The Forsaken Awakening

Chapter 16: A Hunter's Growth

Jinhyuk sat alone in a quiet corner of the Hunter Hub, sipping on a cold energy drink. He had just finished his sixth dungeon raid in two weeks, and exhaustion weighed on his muscles.

But it didn't matter.

He was improving.

He opened his system window, watching as his stats and abilities had changed.

---

[ System Status – Jin Jinhyuk ]

[ Level: 14 ]

Next Level: 82/150 EXP

[ Stats ]

Strength: 26 → 33

Agility: 31 → 42

Endurance: 24 → 30

Mana: 57 → 72

Perception: 40 → 49

---

[ Skills & Abilities ]

[ Unique Skill: Lord of Illusions ] (Core Ability)

Alters perception, creates false images, and disrupts enemy awareness.

Illusions now last longer and are harder to detect.

[ Shadow Manipulation ] (C-Rank)

Can shape and harden shadows into weapons, armor, or traps.

Now creates multiple shadow constructs at once.

[ Shadow Reinforcement ] (New!)

Enhances the durability and power of shadow-based attacks.

Increases mana efficiency when using shadow skills.

[ Phantom Steps ] (New!)

Increases movement speed and evasion.

Allows Jinhyuk to move silently through shadows.

[ Poison Resistance ] (New!)

Reduces the effects of poison-based attacks.

[ Mana Affinity Increased ]

Illusions last longer.

Mana regeneration improved.

---

Jinhyuk's Combat Rank: High C-Class

Goal: Reach B-Class in One More Month.

---

Jinhyuk exhaled, closing the system window.

"I'm getting closer," he muttered.

But he wasn't there yet.

If he wanted to reach B-Class, he needed one big push—a high-risk dungeon that would force him to break through his current limits.

And he had just the raid in mind.

---

The C-Class Nightmare Dungeon

Three Days Later – Dungeon Entrance

The C-Class Dungeon Gate shimmered with an ominous crimson glow.

"Red Gate," one of the hunters muttered. "That's never a good sign."

Red Gates were dungeon anomalies, meaning the monsters inside were stronger than usual.

But that also meant greater rewards.

Jinhyuk adjusted his gloves, rolling his shoulders. This was exactly what he needed.

"Alright, team," the raid leader called out. "Once we enter, there's no escape until we clear the dungeon. If you're scared, leave now."

No one moved.

Jinhyuk smirked.

"Let's get this over with."

And with that, the raid began.

---

The Crimson Abyss

C-Class Red Gate – Unstable Dungeon

Hunter Hub, South Korea

Jinhyuk took a deep breath as he stepped through the shimmering red portal. The air inside was thick, oppressive, as if the dungeon itself was watching him.

The moment his boots hit the ground, his system interface flickered.

[ Warning! You have entered an Unstable Dungeon. ]

[ Escape is impossible until the Dungeon Boss is defeated. ]

He glanced around at his new raid team—a group of nine hunters, all here for one reason:

High risk, high reward.

But Red Gates were unpredictable. They could turn a C-Class dungeon into an A-Class nightmare.

Jinhyuk flexed his fingers, his shadows shifting around him. This was exactly what he needed. A real challenge.

"Everyone, weapons ready," said the team leader, a B-Class tank named Choi Taejin. He held a tower shield and radiated confidence.

"This dungeon is unstable. That means anything can happen. Stick together, and don't do anything reckless."

Jinhyuk smirked slightly. No heroics, huh? We'll see.

With that, they moved forward, disappearing into the crimson mist.

---

The First Wave – Death from the Shadows

The dungeon was a twisting maze of ruins, overgrown with black vines and crimson crystals. Strange whispers echoed through the air, sending chills down Jinhyuk's spine.

"Stay sharp," murmured Yuna, a C-Class magician, gripping her staff.

Suddenly—

SKKKKRRRRK!

Something moved in the darkness.

Then—all hell broke loose.

Dozens of shadowy creatures burst from the ruins. They were humanoid but distorted, their bodies shifting unnaturally.

[ New Monster Identified: Abyssal Wraiths (C+ Rank) ]

"Damn it! Wraith-type monsters?!" Taejin shouted.

These weren't normal dungeon mobs. They were faster, stronger, and resistant to physical attacks.

Jinhyuk reacted instantly.

He pushed mana into his illusions, making decoy hunters appear.

The Wraiths lunged at the false targets, buying his team a few seconds.

But they weren't fooled for long.

"They're adapting!" Yuna yelled.

One Wraith ignored the illusions, appearing right behind Jinhyuk.

His heart pounded. Too fast!

The creature's claws slashed at his throat—

SHWIIIIP!

A shadow tendril shot up, intercepting the attack.

Jinhyuk leaped backward, sweat dripping down his face. That was too close.

Taejin slammed his shield forward, knocking one Wraith back.

"Jinhyuk, can your illusions work on these things?"

Jinhyuk narrowed his eyes.

"Maybe not alone…"

He focused, layering his illusions on top of his shadows.

The result? A new trick.

The Wraiths hesitated, suddenly seeing their own kind attacking them.

It was only for a second—but it was enough.

"NOW!" Taejin roared.

The team unleashed hell.

Swords flashed, spells exploded, and Jinhyuk's shadows pierced through the weakened enemies.

Within minutes, the first wave was cleared.

[ EXP Gained: 35 ]

Jinhyuk exhaled, his mana reserves draining fast.

But something felt off.

This dungeon wasn't just unstable—it was changing.

And something far worse was waiting ahead.