Awakening Of The Forgotten World

The Western Ruins loomed ahead, half-buried beneath time and neglect. The last time Dain had been here, it had been nothing more than a training ground—a forgotten place where broken stones and crumbling walls told stories of a past no one remembered.

But now?

Now the system had warned him.

[System Alert: Unknown Presence Detected]

[Location: Western Ruins]

[Entity Detected: ???]

[Threat Level: ???]

Dain tightened his grip on his new iron sword, the weight of the weapon familiar in his hands. The blade was sharper, stronger—a step up from his old bronze weapon.

But was it enough?

He didn't know.

But he would find out soon.

The ruins were silent.

Too silent.

The trees that usually rustled in the wind stood motionless. The usual chirping of birds and buzzing of insects was absent.

Dain slowed his steps, his muscles tensed.

Something was here.

And it was watching him.

A new notification appeared.

[Entering: Ruins of Valdros]

• Ancient structure detected.

• Residual magic presence confirmed.

Dain's brow furrowed.

Magic?

Magic hadn't been seen in the world for centuries. It had vanished alongside the system.

So why was the system detecting it here?

His fingers twitched over the hilt of his sword as he moved deeper into the ruins.

The stone pillars, once proud and tall, were cracked and broken, vines twisting around their surfaces like grasping fingers. The air was heavy, thick with something Dain couldn't describe.

Then—he saw it.

A stone archway, half-collapsed, leading into the ground.

A notification appeared.

[New Discovery: Forgotten Dungeon - Valdros Catacombs]

[First Explorer Bonus: +50 Experience]

Dain's eyes widened.

A dungeon.

He had heard stories—tales of ancient ruins where warriors of old had fought monsters, seeking treasure and power.

But no one had found a real dungeon in centuries.

And now, he was standing in front of one.

A choice appeared before him.

[Enter Dungeon: Yes / No]

Dain exhaled.

He had come this far.

He wasn't turning back now.

He selected [Yes.]

The moment Dain stepped through the archway, a cold shiver ran down his spine.

It was dark.

Darker than it should have been.

The air smelled old, like dust and decay. The stone beneath his boots was uneven, cracked from centuries of neglect.

Then—a torch ignited on its own.

Dain froze.

A second torch lit up further down the corridor.

Then another.

A pathway revealed itself, leading deeper into the dungeon.

A notification appeared.

[Dungeon Quest Unlocked: Secrets of Valdros]

Objective: Explore the dungeon and uncover its secrets.

Reward: ???

Dain swallowed.

This wasn't just some ruins.

This place was alive.

And something was waiting for him.

Dain moved carefully, his eyes scanning every shadow, every broken stone. His iron sword was ready, his breathing controlled.

Then—he heard it.

A low scraping sound.

Like bones against stone.

A new notification appeared.

[Enemy Identified: Skeletal Warrior (Lv.8)]

• Health: 60/60

• Threat Level: Moderate

Dain's pulse quickened.

A figure stepped into the light.

A skeleton, wrapped in the tattered remains of armor, a rusted sword clenched in its bony hand. Its empty eye sockets burned with a faint blue light.

Then—it charged.

Dain reacted instantly.

The skeleton swung first—its rusted sword slicing toward his shoulder.

Dain dodged, pivoting on his heel. His own blade lashed out, striking the creature's ribcage.

A dull clang rang out as the iron sword scraped against ancient bone.

A notification appeared.

[Hit Registered: 12 Damage Dealt]

The skeleton didn't slow.

It lunged again, swinging its sword in a wide arc.

Dain barely had time to raise his own weapon, blocking the strike. The impact sent vibrations up his arms.

This thing was stronger than a hobgoblin.

Faster.

More relentless.

But Dain wasn't the same fighter he had been before.

His Basic Swordsmanship skill kicked in, guiding his movements.

He sidestepped, his sword flashing in a precise strike.

[Critical Hit! 28 Damage Dealt]

The skeleton staggered.

Dain didn't hesitate.

He drove his sword into its skull.

The blue light in its eyes flickered.

Then—the skeleton crumbled into dust.

A chime echoed.

[Enemy Defeated: Skeletal Warrior]

+60 Experience Gained

Dain let out a slow breath.

His first undead kill.

Then, another notification appeared.

[New Skill Unlocked: Combat Awareness (Lv.1)]

• Increases reaction speed by 5% in battle.

• Slightly improves dodge timing.

Dain blinked.

The system was evolving.

His skills were adapting to his fights.

And that meant one thing.

This dungeon wasn't just about survival.

It was about becoming stronger.

Dain moved deeper, the torches lighting his path automatically.

Each step felt heavier.

The air grew colder.

Then—he saw it.

A massive door, covered in ancient carvings.

A notification flashed.

[Dungeon Boss Room Discovered]

Dain stiffened.

He hadn't expected to find it so soon.

His grip tightened on his sword.

He had a choice.

Go back.

Or step forward.

The system had brought him here.

And he wasn't turning back now.

Dain pushed open the door.

And the darkness beyond swallowed him whole.