed determination. His goblin shadows, unwavering in their loyalty, fell in line at his side. The corridor before him twisted into darkness—a promise of greater challenges and untold secrets lurking beyond the next bend.
A wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "This is only the beginning," he murmured, more to himself than to his silent minions. "Every drop of blood and every shadow reclaimed paves my path towards my revenge."
And with that, Riven strode forward, his steps confident and resolute. The dungeon's ancient walls echoed his determination as he ventured deeper into its heart—ready to carve his destiny with blood, steel, and the unyielding power of shadows.