Chapter 7: The 13th Floor's Challenge
Riven stepped onto the 13th floor, the air noticeably heavier than before. A dim red glow lined the jagged cavern walls, casting eerie shadows as he advanced. His twenty-three shadows followed in silent formation, their violet eyes gleaming in the darkness.
This floor felt different. The deeper he ventured, the more he could sense an intelligence guiding the monsters ahead. They weren't just mindless beasts waiting to be slaughtered.
A sharp whistle cut through the air.
"Arrows incoming!" Riven barked, instinctively diving behind a nearby boulder. His shadows followed suit, some barely dodging the barrage of crude arrows that clattered against the stone floor.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Enemy Identified: Goblin Archers (C-Rank)
◆ Threat Level: Moderate
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Riven peeked over his cover. The goblin archers had taken positions on elevated ledges, their bows already nocked for another volley. Unlike their melee brethren, these goblins wore light armor and had calculated expressions.
"Too exposed," he muttered. "We need to close the gap fast."
He turned to his shadows. "Dire Rat, circle from the side and flank them. Hobgoblin, lead the charge up front. The rest of you—move in waves. Keep them distracted."
The shadows responded instantly. The Dire Rat dashed into the darkness, its sleek form disappearing as it hunted for an opening. The Hobgoblin Warrior raised its weapon and let out a guttural snarl before charging straight ahead, its heavy footfalls shaking the ground.
The goblins loosed another volley of arrows, but this time, Riven was ready. He weaved between the shots, his enhanced agility making the movements almost effortless. As he closed in, his Goblin Minions followed, acting as both shields and attackers.
A goblin archer hesitated as the Dire Rat emerged from the shadows behind it, its fangs sinking into the creature's exposed leg. The goblin screeched, dropping its bow just as Riven's dagger plunged into its throat.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Enemy Defeated: Goblin Archer
◆ EXP Gained: 30
◆ Shadow Extraction Available
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Riven wasted no time.
Arise.
Dark mist swirled over the fallen goblin, and within seconds, its corpse twitched before standing once more, its glowing violet eyes now fixated on him.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
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◆ Shadow Extraction Successful!
◆ 50 MP Consumed
◆ New Shadow Soldier Added: Goblin Archer (C-Rank)
◆ Shadow Soldier Count: 24
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With a smirk, Riven turned to face the remaining enemies. The battle had only just begun.