Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Awakening in the Shadows
Renji's chest heaved as the Shadow Wolves growled, slowly closing in. His back was against the tree. His dagger trembled slightly in his grip.
"No magic… no mana… is this the end?"
Suddenly—
[You have defeated Shadow Wolf.] [Level Up!] [Level: 1 → 2] [Skill Acquired: Shadow Step (F-Rank)]
Renji blinked.
"Wait—?"
"Did I just got new skill?"
The burned wolf behind him had finally succumbed to its injuries.
A surge of warmth rushed through his body. The fatigue in his limbs faded slightly. His muscles tensed, sharper… faster.
"But how am I suppose to use it? I just got it..."
[Unique Skill: Chanting Mastery – Activated]
"Analyzing acquired skill…" "Shadow Step – Movement-type combat skill. Teleports user short distances using shadow alignment."
Renji's eyes widened.
"Huhh... What is this?"
"A formula??"
It was like someone whispered the technique directly into his mind — the footwork, the focus, the mana flow. It was all clear.
His expression changed — from fear to something colder. Something dangerous.
He grinned.
"…OHH No.. Either it works or not I'll try"
One of the wolves lunged again, fangs flashing.
"Shadow Step!"
In an instant, Renji vanished from view.
He reappeared behind the wolf in a blur, his body moving faster than the beast could track.
"Take this—!"
He slashed downward with his dagger, embedding it deep into the wolf's neck.
The beast collapsed instantly, eyes wide with shock.
"OOhh it works!!!"
"Now...."
The other wolf turned, snarling—but Renji was already gone.
Another
Shadow Step
— this time, to the side.
He reappeared mid-air and slammed his boot into the wolf's face, flipping over it with agile grace.
As the wolf staggered, Renji spun around and delivered a precise combo — a slash to the leg, then one to the throat.
Blood sprayed. The final wolf collapsed with a thud.
[You have defeated 2 Shadow Wolves.]
[Level Up! → Level 3]
[Skills Acquired: Keen Sense (F-Rank),
Shadow Resistance (F-Rank)]
Renji landed on the forest floor, panting, the moonlight catching the sweat on his brow.
He looked at his trembling hands — not from fear, but from exhilaration.
"I did it…"
"I actually won!"
He clenched his fist as the new skills and strength settled into his body.
A rush of laughter escaped his lips — not wild, but victorious.
"This is it… This is the start of everything."
"So now...this is where the funs begin..."