《Apex In The Shadow》 CHAPTER 1: NEW ERA A young boy sat alone in the corner of his small, dark apartment. His knees were drawn to his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around them as if holding himself together could keep the pieces of his shattered world from falling apart. "Sob Sob Sob..." His sobs came quietly at first, but the weight of his grief grew heavier with each passing second. Ken was his name, a boy on the cusp of manhood, yet in that moment, he was just a child who had lost everything. The memory of the accident haunted him, replaying in his mind with cruel clarity. His mother''s laughter, his father''s comforting hand on his shoulder¡­ And then the Dungeon''s collapse. The cries. The silence. Now they were gone. "I don''t want to be alone," He whispered into the emptiness. ... But there was no reply. The outside, the world was no longer the one he had known. (10 Years Ago) The day had begun as any other. The sun rose lazily over the horizon, casting golden light onto a world filled with mundane chaos. People went about their lives, commuting, working, shopping, warring. Some fought for glory, some for survival. Life, as always, was a blend of beauty and brutality. Then one day... It came. The light. It started as a single point, blinding and pure, tearing through the sky with unnatural intensity. The air grew heavy. The very earth trembled. And as people looked up, they saw them, enormous circles of radiant energy descending from above. There were hundreds. No, a thousands. They covered the heavens like celestial sentinels. ... For a moment, silence. And then¡­ Nothing. ... Life resumed. The world moved on as though nothing had happened. But something ''HAD'' happened. (Somewhere in Antarctica) Far to the south, in the icy heart of Antarctica, six explorers trudged through blinding snow. Their mission was simple, geological surveys and climate data. The wind howled around them, biting at their exposed skin despite layers of protection. "John, are you seeing this?" The woman in the lead stopped, her breath clouding the air as she peered into the distance. "See what?" John, her partner, asked, stepping beside her. She pointed with a trembling hand. "There... Mountains." John squinted. "That''s impossible. There are no mountains here." "Look again." The peaks rose tall and jagged, black against the blinding white. They loomed like ancient guardians, and something about them felt¡­ wrong. "Am I hallucinating?" Elise whispered. "I''m not tripping, am I?" Another team member laughed nervously. "If you are, we all are." "We have to report this immediately!" The radio crackled as they relayed their discovery. "This is Team Polaris. We have a visual of a new land-" "What the hell are you talking about?" Came the sharp response. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. "A new land? Are you high?" "But, sir-" "No! I''m not hearing this f*cking nonsense! Finish your sweep and get back! You understand?!" "Sigh, yes sir, copy-" Before Elise could finish the call, a sound filled the air, not a sound, but a voice. It was vast. It was terrible. It spoke with the weight of worlds, and it echoed in the bones of every living thing. "All lesser planets have been combined. All of you lesser beings have also been blessed with power to survive!" "Be grateful! We, the gods, have made this planet you call ''Earth'' as the anchor of the 50th High Realm." "GOOD." "LUCK." ... The voice faded. For one breathless moment, the world stood still. Then life just resumed. No one panicked. The idea of a divine proclamation was absurd in a world ruled by reason and science. News anchors smirked, conspiracy theorists reveled, and the masses shrugged it off as a trick prank. There was no mass hysteria. Instead, the world turned to its screens, its papers, its pundits. All topics all over the world news and even in social medias spread like wild fires, "Greatest Prank in History?" "Mysterious Voice Baffles Scientists" "New Antarctica Landmass? Experts Laugh Off ''Ridiculous'' Claims. " "Global Prank? Mysterious Voice Stuns the World!" "Who Is Behind the Cosmic fake news?" "Experts Weigh In New Landmass in Antarctica? Scientists Dismiss saying Ludicrous Claims" People all over the world commented on the news, some are giving their personal opinion, some are arguing. "This is a coordinated fake news!" One commentator declared. "There''s no evidence of any celestial phenomena." "Who has the resources for something like this?" Another demanded. But... No one considered the truth. THE WORLD HAVE CHANGED. (1 Month Later) Different creatures have set foot on Earth''s lands. (Mt. Elbrus, Russia) A lone herdsman drove his sheep along the foothills of Mount Elbrus. The cold bit at his nose and fingers, but he paid it no mind. His coat was thick, his scarf wrapped tight. He whistled a low tune, the kind his grandmother used to sing. "Vydi, vydi v rozh'' vysokuyu!~" "Tam do nochki pogozhu~" " A zavizhu chernookuyu ¨C Vse tovary razlozhu~" Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Suddenly, the ground trembled. He stopped, heart hammering. Baa! Baa! BAA! "Baa-aaa! Baa-aaa! BAA-AAAH!" The sheep bleated in panic, scattering as a deep rumble shook the earth. Snow and rock slid down the mountainside, and from the fissures that split the ground, flames burst into the sky. "Blyat!" He swore, backing away. ROOOOOAAAAAARRRR! A roar followed, a sound that was not of this world. He turned, his breath catching in his throat. Something massive moved within the flames. Three heads, their eyes burning like molten gold, emerged from the smoke. Scales as black as night reflected the firelight, and great leathery wings unfolded with a crack of thunder. The herdsman fell to his knees. "Zmey Gorynych... " He whispered. "Mother of God, it''s Zmey Gorynych!" At a nearby military outpost, Lieutenant Andrei Volkov stared at the monitor in disbelief. Static crackled in his earpiece as reports poured in. "Command, this is Delta Seven. We... We have¡­ we have a situation!" "What kind of situation?" A gruff voice replied. "There''s¡­ something. It''s-" "Spit it out, Lieutenant!" "A dragon, sir. Three heads. It''s destroyin-" "A what?" Volkov swallowed hard, wiping sweat from his brow. "I said¡­ a dragon. It''s-" "Are you drunk?" "No, sir! It''s real! It''s right there!" Krrrrrk...! Krrk...! Krrrk...! The connection cut out. Outside, the dragon''s roar shook the ground. Volkov gripped his rifle tighter, his knuckles white. "Oh God help us all..." He muttered. (Northern part of Greenland) The night had fallen. The wind howled across the icy plains, carrying with it the bitter cold of a dying sun. A group of fishermen huddled around a small fire, their breath misting in the air. "I tell you," One said, his voice thick with a Danish accent, "it''s a prank. A big one. The circles in the sky, the voice of some rich bastard with too much time on his hands." Another man chuckled. "Aye, maybe Elon Musk finally lost it." "Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!" They laughed, the sound brittle and uneasy. Then the sea began to move. The waves rose, though there was no wind. The fire sputtered out as a sudden chill gripped the air, colder than death itself. "Hey¡­ what''s that?" The first man stood, squinting at the water and using his flashlight. His heart raced as a figure emerged from the depths a woman, or something like a woman. Her dark hair clung to her pale skin, and her eyes¡­ her eyes glowed with an unearthly light. LAAAHHH~ LAAHH~ LA~ LA~ LAAAHHHHH~ She opened her mouth, and a song poured forth, haunting, beautiful, and terrible. The men froze. One by one, they walked into the sea. They did not scream. In a small room in Nuuk, a young girl clutched a radio, her eyes wide with curiosity. She listened as the voice of a survivor, trembling and broken, told of Sedna, Mother of the sea. "She sang to us," He whispered. "She sang, and we went to her¡­ And we... W-" "Hello?" The young girl replied, but suddenly interrupted by her mother. "What are you doing? It''s time to eat." "Yey!" (Lake Victoria, Africa) The sun burned high above Lake Victoria, its golden rays glittering on the water''s surface. A fisherman named Juma cast his net, humming softly as he worked. Suddenly, the water rippled. "Eh?" He peered down, his brows furrowing. The ripples grew. Then, with a surge that sent his boat rocking, a massive shape broke the surface. A serpent, its scales like dark glass, coiled and twisted. Horns jutted from its head, and its eyes, deep as midnight, fixed on him. Juma dropped his net. "Mungu wangu¡­" He paddled furiously, heart pounding, but the serpent dove back into the depths without a sound. Later, when the village elders gathered, they spoke the name in hushed tones, "Grootslang." (South Pacific) In the South Pacific, a Brazilian navy vessel patrolled calm waters under a crimson sky. The crew moved with the ease of men accustomed to the sea, until a shadow fell over them. "Capit?o," A young sailor said, his voice shaking, "there''s.... There''s something..." "What?" The captain turned, his eyes narrowing. A ship, ancient and rotting, glided toward them. Its sails, torn and blackened, moved without wind. A chill settled over the deck. "No! One! Move! " the captain shouted. They didn''t. They couldn''t. A whisper floated across the water, carried on a breeze that smelled of death. They called it. "The Flying Dutchman. " (Tasman sea, South Pacific Ocean) Out there off the tasman sea, a seasoned Australian fisherman, worked as usual. The sun was blazing down on him, the salty breeze in his hair, and the ocean calm beneath him. He had a rhythm to his work casting the net, pulling it in, always steady, always calm. The sea was his home. But today¡­ something was not right. He threw the net out again, but this time, the water did not feel right. It was too still. Too quiet. He squinted at the surface, his gut tightening. "Oi, what in the bloody hell''s goin'' on?" He muttered to himself, frowning as he leaned over the side of the boat. Then he saw it, a shadow, big and dark, moving underneath. Not a fish, not a shark, but something far worse. He stepped back, his heart starting to race. "Nah, nah... What is this?" He whispered under his breath, gripping the side of the boat. Before he could react, the water exploded. Ships, no, not ships, but something out of his worst nightmares floats in the sea. Bones, twisted and jagged, held together by some dark force. They weren''t made of wood or metal like the usual boats. They were... Wrong. His mouth went dry, his hands shaking as he stumbled back. "What in God''s name..." The ships surrounded him, eerily silent. But in the distance, he saw it. A figure, standing tall on one of the boats, green-skinned, their body covered in the bones of its victims. Its eyes were black, empty there was nothing human about it at all. He froze. He couldn''t move. His legs wouldn''t work. Then, that voice. Low, like a growl, but with a hiss. "Stay... stay... Away... " It rasped. His heart skipped a beat. Every instinct screamed at him to get the hell outta there, but his body just wouldn''t listen. The creature clambered onto his boat, its movements faster than he could comprehend. He tried to shout, but the words wouldn''t come. "HELP! MEE!" "IT! HUUUURTS!" "ARGGGGH!" "He He He Humans... So Gooood~" The Goblin, as it was called, began pulling the bones of his fallen comrades from his boat, adding them to its grotesque, a bone-ridden ship. "He He He~" He could do nothing. His throat was dry, his hands stiff. The terror took over. And then, as quickly as it came, it was gone. The ship disappeared into the sea, leaving him alone on the water, heart pounding, barely able to believe what he just seen. Later, when he tried to tell the villagers, they just looked at him like he had lost it. But the whispers began. The name spread like wildfire. "Goblin. " They''d say, shuddering. He didn''t need to say another word. He had seen it. He knew what was real. And after that he never set foot in those waters again. All of them are called, ''Monstrum.'' _________________________________________ INFORMATIONS DUNGEON -Is a sudden and catastrophic phenomenon that changed the world forever. Appearing without warning, it consists of mysterious rifts, fissures, and portals scattered across the planet, leading to alternate dimensions and hostile realms. -Origin: The Dungeon''s origin is unknown, but it''s believed to be tied to ancient forces or gods, marking the beginning of a new, dangerous era on Earth. SEDNA - Species: Mermaid - Age: Ancient - Level: S - Powers: Water manipulation, marine alpha, mind control, blood list - Location: Northern Greenland - Short Story: Sedna is a powerful, half-humanoid, half-marine deity that emerged from the depths of the ocean after the Dungeon''s arrival. She commands the creatures of the sea, and her haunting song lures people into the waters. As the Mother of the Sea, she is both revered and feared, a force of nature in the newly reshaped world. ZMEY GORYNYCH - Species: Dragon - Age: Ancient - Level: S+ - Powers: Fire-breathing, regeneration, immense strength, flight - Location: Mount Elbrus, Russia - Short Story: Zmey Gorynych is a terrifying, multi-headed dragon that terrorizes the Russian lands. With three heads capable of breathing fire or poison, it is an unstoppable force of destruction. Despite many attempts to defeat it, the dragon regenerates its heads and continues to ravage everything in its path. GROOTSLANG - Species: Serpent - Age: 150 years - Level: S - Powers: intelligent, enhance speed, immense strength, poison - Location: Lake Victoria, Africa - Short Story: Grootslang is a serpent-like creature with the horns of an elephant, born from the depths of the earth after the Dungeon''s upheaval. Its powers over the land and water are immense, and it guards Lake Victoria as its territory. A law was passed to keep people away from the lake, as any attempt to disturb the creature results in death. THE FLYING DUTCHMAN - Species: Ghost - Level: A+ - Age: Unknown - Powers: Mind control, physical immunity, ghostly presence - Location: South Pacific Ocean - Short Story: The Flying Dutchman is a massive, ghostly ship that appeared off the coast of Brazil, radiating a crushing aura of power. Its mere presence paralyzes anyone nearby, leaving them motionless with terror. It is said to be an omen of doom, drifting silently across the waters as if on a cursed voyage. GOBLIN - Species: Goblin - Level: E - Age: 1-30 years - Powers: Enhanced speed, bone smith - Location: Tasman sea Information: Goblin is a terrifying green-skinned creature who appeared in the tasman sea, assembling ships from the bones of its victims. This creature has a twisted, malevolent nature, using its raw strength to capture and kill anyone who dares enter its territory. The Goblin''s gruesome handiwork is legendary, as it creates macabre floating ships from the bones of its foes. CHAPTER 2: CURSED CLASS A month had passed since the voice. It was not a prank at all. It was not some strange collective hallucination. It was real. A god''s voice, echoing across the entire world was true. And now, humanity was finally waking up to the terrifying truth. Magic. Powers awakened. Monsters. Actual monsters began to appear. With that realization came danger. Creatures not of this world began appearing, one after the other. News of the three headed dragon spread like wildfire. The world was already trembling with fear after the gods'' voice declared Earth as the anchor for countless merged realms. Creatures of myth now roamed freely the dragons, giants, and horrors beyond the Earth''s lands and magic had awakened in humankind. Yet. The chaos had only begun. Suddenly, WHOOOOSH-ZZZZZZZAH! WHOOOOHH-ZZZZKK! WHOOOOSH-ZZZZZZZAH! WHOOOOSH-ZZZZZZZAH! WHOOOOHH-ZZZZKK! In cities, villages, and wilderness, giant, glowing circles appeared without warning. Each was a swirling portal of color white, Blue, Yellow, Orange, Red, Purple, and Black. Each seemed to breathe with otherworldly energy. (Davao, Philippines) A vendor in Davao dropped her basket of fruits. WHOOOOSH-ZZZZZZZAH! "Ay, Diyos ko!" (Oh, my God!) She screamed, clutching her rosary as a Blue Circle blazed into existence at the market''s center. "What is that?! What''s happening?" People around her stared, frozen. A girl tugged on her mother''s arm, her eyes wide with terror. "Mama... I''m scared... " She pulled her close. "Stay behind me! Don''t move!" KRRRRKKKKK-ZZZZ! The ground beneath them shook as the portal crackled with energy. Sparks flew out, scorching the pavement. Then someone pointed. "Look! Something''s coming through!" "Grrrrrrrrrrghhhh!" "Raarggh!" (Sydney, Australia) Elsewhere, in Sydney, the Harbor Bridge trembled as a Red Circle appeared midair, right above the water. Cars screeched to a halt. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! "Mate, do you see that?" A cab driver shouted, leaning out his window. BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! His passenger gripped the seatbelt. "What the bloody hell is that?!" "Jesus, we''re doomed!" Someone screamed from a ferry as the portal pulsed with heat, sending waves across the bay. (New York City, United States Of America) WHOOOOSH-ZZZZZZZAH! In New York''s Times Square, a Black Cirlce appeared above a massive billboard. "What the f*ck is going on?!" A man in a suit shouted, pushing through the panicked crowd. "Run!" A woman yelled, stumbling as people surged around her. "It''s the end! It''s the damn apocalypse!" "Shut up, Karen!" Someone snapped, though his face was pale with fear. A newsstand vendor clung to his table as magazines fluttered into the street. "The gods ain''t listening, man! We''re on our own!" The air grew heavier. People across continents felt it in their Bones pressure, a sense of danger that could not be ignored. Fear turned into frenzy. (Paris, France) WHOOOOSH-ZZZZZZZAH! CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! In Paris, a group of street musicians dropped their instruments as a Purple Circle opened over the Seine. "Mon Dieu! (My God!) " One gasped. "?a ne peut pas ¨ºtre vrai!" (This can''t be true!) Another whispered, backing away. Tourists screamed. "Ahhh!" SPLASH! A man lost his footing and fell into the river, splashing helplessly as onlookers scrambled to help. (Somewhere In Sahara Desert) A nomadic tribe stared at a White Circle hovering just above the dunes. WHOOOOOSH! The wind howled. RRUUUUAAAGHHH! RRUUUUAAAGHHH! The camels brayed in terror. "It is a sign!" The tribe''s elder shouted. "The gods have unleashed their wrath!" Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ... Human voices rose in terror everywhere. Sirens blared. People prayed, cursed, and cried. Panic gripped the world. "Oh God please give mercy to us..." "Please save us God!" ... People prayed to the gods for salvation. ... But no one answered their prayers. Circles of swirling colors White, Blue, Red, and Black appeared all over the land of Earth. No one knew what they were, but danger radiated from them. ... (10 Days Later) (Unknown Location) In the grip of chaos, world leaders called for an emergency summit. The conference room was a storm of voices. Presidents, prime ministers, and military generals all shouted at once. "Those creatures!" "Have you seen them?!" "They''re tearing through cities!" "Modern weapons are useless!" "What''s causing this things to form?!" THWAKKK! The Chinese president pounded his fist on the table, his brows furrowing like storm clouds. "Enough!" He barked, his accent thick. "We cannot afford to panic like this. These portals..." "This things will be called ''Portal Dungeon''! Last day this Portal detonated in Beijing yesterday. What came out¡­" His voice grew quieter, darker. "Bullets didn''t even scratch it." The American president sighed heavily. "Sight, we''ve had similar attacks in New York," He said, his drawl carrying the weight of sleepless nights. "Shame," Muttered the Russian president. "Weapons not working¡­ pfft. blyat." He crossed his arms. "We need bigger bombs." "Why you all are acting like chickens with your heads cut off!" The Indian president leaned back with a sharp grin. "Don''t you see it?" "The gods have blessed us from the start." "We can fight them." "We can kill them!" ... ... Confusion spread across the room. The Indian president raised a hand, and flames leapt from his palm, dancing in the air. SIZZLE. SIZZLE. Gasps erupted. "You call this blessed?" Snapped a delegate from Nepal. He reached out, touching the fire with skepticism. "Aaaargggghhhhh!" "IT HURTS! Aaarghhh!" His scream filled the room as his hand burned until a green light shimmered over his palm, healing the wound instantly. He stared, wide-eyed. "What¡­ what is this?" The Indian president smirked. "This," He said, "Is the New Era!" The realization hit them all at once. Humanity wasn''t powerless. The gods had granted gift, gifts to survive. From that moment, the Global Adventurer Association (GAA) was born. Guilds rose. Individuals discovered their classes, Mages bent magic to their will. Enhancers buff giver. Healers heals the injured ones. Beast Tamers, Necromancers, and Assassins thrived. Special classes emerged too, names whispered with reverence, God''s Avatar and Dragon Tamer. Stories claimed that S-Rankers can conquer a level A dungeon alone. The Global Adventurer Association, or GAA, was formed to bring some order to the chaos after magic and monsters started appearing everywhere. People had to be ranked by strength E-Class for beginners, all the way up to the legendary SSS-Class. But even with so many adventurers around, only six people in the whole world had reached S-Rank. Stories claimed that S-Rankers can conquer a level A dungeon alone. (Somewhere In United Kingdom) "There''s only six of ''em?'' A man at a small roadside shop asked, sipping his coffee. " Yeah! The first one''s in China." "Heard he''s a living tank! Doesn''t even blink when a horde of Orges attacks him!" The man next to him, chewing on a piece of dried meat, chuckled. "You think that''s something? Ha!" "India''s got one who burns monsters just by lookin'' at ''em." "They say he set a whole nest of bugs on fire without movin'' a muscle!" An old fisherman resting nearby let out a grunt. "Ha! You kids don''t know real power." "The guy in Russia? They call him the Iron Beast! Crushed a level B sea serpent''s neck with his bare hands, like it was a twig! That is power!" The first man snorted. "Yeah yeah, but you forgot about the one in the U.S. She''s got a sword that rumored to be made by the gods themselves!" "That blade cuts monsters like butter." Then a quiet voice came from the corner, where a thin man sat, mostly hidden by shadows. "Germany''s got someone too," He whispered, his eyes wide. "But he''s different." "Not just strong." "They call him¡­" "God''s Avatar." Someone let out a low whistle. WHISTLE~ "They say he doesn''t just beat monsters," The man continued, leaning forward. "They disappear. Just¡­ gone." The shopkeeper wiped his hands with a cloth, shaking his head. "It don''t matter how strong they are," He said. "This new world''s still dangerous." "And there are things out there even they don''t understand." (Present Time) (GonGon Apartment, Davao) RING! RING! RING! Ken groaned as his phone blared beside his bed. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! RING! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! RING! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! RING! He slammed his hand on it, groaning. "Ugh¡­ Yey, I''m eighteen," He mumbled. His voice lacked enthusiasm. "Yay..." Birthdays weren''t worth celebrating, not after what happened to his parents six years ago. Still half-asleep, he rubbed his face. "I can finally find out my class," He muttered. "Hmmm¡­ Yawn I''m still tired." Shuffling into the kitchen, he opened the fridge. "Leftover fried rice again," "Sigh" He sighed, scooping it onto a plate. He plopped onto the couch and turned on the TV. [NM NEWS LIVE] [FIRST EVER IN HISTORY!] "The Bukidon Guild has successfully raided an A+ Dungeon, a first for the Philippines!" "They joined forces with the Bakunawa Guild, the strongest guild in the nation!" Ken watched as a reporter rushed toward George, the Mad Knight, shoving a mic in his face. "Sir George, what are your thoughts on Bukidon''s performance?" George smirked. His voice carried a smug tone as he drawled, "Maayos naman ang ginawa nila. (They did alright.) Exceeded my expectations¡­ Barely." Ken''s lip curled. "Bakunawa''s so full of themselves," He muttered. His accent thickened as frustration bubbled. "Acting like they are the kings of the world just because they''re ranked 93rd globally." "Pweeeh! What a joke." He chewed his rice slowly, eyes narrowed. "George doesn''t even know how to be humble. Pweeeh." Finished with his meal, Ken dumped the empty plate into the sink and washed it half-heartedly before heading back to his room. He pulled on his plain white shirt with a black hoodie and a pair of black jeans, slipping his worn-out sneakers on with a grunt. "Alright," He whispered, grabbing his ID from the counter, "Time to see what I''m made of." He stepped out of his apartment into the humid morning air, where an old woman sitting by her door greeted him. "Hoy, Ken! Asa ka padulong?" (Hey, Ken! Where are you off to?) Ken politely smiled. "Magpa-class analyze na ko, Nay." (Going to get my class analyzed, grandma.) The woman''s eyes lit up. "Ka-excited ba nimo!" (How exciting of you!) She chuckled. "Unsa man imong pangandoy nga klase?" (What class do you hope to get?) "Maski unsa basta maayo." (Anything good.) He waved as he walked away. The bus ride was bumpy and hot. Ken sat near the back, the faint smell of diesel and fried peanuts in the air. As he stared out the window, he couldn''t help but imagine his future. " What would my class be?" "Would he be a Mage?" "An Enhancer?" "Maybe even a rare Dragon Tamer!" He bit his lip, feeling a flutter of nerves. A conversation from behind caught his attention. "Did you hear?" A man whispered urgently. "Another Level A Portal Dungeon opened near Mount Apo-Talomo." "Seriously?" His companion hissed. "Those things are getting out of hand!" Ken''s stomach knotted. (Bukidon Guild, Davao) When the bus finally pulled up to the Bukidon Guild headquarters, the massive structure loomed before him like a rich building. "Woah!" He stepped inside with nervous body. "Excuse me," He said nervously, approaching the front desk. "I''d like to have my class analyzed." The staff member, a woman with glasses perched on her nose, glanced up with a smile. "Of course," She said. "Please fill out this form." She handed him a clipboard with a pen. Ken scribbled his name, age, and other details before returning it. "Your ID, please," She asked. Ken handed his ID over to the staff member. "Thank you. Follow me." She led him down a long hallway to a door labeled. (Class Analysis Room.) Inside, the room was so futuristic, with a glowing orb resting on a pedestal in the center. "Go ahead," The woman instructed, her voice calm. "Step into the center and place your hand on the orb. It will reveal your class." Ken''s heart raced as he approached. His hand trembled as he touched the smooth surface. Suddenly, a bright white glow erupted from the orb. Ken''s eyes widened with excitement. "I''m finally going to be an adventurer!" The staff member watched him closely, her smile fading into something softer. Almost pitying. She stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It''s okay," She whispered. "You''re not the only one." Ken blinked, confused. "What do you mean?" The glow dimmed. She took a deep breath. "Your class¡­ is Necromancer." Ken''s heart leapt. "Necromancer?! That''s great, right? That''s an S-Rank class!" But her expression remained somber. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He asked. "Isn''t that a good thing?" The woman hesitated. "There are¡­ three types of Necromancers. The first can summon dozens of undead based on their mana pool capacity." "The second, an Undead King, can summon and command hordes of undead. But the third¡­" "The third is called an Undead Master." Ken''s excitement grew. "That sounds amazing!" Her eyes met his, filled with pity. "Undead Masters have to make the undead submit willingly¡­ to ''acknowledge'' you as their master." "And... Everyone with that class has died trying." Ken felt the blood drain from his face. "Wait..." "Wait¡­ What?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "That class¡­ is also known as the. ''Cursed Class''." Ken stared at her, his chest tightening. "The¡­ Cursed Class?" _________________________________________ MORE INFORMATIONS PORTAL DUNGEON A phenomenon that shattered the balance of the world, a cataclysmic anomaly of unknown origin. Appearing suddenly, it manifests as glowing portals, rifts, and fissures in space, leading to alternate realms filled with danger and mystery. CLASSIFICATION: Portals are categorized by their aura colors: - White Low-level threat, often containing minimal danger. - Blue Moderate threat - Yellow, Orange ¨C Increasing danger. - Red High-level threat, lethal even for seasoned adventurers. - Black Catastrophic, Stuff of legends. None survived an encounter with these. - Origin: The true origin remains unknown. Theories link it to ancient gods or cosmic forces beyond human comprehension. Its arrival marked the dawn of a perilous age, throwing humanity into a battle for survival. GLOBAL ADVENTURER ASSOCIATION (GAA) Formed in the wake of the Portal Dungeons'' arrival, the (GAA) united the world''s governments and the strongest guilds to organize humanity''s response to the new era. Its primary mission was to categorize adventurers, manage dungeons, and ensure the survival of the human race. ADVENTURER RANKINGS: Adventurers are graded from E to SSS based on power, skill, and experience. NOTABLE CLASSES: - Mage: Mastery of elemental magic. - Enhancer: Buff giver. - Knight: Split into Holy and Hell variants. - Necromancer: Controllers of the dead, feared and misunderstood. - Beast Tamer: Commands wild, mystical creatures. SPECIAL CLASSES: - God''s Avatar: Chosen by divine power. - Dragon Tamer: Wielders of ancient dragon magic. CHAPTER 3: PRECIOUS MEMORIES Ken stood still, his thoughts racing. "A cursed class¡­! I have to make the undead submit to me?!" "Is this some kind of joke?" The staff member watched him quietly, her eyes filled with sympathy. She turned toward a large holographic screen and retrieved a card from a slot device beneath it. She walked back to Ken, her expression serious. "Mr. Ken," She said, "I''m sorry, but your rank level is¡­ E." The words hit him hard. "E...?" "Yes, but you can still join dungeon teams," She added, "But only as a helper¡­ You can''t fight because your body is still normal. Even after awakening, you didn''t gain strength, speed, or intelligence boosts like others." "You have no undead under your control, so¡­" She hesitated. "You''re no different than a regular person." Ken accepted the card with a heavy heart. His name and class were printed clearly on it, a painful reminder of his situation. ... [GAA, ADVENTURER CARD] Name: Ken D. Reindza Age: 18 Class: Undead Master Rank Level: E Guild: N/A Contact Info: [email protected] ... "She''s right," He thought bitterly. "Even though I awakened as a Necromancer, I can''t summon even one undead¡­" "Every Undead Master before me died miserably¡­ Because all of them including me are no different from a normal human." ... In this world, people awakened their powers at 18+ years old. There were two ways to do it, through a ''Crystal Core Analyzer,'' like Ken had used, or by surviving a near-death experience, it is rare and also dangerous. Many people gambled their lives for a higher class using the second method, but ultimately died without awakening their Class abilities. Everyone knew the stories of those lucky enough to awaken the second way. One of the strongest adventurers on Earth, she is a Holy Knight from New Zealand. Once an ordinary college student unable to awaken her Class ability, her fate changed 180 degree when a Blue Portal Dungeon suddenly appeared near her university. For over 20 days, the Portal Dungeon went unnoticed, even by the Guilds in New Zealand. Eventually, the Portal Dungeon exploded, unleashing hordes of Monstrums onto the campus. The Monstrums massacred most of the students, staff, and instructors. However, on the brink of death, she awakened her Class ''Holy Knight''. In a burst of power, she annihilated all the Monstrums before any adventurers could even arrive. Her incredible feat of strength and bravery earned her fear, respect, and recognition. She rose to the rankings in the Global Ranking as an A+ Rank adventurer, the pride of New Zealand, and one of Earth''s most formidable adventurer. ... Ken sighed. "Why am I so unlucky?" He muttered. "I thought awakening as a Necromancer would change my life." "Instead, I''m stuck with a useless version." "Well¡­ at least I can earn money now. No more instant noodles for dinner." His stomach growled loudly, snapping him back to reality. He turned to the staff member. "Miss, is there any dungeon clearing scheduled this week? Even a low-level one?" She smiled kindly. "Please, call me Carla." Ken gave a weak smile. "Alright, Carla. So, any open slots?" She checked the holographic list again. "There''s one," She said, If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "But it''s a Level A Portal Dungeon and for some reason it became a Level E. The aura around it is unstable, though weak for now. It''s risky." Ken''s heart thumped. "I''ll take it." Her eyes widened. "Are you sure?" "Yes. Please sign me up and let me know when it starts." Carla hesitated before nodding. "Alright. I''ll register you. But please be careful." She finished the process, then asked, "Have you thought about joining a guild?" "The Bukidon Guild is recruiting." Ken thought for a moment. "Not yet... I want to gain some experience first before join a Guild." "Fair enough. Come back if you change your mind." As they walked to the exit, Carla waved with a smile. "Good luck, Ken." He waved back, feeling a bit lighter. "She''s kind of cute," He thought. "Carla¡­ Nice name." His stomach growled again, louder this time. "Alright," He muttered, rubbing his belly, "First things first, food!" Ken left the adventurer guild building with a mix of frustration and hunger weighing on him. He wandered to a nearby restaurant, Mang Tonyo''s Bulalohan, a small, homey place filled with the rich aroma of slow-cooked beef broth. The bell above the door jingled as he entered, and the owner, a stocky old man with a kind smile and thick, silver hair, greeted him. "Welcome sa Akong restaurant." (Welcome to my restaurant.) The old man said warmly, wiping his hands on his apron. "Unsa man, gutom kaayo ka?" (So, are you very hungry?) Ken managed a small smile and nodded. "Yes, old man. I''m starving. One bulalo and rice, please." "Bulalo? Sus, maayo nga bulalo imong order." (Ah, it''s good that you order bulalo.) "Mau na''y tambal sa gutom!" (That''s the cure for hunger!) The old man chuckled as he scribbled down the order. "Paabot lang, ha? Lingkod una." (Just wait a moment, alright? Have a seat) "Salamat, old man." (Thank you, old man) Ken replied, grateful for the familiar kindness. He found a table near the corner, sat down, and sighed deeply. As he waited, his thoughts darkened. "What a goner I am," He brooded. "A useless class. No power. No future. The hopes I had of being strong¡­ they''re as far away as the moon." His fists clenched on the table. "Why did it have to be me?" Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a group of three adventurers chatting loudly at the next table. "Did you hear?" One of them said excitedly. "The Pristine Guild in Palawan is recruiting!" "Yeah! And our idol is there," Another added with a grin. "Imagine getting to fight alongside him. That''s my dream!" Ken frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair. "Joining a guild, huh? Everyone seems to have something to chase after¡­" Just then, the old man arrived with a large, steaming bowl of bulalo and a plate of rice. The rich aroma of beef marrow, corn, and greens filled Ken''s nose, making his mouth water. "Here you go, Bulalo and rice," The old man announced with pride. "Salamat kaayo, old man." (Thank you very much, old man) Ken said, his eyes sparkling with delight. "It''s been years since I''ve eaten bulalo. Now that I''m an adventurer, I can finally afford real food again!" He took his first bite, and a tear slipped from the corner of his eye. The savory broth, the tender beef, and the warm memories it brought back overwhelmed him. He saw his parents in his mind, sitting beside him, smiling as they shared a meal together. The warmth of their laughter echoed in his heart. "Ma¡­ Pa¡­ mingaw na kaayo ko ninyo..." (Mom¡­ Dad¡­ I really miss you... ) His tears began to fall freely, each one carrying the weight of his longing and loss. The old man noticed the emotion in Ken''s face. Quietly, he walked over and placed a tissue on the table. "Hoy, dong, unsa diay ang problema?" (Hey, what''s wrong?) "Ang bulalo ba¡­ walay lami?" (Does the bulalo¡­ not taste good?)" Ken looked up, wiping his tears with a sheepish smile. "No, old man. It''s so good¡­ that my tears just came on their own." The old man chuckled, a soft warmth in his voice. "Ah, maayo diay." (Ah, that''s good) "Bulalo nga makahilak ug kalipay." (Bulalo that makes you cry from happiness) Ken nodded, smiling through his tears. "Salamat, old man." (Thank you old man.) "Kaon lang, dong." (Just eat.) The old man said gently. "Enjoy it. Life is hard, but food is meant to be shared with good memories." Ken sat quietly, the aroma of the steaming bulalo filling his senses as he waited for the broth to cool. His stomach growled in anticipation, but his mind drifted far away. The taste of the rich, savory soup triggered memories long buried beneath the weight of his loneliness. Each spoonful brought back flashes of a time when the world was simpler, when he was just a boy sitting between his mother and father, sharing a warm meal. As the broth touched his tongue, a flood of emotions surged within him. Ken''s heart ached, the weight of longing pressing deep into his chest. "Anak, tawag imong papa kay mangaon nata..." (Son, call your dad, we''re going to eat...) It was the voices he remembered from his mother. The spoon trembled in his hand. His breath hitched, the tightness in his throat threatening to break free. ... "Old man! Isa ka litro nga coke palihog!" (Old man! One liter of Coca-Cola please!) ... "Ha Ha Ha Ha, that''s a good one!" "Yeah it is! Ha Ha Ha!" ... Around him, the restaurant hummed with life, clinking utensils, bursts of laughter, but the noise barely touched him. His mother''s voice in his memories, soft and full of happiness. Ken clenched his fist beneath the table, fingers pressing hard into his palm. No one noticed the flicker of pain in his eyes, or the way his chest rose and fell too quickly, as if he were suffocating on memories. "You are our pride, our joy¡­" He remembered his father''s voice. Strong, steady. A tear slipped down his cheek. He brushed it away quickly. But more followed, silent and relentless, each drop carrying the weight of years without comfort. "Why did you leave me?... " The question in his mind burned bitterly. "I miss you guys so much..." There was no answer. Only silence and empty, merciless silence. He forced himself to take another bite of the bulalo. "I''ll keep going," He thought silently. "I''ll make you proud!" Ken finished his bulalo and the rest of the food on his table. He clapped his hands together. "Thanks for the meal," He said, feeling full and satisfied. He stood up and walked over to the old man at the counter. "Hey, old man! Thank you for the food. Your bulalo is really delicious." He placed some money on the counter. "Here''s my payment and also keep the change. You deserve it." The old man counted the money and raised an eyebrow. "Oh, no, you still have 50 pesos left. Wait, let me get your change." Ken smiled, shaking his head. "No, old man. The bulalo was worth it. It deserves 200 pesos. Keep the change, really." The old man gave a warm chuckle. "Is that so? I''m glad you liked it. If you ever feel hungry for bulalo again, come back anytime. I promise it''ll taste just as good." Ken stepped back, waving as he walked away. " I''ll do that. Thank you!" The old man waved back. "Amping, dong!" (Take care, kid!) Stepping out into the fresh air, Ken walked to the side of the highway. His mind wandered. "Why hasn''t Carla sent me any updates about the dungeon yet? It''s been a while¡­" ZzzzzZZZzz! ZzzzzzZZZz! ZzzzzZZZzz! Suddenly, his phone buzzed. He grabbed it, answering quickly. " "Hello? Who''s this?" "Hello, Mr. Ken, this is Carla," A familiar voice answered. "The dungeon application you submitted has been approved. The clearing will start in three hours at Mount Apo-Talomo. You''ll be part of a team with one D+ rank adventurer, three E-rank adventurers, and a helper from the guild. Please prepare and stay safe. Good luck!" Ken''s heart raced with excitement. " Thank you so much, Carla!" After the call ended, he clenched his fists. His eyes lit up with determination. "Finally, my first dungeon!" "YEEESZZZ!" "But... Where can I get a sword?" He looked around, spotting a rundown shop across the street with a large sign that read ''Cheapest Items''. Ken smirked. "Perfect." He hurried across the road. "Cheapest Items, huh?" He muttered. He stopped just short of the entrance, leaning back to take a closer look at the sign. The hand-painted letters were slightly crooked, and the word ''Cheapest'' was smudged as if written in haste. Below it, in smaller, faded letters, someone had scribbled that says ''Quality not guaranteed. No returns.'' Ken tilted his head. "Hmm¡­ Quality not guaranteed?" He scratched his head, then shrugged. "Eh, I''m on a budget anyway. A sword is a sword." Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding. Without another thought, he pushed the door open, a small bell jingling above him. The inside smelled of old metal and leather. Weapons and armor were stacked everywhere. His eyes landed on a dusty box with a sign that says 95% off. He opened it eagerly, revealing a sword and chest armor. "This is it!" He whispered with a smile. He carried the box to the counter, where a bored cashier glanced up. "How much for this?" Ken asked. "400 pesos... " The cashier mumbled. Ken handed over a crumpled bill, practically shaking with excitement. The cashier raised an eyebrow. "Adventurer Card?" Ken puffed out his chest and proudly pulled the Adventurer card out. "Here." ... "Teenagers these days¡­" The cashier muttered, scanning the card before handing it back. Ken grinned. "Thank you." He glanced around. "Is there a place to change" "Back there," The cashier pointed without looking up. Ken dashed to the changing room, strapping on the armor and holding the sword. He checked himself in the mirror, a grin spreading across his face. "This..." "This is awesome." "The wish of all men!" ... After spending a long time looking at himself and posing in the mirror, he stepped outside and immediately waved down a taxi. "Where to?" "Mount Apo-Talomo, please!" As the taxi drove along the twisting mountain road, the trees on either side seemed to close in, their branches swaying in the wind. Ken felt the road dip and rise beneath them, the air growing cooler with every mile. "My first dungeon clearing!" "No more Noddles!" He sat quietly, the weight of his new sword resting against his leg, his thoughts racing with excitement about the dungeon ahead. KKK-K-K-K! KKK-K-K-K! Suddenly, the car stop, making Ken leaned forward. "What the-" The driver muttered, his eyes wide. A man in a reflective vest stepped into the headlights'' glare, raising his hand. The police officer stood firm in the middle of the road, his face serious. "There''s a Portal Dungeon ahead!" The officer called out. "It''s too dangerous to go any further!" The driver gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning pale. "I-I didn''t know... I''m sorry, officer!" Ken leaned forward, resting his arms on the back of the driver''s seat. His voice was calm and steady. "It''s alright, officer. I''ll take responsibility." The officer frowned, stepping closer. His sharp gaze flicked over Ken. "You can''t just take responsibility! It''s against the law to be near a dungeon without proper authorization." " Only adventurers are allowed. Do you want to get arrested?" Without hesitation, Ken reached into his pocket and pulled out his Adventurer Card. He held it up, the card glinting faintly under the headlights. The officer''s stern expression softened as he scanned the card. His shoulders relaxed, and he let out a long sigh. "Sigh. An adventurer, huh? You''re young for this kind of danger¡­" He shook his head. "Be careful, kid. Dungeons aren''t a joke." Ken gave a small smile as he tucked the card away. "Thanks, officer. I''ll be careful." The officer stepped aside, waving them forward. The driver glanced nervously in the rearview mirror, then eased the car back into motion. As they continued up the road, the shadows seemed deeper, the silence heavier, but Ken felt his heart race with excitement. His fingers tapped lightly on the hilt of his sword. ... CHAPTER 4: FIRST UNDEAD (5 Minutes Later) ... The dark clouds hung heavily above, and Ken''s taxi bumped toward the Portal Dungeon. Chilling air spread across the windows, forming strange, claw-like patterns that seemed to pulse with cold. As they got closer, the blue light of the portal flickered on the horizon, casting a strange glow over the barren land. The taxi driver squinted and muttered. "You feel that, kid? It''s getting colder the closer we get," The driver said. Ken nodded, rubbing his hands together. "Yeah, I noticed. What''s going on?" The driver tightened his grip on the wheel. "That''s the portal''s aura. The colder it gets, the more dangerous the dungeon inside. This one''s bad news, kid. People don''t make it out of places like this unless they''re careful." Ken''s heart skipped a beat. "So the stronger the aura, the more dangerous the dungeon?" He asked. The driver glanced at him, unease flashing in his eyes. "You better stay sharp kid. Not everyone walks out of dungeons like this." As the taxi screeched to a stop, Ken''s mind raced. His feet crunched in the snow as he stepped out, his eyes drawn to the swirling, ominous portal before him. It looked like a tear in reality, its glow pulsing like it was alive. "This... this is incredible," Ken whispered. "A real Portal Dungeon! " ... Behind him, the driver cleared his throat. "Hey, kid, you forgot to pay." "Oh! Right!" Ken fumbled for his wallet and handed over a few bills. The taxi drove off, leaving Ken standing at the edge of the portal. A pair of black cars sat nearby, their engines running, as men in dark suits stood around, waiting for something. Two scientists stood by the portal, their instruments buzzing as they monitored the aura. One, a woman with sharp eyes, tapped her tablet and frowned. "The readings are fluctuating," She muttered. "This portal''s aura is unstable." Her younger colleague adjusted his glasses, anxiety clear on his face. "Temperature''s dropping faster than we thought. If this keeps up-" "The portal could evolve or even worse," The woman finished. "We need to alert the adventurers Guilds-" ... Before Ken could think much of it, a loud voice interrupted. "Hey, kid! You must be Ken!" Ken turned to see a big man in shiny silver armor striding toward him. He had a strong presence and a friendly smile. "..." "Yes, I''m Ken. Nice to meet you, sir," Ken said politely. The man threw his head back and laughed. "Ha! Just call me Grand! ''Sir'' makes me feel old! Ha Ha Ha Ha-" Before Ken could respond, a sharp voice came from behind Grand. "Lying to a kid already, old man?" Grand spun around, scowling. "Hey! I''m only 56! Stop calling me old!" Ken raised an eyebrow. "56 isn''t old?" A young woman behind Grand smiled and waved at Ken. "Hi, new member! Nice to meet you!" Ken smiled back, a little unsure of how to respond. Grand huffed in irritation. "I wasn''t finished talking!- ...never mind, you can continue."Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The young woman grinned. "I''m Sasha, a Healer. I''m 23, rank E+, and new, just like you. It''s great to have company!" Ken smiled, feeling a little more comfortable. "I''m Ken, 18, rank E, and my class is Undead Master." Sasha tilted her head. "Undead Master? What does that mean?" "huh? Old man?" Grand gave Ken a sympathetic look and patted his shoulder. "Don''t worry, kid. I''ll protect you." Ken blinked in confusion. "What''s wrong with this old man?" Grand cleared his throat. "Now, let''s get down to business. I''m Grand, class Paladin, rank D+, leader of this team from the Bukidon Guild. That''s Cid rank E+, a Berserker, 20 years old." Cid gave a lazy wave. "Yo." Grand gestured to a woman sitting by a campfire. "That''s Miya, Fire Mage, rank E+, 27." Miya gave a quick nod, her eyes focused on the flame in her hands. "And that''s Troy, 19 years old, a Stalker rank E." Troy, in a black cloak, barely acknowledged anyone. Ken''s mind raced. "A Stalker? That sounds like an Assassin class..." Grand clapped his hands together. "Alright, everyone! Five minutes to get ready. We''re clearing this dungeon." Ken stood nearby as the team prepared. Sasha stayed beside him. "So, Undead Master? Do you summon skeletons or something?" She asked. Ken smiled awkwardly. "Kind of... but I''m not sure how it works yet." Sasha''s eyes lit up. "I''d love to see it in action if we survive." Ken swallowed nervously. "Ye... Yeah, sure." From the corner of his eye, he saw Cid smirk. "''If'' we survive. This dungeon feels like a time bomb." Grand shot Cid a sharp look. "Keep it together. Don''t scare the rookies you spoiled brat!" Troy''s voice came from the shadows. "He''s not wrong... " ... Ken shifted, adjusting his gloves to ignore the unease rising in his chest. The tension in the air felt almost unbearable. He glanced back at the portal, it''s chilling aura pulsing like a heartbeat. Sasha nudged him. "You okay?" Ken nodded. "Just... nervous. This is my first real dungeon." She smiled kindly. "Everyone''s nervous the first time. You''ll be fine don''t worry." Grand''s voice shouted. "Listen up! Stay sharp. Don''t underestimate this place. Portals like this can turn on you fast." The team gathered by the portal, their breath visible in the freezing air. Miya stretched her fingers, sparks of flame jumping between them. Cid cracked his neck with a grin, looking eager for the fight. "This''ll be fun," Cid muttered, his grin widening. Miya shot him a side-eye. "You''re too eager. That''s how people get killed." Cid replied, "Mind your business." Troy stood off to the side, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings. Ken couldn''t help but admire how calm they all seemed, even with danger lurking. Grand pointed toward the swirling portal. "Formation. I''ll take point. Miya, stay back and use your fire magic to control the field. Sasha, keep everyone healed. Cid, Troy, flank when needed. Ken..." ... Grand paused and gave Ken a reassuring nod. "Stay close to Sasha. Observe and support when you can. Don''t push yourself too hard kid." Ken nodded, trying to ignore his fear. "Understood." The portal pulsed, pulling them in with its heavy energy. The scientists exchanged worried glances, their voices tight with concern. "We need reinforcements," One of them murmured, adjusting her device. "This portal''s aura is dangerously unstable." "It''s too late for that," The woman with the tablet replied. "They''re already going in." ... (Inside Of Dungeon Rank ???) As Grand led the group through the portal, the blue light enveloped them, and Ken felt a chill settle in his bones. The world around him twisted as they passed through the portal''s threshold. When the dizzying sensation stopped, they were inside. The dungeon was dark and distorted. Jagged stone pillars stretched high, and mist coiled around their feet. The air smelled of decay and something older, more dangerous. "Stay close everyone," Grand ordered. His voice was firm. "We move as one." Ken glanced around, senses on high alert. He gripped his sword, feeling the cold sweat on his palms. "Kreeeeeeekkkkkk!" Suddenly, a deep growl echoed through the dungeon. From the suffocating darkness, a monstrous shape lunged forward, an Undead Spider with glowing red eyes full of malice. The adventurers, moving as a group, braced themselves for the fight. "Kreeeeeeekkkkkk!" "Kreeeeeeekkkkkk!" Then creature charged at them with terrifying speed, its beastly movements accompanied by an eerie, high-pitched screeching sound. Grand''s instincts flared up. His eyes narrowed as he raised a hand. "Wait! Don''t engage! It''s undead! We need to-" Before he could finish, a man with double swords dashed ahead. Cid grinned with excitement as he rushed forward. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! His twin swords gleamed in the dim light, flashing as he parried the monster''s claws in a burst of sparks. "Finally!" He shouted, clearly thrilled. CLANG! "Let''s go! Don''t let my fun go to waste! Come on, be stronger!" "Cid, you spoiled brat!" Grand started to yell, but Cid was already in motion. Dodging a swipe of deadly claws, Cid leapt into the air. "Why are you... " His swords spun, and in one clean swing, he beheaded the Undead Spider. WHOOSH! "So slow!" He shoutedwith a smirk as the creature''s body crumpled to the ground. Breathing heavily, he turned to Grand with a wide grin. "Hey, old man! What do you think of my fighting style? Good, right?" Grand, unimpressed, folded his arms. "Spoiled brat! You shouldn''t rush in like that. These things are undead. You need to follow my command, I''m the leader of this team. If something happens to you, it''s my responsibility. Got it?" Cid shrugged, still amused. "Yeah, yeah. Relax, it''s dea-" KRKK... KRKK... Suddenly, the spider''s body trembled violently. A dark, red glow surged from its decapitated form, and its severed head began to twitch. "What the¡­?" Ken whispered, fear spreading across his face. Grand''s voice turned sharp and commanding. "Get ready. It''s not over!" The Undead Spider''s body surged forward, its claws gleaming with twice the power as before. "What?!" Cid''s confident smirk vanished, his eyes wide with fear. "I can''t block it¡­ I can''t dodge¡­ I''m done for!" The massive claw raced straight for his head- "SHIELD''S TAUNT!" ... Skill: Shield''s Taunt Rank: D+ Info: A defensive skill that forces a targeted enemy to prioritize attacking the user over other threats. Highly effective against instinct-driven monstrums. - Effect: Redirects aggro within a limited radius. - Weakness: Ineffective on enemies ranked higher than D+. Intelligent monstrums or skilled adventurers with higher mental resistance can resist the taunt entirely. ... A powerful shout echoed through the dungeon. The spider''s claws twisted mid-attack, veering away from Cid and slamming into Grand''s raised shield. CLANGGGGGG! Sparks flew as the force of the impact echoed around them. "You won''t hurt them while I''m here!" Grand roared. With a mighty swing, he brought his hammer crashing down, shattering the spider into the ground. SPLAT! From the side, Cid held his chest, breathing hard. "Puta!¡­ I almost died!" (F*ck!... I almost die!) ... They planned to move deeper into the dungeon, but Ken lingered beside the spider''s remains. A curious thought crossed his mind. "Can I make this one become my summon?" He placed his hand on the fading remains. "Serve me." ... A purple glow flared from beneath his palm. Ken''s eyes glowing with amazement . "Did it work? Did I... " The spider crumbled to dust. "¡­Did I really made it submit to me?" Ken muttered. "Ken!" Sasha''s sharp voice broke his thoughts. "We''re leaving!" "Just a sec!" Ken grinned, standing. "I''ll try to summon you later¡­" He dashed forward to rejoin the group. The path ahead grew too quiet and eerily. Only the clatter of bones echoed, and no monsters appeared. Grand''s face grew dark with concern. "We''ve been walking for six minutes," He muttered, half to himself. "No monsters. Just that Undead Spider. Why?" Miya broke the silence, her voice timid. "Mr. Grand, why aren''t there any monsters? What''s happening?" Cid groaned. "This is getting boring, old man." Grand suddenly stopped and turned, his expression serious. Ken felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "Leader¡­ what''s wrong?" "Look around." Grand motioned to the floor. "Bones everywhere, but we''ve only fought one Undead. Listen carefully¡­ In some rare cases, a dungeon boss eats its minions to grow stronger, but that only happens in a Red Portal Dungeon..." Miya''s eyes widened in fear. "Wait¡­ Are you saying this isn''t a Blue Portal Dungeon?! " Grand shook his head slowly. "No, it''s blue. We all saw it. But something''s not right here." Cid scoffed, crossing his arms. "So what? Even if the boss is eating its own kind, we can still kill it. What''s the big deal?" Grand''s gaze sharpened. "You''re right brat, we can kill it. But my job is to keep you all alive." ... In the back, Troy remained silent, his eyes distant as if he weren''t there at all. Ken swallowed hard. "A boss that eats its own to become stronger¡­" He whispered to himself. "I have a really bad feeling about this." Sasha leaned closer to Grand, her voice trembling. "Dad¡­ can we really beat this boss?" Grand placed a hand on her shoulder. "We still have a vacation to Boracay Island tomorrow with your mom." He smiled faintly, though his eyes remained grim. "I''ll make sure of it." _________________________________________ MORE INFORMATIONS Name: Grand Age: 56 Class: Paladin Rank Level: D+ Guild: Bukidon Guild More Info: Grand is the experienced leader of his team, known for his protective nature and commanding presence. Despite his age, he retains remarkable strength and resilience. He treats younger adventurers like family and emphasizes teamwork and caution over reckless bravery. His humor and fatherly demeanor often mask his deep concern for his comrades. Name: Sasha Age: 23 Class: Healer Rank Level: E+ Guild: Bukidon Guild More Info: Sasha is cheerful, empathetic, and eager to prove herself. She is new to adventuring but has a natural talent for healing magic. She shares a close bond with Grand, who is her father. Name: Cid Age: 20 Class: Berserker Rank Level: E+ Guild: Bukidon Guild More Info: Cid is impulsive, thrill-seeking, and fiercely confident in his combat skills. He wields twin swords with exceptional speed and power. His tendency to rush into battle without thinking often causes conflict with other adventurers, though his raw talent is undeniable. He''s known for his smug attitude but respects strength above all. Name: Miya Age: 27 Class: Fire Mage Rank Level: E+ Guild: Bukidon Guild More Info: Miya is quiet and focused, with a deep affinity for fire magic. She prefers observing her surroundings before acting and values strategy over brute force. Her calm demeanor contrasts with the explosive nature of her magic. Name: Troy Age: 19 Class: Stalker Rank Level: E Guild: Bukidon Guild More Info: Troy is enigmatic, silent, and highly perceptive. His class, ''Stalker'', is belong to an assassin, specializing in stealth and critical strikes. He speaks only when necessary and rarely shows emotion. His cold, calculating nature makes him a dangerous combatant and an invaluable scout. His motivations and past remain a mystery to the team. Name: Undead Spider Species:Spider Rank: E+ Type: Undead Skill: Imitation Weakness: Holy magic, fire-based attacks More Info: An aggressive, reanimating creature that remains dangerous even after decapitation. Often a minion of Undead bosses.