Kael blinked in the dim cave light, his bare feet pushing on the cold stone floor. Turning slowly in a circle, he mumbled, "Where the hell am I? " Its jagged walls glistening with an eerie luminosity, the cave spread endlessly in every direction.
He stopped at a sudden rustle. Emerging from the darkness was a bent figure with sharp ears and green skin carrying a corroded dagger.
*No damn chance. "A goblin? ! Kael spat.
The monster hissed and lunged. Kael barely had time to respond before intense discomfort shot across his left arm. As the knife dug deep, blood sprayed almost severing his hand.
[WARNING: HP AT 73%]
[Found serious harm]
Kael staggered back, holding his crushed leg. "Shit! Shit! " He turned to run but the goblin was quicker, its sharp teeth revealed in a ferocious smile.
Run? Or Fight? The choice crystallized as images of his past vulnerability flicked across his brain: the bullies, his parents' scorn, the world that had crushed him time and time again.
"No more. " Kael's voice turned to a growl. He turned abruptly and grasped the goblins' head, slamming it against the cave wall. As Kael pulled the dagger from its grip, the creature cried.
[Awaking Combat Instincts! ]
The knife seemed oddly light in his hand. Kael swung once, twice before the goblin could recover. The beast's head tumbled over the stony ground on the third strike.
[Level Up! ]
[Unlocked new skill: Clones (Level 2)]
When fresh dangers arose, Kael had little opportunity to handle the messages. Five. . . no eight goblins emerged from the shadows, their yellow eyes glowing.
A maniacal grin surfaced on Kael's face. Let's see what this new body can do.
He covered ground at a velocity beyond thought. One goblin's skull broke under his fist before the others even responded. He grabbed another one physically and launched it at its friends like a meaty bowling ball.
[Agility +3]
Strength +2]
Their primitive weapons were useless against Kael's improved reflexes; the other goblins dropped in seconds. Something remarkable occurred as the last one fell: the bleeding arm wound started to itch sharply.
[Auto-Heal Enabled]
As muscular fibers curved through the air and bones mended with noticeable cracks, Kael observed in surprised awe. His hand was entire once more in three heartbeats.
He inhaled, flexing recovering fingers, "Okay. " "This is certainly not Earth. "
**[Query Found]
**[Location: Section 1, Trial Dungeon]
**[Purpose: Host Development]**
Kael forced his hands to his temples. "So I passed away and was resurrected. . . in a damned dungeon?
He was nearly laughing at the absurdity. Then the consequences struck no more abusive parents. Bullying stops now. Simply strength, genuine strength without boundaries.
He squeezed his just recovered fist. "Looks like I finally got lucky. "
A screech far away resounded throughout the caves. Deep in the black, something far greater than goblins ware moving.
[Warning: Elite Enemy Found]
[Recommended Level: 5]
[Current Host Level: 3]
Kael's grin became wild as he activated his new talent. Two perfect copies surfaced next him, each gripping identical daggers.
"Time to grind," all three Kaels declared in unison, disappearing into the depths of the dungeon.
(Chapter 4 Fin)