The world solidified around Ji-hoon.
He stood in the middle of a vast, dimly lit forest. The air was thick with mist, and every breath carried the scent of blood and soil. His legs wobbled under him—until the System chimed.
[Stamina Boost Granted.][Fatigue removed temporarily.]
Relief washed over him as his body steadied. His muscles no longer trembled from exhaustion, though hunger gnawed faintly at his stomach.
The ground trembled.
A low, thunderous growl rolled through the trees as something emerged from the shadows.
A wolf. No—a monster.
It stood taller than a horse, fur black as night with streaks of silver glowing faintly in the mist. Its eyes burned gold, and claws sharper than blades dug into the earth with each step.
A window appeared.
[Trial Boss: The Great Wolf][Health: 550][Warning: This monster is extremely dangerous. Do not underestimate it. No chances to play.]
The text flickered away, leaving Ji-hoon alone with the beast.
Ji-hoon scoffed, muttering under his breath."Yeah, very helpful, System. I think I already knew that."
The Great Wolf snarled.
[Boss Battle Start: 3… 2… 1…]
BOOM!
The beast launched forward instantly, faster than Ji-hoon could process. A massive claw slashed down where he had been standing. Ji-hoon threw himself to the side, rolling across the dirt as the claws carved deep trenches into the ground.
Panting, he pushed to his feet."This isn't a goblin… so it's probably different. I'll just try this—"
He sprinted forward, sparks flickering along his arm. Electricity snapped violently as he thrust out his hand.
"STATIC SHOCK!"
Blue-white lightning crackled, lancing across the wolf's body. Its fur bristled as the charge spread, paralyzing it for a split second.
Ji-hoon didn't waste the opening. His legs coiled. He leapt high into the air, twisting his body.
"IMPACT KICK!"
His heel slammed into the wolf's skull with a deafening boom. The massive beast staggered backward, snarling, its head snapping to the side.
But Ji-hoon felt it instantly. The recoil burned his muscles, and the high jump had drained more energy than he realized. He landed badly, his knees buckling before he crashed to the dirt. His chest heaved.
The Great Wolf roared, shaking off the stun, and lunged with another slash.
"Shit—!"
Ji-hoon rolled, barely avoiding the claws that ripped into the earth where his head had been. Sweat dripped down his temple. His body screamed at him, every nerve burning.
"I have to save my energy…" he muttered through gritted teeth. "No more jump-spamming those kicks now."
He darted around the wolf, searching desperately. His eyes scanned the thick fur, the massive limbs—then he spotted it.
A faint red glow, pulsing at the base of its spine.
Ji-hoon narrowed his eyes."Wow… this is so not obvious."
But obvious or not, it was his only shot.
He forced his legs to move, every step draining what little stamina remained. Sparks danced around his body as he gathered everything into one last move.
He leapt—higher, faster, harder than before. Spinning in midair, he brought his heel down like an axe.
"IMPACT KICK!!"
CRACK!
His foot smashed into the glowing weak point. Electricity surged with the blow, and the wolf howled in agony before collapsing, its massive body shaking the forest floor as it fell.
Ji-hoon hit the ground hard, rolling onto his back. His chest rose and fell violently, each breath ragged. His stomach growled painfully, and his muscles screamed with exhaustion.
He lay there, staring up at the misty canopy."…Fatigued. Hungry. And still alive."
The System chimed.
[Boss Defeated.][Reward Pending.]
Ji-hoon let out a weak laugh, his body refusing to move."This system's gonna kill me before the monsters do…"