The second strike landed harder than the first.
The metal pipe slammed against the Shadow Beast's skull with a loud crack. The creature staggered backward, shaking its head violently.
Aren didn't stop.
He swung again.
And again.
Each hit pushed the beast farther back until finally it collapsed onto the wet ground with a low growl.
For a moment, everything became silent.
Aren stood there breathing heavily, his arms trembling from exhaustion.
"Did… I win?" he whispered.
Suddenly, the blue screen appeared again.
MISSION COMPLETE
Golden light surrounded Aren's body.
He felt warmth spread through his muscles as energy flowed through him.
The screen displayed new information.
Level: 2
Strength: Increased
Speed: Increased
Aren blinked in disbelief.
His body felt lighter and stronger at the same time. The exhaustion from the battle slowly disappeared.
He clenched his fists.
The power was real.
The mysterious system had actually made him stronger.
Aren looked down at the defeated monster.
Just yesterday he had been called completely useless.
But now he had killed a Shadow Beast by himself.
A small smile slowly appeared on his face.
"Maybe my life isn't over after all."
The rain continued to fall around him, but for the first time in years, Aren felt hope.
And deep inside him, the Sovereign System quietly awakened.