Kuro's breath echoed in the narrow, stone corridors of the labyrinth. The walls were smooth, slick with moisture, and the air was thick with the stench of dampness and decay. The labyrinth wasn't a place for the living—its winding halls and twisting passages felt almost alive, as if they were changing with every step he took. He had barely managed to avoid several traps that nearly tore his limbs apart, and the eerie silence only added to the tension.
His first shadow skeleton was at his side, still as ever, but Kuro didn't feel any comfort in its presence. The labyrinth was hostile, and though the skeleton had been useful, it was only a fraction of the power he would need to survive whatever lay ahead.
The faint sound of dripping water echoed down the corridor. Kuro pushed forward, the feeling of being watched gnawing at the back of his mind. He could sense something lurking in the shadows, something that was aware of his every move.
"Summon another," he muttered, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. His mana was still low, but the situation demanded it. He couldn't risk being caught off guard again.
---
Status Window
Name: Kuro
Title: Cursed Hero
Level: 3
Health: 300 / 300
Mana: 1,500 / 50,000
Strength: 30
Agility: 27
Endurance: 28
Intelligence: 23
Luck: 6
Skills:
Necromancer (Active)
Shadow Command (Passive)
---
Kuro winced as the mana drained from him, summoning another skeleton to bolster his side. The creature emerged from the shadows in an eerie blur, its bony form materializing with an unsettling creak of bone. The second skeleton stood in line with the first, both silent sentinels waiting for his orders.
Kuro's gaze swept the labyrinth once more, searching for any sign of life or danger. There was something waiting for him—he could feel it. Every corner, every shadow seemed to whisper his name.
Then, from the far end of the corridor, a figure appeared. A hulking, four-armed monstrosity with scales that shimmered like black glass. Its eyes gleamed with malice as it advanced, slow but steady, its jagged claws scraping along the stone floor.
It didn't speak. It didn't need to.
Kuro immediately raised his hand, his voice calm despite the rising adrenaline. "Form up. Attack together."
The two shadow skeletons shifted into formation. The first one moved to Kuro's left, the second to his right, both standing at attention, awaiting the signal. Kuro gripped his sword tighter, feeling the weight of the decision he had to make.
The monster approached, its massive body blocking the light as it drew closer. It was larger than anything Kuro had faced before, and the way it moved—the smooth, deliberate steps—it reminded him of something more than just a simple beast.
"I'll need more than this," Kuro muttered under his breath.
As if in response to his thoughts, a loud crash echoed through the labyrinth, followed by a high-pitched screech. Another monster, this one smaller but no less dangerous, darted out of a side corridor and joined the fray. It had a pair of leathery wings, and its claws were sharpened like daggers.
The situation had just escalated, and Kuro could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on him.
He had to make a choice. He could retreat, but he didn't know what lay behind him. No, there was only one option: fight.
"Skeletons, charge!" Kuro commanded.
The first skeleton dashed forward with a speed that surprised even Kuro, its rusted sword raised high. The second followed, moving with precision, though it was slower. Kuro darted in after them, positioning himself strategically to flank the larger monster.
The two monsters reacted quickly, the larger one swinging its claws with terrifying force. The skeletons tried to block, but the force of the attack sent them skidding across the stone floor. The smaller monster flew at Kuro, claws raised to strike.
He barely managed to parry with his sword, the weight of the creature's attack nearly throwing him off balance. His heart raced, his mind focused only on survival. He couldn't afford to make a mistake.
Kuro slashed, his sword meeting the smaller creature's claws with a sickening crack. The monster screeched, stumbling back. He pressed the advantage, his sword moving faster as he struck again, cutting deep into its winged body.
Meanwhile, his skeletons were still struggling with the larger monster. It swung its massive claws with terrifying power, each strike sending shockwaves through the ground. One of the skeletons was knocked back with a powerful blow, its arm snapped in two.
Kuro gritted his teeth. The situation was slipping out of his control, but he couldn't let it end here. He needed to focus. He needed to think fast.
He glanced at the status window in the corner of his vision, checking his mana reserves. He had enough for one more summon, but it would cost him nearly everything.
---
Status Window
Name: Kuro
Title: Cursed Hero
Level: 3
Health: 300 / 300
Mana: 640 / 50,000
Strength: 30
Agility: 27
Endurance: 28
Intelligence: 23
Luck: 6
Skills:
Necromancer (Active)
Shadow Command (Passive)
---
"One more," Kuro whispered.
He focused on the skeletons, drawing his remaining mana and summoning a third. This one was different—its armor gleamed like polished silver, its sword sharp and precise. The new skeleton joined the fray, charging toward the larger monster.
With three skeletons fighting, the tides of the battle began to shift. The first and second skeletons re-engaged, drawing the monster's attention away from Kuro as the third one flanked it from the rear.
Kuro pressed the attack, his blade finding the small monster's weak spot, cutting through its scales. With a final, desperate slash, he severed its head, sending it crashing to the ground with a final, guttural screech.
Panting, Kuro turned his focus back to the larger monster. His skeletons had surrounded it, their swords flashing in the dim light as they chipped away at its defenses.
"Finish it!" Kuro commanded, his voice firm.
The skeletons obeyed without question. With a series of strikes, the large creature stumbled, its chest caving in as the sword plunged deep. Finally, with a roar of defiance, it fell to the ground, lifeless.
Kuro stood panting, blood staining his hands as he surveyed the battlefield. The monsters were dead, but the battle had taken its toll. His mana was drained, his skeletons damaged.
"That's enough for today," he muttered, looking down at the broken corpses. He could feel his exhaustion creeping in. The labyrinth had only just begun to reveal its dangers, but for now, they had survived.
He took one last look at the labyrinth ahead.
"I'll get stronger. No matter what," Kuro said, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. He wasn't done yet. Not by a long shot.
And with that, he and his skeletons ventured deeper into the labyrinth, ready for whatever horrors it would throw at them next.