Demon Evolution System

Chapter 4

Ryan approached the door of the boss' room. “Is everybody prepared?” he asked without looking back at the rest of his teammates.

“Let’s do this,” one of the group members said confidently.

“Hey, don’t get in our way as soon as we enter that room or else we will kill you first.” Ryan threatened Miles, who was standing at the back of the group, before he pushed the door open.

Inside the room, they found the alpha wolf resting on its altar, awaiting their arrival as they marched in. All members of the squad charged at the alpha wolf at the same time in planned formation.

Miles was amazed as he watched how Ryan and the rest of the squad unleashed coordinated attacks at the wolf. He had to admit that even though Ryan was a jerk, he was still an excellent hunter.

They managed to defeat the alpha wolf in fifteen minutes. They were now resting as they waited for Miles to remove the mana crystal from the dead body of the alpha wolf before they could leave the dungeon.

“Hurry up, twerp. I want to get out of this damned place and get a hot shower.” Ryan complained loudly yet again.

“This wolf’s skin and flesh are much sturdier. If you could slash it deeper with your sword. It would make it easier for me to dig into its flesh faster.” Miles tried to explain as he struggled to extract the mana crystal.

“Do you want to die?” Ryan shouted furiously. He dashed toward Miles and grabbed the collar of his shirt. “Are you asking me to do your job for you now?”

“I’m sorry….” Miles pleaded as he tried to free himself from Ryan’s grip, which was choking him.

“Pathetic…” Ryan spat on Miles’ face before flinging him against the wall near the altar. “The only thing I wouldn’t hesitate to slash with my sword right now is you—but it’s a shame that won’t be happening.” He muttered,

When Miles’ body crashed against the wall, it unknowingly pressed a hidden button.

A small hole opened at the top of the altar, and a red rune slowly revealed itself, shocking everyone in the room. They stared at it for several seconds

Ryan and the rest of his teammates moved closer to inspect it.

Jax was about to pick up the rune when Ryan grabbed his hand. “Wait,….”

“What are you doing this time, Ryan?” Jax asked with a frown.

“You shouldn’t touch that carelessly. It could be cursed, so we need to be cautious,” Ryan explained.

Jax immediately pulled his hand back, silently scolding himself.

“Then how do you expect us to pick it up?” Lena asked.

“There’s nothing to worry about—I have a better idea,” Ryan said, shifting his gaze toward Miles.

Miles broke into a cold sweat. He already knew what Ryan was planning. Judging by the wicked grins on the others’ faces, they had figured it out too.

“Hey, trash,” Ryan called. “What are you doing? Come over here and grab that rune. Even if it’s low quality, it’s still worth some cash.”

‘These damn vile bastards…’ Miles cursed inwardly. He knew Ryan wanted to use him as a scapegoat in case the rune was cursed. He knew the truth—if the rune carried a curse, he would bear it alone. Ryan’s grin was a predator’s, his teammates’ laughter like knives in the pit of Miles’ stomach.

“I… I don’t think I should,” Miles said cautiously, keeping his voice calm despite the storm of tension inside him.

Ryan’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Afraid? You’re the porter of the team, aren’t you? That includes everything else. We’re fighting monsters while you get the easy job. Do you really want to die out of cowardice?”

“No, but you said it yourself—the rune might be cursed. It could be life-threatening,” Miles explained quickly.

“Why should I care?” Ryan scoffed.

His words stirred the rest of the group.

“Yes, I agree with Ryan. Do your job, Miles.”

“Weak trash. You expect us to carry you to the finish line?”

The room erupted in rebukes.

“You’d better get your act together, Miles,” Ryan said coldly. “If we lose this rune, your score will suffer. And trust me—I’ll make your life hell.”

Miles clenched his fists.

“…Fine. I’ll do it,” he said.

He knew the risks. A rune hidden this carefully was anything but ordinary.

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Miles climbed onto the altar. He grabbed the rune and stepped back.

Nothing happened.

He sighed in relief—then the dungeon began to rumble violently as a terrifying aura flooded the air.