The world felt… different.
Kael's ears rang with the echo of the system's voice, but beneath it, he could hear everything — the grinding of stone joints, the heavy steps of the statues, even the frantic breaths of the few survivors still alive.
His vision sharpened. The towering stone warriors that once seemed invincible now moved as if through water, each swing slow, predictable.
Is this… power?
The statue's greatsword came crashing down again. Kael's body reacted before his mind could think. He rolled forward, the blade smashing into the ground with a thunderous crack, spraying shards of stone.
Gasps erupted from the hunters who hadn't yet been slaughtered.
"Did he… just dodge that?!"
Kael landed in a crouch, gripping his rusty sword. For the first time, it didn't feel heavy in his hands. His heartbeat steadied. His fear was still there — but something burned hotter beneath it.
The system's voice chimed again:
> [Skill Unlocked: Basic Combat Instincts]
[Temporary Stat Boost: Strength +5, Agility +8]
A statue raised its hammer and swung at him. Instead of cowering, Kael stepped in. His blade flashed upward — rusty, weak, yet guided by newfound clarity.
CLANG!
The sword carved across the statue's arm. A faint crack split the stone surface.
Kael froze, staring. He had actually damaged it.
Another hunter cried out, "H-He hurt it! That weakling E-Rank hurt it!"
The statues turned toward him now, their red eyes glowing brighter, as if recognizing a threat.
Kael's breath quickened. His body trembled, not from fear — but from something else. Excitement.
He tightened his grip on the sword. "Come on, then…"
The nearest statue lunged. Kael darted aside, faster than he'd ever moved before, and drove his sword into a joint at its knee. The stone cracked, and the massive warrior staggered.
For the first time since entering the dungeon, Kael stood tall.
The hunters watched in disbelief as the weakest among them — the boy they mocked — was the only one fighting back.
Kael's eyes burned with determination.
I won't be weak anymore. If this is the start of my awakening… then I'll carve my path with it.
The statues surrounded him, weapons raised. Kael lifted his rusty sword, power surging through him.
This time… it was his battle.
⚡ End of Chapter 5 ⚡