Chapter 4 – The Dungeon Master’s First Kill

The moment Reo gave the command, the shadow beast lunged forward, its massive claws slashing through the air like blades of night.

The knight barely had time to raise his shield before the impact sent him flying across the chamber, crashing into an obsidian pillar with a sickening crack.

The priest let out a cry, her hands glowing as she desperately began a healing incantation.

Reo didn't give her the chance.

With a flick of his fingers, the dungeon responded. The floor beneath her shifted, spikes of sharpened stone erupting upward.

She managed to leap back, narrowly avoiding being impaled. But her balance was off, and in that moment of hesitation—

The shadow beast struck.

A black tendril wrapped around her ankle, yanking her into the air. She screamed, thrashing, but it was useless.

Reo watched with cold calculation as the creature's fanged maw snapped shut around her throat.

The scream turned to a gurgle. Blood dripped onto the dungeon floor.

> Intruder Eliminated. Dungeon Points Gained.

Reo exhaled, his fingers tingling from the sensation. He had just taken his first life.

And it felt... right.

The knight groaned, pulling himself to his feet. His armor was dented, blood leaking from the corner of his mouth. But his eyes burned with rage.

"You monster…" he spat, raising his sword. "I'll kill you myself!"

Reo's lips curled into a smirk. "Try."

With a roar, the knight charged.

The shadow beast pounced, but this time, the knight was ready. He rolled under its attack, his sword slashing upward, slicing through the monster's flank.

The creature howled, black mist spilling from its wound.

Reo's eyes narrowed. So he's not just talk.

Still, this was his domain. And he had full control.

With a thought, the very walls of the chamber came alive. Chains of darkness slithered from the stone, wrapping around the knight's arms and legs, pinning him in place.

His eyes widened. "What—?!"

Reo stepped forward, his voice even. "You entered my dungeon. You attacked my domain. Did you think I wouldn't retaliate?"

The knight struggled, rage and fear flickering in his expression. But it was useless.

Reo extended his hand toward the Dungeon Core, feeling the power flow through him.

"Let's see how much your soul is worth."

The chains tightened—

And then, in a flash of red light—

The knight was gone.

> Intruder Eliminated. Large Dungeon Points Gained.

Dungeon Evolution Progress: 40% to Next Level.

Reo let out a slow breath, feeling the rush of power settle within him.

He had done it.

His first true victory.

And it was only the beginning.

A deep chuckle echoed through the chamber.

"Now, do you see?" the chained entity rumbled. "The power of the dungeon is yours to wield. And yet, you are still weak."

Reo didn't respond immediately. He already knew the truth. His dungeon was growing, but it was still fragile.

There were more enemies out there. Stronger ones.

He needed to fortify his domain.

Reo turned to the Dungeon Core, already issuing commands:

Expand the first floor.

Summon more shadow beasts.

Lay out the next wave of traps.

The next time intruders arrived—

They wouldn't leave alive.