Two hours later, the cave was completely silent.
Dust and residual energy hung in the air. On the ground, the last shadow beast disintegrated into mist, pulled toward the center of my chest. [Daily Quest Complete!] [30/30 Shadow Monsters Devoured.] [Rewards Granted:] 1. +50 Free Attribute Points. 2. [Access Key: The Tomb of the Nameless King]. “Put 25 points into Strength and 25 into Agility,” I ordered. A thermal shock coursed through my veins. My muscles compacted, becoming denser, and the world around me seemed to slow down even further. [Status Panel Updated] Name: Leo Ramos Level: 12 Strength: 52 Agility: 55 Vitality: 28 Mana: 320/320 I withdrew the newly acquired key from the system’s inventory: a black iron artifact adorned with a glowing purple rune. The moment I held it, the stone floor at the back of the cave began to crack, revealing a circular portal of black light. [Would you like to use the key to enter the Instanced Dungeon: The Tomb of the Nameless King?] [Warning: This is a solo trial dungeon. The use of external items is restricted.] I tightened my grip on the dagger and crossed through the portal without hesitation. The cave’s bluish light was replaced by a colossal throne room, supported by black stone pillars carved in the shape of kneeling warriors. At the back of the hall, seated on a throne made of gigantic bones, was a figure standing eight feet tall. He wore full dark plate armor, with a tattered cloak that floated like smoke. In his right hand, a greatsword radiated such an overwhelming aura of pressure that the air around it crackled. [Boss Alert: The Nameless King (Ancient Spirit - Rank A)] [Warning: The enemy’s level is significantly higher than the player’s.] The boss raised his head. Two points of red light gleamed from behind his iron helm. He drove his sword into the ground, making the entire hall tremble. “A mortal dares disturb my rest?” His voice echoed like two giant stones grinding against each other. “Your soul will fuel my throne!” The Nameless King raised his sword and vanished from the throne. He didn’t run. He simply teleported through the shadows, appearing inches in front of me with the massive blade descending in a vertical strike capable of splitting a mountain. CRACK! The ground where I had been standing exploded into a thousand pieces. I managed to dodge by mere millimeters thanks to my new Agility, but the shock wave from the strike hurled me into the nearest pillar. I spat out a mouthful of blood and quickly got back to my feet. “What speed...” I muttered, wiping the corner of my mouth. The boss spun his sword, preparing his second attack. But instead of fear, I felt a shiver of excitement run down my spine. If I devoured that king’s essence... my powers would reach an entirely new level. “Come on,” I said, activating [Shadow Camouflage] and charging straight at the boss. “That throne is going to be mine.”