Jun Lion stepped into the vast, ominous chamber.
[Ding…]
[You've entered the Boss Room.]
[Objective: Kill the Goblin King within 5 minutes.]
[Reward: A Major Reward Will Be Given Upon Success.]
A low growl echoed through the cavern as glowing red eyes emerged from the shadows. The Goblin King was massive—towering over all the other goblins Jun had seen. Muscles bulged under its green, scaled skin, and a crude iron crown sat crookedly on its head. In one hand, it wielded a jagged club stained with dried blood.
"Huh… Five minutes, huh?" Jun muttered, cracking his neck. "Then I guess I'll go all out from the beginning."
The Goblin King roared in fury and charged.
Jun barely sidestepped the attack, the ground cracking where the club smashed down. Dust and debris exploded upward. "Tch… You didn't even let me warm up. That's rude."
He slid back, flicking his dagger into position.
"Well then… let's try something new."
He raised the blade to eye level, and the shadows around his feet thickened.
"Black Sword Technique… Second Form…"
The air trembled.
"Darkness Life."
Darkness exploded from Jun's body, surging like a storm. The entire room went pitch black. The Goblin King blinked rapidly, trying to adjust—but there was no light, no sound, no sensation. Just a suffocating darkness that crept into its lungs, ears, eyes.
The Goblin King stumbled, clutching its head. Its veins bulged. Blood poured from its eyes and nose, and it coughed violently as more blood splattered from its mouth.
"Khick… Chick… Khick…" it gasped—its voice rasping out desperate, choked pleas for mercy.
But Jun only tilted his head.
"What? Trying to talk now?" he said coldly. "Too bad. I don't speak goblin."
He raised his dagger and slashed through the air.
A streak of dark energy ripped forward, and the Goblin King's body was sliced from shoulder to waist. For a moment, it stood motionless—then it crumpled with a heavy thud.
[Ding…]
[You have successfully killed a C-rank monster.]
[Level Up.]
[Task Completion:
Giant Goblin (D): 220/220
Goblin King (C): 1/1]
[Rewards:
EXP: 40,000
CP: 40
Goblin Mask (Rank C): Increases all stats by 20%. The mask becomes invisible upon wearing, and the wearer feels no discomfort.]
Jun picked up the eerie, horned Goblin Mask. As he slipped it on, it vanished from view.
"Not bad," he muttered. "I'll save the EXP and CP for later… when I really need them."
[Ding…]
[All stats have been increased by 20%.]
He clenched his fists. The power coursing through him was undeniable. "I can feel it. This is only the beginning."
He turned and calmly exited the dungeon gate.
---
Outside the Gate
The moment Jun reappeared, the crowd went silent.
"He… he really did it?"
"Impossible… he cleared a C-rank gate solo?"
"Wasn't he supposed to be the failure of the Lion family?"
"He must've been hiding his power this whole time. The Lion family really does know how to keep secrets."
"He finished it that fast. What kind of monster is he?"
Jun didn't acknowledge the whispers. His expression remained composed, unbothered.
Vermin approached and bowed. "Young Lord, we've prepared everything for the return."
"Huh? That fast?" Jun asked casually.
"Yes, Young Master. But… may I ask… the magic stones?"
Jun pulled a pouch from inside his jacket. "Don't worry. I've got them all."
"Understood. Then, we should head back."
"Yeah," Jun said, glancing once more at the gate. "Let's go."
---
At the Lion Family Mansion
In the main study, Shan Lion clutched his head in despair.
"(Oh god… Why me?)"
Across from him, Ruhiko fumed. Her voice thundered through the room. "How could you let him go alone? He's your son, isn't he?! Do you even care?!"
Shan groaned internally. "(I can't take this anymore… please… somebody, save me…)"
Suddenly, a maid burst into the room, bowing. "My lady, my lord—Young Lord Jun has returned."
Ruhiko's eyes widened. "He's back…?"
Shan leapt to his feet. "Jun's back?! Nice! Honey, I should go greet him. See you later!"
He bolted toward the exit.
"(Thank you, Jun! My sweet boy, you've saved your father's life! Run, Shan, RUN!)"
Ruhiko let out a breath. Her shoulders relaxed. "He's okay… That's enough for now."
She didn't leave the room. She merely stared at the wall, lost in thought.
The maid watched silently. "(She's not even his real mother… so why does she care so much about Young Master Jun? She hasn't visited him once… but she's always worrying. What a mysterious woman…!)"
---
Later That Night
The day passed swiftly. After dinner, Jun sat quietly in his room.
[Ding…]
[The Daily Random Box has appeared.]
[Would you like to open it?]
He nodded. "Open."
[Ding…]
[You've received 2 items from the Random Box.]
To be continue...