The cave shook as the Shadow Alpha Wolf roared.
Arif's breathing was heavy, but his eyes were calm.
The system's new skill—Shadow Instinct—was already working.
Every movement of the boss felt slower to him.
The giant wolf suddenly lunged forward again.
Its massive claw slashed through the air.
But this time—
He moved before the attack even reached him.
He stepped aside smoothly.
The claw missed him by inches.
"Too slow," Arif whispered.
The boss growled angrily.
It opened its mouth and lunged again.
Arif dashed forward at the same time.
"Shadow Step!"
His body vanished and appeared right beside the monster's neck.
This was his chance.
Arif raised his sword with all his strength.
"End this!"
SLASH!
The blade cut deep into the Shadow Alpha Wolf's neck.
Dark energy burst out from the wound.
The monster let out a terrifying roar.
"ROOOOOAAARRR!"
The entire cave trembled violently.
Then—
The giant body collapsed to the ground.
For a moment, everything became silent.
Arif stood there, breathing heavily.
Then the system screen appeared again.
[Dungeon Boss Defeated]
[EXP +500]
Arif's eyes widened.
"Five hundred?!"
The system continued.
[Level Up!]
[Level Up!]
Warm energy flowed through his entire body.
His strength increased rapidly.
Then another message appeared.
[Special Reward Unlocked]
Arif stared at the screen.
"What reward…?"
The blue window flashed again.
[Shadow Core Obtained]
Arif frowned.
"Shadow Core?"
Before he could think further—
The entire dungeon started shaking violently.
Rocks began falling from the ceiling.
The system gave one last message.
[Dungeon Collapsing]
[Exit Immediately]
Arif grabbed the glowing Shadow Core.
"Guess it's time to leave!"
Without looking back, he ran toward the dungeon exit.
Behind him—
The dark cave began collapsing into darkness.
But he knew one thing.
This was only the beginning.
The Shadow System had just awakened.
And his journey to become stronger had only started.
To Be Continued…