Chapter 4: Blink or Bleed
The moment Jin stepped into the gate, the temperature dropped. The walls around him pulsed with a faint, unnatural glow, veins of crimson energy running through the stone like a living thing.
His breath fogged in front of him. He gripped his dagger tighter.
"Alright," he whispered, "first real fight… let's not die in the first five minutes."
The cave wasn't large, but every sound echoed. Water dripped. Something skittered in the dark. Jin's eyes darted to the system window floating next to him.
> [Quest: First Hunt]
Defeat a dungeon monster solo.
Reward: Skill Upgrade – Time Step Lv.2
Time Remaining: 47:05:12
He moved forward slowly, careful not to make noise. His heart pounded against his ribs, and his ears strained for any movement.
Then—he heard it.
A low, gurgling hiss.
He spun.
From the shadows emerged a lizard-like creature, six feet long, black scales shimmering in the dim light. Its jaw opened unnaturally wide, dripping venom.
> [Crimson Fang Lizard – c-Rank]
Status: Hostile
"Oh, perfect. C-Rank on my first try."
The lizard lunged.
Jin activated Time Step.
The world flickered.
He blinked forward, narrowly dodging the lizard's jaws. The monster smashed into a rock behind him, dazed for a moment.
"Holy—"
He didn't finish the thought. He slashed forward, dagger scraping against tough scales.
Minimal damage.
The lizard shrieked, tail whipping around. It caught Jin across the chest, sending him flying.
He hit the wall hard.
Pain exploded through his ribs.
The system pinged:
> [Health: -32 HP]
[Time Energy: 9/10]
"Alright… scales too thick. Go for soft spots."
The lizard rushed again. Jin rolled to the side, barely avoiding another bite.
This time, he didn't blink.
He waited.
Right as the lizard leapt—he ducked under the creature and jammed his dagger up into its soft underbelly.
The lizard screamed.
Black blood sprayed across his arm.
> [Critical Hit!]
The beast thrashed, trying to twist around.
Jin darted back, breathing hard. "Okay, okay… keep it moving…"
His dagger shook in his hand. Sweat dripped from his chin.
"I need one clean hit," he muttered. "One shot at the head."
The lizard reared up, eyes glowing red.
Jin sprinted forward.
It snapped—fast.
Time Step.
The world stuttered again—like a skipped frame in a movie.
Jin was suddenly behind it.
He leapt, brought the dagger down with both hands—right into the base of its skull.
Crunch.
The lizard collapsed, body spasming once—then went still.
Panting, Jin stepped back, soaked in blood, dagger trembling in his grasp.
> [Crimson Fang Lizard Defeated!]
[Quest Complete: First Hunt]
[Time Step has evolved into Blink Lv.2]
Cooldown reduced. Distance increased.
Jin stared at the blinking notification, chest rising and falling.
Then he laughed—quietly at first, then louder.
"I actually did it…"
He leaned against the cave wall, every part of his body aching.
"I just killed a c -Rank…"
The system pinged again.
> [New Passive Unlocked: Battle Sense Lv.1]
Increases reaction time slightly during combat.
"Keep this up, and I might actually survive this whole thing."
---
Elsewhere – Hunter Association Surveillance Room
"He went into a c-Rank gate. Alone," the woman said, scrolling through the feed.
"No team registration, no backup?" the Director asked.
She nodded. "And he hasn't come out yet."
Taesik frowned. "He's either insane or…"
"Or he's something new," the Director said. "Keep tracking. If he walks out alive, we're re-testing him—formally."
---
Back at the Dungeon Gate – 30 Minutes Later
Jin limped out of the gate, clothes torn, scratches across his arms and neck.
A janitor sweeping nearby did a double-take. "Kid, you just come outta there alone?"
Jin nodded, wincing. "I tripped."
"On what? A damn dragon?"
Jin laughed weakly and kept walking.
---
Later That Night – Jin's Apartment
He collapsed onto his mattress, groaning as he lay back.
> [Level Up!]
Jin Ryu – Level 8
Stat Points Available: +5
[New Title Unlocked: "The One Who Walks Alone"]
Bonus: +5% evasion against solo targets.
He stared at the screen.
"…So this is what real growth feels like."
His phone buzzed.
[Mom]: Don't forget my appointment at 9am. Love you, Jin.
He smiled faintly.
"I'll be there, Mom."
---
Somewhere Deep Underground
A man in a black suit stood before a mirror of swirling time energy. His eyes glowed faintly.
"He's changing faster than expected."
Another figure, draped in shadow, replied, "He has the system. We should expect nothing less."
The man nodded slowly.
"But the Monarchs will not be pleased."
---
End of Chapter 4