The night in the commercial district was still filled with neon lights and the echo of sirens.
Yet within the violet curtain of the E-rank Gate lay another world entirely—
a realm of murky darkness, where even the moonlight was swallowed, as if severed from reality itself.
Asher Vaos slipped inside, unseen by anyone.
> "The stench of blood… so this is the world of the hunt."
His footsteps splashed faintly against the damp stone floor.
From the jagged grass, the first goblin emerged, shrieking with its filthy claws raised.
Asher didn't hesitate. He lunged forward, swinging a broken iron rod he had picked up at the entrance.
The strike landed with a sickening crack—
the goblin's skull shattered into pieces.
[ You have gained EXP: 50 ]
But before he could even catch his breath—
dozens of shadows burst forth at once.
A swarm of goblins shrieked with piercing cries that echoed through the cavern,
surrounding him from every side.
---
The iron rod in his grip was already chipping.
He swung it again, smashing down two more goblins with the sound of breaking bones,
but the rest pressed in relentlessly, claws and crude stone spears tearing toward him.
[ HP: 120 → 95 ]
[ HP: 95 → 70 ]
Blood seeped from his arm and side.
His breathing grew heavier.
> "Too many… but I will not retreat."
---
Grinding his teeth, Asher forced his battered body into motion, spinning with all his strength.
His weapon swept out in a desperate arc, scattering stone shards.
Three, four goblins were knocked to the ground—
but more pushed forward instantly, filling the gaps with snarling howls.
[ HP: 70 → 40 ]
[ HP: 40 → 25 ]
Scarlet blood spilled across the dungeon floor.
His knee buckled for a moment.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the horde still numbering in the dozens,
tightening their circle closer and closer.
---
> "So this is the reality of this world… even this new body cannot endure it."
Darkness crept into his vision.
The goblins' screeches thundered like war drums, pounding in rhythm with his faltering heartbeat.
[ HP: 25 → 10 ]
His body trembled, nearly collapsing.
Blood dripped down, painting a crimson trail across the ground.
---
Asher raised the broken iron once more.
Though his hands shook, his eyes burned with a fierce light.
> "As long as I still draw breath… there will be no retreat."
The goblins charged, their footsteps pounding in unison for the final assault—
And in that instant…
a shadow stirred among the beasts.