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**When I opened my eyes, memories of what had happened came rushing back.**
I looked around the pitch-black space, searching for my sword and bag. Aside from my belongings, there was nothing—just darkness all around.
I managed to start a small campfire. Its flickering light revealed only stone walls and rough rocks.
Exhaustion finally caught up with me, and I lay down beside the fire. As my consciousness faded, the last thing I saw was the dark void around me.
When I awoke, I had no sense of time. I packed my things, lit a torch, and began walking—hoping to find a path that would lead me out of this dungeon.
After some time, I came across a door. When I opened it, I discovered a room filled with shelves of ancient books and mysterious artifacts.
I began to search the room and found three intriguing items. The first was a book titled *"Advanced Sword Techniques."*
I couldn't believe it. This was thought to be a lost relic, once used by the strongest knight of a forgotten era.
Then I found a sword handle. At first, it seemed ordinary—until I infused it with my mana.
The hilt came to life, glowing brightly, forming a radiant blade. A *mana sword*. Strong, elegant, and deadly. I gladly claimed it.
The final item was a blank scroll. It seemed useless, but something about it told me to keep it. I tucked it away in my bag and moved forward.
In the next room, there was little of interest—until I heard footsteps.
Another anomaly.
I reacted quickly, drawing my new sword and slashing its throat. The creature began to vanish... but just before it disappeared, I heard it whisper, *"Thank you."*
My grip loosened, and I dropped the sword in shock.
*Why would it thank me? Was it once human? Or was this some trick?*
I picked up my sword, still shaken, and pressed on.
Eventually, I stumbled across a cage—and inside was a young human girl.
She looked at me with pleading eyes and said, *"Help me."*
Without hesitation, I sliced through the bars. She rushed to me and whispered, *"Thank you."*
Just as I was about to reply, a man in ceremonial white robes stepped forward. His face was expressionless as he said, *"Give me back my sacrifice."*
I stepped back, stunned. *"Sacrifice?"* I asked.
The man nodded. *"Yes. She is the offering for the great god of enlightenment—Gor."*
At the mention of Gor, my heart raced. Every rune hunter knows the names of the ancient gods who created the dungeons:
*Gor the Enlightened. Zeka the Chaos Bringer. Amios the God of Creation.*
I drew my sword and warned him, voice trembling, *"Don't come any closer, or I'll kill you."*
His mouth stretched into an unnatural grin. *"I can smell your fear."*
Before I could react, he lunged. I barely blocked the first strike but stumbled backward. His next blow landed hard, and pain surged through me. I screamed... and then blacked out.
When I awoke, I was surrounded by two shamans—one in white, one in black. They were chanting. I struggled, but my body wouldn't respond. I desperately searched my mind for a way out.
Then, a voice echoed in my head:
*"Would you like to use the empty scroll to learn the advanced sword techniques?"*
Without hesitation, I thought, *"Yes."*
My mind went blank. And then—I understood. The sword style wasn't just a technique... it became a part of me. I *became* the sword.
The shamans gasped. *"What's happening?!"*
I summoned the mana sword into my hand and drove it into the back of the shaman in black. As he fell, I stood, filled with power, and swiftly decapitated the second shaman.
Blood covered me. I stood silent in the aftermath, lost in thought.
*When did I start killing so easily? How did it come to this?*
Then, a small hand reached out and held mine.
It was the girl.
She looked up at me with quiet hope.
I smiled faintly and said, *"We're getting out of this cursed place. Together."*
I gripped her hand tightly, gathered my things, and stepped forward with only one goal:
**To make it out alive.**
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