Chapter 2: The First Command
The dim glow of the dungeon's bioluminescent fungi barely illuminated the rocky cavern ahead. Shadows stretched unnaturally along the stone walls, responding to Riven's presence as if they were alive. He exhaled slowly, his heartbeat finally settling after the chaos of his awakening.
His three summoned goblins knelt silently before him, their glowing violet eyes locked onto him, awaiting orders. The eerie obedience sent a shiver down his spine.
"Stand," he commanded.
The shadows flickered around their bodies as they rose in perfect unison. There was no hesitation, no resistance—just absolute loyalty. He could feel it now, an invisible tether binding him to them, a connection deeper than words.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
◆ Shadow Soldier Status: Active
◆ 2 MP is only consumed for healing or 40 MP/ solider for revival.
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His mana had barely started to recover. At this rate, it would take twenty minutes to restore what he had spent on the extractions. If he wanted to survive, he needed to be strategic.
The twelfth floor of the dungeon was no joke. He had seen the monsters firsthand before his "allies" had abandoned him. Goblin warriors, packs of mutated dire rats, and worse—something that had made even his former party hesitate.
His jaw clenched. He had no choice but to move forward. Returning to the surface was impossible; the only path was deeper.
Riven raised a hand and pointed down the corridor ahead. "Scout."
The three goblins moved instantly, their bodies blending seamlessly into the darkness. He watched through their eyes—a sensation both surreal and natural. Their vision was clearer in the dark than his own, picking up movement he wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
A trio of goblins lurked further down the path, armed with rusted daggers and crude bows. Normal adventurers would engage cautiously, but Riven had an advantage they didn't.
"Attack."
The moment the command left his lips, his shadows surged forward. The enemy goblins barely had time to react before his minions pounced. One shadow goblin drove its claws into an enemy's throat, silencing it instantly. The second tore through another's chest, black mist erupting from the wound. The last goblin turned to flee—
Riven didn't allow it.
His body moved on instinct, legs pushing off the ground with more force than expected. The world blurred as he closed the distance in seconds. His dagger flashed. A clean strike. The goblin collapsed at his feet, lifeless.
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◆◆ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ◆◆
◆ Enemy Defeated: Goblin Warrior
◆ EXP Gained: 25
◆ Shadow Extraction Available
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He grinned, exhaling slowly. His body felt... different. Faster. Stronger. The stats he had barely understood before were now shaping his reality.
"Arise"
The darkness stirred once more, and a new shadow emerged—his fourth soldier.
Riven's smirk widened.
If this was just the beginning, he couldn't wait to see how far he could go.