NOVEL WEB Chapter 6: Chapter 6 — The First Trial of Shadows
The air of the Shadow Domain squeezed against Kaelen's skin, thick like oil and twice as chilly. His footfall echoed oddly on the dark glass plain, even though there was no breeze and no stars to guide him.
[System Notification].
You have entered the Shadow Domain's Trial Grounds.
First Trial: Survive the Hounds of the Void (Time Limit: One Hour)
Failure: Soul Disintegration.
Kaelen's jaw stiffened as the message sank into his vision. The System—always clinical and brutal.
A deep snarl sounded across the horizon.
Shapes materialised from the curtain of shadows ahead, dozens in number. Four-legged creatures, slender and skeletal, whose skin rippling like black smoke. Their eyes burned faintly like twin coals of hunger.
The Void Hound (Level???) is the Shadow Domain's predator. Cannot be detected by the human senses. Traditional attacks are not effective against them.
Kaelen's heart pounded against his ribs.
Immune?
A sliver of uncertainty sought to creep into his consciousness.
But something deep within him stirred—the same presence he had felt throughout the awakening ceremony. Shadows pulsed at his fingertips, eagerly waiting.
Kaelen spread his hands.
[Shadowbind Active].
You can command smaller shadow shapes for 60 seconds.
He pushed his will forth.
Initially, nothing occurred. Then, from his shadow, a lance of darkness emerged—a weapon made of raw, liquid nothingness.
The first hound lunged.
Kaelen sidestepped instinctively—too slowly.
Claws raked across his arm. Pain became acute, cold, and numb. The hound's eyes widened as Kaelen's blood hissed against its claws... turning into vapour.
[Shadow Corruption Resistance - Passively Triggered]
Pain received was reduced by 50%.
Kaelen snarled and thrust the shadow spear into the hound's chest. The beast screeched—a soundless wail in the still world—before disappearing into black mist.
The Void Hound was killed.
Shadow Affinity: +1
He did not have time to savour the message.
The rest are charged.
The battle was not like swordplay. Kaelen's survival instincts, fuelled by willpower and hunger, felt strange.
He didn't evade.
He did not parry.
He let the shadows to fight for him.
Spears, whips, and sharp blades formed with a single thought, responding faster than his hands could. The hounds attacked relentlessly, some clawing at his legs and others diving for his throat.
One dug its fangs into his side.
Kaelen shouted, half in pain, half in joy. A pulse of shadow erupted from his torso, destroying three hounds in a wave of evil flame.
[New Skill Acquired: Shadow Pulse (Rank F)]
Emits a rush of shadow energy that repels opponents within three meters.
His palms trembled when the system notification appeared.
[Time remaining: 42 minutes.]
He was panting already.
The dogs kept coming.
At some point, time lost its meaning.
Pain became faint and static. The movements blended into a dying dance. The Shadow Domain spoke, turning his terror into rage.
Is this the Power of the Shadow King?
No, this is just the beginning.
[Time Left: 00:00]
[First trial completed]
The final hound dissipated into mist.
The plain became silent once more.
Kaelen stood alone, his body throbbing, with shadow tendrils coiling around his arms like living serpents. His breathing remained steady.
[System Notification].
Congratulations. You have finished the First Trial of Shadows.
Rewards:
— Shadow Pulse (Rank: F)
— Shadowbind (skill rank increased to E)
— Shadow King's Favour: +1%
— Shadow Domain Affinity increased.
[New Title Unlocked: First of the Abyss].
Your presence causes fear among lesser shadow beings.
Kaelen closed his eyes as the notifications disappeared.
This is my current journey.
I am no longer a mere mortal.
No longer a defenceless pawn.
He was a reincarnator. The Shadow King, rather being a hero, would rise to power.
A voice resonated in the abyss ahead.
Low. Resonant. Familiar.
"Come forward, bearer of the Mark. The next trial is approaching."
Kaelen opened his eyes and stepped forward.