The canyon grew silent. Too silent. Even the wind had stopped. Kai slowly turned toward the deeper part of the dungeon. His Predator Instinct was screaming. A massive red warning mark flashed across his vision.
Boss Monster Detected
Threat Level: High
Kai tightened his grip on his dagger. Then—
BOOM.
The ground exploded. A gigantic figure climbed over the canyon cliff. Rock shattered under its weight. The creature was enormous. Nearly eight meters tall. Its body looked like living stone, but thick black spikes grew from its shoulders. Its arms were massive enough to crush a truck. But the most terrifying part was its eyes. They glowed with deep crimson light. The system reacted instantly.
Monster Identified
Stone Ogre Tyrant
Rank: B+ (Boss)
Kai let out a slow breath. "So you're the boss." The monster roared. The entire canyon shook. The Stone Ogre Tyrant charged. Its massive fist crashed down toward Kai.
BOOOOOM.
The ground shattered. Kai had already moved. He dashed to the side like a shadow.
"Rise."
The ground beneath him darkened. Two figures emerged. The Shadow Warlord stepped forward. Beside it crouched the Shadow Hound Alpha. The Tyrant roared again. Then it swung its giant arm. The Shadow Warlord blocked the attack with its axe.
CRASH.
The impact pushed the shadow soldier back several meters. Kai's eyes narrowed. "That's strong."
The Shadow Hound Alpha dashed forward. It jumped onto the monster's back and bit into its shoulder. But the Tyrant grabbed the wolf with one hand.
SLAM.
It smashed the shadow beast into the ground. Kai reacted instantly. He activated Ogre Strength. His muscles surged with power. Kai dashed forward. His dagger stabbed deep into the Tyrant's knee joint. Stone cracked. The monster roared in pain. But instead of falling—It grabbed Kai. Its massive hand closed around him. The pressure was terrifying. Bones creaked. Kai struggled to breathe.
Emergency Purchase
Kai's vision blurred slightly. His health was dropping fast. Then he remembered something. The Abyss Shop. Kai forced his mind to open the system.
Abyss Shop
Minor Healing Potion — 20 Points
Kai selected it instantly. Purchase Confirmed.
Minor Healing Potion
A small vial appeared in his hand. Kai crushed it and drank the liquid. Warm energy spread through his body. HP Restored: 30%
Kai smiled faintly. "Useful." Then he moved. With the restored strength, Kai twisted his body and stabbed his dagger into the monster's wrist. The Tyrant roared and released him. Kai rolled across the ground and stood up again. Behind him—The Shadow Warlord attacked. Its massive axe swung downward.
BOOOM.
The blade slammed into the Tyrant's shoulder. Stone armor cracked. Kai saw it. The weak point. Right in the center of its chest. Kai grinned. "Got you."
Kai ran forward. The Tyrant tried to attack again. But the Shadow Hound Alpha jumped onto its face, blocking its vision. Kai leaped into the air. His dagger glowed with abyss energy. Then he stabbed. Straight into the glowing weak point. The blade pierced deep. The Tyrant froze. Its massive body trembled. Then—It collapsed. The canyon echoed with the sound of the giant monster falling.
Boss Monster Defeated
Stone Ogre Tyrant Eliminated
Kai stood there breathing heavily. The system window appeared again.
Devour Available
Shadow Creation Available
Kai looked down at the massive corpse. A slow smile appeared on his face. "This one will be interesting." He raised his hand.
"...Rise."
END OF CHAPTER 22