Chapter 3: The Abyss Walker

The Ogre's massive blade came crashing down, splitting the ground where Raon had been standing a second ago. But he was already gone.

His body moved on its own, his speed faster than anything he had ever experienced. He barely felt the strain of dodging, as if he had become weightless.

[Shadow Assimilation Activated.]

A dark mist coiled around his arms, sinking into his flesh. He didn't fully understand what was happening, but he could feel it.

Power.

The Ogre turned, its golden eyes flashing with fury. It swung again, a devastating horizontal slash aimed to cut him in half.

Raon didn't dodge.

Instead, he stepped into the attack.

And something clicked.

The moment the blade should have sliced through him—he vanished.

No, he didn't vanish.

He sank into the Ogre's own shadow.

A sensation like falling through cold water rushed over him, and in an instant, he reappeared—behind the Ogre.

The monster barely had time to react before Raon drove his dagger into its exposed neck.

SHRRRK!

The blade sank deep. The Ogre howled in agony, staggering forward as black blood sprayed across the dungeon floor.

Raon landed smoothly, eyes wide in shock.

"What... was that?"

Then, another notification appeared.

[Skill Unlocked: Shadow Step]

Allows the user to move through the shadows of enemies within a limited range.

His breathing quickened. This wasn't just an awakening—this was something completely different.

The Ogre wasn't dead yet, but it was weaker. It turned toward him, rage filling its monstrous face.

Raon took a step forward.

And for the first time in his life...

He wasn't afraid.