Kieran pressed forward, his steps steady despite the lingering ache in his muscles. The system's healing had restored his body, but the exhaustion of continuous battle weighed on his mind. Every beast he fought taught him something new—about his limits, his power, and the hidden potential of the Abyssal Veil.
The dark expanse stretched endlessly before him. Shadows danced along jagged rocks, and the air was thick with the scent of blood. He tightened his fists, feeling the faint pulse of black energy crawling along his skin—a constant reminder of the power he had barely begun to grasp.
I need to get stronger.
His mind drifted back to the three Ravynclaws. The fight had been a close call—too close. Without the system's restorative effect from leveling up, his body might have given out. And now, with the knowledge of how the Abyssal Veil worked, he realized how reckless his approach had been. If he didn't learn to manage his energy better, it could kill him as easily as any beast could.
Another low growl echoed through the shadows, pulling him from his thoughts. Three sets of glowing red eyes emerged from the darkness—more Ravynclaws. Their sleek, wolf-like forms prowled toward him, fangs bared and claws extended. This time, however, Kieran wasn't caught off guard.
He shifted into a defensive stance, analyzing their movements. The beasts circled him cautiously, learning from the mistakes of their fallen kin. A plan quickly formed in his mind—he couldn't afford to let them overwhelm him.
When the first beast lunged, Kieran reacted instantly. He sidestepped the attack, slamming a fist coated in Abyssal Veil energy into its ribs. The beast yelped as the black flames seared through its body. It stumbled but didn't fall. The second beast struck from behind, its claws grazing his shoulder. Pain flared, but Kieran gritted his teeth and retaliated.
Veilborn Presence.
The shadows around him shifted as he activated the skill, his form flickering like a ghost. In a blur of movement, he appeared beside the wounded Ravynclaw and drove his knee into its jaw. The impact shattered bone, and the beast collapsed without a sound.
[Basic Tier Beast Killed – EXP Gained: 100]
A surge of excitement flowed through him, but he didn't stop to savor it. The remaining two beasts weren't slowing down. With a deep breath, Kieran channeled more of the Abyssal Veil into his fists, the black flames burning brighter as he met their charge head-on.
He fought with brutal efficiency—striking fast, retreating, and striking again. The Abyssal Veil's power heightened his strength, and his increased defense allowed him to endure their attacks. But it came at a price. Every use of his energy drained his MP, and he felt the fatigue creeping back into his limbs.
The second beast fell under a precise blow to the throat, its body crumpling as the black energy tore through it.
[Basic Tier Beast Killed – EXP Gained: 100]
That left one.
Kieran's chest rose and fell in rapid breaths as he faced the final Ravynclaw. Blood dripped from its fangs as it snarled at him, muscles tensing for another lunge. He could end it quickly—but it would take everything he had left.
He opened his system screen briefly, noting his remaining MP.
MP: 3/10
One last strike.
Kieran summoned the last of his energy. The Abyssal Veil swirled around his right arm, thickening into a dense, shadowy mass. With a roar, he surged forward, driving his fist deep into the beast's chest.
The black flames exploded on impact, tearing through flesh and bone. The beast collapsed in a heap, lifeless.
[Basic Tier Beast Killed – EXP Gained: 100]
The system's chime echoed in his ears as another notification appeared.
[Level Up – You have reached Level 5.]
[EXP: 50/2500]
[+3 Stat Points Earned]
Warmth washed over him as his wounds healed and his strength returned. The pain faded, replaced by the familiar rush of newfound power. Kieran dropped to one knee, breathing heavily as the system's energy restored his battered body.
Level 5. He had come far in a short time—but it still wasn't enough.
He pulled up his system screen again, studying the updated stats.
[ Name: Kieran ]
[ Race: Human ]
[ Ability: Abyssal Veil (level 1 ) ]
[ Level: 5 ]
[ HP: 100 ]
[ MP: 10 ]
[ Strength: 15 ]
[ Agility: 12 ]
[ Stamina: 13 ]
[ Defense: 12 ]
[ Available Stat Points: 8 ]
Kieran clenched his fists, fighting really was the fastest way to get stronger it hadn't been long he had gotten to level four yet now he had reached level five he had been at level one when he entered this dimension yet in the short time he had stayed he was already four levels higher . The battles had pushed him to the edge, but they had also revealed the potential of the Abyssal Veil. There was a frightening power within him—one he had barely begun to tap into.
But one thing was clear.
He couldn't stop now.
With renewed determination, he stood and disappeared deeper into the shadows of the dimension. There were more beasts to kill, and with every battle, he would grow stronger.
No matter what it took.