Noah cursed under his breath. "Why the hell is this room so dark!"
As his eyes strained to adjust, the space suddenly erupted into fiery life. Flaming torches, suspended from the walls, cast flickering shadows across the room.
Noah's pupils constricted, momentarily blinded by the abrupt shift from darkness to light. He squinted, taking in his surroundings.
Noah was overwhelmed as the room erupted into light, revealing a daunting spectacle.
Before him stood 10 snarling goblins, their beady eyes fixed on their prey.
Behind them, four hulking champions towered, their muscular physiques rippling with malevolent intent. And seated upon a throne, adorned with a twisted crown, was the boss: a gargantuan figure whose sheer size eclipsed even the champions.
Unlike his battle-hardened minions, the boss grasped a staff, its dark wood crackling with ominous energy.
Noah's eyes widened in despair as he gazed upon the formidable foes. "I'm dead," he muttered, nodding resignedly. A pained smile crept onto his lips as he reflected on his life. "It wasn't that bad, really."
But his introspection was abruptly interrupted by the System's stern voice.
"[Noah, are you seriously planning to give up?]"
The System's words cut through Noah's resignation.
"[Up until now, I have been watching you. You haven't fought solely for yourself; that's what brought you this far. Are you planning to abandon the people who depend on you?]"
Upon listening to the System's words, Noah's thoughts instinctively turned to his sister, the only family he had left. The thought of her living without him, facing the harsh world alone, struck a deep chord within. A surge of determination welled up, fueled by the desire to protect and provide for her.
"No," Noah whispered, his voice firming. "I won't give up. Not yet."
The image of his sister's smile, her laughter, and her unwavering trust in him solidified his resolve.
With a fierce cry, Noah sprinted forward, dagger clutched tightly in his hand. In a whirlwind of steel and speed, he tore through the ranks of lesser goblins, striking with deadly precision. Each swift, economical slash found its mark, dropping the goblins with a single, fatal blow.
Noah's experience and desperation merged into a fluid dance of death, his dagger flashing in the flickering torchlight. The goblins, caught off guard by his sudden ferocity, crumpled beneath his assault.
In mere moments, the lesser goblins lay lifeless, their crude weapons scattered across the floor. Noah stood panting, his chest heaving with exertion, as he faced the remaining foes.
The four champions and the boss regarded him with renewed interest, their expressions twisted into snarls.
Noah locked eyes with the four champions, his gaze piercing and predatory. The goblins hesitated, taken aback by the sudden intensity. A low, menacing growl rumbled from their throats as they regained their composure.
"[Noah, calm your nerves. Your heartbeat is racing at an alarming rate]," the System cautioned.
But Noah was no longer in control. His body began to undergo a transformation, as if driven by a primal instinct. His teeth sharpened, and his muscles bulged, straining against his skin.
[Ding! Skill: Beastial Survival Instinct unlocked from the Beastial Feature skill tree.]
[Beastial Survival Instinct]
[Grade: SSS]
[Description: This legendary skill allows the user to tap into their primal instincts, emulating the Beast Monarch's remarkable resilience. Even in the face of mortal danger, the Beast Monarch's instincts drive him to survive and grow stronger. By entering a state of pure primal instinct, the user unlocks enhanced physical abilities and adaptive growth.
Effects:
- Enter a primal state, driven by instinct
- Boosts all physical abilities by 30%
- Each successful strike grants a temporary +5 point increase to all stats (can be stacked)
- Duration: 10 minutes
- Backlash:
- Primal Madness: 20% chance of becoming trapped in primal state, requiring external intervention.
- Spiritual Debt: Unable to use other S-grade or higher skills for 30 minutes.
- Vital disruption : disrupts internal organs and decrease healing by 50%
Noah's grip on the dagger hilt shattered, splintering the wood as he surrendered to his primal urges. With a feral roar, he lunged at the champions.
The champions recoiled, confusion etched on their faces. Aren't we the ones supposed to charge at him? they thought, but Noah's sudden transformation left no time for questions.
Swinging their massive weapons, the champions countered Noah's frenzied attack.
Noah lunged at a champion, but it narrowly evaded his attack, sending him crashing into the wall.
Boom!
Dust filled the air, obscuring Noah from view. When it settled, the champions expected to see his crumpled form. Instead, they saw nothing.
Bluch!
[Stats have been boosted temporarily by +5!]
Before the champions could react, a chilling sound echoed through the room – Noah's claws tearing through the neck of the champion he had targeted.
The others stared aghast at their fallen comrade.
Noah had utilized the wall's momentum to propel himself back at the goblin champion with increased speed easily and efficiently dispatching the goblin with his sharp claws.
The Goblin King, seated at the back, broke its silence. It raised its staff, unleashing an ear-piercing scream. The once-fearful goblin champions now stood firm, weapons at the ready, transformed by the king's battle cry.
The Goblin King settled back, satisfied, its hands clasped together as it continued to observe the unfolding battle.