Chapter 15 Summary
The air in the dimly lit hallway of the abandoned warehouse was thick with the scent of rust and old stone, a lingering reminder of the countless raids that had taken place there before the world fell into chaos. The faint hum of a distant generator was the only sound that broke the oppressive silence, and it seemed to pulse in time with the uneasy rhythm of Sung Jin‑Woo’s heart.
He stood at the threshold, his eyes narrowed, scanning the darkness beyond. The portal that had opened moments ago was a jagged wound in reality, a swirling vortex of violet and black that crackled with an energy he had never felt before. The system interface flickered into existence, its cold, metallic font hovering just above the portal’s edge, displaying a single line of text: “S‑Rank Dungeon – Level 1.”
Jin‑Woo’s breath caught. He had heard whispers of S‑rank dungeons, the most dangerous and coveted of all, but never had he imagined he would be the one to step into one alone. The other hunters had always spoken of the need for a team, of the strength in numbers. Yet here he was, the weakest of the E‑rank hunters, the one everyone called “the weakest hunter” and the one who had survived a deadly double‑dungeon by sheer luck. The system’s voice, a smooth, disembodied tone, resonated in his mind: “Welcome, hunter. This is your first solo dungeon. Proceed with caution.”
He took a step forward, the portal’s edge tingling under his boots. The world beyond was a stark contrast to the crumbling warehouse. A cavernous arena stretched out, its walls composed of black stone that seemed to drink the light. In the center, a massive stone altar rose, its surface etched with ancient runes that pulsed faintly. Shadows moved across the floor, coalescing into shapes that hinted at the presence of unseen foes.
Jin‑Woo’s mind raced. He had spent weeks training, pushing his body to its limits, but nothing could prepare him for the reality of facing a dungeon alone. He clenched his fists, feeling the familiar weight of his hunter’s badge against his skin. The system interface glowed brighter, and a new line appeared: “Objective: Defeat the Guardian. Reward: Experience, Skill Points, and Potential.”
A low rumble echoed through the arena, and the stone altar began to shift, revealing a massive, hulking figure cloaked in darkness. Its eyes glowed a feral red, and its massive claws scraped the stone floor, sending shards of rock flying. The Guardian’s voice, a guttural growl, resonated through the cavern: “Intruder… you shall become dust.”
Jin‑Woo’s muscles tensed. He could feel the surge of adrenaline flooding his veins, the familiar rush that came with every hunt. He raised his hand, and the system interface displayed a new option: “Summon Shadow Soldier.” He hesitated for a split second, remembering the countless times he had watched other hunters command legions of shadows, their powers amplified by the system’s favor. He had never been granted that ability—until now.
The words “Shadow Soldier” glowed on the screen, and a cold wind swept through the arena, swirling around Jin‑Woo’s feet. He felt a strange sensation, as if an invisible hand was reaching into his very soul, pulling something out from the depths of his being. The system’s voice whispered, “Summon successful. Shadow Soldier deployed.”
From the darkness, a figure emerged—a silhouette of a soldier, its armor black as night, its eyes a piercing blue that seemed to cut through the gloom. The Shadow Soldier stood tall, its sword drawn, the blade humming with a faint, otherworldly light. Jin‑Woo felt a surge of confidence as the soldier bowed slightly, acknowledging its master.
“Stay close,” Jin‑Woo muttered, more to himself than to the shadowy companion. “We’ll figure this out together.”
The Guardian roared, charging forward with a speed that belied its massive frame. Its claws slashed through the air, aiming for Jin‑woo’s throat. Instinctively, the Shadow Soldier leapt forward, intercepting the blow with its sword. Sparks flew as metal met flesh, and the Guardian staggered, surprised by the sudden resistance.
Jin‑woo seized the moment. He lunged forward, his own fists clenched, and delivered a powerful punch to the Guardian’s ribcage. The impact reverberated through the stone floor, and the creature let out a guttural howl. The system interface flickered, displaying a new stat: “Damage Dealt: 150.”
“Not bad,” the system murmured, its tone almost amused. “You have potential.”
The Guardian recovered quickly, its eyes burning brighter. It swung its massive arm, sending a wave of dark energy rippling across the arena. Jin‑woo felt the pressure of the wave pressing against his chest, threatening to crush him. He closed his eyes, focusing on the rhythm of his breathing, and felt the faint hum of the system’s power resonating within him.
A sudden flash of light erupted from his palm, and a thin, translucent barrier formed around him, deflecting the wave of darkness. The Guardian’s eyes widened in surprise, and for a brief instant, Jin‑woo saw a flicker of doubt in its monstrous visage.
“System, what can I do?” Jin‑woo whispered, his voice echoing off the stone walls.
The interface responded, its text appearing in crisp, white letters: “Skill Unlocked: Shadow Extraction. Use to absorb enemy’s essence and increase power.”
Jin‑woo felt a surge of curiosity. He had never seen this skill before. He raised his hand, and a dark tendril of energy shot from his fingertips, latching onto the Guardian’s arm. The tendril pulsed, drawing a faint, crimson glow from the creature’s flesh. The Guardian roared in pain, its movements becoming erratic.
The Shadow Soldier seized the opportunity, slashing at the Guardian’s exposed side. The blade cut deep, and a spray of dark blood spattered across the arena floor. Jin‑woo felt the system’s interface glow brighter, and a new line appeared: “Experience Gained: 2,500. Level Up: 2.”
A wave of warmth washed over him, and his vision blurred for a heartbeat. When it cleared, he felt different—stronger, more attuned to the flow of the dungeon’s energy. The system’s voice resonated louder, now sounding almost celebratory: “Congratulations, hunter. You have reached Level 2. New abilities unlocked. Continue to fight.”
Jin‑woo’s eyes widened as he felt the power surge through his veins. He could sense the faint threads of the dungeon’s magic, the lingering echoes of past hunters who had dared to step into this realm. He felt a connection to the shadows, a bond that went beyond mere summons. The Shadow Soldier’s form seemed to solidify, its armor now shimmering with a faint, violet aura.
“Level 2,” he whispered, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I never thought I’d get this far.”
The Guardian, now visibly weakened, let out a final, desperate roar. It lunged at Jin‑woo with a ferocity born of pure survival instinct. Jin‑woo’s reflexes, honed by countless battles, kicked in. He sidestepped the attack, his body moving with a fluid grace that surprised even him. He thrust his palm forward, channeling the newly acquired Shadow Extraction skill. Dark energy surged from his hand, wrapping around the Guardian’s torso like a constricting serpent.
The creature’s eyes widened in terror as the energy tightened, draining its life force. The Guardian’s massive form began to crumble, stone and flesh disintegrating into ash that swirled around the arena. With a final, echoing howl, the Guardian collapsed, its body turning to dust that drifted away on an unseen wind.
Silence fell over the cavern. The system interface displayed a final line: “Dungeon Cleared. Rewards: 5,000 Experience, 3 Skill Points, 1 Shadow Soldier Upgrade.”
Jin‑woo let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. He turned to the Shadow Soldier, who bowed once more, its eyes glowing brighter than before. “We did it,” Jin‑woo said, his voice steadier now. “We actually did it.”
The Shadow Soldier raised its sword, and a beam of violet light shot into the ceiling, illuminating the cavern with a soft glow. The runes on the stone altar pulsed in rhythm with the light, as if acknowledging the hunter’s triumph.
Jin‑woo felt a strange sensation in his chest, a faint vibration that seemed to echo the system’s presence. He glanced at the interface, which now displayed a new option: “Return to World.” He hesitated for a moment, taking in the sight of the cavern, the lingering shadows, and the faint remnants of the Guardian’s power.
He thought of the other hunters, of the friends he had made and the enemies he had faced. He thought of the countless times he had been dismissed as the weakest, the jokes about his lack of abilities, and the endless training that had brought him to this moment. He thought of the future, of the S‑rank dungeons that still awaited him, and the mysteries that the system still held.
“System,” he said, his voice resonating with newfound confidence, “what’s next?”
The interface flickered, and a new line appeared: “New Quest: Investigate the Origin of the Shadow Soldiers. Reward: Advanced Shadow Skills, Potential Increase.”
Jin‑woo’s eyes narrowed. The shadow soldiers—his newfound allies—were more than just tools; they were a mystery that the system seemed eager to reveal. He felt a thrill of anticipation, a spark of curiosity that ignited a fire within him.
“Alright,” he said, turning to the Shadow Soldier, “let’s get out of here. We have more work to do.”
The portal that had opened at the entrance of the dungeon shimmered, its violet edges pulsing with energy. Jin‑woo stepped forward, feeling the familiar tug of the system’s power as it guided him back to the world he knew. The Shadow Soldier followed, its sword still humming with a faint, violet resonance.
When he emerged from the portal, the warehouse’s dim light greeted him, and the distant hum of the generator seemed louder than before. The other hunters, who had been watching from a safe distance, stared in disbelief. Their eyes widened as they saw Jin‑woo’s aura, the faint violet glow that now surrounded him, and the Shadow Soldier standing loyally at his side.
“Jin‑woo?” one of them whispered, a mixture of awe and fear in his voice. “Is that… you?”
Jin‑woo turned, a confident smile spreading across his face. “Yes,” he replied, his voice steady. “I’m still the same hunter you all know, but I’ve just taken a big step forward.”
The hunters exchanged glances, murmurs spreading through the crowd. Some whispered about the S‑rank dungeon they had just witnessed, others about the system’s sudden favor. A few tried to recall the details of the battle, their eyes darting between Jin‑woo and the Shadow Soldier.
“Did you… did you summon that thing?” another hunter asked, his voice trembling. “I thought only high‑rank hunters could do that.”
Jin‑woo chuckled, the sound echoing off the concrete walls. “Looks like the system finally decided I’m worth a little more than a joke.”
The system interface flickered once more, displaying a brief message: “Level 2 achieved. New abilities unlocked. Continue to grow.”
He felt the weight of the moment settle over him like a mantle. The world of hunters was changing, and he was at the center of it. The whispers grew louder, and soon the entire guild hall was buzzing with speculation. Some talked about the possibility of other hunters reaching Level 2, while others wondered what the Shadow Soldiers truly were.
Jin‑woo’s mind raced, cataloguing every detail of the battle, every sensation he had felt. He remembered the exact moment the system had offered the Shadow Extraction skill, the way the tendril of darkness had felt like a living thing, the surge of power when he leveled up. He knew that these memories would become the foundation of his future strategies, his future growth.
He looked at the Shadow Soldier, its eyes now a calm, steady blue. “What’s your name?” he asked, half in jest, half in genuine curiosity.
The soldier’s voice was a low, resonant hum, almost like a distant echo. “I am your first shadow, Jin‑woo. I will obey your command.”
Jin‑woo smiled, feeling a strange kinship with the being he had summoned. “Then let’s make sure we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
The guild master, an imposing figure with silver hair and a scar that ran down his left cheek, stepped forward. He placed a hand on Jin‑woo’s shoulder, his grip firm but not overbearing. “You have done well, Jin‑woo,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. “Your actions today have proven that even the weakest can become a force to be reckoned with. We will need to discuss the implications of this… system… and what it means for our future raids.”
Jin‑woo nodded, his eyes never leaving the Shadow Soldier’s form. “I’m ready to learn,” he replied. “And I’m ready to fight.”
The guild master’s eyes flickered with a mixture of pride and concern. “Very well. For now, rest. We’ll debrief later. And… keep that shadow close. It may become your greatest asset.”
As the hunters dispersed, murmuring about the unprecedented events they had just witnessed, Jin‑woo found a quiet corner of the hall and sat down. He pulled out a small, battered notebook—one he had kept since his early days as a hunter, filled with sketches of monsters, notes on abilities, and the occasional doodle of a cat. He opened it to a fresh page and began to write, his pen moving swiftly across the paper.
“Solo Leveling Chapter 15 – First Solo Dungeon,” he wrote at the top, his handwriting steady. “Entered S‑rank dungeon alone. Summoned Shadow Soldier. Defeated Guardian. Leveled up to 2. New abilities: Shadow Extraction, Shadow Soldier Upgrade. System granted Level 2 status. Future quests: Investigate origin of Shadow Soldiers.”
He paused, looking up at the Shadow Soldier, which stood silently, its sword still humming. He felt a surge of gratitude for the strange, unseen force that had guided him to this moment. The system’s voice, though rarely audible, seemed to echo in his mind: “Your journey has only just begun.”
He closed the notebook, tucking it back into his satchel. The guild hall’s lights dimmed as night fell outside, casting long shadows across the floor. The murmurs of the other hunters faded, replaced by the soft, rhythmic ticking of a distant clock.
Jin‑woo stood, feeling the weight of his new status settle upon his shoulders. He glanced at the portal that had closed behind him, its violet edges now a faint memory. He knew that the world beyond the portal was vast, filled with dungeons of all ranks, each holding its own challenges and secrets. He also knew that the system would continue to test him, to push him beyond his limits.
He turned to the Shadow Soldier, his voice steady and resolute. “Let’s go train. We have a lot to learn, and I have a feeling the next dungeon won’t be any easier.”
The Shadow Soldier bowed, its blade glinting in the dim light. “As you command, master.”
Together, they walked out of the guild hall, the night air cool against their faces. The city’s neon lights flickered in the distance, a reminder of the world they were protecting. Jin‑woo felt a surge of determination, a fire that burned brighter than any previous fear. He had taken his first step into the unknown, and the system had rewarded him with power, purpose, and a companion that would stand by his side.
As they disappeared into the night, the whispers of the guild hall lingered, a chorus of speculation and admiration. Some would call it a miracle, others a glitch in the system, but Jin‑woo knew the truth: he had earned his place, and the journey ahead would be one of growth, discovery, and relentless battles.
He thought back to the countless fans who would soon read about his exploits, the discussions that would erupt online, the manga scans that would capture his first solo victory. He imagined the analysis that would dissect each move, the spoilers that would leak before the official release, the fans debating the significance of his Shadow Soldier. He smiled, knowing that his story would become part of a larger tapestry, a saga that would inspire others to rise from weakness to strength.
The night sky stretched above him, stars twinkling like distant portals waiting to be opened. Jin‑woo lifted his gaze, feeling the system’s subtle hum resonate within his chest. He took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill his lungs, and whispered to himself, “This is just the beginning.”
The city’s streets buzzed with life, and somewhere, a new dungeon opened, its violet glow beckoning. Jin‑woo and his Shadow Soldier moved forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of the system that had chosen them.
The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: Sung Jin‑Woo had finally stepped out of the shadows and into the light of his own destiny.
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