The System Reincarnator: From Zero to Shadow King

The stranger came forward, as silent as the shadows curling beneath his feet.

A light mist swirled around him, with tendrils coiling like living creatures.

"I saw what you did," he stated quietly and sharply. "Not bad… for your first hunt."

I narrowed my eyes.

"You've been watching me?"

He smirked behind his hood.

"I watch everyone who dares to touch the shadows."

[System Message: New Character Encountered: Unknown Shadow Wielder.]

[Threat level: High.]

The pressure surrounding us increased, weighting down the air.

I clinched my fist.

"What do you want?" I inquired, keeping my stance slack.

He raised his hand.

"This is a simple test. Prove you deserve the shadows, or perish.

[System message: Shadow Duel Challenge Issued.]

[Accept Duel? Yes/No]

I did not hesitate.

"Y."

As I lunged forward, darkness exploded beneath me.

The stranger moved quickly, sending a shadow spear towards me.

I shifted my body and almost avoided it.

[System message: Shadow Step Unlocked.]

[Cool down: 60 seconds.]

Without thinking, I triggered it.

For a little moment, the world became blurry.

I reappeared behind him.

His eyes expanded with amazement.

I slammed my fist in his side.

He swayed, grinning as if I had passed a secret test.

"Good," he muttered. "Very good."

[System message: Shadow Step Mastery +5%.]

But, before I could hit again, a dagger of pure shadow appeared in his hand.

This time, he came at me.

The duel had begun.