---

"Stay sharp," Zane's voice cut through the silence, his hand tightening around his sword hilt. "This is it. The boss is no joke. Let’s make it count."

---

Jace felt the tension in the air. He wasn’t sure how this battle would go, but one thing was clear: he couldn’t afford to hold back.

---

"All right," Zane said, his voice low, "Let’s go."

---

With a signal, they moved forward, their footsteps echoing in the cavern. Suddenly, the shadows in the center of the room began to stir, swirling into a mass of black mist. The ground trembled as something enormous began to take shape—something ancient and terrifying.

---

The Rampage Beast emerged from the mist, a monstrous, hulking figure with massive claws and glowing red eyes. Its body was covered in jagged spines, and its snarl was deafening as it surveyed the group.

---

"That's the boss?" Derek muttered under his breath. "Looks like we’ve got our hands full."

---

The beast roared, its voice shaking the very walls. Before anyone could react, it charged with terrifying speed, its claws outstretched and aimed directly at Zane.

---

“Watch out!” Jace shouted, his voice sharp. He barely had time to react as the beast lunged.

---

In an instant, the team scattered, trying to evade the beast's fury. Clara fired arrows, but they bounced off the creature’s thick hide, leaving no damage. Sierra summoned flames, but the beast’s armor seemed impervious to the heat. It was clear—the Rampage Beast wasn’t going to be an easy target.

---

Jace’s heart raced, adrenaline surging as he dove forward, his Dagger of Nightshade ready. He felt the enhanced perception kick in, his senses sharpening. He could see the monster’s weak spots, but every time he tried to strike, the creature’s massive claws would block his attacks.

---

“We need a plan!” Zane shouted, narrowly dodging the beast’s claws. “Jace, get to its back and hit it there! Clara, cover him!”

---

Jace didn’t wait for a second command. He dashed forward, his movements smooth and precise. His feet barely touched the ground as he weaved through the creature’s attacks, his eyes locked on the spot Zane had mentioned—the back of the beast, where the armor was slightly thinner.

---

As he reached the beast’s flank, he saw his chance. With a single, powerful motion, Jace teleported behind the beast, using his [Shadow Strike] skill. The dagger sank deep into the creature’s vulnerable spot, and the beast roared in pain.

---

But the Rampage Beast wasn’t finished. It spun around, its massive claws swiping at Jace. He barely dodged, but the force of the attack sent him tumbling across the ground.

---

“Jace!” Zane shouted, his voice filled with urgency. “Get up! Don’t let it get the upper hand!”

---

Jace gritted his teeth, pushing himself to his feet. His body was aching, but there was no time to rest. The battle was far from over. He could feel the energy of the fight coursing through his veins, his [Enhanced Perception] guiding every move, every strike.

---

This time, Jace used his [Shadow Strike] again, but this time, he targeted the eyes. The beast howled in rage as Jace appeared right in front of it, his dagger piercing the creature’s right eye. The blow was deep, and the creature staggered back, disoriented and furious.

---

“Now!” Zane barked. “Finish it off!”

---

The entire team charged forward, working as one. Derek swung his shield, pushing the beast off balance. Clara fired a volley of arrows, each one finding its mark. Sierra summoned a powerful flame, engulfing the beast in fire.

---

With one final, coordinated strike, the beast crumpled to the ground, its massive body twitching before it went still.

---

"We did it!" Zane exclaimed, his voice triumphant as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "That was one hell of a fight."

---

Jace stood panting, his body exhausted from the battle, but his eyes glinting with satisfaction. He had leveled up—no doubt about it. As the boss crumpled, Jace’s screen filled with notifications.

---

---

[Level Up!]

Health: +50

Strength: +5

Agility: +5

Perception: +5

Intelligence: +3

Mentality: +4

Stamina: +4

---

[New Skill Unlocked: [Adrenaline Surge]]

Type: Active Skill

Effect: Temporarily increase movement speed and attack power by 30% for 10 seconds.

Skill Level: 1/3

---

---

Jace blinked, his head swimming with the sudden influx of power. His body felt lighter, more agile. The new skill he’d unlocked—[Adrenaline Surge]—was exactly what he needed in moments of critical danger. He could feel the potential already.

---

“Nice work,” Derek said, clapping Jace on the back. “You held your own out there. Didn’t expect you to pull through like that.”

---

Jace gave him a tired smile, but before he could reply, a group of hunters from the Closer Cross Guild Association arrived, led by an imposing figure. They immediately began harvesting the mana crystals from the slain boss.

---

"We’re here to collect," the leader said, nodding to Zane. "We'll take over from here."

---

Zane waved them off. "Sure, go ahead. We’ve earned our share."

---

Jace watched as the team collected the precious crystals, each one glowing with raw energy. He knew they’d be sold off to the Hunter Association, a lucrative payout for the entire team.

---

But as the others gathered their share of the spoils, Jace felt something inside him stirring. The level-ups, the skills… it was all a sign. This wasn’t just about surviving anymore—it was about thriving.

---

---

The Hunter Association had already sent over the rewards—a hefty payout, and as Jace checked his stats, his mind raced. His growth wasn’t just in strength—it was in everything. He was becoming something more than he’d ever dreamed possible. And he knew this was just the beginning.

---

---

As the team made their way out of the Boss Chamber, the atmosphere lightened. They were victorious, but Jace’s mind was already moving ahead