The twin pillars of golden light that enveloped Kaelen felt like a bittersweet reward. He was now **Level 6**, but the system's reduced experience for the stolen kill was a clear message. Still, two levels were two levels.
His draconic companion, however, had no such reservations. The little dragon puffed out its chest, its white-gold scales catching the dim canyon light as it preened before him.
"Incredible work!" Kaelen exclaimed, the adrenaline still coursing through him. He pulled up the dragon's status panel. The numbers that materialized defied logic.
**`[Ancient Dragon Heir · ??? (Unnamed)]`** `(Kaelen's Companion)`
**`Level:`** `6`
**`HP:`** `3000`
**`Attack:`** `300-300`
**`Defense:`** `180-180`
**`Skill:`** `[Tail Whip]`
A disbelieving hiss escaped Kaelen's lips. "You've nearly doubled your power with every level..."
His eyes caught a faint, pulsing icon in the corner. Selecting it revealed the source of this absurdity:
**`Growth Ratings:`**
**`HP:`** `50 Stars`
**`Attack:`** `50 Stars`
**`Defense:`** `30 Stars`
**`Speed:`** `30 Stars`
The ratings were staggering. They mocked his own single-star novice ratings.
"You need a name," Kaelen said softly.
The dragon dipped its head in a regal nod.
**`> System Alert: It is strongly recommended this pet take the lineage name [Aurelius]! (Warning: Choosing an alternate name may incur the wrath of its lineage.)`**
The message was unambiguous. The Ancient Dragon was still watching.
"How about Orion?" Kaelen ventured. "Like the hunter constellation."
The dragon recoiled slightly, shaking its head with a displeased chirp.
**`> System Alert: Your pet finds this name too masculine!`**
A realization dawned. "Ah, my apologies. So you're a she." The dragon gave a definitive nod. "Alright then. With scales like polished moonlight... Luna. Would that suit you?"
The dragon—Luna—considered this before emitting a soft, approving trill.
**`> System Alert: You have successfully named your pet [Ancient Dragon Heir · Luna]! Loyalty +2!`**
"The pleasantries are over, Luna," Kaelen said, his voice hardening as he gathered the spoils from the Wolf Alpha.
The loot was substantial:
**`[Alpha Hide Armor]`** `(Bronze)` - An immediate upgrade.
**`[Alpha's Fang]`** `(Bronze)` - A serviceable blade.
**`[Silver Bangle]`** `(Quest Item)` - Perhaps a key to a future favor.
And the crown jewel:
**`[Coin of Destiny]`** `(A-Rank, Rare)`
**`Effect:`** `Hurl your equipped weapon, dealing 500% of your Attack as damage. +30% Critical Strike Chance.`
**`Drawback:`** `You lose all stat benefits from your equipped weapon until you retrieve it.`
**`Cooldown:`** `40 seconds`
A strategic smile touched Kaelen's lips. The destructive potential was perfect, and the **Alpha's Fang** was the key—a disposable weapon to throw.
They pushed deeper, encountering packs of **Wild Wolves**. At Level 8, they were formidable to any other player, but to Kaelen and Luna, they were merely obstacles. He moved through them with methodical efficiency until he hit **Level 7**.
The air grew thick and heavy, tainted by a palpable malevolence that coalesced into choking, black mist.
**`> System Alert: You have entered the dangerous zone: [Vale of Baleful Shadows]!`**
**`[Vale of Baleful Shadows]`** `(Danger Zone)`
**`Description:`** `The only path forward. All who wish to leave their humble beginnings must brave the shadows within.`
"So this is the bottleneck," Kaelen murmured.
His suspicion was confirmed moments later. The narrow pass opened into a dead end guarded by a trio of **Corrupted Wolf Alphas**. Their positioning was deliberate.
Kaelen saw not a challenge for a group, but a perfect setup for a single, overwhelming strike. He equipped the **Alpha's Fang**, focusing on the volatile energy of his new skill.
"For a chance at a future," he whispered, and let the sword fly.
*SCHING!*
**`> You use [Coin of Destiny]!`**
**-617! (CRITICAL!)**
The central Alpha's health bar evaporated. In the heartbeat of stunned silence, Kaelen was already moving, the **Frostbite Blade** back in his hand. He and Luna became a whirlwind of destruction. While he finished his prey, Luna's tail became a blur of white-gold, dispatching the other two Bosses with ease. The path was clear, and Kaelen's level surged to **9**.
Ahead, a sliver of clean light beckoned. An exit. A wave of triumph washed over him.
Then the ground shook.
A roar slammed into them. Kaelen emerged from the pass, and his victory curdled into ice-cold dread.
The "exit" was a killing ground. Three behemoths stood shoulder-to-shoulder, completely blocking the way out. Their collective bloodlust was a physical force.
**`[Corrupted Tiger]`** `(Lv. 20, Silver Boss)`
**`[Corrupted Lion]`** `(Lv. 20, Silver Boss)`
**`[Steel-Claw Eagle]`** `(Lv. 20, Silver Boss)`
For one eternal second, the three Guardians of the Gate and the lone player stared at one another.
Kaelen's fight-or-flight response screamed: *RUN.*
He managed a strained sound. "Just... just a tourist!" he choked out, backpedaling furiously. "Luna, we're leaving! Now!"
He didn't need to tell her twice. A *whoosh* of air was his only warning as Luna shot past him.
*BOOM!*
The Corrupted Tiger's colossal paw slammed down where he had stood, the impact sending fractures through the stone. Its frustrated roar chased them into the darkness.
They were not leaving. The gates were shut, and the guardians were awake.