the shadow alpha
Nasuke trudged through the dense forest, his boots crunching against dry leaves and twigs. He scanned the surroundings, frustration creeping into his expression.
"So far, I've been walking, and not a single beast has shown up," he muttered, his grip tightening on his cracked sword. "Maybe I'll find an exit before I—"
He froze mid-sentence, his body tensing. From the shadows ahead, glowing eyes pierced through the darkness. Slowly, they multiplied, forming a pack of 20 lesser shadow wolves.
Behind them, a massive creature stepped forward. Its fur was darker than night, and its blue eyes glowed with a predatory light. Red energy radiated from its body, and drool dripped from its maw, sizzling as it hit the ground.
"That's got to be the boss," Nasuke whispered, feeling a chill run down his spine. He glanced at his weapon, noticing the cracks growing deeper. "This thing won't last long."
As the wolves growled, the system's notification appeared.
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System Notification:
Defeat all enemies.
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Nasuke sighed, holding his sword in both hands. "Guess I've got no choice. Let's see how long this thing lasts."
Two wolves lunged at him first, their claws glinting in the dim light. Nasuke jumped back, evading their attacks, then slashed them down in a single, fluid motion.
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System Notification:
Two lesser shadow wolves defeated. +100 EXP, +20 Gold Coins.
EXP: [200/300]
[2/20] Wolves Defeated.
[0/1] Boss Defeated.
---
"Two down, 18 to go," Nasuke muttered, exhaling sharply.
His brief moment of relief vanished as two more wolves leaped at him from opposite sides. Nasuke raised his sword, blocking their claws, but the impact sent him sliding back. He glanced at his weapon, now barely holding together.
"One more hit, and you're done for," he said grimly, gripping the hilt tighter.
He charged forward, slashing through the two wolves with precision. Another wolf tried to ambush him from the side, but Nasuke twisted his body and dropped the sword. Using his bare fist, he struck the creature directly in the skull, sending it crashing to the ground.
"Even my strength's gotten better," he said, turning to face another wolf, punching it square in the jaw and knocking it out.
---
System Notification:
Four lesser shadow wolves defeated. +200 EXP, +40 Gold Coins.
EXP: [400/300]
[6/20] Wolves Defeated.
[0/1] Boss Defeated.
---
System Notification:
Level Up! You've reached Level 6.
EXP: [100/400]
---
"Level six," Nasuke muttered, sidestepping an attack from another wolf. "Let's see what that gets me."
He grabbed his cracked sword and charged at a group of four wolves. In one fluid motion, he cut through all of them in a single slash, their bodies falling lifelessly to the ground.
---
System Notification:
Four lesser shadow wolves defeated. +200 EXP, +40 Gold Coins.
EXP: [300/400]
[10/20] Wolves Defeated.
[0/1] Boss Defeated.
---
"Not bad," Nasuke said with a grin, his confidence growing. "This is starting to feel fun."
But his arrogance was short-lived. Two wolves attacked from behind, their claws tearing through his armor and leaving deep gashes. Two more wolves rushed him from the front, their claws slashing at his chest and sending him staggering backward.
He hissed in pain, glancing at his now visible health bar. Though the wounds were deep, his body felt more resilient than before.
"That… wasn't as bad as I thought," he muttered, pressing a hand to his wounds. "But it's still cutting close."
From his left, a wolf lunged at him. Nasuke evaded it, countering with a stab that left his sword buried in the beast. Before another could attack, he vanished in a blur, reappearing behind it and delivering a powerful kick that shattered its ribs.
---
System Notification:
Two lesser shadow wolves defeated. +100 EXP, +20 Gold Coins.
[12/20] Wolves Defeated.
EXP: [400/400]
---
System Notification:
Level Up! You've reached Level 7.
New Ability Unlocked: Blood Echo.
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New Ability: Blood Echo
Description: Temporarily creates afterimages of your attacks, dealing 50% of the original damage. Ideal for overwhelming multiple enemies or staggering powerful foes.
Activation Requirement: Consumes 25% of your maximum HP to activate. Duration: 30 seconds.
---
Nasuke's health bar filled instantly as he leveled up. He cracked his neck, a grin spreading across his face. "Alright, that came just in time. Let's finish this."
The remaining wolves growled, circling him with caution. Nasuke clenched his fists, his body surging with energy.
Four wolves rushed at him simultaneously, but to his eyes, they seemed slow. He appeared in front of two in an instant, grabbing their heads and slamming them into the ground. The other two barely had time to react before Nasuke dispatched them with quick, precise strikes.
The final four wolves fared no better, each falling in a flurry of punches, kicks, and counters. Nasuke wiped his hands, turning his attention to the towering creature that remained.
The boss stepped forward, its red aura flaring as its glowing blue eyes locked onto him.
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System Notification:
Eight lesser shadow wolves defeated. +400 EXP, +80 Gold Coins.
[20/20] Wolves Defeated.
[0/1] Boss Defeated.
EXP: [400/500]
---
Nasuke picked up his cracked sword, pointing it at the beast. "You're all that's left."
The boss growled, its red aura intensifying as the ground beneath it cracked.
"Alright," Nasuke smirked, gripping his weapon tightly. "Let's see what you've got."
---
Boss: Shadow Alpha
Description: The leader of the lesser shadow wolves. Its glowing blue eyes can paralyze enemies with fear, and its red aura enhances its strength and speed.