The city streets were quieter in the early morning, but Jiwon's mind was anything but calm. The Ruin Guard fight still echoed in his thoughts—the way the skeleton moved, the precision he needed, and the raw strength of enemies he would face in the future.
He returned to his small apartment, closing the door behind him. The skeleton remained dismissed, its bones safely stored in the shadows beneath the floor. Jiwon leaned against the window, looking out at the glowing city.
A soft notification appeared.
[New Quest Available]
[Prepare for Next Dungeon: Level Unknown]
[Reward: EXP, Rare Materials]
Jiwon frowned. The system never offered details in advance—it only hinted. He would have to be careful.
The door knocked lightly. He glanced down. Haein stood there, sword sheathed, eyes sharp but curious.
"I came to check if you were still alive," she said, half-joking. "And… maybe to talk strategy."
Jiwon smirked faintly. "Strategy? We survived the first one. How much more can we plan?"
Haein stepped inside anyway. "There's a reason hunters who underestimate gates die. We need a plan, tools, and maybe… allies."
Jiwon nodded. "Agreed. I need to train my skeletons, improve control, and gather information on unknown enemies."
Haein raised an eyebrow. "You're already thinking ahead."
The system chimed quietly.
[Skill Enhancement Available]
[Raise Skeleton Lv.3 → Lv.4]
[Bone Spike Lv.3 → Lv.4]
Jiwon frowned. Every improvement cost mana, focus, and time. Mistakes could be dangerous. But he had no choice.
"Let's start with training," he said. "Skeleton exercises, positioning drills, and combat simulation."
Haein smiled faintly. "You really think like a commander."
They moved to the center of the room. Jiwon raised his hand. Bone fragments rose from the floor, assembling into skeletons—three this time. Their movements were slower, hesitant, but responsive.
"Good," he said quietly. "Now, repeat attacks, block, flank."
Hours passed. Jiwon corrected movements, reinforced bones, and timed commands. Haein practiced with them too, testing openings and weaknesses.
By evening, the skeletons moved smoothly. Jiwon felt a surge of satisfaction. They were not just tools—they were extensions of his will.
Haein leaned against the wall, watching him. "You're going to be dangerous," she said softly. "But… I like that."
Jiwon said nothing. The thought of the next gate loomed in his mind. Stronger enemies, unpredictable environments, and the attention from the Bureau—they were all waiting.
But for the first time, he didn't feel alone.
Tomorrow, the next gate would open. And Jiwon was ready.