The cavern trembled as the mutated Dungeon Crawler advanced, its spiked legs clicking ominously against the stone floor. Adrian could feel its malice, a primal hunger that mirrored his own. This wasn't just another enemy—it was a predator, and in its eyes, he was prey.
---
[System Alert]
[Mutated Dungeon Crawler Detected]
[Rank: E-Grade Monster]
[Level: 5]
[HP: 150 | Mana: 10 | Physical: 50 | Strength: 40 | Skills: Hardened Carapace, Acid Spit, Frenzy]
---
Adrian's gaze flicked to his own status. Even with his recent level-up, the difference in strength was glaring. One wrong move, and he would be reduced to nothing but bones and dust.
---
[Mission: Defeat the Mutated Dungeon Crawler]
[Reward: Evolution Path Unlocked]
---
Adrian inhaled deeply, steadying his nerves. His decayed body tensed as the beast charged, its mandibles snapping like iron blades.
He sidestepped at the last second, activating [Shadow Step] to vanish into the darkness. The skill's effect was immediate, shrouding him in shadow as the creature skidded to a halt, confused.
---
[Skill Activated: Shadow Step (Lv.1) - Duration: 5 seconds]
---
Adrian reappeared behind the beast, slashing at its exposed hind legs with his claws. The attack landed, but his claws merely scratched the creature's hardened carapace.
---
[Damage Inflicted: 5 HP]
---
The creature screeched, spinning around and swinging one of its massive legs toward him. Adrian barely ducked in time, the air above him whistling as the attack smashed into the cavern wall, leaving a crater.
I can't take it head-on, he thought, his mind racing. He needed a strategy—something to bypass the creature's tough exterior.
The bioluminescent fungi caught his eye again, their faint glow casting eerie shadows across the room. An idea began to form.
Adrian darted toward the cluster of fungi, his movements erratic to avoid the creature's attacks. Acid sprayed past him, sizzling against the stone floor, but he didn't stop. Reaching the fungi, he grabbed a handful and smeared the glowing residue over his decayed body.
The creature hesitated, its simple mind once again confused by the sudden change. Adrian used the distraction to activate [Bite], sinking his decayed teeth into one of its legs.
---
[Skill Activated: Bite (Lv.1)]
[Damage Inflicted: 10 HP | Essence Absorbed: Physical +2]
---
The beast screeched in pain, lashing out wildly. Adrian leapt back, barely avoiding the flurry of attacks. His gamble had paid off—the fungi camouflage and [Bite] were enough to deal some damage. But it wasn't enough to win.
The system chimed again, and a new notification appeared.
---
[Battle Tip: Exploit Weaknesses]
[Hint: Acid is highly flammable. Use your environment.]
---
Adrian's eyes widened. The system wasn't just guiding him—it was giving him an edge. He scanned the cavern, spotting a pool of acid the creature had sprayed earlier. Nearby, a cluster of dry fungi dangled from the ceiling.
The pieces clicked into place.
Dodging another lunge from the beast, Adrian sprinted toward the acid pool. The creature followed, its massive legs pounding against the ground. Reaching the edge, Adrian skidded to a stop and turned to face it.
"Come on," he muttered, his voice a guttural rasp.
The creature screeched and lunged, its mandibles aimed straight for him. At the last moment, Adrian activated [Shadow Step] again, vanishing as the beast's attack struck the acid pool.
The acid splashed upward, soaking the creature's front legs and underbelly. Adrian reappeared near the dry fungi, ripping a cluster from the ceiling and striking it against the stone floor to create sparks.
It took several tries, but finally, the fungi ignited, casting an orange glow over the cavern. Adrian hurled the burning fungi at the acid-soaked beast.
The reaction was immediate.
The creature screeched in agony as flames erupted across its body, the acid acting as an accelerant. Its thrashing grew frantic, its massive form crashing against the walls as it tried to extinguish the flames.
---
[Critical Hit! Damage Inflicted: 100 HP]
---
Adrian didn't waste the opportunity. He charged forward, claws slashing at the exposed, burning flesh.
---
[Skill Activated: Decay Touch (Lv.1)]
[Damage Inflicted: 20 HP | Defense Reduced by 10%]
---
With one final screech, the beast collapsed, its glowing eyes dimming as its charred body fell still.
---
[Mutated Dungeon Crawler Defeated!]
[XP Gained: 50]
[Mission Complete: Evolution Path Unlocked]
---
Adrian dropped to his knees, exhausted but victorious. The cavern was silent now, save for the crackling of flames.
---
[Evolution Path Unlocked]
[Choose Your Path:]
1. Ghoul – Focus on physical strength and speed. Gains sharp claws and enhanced senses.
2. Wight – Balance of physical and magical abilities. Gains access to dark magic and improved intelligence.
3. Revenant – Focus on resilience and necromantic power. Gains the ability to summon and control undead.
---
Adrian's rotting face twisted into a grim smile. The choice before him wasn't just about power—it was about the kind of monster he wanted to become.
As he stared at the options, the hunger within him stirred once more.
"I'll rise… no matter the cost."
End of Chapter 3
Would you like me to continue with his evolution choice or explore the implications of each path in detail?