The morning sun barely broke over the ancient stone walls of Pune Academy when Shiva walked toward the dungeon portal. Groups of students clustered together, whispering strategies and forming teams, but he paid them no mind. He had no need for allies. His skeletons, loyal and deadly, were all the reinforcement he required.
The portal shimmered with molten silver light. As he stepped through, the world shifted. He now stood in the Forgotten Temple, a ruin overtaken by jungle vines, cracked pillars, and moss-covered stone floors. The air smelled faintly of decay, and a low hum thrummed against his bones—the system acknowledging his presence.
SYSTEM PANEL:
Name: Shiva
Class: Necromancer
Level: 1
Talent: Strength
Skills:
- Undead Summon (Lvl 1)
Strength: 12
Health: 50
Defense: 5
Intelligence: 14
Units:
- Skeleton Warrior x2 (Bone Sword)
"Let's see how far you've come," Shiva muttered, summoning his skeletons. Their bones rattled as they stepped into formation, Bone Swords gleaming.
From the shadows, goblins leapt forward, snarling and baring their fangs. The skeletons reacted instantly, striking with flawless timing. One goblin's head was cleaved cleanly, another fell from a swift flank. The remaining two attempted to flee, but were cut down with precise coordination. Shiva's eyes scanned the room; his army adapted instinctively, forming tighter formations as he advanced deeper.
SYSTEM UPDATE:
XP Gained: 25
LEVEL UP: 2
NEW SKILL: Skeleton Coordination (Lvl 1) – minor damage & speed boost when fighting in formation
A damp, foul odor filled the next chamber. Venomous snakes slithered along the stone floor, eyes glinting with malice. One lunged at a skeleton, fangs sinking deep, but Shiva's command was swift. The skeleton countered with a precise strike to the skull, another skeleton flanking to finish off the remaining snakes. A new skeleton emerged from the ground at Shiva's command, joining the battle effortlessly.
SYSTEM UPDATE:
XP Gained: 35
LEVEL UP: 3
NEW SKILL: Bone Sword Mastery – increases attack speed & critical chance
A low growl reverberated through the corridor, and the dungeon shifted. Lava-red light flickered across the walls as a Lesser Hell Hound appeared, fangs dripping fire, eyes blazing with fury. Shiva's skeletons moved in a perfect triangle around it. One was knocked aside, but the others struck in unison. He summoned another skeleton behind the beast, and together they struck from multiple angles. The hound lunged, breathing fire, but Shiva had anticipated the attack. His skeletons ducked behind crumbling pillars and retaliated with devastating precision, bringing the beast down swiftly.
SYSTEM UPDATE:
XP Gained: 50
LEVEL UP: 6
NEW SKILL: Summon Efficiency – can summon +1 skeleton
Deeper into the temple, shadows danced along the walls. Giant spiders descended from the ceiling, venom dripping from their fangs. Shiva's army moved fluidly, circling and striking in perfect coordination. Webs shattered before they could ensnare anyone, fangs met bone, and the spiders fell one by one.
SYSTEM UPDATE:
XP Gained: 60
LEVEL UP: 8
NEW SKILL: Talent Boost Upgrade (Lvl 2) – +10% skeleton damage, +5 defense
The final chamber glowed crimson. From the shadows emerged a Mini Demon Guardian, massive, claws wreathed in flame, eyes burning with raw power. The skeletons advanced without hesitation. The demon lunged, flames licking at them, but Shiva anticipated every movement. Flanking strikes, synchronized attacks, shadow dashes—every maneuver was countered perfectly.
"All at once!" he commanded, and his skeletons unleashed a synchronized barrage. Bone met claw, and the Guardian staggered, then collapsed beneath the unrelenting assault.
SYSTEM UPDATE:
XP Gained: 100
LEVEL UP: 10
NEW SKILL: Skeleton Tactics (Lvl 1) – multi-unit coordination increases overall damage by 15%
Reward: Eligible for National Entrance Exam
Shiva exhaled slowly, surveying the battlefield. His skeletons stood unscathed, gleaming in the crimson light, ready for anything. Each battle had honed them further, sharpened his strategy, and strengthened his bond with the undead. The dungeon recognizes my mastery, he thought. Now the real challenges are waiting.
Outside the temple, the world continued to turn. National Entrance Exams approached, and whispers of a Demon King abroad reached the academy. But inside the ruined halls of the Forgotten Temple, Shiva was unstoppable, his army unmatched, and his resolve unshakable.
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