Robert packed up his gears. His room was expansive and magnificent, bathed in a wash of golden sunlight that streamed through the large, floor-to-ceiling windows. The light had poured in, filling the room with a warm, inviting glow. The walls, painted in a soft cream color, had absorbed and reflected the sunlight, adding to the room's brightness.
The high ceiling had given the room an airy, open feel, with elegant crown molding adding a touch of sophistication. Hardwood floors had gleamed underfoot, their rich tones highlighted by the natural light. Delicate curtains had billowed gently in the breeze, casting soft shadows that danced across the room.
In the corner, a plush, oversized armchair had sat beside a polished wooden table, creating a cozy nook perfect for reading. The bed, grand and inviting, had been draped in luxurious linens that glowed softly in the sunlight. Every piece of furniture, every detail in the room, had been illuminated, bringing warmth and life to the space.
He walked out of the house without saying a word to anyone. Ever since that day he hardly saw his father. Robert ventured into the forest just as dawn broke, the soft, golden light bathing the landscape in a warm glow. The air had been crisp, carrying the fresh scent of damp earth and pine. His steps had been deliberate, each one barely making a sound on the carpet of fallen leaves. Birds sung their morning chorus, their songs echoing through the trees.
Sunlight had filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. Every now and then, a beam of light had broken through, illuminating Robert's path and highlighting the rich hues of the foliage. The serenity of the forest in the early morning had been a stark contrast to the turmoil in his mind. But there, surrounded by nature's calmness.
Taking of the back pack he started to put on his gear. Using his enhanced senses he he started to look for beasts to hunt. After searching for so long he found nothing, so he decided to dive deep into the forest. As he walked around he heard someone shouting. Following where the sounds were coming from, just when he thought his day would be great, he found a group of bandits camping in the area. Inside one of the tents a man yelled, "just pay the damn money and she's yours" followed by a crush.
A wide smile lit up his face. He moved with a fluid grace of a gymnast, muscles coiled and sprung into action. In one smooth motion, he leapt from the ground, his hands reaching out to grasp the sturdy branches above. He swung himself up effortlessly, his legs tucking and extending with precision. Each movement was a perfect blend of strength and agility, as he climbed higher, smiling all the while, "what a better way than a group of bandits.
Standing still, shadows began to coalesce around his feet, rising slowly and sinuously The dark tendrils crept up his legs, winding its way towards his torso and arms. With a deliberate focus, he extended his arms, and the shadows responded, gathering and thickening around him.
The shadows twisted and merged, forming a solid shape that grew more defined by the second. His fingers moved deftly, guiding the dark substance into place. Before long, the shadow had shaped itself into a sleek, elegant bow, resting firmly in his grip.
Few distance away, he had his eyes on his fast target. The ninja moved with silent precision. His hands and feet found perfect holds on the rough bark, each movement fluid and calculated, he scaled the tree with the agility of a cat. His muscles coiled and released in perfect harmony, propelling him upwards without a sound. The leaves rustled ever so slightly as he passed, but his presence was otherwise undetectable. Reaching a high branch, he paused, crouching low and surveying the surroundings with keen, watchful eyes.
With the shadowy bow firmly in his grasp, he took a steadying breath and drew back the string. The bow responded to his command, the shadows coiling and tightening with a faint hiss. His eyes narrowed in concentration, focusing intently on his target. The shadows seemed to pulse with energy, dark tendrils writhing and twisting as they formed an arrow from the darkness itself.
He released the string, and the shadowy arrow shot forward with incredible speed and precision. It flew through the air silently, a streak of inky blackness cutting through the light. His movements were fluid and graceful, each action exuding confidence and control. The bow seemed like an extension of his own will, bending to Robert's commands with perfect synchronicity.
The ninja sensed the arrow's approach before it even left the bowstring. With lightning-fast reflexes, he twisted his body, the projectile whizzing past him by mere inches. His movements were a blur, a seamless blend of agility and precision. He used the momentum to propel himself into a roll, disappearing. The leaves barely rustled, his escape so silent and swift that it seemed almost supernatural. He pulled out a white cloth and tied it around his face. Jumping back down, he ran where the ninja was.
As the ninja launched his attack, Robert reacted instinctively. With a burst of agility, he executed a perfect somersault. His body curled gracefully, rotating in mid-air. The ninja's strike sliced through the space he had just occupied, missing by inches. Completing the somersault, he landed lightly on his feet, eyes sharp and body poised for whatever came next.
With a focused expression, he extended his hand, and the shadows around him began to coalesce. Dark tendrils swirled and twisted, converging in a single point. Slowly, the shadows took shape, elongating and solidifying into a sleek, menacing blade. The long sword, forged from pure darkness, shimmered with an eerie, faint glow. It pulsed with energy, as if alive, slicing through the air with a swift, deadly arc.
But as the blade descended, the ninja vanished in a blur, leaving only a whisper of wind in his wake. In an instant, the ninja reappeared behind Robert, katana raised and poised for a lethal strike.
Sensing the movement, he reacted with lightning speed, bringing the shadow blade behind him in a fluid motion. The clash of metal against shadow resounded through the air as he successfully blocked the ninja's katana. Sparks flew, and the force of the impact sent a shiver through the air, but Robert stood firm.
In a blur the ninja vanished again. Robert barely had time to react before the ninja reappeared, striking with lightning speed. The katana flashed through the air, and a sharp pain seared through Robert's arm. Blood welled up from the fresh cut. The ninja's voice was cold and precise. "You're quick, but not quick enough," he said, his eyes narrowing as he prepared for the next move.
After a psychotic laugh subsided, a chilling calm settled over Robert. With a steady voice and a twisted grin, he said, "You think a little cut will stop me? This dance has only just begun." Steam began to rise from the wound, the heat intensifying as it hissed softly in the air. The vapor swirled around, shrouding the cut in a mystical fog. As the steam slowly dissipated, a miraculous sight was revealed, the wound had completely healed, the skin smooth and unblemished as if the injury had never occurred.The ninja's eyes widened in shock as he watched the steam rise from the wound. His usual calm demeanor faltered, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face.
The sight of the wound healing completely left him momentarily stunned. He tightened his grip on his katana, his mind racing to comprehend the unexpected turn of events. The ninja knew he was facing an opponent unlike any other, and the stakes had just gotten higher.
With a fierce determination, Robert gathered all his strength and focus. The shadowy blade in his hand pulsed with purple energy, responding to his will. In one swift, fluid motion, he lunged forward, the blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. The shadows seemed to ripple and surge, amplifying the force of the strike. The ninja, caught off guard by the sheer speed and power of the attack, had no time to react. The shadowy blade sliced his throat like butter.
[Shadow step user D rank defeated]
[Consume soul in 15 seconds]
The screen appeared, he was a bit surprised that it did not show up before his fight 'consume soul?' he thought to himself trying to decipher what the system meant by that.