System Notification:
Host, do you wish to use "Shadow Pulling"?
Rantaro didn't hesitate. "Yes."
A dark window appeared before him, pulsing with eerie energy.
System Notification:
Host, with your current class level, you can only create Lower Shadows. Do you wish to proceed?
"Create."
From the swirling darkness, a figure emerged. Humanoid in shape, its body was forged from shadows, a jagged sword clutched in its hand.
System Notification:
Do you wish to inspect the summoned shadow?
"Yes."
Shadow Stats:
Strength: 30
Speed: 30
Ability: None
Note: Any EXP gained by the shadow will be transferred to the Host.
System Notification:
Host can summon shadows by saying: "Summon."
A smirk curled on Rantaro's face.
"Good. Now… let's multiply."
With a surge of dark energy, he summoned 20 Dark Beasts, each formed from the shadows of fallen enemies.
"Scatter. Hunt every beast you find. If you can't win, call me."
The beasts vanished into the battlefield.
Hours passed.
System Notification:
Level up x10
Host is now Level 95.
"Yes…" Rantaro whispered, eyes glowing. "Five more levels, and I'll unlock my restricted skill."
Suddenly—
System Alert:
Warning. 10 of your Dark Beasts have been eliminated. Unable to send distress signals.
Rantaro's heart sank.
"What?"
He rushed toward the location, shadows wrapping around him as he sped across the battlefield. When he arrived—
His eyes widened.
A giant serpent, cloaked in corrupted dark energy, coiled among the ruins. Its scales shimmered like obsidian, and its aura pulsed with raw menace.
System Notification:
Mutated Monster Detected: Dark-Infused Variant.
This creature has absorbed dark energy abnormally and evolved.
Rantaro chuckled darkly.
"Perfect. You'll make a fine offering to my shadows."
The battle was brutal. The serpent struck fast, crushing buildings beneath its weight. Rantaro was thrown back, blood dripping from his mouth. But he didn't stop.
Shadow energy surged around him as he activated every ounce of power he had.
With a final, devastating slash, he tore through the monster's core. The serpent howled, then collapsed—its dark energy leaking into the air.
System Notification:
Level up x4
Host is now Level 99.
His body trembled, covered in wounds. But the fight was over.
He staggered back through the dungeon gate, patching up his injuries. Finally, he arrived at his home, collapsing into a chair.
He exhaled slowly.
"One more level…"
He looked at his hand, where darkness curled like smoke.
"This… is just the beginning."