The dungeon grew quieter the deeper they went.
Water dripped from the ceiling. The narrow path slowly widened, and broken weapons lay scattered on the floor. Old bones were mixed with rusted metal.
Jiwon felt a faint pull in his chest.
The system reacted.
[Undead traces detected]
He ignored it for now and kept walking.
The warrior leading the group raised his hand. "Stop."
Ahead, the passage opened into a small chamber. A faint red glow flickered inside.
"Boss room," the mage muttered.
The woman with the staff took a deep breath. "Be careful. These low-rank dungeons still kill people."
Something moved inside the room.
A heavy sound echoed as a figure stepped forward.
An undead soldier.
It was taller than the wolves, wearing broken armor. A rusted sword hung loosely in its hand. One eye socket burned brighter than the other.
"An armed undead…" the warrior said.
The creature roared and charged.
The warrior rushed forward to meet it.
Steel clashed against bone.
The undead soldier was strong. Stronger than expected. It shoved the warrior back and swung its sword wildly.
"Jiwon!" the mage shouted. "Can your summon hold it?"
Jiwon didn't answer.
He stepped forward.
"Intercept."
The skeleton moved instantly, blocking the next strike. Bones cracked, but it held its ground.
Jiwon raised his hand again.
"Hold it down."
The skeleton grabbed the undead soldier's arm.
The warrior recovered and struck from the side. The blade cut deep into the creature's neck.
The undead howled.
Jiwon felt his mana stir.
Without thinking, he pushed it forward.
The skeleton tightened its grip.
Crack.
The undead soldier collapsed.
Silence returned to the chamber.
[Enemy Defeated]
[EXP Gained: 60]
[Level Up]
Jiwon blinked.
[Level: 2]
A faint warmth spread through his body. His breathing eased.
The others stared at him.
The warrior wiped sweat from his face. "You're… useful."
The woman looked at the fallen undead soldier, then at Jiwon's skeleton.
"…You fight differently," she said.
Jiwon nodded slightly.
The dungeon began to tremble.
[Dungeon Clear]
[Exit Gate Opening]
As blue light filled the room, Jiwon looked down at the remains of the undead soldier.
For a brief moment, he felt something.
A strange sense of familiarity.
Then the feeling faded.
Jiwon turned away and walked toward the exit.
He didn't know it yet.
But this dungeon had changed something.
And it wouldn't be the last time.