The tree I'd used for cover exploded into flaming splinters. The shockwave hurled me forward. I landed roughly, tumbled, but immediately got back up.

Blood flowed from a wound on my shoulder, but my rage was greater than the pain. One of the wolves, the lead one, was already leaping at me, its maw gaping to reveal sword-like teeth crackling with electricity.

"Bastard!" I cursed.

Instead of dodging, I charged. My legs pushed off, my Agility stat of 60 making my movement almost a blur. I slid under its snapping jaws, Mindrender spinning in my hand, and with a hateful upward sweep, I severed its neck.

Slash!

The wolf's head flew, its eyes still glowing before they faded. Its massive body collapsed.

[Successfully killed Thunder Wolf]

[Received 50 EXP]

The remaining two were undeterred. If anything, their packmate's blood drove them into a frenzy. Their bodies were suddenly wreathed in pulsing, blue electric webs.

BZZZT!

With drastically increased speed, they shot forward like two lightning-guided projectiles.

I snarled. They were Rank B monsters, something I should be able to handle easily. But I'd already killed dozens since entering this dungeon hours ago. My stamina and concentration were at their limit. My muscles burned, my breath felt scorching.

The first wolf attacked from the left, its lightning-glazed claws swiping. I parried with Mindrender.

CLANG!

The clash of metal and electric energy stung my hand. The second wolf came from the right, going straight for a bite. I twisted my body, narrowly avoiding it, but its electrified teeth tore through my jacket and left a burn on my ribs.

"Grr... AH!" I reversed my sword, thrusting toward the right wolf's eye. But it was too fast, pulling its head back. A claw came from behind. I fell sideways, dodging again. It was an exhausting dance of death.

I needed to end this. When the right wolf leapt for another attack, I didn't dodge. I took it. Its electrified claw slammed into my already injured shoulder.

'Ugh!'

The stunning pain made my vision swim. But it gave me an opening. With my free left hand, I grabbed the horn on its forehead. Electricity coursed up my arm, but I ignored it. Then, with all the force of my strength, I twisted its head.

KRAK! The sound of a breaking neck. Its body convulsed, then went limp.

[Successfully killed Thunder Wolf]

[Received 50 EXP]

The last one, seeing its two companions dead, howled in fury. It backed up a few steps, its horn glowing the brightest, gathering its remaining energy for a final attack.

I stood swaying, Mindrender still clenched. As that final lightning blast shot forth, I had no energy for an elegant dodge. I just brought my sword forward, planted it in the ground, and let myself be pushed back by its force.

The lightning struck Mindrender. The sword channeled some of the energy, but the rest still hit me. The world turned white, and my body was thrown again. But as I landed, the wolf was also exhausted, breathing heavily. This was my chance.

I approached. It tried to swipe, but its movements were slow. I raised Mindrender, and with one final, heavy motion, beheaded it.

[Successfully killed Thunder Wolf]

[Received 50 EXP]

And instantly, another notification appeared.

[You Have Leveled Up to Level 60]

[You Have Received 5 Stat Points]

[Skill Time Stop has been upgraded]

'Oh, good,' I thought.

I slumped to the damp ground, gasping for breath. 5 Stat Points. Without a second thought, I dumped them all into Vitality.

[Vitality: 60 → 65]

A wave of fresh strength flowed through me, mending a bit of the exhaustion. I felt better, though still utterly drained. I opened my System Interface.

________________

NAME: Adam Socheron

CLASS:Depraved Time Lord

LEVEL:60

EXP:0/5000

<Strength: 80>

<Agility:60>

<Vitality:65>

<Charisma:9>

<Libido:100>

Available Stat Points: -

SKILLS:

[Time Stop]

[Eye of Desire]

[Lustful Touch]

[Fertility Control]

[Mind Control]

[Five-Minute Rewind]

[Dreamweaver]

[Elixir of Bliss]

ITEMS:

[Faceless Mask]

[Aphrodisiac Elixir]

[Mindrender]

[Dragonroot Rope]

[Aegis Pendant]

[The Edge of Bliss]

[The Fleshcraver's Loop]

[Ring of Self-Control]

[Key of the Tower of Space]

[Recovery Potion×3]

[Healing Potion×3]

________________

Then, curious about the skill upgrade, I opened the info for [Time Stop].

[Time Stop

->Allows the user to stop the flow of time in the surrounding area for 30 minutes. During the stopped time, only the user can move freely and interact with the environment. The user can also select specific individuals to remain mobile and aware within the stopped time. This skill requires a 3-hour cooldown after use before it can be activated again. Now, you may also cancel it at any time, though of course the skill cannot be used again immediately due to the cooldown.]

Huh. Somewhat disappointing. I thought the duration would increase or there'd be a new feature. Turns out I can just cancel it early. Well, I should still be grateful.

I took out two potion bottles from my inventory: a [Recovery Potion] and a [Stamina Potion] I'd bought with Ruth's help. By the way, mana-containing items can go into my system.

I downed both. A cold liquid flowed down my throat, and my fatigue and wounds gradually healed—though only partially. I'd been in here for almost half a day. People were right, dungeon hunting was better in a team. Sometime, to level up more easily, I should bring Delilah.

'Having sex inside a dungeon sounds interesting too,' I thought wickedly.

But my rest didn't last long. New growls sounded. Five, six... more Thunder Wolves emerged from behind the trees, surrounding me. Their eyes were full of hunger.

I checked my quest. How many more did I need to kill?

________________

[WEEKLY QUEST]

OBJECTIVE:

Kill 4 Rank B or higher monsters.

TIME LIMIT: 7 Days

REWARD: 1000 EXP

FAILURE: The System and all acquired abilities will be permanently lost.

________________

Just four more.

'Enough,' I thought. 'That's enough training for today.'

The five wolves got ready. Their horns began to glow, gathering lightning. I gave a thin smile and activated my cheat skill.

[Time Stop].

Everything stopped. The sound of the wind, the growls, the crackling electricity—all fell silent. The world became a three-dimensional photograph. Only I could move.

I stood up, lifting Mindrender. With leisurely steps, I walked up to the first wolf, frozen in a mid-roar pose. My sword swept out, beheading it without resistance.

[Successfully killed Thunder Wolf]

[Received 50 EXP]

Second, third, fourth. Each swing was a perfect execution. No effort. Just me and my helpless prey.

[Successfully killed Thunder Wolf]

[Received 50 EXP]

[Successfully killed Thunder Wolf]

[Received 50 EXP]

[Successfully killed Thunder Wolf]

[Received 50 EXP]

And as the fourth one fell...

[Weekly Quest Completed]

[You have received 1000 EXP]

But I didn't stop. I kept slaughtering. The fifth wolf, the sixth... they were like lifeless dolls. Suddenly, another notification appeared.

[Weekly Quest has been updated to match user progress]

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