Chapter 27: Three vs One
A sharp chime echoed in Kieran's ears as a system screen flashed before his vision. The eerie dark hue of the system was something he still wasn't used to, but his focus sharpened as the words on the screen became clear.
[ New System Quest: Survive Against the Three Ravynclaw Beasts ]
[ Objective: Defeat or survive the encounter against the three Ravynclaw beasts.]
[ Reward: 150 EXP, +2 Stat Points.]
Kieran's expression hardened as he clenched his fists. Three beasts. That was no easy fight, especially in his current state. His body still ached from his previous battle, and he wasn't fully recovered, but backing down wasn't an option. Not here. Not now.
The three Ravynclaw wolves prowled toward him, their blood-red eyes gleaming with murderous intent. Their sharp claws scraped against the cracked ground as low growls filled the air. Kieran took a step back, his muscles tensing as he quickly analyzed the situation. The odds were against him—three against one. A single mistake would be the end of him.
'No choice. I have to fight.'
Without hesitation, Kieran launched himself forward. His fists blurred as he struck the first beast across the face, sending it stumbling backward. But the other two pounced, claws slashing toward him. Kieran twisted his body, narrowly avoiding a swipe aimed at his side, but the second beast's claws raked across his shoulder, tearing into his flesh. Pain flared, but he gritted his teeth and pushed through.
'Fighting all three head-on won't work. I need a plan…'
He shifted his approach, deciding to target one beast at a time while keeping the others at bay. Darting between the wolves, he delivered a flurry of precise punches to the nearest Ravynclaw. His Fury Fist skill kicked in—his strikes became faster, more unpredictable. The beast howled in pain, but Kieran barely had time to savor his small victory. The other two attacked in unison, forcing him on the defensive.
This tactic wasn't working. Each time he focused on one beast, the other two would land their attacks. His movements grew sluggish under their relentless assault, blood dripping from multiple wounds. If he didn't change his approach soon, he wouldn't last much longer.
'Damn it—I need more power!'
Without hesitation, Kieran pulled up his system panel mid-fight and dumped his remaining three stat points into Strength and Defense—one point in strength, two in defense. A sudden surge of power coursed through his body. His muscles tightened, and the sharp pain from his injuries dulled slightly.
'Better. But not enough…'
He needed a killing edge—and he had just the thing.
"Veilborn Presence!"
A shroud of black mist flared around him as his body became harder to perceive. Kieran darted to the left, using the sudden concealment to get behind one of the wolves. With a fierce roar, he slammed a devastating punch directly into its skull. The beast didn't even have time to react before it crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
One down.
The remaining two howled in rage. Kieran didn't waste any time. He activated Veilborn Presence again, vanishing from sight for an instant before reappearing behind the second beast. His fist crashed into its side, breaking ribs and sending it sprawling. But unlike the first, this one didn't die—it staggered back to its feet, blood oozing from its mangled torso.
The third attempt failed entirely. By now, the last two beasts had caught on. When Kieran tried to use Veilborn Presence a third time, they split apart, their snarls vibrating through the air as they tracked his every move. His edge was gone.
Breathing heavily, Kieran wiped blood from his mouth. He was running low on stamina, and his body burned with exhaustion. But there was no way he would stop now. He dug his heels into the ground and charged at the wounded beast. With a powerful uppercut, he shattered its jaw, following through with a knee strike that finally put it down for good.
Only one left.
The last Ravynclaw beast circled him warily, as though sensing his dwindling strength. Kieran clenched his fists tighter. His body screamed for rest, but he wouldn't—couldn't—stop. Not until the fight was finished.
Abyssal energy surged within him, and as the beast lunged, Kieran roared, activating the veil's power one final time. His right hand was engulfed in thick, black darkness—pure, concentrated destruction. With everything he had left, he met the beast's charge head-on, driving his abyssal-coated fist straight into its gut.
The beast froze mid-air, its eyes wide with shock as Kieran's blow punched a hole clean through its belly. With a pitiful whimper, it collapsed to the ground—dead.
Silence fell.
Kieran staggered backward, barely able to stay on his feet. His vision blurred from exhaustion and blood loss, and every inch of his body throbbed with pain. He collapsed onto the cold, hard ground, chest heaving.
A familiar chime echoed once more. The system screen flickered into view, and his tired eyes focused on the rewards.
[ Basic Tier Beast Killed – EXP Gained: 100 ]
[ Basic Tier Beast Killed – EXP Gained: 100 ]
[ Basic Tier Beast Killed – EXP Gained: 100 ]
[ Quest Completed – Survive Against the Three Ravynclaw Beasts ]
[ Reward: 150 EXP, +2 Stat Points ]
Kieran blinked in disbelief.
[ Total EXP: 550/400 ]
A pulse of warmth spread through his body as the system instantly restored him to full health. His wounds closed, and his battered muscles relaxed as a newfound strength filled him.
[Level Up!]
[ Level 3 ]
[ EXP: 150/800 ]
[ +3 Stat Points, +2 Skill Points Earned ]
Kieran lay there for a moment, soaking in the sensation of relief washing over him. The brutal battle had pushed him to his limit, but he had survived—and he had grown stronger.
'So… the extra rewards from my first kill were just a one-time thing,' he mused, piecing together the reason for the earlier discrepancy. 'It must've been a bonus for my first kill. Now the system's giving the standard rate.'
He exhaled deeply, his gaze hardening.
"If this is what it takes to get stronger… I'll keep pushing forward."
With renewed determination, Kieran slowly sat up, his mind already focused on the challenges ahead.