---
title: "Chapter 3: The System's Truth"
slug: "ch-3"
novel: "solo-leveling"
number: 3
views: 1750000
likes: 128000
wordCount: 3100
createdAt: "2016-12-30"
---

The first thing Jinwoo did after leaving the hospital was visit the Hunter's Guild office to submit his discharge notice. His weakened body had healed, but he knew he wasn't ready to return to dungeon diving just yet. Besides, the system had other plans.

[Daily Dungeon Available]
*[Description: Clear a tutorial dungeon solo to earn bonus EXP]*
*[Difficulty: Beginner]*
*[Reward: 50 EXP + Rare Item Chest]*

Jinwoo found it curious that the system would recommend a solo dungeon. Hunters never went into dungeons alone—it was suicide. But the system seemed confident in his abilities, and after the progress he'd made, maybe it had a point.

He spent the next week procuring basic hunting equipment: a reinforced sword, a bow, some healing potions. Then he registered for an E-rank dungeon that had recently appeared in Seoul. Technically, he needed Guild approval to solo a dungeon, but after some paperwork and a surprisingly easy approval process, he was ready.

The dungeon entrance was unremarkable—a slight shimmer in the air behind a convenience store, marked off with red tape and warning signs. Jinwoo stepped through, and immediately the familiar blue windows appeared:

*[Entered: Tutorial Dungeon]*
*[Objective: Clear all 10 floors]*
*[Time Limit: 24 hours]*
*[Currently on Floor 1]*

The dungeon was smaller than the standard D-rank portals—barely a stone chamber with a few passages leading deeper. In the center of the chamber stood a single wooden dummy, its surface etched with glowing runes.

*[Floor 1 Challenge: Defeat Practice Dummy]*
*[30 seconds remaining]*

Jinwoo drew his sword and charged. The dummy didn't move, didn't defend itself. He struck it repeatedly, his blade leaving scorches across its surface. When the thirty seconds elapsed, the dummy exploded into dust, and the floor beneath him began to glow.

*[Floor 1 Complete]*
*[+5 EXP]*
*[Advancing to Floor 2...]*

The following floors were similarly simple: defeat enemies that grew gradually stronger, solve basic puzzles, navigate obstacle courses. Jinwoo found himself in a state of flow, his body responding to each challenge with newfound competence. The system was right—he could do this.

But as he progressed deeper into the dungeon, something changed. The tenth floor was different from the others. Instead of a challenge, there was a small pedestal with a glowing object floating above it. Jinwoo approached cautiously.

*[Unique Item Discovered: Shadow Orb]*
*[Description: A remnant of shadow magic. Contains knowledge of the original Shadow Sovereign]*
*[Accept? Y/N]*

Jinwoo didn't hesitate. He reached for the orb, and it dissolved into mist, absorbed directly into his chest. For a moment, he couldn't breathe—visions flooded his mind, images of a being made entirely of shadow, of power beyond comprehension, of wars fought across dimensions.

Then it was gone, leaving only a lingering sense of purpose.

*[Quest Complete: Tutorial Dungeon]*
*[+50 EXP]*
*[New Skill Unlocked: Shadow Extract]*
*[Description: Embrace the dead and draw out their strength. Summon shadow soldiers to aid you in battle]*

Jinwoo opened his eyes to find himself back outside the dungeon. Only fifteen minutes had passed in the real world, despite what felt like hours inside. As he stood there, processing the new skill and the expanded quest log before him, he realized something fundamental had shifted.

He was no longer just a weak E-rank hunter getting stronger through training. He had been chosen. The system, the Shadow Sovereign, whatever this entity was—it had selected him specifically for something greater. The path of a normal hunter was no longer his destiny.

From this moment forward, Sung Jinwoo would walk a different path entirely.
