The next morning, a thin mist blanketed the southern district. Seonwoo stood before the ruins of the old Gate, staring at something he had never seen before: a new monster emerging from the Void's darkness, called Shadowclaw. Its body was slender yet muscular, black scales gleaming across its frame, long claws shining like obsidian, and a pair of deep red eyes piercing the darkness, as if reading every intention of its opponents. The surrounding Void aura pulsed, creating a dark wind that made Seonwoo's hair stand on end.
Hyunsoo tapped his shoulder. "This isn't a drill. Shadowclaw is fast and cunning. Don't underestimate it."
Seonwoo swallowed hard, his heart racing. He studied Shadowclaw's movements as the monster spun, leapt from rubble to rubble, testing their speed and distance. Every motion seemed like a deadly puzzle.
The battle began. Shadowclaw's claws struck, sending waves of dark energy crashing into the ground with an explosion-like sound. Dust and debris flew, forcing Seonwoo to leap aside, feeling the sharp wind graze his skin. He attacked with his small sword, but Shadowclaw's claws deflected effortlessly.
Rina leapt into the air, directing a sharp energy strike at the monster's side, creating cracks in its scales. Hyunsoo moved swiftly, striking from a distance, attempting to distract Shadowclaw. Seonwoo observed the monster's pattern—left claw followed by right spin, jumps thrice before swinging the tail—and tried to find an opening.
In a second that felt like an eternity, Shadowclaw leapt high, claws slashing, and Seonwoo was nearly swept away. He rolled across the ground, feeling pain and panic, yet something within drove him to persevere. Every time he rose, he learned, memorized the monster's pattern, and adjusted his strategy mid-battle.
After five intense minutes, Shadowclaw retreated into the Void's shadows, its body shimmering faintly before disappearing. The Hunters gasped for breath, minor wounds marking their bodies, yet all survived. Seonwoo stared at the ruins, heart pounding, sweat soaking his face. This was only the beginning. He knew the world would continue to bring forth stronger creatures, and he must grow to face them.
Back at the base, Seonwoo sat in contemplation. Shadowclaw was more than a monster—it was a living puzzle, forcing Hunters to keep learning, reacting, and discovering hidden courage. The seed of determination planted yesterday now grew stronger, and though he was still weak, he felt the first sparks of a long journey toward unimaginable power.