The air crackled with tension around the massive, swirling portal as a phalanx of armed military personnel stood guard. Their combat armor gleamed under the morning sun, and their gazes darted across the desolate landscape, ever watchful. Rifles were slung over some soldiers' shoulders, while others maintained a tight grip on their weapons, their knuckles white with anticipation.
Behind this hardened line stood a group of students, their faces a mixture of apprehension and excitement. Clad in the academy's standard, beginner-grade armor, they shifted nervously, their whispers hushed and frequent.
"Man, I'm really nervous. I can't believe I'm actually going into a dungeon today," one student murmured, his eyes glued to the pulsating gateway.
"Me too," another replied, his voice barely above a whisper, thick with disbelief. "I've only ever seen dungeons online. This is insane."
A soldier at the forefront turned, his voice firm yet reassuring. "All of you, calm down. This is just an awakening dungeon. Goblins and slimes, that's all you'll find. We've cleared dozens of these. Stick close, follow our lead, and you'll be perfectly safe."
Among the students, a young man named Henry stood out. His black hair contrasted sharply with the silver, body-fitting armor that shimmered around him. Though his face was composed, a subtle tremor in his hands betrayed the whirlwind of emotions within.
I can't believe I'm finally going to enter a dungeon... I've been waiting for this day for years.
Five years ago, the world as they knew it shattered. The sky ripped open, and colossal portals appeared without warning across the globe. From these otherworldly rifts poured forth nightmarish creatures – monsters that defied all scientific understanding and laid waste to entire cities. Humanity's most powerful weapons, firearms and even nuclear devices, proved futile against them. Extinction loomed.
Then, a miracle.
Humans began to awaken to extraordinary abilities. These empowered individuals, dubbed Awakened, rose to challenge the monstrous tide, slowly pushing back the encroaching darkness. They were categorized by rank, from the lowest [E] to the godlike [SSS], with [E-Rank] representing the weakest and [SSS-Rank] the rarest and most formidable.
The key to unlocking these powers? Entering a dungeon.
I'm a student of Valeriae Academy, Henry reminded himself, his gaze fixed on the mesmerizing gateway. This is it. My one chance to awaken… I need a good talent. I need to protect my sister.
"You! Stop dawdling like a bunch of lost sheep!" the soldier barked, gesturing impatiently. "Into the dungeon, now! We haven't got all day."
One by one, the students hesitantly stepped forward, disappearing into the glowing portal. Henry took a deep, steadying breath and followed.
The moment Henry crossed the threshold, the world around him dissolved into a kaleidoscope of light.
Then, as quickly as it appeared, the brightness vanished, replaced by the cool, damp air of a dimly lit cave. Bioluminescent fungi cast an eerie glow on the moss-covered walls and the rocky floor. The air hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and decay.
Suddenly, a chime resonated in his mind, a whisper from an unseen realm.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations to the user for awakening the Necromancer class with the SSS skill: Undead Dominion.]
Henry's heart leaped into his throat.
Wait... Did I just awaken an SSS-rank skill? That's... unheard of! Talent determines everything in this world – this means I can reach the top!
Disbelief warred with elation on his face. He rubbed his eyes, half-expecting the message to vanish, but it remained, stark and undeniable.
A wide grin slowly stretched across his lips as a wave of pure joy washed over him.
Finally... Looks like all those years of training paid off. I can finally protect Mom and my sister. I can give them a real life.
They said you could check your stats by saying 'Status Window,' right?
"Status Window!"
[Status Window]
[Name: Henry]
[Level: 1 (0/30)]
[Race: Human]
[Class: Necromancer]
[HP: 60]
[MP: 110]
[Strength: 10]
[Speed: 11]
[Intelligence: 16]
[Perception: 9]
[Stamina: 10]
[Endurance: 12]
[Skill: Undead Dominion]
Undead Dominion is the supreme authority over death, allowing the user to raise and control the dead by sheer will. It revives not just bodies, but souls—creating intelligent, loyal undead. It's more than magic; it's a sovereign power that imprints essence onto the dead, forging an empire beyond life.
[Other skills: Locked]
"Wow... So I really can raise the dead. This is basically a cheat ability!" Henry chuckled, his voice filled with awe.
Just then, a chorus of sharp, guttural screeches echoed through the cave. Several goblins materialized from the shadows – vile, green-skinned creatures with jagged teeth and beady red eyes. Some brandished crude, chipped knives, while others carried spears or broken swords.
Looks like food delivered itself. Perfect time to test this out.
Henry drew his own sword, its polished surface gleaming faintly in the dim light. Without a moment's hesitation, he charged.
One goblin lunged at him with a rusted dagger, but Henry moved with surprising agility, twisting his body to avoid the clumsy strike. In a swift, brutal arc, his sword descended, splitting the goblin in half.
The remaining goblins hissed and surged forward, their primitive weapons raised, but Henry was faster. He dashed into their midst, his blade a blur of motion, beheading two more in rapid succession.
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Level Up: Level 2]
[Host has gained 2 Attribute Points]
Henry exhaled, flicking a splatter of green blood from his blade.
"Now… how do I turn them into undead? The system didn't exactly give me a manual."
[Host must choose a command phrase to summon undead.]
"Hmm... How about 'Come forth'?"
[Command phrase registered: 'Come forth.']
Henry turned to face the three lifeless goblin corpses. He extended his hand, his expression solemn, and spoke the chosen words.
"Come forth."
The bodies began to twitch. Wisps of pale, ethereal energy rose from them like a ghostly mist. Moments later, three skeletal goblin figures stood before him, kneeling in silent allegiance – their empty eye sockets glowing with an eerie, undead light.
"So... these are my summons," Henry whispered, a mixture of wonder and anticipation in his voice. "Time to test them out."
Minutes melted away as swarms of goblins poured into the cavern, but Henry remained untouched. He stood calmly behind his newly formed undead vanguard, directing their movements with quiet precision.
"Flank left. Block that spear. Now strike!"
His skeletal minions obeyed without question, moving with an unnatural speed and coordination that belied their decaying forms. The remaining goblins, clumsy and disorganized in comparison, didn't stand a chance.
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Host has killed a goblin +10 EXP]
[Level Up: Level 3]
[Host has gained 2 Attribute Points]
Henry leaned casually against a cold, damp stone wall, watching with a detached amusement as the last goblin finally fell under the combined assault of his skeletal army.
"I've already reached Level 3… and I barely lifted a finger. This is incredible."
A confident smile spread across his lips.
This is only the beginning.