Chapter 4: New Shadow
The dungeon's silence was suffocating, broken only by the distant drip of water echoing through the stone corridors. Riven exhaled, his breath steady despite the lingering thrill of battle. His five shadow goblins stood motionless, their violet eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. Five soldiers—his first true force.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Shadow Soldier Count: 5
◆ Goblin Minion (5)
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His fingers twitched at his side as he reviewed his status. The increase in HP and MP was noticeable—he felt lighter, faster, and stronger than before. But raw stats alone wouldn't ensure his survival; he needed to push his abilities to their limits.
"Scout ahead," he ordered.
Two goblin shadows melted into the darkness, moving with inhuman silence. Riven could feel their presence, the link between him and his soldiers thrumming with energy.
He followed cautiously, his remaining three shadows flanking him. The corridor narrowed ahead, and then his scouts stopped, motionless. Something lurked in the next chamber.
Riven slowed his breathing and stepped forward, his dagger held firm. The moment he crossed the threshold, the heavy scent of damp fur and rot filled his nostrils. His eyes adjusted to the dim light just in time to see it—a massive dire rat, at least three times the size of a normal one. Its black, matted fur bristled as it bared yellowed fangs, saliva dripping onto the stone floor.
A new kind of opponent. Bigger. Meaner.
A C-Rank monster. Stronger than goblins. This was his first real test.
The dire rat snarled and lunged, its speed unnatural for something its size. Riven barely dodged in time, feeling the rush of air as its claws slashed inches from his chest. He countered immediately, driving his dagger into its side, but the blade barely sank an inch before meeting resistance.
Tough hide.
The dire rat twisted, swiping at him with a clawed paw. Riven ducked, rolling back to create space. He needed a different approach.
"Surround it," he commanded.
His five shadows reacted instantly. The dire rat let out a shrill screech as the goblins swarmed it from all sides, latching onto its limbs and tearing with relentless aggression. The beast thrashed violently, slamming one shadow against the wall with enough force to make it flicker, its form destabilizing.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Shadow Soldier Injured!
◆ MP Cost: 2/second (Auto-Heal Activated)
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Riven gritted his teeth. Even with numbers, this wouldn't be easy. He sprinted forward as his shadows held the dire rat down, aiming for a precise strike. His dagger flashed, targeting its throat.
This time, the blade sank deep.
A violent shudder ran through the dire rat before its body went limp. Silence returned, save for the labored breathing of his shadows.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Enemy Defeated: Dire Rat
◆ EXP Gained: 40
◆ Shadow Extraction Available
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Riven let out a slow breath, his grip on his dagger loosening. He had won. But the real victory came next.
He knelt beside the massive corpse, resting a hand on the matted fur.
"Arise"
Dark mist swirled, seeping into the beast's body. Moments later, the dire rat stirred, its lifeless eyes replaced with glowing violet orbs.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Shadow Extraction Successful!
◆ 50 MP Consumed
◆ New Shadow Soldier Added: Dire Rat (C-Rank)
◆ Shadow Soldier Count: 6
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A grin crept onto Riven's face. His army was growing. And with every victory, so was his strength.
The dungeon had no idea what was coming.