The roar grew louder, resonating through the cavernous walls like an earthquake given voice. Ethan tightened his grip on the rusted dagger, sweat dripping down his brow. The System's interface hovered in the corner of his vision, its calm efficiency a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around him.
"New Objective: Investigate the Roar."
"Investigate? Really?" Ethan muttered, his voice a low growl. His instincts screamed at him to run, but something deeper compelled him forward. Maybe it was the artifact's promise of power, or maybe it was sheer desperation. Either way, retreat wasn't an option.
He moved cautiously, his footsteps barely audible over the distant echo of dripping water. The cave widened ahead, revealing jagged stalagmites and pools of shimmering liquid that glowed faintly in the dark. The air grew colder, each breath forming a thin mist before him.
Ethan's mind raced. The wolves had been one thing, but whatever had made that sound was on another level entirely. He didn't have the luxury of underestimating it. A single misstep here could mean death. The System's interface offered a small comfort, its presence reminding him that he wasn't completely alone.
"Tip: Monster movements can be tracked by sound and shadow."
The faintest rustle caught his attention, and Ethan froze. His eyes darted to the far end of the chamber where shadows danced unnaturally, twisting and bending as if alive. From the darkness emerged a massive creature, its form partially obscured by the dim light. A wolf-like silhouette, but larger, with glowing red eyes and a mane of writhing shadow. It snarled, baring fangs that shimmered like obsidian.
"Analysis: Shadow Fang Alpha. E-rank Dungeon Boss. HP: 200. Strength: High. Weakness: Light-based attacks."
Ethan's heart pounded as the boss locked its gaze on him. His fingers tightened around the dagger. "Light-based attacks? Great. Let me just pull some sunlight out of my pocket."
The Shadow Fang lunged, closing the distance with terrifying speed. Ethan barely sidestepped, the creature's claws raking the stone where he had stood. The shockwave from its attack sent him stumbling backward, his boots skidding against the cave floor.
"Skill Ready: Arcane Slash."
Ethan didn't hesitate. He poured everything into the attack, the dagger glowing with ethereal blue light as he slashed at the beast's flank. The blade connected, and the Shadow Fang howled, its form flickering like a broken projection. Black mist spilled from the wound, dissipating into the air.
"-5 HP. Remaining HP: 195."
"Five HP? You've got to be kidding me," Ethan groaned. The beast's health bar barely budged, a stark reminder of how outclassed he was. It turned to face him, its eyes burning brighter as if mocking his efforts.
The creature charged again, and Ethan dove to the side, narrowly avoiding another swipe. He landed hard, the impact jarring his bones. His breathing came in ragged gasps, each one sharper than the last. He needed a plan, and fast.
His eyes darted around the cavern. The pools of glowing liquid caught his attention. They shimmered faintly, casting a soft light that pushed back the shadows. An idea sparked in his mind.
"If light's its weakness..." Ethan muttered, scrambling toward the nearest pool. The Shadow Fang followed, its massive frame blocking out what little light there was. Ethan reached the edge of the pool and plunged his hand into the liquid, half-expecting it to burn. Instead, it tingled, a soothing warmth spreading up his arm.
The System chimed:
"New Item Acquired: Luminous Essence. Temporary Effect: Weapon imbued with light energy."
Ethan didn't waste a second. The dagger in his hand began to glow, its dull surface replaced by a radiant brilliance. The Shadow Fang hesitated, its snarl faltering as the light pierced the darkness. For the first time, Ethan saw fear in its glowing eyes.
"Let's see how you like this," Ethan growled, charging forward. The creature lunged to meet him, but this time he was ready. He ducked under its claws, his movements sharper and more precise. The glowing dagger slashed across its chest, leaving a trail of searing light in its wake.
"-20 HP. Remaining HP: 175."
The beast roared, the cavern trembling under its fury. Ethan pressed the advantage, striking again and again. Each blow carved through the creature's shadowy form, its health bar dwindling with every hit. But the Shadow Fang wasn't finished. It lashed out wildly, its claws grazing Ethan's side. Pain flared, and he stumbled, nearly losing his grip on the dagger.
"HP: 30. Use Health Potion?"
"Not yet," Ethan hissed through gritted teeth. He couldn't afford to waste resources. The beast was weakening, its movements slowing as the light energy continued to eat away at its form. He just needed one more opening.
The Shadow Fang reared back, its shadowy mane flaring as it prepared a final, desperate attack. The ground beneath Ethan cracked, dark tendrils snaking toward him. He leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the tendrils as they struck the ground where he'd been standing.
"This is it," Ethan muttered, gripping the dagger tightly. He surged forward, the blade glowing brighter than ever. The Shadow Fang lunged, its jaws snapping inches from his face. Ethan drove the dagger into its chest, the light erupting in a blinding flash.
The beast howled, its form disintegrating into black mist. The cavern fell silent, the oppressive weight of the shadows lifting. Ethan collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving as the System's voice chimed again.
"Boss Defeated. Reward: +100 EXP. +2 Stat Points. Unique Item Acquired: Shadow Wolf Egg."
"Level Up: +1 to all stats, +3 stat points"
Ethan blinked, his gaze shifting to the glowing object that materialized before him. It was small, about the size of a melon, and pulsed faintly with the same shadowy energy as the boss. A notification appeared in his mind.
"Shadow Wolf Egg: Hatchable. Requires time and specific conditions to unlock its full potential."
A faint smile tugged at Ethan's lips. For the first time in years, he felt a flicker of hope. This wasn't just survival. This was the start of something bigger.
He reached out and picked up the egg, cradling it carefully. As he stood, the cavern seemed brighter, the oppressive darkness replaced by a strange sense of calm. The System's interface displayed a new message:
"Return to Dungeon Entrance. Mission Complete."
Ethan exhaled, his grip on the egg tightening. He glanced back at the path he'd come from, the faint glow of the dungeon entrance beckoning him. With one last look at the now-empty cavern, he began the long trek back, the Shadow Wolf egg a promise of the power and future he so desperately sought.