Apex In The Shadow

Ken stood still, his thoughts racing.

"A cursed class…! I have to make the undead submit to me?!"

"Is this some kind of joke?"

The staff member watched him quietly, her eyes filled with sympathy.

She turned toward a large holographic screen and retrieved a card from a slot device beneath it.

She walked back to Ken, her expression serious.

"Mr. Ken,"

She said,

"I'm sorry, but your rank level is… E."

The words hit him hard.

"E...?"

"Yes, but you can still join dungeon teams,"

She added,

"But only as a helper… You can't fight because your body is still normal. Even after awakening, you didn't gain strength, speed, or intelligence boosts like others."

"You have no undead under your control, so…"

She hesitated.

"You're no different than a regular person."

Ken accepted the card with a heavy heart.

His name and class were printed clearly on it, a painful reminder of his situation.

...

[GAA, ADVENTURER CARD]

Name: Ken D. Reindza

Age: 18

Class: Undead Master

Rank Level: E

Guild: N/A

Contact Info: [email protected]

...

"She's right,"

He thought bitterly.

"Even though I awakened as a Necromancer, I can't summon even one undead…"

"Every Undead Master before me died miserably… Because all of them including me are no different from a normal human."

...

In this world, people awakened their powers at 18+ years old.

There were two ways to do it, through a 'Crystal Core Analyzer,' like Ken had used, or by surviving a near-death experience, it is rare and also dangerous.

Many people gambled their lives for a higher class using the second method, but ultimately died without awakening their Class abilities.

Everyone knew the stories of those lucky enough to awaken the second way.

One of the strongest adventurers on Earth, she is a Holy Knight from New Zealand.

Once an ordinary college student unable to awaken her Class ability, her fate changed 180 degree when a Blue Portal Dungeon suddenly appeared near her university.

For over 20 days, the Portal Dungeon went unnoticed, even by the Guilds in New Zealand.

Eventually, the Portal Dungeon exploded, unleashing hordes of Monstrums onto the campus.

The Monstrums massacred most of the students, staff, and instructors.

However, on the brink of death, she awakened her Class 'Holy Knight'.

In a burst of power, she annihilated all the Monstrums before any adventurers could even arrive.

Her incredible feat of strength and bravery earned her fear, respect, and recognition.

She rose to the rankings in the Global Ranking as an A+ Rank adventurer, the pride of New Zealand, and one of Earth's most formidable adventurer.

...

Ken sighed.

"Why am I so unlucky?"

He muttered.

"I thought awakening as a Necromancer would change my life."

"Instead, I'm stuck with a useless version."

"Well… at least I can earn money now. No more instant noodles for dinner."

His stomach growled loudly, snapping him back to reality.

He turned to the staff member.

"Miss, is there any dungeon clearing scheduled this week? Even a low-level one?"

She smiled kindly.

"Please, call me Carla."

Ken gave a weak smile.

"Alright, Carla. So, any open slots?"

She checked the holographic list again.

"There's one,"

She said,

"But it's a Level A Portal Dungeon and for some reason it became a Level E. The aura around it is unstable, though weak for now. It's risky."

Ken's heart thumped.

"I'll take it."

Her eyes widened.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Please sign me up and let me know when it starts."

Carla hesitated before nodding.

"Alright. I'll register you. But please be careful."

She finished the process, then asked,

"Have you thought about joining a guild?"

"The Bukidon Guild is recruiting."

Ken thought for a moment.

"Not yet... I want to gain some experience first before join a Guild."

"Fair enough. Come back if you change your mind."

As they walked to the exit, Carla waved with a smile.

"Good luck, Ken."

He waved back, feeling a bit lighter.

"She's kind of cute,"

He thought.

"Carla… Nice name."

His stomach growled again, louder this time.

"Alright,"

He muttered, rubbing his belly,

"First things first, food!"

Ken left the adventurer guild building with a mix of frustration and hunger weighing on him.

He wandered to a nearby restaurant, Mang Tonyo's Bulalohan, a small, homey place filled with the rich aroma of slow-cooked beef broth.

The bell above the door jingled as he entered, and the owner, a stocky old man with a kind smile and thick, silver hair, greeted him.

"Welcome sa Akong restaurant." (Welcome to my restaurant.)

The old man said warmly, wiping his hands on his apron.

"Unsa man, gutom kaayo ka?" (So, are you very hungry?)

Ken managed a small smile and nodded.

"Yes, old man. I'm starving. One bulalo and rice, please."

"Bulalo? Sus, maayo nga bulalo imong order." (Ah, it's good that you order bulalo.)

"Mau na'y tambal sa gutom!" (That's the cure for hunger!)

The old man chuckled as he scribbled down the order.

"Paabot lang, ha? Lingkod una." (Just wait a moment, alright? Have a seat)

"Salamat, old man." (Thank you, old man)

Ken replied, grateful for the familiar kindness.

He found a table near the corner, sat down, and sighed deeply.

As he waited, his thoughts darkened.

"What a goner I am,"

He brooded.

"A useless class. No power. No future. The hopes I had of being strong… they're as far away as the moon."

His fists clenched on the table.

"Why did it have to be me?"

Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a group of three adventurers chatting loudly at the next table.

"Did you hear?"

One of them said excitedly.

"The Pristine Guild in Palawan is recruiting!"

"Yeah! And our idol is there,"

Another added with a grin.

"Imagine getting to fight alongside him. That's my dream!"

Ken frowned slightly, leaning back in his chair.

"Joining a guild, huh? Everyone seems to have something to chase after…"

Just then, the old man arrived with a large, steaming bowl of bulalo and a plate of rice.

The rich aroma of beef marrow, corn, and greens filled Ken's nose, making his mouth water.

"Here you go, Bulalo and rice,"

The old man announced with pride.

"Salamat kaayo, old man." (Thank you very much, old man)

Ken said, his eyes sparkling with delight.

"It's been years since I've eaten bulalo. Now that I'm an adventurer, I can finally afford real food again!"

He took his first bite, and a tear slipped from the corner of his eye.

The savory broth, the tender beef, and the warm memories it brought back overwhelmed him.

He saw his parents in his mind, sitting beside him, smiling as they shared a meal together.

The warmth of their laughter echoed in his heart.

"Ma… Pa… mingaw na kaayo ko ninyo..." (Mom… Dad… I really miss you... )

His tears began to fall freely, each one carrying the weight of his longing and loss.

The old man noticed the emotion in Ken's face.

Quietly, he walked over and placed a tissue on the table.

"Hoy, dong, unsa diay ang problema?" (Hey, what's wrong?)

"Ang bulalo ba… walay lami?" (Does the bulalo… not taste good?)"

Ken looked up, wiping his tears with a sheepish smile.

"No, old man. It's so good… that my tears just came on their own."

The old man chuckled, a soft warmth in his voice.

"Ah, maayo diay." (Ah, that's good)

"Bulalo nga makahilak ug kalipay." (Bulalo that makes you cry from happiness)

Ken nodded, smiling through his tears.

"Salamat, old man." (Thank you old man.)

"Kaon lang, dong." (Just eat.)

The old man said gently.

"Enjoy it. Life is hard, but food is meant to be shared with good memories."

Ken sat quietly, the aroma of the steaming bulalo filling his senses as he waited for the broth to cool.

His stomach growled in anticipation, but his mind drifted far away.

The taste of the rich, savory soup triggered memories long buried beneath the weight of his loneliness.

Each spoonful brought back flashes of a time when the world was simpler, when he was just a boy sitting between his mother and father, sharing a warm meal.

As the broth touched his tongue, a flood of emotions surged within him.

Ken's heart ached, the weight of longing pressing deep into his chest.

"Anak, tawag imong papa kay mangaon nata..." (Son, call your dad, we're going to eat...)

It was the voices he remembered from his mother.

The spoon trembled in his hand.

His breath hitched, the tightness in his throat threatening to break free.

...

"Old man! Isa ka litro nga coke palihog!" (Old man! One liter of Coca-Cola please!)

...

"Ha Ha Ha Ha, that's a good one!"

"Yeah it is! Ha Ha Ha!"

...

Around him, the restaurant hummed with life, clinking utensils, bursts of laughter, but the noise barely touched him.

His mother's voice in his memories, soft and full of happiness.

Ken clenched his fist beneath the table, fingers pressing hard into his palm.

No one noticed the flicker of pain in his eyes, or the way his chest rose and fell too quickly, as if he were suffocating on memories.

"You are our pride, our joy…"

He remembered his father's voice. Strong, steady.

A tear slipped down his cheek.

He brushed it away quickly.

But more followed, silent and relentless, each drop carrying the weight of years without comfort.

"Why did you leave me?... "

The question in his mind burned bitterly.

"I miss you guys so much..."

There was no answer.

Only silence and empty, merciless silence.

He forced himself to take another bite of the bulalo.

"I'll keep going,"

He thought silently.

"I'll make you proud!"

Ken finished his bulalo and the rest of the food on his table.

He clapped his hands together.

"Thanks for the meal,"

He said, feeling full and satisfied.

He stood up and walked over to the old man at the counter.

"Hey, old man! Thank you for the food. Your bulalo is really delicious."

He placed some money on the counter.

"Here's my payment and also keep the change. You deserve it."

The old man counted the money and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, no, you still have 50 pesos left. Wait, let me get your change."

Ken smiled, shaking his head.

"No, old man. The bulalo was worth it. It deserves 200 pesos. Keep the change, really."

The old man gave a warm chuckle.

"Is that so? I'm glad you liked it. If you ever feel hungry for bulalo again, come back anytime. I promise it'll taste just as good."

Ken stepped back, waving as he walked away.

" I'll do that. Thank you!"

The old man waved back.

"Amping, dong!" (Take care, kid!)

Stepping out into the fresh air, Ken walked to the side of the highway.

His mind wandered.

"Why hasn't Carla sent me any updates about the dungeon yet? It's been a while…"

ZzzzzZZZzz! ZzzzzzZZZz! ZzzzzZZZzz!

Suddenly, his phone buzzed.

He grabbed it, answering quickly. "

"Hello? Who's this?"

"Hello, Mr. Ken, this is Carla,"

A familiar voice answered.

"The dungeon application you submitted has been approved. The clearing will start in three hours at Mount Apo-Talomo. You'll be part of a team with one D+ rank adventurer, three E-rank adventurers, and a helper from the guild. Please prepare and stay safe. Good luck!"

Ken's heart raced with excitement.

" Thank you so much, Carla!"

After the call ended, he clenched his fists. His eyes lit up with determination.

"Finally, my first dungeon!"

"YEEESZZZ!"

"But... Where can I get a sword?"

He looked around, spotting a rundown shop across the street with a large sign that read 'Cheapest Items'.

Ken smirked.

"Perfect."

He hurried across the road.

"Cheapest Items, huh?"

He muttered.

He stopped just short of the entrance, leaning back to take a closer look at the sign.

The hand-painted letters were slightly crooked, and the word 'Cheapest' was smudged as if written in haste.

Below it, in smaller, faded letters, someone had scribbled that says 'Quality not guaranteed. No returns.'

Ken tilted his head.

"Hmm… Quality not guaranteed?"

He scratched his head, then shrugged.

"Eh, I'm on a budget anyway. A sword is a sword."

Ding. Ding. Ding. Ding.

Without another thought, he pushed the door open, a small bell jingling above him.

The inside smelled of old metal and leather.

Weapons and armor were stacked everywhere.

His eyes landed on a dusty box with a sign that says 95% off.

He opened it eagerly, revealing a sword and chest armor.

"This is it!"

He whispered with a smile.

He carried the box to the counter, where a bored cashier glanced up.

"How much for this?"

Ken asked.

"400 pesos... "

The cashier mumbled.

Ken handed over a crumpled bill, practically shaking with excitement.

The cashier raised an eyebrow.

"Adventurer Card?"

Ken puffed out his chest and proudly pulled the Adventurer card out.

"Here."

...

"Teenagers these days…"

The cashier muttered, scanning the card before handing it back.

Ken grinned.

"Thank you."

He glanced around.

"Is there a place to change"

"Back there,"

The cashier pointed without looking up.

Ken dashed to the changing room, strapping on the armor and holding the sword.

He checked himself in the mirror, a grin spreading across his face.

"This..."

"This is awesome."

"The wish of all men!"

...

After spending a long time looking at himself and posing in the mirror, he stepped outside and immediately waved down a taxi.

"Where to?"

"Mount Apo-Talomo, please!"

As the taxi drove along the twisting mountain road, the trees on either side seemed to close in, their branches swaying in the wind.

Ken felt the road dip and rise beneath them, the air growing cooler with every mile.

"My first dungeon clearing!"

"No more Noddles!"

He sat quietly, the weight of his new sword resting against his leg, his thoughts racing with excitement about the dungeon ahead.

KKK-K-K-K!

KKK-K-K-K!

Suddenly, the car stop, making Ken leaned forward.

"What the-"

The driver muttered, his eyes wide.

A man in a reflective vest stepped into the headlights' glare, raising his hand.

The police officer stood firm in the middle of the road, his face serious.

"There's a Portal Dungeon ahead!"

The officer called out.

"It's too dangerous to go any further!"

The driver gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning pale.

"I-I didn't know... I'm sorry, officer!"

Ken leaned forward, resting his arms on the back of the driver's seat.

His voice was calm and steady.

"It's alright, officer. I'll take responsibility."

The officer frowned, stepping closer. His sharp gaze flicked over Ken.

"You can't just take responsibility! It's against the law to be near a dungeon without proper authorization."

" Only adventurers are allowed. Do you want to get arrested?"

Without hesitation, Ken reached into his pocket and pulled out his Adventurer Card.

He held it up, the card glinting faintly under the headlights.

The officer's stern expression softened as he scanned the card.

His shoulders relaxed, and he let out a long sigh.

"Sigh. An adventurer, huh? You're young for this kind of danger…"

He shook his head.

"Be careful, kid. Dungeons aren't a joke."

Ken gave a small smile as he tucked the card away.

"Thanks, officer. I'll be careful."

The officer stepped aside, waving them forward.

The driver glanced nervously in the rearview mirror, then eased the car back into motion.

As they continued up the road, the shadows seemed deeper, the silence heavier, but Ken felt his heart race with excitement.

His fingers tapped lightly on the hilt of his sword.

...