The throne stood still, and upon it sat the Child of Shadows. Mike looked down at the two shadow creatures that had moved forward.
Very well. You can do whatever you want with him.<<
The creatures trembled at Mike's words, but this time it wasn't fear. It was the thrill of bloodlust. Mike smiled.
Truly shadow creatures. Well then, my friend, things aren't looking good for you, are they<<
He looked down at the water man as well, who knelt before him.
I—I—I beg you, spare me. P-please.<<
The water man was shaking all over, flinching as the two creatures rose. They were about Mike's height, but had no faces—only darkness, as if made of shadow itself, which they likely were. They stood before the water man, and it seemed like they were pleased. Before doing anything, they looked to Mike and bowed.
Then one of the creatures flashed toward the water man and tore off his arm. The water man's scream echoed across the desert, and strangely, water flowed from the wound.
Mike rose from the throne, and as he stood, every shadow in the plain flinched.
Haha, look at you—so pathetic. Truly. End him.<<
Mike pointed at the water man. The man fell silent, as if he'd had enough. He sprang up and tried to fire a water beam at Mike, but the moment he stood, his head flew off and despawned in the air.
I forgot they're real people. But then again, he tried to kill me. He deserved it.<<
Mike ran a hand through his brown hair and finally took a proper look around. The desert of black sand didn't seem familiar. It had to be some kind of new event, and Child of Shadows must have been a new class Mike had obtained.
This is really useful. Hm? What is that<<
A window floated above him. Two welcome messages appeared.
[Blessing of Shadows activated — infinite][All side effects removed — no effects can target the Child of Shadows]Virus removed!
Mike smiled and looked at his shadows. They all obeyed him; some were even afraid of him. He stepped closer to them and shouted:
You who were damned to be shadows—are you ready to spread the shadow over the world I, the Child of Shadows, will become the ruler of all Hulias<<
he shadows who were kneeling bowed their heads to the ground and worshiped Mike.
[Quest Begun: Ruler of Hulias]
Mike slid the quest window to the corner and smiled.
As a first step, I'll wipe out those rats.<<
Behind him a black gate appeared, like a portal. Above it hovered the words: (Dasum Village)
Mike stepped toward it, but the shadows remained where they were.
You can't come<< he asked, standing before the portal.
One of the shadows rose and nodded.
Why can't you<<
Mike sighed and walked through the portal. It closed the moment he passed.
(New attack will unlock at Level 10: Chains of Shadow, Level 1)
Mike opened his eyes. He was lying in the dirt. When he stood, people were still staring at him. It seemed no time had passed, or very little. He turned his gaze away from the onlookers and toward the water man lying on the ground.
What surprised him was that the water man was kneeling before Mike.
Still kneeling, huh<< Mike murmured, watching as the water man remained there in silence.
A middle-aged man dared to speak in a trembling voice.
W-what happened a-and wh—<<
When Mike looked his way, the man fell silent and slipped back into the crowd. Suddenly, however, a despawn animation began. It seemed to trigger instantly for severed body parts—Mike's eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of the water man's hand dropping to the ground. Whatever that other world was—that black desert—it could injure people here.
I need to reach Level 10 so I can use that attack,<< Mike whispered, and simply walked away.
Back at his house, he sat on his bed.
Ice must be awake by now… but if she doesn't know about the event, maybe it's better this way. No… I'll handle these rats on my own.<<
Mike lay on his side and selected:
[Hours of Sleep]4
He drifted off. When he woke up, he was already preparing—equipping his sword and waiting. One hour before the event, he headed out. When it looked like it was about to begin—
—at the marketplace—
An arrow thudded into the ground at Mike's feet. He looked up and spotted a black figure on the rooftop. It was starting.
Then come on,<< Mike muttered, sprinting forward.
(Bloodlust Level 1 activated — 20 minutes)
He leapt up in a single bound and landed on the roof in front of the figure. Mike drew back and struck—three lightning-fast blows. Each hit was so strong it left a tiny shockwave in its wake. The figure collapsed and tumbled off the roof.
[Child of Shadows — Kill Count 3 reached. Increase it to 100 to expand your shadows!]
Mike sprinted from rooftop to rooftop, keeping everything in view. He knew the Black Rats were here now—and hopefully their leader too. It didn't take long before he spotted about five more figures, dressed completely in black. They had seen Mike on the rooftops, and black mana arrows shot from their hands.
Mike tried to dodge. He avoided the first volley completely, but the second hit harder. Several arrows stuck in his shoulder, yet his HP only dropped by a few points.
With a single leap, Mike launched himself to the ground in a blur, scattering the attackers into the air. Moonlight fell directly over him, and he felt something settle inside—a resolve to save the village alone. Still, it was strange that Ice hadn't contacted him.
I wonder if she's okay<<
The attackers climbed to their feet again, but all of them staggered, on the verge of collapsing any second. Mike gripped his sword and, in a flash, sliced the arms off each attacker. They crumpled to the ground within seconds.
Then he heard a voice behind him—confident, promising trouble.
Well, well. Looks like we've got a strong one here, huh Bring out the troll<<