The Price of Power

The basement was silent again, save for Kalen's steady breathing. His body trembled slightly, but not from fear—from the aftershock of battle.

He had killed a Nightfang.

And it had felt… natural.

He looked at the dagger in his grip, its obsidian blade pulsing faintly before dissolving into wisps of shadow.

[Shadow Dagger (Basic) Unlocked]

- A weapon forged from the user's darkness.

- Can be summoned or dismissed at will.

Kalen flexed his fingers, summoning the blade again. It materialized instantly, fitting perfectly in his grip.

"This system… it's more than just magic."

It was an evolution.

His heart still pounded in his chest, but it wasn't from fear. It was from exhilaration.

For the first time in his life, he wasn't weak.

[Level Up: 2 → 3]

+2 Strength

+2 Agility

+1 Shadow Affinity

A rush of warmth spread through his body, strengthening his muscles. He clenched his fists, feeling the difference.

"So this is what getting stronger feels like."

A sudden knock at the basement door made him freeze.

Bang! Bang!

"Kalen!" A voice hissed. "Open the door, idiot!"

Kalen's eyes narrowed. He knew that voice—Renna.

He dismissed the dagger, quickly brushing the dust off his cloak before opening the door.

Renna slipped inside, her green eyes scanning the room. She was a fellow orphan, a few months older than him. Unlike the others, she didn't fear his mark.

But she wasn't here for friendly talk.

"What the hell are you doing down here?" she demanded, crossing her arms.

Kalen hesitated. "Nothing."

Renna scoffed. "Oh, right. So the shaking floor and the creepy-ass shadows were nothing?"

He tensed. She had noticed.

Renna's gaze fell on his wrist—the mark was still glowing faintly.

"Your curse… it's getting worse, isn't it?"

Kalen exhaled. "It's not a curse."

Renna blinked. "What?"

He had to be careful. If anyone found out about the system, he would be hunted. But Renna…

He owed her the truth.

"It's a power," he said finally. "And it's growing."

Renna's expression darkened. "That's bad, Kalen. Really bad."

Before he could respond, a new notification appeared before him.

[New Mission Available]

Mission: Prove Your Strength

Task: Survive against a real enemy.

Reward: Shadow Cloak (Basic), +10 EXP

Failure Penalty: Capture by the Temple Guards.

Kalen's stomach dropped.

"Capture?"

As if on cue, a distant shout echoed from above.

"The cursed boy! He's using magic!"

Renna's face paled. "Kalen… we need to leave. Now."

He clenched his fists.

This was the price of power.

And he had no choice but to fight.

End of Chapter 3