The dungeon was supposed to be easy. A low-level training ground for student hunters.
But now, something was wrong.
The air had changed. A chilling pressure filled the cavern. The goblins that had been swarming us suddenly froze, their red eyes flickering with… fear?
Then, the ground trembled.
*Thud…*
*Thud…*
A shadow emerged from the deeper parts of the dungeon. The already dim light grew darker, as if the presence itself was draining it.
A massive figure stepped into view—a **Hobgoblin Chieftain.**
**"What the hell?! That wasn't in the dungeon report!"** Hiro cursed.
Hobgoblins weren't supposed to appear in low-level dungeons like this. Especially not a **Chieftain.** This was a monster that should've only been in C-rank or higher Gates.
It **shouldn't** be here.
But it was.
And we were trapped inside with it.
The moment its glowing yellow eyes locked onto us, it let out a deafening roar.
**"GRUAAAAHHH!!"**
The pressure alone sent a few of my classmates stumbling backward. Even Hiro, a D-Rank hunter, clenched his fists.
"We need to run—" he started, but the Chieftain moved before he could finish.
**BOOM!**
It shot forward at an impossible speed for its size, its massive club slamming into one of the students. **Blood splattered everywhere.**
Silence.
I glanced at the remains. It wasn't just a death. It was an **execution.** One strike and the student was gone, their body barely recognizable.
The panic set in instantly.
"WE'RE GONNA DIE!"
"IT'S A BOSS! IT'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!"
I didn't move. I simply… watched.
Watched as the students froze in fear.
Watched as the Chieftain lifted its club for another attack.
Watched as a single thought crossed my mind—
*I can take it.*
The moment I saw it attack, I felt it. **I had already copied its movements.**
My body understood the Chieftain's overwhelming strength. **Its balance. Its timing. Its power.**
I stepped forward, gripping my sword.
Hiro turned to me, his face pale. "What the hell are you doing?! Run!"
I ignored him. **This was my chance.**
I focused my vision, locking onto the Chieftain's every movement. Then—
[Skill Observed: **Monster Combat Mastery**]
[Reproducing Skill… 100%]
[Skill Mastered: **Monster Combat Mastery**]
A flood of instinct crashed into me. I **understood.**
The perfect way to dodge. The exact moment to strike.
The Chieftain roared again and swung its club at me.
I didn't hesitate.
I **moved.**
With **inhuman precision,** I twisted my body at the last possible second, dodging the massive club by a hair's breadth.
I felt the wind from its attack rush past my face, but I was already inside its guard. My sword, once a rusty goblin weapon, moved in a flawless arc.
**SLASH!**
The blade tore through the Chieftain's thick skin.
It let out a roar of pain and rage, swinging wildly, but I had already **seen** its movements. Before it could react, I leaped back, landing lightly on my feet.
Gasps echoed behind me.
The others were **staring.**
I had just **injured** a monster that was supposed to be untouchable for low-rank hunters.
Hiro looked at me like he was seeing a ghost.
"What… what are you?" he muttered.
I exhaled slowly, gripping my sword tighter.
The answer was simple.
**I wasn't an E-Rank. I was a monster in human skin.**
And I was just getting started.
___