The Forsaken Awakening

The safe zone's barrier flickered as the hunters stepped beyond its protective glow, venturing deeper into the C-Class dungeon's heart.

The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and something… metallic.

Blood.

Jinhyuk gripped his dagger tightly, glancing at Taesuk, who had a grim expression.

Ahead, Kim Hojin, the swordsman leading the raid, raised a hand, signaling everyone to halt.

> "We're close," he murmured, scanning the surroundings. "Everyone, final check."

The two healer-class hunters, Yoon Seojin and Im Daehyung, positioned themselves at the back.

The magician, Kwon Mirae, rolled her shoulders, adjusting the grip on her arcane staff.

The archer, Han Jisung, nocked an arrow, his eyes sharp and focused.

The two tanks, park sangho and Chae Minwoo, stepped forward, shields raised.

And finally—

Jinhyuk and Taesuk exchanged a glance, tightening the straps on their gear.

They were just porters—but after what they had faced earlier, Jinhyuk knew that if things went south, he'd have to fight.

A deep, guttural growl rumbled through the cavern.

Then—

BOOM!

A massive stone door ahead crumbled open, revealing a vast chamber.

And there, waiting in the darkness—

The Dungeon Boss.

---

BOSS: CRIMSON FANG LYCAN

[Threat Level: High C-Class]

Abilities: Superhuman Strength, High-Speed Regeneration, Bloodlust Frenzy

Status: Unstable. Unusual mutations detected.

---

The Crimson Fang Lycan stepped forward, its blood-red eyes gleaming in the dim light.

Ragged fur bristled along its muscular frame, and its long claws dripped with black venom.

> "It's bigger than we expected…" Hojin muttered.

The beast snarled, its saliva sizzling as it hit the ground.

> "Tanks, take position!"

Park sangho and Minwoo rushed forward, raising their shields.

The battle began.

---

The Clash of Titans

The Lycan lunged, its speed unnatural for its size.

CLANG!

Park sangho barely blocked in time, skidding back from the sheer force.

> "It's too strong!" Minwoo gritted his teeth, bracing his shield.

> "Mirae! Jisung! Attack from a distance!"

The magician and archer sprang into action.

Mirae's staff glowed with golden light.

"[Fire Lance!]"

A spear of flame shot forward, striking the Lycan's side.

The beast roared in pain— but instead of backing down, it turned to her with murderous rage.

> "Oh crap—"

SWOOSH!

Before it could pounce, Jisung released an arrow, striking its knee.

The Lycan stumbled, its healing already kicking in.

> "It's regenerating too fast!" Mirae shouted.

Hojin's eyes darkened.

> "Then we overwhelm it. Melee fighters, on me!"

---

Jinhyuk's Moment

Jinhyuk watched the battle unfold, his heart pounding.

Even though he had gained power, this was different.

These were real hunters. Real warriors.

And yet—

His fingers twitched, itching to do something.

Then he saw it.

A fatal opening.

Minwoo had miscalculated his footing.

The Lycan whipped around, claws raised, ready to gut him.

Minwoo's eyes widened.

He wouldn't make it in time.

Jinhyuk's breath hitched.

Before he could think, his body moved.

> "[Shadow Step!]"

His new skill activated.

Dark mist swirled beneath him, and in an instant, he blinked forward, appearing between Minwoo and the Lycan.

"[Illusion Veil!]"

A phantom duplicate of Jinhyuk formed in front of him.

The Lycan's eyes locked onto the illusion, thinking it was real—

And struck at air.

Jinhyuk didn't waste the opening.

SLASH!

His dagger sank into the Lycan's leg, cutting deep.

A critical hit.

The beast howled, staggering backward.

Minwoo gasped, staring at Jinhyuk.

> "You— you just—"

> "Don't just stand there!" Jinhyuk panted. "Hit it while it's down!"

Minwoo snapped out of it.

> "RIGHT!"

He swung his shield with all his strength, bashing the beast's head.

The others saw the moment of weakness and rushed in.

> "Everyone, attack together!"

The battle turned.

---

Taesuk's Conflict

Taesuk, who had been watching from behind, clenched his fists.

Jinhyuk had just done something incredible.

He had reacted faster than a trained C-Class hunter.

He had used his abilities with precision.

And most importantly—

He had saved a teammate.

Taesuk felt proud.

And yet…

A bitter thought crept into his mind.

> "We were the same rank just a few weeks ago…"

Jinhyuk wasn't just lucky.

He was growing.

Faster than Taesuk ever could.

> "Is this the difference between us?"

The thought made his chest tighten.

But—

> "Dammit, what am I thinking?"

He shook his head, forcing the envy away.

Jinhyuk was his friend.

Instead of being jealous, he should be fighting too.

Taesuk took a deep breath—

And dashed forward.

> "I'm not gonna let you show off alone, Jinhyuk!"

Jinhyuk grinned.

> "Took you long enough!"

---

The Final Strike

With everyone attacking at once, the Crimson Fang Lycan finally began to weaken.

Its regeneration slowed.

Its movements became sluggish.

It realized—

It was going to die.

With a desperate roar, it lashed out wildly, trying to take someone down with it.

But Jinhyuk was faster.

> "[Shadow Bind!]"

Dark tendrils erupted from the ground, wrapping around the Lycan's limbs.

It thrashed, unable to move.

> "Hojin! Finish it!"

Hojin leaped high into the air, sword raised.

"[Sky Piercer Blade!]"

The sword glowed with radiant energy as he brought it down—

SPLURCH!

The blade sank into the Lycan's skull.

For a moment—

Silence.

Then, the Crimson Fang Lycan collapsed.

The battle was over.

And Jinhyuk had just earned the respect of the entire party.