Chương 8: First Blood

[Quest Alert] …Huh?

"My first quest already?" [Quest: Demon Hunter] Description: Eliminate 100 Demons Progress: 0 / 100 Rewards: • 100, 000 Gold • 1, 000 EXP • Skill: Eye of God"…System, isn't that a bit excessive?" One hundred demons? [No.]"Tch." I clicked my tongue.

"Fine. Let's get started." I focused on the demon standing before me. So far, it hadn't moved an inch. [Name: Demon Soldier] [Level: 16] [HP: 1, 600] [MP: 300]"… I can see its status?" That aside— Its level was much higher than mine. I couldn't see its attributes, but that alone was enough to tell me this wouldn't be easy. Then— It vanished. My eyes widened. I threw myself sideways just as massive claws slammed into the ground where I had been standing.

The stone shattered like paper, molten flames erupting from the impact point.

"… If that hit me, I'd be dead." Only my reflexes saved me. Without hesitation, I opened the [Gate of Babylon] behind me. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Three golden ripples spread through the air. From the first emerged a long-bladed medieval sword. From the second, a black magic staff traced with gold. From the third, a silver-tipped spear with a golden shaft. This wasn't my first time using the Gate. I had practiced with it in my room. Activating it felt…

natural. As if my body already knew how. Whether it was the System or Gilgamesh's memories, I didn't know. But unlike the original King of Heroes, I still had limits. Seven portals at most. More than mana, concentration was the issue. Lose focus, and I might summon something random. To draw out a specific weapon, I had to know it. Still—controlling the Gate itself was simple. I focused on the magic staff. Mana flowed into it, golden energy flaring to life. Before the demon could even react, the spell discharged.

A violent explosion engulfed its body. [-700 HP] The dust cleared. The demon was still standing—but stunned. I didn't hesitate. The sword shot forward like a missile, piercing straight through its abdomen. The demon screamed. Not just from the damage—but because the blade was holy. [-800 HP] Before it could even move— The spear followed. Straight through the skull. The demon's body collapsed into blue particles, my weapons dissolving back into golden light as they returned to the Gate.

[You have slain a Middle-Class Demon.] [EXP +500] I exhaled slowly.

"… Not bad for a first fight." Then— Danger. I jumped right just as a massive spear smashed into the ground beside me. Two figures stood ahead. One wielded a black stone spear, its head a goat's skull, body lean and vicious. The other resembled the first demon—slightly smaller, holding a flaming magic staff. The spearman rushed me. I dodged, relying on my heightened senses. Each strike narrowly missed. Then— A fireball. I leapt aside— But the spear was already there. Too fast! The Gate of Babylon snapped open.

A sword intercepted the spear mid-thrust. In the same motion, I opened another portal beneath the demon's head. A blade shot out. [You have slain a Middle-Class Demon.] [EXP +500] The mage demon tried to cast again. I was faster. Three portals opened. Three holy swords fired. It screamed as its limbs were pierced. Before it could recover, I hurled the sword I was holding. Clean. Direct. [You have slain a Middle-Class Demon.] [EXP +500] I stood still, letting my MP regenerate. [Loot available.] [Collect?] [Yes] [No]"… That's new."

"Yes." [Looting…] [Loot Acquired:] • Demonic Spear • Fire Demon's Magic Staff • Skill: Spear Mastery [Items stored in Gate of Babylon.]"So I can acquire weapons and skills from enemies…"

"Descriptions." [Confirmed.]..... Demonic Spear Rarity: RareForged in the underworld from infernal metal. Exceptional penetration. • +19% damage when equipped..... Fire Demon's Magic Staff Rarity: RareA staff infused with fire magic through prolonged usage. • +14% magic damage when equipped..... Spear Mastery Type: Passive Rarity: Common Level: 1 / 20 • +15% spear proficiency• +1% accuracy.....

"…Interesting." I dismissed the skill for now. Instead, I summoned a spear from the Gate. Golden shaft. White engravings. Silver, slightly curved blade. The moment my hand closed around it, understanding flowed into me. Not mastery. But instinct. The basics—how to hold it, move with it, strike. I lowered my stance. This dungeon wasn't over. Far from it. I tightened my grip and stepped forward.

"…Should I try awakening my Sacred Gear next?"