facing the shadows
Nasuke leaned against the wall, his face a mix of fear and regret as he stared at the glowing system notification hovering before him.
System Notification:
Complete Task: Defeat Lesser Shadow Wolves (0/5)
"I almost died yesterday because of those wolves," he muttered, his voice trembling. "And now it wants me to fight them again?"
Sighing heavily, he stood up and left his room. As he walked through the hallway, he passed by a mirror, glancing at it for a split second. Something caught his eye, forcing him to stop and turn back.
"There's no way this is me…"
He stared at his reflection, hardly recognizing himself. His once bloated frame was now stocky and muscular. His arms were more defined, and his face had lost much of its roundness. He turned his body, inspecting himself from different angles.
"I'm not… the way I was," he whispered. "The fat… it's really gone. Guess the system wasn't lying."
After a moment of disbelief, he resumed his walk, eventually stepping into the bathroom. As he turned on the shower, the system interface suddenly appeared before him again.
System Notification:
Log in before the end of the day.
"Right…" Nasuke sighed, shaking his head. "Can't even shower in peace. Man, how am I going to survive until school opens?"
---
A few hours later, Nasuke was back in his room, strapping himself into the VR seat. He pressed the login button on his PC, closing his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, he was lying on the ground at the familiar checkpoint.
"Guess checkpoints are useful," he muttered, pushing himself up and dusting off his clothes.
His hand instinctively reached behind his back. "My sword!" Relief washed over him as he felt the weapon secured in place. "Thank God it's here."
The rustling of bushes caught his attention. He froze, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword as his body began to tremble. The haunting memories of being chased by the wolves flooded his mind.
"Am I really… going to fight them after what they did to me?" he whispered, taking a step back. His breathing quickened, and panic threatened to take over.
But then, he clenched his fists and took a deep breath. "Last time, I didn't have a weapon. This time, I do. I might have a chance." He exhaled, steadying his nerves. "I can do this."
From the bushes, three lesser shadow wolves emerged, their glowing eyes fixated on him. Nasuke's heart pounded as he took a cautious step back.
"Three of them… I barely survived just one last time," he thought, his grip tightening on his sword.
The wolves circled him, their movements calculated. Nasuke tried to keep his eyes on all of them, his mind racing. "Okay… one at a time," he muttered, closing his eyes and taking another deep breath. When he opened them, they were filled with determination.
The first wolf lunged at him, claws slashing through the air. Nasuke sidestepped just in time, evading the attack. Another wolf snapped at him with its fangs, but he jumped back, narrowly avoiding it. The third wolf came from behind, forcing him to spin around and block its attack with his sword. The impact pushed him back, but he held his ground.
"Okay," he muttered, breathing heavily. "I can hold my own… now let's see if I can counter."
The wolves circled him again. This time, the one behind him jumped first, its fangs aiming for his neck. Nasuke turned quickly, countering with a clean slice through the wolf's body. Blood sprayed across the ground as the system notification appeared.
System Notification:
Lesser Shadow Wolf defeated. +50 EXP, +10 Gold Coins.
EXP: [50/200]
[1/5] Wolves Remaining.
"One down…" Nasuke muttered, focusing on the two remaining wolves.
The next wolf attacked with its claws, but Nasuke slid to the side, dodging the strike. In one swift motion, he countered, slicing the wolf's head clean off.
System Notification:
Lesser Shadow Wolf defeated. +50 EXP, +10 Gold Coins.
EXP: [100/200]
[2/5] Wolves Remaining.
"That's two," he said, his confidence growing. The third wolf lunged at him, but Nasuke leapt back, dodging its attack. "Before, I could barely scratch them. Now, the sword cuts through like butter."
He continued dodging the wolf's attacks, waiting for the right moment. When it began to tire, its movements slowed. It let out a growl, summoning two more wolves from the darkness.
Nasuke's eyes widened. "Two more?" He gritted his teeth, tightening his grip on the sword. "Fine. If I take out all of you now, this quest is over."
With a burst of speed, he charged at the first wolf, catching it off guard and slicing it in two. He turned to the second, driving his blade through its head before spinning around to face the original wolf.
The third wolf lunged at him, its fangs aimed at his throat. Nasuke ducked and twisted, countering with a powerful slash to its neck.
System Notification:
Lesser Shadow Wolf defeated. +50 EXP, +10 Gold Coins.
EXP: [150/200]
System Notification:
Lesser Shadow Wolf defeated. +50 EXP, +10 Gold Coins.
EXP: [200/200]
System Notification:
Lesser Shadow Wolf defeated. +50 EXP, +10 Gold Coins.
EXP: [250/250]
[5/5] Wolves Defeated.
System Notification:
Level Up! You've reached Level 4.
EXP: [50/250]
New Ability Gained: Blood Surge.
"Huh… a new ability," Nasuke said, inspecting the notification. "I'll test it out on something stronger." A smirk spread across his face.
Another notification popped up.
System Notification:
Quest Complete. +300 EXP, +70 Gold Coins.
EXP: [350/250]
Total Coins: 230 Gold.
System Notification:
Level Up! You've reached Level 5.
EXP: [100/300]
"Done leveling up for now," he muttered, brushing himself off. "Time to move forward. I'll figure the rest out as I go."
With his sword in hand, Nasuke began his march, ready for whatever came next.
---
End of Chapter 11
New Ability: Blood Surge
Description: Enhances physical abilities temporarily by consuming stamina. Boosts speed, strength, and reaction time for 10 seconds. Can be stacked for increased effects but drains stamina faster.