The Ruin Guard roared one last time, swinging its massive sword with all its remaining strength. Dust and stone erupted around it as the skeleton braced, reinforced bones straining under the blow.
Jiwon took a deep breath. He could feel every muscle in the skeleton responding to his commands. Mana flowed sharply through his veins, controlled, precise.
"Now," he whispered.
Bone spikes erupted from the cracked floor, piercing the guard's armor at multiple weak points. The armored figure staggered, sparks flying from its joints. Haein moved quickly, slicing at the exposed back plate, forcing it to collapse against a broken pillar.
The Ruin Guard let out a final hollow roar before collapsing, blue flames fading from its eyes. Dust and smoke filled the chamber, settling slowly as silence returned.
[Enemy Defeated]
[EXP Gained: 250]
[Raise Skeleton Lv.3]
[Skill Proficiency: Bone Spike Lv.3]
[Level Up: Han Jiwon – Level 3]
Jiwon exhaled slowly. The skeleton, still intact, lowered its arms, waiting for his next command.
Haein wiped sweat from her brow. "You… handled that well."
Jiwon shrugged. "It's not just me. We work together."
She studied him quietly for a moment, her sharp gaze softening slightly. "You're different from other necromancers I've heard of… careful, precise. Most either lose control or panic."
He looked at the skeleton beside him. It was no longer just a tool—it was a partner, a reflection of his will.
A soft noise came from the shadows near the gate exit. Jiwon turned.
A young woman, wearing a tattered robe and carrying a small satchel, stepped forward hesitantly. Her eyes were wide, but curious.
"You… you control that skeleton?" she asked softly.
Jiwon nodded. "Yes."
She looked at him carefully. "I… I've been watching. You didn't run, you didn't hesitate. You… survived. I want to learn."
Jiwon raised an eyebrow. "Learn what?"
"Necromancy," she whispered. "Or… whatever that is. I don't have much time."
He studied her. Her presence felt faint but persistent, like a small spark in the dark.
The system chimed quietly.
[New Potential Ally Detected]
[Status: Observing]
Jiwon turned back to the skeleton. Then to the girl.
"This dungeon is dangerous," he said. "If you come, you need to follow my rules. No mistakes."
She nodded firmly. "I understand."
For the first time, Jiwon felt that he wasn't completely alone in this world.
Outside the ruins, the city lights flickered in the night. The first threads of a new path were forming. And he knew, without a doubt, that everything was about to change.