The silence after the bounty expired was deafening. Geon leaned against a crumbled wall, his body battered but alive. The shadow beside him flickered, its form more animated than usual.

  "Not bad, Demon," it said, a hint of pride in its voice. "You've earned a moment's respite. But don't let it get to your head. There's more out there waiting to challenge you."

  Geon let out a dry chuckle, his eyes scanning the loot in his Inventory. Among the various items and equipment, something unusual caught his eye—a small black box with a shimmering inscription.

  He took it, turning it over in his hands. The shadow swirled closer, inspecting it. "That’s not just junk," it said. "Black Boxes are very rare. Open it."

  Geon hesitated. "What if it’s a trap?"

  The shadow chuckled darkly. "Everything is a trap if you’re too weak to handle it. You’re not that weak, are you?"

  With a resigned sigh, Geon activated the box. A glow emanated from it as the item materialized in his hand. It was a key—ornate, with a dark crimson hue and glowing inscriptions etched into its surface.

  Geon frowned, turning the key over. The shadow’s voice broke the silence. "A Zone Key. Now that is a find."

  "And what exactly is a Zone?" Geon asked, his wariness growing.

  The shadow’s voice was uncharacteristically serious. "Zones are isolated spaces, self-contained challenges designed to push you to your limits. They can be anything—a forest, a labyrinth, a fortress. Hard Zones are no joke, though. Even top players tread carefully."

  "Sounds risky," Geon muttered.

  "Risky," the shadow agreed, "but rewarding. The loot from a Zone Master is worth its weight in blood and gold. And the experience? Priceless. If you’re serious about becoming stronger, this is your chance."

  Geon’s gaze darkened as he thought of his sister, Lila. His fists clenched. "I have no choice. I can’t afford to stay weak."

  He activated the key. The air around him warped and twisted, pulling him into a swirling vortex. When the distortion ended, Geon found himself in a new world.

  The sky above was a perpetual twilight, a dark purple hue streaked with red clouds. Towering trees loomed on either side, their branches twisted into grotesque shapes. The air was thick and humid, the ground littered with skeletal remains.

  A system prompt appeared on his Interface.

  Geon formed his shadow in a blade, his senses on high alert. The first challenge came swiftly—small, feral creatures with jagged teeth and crimson eyes.

  They attacked in packs, but Geon cut through them with precision, his shadow abilities ensuring he conserved energy.

  After hours of navigating the dense forest, he reached a clearing. The remains of a village stood before him, the structures primitive but imposing. At the village entrance, two hulking barbarian guards awaited, their eyes glowing with primal fury.

  The first guard charged, a massive club swinging with brutal force. Geon dodged, countering with a shadow-enhanced slash. The second guard joined the fray, forcing Geon to divide his focus. The fight was grueling, each strike testing his stamina and resolve.

  In the end, Geon stood victorious. He looted their remains, finding a pouch of Health Nodes and a strange talisman that enhanced his defense.

  The village led to a massive hall carved into a mountainside. Geon entered cautiously, his shadow flickering around him. The interior was a grand throne room, lit by roaring fires. At its center sat the Barbarian King, a towering figure clad in spiked armor, his dual axes glinting menacingly.

  The Zone Master rose, his voice a guttural growl. "You dare challenge me, outsider?"

  Geon smirked. "I’ve come for your throne."

  The battle was ferocious. The Barbarian King’s strength was overwhelming, each swing of his axes capable of shattering the ground. Geon relied on his agility and shadow manipulation to stay alive, using tendrils to restrain the king when possible.

  After a grueling exchange, Geon saw his chance. Channeling all his remaining energy, he unleashed a powerful attack, enhancing his Shadow Tendrils with Dark Temper to deal a devastating strike.

  『SHADOW TENDRILS + DARK TEMPER!』

  =

  『METEORITE STRIKE!』

  The Barbarian King fell, his form dissolving into light.

  Treasure chests appeared around the throne room, their contents glittering with potential.

  Geon was transported back to the real world, the key dissolving in his hand. His shadow flickered beside him.

  "You survived," it said, its tone laced with approval. "And you’re stronger for it."

  Geon inspected his stats, feeling the surge of power from his newly distributed stat points. But his mind wasn’t on the rewards. His thoughts drifted back to Lila, her face etched into his memory.

  "I’m coming, Lila," he whispered. "No matter what it takes."

  The shadow loomed larger, its presence a silent promise of battles yet to come.