Underworld Ascension: Martial Arts System

The maze grew darker the further they moved, the harsh overhead lights made jagged shadows from the rusted fences. Tae moved with practiced precision, his every step calculated, the path ahead overlaid with faint blue trails and pulsing red markers from his system.

Each movement had purpose. His senses sharpened—ears tuned to every growl, every shuffle in the distance.

Behind him, Min-soo's steps grew heavier. His breath came uneven, a nervous edge to his voice that only grew more desperate.

"What if this is a trap?" Min-soo muttered, voice low but insistent. "What if there's no exit? What if they're just toying with us?"

Tae didn't answer. He didn't need to. His eyes flicked to Min-soo's trembling hands, the way his fingers kept brushing against his waistband.

The system's mechanical voice broke the silence.

[ Hostile presence detected in analyzed terrain. 10 meters ahead. ]

Tae's muscles tensed. His grip on the pipe in his hand tightened.

The dog was on them before Min-soo even realized it.

A blur of mangy fur and snapping jaws, it lunged from a gap in the fence, pinning Min-soo against the rusted metal.

Min-soo screamed, high-pitched and panicked, as the dog's teeth snapped dangerously close to his face. His hands flailed in panic, weakly shoving at the creature as its claws raked across his jacket.

Tae didn't hesitate. His gun was in his hand in an instant, the shot ringing out loud and sharp in the confined space.

The dog yelped, jerking mid-air before collapsing, lifeless, to the ground.

Min-soo slid down the fence, panting heavily, clutching his chest. Blood smeared his clothes where the dog's claws had torn through, but he seemed more rattled than injured.

"Shit," Min-soo gasped, his voice shaky. "Shit, man… You—thanks. I—"

Tae said nothing. He lowered the gun, his face unreadable, and tucked it back into his waistband. His eyes flicked briefly to Min-soo, noting the way the boy's hands shook more than they should.

Min-soo wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve, glancing at Tae as if expecting some acknowledgment, some reassurance. He didn't get it. Instead, Min-soo straightened up, brushing himself off with exaggerated movements.

He tucked his own gun more securely into his waistband, his grip almost possessive. 

The barking started again, louder this time, echoing through the maze like distant thunder. Tae's system pulsed faintly in his vision, the cool, detached voice chiming in.

[ Hostiles approaching. Ten seconds to visual contact. ]

Tae's eyes darted around, scanning the cramped pathways for any place to hide. The barking grew closer, the sharp clatter of claws against concrete building the urgency.

"Run," Tae ordered, his voice low, firm.

Min-soo hesitated only a second before bolting after him.

Tae turned sharply at the next corner, spotting a shadowy alcove where the fence bent awkwardly. Without a second thought, he ducked into it, flattening himself against the cold, rusted metal. He held up a hand, signaling Min-soo to follow.

"Hide!" Tae hissed, voice sharp.

Min-soo, a few steps behind, didn't see the alcove until the last second. He stumbled as Tae grabbed his arm, yanking him into the shadows with a sharp pull.

The sudden movement jolted Min-soo's gun loose from his waistband.

The weapon clattered to the ground, muffled but unmistakable.

Min-soo froze. His eyes shot to the gun at their feet. His breath hitched, and for a moment, Tae thought the boy might panic.

"Shit!" Min-soo muttered, crouching quickly to grab it. His hands shook as he fumbled with the weapon, finally tucking it back into his waistband with a curse.

"Stupid… damn dogs," Min-soo grumbled, brushing invisible dirt off his pants as he straightened up.

Tae's gaze was cold, calculating as he watched.

The barking faded into the distance, but neither of them relaxed. Tae led the way again, his system guiding them through the maze with efficient precision. The blue trail twisted and turned, the faint glow of an exit sign appearing in the distance.

"We're almost there!" Min-soo said, his voice breaking with relief.

Tae didn't respond. He walked calmly, his steps steady, even as the snarling grew louder behind them.

Min-soo glanced at Tae, his face a mix of anxiety and something darker.

Tae didn't look back.

They could see the exit now. They had made it. They had survived.