---

"Alright, listen up!" Zane's voice cut through the quiet. "This is a C-rank gate. It's no joke. Stick together, watch your backs, and don't get cocky. We’re in this as a team."

Jace nodded, his hand resting on the Dagger of Nightshade. The blade felt lighter than ever, the cool shadowy aura around it more familiar. He could already feel the power surging through him. The new skill he'd gained—the one from the mysterious notification—hadn't left his mind since. But there was no time to dwell on it. Not now.

---

The first monster appeared with a bone-chilling screech, launching itself through the gate. It was a grotesque, clawed creature, its yellow eyes gleaming with hunger. Jace barely had time to react before the creature charged. The team sprang into action.

---

Clara was the first to move, her bowstring singing as an arrow sliced through the air, piercing the creature’s skull. But it didn’t go down. It howled in fury and charged at Clara.

---

“Got your back!” Derek shouted as he stepped forward, his massive shield slamming into the beast, knocking it back.

---

“Focus, people!” Zane barked. “We don’t have time for a slow fight!”

---

Jace’s heart raced as he sprinted into the fray. The beast’s claws swiped at Derek, but the tank was well-prepared, raising his shield to absorb the blow. Jace dashed forward, his new Dagger of Nightshade flashing through the air in a deadly arc. He aimed for the creature’s side, his blade sinking deep into its flesh.

---

But the creature roared, twisting violently, and Jace was knocked back by the sheer force of its thrashing. "Damn!" he cursed under his breath. His body crashed against the ground, the wind knocked out of him.

---

The creature was fast—too fast. And Jace could feel it—his stamina depleting at an alarming rate. His previous fights had been tough, but this… this was different. The stakes were higher, and every second counted. He pushed himself to his feet, eyes locked onto the beast as it prepared to charge again.

---

"Jace!" Sierra’s voice rang out. She fired off a blast of fire, the flames scorching the creature’s back. It screamed in pain, but it wasn’t enough to bring it down.

---

The beast turned its ferocious gaze back toward Jace, and in that moment, Jace knew something had to change. This wasn’t a fight he could win using just speed and stealth. He needed more.

---

Suddenly, the notification appeared again. It was familiar now. The same feeling washed over him.

---

[Skill Unlocked: [Enhanced Perception]]

Type: Passive Skill

Effect: Increase reaction time by 30%, detect weak spots in enemies.

Skill Level: 1/3

---

Jace’s breath caught in his throat. He had no time to celebrate, but the rush of power was immediate. His senses sharpened—everything around him seemed clearer, faster. His instincts kicked into overdrive.

---

He dodged the beast’s claws just as they sliced through the air. His body moved like it was on autopilot—graceful, controlled, and lightning-fast. He saw its weak spot—the vulnerable spot just under its shoulder where the muscle was thinnest.

---

"Here we go," Jace whispered to himself. His dagger was an extension of his will as he darted forward, his movements almost a blur.

---

The Dagger of Nightshade sunk into the beast's weak point with precision. The creature screamed in agony as the blade severed its tendon, leaving it unable to use its arms.

---

But it didn’t stop there. Jace’s new skill kicked in, and he saw more than just the beast’s weak points—he saw its desperation.

---

He didn’t hesitate. With the dagger in hand, he delivered a series of quick, calculated strikes, each one forcing the beast to stagger back. Before it could retaliate, Jace darted behind it, driving the blade deep into its spine. The creature let out a final, blood-curdling scream before collapsing to the ground.

---

The battle was over. The others paused, watching as the creature crumpled.

---

"Nice work, new guy," Zane said, his tone casual, though there was a flicker of respect in his eyes.

---

Jace nodded, wiping the blood from his dagger. He could feel his heart racing, but it wasn’t just the fight. It was the sense of growth—of becoming something more. He was leveling up in ways he hadn’t even imagined before.

---

The team took a moment to regroup.

---

"More coming," Derek said, pointing to the dark horizon as more beasts began to pour through the rift. It wasn’t just one anymore. There were dozens.

---

“This is it, people,” Zane’s voice was sharp, a smile pulling at the corner of his lips. “Time to show them what we’re made of.”

---

The monsters were on them again. But this time, Jace was ready.

---

He lunged, his new Enhanced Perception pushing him to the limits of his skill. His dagger flashed, cutting down monster after monster. His movements were faster than before, each strike precise—a deadly dance of agility and power. He didn’t feel tired. He didn’t feel anything but pure focus.

---

Another notification popped up in his sight.

---

[Skill Unlocked: [Shadow Strike]]

Type: Active Skill

Effect: Teleport to an enemy’s weak point within a 10-meter radius. Deals double damage on impact.

Skill Level: 1/3

---

Jace smirked. This was exactly what he needed.

---

Without hesitation, he teleported behind the nearest monster and drove the dagger into its heart. The creature let out a whimper, its body slumping to the ground.

---

"We’ve got a live one here!" Zane laughed, cutting down a creature in front of him. "Keep it up!"

---

Jace was in the zone now. Every strike, every movement was like second nature. The battle raged on, but he was no longer just reacting—he was controlling it.

---

The monsters fell one by one, and with each one that dropped, Jace could feel his strength growing, his abilities sharpening. This was his moment.

---

---

The last of the beasts fell with a heavy thud, and the group took a moment to catch their breath. The gate behind them pulsed faintly, but it was no longer a threat—at least for now.

---

“That’s how it’s done,” Zane grinned, clapping Jace on the back. “You did good, kid. Real good.”

---

Jace nodded, his heart still pounding. His body was spent, but his mind was clearer than ever. This was the start of something bigger. He had leveled up. He had become stronger. And he knew, deep down, this was only the beginning.

---