Chapter 6: Shadows of the past

I thought dying would be the end. Turns out, it was just the beginning.

I was still adjusting to my new body when the system chimed again.

"Status Updated. Level: 6. Stat points available: 6."

I pulled up the panel with a flick of my fingers. The information unfolded in front of me like a hologram.

Name: Song Chan

Class: ???

Weapon: Demon Devourer of Swords (Chaos)

Level: 6

Stat Points: 6

Credits: 2,000

Attributes:

Strength: 17 (+5 from Graceful Axe Armor)

Agility: 11 (+3 from Graceful Axe Armor)

Physique: 9

Intelligence: 5

Six points. I could strengthen myself—but if the sword had taught me anything, it was that power came with a cost.

"Allocate points?" the system prompted.

I hesitated. In that dungeon, the sword nearly killed me. If I pushed too hard…

But I wasn't going to survive this world by playing it safe.

"Add three to Strength, two to Agility, and one to Physique," I commanded.

A warm, electric sensation spread through my limbs. My muscles tightened, faster and stronger than before.

Just as I was about to check my inventory, my phone buzzed—a real, physical phone in this strange new life. I picked it up, barely recognizing the slim, modern design.

"Hello?"

"Song Chan, where the hell are you?"

The voice belonged to Lei Yun—my best friend in this world. "You were supposed to meet me at the school gate an hour ago!"

I groaned. "I'm on my way."

By the time Jackson reached the school, the sun was high in the sky. Students bustled around, chatting and laughing—oblivious to the hidden dungeon below their feet.

Lei Yun stood by the gate, arms crossed. His sharp black eyes narrowed the moment Jackson arrived.

"What happened to you?" he demanded. "You look… different."

Jackson tugged on the hem of his hoodie. His new body felt strange, as though he'd stolen it.

"Long story," Jackson muttered. "Let's just get these papers signed."

As they walked toward the main office, something tugged at the edges of Jackson's awareness. A faint pull—a whisper from the system.

A new notification flashed.

"Hidden Quest: Night Emperor's Lair—Active."

The map flickered to life in his mind, directing him to the girls' bathroom.

Great. Because nothing says 'totally normal guy' like sneaking into the girls' restroom.

"Hey, Yun," Jackson said, slowing his pace. "I'll catch up. Gotta check something."

Lei Yun raised an eyebrow. "Whatever, dude. Don't disappear again."