ParadoxReader

Yoo Jihwan was nothing more than an E-rank hunter—a disposable pawn in a world ruled by the strong. Betrayed and left to die in a dungeon, he thought it was the end.

But death was only the beginning.

In the abyss of darkness, where nothing existed, a cold truth was revealed. He could not escape. He would return—again and again. With every death, the curse grew stronger, and so did he.

As monsters began to fear him and the system itself twisted to accommodate his existence, Jihwan realized one thing:

This world does not reward the weak.

If death would not claim him, then he would carve his name into fate itself.

The E-rank hunter who defied death was no longer just prey.

He was becoming something else.

My New Afterlife System

My New Afterlife System

Jihwan stepped further into the depths of Death's Mansion, his senses sharpened as the air grew thick with a suffocating presence. Shadows stretched unnaturally, shifting like living entities.

Then, he felt it—a creeping sensation crawling up his spine.

No, not just something—many things.

The sound of claws scraping against the floor echoed through the darkness. Faint, glowing eyes blinked open, one by one, surrounding him from all directions.

Their twisted, malformed bodies slithered and crawled toward him—around thirty in total. Some had elongated limbs, others had jagged, gaping mouths filled with needle-like teeth.

'Tch. I don't have time to waste.'

He tightened his grip on his Cursed Dagger. If he hesitated, he'd be torn apart.

The first shadow beast lunged. Jihwan sidestepped, his dagger flashing through the air—a clean cut to the throat. The creature collapsed, but the others didn't stop.

More rushed at him. Jihwan twisted, weaving between the attacks, his dagger slicing through flesh and bone.

The bodies piled up, but his stamina was draining fast.

'Damn it… they just keep coming.'

He was about to attack again when—

A low, guttural growl rumbled from the darkness. The remaining creatures froze in place.

A massive, wolf-like figure emerged from the shadows, its body made of swirling darkness. Its crimson eyes glowed menacingly, locked onto Jihwan with predatory hunger.

[Stage 1: The Hound of Darkness has appeared!]

Jihwan's grip on his dagger tightened.

The creature bared its fangs, and in an instant—it vanished.

Jihwan's instincts screamed. He leaped to the side—

A blur of darkness ripped through the air where he had just stood.

Jihwan barely had time to react before the hound reappeared right in front of him. Its claws lashed out—he barely managed to raise his Cursed Rusted Shield in time.

The impact rattled his arms, nearly knocking him off balance. The hound's strength was immense.

Jihwan's mind raced. He needed a plan.

He activated Shadow Walk. His body flickered, blending into the darkness.

The hound snarled, momentarily losing sight of him.

Jihwan moved swiftly, appearing behind the beast—his dagger glowing with cursed energy.

With a flick of his wrist, the dagger sailed through the air—silent, precise.

It buried deep into the hound's throat.

The beast let out a strangled growl, thrashing wildly. Jihwan didn't hesitate. He dashed forward, grabbing his dagger and slashing deeper.

The Hound of Darkness howled—before collapsing into a pool of shadows.

Jihwan exhaled sharply. His body ached, exhaustion creeping in.

[You have gained a new skill – Silent Throw]

Effect: Allows the user to throw weapons without making a sound, increasing critical hit chance.

[You have gained a new skill – Shadow Walk]

Effect: Allows the user to blend into shadows for a short duration, increasing evasion and stealth.

Jihwan steadied his breathing, wiping the sweat from his brow.

His health was low, and his stamina was nearly drained. But he had no time to rest.

Because ahead of him—the true battle was only beginning.