Chapter 18: Shadows of Growth
The morning sun barely reached the narrow alley as Min-jun walked to the Association, Ji-ho trailing behind him. His younger brother's eyes were wide with curiosity and a little fear.
"Hyung… people are still talking about you," Ji-ho whispered. "Even some older students at school… they're staring."
Min-jun patted Ji-ho's head lightly. "Let them watch. It doesn't matter what they think. Only what we do matters."
Seo-ah fell into step beside him, her bow resting lazily on her shoulder. "They'll watch more than that," she said quietly. "Your skeletons—they notice everything. Hunters, guilds, even hidden observers. You need to be ready."
Min-jun exhaled slowly and opened his system window.
[Player Profile]
Name: Kang Min-jun
Level: 12
Class: Necromancer (Common)
HP: 310 / 310
Mana: 740 / 740
Strength: 17
Agility: 16
Vitality: 22
Intelligence: 38
Luck: 11
Skeleton Storage:
Basic Skeleton x1
Warrior Skeleton x1
Elite Skeleton x1
[Passive Skills]
– Death Sense
– Mana Affinity (Undead)
[Active Skills]
– Raise Skeleton (Lv. 4)
– Skeleton Storage (Expanded)
– Undead Reinforcement (Passive)
[Hidden Condition Progress]
Elite Skeleton Stabilization: 45%
Min-jun focused on the Elite skeleton's stats. Its black mist had become less erratic, but it still flickered unpredictably at times.
*I need more practice… more control.*
Later, in a small abandoned warehouse, he trained with Seo-ah and the skeletons. Each movement of his hand sent a ripple through the skeletons' mana, testing how far he could synchronize them.
The basic skeleton flanked clumsily, the warrior skeleton held firm, and the elite skeleton moved with cautious precision. Every mistake was his own to correct; every success a small victory.
"Your control is improving," Seo-ah observed quietly. "You're learning to think ahead. That's more important than raw power."
Min-jun nodded. "I'm starting to feel… connected. Not just commanding them, but understanding them."
He paused, watching the Elite skeleton flicker its mist, then mimic a small, precise strike without his direct command.
*Good… almost there.*
A soft chime rang in his vision.
[Hidden Condition Progress Updated]
[Elite Skeleton Stability: 55%]
He smiled faintly, feeling the first true sign of progress. Step by step, his skeletons were becoming something more than tools—they were **soldiers, partners, extensions of himself**.
Outside, from the shadows, distant eyes continued to watch him. Guild masters, hunters, and unknown figures alike took note of the necromancer who could control three skeletons with such precision.
Min-jun exhaled and looked at Ji-ho, who had quietly followed him into the warehouse. "One day… I'll protect you with more than words, Ji-ho. You'll see."
The faint sound of bones clattering echoed as the skeletons shifted in unison. It was a small victory, but it felt monumental.
And in the quiet of the warehouse, Min-jun realized: this was just the beginning of a long journey.