The morning sun pierced through Damon''s barely open eyes, casting harsh rays that made him squint. For a moment, he lay there in a daze, touching his face in disbelief.

    "I... I''m alive... I didn''t die," he whispered, his voice thick with astonishment, his words almost breaking as if they would release the tears he held back.

    He scanned the area. The strange, dark, viscous creature that had attacked him in the ditch the night before was nowhere to be seen. He could scarcely comprehend what had happened, but before he could gather his thoughts, something floated before him—a black panel with white text.

    It read:

    [System initialization complete]

    [Do you wish to Proceed]

    [Y/N]

    Damon''s brows knit together in confusion as he muttered, "Proceed...?"

    As soon as he spoke, the words flickered, and a voice echoed in his mind.

    [Welcome to the Living Shadow System, individual Damon Grey]

    [Your shadow is alive.]

    [Feed your shadow, devour souls, level up, gain skills, complete quests, and grow stronger.]

    [Do you wish to view your current stats?]

    [Y/N]

    The voice rattled on as if it expected him to be familiar with these terms. Hesitantly, Damon whispered,

    "ermh... Yes..."

    The screen shifted, revealing his stats in intricate detail.

    [HP: 50/50]

    [Mana: 30/30]

    [Strength: 9]

    [Agility: 12]

    [Speed: 25]

    [Endurance: 10]

    [Class: —]

    [Shadow: 100]

    [Shadow Hunger Levels: 0%]

    [Shadow Level: 1]

    [Condition: Shadow Is Full]

    [Attributes: Umbra]

    [Skills]

    "But... the voice said I could level up. No, it called itself the system..." He paused, a hint of hope stirring.

    "But how do I level up?"

    The system didn''t respond this time.

    With a sigh, he moved to check his other stats.

    Strength – Physical power. Predictably, his strength was rated low.

    Agility – A mix of dexterity and reflexes. The system rated him as average here, though it didn''t sound nearly as dismal as his mana.

    Speed – His movement speed, slightly above average, but nothing remarkable.

    Endurance – A measure of stamina and durability. Damon knew he could take a beating after everything he''d endured. Still, the system classified him as below average.

    Finally, he reached the section on class.

    [Class: —] – No Class Assigned

    At present, you have no formal class assigned. Once you unlock a specialized combat or magic class, you will gain access to class-specific skills and perks. The system may allow for an unconventional class in the future.

    Current Status: Undefined. As you explore the depths of your shadow abilities and level up, a class may be discovered or created.

    Damon''s breath hitched.

    "I... I can gain a class?"

    The words gave him a glimmer of hope. People in this world could awaken up to seven classes over their lifetime, but he''d never thought he''d awaken even one.

    [Shadow: 100] – Shadow Energy

    Shadow Energy is the primary resource for utilizing the abilities of the Living Shadow. It regenerates through certain actions such as consuming life force and souls. Shadow energy is spent when manipulating shadows or using certain skills, and it''s critical to maintain this resource, or risk weakening your shadow and death.

    Current Status: Your shadow energy is full. This is ideal for activating and sustaining shadow abilities during combat or exploration.

    Warning: Shadow Energy must be kept at a stable level.

    Damon read over the description, not fully grasping it. Still, the idea of wielding shadow abilities intrigued him. He pushed on, reaching the next, most unsettling stat.

    [Shadow Hunger Level: 0%] – Shadow''s Appetite

    The Hunger Level represents the shadow''s need to consume flesh and souls. As you use your abilities, the shadow''s hunger will increase, urging you to feed it. Neglecting this hunger can lead to dangerous consequences, such as losing control over your actions or the shadow taking over. Be mindful not to let the hunger grow too high.

    [Note: When Shadow hunger reaches 100% HP will begin to decline until individual perishes.]

    0%-20% Hunger: Safe range. The shadow is under control.

    20%-50% Hunger: Increased temptation to feed. Minor stat boosts.

    50%-80% Hunger: Loss of partial control. Significant power boosts.

    90%-100% Hunger: Shadow becomes ravenous, fully takes control. Immediate risk of losing your humanity.

    Current Status: The shadow is currently sated, leaving you in full control.

    Damon''s face drained of color as he read the words.

    "Feed my shadow... but with what... flesh? What type?"