The hum from the portal grew louder, a low vibration that resonated through the air, causing the crowd to back away further. Aryan tightened his grip on the stick, the anticipation coiling in his muscles. He knew what was coming next—a Dungeon Boss, more powerful than the Goblins he had just defeated.
The shimmering portal pulsed, and a new figure emerged. This time, it was a towering Hobgoblin, its green skin darker and more muscular than its smaller counterparts. It wielded a crude, massive club, and its eyes burned with a feral intensity.
[Monster Status Window]: Hobgoblin
Rank: D
Level: 2
Class: Beast
Stats:
Strength: 15
Agility: 10
Aura: 8
Intelligence: 5
Skills:
[Crushing Blow] (Rank D): A powerful attack that can break bones and armor.[Roar] (Rank D): Temporarily intimidates and weakens enemies.
Aryan's eyes scanned the Hobgoblin's status window. This was no ordinary fight; he was up against a creature that could easily overpower an unprepared warrior. But Aryan had faced worse before and emerged victorious. He couldn't afford to lose, not now, not when the stakes were so high.
The Hobgoblin roared, its booming voice shaking the air, causing some onlookers to stumble and cover their ears. Aryan, however, stood firm. He had experienced this fear-inducing skill before and knew how to resist its effects. His mind remained clear, focused on the fight ahead.
Without warning, the Hobgoblin charged, swinging its club with a force that cracked the pavement where Aryan had been standing just moments before. Aryan dodged to the side, feeling the rush of air as the club missed him by inches. He needed to exploit the Hobgoblin's sluggish speed and lack of agility.
He circled the creature, looking for an opening. The Hobgoblin roared again, frustrated by Aryan's evasiveness. It swung its club wildly, creating a dangerous whirlwind of destruction around it. Aryan waited, biding his time until the Hobgoblin's attacks slowed.
Seeing his chance, Aryan darted in, aiming a precise strike at the creature's knee. The stick, though makeshift, hit with enough force to stagger the Hobgoblin slightly. It growled, swinging its club downward. Aryan rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow.
[Status Window]
Name (Age): Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: None
Level: 1
Class: None
Stats:
Strength: 10
Agility: 10
Aura: 10
Intelligence: 10
Unallocated Stats: 4
Skills:
None
Aryan knew he needed more power to finish this fight. He quickly allocated his unallocated stats, boosting his strength and agility.
[Status Window]
Name (Age): Aryan Sharma (24)
Title: None
Affiliation: None
Rank: None
Level: 1
Class: None
Stats:
Strength: 14
Agility: 14
Aura: 10
Intelligence: 10
Unallocated Stats: 0
Skills:
None
Feeling the immediate surge of power in his limbs, Aryan launched himself at the Hobgoblin, this time with renewed vigor. He struck the creature's exposed side with a powerful blow, causing it to howl in pain. The Hobgoblin staggered, and Aryan pressed his advantage, landing a series of rapid strikes aimed at its weak spots.
The Hobgoblin swung its club in desperation, but Aryan, now faster and stronger, easily avoided the clumsy attacks. With one final, decisive strike to the Hobgoblin's head, Aryan brought the creature down. The Hobgoblin collapsed, its body dissipating into black mist, leaving behind a large Aura Stone and a worn leather pouch.
Aryan picked up the pouch and the stone, knowing they could hold valuable items or currency for the future.
[Item Status Window]: Worn Leather Pouch
Rank: D
Description: A simple pouch containing various small items. It may contain surprises.
Hidden Feature: To be discovered.
He stored the items and turned to face the awestruck crowd. Their murmurs turned to cheers and applause, recognizing Aryan as a hero in their midst.
"That was incredible!"
"He's definitely an Awakened!"
"We're safe, thanks to him!"
Aryan, however, knew better. This was only the beginning. More portals would appear, more dungeons would spawn, and the world would soon face dangers it had never imagined. His journey to reclaim his strength and prepare for the battles ahead had just begun.
As the crowd swarmed around him, asking questions and showering him with praise, Aryan's mind was already on the future. He needed to gather allies, rebuild his power, and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. The betrayal he had faced before would not happen again. This time, he would control his fate.