Portal ?

After his morning jog, Zion returned to his apartment, still feeling the lingering warmth from his workout. He planned to take a moment to cool down and rehydrate before deciding on his next move for the day.

As Zion settled back in his apartment, a sudden ding sounded in his mind, catching him off guard. A familiar blue screen appeared before him, with bold text that read:

[NEW MISSION: Strength in Solitude]

Objective: "Test your skills against a formidable enemy in the outskirts of Zanica. Prove your independence and resilience."

Rewards: EXP, Mystery Item, and Potential Skill Unlock.

Zion's eyes lit up with a mix of anticipation and determination. This mission seemed different—more challenging and personal. He felt a surge of energy as he mentally prepared for what lay ahead.

He took a deep breath, letting the thrill of a new mission fill him. The outskirts of Zanica—he knew the area well from past quests, a stretch of land dotted with dense woods and abandoned structures. It was the kind of place where shadows lingered and silence felt heavier.

With the system screen still hovering before him, he read the mission details carefully, noting the emphasis on resilience and independence. "This one's going to push me," he thought, a faint smirk crossing his face.

Equipping himself with his prized SSR katana, Zion checked his inventory, adjusting his gear and ensuring he had a few essentials. Finally, he gathered his focus, feeling the excitement of the unknown settle into a steely resolve.

A last glance at the screen. "It's time."

Without hesitation, he stepped out of his apartment, ready to face whatever challenge awaited him on the edge of Zanica.

The early morning haze lingered like a veil over the outskirts of Zanica, casting an eerie stillness over the old industrial district. Zion moved through the silence, his katana secured tightly against his side, his senses alert as he neared the rendezvous point.

As he crossed the boundary into an abandoned clearing, a whisper of movement caught his attention. The shadows seemed to bend, and from their depths emerged a figure cloaked in darkness. His armor was a matte black that swallowed the light, and his eyes, barely visible beneath his hood, gleamed with a strange, predatory glint. He tilted his head, regarding Zion with a smirk that was equal parts amusement and menace.

"So, you're the one they're talking about," the stranger's voice rumbled, carrying a chill that seemed to seep into the air around them.

Zion's fingers tightened around the hilt of his katana, the steel feeling cold and reassuring. He said nothing, letting his gaze—steady and unreadable—do the talking. The stranger's smirk widened.

Without another word, the figure moved, swift as a breath, his blade a blur slicing toward Zion. Zion sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the strike, his own katana flicking out in a calculated arc that forced his opponent back. The clash of metal echoed through the emptiness, a violent symphony breaking the silence.

Their movements were fast, almost too fast to follow. Each step, each strike felt like a dance woven from shadows and flashes of steel, as if the world around them had ceased to exist. The stranger's strength was raw and unrestrained, but Zion's agility and precision gave him the upper hand, each calculated move breaking down his opponent's guard.

A growl escaped the stranger's lips, frustration flaring in his eyes as he launched a desperate strike. Zion countered effortlessly, his blade flashing in a precise arc that disarmed his opponent, sending the weapon clattering to the ground. The man staggered, his expression twisted between fury and a grudging respect.

"Who… what are you?" he rasped, the menace in his voice now tinged with a hint of fear.

Zion's gaze was calm, almost detached. "A phantom. And you've seen enough."

With a final, almost merciful slash, Zion ended the fight. Silence descended once more, settling over the clearing like a shroud as the stranger's form crumpled to the ground.

In the stillness, the system chimed softly, a glowing blue screen flickering to life before him:

[MISSION COMPLETE] Rewards: 50,000 EXP, Unidentified Elixir, Skill Potential Unlocked

Zion felt the energy surge through him, the thrill of growth tempered by the weight of mystery. As he sheathed his katana, he glanced back once more at the figure he'd left behind, shadows slowly reclaiming the lifeless form. He turned, the silent hum of the system lingering in his mind as he disappeared into the mist, ready for what lay ahead, knowing that each answer brought only deeper questions.

As the faint blue light of the system screen hovered in front of him, Zion glanced at his updated stats, feeling a surge of satisfaction at his progress. The numbers reflected his hard-earned growth, the result of countless battles and relentless dedication.

[NAME: ZION YUU]

[LEVEL: 31]

[EXP: 100,000/500,000]

[STR: 20]

[DEX: 89]

[INT: 25]

[AGI: 79]

[LUK: ?]

[STAT POINTS: 21]

The screen pulsed slightly, drawing his attention to a new line beneath his stats:

[Potential Skill Unlock: Pending Activation]

A feeling of anticipation welled up within him. Whatever power the system held in store was unknown, but he felt its pull—a promise of strength, waiting just beyond his reach.

'Is it really this easy?' Zion wondered, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind.

He eyed the shimmering screen with skepticism. Every milestone had come at a cost—effort, sweat, and often danger. Yet here it was, a new skill seemingly within his grasp. But something about it felt... odd. Was the system truly granting him this new ability with no strings attached? Or was there more to this "activation" than met the eye?

With a deep breath, he focused on the message again, curiosity and caution battling within him.

Suddenly, the system chimed in, its tone both urgent and unwavering:

"A portal to another realm has opened. You must complete a mission in this new realm to unlock the pending skill activation."

Zion's eyes narrowed as he read the words. The idea of stepping into an unfamiliar world filled him with a thrill and a hint of unease. The system never granted power without trial. It demanded growth—through adversity, through encounters with the unknown.

'A mission in another realm…' he thought, feeling the weight of the task sink in. This wasn't just another quest; it was a test of both his strength and resolve, with the promise of a rare power at its end.

"wtfff , this fc*kng system is crazy"

Zion felt annoyed and curious at the some time.