Chapter 13 Summary
The night air over the city was thick with the metallic scent of rain, each droplet striking the concrete like a soft percussion that echoed through the empty streets. In the dim glow of a lone streetlamp, a figure stood alone, his silhouette a stark contrast against the wet pavement. Sung Jinwoo, the weakest hunter in the entire Hunter’s Guild, pulled his coat tighter around his shoulders, feeling the chill seep into his bones. He had spent the past few weeks surviving low‑rank dungeons, barely scraping by, his name whispered only when the guild’s notice board listed the “weakest hunter” for the next raid. Yet tonight, something in the air felt different—an electric hum that seemed to vibrate through the very ground beneath his boots.
A sudden, sharp chime cut through the silence, and Jinwoo’s vision flickered as a translucent overlay appeared before his eyes. The system notification pulsed with a soft blue light, its words scrolling across his field of view like a whispered secret.
System Notification: New Quest Initiated – “Double Dungeon: Shadowed Abyss.”
Reward: Experience + 150% (Potential Level Up).
Difficulty: ★★★★ (High).
Time Limit: 30 minutes.
Jinwoo’s heart hammered against his ribs. The double dungeon was a rare occurrence, a phenomenon that only the strongest hunters ever witnessed. It was a test, a gauntlet designed to push a hunter beyond the limits of ordinary endurance. The guild’s higher‑ranked members rarely even spoke of it, let alone attempted it. Yet the notification lingered, its glow refusing to fade, as if daring him to accept.
He glanced up at the towering skyscrapers that framed the city’s horizon, their windows flickering with the lives of countless others. In that moment, a surge of determination rose within him, a quiet promise that he would no longer be the hunter who faded into the background. He raised his hand, and the system responded with a soft click.
Quest Accepted.
The world around him seemed to shift. The rain intensified, each drop now a cascade of silver that blurred the edges of reality. The streetlamp’s light dimmed, and a vortex of darkness opened before Jinwoo, swallowing the city’s neon glow. He stepped forward, feeling the weight of the unknown press against his chest, and the vortex swallowed him whole.
When the darkness receded, Jinwoo found himself standing at the entrance of a cavernous arena, its walls carved from obsidian stone that seemed to drink the light. The air was thick with a metallic tang, and distant roars reverberated through the cavern like the heartbeat of a sleeping beast. He could hear the faint clink of armor and the whispered prayers of other hunters who had been drawn here before him, their silhouettes barely visible in the gloom.
“Welcome, hunter,” a voice boomed, resonating from the very walls themselves. “You have entered the Shadowed Abyss. Survive, and you shall rise. Fail, and you shall become another echo in this void.”
Jinwoo’s eyes narrowed. He could feel the familiar tremor of fear, but beneath it lay a new, unfamiliar sensation—hope. He tightened his grip on the worn wooden staff he carried, its surface scarred from countless battles, and stepped into the darkness.
The first wave of monsters surged forward, a horde of skeletal warriors whose eyes glowed with an eerie violet light. Their swords clanged against each other as they advanced, forming a relentless tide. Jinwoo’s mind raced, recalling the countless training sessions with his guildmates, the countless times he had watched from the sidelines as stronger hunters like Cha Hae‑In and Go Gun‑Hee cut through enemies with effortless grace.
He remembered the day Cha Hae‑In had approached him in the guild’s common room, her eyes soft yet fierce. “You have potential, Jinwoo,” she had said, her voice a calm river. “Don’t let the label ‘weakest’ define you.” Her words had lingered, a quiet ember that refused to die.
Now, as the skeletal warriors closed in, Jinwoo felt that ember flare. He raised his staff, and a surge of energy pulsed through his veins. The system notification flickered again, this time displaying a new ability unlocked.
Skill Unlocked: “Shadow Slash.”
Damage: 120% (Physical).
Cooldown: 5 seconds.
With a swift motion, Jinwoo swung his staff, and a blade of darkness erupted from its tip, slicing through the nearest skeleton. The creature let out a guttural scream as the shadowy blade cleaved its ribcage, scattering bone fragments across the arena floor. The other skeletons hesitated, their movements faltering as they stared at the unexpected display of power.
Jinwoo pressed his advantage, his movements becoming a blur of dark energy and precise strikes. Each swing of his staff left a trailing afterimage, a phantom that seemed to echo his intent. The arena filled with the sound of clashing steel and the eerie howl of the abyss, a symphony of chaos that Jinwoo began to conduct.
As the last skeletal warrior fell, the cavern fell silent, save for the echo of Jinwoo’s breathing. He stood amidst a sea of broken bones, his heart pounding, his mind racing. The system notification glowed once more, this time with a different hue.
System Notification: “Level Up – 2 → 3.”
New Stat Points: +5 Strength, +3 Agility, +2 Vitality.
A surge of exhilaration washed over him. He had leveled up, something no hunter of his rank had achieved in months. The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning—this double dungeon was not just a test of strength, but a catalyst for his evolution. He could feel the dormant power within him stirring, a dormant dragon awakening from a long slumber.
Before he could fully absorb the triumph, a new wave of darkness surged from the far side of the arena. This time, the monsters were not skeletal warriors but towering, hulking beasts cloaked in shadows, their eyes burning like coals. Their roars reverberated through the cavern, shaking the very stone beneath Jinwoo’s feet.
Among them, a massive figure stepped forward, its form shifting between solid and ethereal. The creature’s voice resonated, a low, guttural growl that seemed to vibrate the air itself.
“Hunter… you have tasted power, but the abyss does not forgive.”
Jinwoo’s eyes narrowed. He could feel the weight of the creature’s presence, a darkness that threatened to swallow his very soul. He tightened his grip on his staff, the wood now humming with the newfound energy of his level‑up. The system notification pulsed, displaying a new quest objective.
Quest Objective: Defeat “Abyssal Warden.”
Reward: Experience + 200% (Potential Level Up).
The Abyssal Warden lunged, its massive claws tearing through the stone floor, sending shards of rock scattering like rain. Jinwoo dodged, his agility honed through countless training drills, and countered with a swift “Shadow Slash.” The blade of darkness met the Warden’s claw, and a burst of violet light erupted, scattering the creature’s form into a cloud of black mist.
The battle raged on, each exchange a dance of light and shadow. Jinwoo’s mind raced, recalling the countless strategies he had observed from his guildmates. He remembered Go Gun‑Hee’s relentless offense, his ability to push forward with unyielding force, and Yoo Jin‑Ho’s tactical brilliance, always analyzing the enemy’s weaknesses before striking. He tried to emulate their strengths, blending them with his own emerging abilities.
He feigned a retreat, drawing the Warden deeper into the arena’s narrow corridor. The creature’s massive form struggled to keep pace, its momentum slowing as it entered the confined space. Jinwoo seized the moment, channeling his newfound strength into a single, decisive strike. He raised his staff high, the darkness within it swirling like a vortex, and unleashed a torrent of shadow energy that surged forward like a black wave.
The Abyssal Warden let out a deafening roar as the shadow blast struck it head‑on, its form shattering into fragments of darkness that dissipated into the cavern’s ether. The arena fell silent once more, the only sound the ragged breathing of the hunter who had just faced his greatest trial.
Jinwoo stood amidst the remnants of the battle, his body trembling with exhaustion and adrenaline. The system notification glowed brighter than ever, its words now etched in a golden hue.
System Notification: “Quest Completed – Double Dungeon: Shadowed Abyss.”
Total Experience Gained: 350% (Potential Level Up).
Reward: 1,200 Gold, 2 Rare Items, 1 Artifact – “Eclipse Blade.”
A surge of triumph washed over him as the artifact materialized in his hand, a sleek blade forged from obsidian and silver, its edge humming with a faint, otherworldly resonance. He could feel the power within it, a promise of greater battles to come.
The vortex that had brought him here began to close, the darkness receding as the city’s neon lights flickered back into view. Jinwoo felt the rain on his skin once more, the familiar scent of wet pavement grounding him in reality. He stood on the street, the artifact clutched tightly in his hand, his eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for a sign.
A soft voice called out from the shadows, and Jinwoo turned to see Cha Hae‑In emerging from the alleyway, her silver hair glistening with droplets of rain. Her eyes, usually calm and composed, now held a spark of curiosity and admiration.
“You did it,” she said, her voice a gentle whisper against the night’s hush. “I heard the system notification. The double dungeon… only a handful have survived it.”
Jinwoo managed a tired smile, the weight of the blade heavy yet comforting in his grip. “I… I didn’t think I could. But the system… it gave me a chance. And I… I think I finally understood what you meant about potential.”
Hae‑In stepped closer, her gaze lingering on the Eclipse Blade. “That’s a rare artifact. It’s said to amplify the user’s shadow abilities. You’ve earned it, Jinwoo. The guild will take notice.”
Before Jinwoo could respond, a familiar chuckle echoed from the street’s far end. Go Gun‑Hee, his towering frame silhouetted against the streetlights, approached with his usual swagger. “Well, well, look who finally decided to join the big leagues,” he teased, his eyes scanning the Eclipse Blade with a mixture of envy and respect.
Jinwoo’s cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and pride. “I… I just…”
Go Gun‑Hee clapped a massive hand on Jinwoo’s shoulder, the impact reverberating through his bones. “Don’t worry, kid. We all start somewhere. The important thing is you didn’t give up. That’s what makes a hunter truly strong.”
From the opposite side of the street, Yoo Jin‑Ho emerged, his expression thoughtful as he observed the scene. “The system’s notification was clear,” he said, his voice measured. “You’ve completed a double dungeon, earned a level up, and obtained a rare artifact. This will significantly boost your standing within the Hunter’s Guild. We should report this to the guild master immediately.”
Jinwoo nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude toward his comrades. The rain continued to fall, each drop a reminder of the world beyond the shadows, a world that now seemed a little more within his reach.
The four hunters walked together toward the guild’s headquarters, the streets illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and the occasional flicker of neon signs. As they approached the massive stone doors, the guild’s emblem—a stylized phoenix rising from flames—loomed overhead, a symbol of rebirth and perseverance.
Inside the guild hall, the atmosphere buzzed with activity. Hunters of all ranks gathered around tables, discussing recent raids, sharing rumors of new dungeons, and trading stories of close calls. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the low hum of conversations. At the far end of the hall, the guild master, a stern yet fair man named Lee Joon‑Hyuk, stood near a large wooden desk, his eyes scanning a massive map of the city’s known dungeons.
When Jinwoo and his companions entered, the room fell into a brief hush, the eyes of many hunters turning toward the newcomer. The guild master’s gaze settled on Jinwoo, his expression shifting from curiosity to a measured appraisal.
“Jinwoo,” Lee Joon‑Hyuk said, his voice resonant. “I have received a system notification regarding your recent activity. A double dungeon, level up, and a rare artifact. This is… unprecedented for someone of your rank.”
Jinwoo bowed his head slightly, feeling the weight of the moment. “Sir, I… I was given a quest. I did my best.”
The guild master’s eyes softened for a fraction of a second. “Your best was more than enough. You have shown that potential is not bound by rank. The Eclipse Blade you carry is a testament to your growth. From this day forward, you will be assigned to a higher‑level raid team. You will no longer be the weakest hunter on the board.”
A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall, the hunters exchanging glances of surprise and admiration. Cha Hae‑In stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm.
“Sung Jinwoo has proven himself. He has the heart of a hunter, and now the power to match it. Let us give him the chance to continue growing.”
Go Gun‑Hee nodded, his grin widening. “I’ll be his partner on the next raid. Let’s see what else he can do.”
Yoo Jin‑Ho added, “We should also analyze the system’s data. The double dungeon was a rare event; understanding its parameters could benefit the entire guild.”
The guild master smiled, a rare sight that illuminated his stern features. “Very well. Jinwoo, report to the training grounds at dawn. We will assign you a team and discuss your next mission. For now, rest. You have earned it.”
Jinwoo felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had gone from being the weakest hunter to a recognized member of the guild’s elite in a single night. The rain outside had ceased, leaving the streets glistening under the soft glow of streetlights. He looked at his companions, their faces reflecting a mixture of pride and anticipation.
As the guild hall’s doors closed behind them, Jinwoo felt a strange sensation in his chest—a mixture of excitement, fear, and an unfamiliar confidence. He clutched the Eclipse Blade tighter, feeling its cold metal pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat. The artifact seemed to whisper promises of greater power, of battles yet to be fought, and of a destiny that stretched far beyond the shadows of the double dungeon.
That night, as he lay in his modest apartment, the city’s distant hum a lullaby, Jinwoo replayed the events of the day in his mind. He remembered the system notification that had appeared like a beacon, the surge of power when he unlocked “Shadow Slash,” the taste of victory as the Abyssal Warden fell, and the warm camaraderie of his fellow hunters. He thought about the future—about the upcoming raids, the mysteries of the dungeons that still lay hidden, and the ever‑present threat of the unknown.
He opened his notebook, the pages filled with scribbles of strategies, observations, and the names of monsters he had encountered. He added a new entry, his handwriting steady despite the lingering fatigue.
Entry – Chapter 13: The Double Dungeon
– System Notification: Double Dungeon – Shadowed Abyss.
– New Skill: Shadow Slash (120% damage).
– Level Up: 2 → 3.
– Artifact Obtained: Eclipse Blade (enhances shadow abilities).
– Allies: Cha Hae‑In, Go Gun‑Hee, Yoo Jin‑Ho.
– Guild Master’s Response: Promotion to higher‑rank raid team.
– Next Steps: Training at dawn, analysis of double dungeon data, preparation for upcoming raids.
He closed the notebook, feeling a sense of purpose settle within him. The words on the page were more than a record; they were a promise to himself and to those who believed in him. He stared at the ceiling, the faint glow of the city’s lights filtering through his window, and whispered to the night.
“Chapter 13 is just the beginning.”
The rain had left the world washed clean, the streets glistening like a mirror reflecting the stars above. In the distance, a faint hum of a system notification echoed, a reminder that the world of hunters was ever‑changing, ever‑challenging. Jinwoo closed his eyes, letting the rhythm of his breathing align with the pulse of the city, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
When dawn finally broke, the sun’s first rays pierced the horizon, casting a golden hue over the city. Jinwoo rose, his muscles still sore but his spirit invigorated. He donned his hunter’s coat, the Eclipse Blade now sheathed at his side, its edge gleaming with a promise of shadows yet to be mastered.
He stepped out onto the streets, the guild’s emblem looming ahead like a beacon. The guild hall’s doors opened, and the hunters inside turned to greet him, their eyes reflecting respect and curiosity. Among them, Cha Hae‑In offered a nod, her smile warm and encouraging. Go Gun‑Hee clapped a hand on his shoulder, his grin wide. Yoo Jin‑Ho approached with a tablet, data scrolling across its screen.
“Ready for the next challenge?” Go Gun‑Hee asked, his voice booming