The streets were still, but Dexter knew better than to let his guard down. Dead Skull was coming—this was just the warning shot. Every fiber of his being screamed to stay alert. The enforcers had failed, but their deaths only bought Dexter time, not safety.The system hummed within him, tracking his every heartbeat, his every movement. With each mission completed, his skills sharpened, and the stakes grew higher. He wasn’t just leveling up anymore—he was preparing for war.---The Morning AfterThe next morning, Dexter woke with an uneasy feeling. His muscles ached from the fight with the enforcers, but what gnawed at him most was the knowledge that Dead Skull now had him in his crosshairs. The system might have given him an edge, but Dexter knew that facing a grade S awakener was an entirely different level of danger.He got dressed quickly, slinging his school bag over his shoulder, though he knew classes were becoming more of a distraction. The real battlefield wasn’t in textbooks;
Dexter’s encounter in the Core weighed heavily on his mind. Each mission pushed him further, sharpening his skills but also bringing him closer to the inevitable clash with Dead Skull. As the system grew more demanding, so did the tension between Dexter and those around him—especially Charlotte, who had now seen a glimpse of his secret life.The next morning was oddly peaceful. For a few fleeting moments, Dexter allowed himself to believe he was just another student again, walking the familiar streets to school. But in the back of his mind, the clock was ticking.---When Dexter arrived at school, he noticed Charlotte waiting by the entrance, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable. He sighed, knowing this conversation was unavoidable.“Hey,” Dexter said, approaching cautiously.Charlotte gave him a long, appraising look. “You’ve got some explaining to do.”“Yeah... I figured.”They walked together to a quieter part of the school grounds. Once they were sure no one was listenin
“Stay close,” Dexter murmured, scanning the area for threats. He could sense the weight of his new mission pressing down on him, a relentless reminder that danger was just around the corner.They moved cautiously through the winding corridors of the Nexus, Dexter relying on the system’s guidance.[Mission Alert: Detecting Multiple Hostile Entities Nearby.][Strategy Recommended: Use Stealth Skills.]“I think they know we’re here,” Charlotte whispered, glancing nervously around.“Yeah, it feels like we’ve walked into a trap,” Dexter replied, his instincts on high alert.Suddenly, the shadows coalesced into forms—figures clad in dark robes, their faces obscured. Dexter recognized the unmistakable auras of grade B awakeners. They were waiting for him.“What do you want?” Dexter called out, trying to sound confident.One of the figures stepped forward, a smirk visible beneath the hood. “Ah, the infamous Dexter. We’ve heard a lot about you.”Before Dexter could react, the other figures lun
The system’s notification flashed in Dexter’s mind as he lay on his bed that night, his body aching from the clash with Dead Skull. Though the victory should have felt satisfying, it only made him restless. The stakes were getting higher, and Dead Skull’s last words echoed in his thoughts: "This isn’t over."He stared at the ceiling, lost in thought until a familiar ping rang through his mind.[New Mission: Enter the Abyssal Rift.][Objective: Clear the first floor and retrieve the Core Fragment.][Difficulty: Grade A+][Recommended: Party of 5 or more.][Time Limit: 48 hours.]Dexter groaned. “An A+ grade mission?” he whispered, running a hand through his hair.He sat up, feeling the weight of the task. The system didn’t care that he was still recovering. And this time, it was clear: the danger was real.---The next morning, Dexter headed out, trying to act like everything was normal. He went to school, blending in with the crowds. But as soon as he stepped into the hallway, trouble
As Dexter stepped through the portal, he felt the familiar pull of the transition. When he emerged, he was back in his room, the ambient sounds of the city filtering through his window. The room felt unusually quiet after the chaos of the Abyssal Rift. He leaned against his desk, the Core Fragment resting in his hand, pulsating with energy.He took a moment to collect himself, allowing the adrenaline from the mission to subside. He could feel the ache in his muscles, a reminder of the intense battles he had faced. Despite that, there was a surge of satisfaction coursing through him. He had completed a mission that most would consider impossible alone, and it felt good to prove everyone wrong.[Mission Summary:][Abyssal Rift: First Floor Cleared.][Enemies Defeated: 50][Rewards: Core Fragment, 500 XP, 300 gold.][Level Up! You are now Level 7.][New Skills Unlocked: Shadow Manipulation, Abyssal Awareness.]“Nice,” Dexter murmured, taking note of the new skills. Shadow Manipulation co
Dexter and Henry moved cautiously through the campus, the tension from their narrow escape still lingering in the air. As they approached the main building, Dexter kept his senses heightened, using his Abyssal Awareness skill to scan for any signs of danger.The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Students laughed and chatted, seemingly oblivious to the brewing storm that Dexter and Henry had just uncovered. They slipped inside the main building, deciding to head to the library—a quiet place where they could plan their next move.The library was vast, filled with rows of ancient tomes and newer texts alike. The scent of old paper and leather filled the air, creating an atmosphere of calm that Dexter desperately needed. They found a secluded corner, sitting at a table where they could speak without being overheard.“Okay,” Dexter said, leaning in closer to Henry. “We need to gather more intel on those awakeners. If they’re planning something big, we hav
Dexter and Henry stepped out into the cool night air, the urgency of their mission propelling them forward. As they moved through the dimly lit campus, Dexter’s mind raced with thoughts of the awakeners, Dead Skull, and the potential chaos that lay ahead.“Where should we start?” Henry asked, scanning the shadows for any sign of danger.“The training grounds might be a good place to check,” Dexter suggested. “If they’re planning anything, they might be gathering there. We can also listen for any whispers about their plans.”As they made their way toward the training grounds, Dexter activated his Abyssal Awareness, tuning into the energy signatures around them. The campus was relatively quiet, but there were a few signatures that stood out—students practicing their skills late into the night.When they arrived at the training grounds, they found a handful of students scattered around, some sparring, others honing their magical abilities. Dexter’s eyes scanned the area, looking for anyt
Dexter and his friends pressed forward, the energy of their determination electrifying the air around them. The fight was chaos incarnate, filled with shouts, flashes of magic, and the clash of weapons. Dexter could feel the weight of his mission bearing down on him, but he also felt an undeniable rush—the thrill of combat and the fire of his allies fighting beside him.“Keep pushing!” Dexter shouted, dodging another incoming spell from one of the opposing awakeners. He ducked low, rolled to the side, and sprang back up, aiming for the girl with red hair who was orchestrating the chaos.“Henry! Cover me!” he called out as he darted forward.“On it!” Henry responded, channeling his energy into a powerful blast that sent two of their adversaries stumbling back. The momentary distraction provided Dexter with the opening he needed.The red-haired girl turned to face him, a wicked smile spreading across her face. “You think you can take me down? I’ll crush you!” she taunted, raising her ha