The chamber quaked as more statues stirred, their glowing eyes igniting one by one. Kael's chest heaved, his sword nearly broken, but the rush of victory still burned in his veins.
Then the voice returned — calm, mechanical, yet somehow resonant inside his skull.
> [Level Up Achieved.]
[Status Window Unlocked.]
A translucent screen flickered before Kael's eyes. His breath caught.
──────────────────
Name: Kael Ardyn
Class: ??? (Unassigned)
Level: 2
HP: 180/180
MP: 60/60
Strength: 12
Agility: 14
Endurance: 11
Perception: 13
Luck: 3
Unallocated Stat Points: 5
──────────────────
Kael's eyes widened. "A… a status window? Like in a game?"
The other hunters were still backing away from the advancing statues, but Kael barely heard them. His mind raced as he focused on the glowing panel in front of him.
> [Tip: Stat points can be allocated freely.]
His hands clenched. Strength… agility… endurance… This was the answer. This was how he could survive.
Without hesitation, he poured three points into Agility and two into Strength.
> [Stats Updated.]
Power surged through his body, sharper and more focused than before. His muscles coiled like springs, his vision clearer, his breath steadier.
Another hunter, bloodied and limping, noticed him standing there. "Kid! What are you doing?! They're coming!"
Kael raised his broken sword, his eyes locking onto the next statue. His fear was still there, but beneath it was something new — determination.
"Then we fight."
The statue lunged, swinging a massive halberd. Kael moved — faster than before. His body blurred as he sidestepped, the blade slicing empty air. Dust exploded behind him.
Incredible… this speed…
He darted forward, his sword scraping against the statue's arm. The blade cracked further, but Kael didn't stop. He leapt, driving his foot against the stone and flipping backward to avoid a crushing strike.
The hunters gaped.
"That's not… that's not the same weakling as before!"
The system chimed again:
> [Quest Activated: Survive the Temple Trial.]
[Reward: Class Assignment.]
Kael's pulse spiked. A class…?
The statues tightened their circle, weapons gleaming. The air grew thick with killing intent.
Kael grit his teeth, holding his blade tighter. He wasn't just fighting to survive anymore.
He was fighting for the chance to change his destiny.
⚡ End of Chapter 7 ⚡