chapter 2

Chapter 2: The First Trial

The dark passage loomed before Alexander like a gaping mouth ready to swallow him whole. The eerie howls and distant growls of unknown creatures echoed throughout the hall, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. His heart hammered in his chest as he took a step forward, but the feeling of dread never left him.

His eyes darted back to the floating screen in his mind, the same crimson rune glowing faintly with each passing moment.

[Quest in Progress: Defeat a Lesser Demon.]

[Time Remaining: 00:59:59.]

Great. A time limit. Just what he needed.

He tried to steady his breath, taking a deep inhale. "A lesser demon... how hard can it be?" he muttered to himself, though he knew he was lying. He had no idea what he was up against in this world. He had only just woken up, and now he was expected to fight for his life.

As he continued down the passage, the walls seemed to close in on him, the flickering torches casting long shadows that played tricks on his eyes. Every creak, every whisper of movement made him tense, ready to strike at any moment. His senses were heightened, his pulse racing.

Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the shadows.

Alexander froze, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. He turned slowly, his breath caught in his throat as he faced the source of the sound.

From the darkness emerged a creature, half-human and half-beast. Its skin was a sickly gray, covered in jagged scales that gleamed in the dim light. Its eyes were blood-red, glowing with malice. The creature snarled, revealing sharp fangs and claws that could tear through steel.

A lesser demon, just like the system had said.

[Lesser Demon: Feral Beast. Level 5. Health: 100%.]

The creature lunged forward with terrifying speed, its claws aimed straight for Alexander's throat. He barely managed to duck in time, the beast's claws swiping just inches from his face. His heart was pounding in his ears, his body urging him to run, but he knew that wasn't an option.

[Quest Update: Lesser Demon (Feral Beast) detected.]

[Objective: Defeat the Lesser Demon.]

He quickly surveyed his surroundings, searching for anything he could use as a weapon. His eyes landed on a rusted sword lying on the ground nearby, its hilt just within reach. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and rolled out of the way as the demon charged again.

The sword was heavier than he expected, the blade worn and chipped, but it would have to do. As the demon's claws raked through the air above him, Alexander swung the sword with all his might, aiming for the demon's exposed flank.

The blade made contact, though the impact wasn't as powerful as he'd hoped. The demon howled in pain, but it didn't fall. Instead, it turned its bloodshot eyes toward him, more furious than before.

[Damage dealt: 12.]

The creature's claws came down again, this time narrowly missing Alexander's chest. He stepped back, trying to regain his balance, but the demon was relentless. Every time he attempted to strike, the demon seemed to anticipate his moves.

[Warning: Health Critical.]

The system's voice suddenly sounded in his head, and a red flash filled his vision. Alexander staggered back, feeling a sharp sting in his side. He looked down and saw a deep gash where the demon's claws had raked against him.

[Health: 35%.]

Panic surged within him. He couldn't die here—not like this. He was already starting to feel the burn of exhaustion from the fight, his strength slowly draining away. He needed to end this quickly, or he would be the one to fall.

The demon lunged again, but this time, Alexander was ready. He dodged to the side and swung the sword with all the strength he had left, aiming directly for the demon's neck. The blade sank deep into the creature's flesh, and with a final, bone-chilling howl, the demon crumpled to the floor.

[Lesser Demon (Feral Beast) Defeated.]

[Quest Complete: Defeat a Lesser Demon.]

A sudden surge of energy rushed through Alexander's body, his senses heightening as the system's voice echoed in his mind.

[You have gained 10 Experience Points.]

[Health Restored: 50%.]

Alexander exhaled shakily, his legs weak beneath him as the adrenaline began to fade. He lowered the sword, still trembling from the encounter. The beast was now nothing more than a pile of twitching limbs, its blood pooling on the cold stone floor.

[New Quest Available: Proceed through the Demon Hall to reach the Inner Sanctum. Reward: 50 Experience Points.]

Alexander looked up at the new quest that had appeared in his mind. His pulse was still racing, but he knew he couldn't rest for long. The world around him was dangerous, and he was just beginning to understand how little he knew about it.

With a grim expression, he wiped the sweat from his brow and gripped the sword tighter.

"I've got to keep going," he muttered. "I'm not done yet."

And with that, he pressed forward, determined to face whatever came next.