The Abyss Stares Back
The moment Jihwan stepped deeper into the Death's Mansion (old), the oppressive darkness thickened. The air was heavy, carrying the stench of decay, and the temperature dropped as if the mansion itself rejected the presence of the living.
A system message appeared before him.
[You have entered Stage 2 of the Trial.]
[Warning: Visibility severely reduced. Presence of a high-tier entity detected.]
Jihwan exhaled slowly.
"Great. Another ominous warning. Why am I not surprised?"
Even with his sharpened senses, he could barely make out the surroundings. Everything was pitch black, an abyss of emptiness that threatened to swallow him whole.
Then, something stirred in the shadows.
GRAAAAHH!
A monstrous growl echoed, vibrating through the walls.
Jihwan instinctively took a step back. His heartbeat quickened as several pairs of glowing red eyes appeared in the darkness, surrounding him.
[Enemies detected: Abyssal Hounds (Elite)]
[Number: 5]
Jihwan gritted his teeth.
"So this is what replaced the Hound of Darkness. Figures it wouldn't be that easy."
The Abyssal Hounds moved in complete silence, their bodies blending with the shadows. They had black fur that absorbed light, making them nearly invisible, with razor-sharp claws gleaming faintly.
Then—
WHOOSH!
One lunged at him from the side.
Jihwan barely dodged, but pain flared across his arm as its claw scraped his skin.
[HP: 78/120]
"Tch, fast!"
Another hound struck, this time from behind. Jihwan twisted his body, raising his Cursed Rusted Shield just in time—
CLANG!
The impact nearly knocked him off balance. The hounds weren't just fast—they were strong.
He clenched his dagger. Fighting blind would be suicide.
[Activating skill: Cursed Watcher]
[Duration: 30 minutes]
The world shifted. Instead of absolute darkness, a ghostly purple glow outlined the figures of his enemies. It wasn't perfect vision, but it was enough.
"Now we're talking."
The Abyssal Hounds hesitated. They must have sensed the change.
Jihwan smirked.
[Silent Throw!]
His dagger flew, cutting through the air. The hound dodged—
No, it thought it dodged.
[Shadow Walk effect activated! Silent Throw power doubled.]
The dagger twisted midair, correcting its path.
SHNK!
The blade buried itself deep into the hound's skull.
[Abyssal Hound (Elite) defeated!]
[+40 XP]
Jihwan pulled another dagger.
"Four more to go."
The hounds snarled, their movements becoming more aggressive.
One lunged for his throat.
Jihwan ducked, sliding beneath it, and slashed upward—
SLASH!
Blood splattered as his Cursed Edge sliced its underbelly. The hound collapsed, writhing in pain.
[Abyssal Hound (Elite) defeated!]
[+40 XP]
But he didn't have time to celebrate.
The remaining hounds attacked all at once.
Jihwan raised his shield—
BAM!
The impact sent him skidding backward.
[HP: 50/120]
"Damn it! They're overwhelming me!"
If he stayed defensive, he'd be torn apart.
Jihwan exhaled sharply.
He had to end this.
His grip tightened around his dagger as he prepared his next move.
The battle was far from over.
— Chapter End —