The Return of a Monster

Samuel's body has fully regenerated.

His wounds closed. His bones set themselves back in place. His muscles stitched together.

He stood up.

The dungeon was silent. No more roars. No more shaking ground.

Just him and the corpse of the Minotaur Boss.

Then he walked back into the chamber.

His gaze fell on the massive axe lying on the ground,

He walked forward.

The axe was twice his size. Heavy. Carved with ancient symbols.

Samuel grabbed the handle.

It was warm.

The moment his fingers wrapped around it, a sudden pulse of energy surged through his body.

A notification flashed before his eyes.

[You have obtained: Minotaur's Wrath A cursed axe forged in the flames of the abyss.]

Before he could process it, another alert blared in his eyes.

[WARNING! DUNGEON COLLAPSE IMMINENT!]

Samuel looked around.

The walls began to crack.

The ceiling started shaking.

The dungeon was falling apart.

He had killed the core monster's that kept this place stable.

A magic circle appeared in front of him.

A portal.

Samuel didn't hesitate.

He stepped in.

The next second, he was outside.

The dungeon behind him crumbled.

The entrance broke down. A massive particle of dust blew into the air. The ground shook one last time.

Then, everything was still.

Samuel breathed in.

Fresh air.

The scent of grass and fresh air.

It had been so long.

A laugh escaped his lips.

He was alive.

After everything, after the near death fights, after the pain, after the blood, he had survived.

Then, he turned to the system.

"What are my stats?"

A new notification appeared.

[System Upgrade]

Fire Element: Level 45

Wind Element: Level 35

Water Element: Level 45

Earth Element: Level 30

[Abilities]

[Shadow wolf: Abilities]

shades steps: Level 25

[Gorgon: Abilities]

Earth shapes: Level 25

[Banshee: Abilities]

Wind Scream: Level 17

Phantom Step: Level 5

Spirit Claws: Level 7

[Selyne: Abilities]

Regeneration: Level 40 (Passively heals wounds. Faster healing when submerged in water.)

Water Breathing: Level 5 (Can breathe underwater indefinitely.)

Frost Bind: Level 35 (Freezes enemies using water magic.)

Aqua Veil: Level 10 (Coats the body in water for defense and speed.)

[Direbear: abilities]

Spike Barrage: Level 25 (Launches hardened spikes from his body.)

Enhanced Durability: Level 35 (Tougher skin, reduces physical damage.)

Berserker's Endurance: Level 25 (Increases stamina and pain resistance.)

Samuel nodded.

He had grown a lot.

But he wasn't done.

He walked for a while, his legs heavy. His body aching.

Then, a thought came to him.

"What if I use Shades Step for movement?"

It was meant for dodging and teleporting to close distance.

But what if I could use it to travel?

Then He focused.

Took a deep breath.

And stepped forward.

In an instant, he moved 10 feet ahead.

His eyes widened.

It worked.

He tried it again.

And again.

Each time, he moved farther. Faster.

Then, another thought hit him.

He looked at the Minotaur's axe.

He asked, "how should i put this away?."

No response.

Then a though came in,

What if i absorb it, and Summon it whenever i wanted, since it is made of fire

Then he focused on his Fire Element.

The axe glowed.

Then, it melted into flames.

Samuel raised his hand.

The fire gathered into his palm.

Then the axe reformed.

His eyes shined.

He had just learned something new.

He could store weapons inside himself.

He laughed.

He had escaped death.

He had gotten stronger.

He had gained more power than ever before.

But he was tired, he needed rest.

It was time to go home.

Samuel used shades Step.

He moved fast.

Without realizing it, he crossed great distances.

But he had no idea how much time had passed.

By the time he reached his house, something felt off.

The moment he stepped into his home,

He saw his father and mother smiling. talking to his cousins,

Samuel was pissed.

He knew that they wouldn't care, but inside of him he wanted them too.

Then his father worked towards him,

And slapped him.

Then his mother slapped him too.

Samuel stood still.

Their faces were filled with disgust.

His clothes were ripped.

His body covered in dried blood.

His hair was longer.

He looked like a savage.

His mother screamed.

"Look at you! You're a disgrace!"

His father sneered.

"Where have you been?"

"you have been gone for 2 months, do you think you can just walk in and out of the house?"

Then his older brother, Victor, stepped forward.

He raised his hand to slap Samuel too.

Samuel caught it.

He squeezed Victor's wrist.

Then, with his strength,

He slammed Victor into the wall.

The room went silent.

Everyone was watching.

Cousins. Aunts. Uncles.

Samuel turned to Victor.

His voice was cold.

"I've tolerated you for too long."

"Try that again, and I'll snap your neck."

Victor gritted his teeth.

Wind surged around his body.

He tried to fight back.

Samuel dodged.

Then, he grabbed Victor's body

And slammed him into the ground.

Victor coughed blood.

Samuel looked up.

Everyone was staring at him.

In fear.

For the first time,

They weren't looking at him like a weakling.

They weren't looking at him like trash.

They were looking at him like a monster.

Samuel smiled.

This was what he wanted.

This was what he waited for.

He turned to his parents.

His voice was cold, emotionless.

"I was gone for two months."

"Don't act like you care."

"You'd all be happy if I disappeared forever."

He turned.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd like to go to my room."

Then, he walked away.

Everyone watched in disbelief.

Victor gritted his teeth.

Samuel didn't care.

For the first time in his life.

He stood up for his self.