# Chapter 19:
Kang Jin-woo rushed back into the narrow passage that had led them to the cell, leaving behind Detective Choi and the trembling victims. He could hear multiple footsteps approaching rapidly, accompanied by angry shouts in a distorted ritual language he didn't understand, but the tone of hatred and fanaticism was unmistakable. The Shadow Dagger in his hand glowed with a faint shimmer, as if sensing an approaching feast.
"Stay here and try not to die in an annoying way," Jin-woo shouted to the detective and victims without looking back. "I have some trash to clean up."
Jin-woo reached the narrow entrance of the cell and positioned himself to confront anyone trying to enter. The passage wasn't wide enough to comfortably allow more than one person at a time, which worked to his advantage. He could deal with them one by one, or perhaps two at a time if they were stupid enough to crowd together.
[Whisper: ...more food... more souls... make them scream... make them regret coming...]
The whispers of the "Pulsing Shadow Heart" were like a bloody soundtrack in his head. Jin-woo smiled. He felt calm and focused, a state he often reached before engaging in enjoyable violence.
The first cult member appeared around the bend in the passage. He was wearing the same bloody robe as the previous guard and wielding a crude short sword. He saw Jin-woo waiting for him and let out a zealous cry as he charged forward.
[Bloody Dawn Cult Member (Level 3)]
[Skills: Short Sword Usage (Basic), Fanatic Attack.]
Jin-woo gave him no chance. The moment the fanatic came within his reach, Jin-woo moved with lightning speed. He easily dodged the sideways sword strike, then plunged the Shadow Dagger directly into the fanatic's throat. There was no art or grace in this move, just cold, lethal efficiency.
The fanatic gurgled and fell to his knees, blood flowing from his wound. Before he could collapse completely, Jin-woo shoved him backward forcefully, causing him to collide with the second fanatic who had been following closely behind.
[Bloody Dawn Cult Member (Level 3) eliminated.]
[25 System Experience Points gained.]
Jin-woo took advantage of the momentary confusion and lunged toward the second fanatic, who was trying to push his comrade's body away from him. The second fanatic didn't have time to raise his weapon (which was a spiked club). Jin-woo thrust his dagger into the fanatic's chest, targeting the heart. The fanatic let out a short, muffled scream, then collapsed on top of the first body.
[Bloody Dawn Cult Member (Level 3) eliminated.]
[25 System Experience Points gained.]
The narrow passage was now blocked with two corpses. But Jin-woo could hear more voices coming from behind. He had no time to rest.
"What an unorganized bunch," Jin-woo muttered sarcastically, stepping over the bodies. "Don't you know how to set up a proper ambush?"
He encountered two more cult members at the next bend. They were slightly more cautious after seeing their comrades' bodies, but the fanaticism in their eyes was still burning bright. One was wielding a small axe, and the other carried a primitive wooden shield and a knife.
[Bloody Dawn Cult Member (Level 4) - Axe Wielder]
[Bloody Dawn Cult Member (Level 3) - Shield Bearer]
"This is a bit better," thought Jin-woo. "A little variety."
The axe wielder attacked first, trying to use the narrow passage to his advantage. But Jin-woo had anticipated this. He used the passage walls as supports, jumped over the low axe swing, then kicked the axe wielder hard in the chest. The man staggered backward, colliding with the shield bearer.
Before they could regain their balance, Jin-woo had landed on the ground and rushed toward the shield bearer. He didn't try to penetrate the shield, but targeted the hand holding the knife. A quick, precise thrust, and the shield bearer screamed in pain, dropping the knife.
Then, Jin-woo spun quickly, avoiding another axe swing from the first fanatic, who had partially recovered. Jin-woo moved close to the axe wielder, used his dagger to parry another strike, then delivered a powerful punch to the man's face, breaking his nose and sending blood everywhere.
While the axe wielder was reeling from the pain, Jin-woo took the opportunity and stabbed him in the stomach, then pulled the dagger upward in a vicious motion. The axe wielder collapsed, clutching his torn abdomen.
[Bloody Dawn Cult Member (Level 4) eliminated.]
[40 System Experience Points gained.]
Only the shield bearer remained, now looking at Jin-woo with genuine fear, the fanaticism in his eyes beginning to fade. He tried to retreat, but the passage was too narrow, and his comrades' bodies blocked his way.
"Where do you think you're going?" asked Jin-woo, a cold smile on his face. "The party's just getting started."
Jin-woo advanced toward the shield bearer slowly, enjoying the fear in his eyes. The shield bearer raised his shield desperately, trying to protect himself. But Jin-woo wasn't interested in the shield. He kicked the man's knee forcefully, causing him to lose balance and fall to one knee. Then, before the man could do anything else, Jin-woo thrust his dagger over the shield, directly into the man's exposed neck.
[Bloody Dawn Cult Member (Level 3) eliminated.]
[25 System Experience Points gained.]
The passage was now filled with bodies and blood. The air was heavy with the smell of death and sweat. Jin-woo stood in the midst of this carnage, breathing slightly heavily, feeling satisfied. This had been a good exercise.
[Whisper: ...more... I want more... their blood is sweet... but their souls are too weak...]
The heart's whispers were still hungry. But it seemed that the first wave of attack was over. He no longer heard any other sounds coming from the passage.
Jin-woo returned to the cell, where Detective Choi was trying to calm the terrified victims. When they saw Jin-woo covered in blood, with a frightening smile on his face, they became even more terrified.
"Is... is it over?" asked Detective Choi, his voice trembling slightly.
"For now," said Jin-woo. "But I doubt these were all they had. We should get out of here quickly, before they send stronger reinforcements."
"I agree," said Detective Choi. "I've managed to free them all. But they're very weak. They can barely walk."
Jin-woo looked at the victims with disdain. "They're a burden. But we can't leave them here to die. That would be too boring." Then, he smiled an evil smile. "I have an idea. Detective, can you carry two of them? I'll take care of the third. And I'll make sure our exit path is... clear of any further obstacles."
Detective Choi had no choice but to agree. He helped the old man and the young man to stand, supporting them as he prepared to leave. As for Jin-woo, he approached the woman who was still trembling in the corner. He made no attempt to be gentle. He grabbed her arm forcefully and pulled her to her feet.
"Come on, beautiful," he said sarcastically. "We have a date with the outside world. And I hope you don't scream too much. It annoys me."
The woman was too frightened to speak, but she nodded her head frantically.
"Good," said Jin-woo. "Now, let's see if there's anyone else who wants to play with us in this dark and lovely corridor."
Jin-woo advanced once more into the blood-stained passage, his dagger ready. Detective Choi followed closely behind, helping the stumbling victims. The journey back to the surface would be long and dangerous. And Jin-woo was looking forward to every moment of it.