Aryan still knelt on the scorched ground, his hands trembling. Ashes from the monster danced in the air, the scent of sulfur heavy in the smoke.
The system's voice finally softened:
> [Glitched Surge Ended.]
[HP Restored: 10/50.]
The power that had surged through his veins moments ago vanished like a snuffed-out flame. His body suddenly felt heavy, as though his bones were made of lead.
"That… that wasn't me. I could never do something like that."
His ragged breath echoed in the silence. The glowing blade had disappeared, leaving only his empty, shaking hands.
Then—footsteps.
From the shadows emerged several smaller creatures. Their yellow eyes gleamed, sharp teeth bared, rusted daggers clutched in clawed hands… goblins.
The system chimed:
> [New Mission: Defeat the Goblin Pack.]
[Reward: +10 EXP.]
Aryan let out a bitter laugh. "You've got to be kidding me… I just survived death."
The goblins screeched and rushed toward him.
With the last of his strength, Aryan grabbed the broken sword from the ground and braced himself…
— To be continued —