The three of them walked in silence through the narrow, torchless corridor. The stench of decay hung thick, making the air feel heavy and suffocating. Shadows seemed to stretch and twist with every step.
"You two should be careful. This place is… wrong," Ethan said, his tone calm but sharp.
"You're injured. Take a healing potion," Gloria pressed.
Ethan shook his head. "Don't worry. I've had worse."
Gloria snorted, striding ahead. "What a proud idiot. I can't wait to watch you die."
Freddy sighed, rubbing his temple. "Damn it, Ethan, why do you keep provoking her?"
"What did I do? She owes me 500k Ace Coin. If I take her potion, she'll deduct it from the payment," Ethan said casually.
"Better broke than dead," Freddy muttered with a chuckle.
"By the way," Ethan said slyly, "I heard you tried asking Jane out."
Freddy froze. "What?! Who told you that? I told her not to say anything!"
"The walls have ears, my friend." Ethan smirked.
Freddy growled. "Hey—Ethan's crush! Wait, you're walking too far ahead!"
Ethan nearly tripped over himself. "Damn you, Freddy, I'll beat the crap out of you when this is over!"
The mood died instantly when Ethan's senses flared. "Shh. Quiet."
Freddy leaned in. "You hear it too?"
"I know," Gloria whispered back.
The three slowed their pace, stopping near a massive opening ten feet high. Ethan leapt silently, peering inside. His pupils narrowed.
The chamber beyond was colossal—at least three times the size of a football field, its high ceiling vanishing into shadow like some ancient cathedral. Torches of hellish flame burned on the walls, illuminating an army of hulking red-skinned beasts.
Orks. Two hundred of them.
They knelt in unison, hailing a massive figure seated on a throne of bones—the Ork Chief. Its tusks curled upward, muscles like stone bulging beneath darkened skin. The guttural chants of ututututututu echoed like drums of war.
Ethan swallowed, but not in fear. His eyes gleamed. If I kill them all… I'll skyrocket. At least to Level 6. Enough to unlock the system's true dungeon.
"Freddy. Gloria. Go back and find the others," Ethan said flatly. "These are Earthly Beast Orks. Stronger than goblins. Strong enough to crush steel with bare hands."
Both froze.
Freddy paled. "Orks… no. We should listen to him."
Gloria tilted her head, glaring up at Ethan. "What about you?"
"There are two hundred, plus a chief at mutant level. I need money, and this is my chance. I'll hunt them," Ethan replied calmly.
"Are you insane? They'll crush you before you even reach their line!" Freddy hissed.
"And what about our agreement?" Gloria pressed, her tone sharp.
Ethan's eyes stayed fixed on the horde. "I sense no beasts ahead. Hide in the shadows, and avoid Corrie's group—he wants your head. As long as you're smart, you'll live."
"No. I'm coming with you. Or no payment," Gloria snapped.
Ethan shrugged. "Fine. I don't need it. How much do you think a mutant beast soul is worth? One million? Two million?"
Gloria froze. "…Two million if I follow you."
"1.5 million," Ethan countered, lips curling into a smirk.
"You greedy bastard," Gloria muttered, cheeks hot with anger.
Ethan's voice dropped cold. "Two million… and I'll throw in Corrie and James's heads."
That silenced her.
Gloria studied him carefully. "They're your enemies. Why would you…?"
"You'll see," Ethan said simply. He slammed his fist into the wall. The stone shook, cracks spiderwebbing outward.
Gloria's eyes widened. What brute strength… maybe he really can kill them.
Freddy grimaced. "We'd better back off. They'll notice any second now."
Ethan nodded. Silver light crackled under his shirt as his Lightning Armor activated, silently boosting his stats. Then, without another word, he burst into the opening, vanishing from sight.
The others stayed back, peeking through the hole.
The system chimed:
[New Quest Received: Kill the Ork Chief (Mutant Beast) and his Army. Reward: Instant Level Up to 5]
Ethan grinned, assigning points instantly.
[+10 Stat Points Added to Strength]
[Attributes: Strength 30 | Agility 12 | Stamina 22 | Speed 26]
The armor's bonus surged in his veins.
Puff. Ethan dissolved into shadow, activating his new skill.
[Skill Activated: Shadow Smoke (B)]
[Effect: Blend into shadows. Duration: 30 seconds. Cooldown: 24 hours]
Black smoke swept across the cavern, unnoticed amidst the torchlight and movement. The orks scanned the hall, alert from the rumbling, but their eyes passed over the living shadow drifting closer.
Perfect.
Ten seconds later, Ethan stood beneath the throne. The Chief Ork snarled, turning its tusked face toward the disturbance.
Too late.
Ethan burst forth like a reaper from the void.
Bang!
The Starless Sword flashed like a silver comet. The Ork Chief's eyes widened—then its head was gone.
[Congratulations! You have slain the Ork Chief (Mutant Beast)]
[You have leveled up to 5]
[+20 Stat Points Acquired]
[Mutant Beast Soul Obtained: Ork Chief]
Ethan's expression didn't change. His sword dripped black blood.
Five massive Ork Guards roared, lunging at him.