Shadow Sovereigns : A New Beginning

Morning sunlight filtered into the apartment, its warmth casting a gentle glow across the living room. Sung Jin-Woo sat on the couch, absentmindedly spinning one of his Dual Bleeding Daggers in his hand. The blade's faint crimson glow was mesmerizing, the runes etched along its surface pulsing gently with a life of their own. Today was the day he would enter his first dungeon, and the anticipation hung heavy in the air.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Jin-Ah rushing around the apartment, her school bag slung over her shoulder. She skidded into the living room, her expression a mix of excitement and exasperation.

"Oppa, why are you just sitting there?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. "You're not going to work?"

"I've got something special planned," he replied, grinning as he sheathed the dagger at his waist. "Big day ahead."

"Uh-huh," she said skeptically, adjusting the straps of her bag. "Well, don't slack off, okay? You promised you'd try harder."

"Hey, I always try," he said, feigning offense. "It's the 'succeed' part I'm still working on."

She rolled her eyes, but there was a faint smile on her face. "Just don't do anything stupid, alright? And if you're going out, make sure to eat. You're useless when you're hungry."

"Yes, ma'am," he said, saluting her playfully. "Have fun at school. And remember—if anyone gives you trouble—"

"I know, I know," she interrupted, waving him off. "You'll handle it. You say that every time."

"And I mean it every time," he said, his tone softening. "Be careful out there, Jin-Ah."

She hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "You too, Oppa."

With that, she rushed out the door, leaving Jin-Woo alone with his thoughts. He let out a deep breath, his playful demeanor fading as he prepared himself for the task ahead.

"Alright, let's see what I've got," Jin-Woo muttered, pulling up the System Inventory.

A glowing blue screen appeared before him, displaying the contents of his virtual storage.

Inventory:

1. Dual Bleeding Daggers (+3 Agility, Bleed Effect: 5% HP over 5 seconds)

2. Steel-Toed Boots (+2 Agility, +1 Stamina)

3. Potion of Healing (Minor) (Restores 50 HP)

4. F-Rank Dungeon Key (Consumed)

"Pretty barebones," he said, frowning slightly. "But it'll do."

Satisfied, he strapped on his boots, secured the daggers at his waist, and pocketed the potion. The feeling of being fully equipped gave him a strange sense of confidence. The System had made sure he had the tools he needed. Now it was up to him to make them count.

As he stepped outside, the morning air was crisp and cool. He flagged down a taxi, climbing into the back seat as he gave the driver the address of the warehouse where the dungeon portal was located.

The driver, an older man with a kind face, glanced at him in the rearview mirror. "Warehouse district, huh? You sure about that, kid? Not exactly the safest part of town."

"Yeah, I'm sure," Jin-Woo replied, leaning back in his seat. "I've got business there."

"Business?" The driver chuckled. "You don't look like the type who'd be dealing in stolen goods. What, are you a Hunter or something?"

Jin-Woo hesitated for a moment, then smirked. "Something like that."

The driver raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. Instead, he turned on the radio, humming along to a cheerful tune as they drove through the city. Jin-Woo watched the streets pass by, his mind focused on the challenge ahead.

"You know," the driver said suddenly, breaking the silence, "my nephew's a Hunter. Says it's a dangerous life. You guys risk your necks every day for what? Money? Fame?"

Jin-Woo's lips quirked into a faint smile. "Sometimes it's not about the money or the fame. Sometimes it's just about surviving."

The driver glanced at him again, his expression softening. "Well, whatever you're doing, kid, take care of yourself. The world's got enough tragedy without adding another one to the pile."

"Thanks," Jin-Woo said quietly. "I'll keep that in mind."

The taxi pulled up to the warehouse, and Jin-Woo climbed out, tossing a few bills onto the front seat. "Keep the change."

The driver waved him off. "Good luck, kid."

The warehouse was eerily quiet, its crumbling walls and broken windows giving it an abandoned, haunted feel. In the center of the main room, the dungeon portal shimmered faintly, a swirling vortex of blue energy that seemed to hum with a life of its own.

Jin-Woo approached the portal, his heart pounding in his chest. A notification appeared as he stepped closer.

F-Rank Dungeon Detected.

Would you like to enter?

[Yes] [No]

He selected Yes. The key in his inventory dissolved into blue sparks, merging with the portal as its energy intensified. Taking a deep breath, Jin-Woo stepped forward.

The transition was instant. One moment, he was in the warehouse; the next, he was inside the dungeon. The air was heavy and cool, the ground beneath him uneven and covered in moss. Twisted, skeletal trees loomed overhead, their gnarled branches reaching toward a pale, artificial sky.

A new notification appeared as he took his first step forward.

Welcome to the F-Rank Dungeon.

Objective: Clear the dungeon by defeating the boss.

Rewards:

• +100 XP

• Random Item Drop

• Unlock Next Dungeon Tier

"Alright," Jin-Woo muttered, gripping his daggers. "Let's get started."

The sound of skittering reached his ears, faint at first but growing louder. He slowed his steps, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area. A group of creatures emerged from the shadows ahead, their twisted forms barely humanoid. Black, leathery skin stretched over wiry frames, their glowing red eyes fixed on him.

Above their heads, glowing text appeared:

Name: Shadow Goblin

Level: 3

HP: 50/50

MP: 20/20

"Shadow Goblins," Jin-Woo said, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "You guys look like something I'd find under my bed."

The goblins screeched in response, their claws clicking against the ground as they lunged toward him. There were three of them, and they weren't holding back.

The first goblin lunged at him, claws outstretched. Jin-Woo sidestepped with ease, his enhanced agility making the movement feel almost natural. As the goblin stumbled past, he slashed with his dagger, the blade cutting cleanly through its side.

Critical Hit!

Enemy inflicted with Bleeding.

The goblin staggered, its HP dropping rapidly as blood poured from the wound. Jin-Woo spun to face the others, his movements fluid and precise.

The second goblin came at him faster, its claws aiming for his chest. He ducked low, sweeping its legs out from under it before driving his dagger into its chest. The creature screeched, its HP bar depleting as the bleeding effect took hold.

"Two down," Jin-Woo said, glancing at the remaining goblin. "What's the matter? Don't like the odds anymore?"

The final goblin hesitated, then charged with a wild screech. Jin-Woo activated Dash, the sudden burst of speed carrying him past the goblin before it could react.

Dash Activated.

Movement speed increased by 40% for 10 seconds.

Pivoting on his heel, he slashed the goblin's back, its HP dropping to zero as it collapsed in a heap.

Monsters Defeated: 3.

+30 XP.

Jin-Woo exhaled, lowering his daggers. "Not bad," he muttered. "But I hope the boss puts up more of a fight."