NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Chapter 4: The Undead Beasts
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Since the discovery of black stone veins beneath Black City, the place has become the private domain of Grand Duke Tydar.
Tyrannical and insane, Duke Tydar forced the entire city's populace into servitude as miners, extracting black stone for his greed.
Those who could leave, fled long ago.
Those who couldn't, still schemed for an escape.
In a matter of months, the once-thriving city turned into a desolate wasteland, leaving behind remnants of its former glory. Priceless artifacts, exquisite metals, and craftsmanship now hold little value to the desperate residents who'd rather trade for food scraps to survive.
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Karl wandered through the marketplace, trading leftover meat strips for a few "ornate trinkets."
Coming from a noble family and having attended various exhibitions, he had developed an eye for luxury goods. The items he procured seemed capable of fetching a handsome sum in another world.
"Time to leave!"
Wrapping his newfound treasures in burlap and securing them to his back, Karl reminded Corlon to stay on the lookout for breathing techniques before setting off.
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'Thirty gold coins could buy a decent mid-range house in Signo City. In a more remote area, I might even afford a standalone estate,' Karl mused.
The oppressive atmosphere of Black City aside, it was undeniably a lucrative place for profit.
'Besides making money, obtaining a breathing technique here seems more accessible compared to my original world. At least there are leads... unlike—'
"Hmm?"
Lost in thought, Karl's instincts suddenly screamed danger. He dropped to the ground, reflexively slashing his sword behind him.
**Swish!**
**Rip!**
A tearing sound echoed as Karl felt a sharp pain in his back. His belongings scattered across the ground, the heavy clock hitting with a resounding *thud*.
Ignoring the potential damage to his items, Karl rolled to his feet, positioning his broad sword defensively in front of him.
**Iron Gate Stance!**
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Before him, a black shadow darted forward, slamming into his sword with terrifying force.
**Clang!**
"Ugh!" Karl grunted, staggering back a few steps as the shadow was flung away.
Finally able to get a clear look, Karl identified his attacker: a canine-like creature with pitch-black fur that blended seamlessly with the dim surroundings.
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**The Undead Beasts of Black City**
It dawned on Karl—this was no ordinary dog. He glanced back at the street and confirmed his suspicion: the corpse of the animal he'd seen earlier had vanished.
Now, it stood before him, transformed into an undead monstrosity, a trademark of Black City.
The half-dead creatures of Black City were a direct result of the black stone mines. The mines exuded a sinister "death energy" that seeped into the environment. Corpses exposed to it would reanimate, becoming undead monstrosities.
Living beings weren't immune either. Prolonged exposure to the mines warped and twisted their bodies, robbing them of reason and transforming them into monsters.
These creatures gained immense speed and strength and lost all sense of pain, driven solely by a primal instinct to attack the living.
Karl tightened his grip on his sword, the creature's glowing crimson eyes sending chills down his spine.
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**A Fierce Battle**
The undead hound lunged again with terrifying speed. Prepared this time, Karl sidestepped the attack, countering with a downward slash.
**Swish! Thud!**
His sword carved deep into the creature, striking bone. Yet, despite the gaping wound running from its back to its belly, the hound sprang back up as if unscathed.
"Damn it!" Karl cursed, his mind racing.
'These things have no vital points. Killing them is like hacking at a tree!'
The creature's resilience left Karl no choice but to go on the offensive.
With a sharp exhale, Karl charged forward, his blade gathering momentum as he unleashed a devastating strike.
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The hound seemed to sense the danger and leapt sideways, narrowly evading the blow.
Karl's blade struck the ground, sending a metallic ring through the air. Yet, it was a feint.
**Click! Swish! Swish!**
From his sleeve, a hidden mechanism released two miniature arrows. The projectiles shot out, embedding themselves in the hound's throat and front leg.
While the creature didn't die, it stumbled, losing its balance.
"Now's my chance!" Karl roared, summoning his remaining strength to execute a final attack.
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**Whirlwind Slash!**
A technique derived from Gale Swordsmanship, Whirlwind Slash was a battle skill typically mastered by knights or their squires.
However, thanks to his time in that mysterious domain, Karl had achieved a level of control over his body that allowed him to grasp this powerful technique.
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Three strikes in rapid succession landed on the creature, each blow deeper than the last.
A moment later, the undead hound's body shuddered before collapsing into a heap of severed parts.
Karl staggered, panting heavily as exhaustion caught up to him.
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**Aftermath**
"Damn," Karl muttered, surveying the dismembered creature.
Undead beasts like this often left behind remnants that could be traded for black stones. Yet, drained from the fight, Karl dismissed the thought of returning to collect the spoils.
"Better get out of here."
He quickly gathered his scattered belongings, double-checking for damage before rushing back to his temporary shelter.
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After locking the door and securing the iron bar, Karl leaned against the wall, exhaling in relief.
"Damn it. I forgot the spoils... Could've traded them for black stones," he muttered.
But there was no way he'd risk going back.
Shaking off his lingering dread, Karl activated the mysterious domain, returning to his home in Signo City.
No sooner had he set down his haul than a familiar voice echoed from the living room.
"Uncle, why is he here?"
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**(End of Chapter)**