Shadows of Betrayal

In the realm of possibilities and untapped potential, a new chapter unfolded, transporting humanity into a realm where the boundaries of strength and survival were pushed to their limits.

The world became a tapestry of open portals, gateways to otherworldly dimensions, scattered across the globe.

Within these portals, the key to unlocking true potential lay hidden, beckoning those brave enough to embrace the extraordinary.

Deep within the recesses of these portals, where shadows danced and monsters prowled, a concept emerged, shaping the path to greatness—levels.

Levels became more than mere numbers; they represented growth, power, and the journey of each individual.

They were a testament to experience gained, lessons learned, and the accumulation of knowledge and skill.

The higher the level, the closer one stood to surpass the limits of mortality.

To ascend through the ranks of levels, individuals had to gather experience points (EXP), earned through grueling combat with the formidable creatures lurking within the portals or absorbing the mana from conquered portals.

[Author: The absorption of the mana from conquered portals is what will be mostly used in the story later on, as the exp given from monsters is too small. The mana/energy absorbed from the conquered portals will be transformed into Physical power and Elemental Power.]

Each battle fought, each victory achieved, granted a valuable reward in the form of EXP. However, the path to ascension was not easily traversed.

It demanded unwavering perseverance, unyielding determination, and the willingness to push beyond one's limits.

The level system was a complex tapestry, meticulously designed with distinct milestones marking the arduous journey.

From levels 1 to 10, a hundred EXP was required to progress.

The next tier, levels 11 to 20, demanded a formidable accumulation of 200 EXP.

As the levels climbed higher, so too did the requirement for growth. Levels 21 to 30 necessitated a staggering 300 EXP, and levels 31 to 40 demanded an awe-inspiring 400 EXP to advance.

[AN: Levels will later become void in the story after level 100, so please do not be focused on the exp gains]

However, true power did not solely rely on leveling up. For a select few, a different path to growth was unlocked—the rare gift of absorbing Qi or mana from their surroundings.

These extraordinary individuals, like Ebuka and Ogami, possessed the ability to tap into the raw energy of the universe and channel it into their own being.

Through their mastery of Qi absorption, they could enhance their physical and elemental prowess, propelling themselves towards greatness.

This power set them apart from their peers, granting them the potential to bridge the gap between mortality and godlike might.

With each intake of Qi, their strength grew, their levels advanced, and their connection to the world around them deepened.

But such gifts were not easily obtained.

They were the product of unwavering determination, countless trials and errors, and a commitment to relentless self-improvement.

Those who possessed this rare ability were chosen by destiny itself, tasked with unlocking their true potential and protecting humanity from the impending horrors lurking beyond the portals.

Within the treacherous realm of the portals, danger lurked at every turn.

A diverse array of monsters roamed, each categorized into tiers representing their level of strength and ferocity.

Tier 1, known as the "Common" tier, comprised creatures that posed moderate threats to the inexperienced.

Dire Wolves and Venomous Spiders were among these foes, wielding physical power ranging from 5 to 10 and elemental power from 1 to 3.

While not overly challenging, they still demanded careful strategy and coordination to overcome.

Moving up to Tier 2, the "Elite" tier, the monsters became considerably stronger and more cunning.

Ferocious Goblins and Cursed Skeletons lurked within the shadows, their physical power escalating to 12 and their elemental power surging to 5.

Engaging these creatures in combat demanded skillful maneuvers and potent spells to prevail.

Tier 3 marked a significant leap in power, introducing the "Lord" tier, where monstrous entities were capable of unleashing devastating attacks.

Behemoth Alphas and Vengeful Specters awaited the guild members, with physical power exceeding 20 and elemental power surpassing 10.

Defeating these creatures required exceptional teamwork, unwavering resolve, and the strategic use of powerful skills.

At the pinnacle of the hierarchy stood Tier 4, the legendary "Godlike" tier.

Monsters within this tier were the stuff of nightmares, legendary behemoths that struck fear into even the most seasoned warriors.

Ancient Dragons and Primordial Demons were among the unimaginably powerful entities.

Their physical power soared above 30, while their elemental power reached astonishing heights of 15 or more.

Confronting these monstrosities was a perilous endeavor, often resulting in either glorious victory or devastating defeat.

Every encounter with these creatures yielded experience points, symbolizing the growth and progress of the guild members.

The rewards varied, but even the lowest-ranked monster granted a mere 0.1 EXP.

The journey to becoming stronger was arduous, demanding relentless dedication, strategic battles, and the accumulation of experience points over time.

As the battle for survival intensified, the delicate balance between mankind and monsters hung in the balance.

Each day, a quota of monsters had to be slain within the portals.

Failure to meet this requirement would trigger the unleashing of a fearsome horde, a relentless onslaught that threatened to engulf humanity.

The stakes were high, and the clock was ticking.

Inside the grand hall of the guild, Ebuka's brother Emeka stood among his fellow guild members, anticipation filling the air as they prepared to embark on their next portal expedition.

The hall buzzed with conversation and the clinking of weapons as they readied themselves for the unknown challenges that lay ahead.

Emeka glanced around, taking note of the faces that would accompany him into the portal.

Among them were Ayo, a skilled swordsman with a fiery spirit, and Chioma, a sorceress known for her mastery of elemental magic.

Their camaraderie had been built through countless battles and shared victories, forging bonds that held their guild together.

Approaching the portal's shimmering threshold, their hearts beat with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Stepping through, the surroundings shifted, revealing a sprawling dungeon illuminated by a dim, otherworldly light.

Their footsteps echoed through the labyrinthine corridors as they advanced cautiously, eyes scanning for any signs of danger.

Soon, their presence attracted the attention of lurking monsters.

A group of vicious creatures, their forms twisted and monstrous, lunged forward to defend their territory.

The clash of steel and the crackle of magic filled the air as Emeka and his guild members fought back with determination and skill.

A system notification appeared before them, displaying vital information about the encountered monster:

[Monster Race: Ferocious Goblin

Tier: 2

Physical Power: 12

Elemental Power: 5]

With each monster slain, a system notification chimed, displaying the gained experience:

[Monster killed - EXP gained!]

The guild pressed onward, venturing deeper into the dungeon, their resolve unwavering despite the growing fatigue that settled upon their shoulders.

They encountered stronger foes, their powers tested to the limit, but with strategic maneuvers and unwavering teamwork, they triumphed.

Yet, as their energy waned, a monstrous roar reverberated through the chamber, shaking the very foundation of their resolve.

A massive creature, the boss monster of the dungeon, emerged, its towering form radiating with an aura of overwhelming power.

A system notification flashed before them, warning of the impending danger:

[Warning: Boss Monster Detected – Behemoth Alpha

Monster Race: Behemoth Alpha

Tier: 2

Physical Power: 15

Elemental Power: 10

Skills: Earthquake Stomp, Feral Roar, Mighty Charge, Thunderous Slam]

Fear gripped Emeka's heart as he watched his guild members exchange glances, a decision made silently but unanimously.

Betrayal tainted their eyes as they turned against him, their former companion, casting him aside to face the wrath of the Behemoth Alpha alone.

Emeka pleaded desperately, "NOOO!!! Please, I beg you!!!"

But his pleas fell upon deaf ears as he was thrown to the mercy of the beast.

The monster's hungry eyes fixed upon him, a predator ready to consume its prey.

The scene shifted, revealing Emeka's family gathered in their humble home.

News of his demise reached them, delivered by somber guild representatives.

Tears flowed freely, grief gripping their hearts as they struggled to comprehend the loss of their beloved son and brother.

Contacting Ebuka, their last hope, proved futile as the lack of network connectivity deep in the forest thwarted their efforts.

They were left alone, isolated, and vulnerable to the shifting tides of their community.

Unbeknownst to them, the downfall of the Olayinka family had begun.

Whispers of their weakness and their ties to the fallen guild member spread through the community, drawing the attention of those who sought to exploit their vulnerability.

As the days passed, the Olayinka family faced mounting challenges, their grief overshadowed by the looming threat of targeted aggression.

The once peaceful existence they had known was shattered, replaced by a world that now viewed them with suspicion and disdain.