Chapter 10 - Echoes of the Past
Jin-Ho sat in his small apartment, the events of the dungeon replaying in his mind. The power he had gained was undeniable, but what truly troubled him was the sensation he had felt in that moment—the sensation of another consciousness watching him.
Pulling up his status window, he examined the new information.
[Shadow Monarch's Authority: Unlocked]
[Skill: Shadow Extraction – Level 1]
[Skill: Shadow Storage – Level 1]
A new power, but at what cost?
Determined to understand, he activated Shadow Extraction. The room dimmed as his shadow twisted and stretched. Before his eyes, a dark form materialized from the floor—a creature resembling the first monster he had slain.
Jin-Ho's breath caught. He had just summoned a shadow soldier.
The shadow soldier knelt before him, silent and obedient. Unlike the creatures he had faced, this one showed no hostility, only unwavering loyalty.
Jin-Ho's mind raced. If he could extract shadows from defeated foes... then how powerful could he become?
Testing his control, he commanded the soldier to rise. The shadow did so immediately, its featureless face turned toward him as if awaiting orders. Jin-Ho moved his hand, and the soldier followed his gestures with precision. He could feel their connection—a strange yet instinctive bond that allowed him to direct it without words.
A thrill ran through him. If this was just the beginning, then what would happen when he mastered this power?
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at his door. Cautiously, he dismissed the shadow, and the darkness slithered back into the floor.
Opening the door, he found Yoo-Ra, his only real acquaintance from the Hunter Academy. She had always been observant, a trait that made her both an ally and a potential threat.
"You disappeared for three days," she said, her sharp eyes scanning him. "Everyone thought you were dead."
Jin-Ho hesitated. How much could he reveal?
"I got lucky," he replied. "Barely made it out alive."
Yoo-Ra didn't look convinced. "Then why do you look stronger than before?"
She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "You were weaker than me before, Jin-Ho. But now... there's something different about you."
Jin-Ho tensed. If she kept prying, would she uncover the truth? Or could he use this as an opportunity to test his new abilities in real combat?