The System Evolves in the Dark

The guild was as lively as ever, but for Mikhael, it had never felt so quiet.

The moment they stepped inside, the stares followed. Conversations hushed. Even those who once ignored him now took subtle glances his way.

This wasn't just about strength.

This was about fear.

"They're watching us," Kael muttered under their breath as they moved toward the mission board.

"Of course they are," Koneko said, unfazed. "Mikhael's been tearing through missions at a pace no one else can match. The guild isn't stupid."

Mikhael said nothing. Instead, he scanned the mission board. But unlike his companions, his eyes weren't looking for the usual details.

[System Notification: Mission Listings Analyzed. Calculating Most Efficient Growth Path…]

A faint pulse echoed in his mind—a feeling he had grown used to but never truly questioned.

Why does the system care about my growth?

His gaze landed on a particular mission.

Mission: "Shadows in the Highlands" Objective: Investigate disappearances near the Cinder Peaks. Threat Level: Moderate-High. Recommended Level: 38+. Hidden Reward: Rare Magic Essence. Additional Warning: Anomalous Magical Presence Detected.

Mikhael's crimson eyes narrowed. This wasn't a normal mission.

Kael peered over his shoulder. "Disappearances?"

Mikhael nodded. "It's not just that. Something else is in play here."

Koneko tilted her head. "How do you—?"

[System Override: Additional Information Suppressed.]

Mikhael's eyes widened for just a fraction of a second. Suppressed?

The system had never done that before.

"Trust me," he said instead, his mind racing. "We're taking this one."

The Uneasy Journey

The road to the highlands was uneventful at first, but the further they traveled, the heavier the air became.

Koneko stopped abruptly, her feline ears twitching. "Something's here."

Kael activated a rune, but the results came back empty. "There's no mana activity… but it doesn't feel right."

Mikhael checked his system.

[Analyzing Surroundings…]

A pause.

Then, something different happened.

[…Anomaly detected. Instinct Protocol Activating.]

"Instinct Protocol?" Mikhael muttered.

For the first time, the system responded.

[Observation: Your awareness exceeds standard parameters. Adjusting information flow.]

He stiffened. The response felt different. More… fluid. More aware.

But before he could dwell on it, the silence shattered.

The First Attack

Darkness moved.

From the rocks, creatures emerged—wolf-like beasts with black, matted fur and burning red eyes. They didn't growl. They didn't make a sound. They just charged.

[Enemy Identified: Shadow Beasts.]

Level: 35 Threat Level: Moderate Weakness: Light-Based Attacks

"Shadow beasts," Mikhael muttered. "Not normal ones."

"How do you know that?" Kael asked, already summoning a rune.

Mikhael didn't answer.

Instead, he moved.

The Battle in the Pass

The beasts came fast. Too fast. But Mikhael was faster.

Activating Shadow Step, he blurred out of sight, reappearing behind the first creature. His blade sang, slicing clean through its throat.

The body fell… but did not dissolve.

It just stopped moving. Like a broken puppet.

"That's not normal," Koneko muttered, dodging a clawed swipe and retaliating with a crushing kick.

Kael hurled a rune forward, causing a burst of light that sent the creatures recoiling.

"Light works," Kael noted.

"Then let's use more of it," Mikhael said, his system already calculating.

[Analyzing Enemy Composition…]

[Error. Unknown Element Detected.]

His grip tightened. That was twice now the system had withheld information.

The Summoner Revealed

Mikhael's system suddenly flared.

[Target Identified: Shadow Summoner.]

Level: 42 Status: Unstable

His eyes snapped upward.

On the ridge above them stood a cloaked figure, their hands raised as if conducting the creatures like a symphony.

Their face was hidden.

But when they turned to look at Mikhael, he felt it.

A recognition.

Then, the summoner smiled.

Not in hatred.

But as if they knew him.

The Chase

The summoner vanished into shadow.

Mikhael activated Charge, tearing through the terrain to catch them. They weaved through the cliffs, always just barely ahead.

But Mikhael was faster.

With one final burst of speed, he cut them off, his blade to their throat.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

The summoner tilted their head, voice calm. "You already know."

Mikhael's grip tightened. "No games."

The summoner smiled.

And then—

A pulse of dark energy exploded from their form, forcing Mikhael back. By the time the smoke cleared, they were gone.

The Aftermath

Mikhael rejoined the others, his expression unreadable.

Kael frowned. "What was that?"

Mikhael hesitated. The words still echoed.

"You already know."

The artifact pulsed against his chest.

And then—

For the first time—

The system spoke on its own.

[Observation: This event deviates from expected outcomes.]

Mikhael's pulse slowed.

"…Expected?" he murmured.

[System Adjustment Required. Beginning Process…]

The words flickered. Changed.

[Adapting.]

Mikhael exhaled sharply. This wasn't normal.

"Let's go," he said, his voice steady. "This isn't over."

As they left, the system's last words rang in his mind.

[Evolution… in progress.]