Episode 6: Dance of Shadows

Kuro Jin didn't flinch

"This is where the real game begins…"

His grip tightened on the dagger as the forest around him seemed to darken unnaturally. The air grew heavier, and even the birds fell silent—Whispering Woods was now a battlefield.

[Boss Battle Initiated: Shadow Reaper]

Mission: Survive for 3 Minutes or Defeat the Enemy

Reward: 500 XP + Elite Loot Chest

Danger Level: Lethal

Jin took a deep breath.

"This guy's an assassin-class elite… Speed, stealth, and criticals. One wrong step, and I'm done for."

The Shadow Reaper blurred through the trees, reappearing with a downward slash aimed at Jin's throat.

CLANG!

Jin blocked it just in time using his dagger's hilt, sparks flying from the impact.

[-60 HP]

"Tch... even my parry hurts."

He quick-stepped back and vanished into the foliage using Camouflage.

The assassin tilted his head, intrigued.

"You move well for someone so... fresh."

His voice echoed unnaturally—like he was everywhere.

Jin whispered, "Let's test how well you bleed."

From behind, he activated Backstab, aiming for the weak spot between the ribs.

[Critical Hit – 220 Damage]

The Reaper staggered forward, cloak flaring wildly.

"Not bad," he hissed, "but try this—"

He threw down a Shadow Mark—a cursed sigil that expanded across the forest floor, revealing Jin's position despite the stealth.

"Damn… So he can counter Camouflage…"

[Effect Applied: Shadow Bind – Movement Speed -25% for 15 seconds]

Jin gritted his teeth.

"I'll have to tank it out…"

He summoned Shadow Clone, the copy emerging beside him instantly.

"Split now!"

The two Jins dashed in opposite directions, forcing the Reaper to choose.

"Cheap tricks won't save you!"

The Reaper lunged at the clone—and wasted his attack.

The real Jin looped back, launching Shadow Strike and following with a dash-enhanced combo.

[Enemy HP Reduced – Moderate]

But the assassin's aura flared, and his blades began to vibrate.

[Phase 2 Initiated – Shadow Reaper's True Form Awakened]

His cloak peeled off, revealing obsidian-black armor laced with runes.

"Now I hunt seriously."

A barrage of slashes came raining down—Jin dodged what he could, but some tore through his HP.

[-90 HP | -40 HP | -70 HP]

[Warning – HP Below 30%]

Blood dripped from his shoulder. He panted, but didn't back down.

"If I survive three minutes… I win. But screw that—I'm killing him."

Cooldowns Reset – [First Clear Perk: Pioneer] Activated

Jin smiled.

"Let's end this."

He activated Camouflage → Quick Step → Shadow Meld (from Shadow Cloak)

For five seconds, he became completely invisible—undetectable even by skills.

He silently circled the assassin, then whispered—

"Good night."

And plunged both daggers straight into the Shadow Reaper's chest.

[Fatal Hit – Shadow Reaper Defeated]

The enemy let out a breathless laugh as he faded into black dust.

"You… might actually survive this world…"

[Boss Defeated]

XP Gained: 500

Loot Acquired: Shadowfang Daggers (Epic Gear)

Elite Loot Chest Added to Inventory

Title Unlocked: Shadow Slayer

Effect: +10% Damage to Assassin-type enemies

Jin collapsed to one knee, chest heaving.

"That was... insane."

But before he could even catch his breath, the system chimed again.

---

[New Quest Unlocked]

Main Storyline: The Rise of the Divine Emperor Begins

Objective: Reach the Nearest Human Settlement – Elaria Town

Time Limit: 6 Hours

Reward: Skill Upgrade Token + Access to Local Guild System

---

Jin looked toward the horizon. A faint trail of smoke was visible through the trees—civilization.

"Finally... a town. A place to rest, gather info, and level up."

He pulled his cloak tighter, checked his map, and started walking—wounds aching, but eyes full of resolve.

"I'm not just surviving anymore… I'm building my Empire."

[To Be Continued...]

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