The silence of the forest shattered with the sound of the air splitting apart.
Before Aryan and Liana, a black rift tore open in the ground. Crimson mist seeped upward, carrying the metallic stench of rust and blood.
Liana whispered, "This… this is a dungeon. Usually they take months to manifest, but… this one feels summoned prematurely."
The trees bent unnaturally, as though recoiling from the cursed presence.
The system's voice echoed in Aryan's mind:
> [New Quest: Enter the Black Gate.]
[Warning: Recommended Level – 15. Current Level – 3.]
Aryan muttered through clenched teeth, "I can barely even hold a sword properly…"
Liana stepped forward, tightening her grip on her staff. "If we don't seal this now, the monsters will pour out. The nearest village is only a day away."
Aryan's heart pounded. His gaze fell to the half-glitched sword in his hand.
The system chimed again:
> [Hidden Protocol Unlocked…]
[Skill Fragment Acquired: Glitch Strike.]
His eyes widened. "Glitch… Strike?"
Shadows crawled from the rift. The first beast emerged—a wolf with three glowing eyes, baring its jagged fangs.
Aryan drew a deep breath, whispering to himself: "Alright… either I die here, or I become this world's first true hero."
With determined steps, he entered the gate.
— To be continued —