The Death's Mansion
The Death's Mansion
Jihwan stared at the glowing screen before him, his heart pounding in his chest. The quest had appeared, shimmering with an ominous glow that seemed to beckon him forward.
---
[New Quest Unlocked: Survive in Death's Mansion (Old)]
Risk: Medium
Reward: 100 DP
Penalty: Unbind from Curse
Description: Death's Mansion stands as a cursed relic, a place where many have perished in its dark halls. Survive its deadly challenges and emerge victorious. But beware, for death is not the only threat within these walls.
---
Death… again. Jihwan's brow furrowed as he read the quest details. He had been hearing that word far too often lately, and every time it appeared, it weighed heavier on his mind.
Why does death keep following me? His pulse quickened as a strange unease settled deep in his gut. Death. The very word felt like an inescapable shadow, lingering over him with a constant presence. He had faced death countless times before, but this felt different, more oppressive.
He read the quest description again. Survive in the Death's Mansion… It was as if the universe was pushing him toward it. Maybe I'm being paranoid, he thought, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling. I've survived worse. This is just another challenge. But the strange weight of the quest was hard to ignore.
Then his gaze drifted to the penalty: Unbind from Curse. The thought of being severed from the curse was both comforting and terrifying. What would happen if the bond was broken? How would it change him? The consequences felt too uncertain to be ignored.
But the reward—100 DP—was too tempting to resist. He needed the points. It was the only way to keep up with the growing dangers. Focus, Jihwan. Don't let fear cloud your judgment. He had to stay sharp. No time for hesitation.
---
[You have accepted the quest: Survive in Death's Mansion (Old).]
[Teleportation in progress…]
---
Before he could fully process it, his surroundings blurred, the world shifting as if it were unraveling at the seams. Jihwan felt his stomach lurch and his head spin. This… this teleportation is worse than usual. It felt like he was being twisted, dragged through an invisible force.
Then everything stopped.
The air felt different here. It was thick with an ancient chill that clung to his skin, creeping into his bones. He blinked rapidly as the world around him slowly came into focus. Death's Mansion loomed before him—its tall, dilapidated structure casting long, dark shadows under the pale moonlight. The air stank of mildew and decay, suffocating his senses.
He instinctively gripped his dagger, fingers tightening around the hilt. This place feels wrong. Like it's alive… waiting. His heart began to race as the oppressive silence of the mansion seeped into his mind, heightening his every sense. He couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
Why does it always have to be death? The question echoed in his mind once again, though this time, the answer seemed elusive. He wasn't scared. No, not yet. But there was something about this place—something that made him question if he would make it out alive.
The mansion was still, as if holding its breath. The creak of old wood underfoot sent a shiver down his spine. He took a slow, deliberate step forward. You can't let fear control you, he reminded himself. You've survived before. You'll survive this.
---
[New Quest Objective: Survive in Death's Mansion (Old) and reach the exit.]
[Current Location: Entrance Hall of the Death's Mansion (Old).]
---
The quest updated, and his mind clicked back into focus. Survive… That was all it said. No hints, no guidance. Just survive. The thought of navigating the dark, haunted halls of this place without knowing what awaited him made his stomach churn. But this was the world he lived in now—no guarantees, no easy paths.
As he took another step, his thoughts raced. What's waiting for me here? He couldn't shake the sensation that this wasn't just another dungeon or trial. This mansion… It's like it's made for death. For me.
The voice of the system echoed through his mind, a cold reminder that he wasn't alone.
---
The footsteps he'd heard in the distance grew louder, but Jihwan wasn't ready to meet whatever creature was lurking in the shadows. His hand gripped the dagger tighter as he moved, scanning every corner of the entrance hall. Keep it together, Jihwan. Fear is a luxury you can't afford.
Another noise. A door creaked open somewhere deep inside the mansion. It sounded far too close for comfort.
I'm not going to die here, he swore, taking his first step into the mansion's dark depths. I won't let this place be the end of me.
---
End of Chapter .