The cavern shook with growls. More than twenty Shadow Hounds surrounded Kai Draven. Their glowing red eyes reflected in the darkness like scattered embers. Low snarls echoed through the cave. The monsters circled slowly, waiting for the perfect moment to attack. Kai stood calmly in the center. Beside him towered the Shadow Warlord, its massive body formed from pure darkness. The giant shadow monster lifted its axe and released a deep roar. The Shadow Hounds hesitated. Even monsters could feel the difference in strength. Kai whispered quietly, "Go."
The Battle Begins
The Shadow Warlord moved first. Its axe swung horizontally. BOOM. Two Shadow Hounds were crushed instantly. Their bodies slammed against the stone walls. The remaining monsters immediately attacked. Five Shadow Hounds jumped toward Kai at once. Fast. But Kai's Predator Instinct activated. Red weak points appeared across their bodies. Kai moved like a shadow. His dagger flashed. Slash. One hound collapsed. Slash. Another fell. The third tried to bite his arm. Kai twisted his body and stabbed straight through its neck. Blood splattered across the stone floor.
Enemy Defeated
Devour Available
Kai placed his hand on the corpse. "…Devour." Dark tendrils erupted from his shadow and swallowed the monster. Energy flowed into his body.
Devour Successful
Agility +2
Kai exhaled slowly. These monsters were weaker than the Ogre Warlord, but they were perfect for steady growth. Suddenly—A louder growl echoed from the deeper part of the cavern. The remaining Shadow Hounds backed away. Something stronger was approaching. Heavy footsteps echoed through the cave. Then the creature appeared. A much larger hound. Its fur was darker. Its body twice the size of the others. Two long bone-like spikes grew from its back. The system responded immediately.
Monster Identified
Shadow Hound Alpha
Rank: B
Kai raised an eyebrow slightly. "Interesting." Even the Shadow Warlord turned toward the creature. The Alpha released a deafening roar. Then it charged. The ground cracked beneath its claws. The Shadow Warlord stepped forward. The giant shadow axe swung downward. The Alpha dodged. Its speed was incredible. It jumped onto the warlord's arm and bit deep into the shadow flesh. But shadows couldn't bleed. The warlord grabbed the Alpha and slammed it into the ground. BOOM. The cavern shook violently. The Alpha roared and pushed the giant shadow monster away. Both monsters stared at each other. The real fight began.
Kai Joins the Fight
Kai smiled slightly. "This one is mine." He activated Ogre Strength. Power surged through his muscles. Kai dashed forward. The Alpha lunged. Claws tore through the air. Kai ducked and slid beneath the attack. His dagger struck the monster's side. The blade cut deep. The Alpha howled in pain. But it wasn't finished. It turned instantly and attacked again. The fight became a blur of speed. Claws. Daggers. Shadow attacks. Finally—Kai saw the glowing weak point. Right beneath the Alpha's jaw. Kai jumped. His dagger pierced straight into the glowing mark. The monster froze. Then its massive body collapsed. Dust spread across the cavern floor. The Shadow Hound Alpha was dead.
A New Shadow
The system appeared again.
Boss-Type Enemy Defeated
Shadow Hound Alpha Eliminated
Devour Available
Shadow Creation Available
Kai placed his hand on the corpse. "…Devour." Darkness swallowed the giant hound. Power surged into his body.
Devour Successful
Agility +7
Vitality +4
Another message appeared.
New Shadow Soldier Available
Shadow Hound Alpha
Kai looked down at the ground. The Alpha's shadow remained. He raised his hand. "…Rise." The shadow twisted. Dark energy gathered. Slowly, the massive wolf formed again. But now its body was pure darkness. Purple flames burned inside its eyes. The creature knelt before Kai.
Shadow Soldier Created
Name: Shadow Hound Alpha
Kai nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad." The Shadow Warlord stood behind him. Now the Shadow Hound Alpha joined it. Kai had gained a new soldier. And his army had begun to grow.
Outside the Dungeon
Far away in the monitoring room of the Hunter Association, Director Han watched the live mana readings. One analyst spoke nervously. "His growth speed is unbelievable." Han nodded quietly. "Yes." "But this is only the beginning." Because if Kai continued growing like this… The world of hunters would soon change.
END OF CHAPTER 18