The System’s Challenge

Elian wiped the blood off his blade, his crimson eyes flickering with a cold intensity. The Shadowfang Panther had been a decent challenge, but it wasn't enough. He needed something stronger.

Just as that thought settled in his mind, his system chimed with a sharp, unfamiliar alert.

[New Quest Issued!]

[Hunt the Corrupted Direwolf]

Objective: Slay the Level 8 Corrupted Direwolf.

Location: Deep within the Shadowed Glade.

Rewards:

1000 EXP

5 Attribute Points

5 Skill Points

??? (Unknown Reward)

Failure Penalty: ???

Elian narrowed his eyes. The system had never issued a quest before. Was this a new function after the upgrade?

"This is a test," Eve's voice echoed in his mind. "The system wants to see if you're ready for the next stage."

He glanced at the darkened forest ahead. The Shadowed Glade—a place few dared to venture into. A fitting hunting ground.

Without hesitation, he moved.

---

Deep Within the Shadowed Glade

The air was thick with a malevolent aura, the trees twisted unnaturally, their bark pulsing with dark energy. Something was wrong with this place. It wasn't just another beast lurking here—something corrupt was at work.

Then, he saw it.

A massive Direwolf, nearly twice the size of an ordinary wolf, stood at the center of a ruined clearing. Its fur, once silver, was now streaked with pulsating black veins. Red mist oozed from its maw, its piercing yellow eyes locking onto Elian.

[Corrupted Direwolf – Level 8]

Threat Level: High

Abilities:

Corrupting Howl – Weakens enemies within range.

Bloodthirst – Increases speed and power after taking damage.

Dark Regeneration – Rapidly heals wounds.

The beast let out a deep, guttural growl, the ground trembling beneath its weight.

Elian didn't hesitate. He needed to go all out.

[Fire Manipulation – Firestorm]

A swirling vortex of flames erupted around him, the heat distorting the air. But before he could launch his attack, the Direwolf moved—fast.

A blur of motion—then impact.

Elian barely raised his arms before the wolf's claws slammed into him, sending him skidding across the ground. His Stamina absorbed most of the blow, but his arms ached.

"Tch… it's stronger than I expected."

The Direwolf lunged again, but this time, Elian was ready.

[Shadow Step]

He vanished into the darkness, reappearing behind the beast. His dagger sliced through the air, aiming for the creature's exposed flank.

But before the blade connected, the Direwolf's body healed—the dark energy pulsing through its veins knitting the wound before it could deepen.

Dark Regeneration.

"Annoying."

Elian's expression didn't waver. If a direct assault wouldn't work, he needed to overwhelm it. Completely.

---

Unleashing His Full Power

His mana surged.

[Water Manipulation – Frozen Spear]

[Lightning Speed – Activation]

[Lava Manipulation – Magma Wave]

A spear of ice materialized in his left hand while molten rock surged from the ground, trapping the Direwolf's hind legs. At the same time, Elian's entire body blurred, doubling his movement speed.

The beast let out a defiant snarl, its corrupted energy surging to break free—

But Elian had already closed the distance.

[Shadow Step]

He disappeared.

Then reappeared mid-air, just above the beast.

His Frozen Spear struck first—piercing through the wolf's back. The creature howled in agony, but before it could retaliate—

[Fire Manipulation – Hellfire Domain]

Flames exploded outward, consuming everything within a 10-meter radius. The sheer force of it incinerated the trees, the night sky momentarily lit as if the sun had risen.

The Direwolf let out one final, agonized roar before collapsing.

The corrupted energy that once sustained it dissipated, leaving behind its true form—a massive silver-furred wolf, now lifeless.

Elian landed lightly beside its corpse, his breath steady despite the intense battle.

---

Quest Complete!

[You have defeated the Corrupted Direwolf!]

EXP Gained: 1000

Level Up! (Level 6 → 7)

5 Attribute Points Gained

5 Skill Points Gained

??? Reward Unlocked

A new notification appeared.

[Special Skill Unlocked – Corrupt Absorption]

Effect: Allows the user to absorb traces of corrupted energy from defeated enemies, strengthening their magic.

Elian frowned slightly. This was… unexpected.

"You've gained more than just power," Eve mused. "You now hold a piece of corruption within you."

Elian stared at his hands, a faint, unfamiliar dark aura flickering around his fingers.

For the first time, he wondered—was the system pushing him to grow stronger… or was it testing how much he could handle before breaking.