Canila Panort moved swiftly through the dense forest outside of Ashvale. He knew the path well, having memorized every hidden location from his previous life. The Ashfall Caves were located just beyond the forest, a forgotten zone that only a few high-level players discovered later in the game. But for Canila, this was a shortcut to power.
The cold wind bit at his skin as he pushed past thick underbrush, his rusted sword slung over his shoulder. As a Level 1 novice, the journey would normally be perilous. But Canila wasn't just any player. Armed with his knowledge of the future, he could avoid the traps and dangers that would trip up most beginners.
Soon, the entrance to the Ashfall Caves came into view, concealed by a heavy curtain of vines. Canila parted the vines and stepped inside, the dim light of the cave flickering with an eerie glow. The familiar dampness and cool air sent a shiver down his spine. This place had once been the starting point of his rise to power, the place where he had first unlocked the Shadow Dancer class.
His pulse quickened. He had to reach the heart of the cave before anyone else—before even the world of Elysium recognized its importance.
The cave was a labyrinth of twisting tunnels and narrow passages. Faint sounds echoed from deeper within—probably low-level monsters like Cave Bats and Rock Golems, nothing Canila couldn't handle. He pressed forward, navigating the maze-like structure with ease, avoiding unnecessary fights. Time was of the essence.
As he delved deeper, the faint glow of something shimmering caught his attention. A flicker of satisfaction crossed his face. He had reached the Heart of Shadows, a hidden altar where the ancient quest for the Shadow Dancer class would be triggered.
"Here we are," Canila whispered as he approached the altar.
The altar was carved from obsidian, dark and menacing, surrounded by shadowy wisps that seemed alive. At the center of the altar was a dagger, black as night, pulsing with dark energy. This was the key to unlocking his true potential.
Without hesitation, Canila reached for the dagger. As his fingers wrapped around the hilt, a cold shock surged through his body, and a voice echoed in his mind.
"Do you seek power in the shadows, traveler?"
A familiar thrill ran through Canila. He knew this voice—it was the same entity that had granted him the Shadow Dancer class in his past life.
"I do," he replied, his voice firm. "But this time, I will master it completely."
The voice hummed with approval. "Prove your worth. The shadows will not serve the weak."
Suddenly, the cave walls trembled, and dark shapes emerged from the ground. Three shadowy figures took form, their eyes glowing crimson. These were Shadow Phantoms, powerful foes that would test his skill. But Canila was not afraid. He had faced these enemies before.
Drawing his rusty sword, Canila steadied his breathing. The battle had begun.
The first Shadow Phantom lunged at him with deadly speed, but Canila sidestepped with ease, slashing at its side. Though his rusty sword did little damage, Canila's agility allowed him to outmaneuver the creatures. He focused on evading their attacks, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
When one of the Phantoms overextended, Canila seized the opportunity, delivering a fatal blow to its core. The Phantom dissolved into a cloud of smoke, leaving behind a faint glow of experience points.
Experience Gained: 100
Level Up: 2
Agility +2
Strength +1
Endurance +1
His stats increased, but Canila didn't waste time savoring it. He turned his attention to the remaining two Phantoms, who were now circling him like predators.
With newfound agility, Canila danced between their attacks, his body moving fluidly through the shadows. This was what made the Shadow Dancer class so powerful—the ability to harness the darkness itself.
He struck swiftly, landing blows on the second Phantom. After a few precise hits, it too disintegrated into smoke.
Experience Gained: 150
Canila faced the last Phantom. It was more aggressive than the others, but his agility gave him the edge. With a calculated strike, he finished it off, watching as the final figure crumbled into nothingness.
Experience Gained: 200
Level Up: 3
Agility +3
Strength +1
Endurance +2
The cave grew silent once more as the last Phantom faded, leaving Canila standing alone with the dagger still pulsing in his hand. The voice echoed again in his mind.
"You have proven your worth, Shadow King. Embrace the shadows once more."
The dagger surged with dark energy, and Canila felt a familiar yet exhilarating power flood his body. His vision blurred momentarily, and when it cleared, he could feel it—the Shadow Dancer class had returned.
Class Change: Shadow Dancer
Skill Unlocked: Shadow Step
Skill Unlocked: Veil of Darkness
Skill Unlocked: Phantom Strike
Experience Gained from Class Unlock: 500
Canila smirked. The power he had lost was slowly returning. And this was only the beginning.
"I'm back," he whispered, his eyes gleaming with the promise of revenge.