The Second Wave

The distant howl faded into the night, but its echo lingered in our bones. The first wave had been a test. The second would be war.

[Second Wave Incoming in 10 Minutes.]

I exhaled slowly, my breath visible in the cold night air. Around me, the others were tense but focused. The preparations had bought us a slight advantage, but it wouldn't be enough to guarantee survival. We needed strategy. We needed control.

"We hold the line," I said, voice firm. "Stay behind the barricades and use the spears if they break through."

Jian nodded quickly, eyes determined. Wei was less convinced. "You've fought these things before?"

I met his gaze. "Something like that."

He grunted, clearly unsatisfied but unwilling to waste time questioning further. Good. We didn't have time for doubt.

The system chimed again.

[Incoming Enemies: 25 Lesser Beasts, 3 Greater Beasts] [Difficulty Increase Detected: Regression Points Multiplier x1.5]

Lesser Beasts meant the same creatures from the first wave—fast, but manageable. Greater Beasts, though… those were new.

The ground trembled slightly. Distant snarls carried on the wind.

They were coming.

The Battle Begins

A sharp, guttural screech tore through the night as the first wave of creatures burst from the darkness.

Lesser Beasts—twisted, canine-like creatures with elongated limbs and glowing red eyes—sprinted toward us on all fours. They were faster this time, more aggressive.

I stepped forward, sword drawn. "Hold steady!"

The first beast lunged, its claws slashing through the air. I sidestepped smoothly, bringing my blade down in a precise arc. The steel met flesh, cutting deep. The creature howled, but I was already moving to the next.

Jian and the others fought hard. Spears drove forward, piercing through snarling maws. The barricades held, forcing the beasts into narrow kill zones. It was working—for now.

Then, the Greater Beasts arrived.

A thunderous roar silenced the battlefield for a brief second before the largest beast crashed through the trees. Standing at least twice my height, it had thick, sinewy muscles, dark bristling fur, and claws that could carve through stone.

One swiped at the barricade, shattering part of it instantly.

"Fall back! Focus on the big ones!" I shouted.

Wei was already moving, gripping a heavy spear. With a well-practiced motion, he hurled it at the beast's exposed side. The spear struck true, embedding itself deep. The creature roared in pain—but didn't fall.

I sprinted forward, dodging past a charging Lesser Beast. My sword gleamed in the moonlight as I slashed at the Greater Beast's wounded side, aiming for the weak point Wei had created.

The system reacted instantly.

[Precision Strike! Critical Hit!] [+200 Regression Points]

The beast staggered, but it wasn't dead.

It swung wildly, forcing me to roll backward just in time to avoid a fatal swipe. I landed hard but kept my grip on my blade. Pain flared in my shoulder, but I pushed it aside.

Jian appeared beside me, panting. "We can't kill these things fast enough!"

I clenched my teeth. He was right. Even with our preparations, we were being overwhelmed. We needed more power.

Or a gamble.

[System Store: Available Items] [Unknown Relic (???) – 400 RP]

I had been hesitant before, but now? Now, I had no choice.

I purchased the relic.

[Item Acquired: Cursed Blade of the Hollow] [Effect: +50% Attack Power. Drains 5% Stamina per strike.]

My sword shimmered, morphing into a sleek, obsidian blade pulsating with an eerie glow. As I gripped it, a chill ran through me. It was hungry.

No time to hesitate.

I dashed forward and slashed at the Greater Beast's neck. The moment my blade connected, the creature convulsed violently.

[Devour Effect Activated. Absorbing Strength.]

Its body shriveled in seconds. Then, it collapsed.

The battlefield stilled for a moment.

Then the others charged, more frenzied than before.

Victory & Aftermath

By the time the last beast fell, we were battered, bloodied, and exhausted.

The system notifications flooded in.

[Second Wave Cleared!] [+5 Strength, +3 Agility, +2 Perception] [+1200 Regression Points] [New Title Acquired: "Harbinger of the Hollow"]

I exhaled sharply, hands still trembling from the fight. The cursed blade remained in my grip, its ominous glow slightly dimmer now. It had tasted battle—and it wanted more.

Jian collapsed beside me, laughing breathlessly. "You're not normal."

I let out a short chuckle. "Never said I was."

Wei studied me again, eyes dark with suspicion. "You're hiding something."

I sheathed my sword. "Maybe."

He didn't push further. Not yet.

But I knew one thing.

This wasn't over.

Somewhere out there, the ones controlling this were watching. And next time… they'd send something worse.

[To Be Continued…]