THE ZOMBIE SYSTEM-Chapter 23: Preparing for the B-Rank Dungeon

Unraveling the Secrets of the Deathborn

Leon sat in the dim glow of his apartment, his fingers resting on the Path of the Deathborn. The ancient tome pulsed faintly beneath his fingertips, the runes on its cover shifting like living ink. He had spent the last few hours pouring over its pages, absorbing every bit of forbidden knowledge written in a language most necromancers would never dare touch.

It wasn't just a book.

It was a guide to evolution.

Some of the passages described techniques lost to history, detailing ways to push undead beyond the basic constraints of the world's standard necromantic magic. Others were theories—fragments of knowledge left behind by an unknown Necromancer King, a being who had once commanded legions of immortal undead.

But what caught his eye the most was the section on Undead Generals.

[Necromantic Evolution: The Creation of Undead Generals]

Unlike standard summons, Undead Generals weren't mindless servants—they were commanders capable of independent thought, strategic decision-making, and leading lesser undead in battle.

To create an Undead General, three conditions must be met:

The undead must have reached a certain threshold of intelligence and power.

A powerful mana catalyst must be used to stabilize the evolution.

The necromancer must prove their own dominance and strength—the greater the battlefield, the stronger the creation.

Leon's grip on the book tightened.

This meant his Elite Sorcerer and Warrior Zombie weren't just disposable minions anymore. If he nurtured them correctly, they could become something far beyond a simple summon.

And the best way to push them?

Battle.

A real battle.

And he knew exactly where to find it.

Gearing Up for the Challenge

Leon moved with efficiency, preparing for what would be his greatest challenge yet.

His first priority was upgrading his mana gun.

A notification flashed in his vision as he accessed his System.

[System Notification: Weapon Augmentation Unlocked]

Enhancement Slots Available: 2

Compatible Modifications:

Necrotic Round Infusion – Fires bullets that weaken enemy defenses.

Mana Overcharge – Allows bullets to explode on impact.

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Leon selected both upgrades, watching as the black metal of his gun shifted, the modifications seamlessly fusing into the weapon. He lifted it, testing its weight.

A slight pulse of undead mana surged through it.

He aimed at a wooden crate in the corner of the room.

Bang.

The shot struck—then detonated, sending splinters flying across the apartment.

Leon exhaled, satisfied.

Next, he turned to his summons.

His Elite Sorcerer and Warrior Zombie appeared before him, standing silently, awaiting orders. They had grown stronger, but against a B-Rank Dungeon boss, they needed more than just experience.

He accessed his system interface and focused his mana.

[Enhance Summon: Deathborn Sorcerer]

A surge of dark energy rippled through his summon, its form flickering with raw necrotic power. Its once-tattered robes transformed into flowing dark sigils, constantly shifting like shadows in the wind. Its skeletal fingers, once brittle, now crackled with arcane fire.

A new skill notification appeared.

[Deathborn Sorcerer - New Skill Unlocked: Soulfire Barrage]

Fires multiple homing projectiles that drain mana from enemies.

Leon's eyes flickered with interest.

That would come in handy.

But his preparations weren't finished yet.

A Quiet Moment Before Battle

Before heading to the dungeon, Leon made one final stop—the hospital.

The corridors were quiet, sterile. The distant hum of machinery echoed through the halls, mixing with the faint whispers of doctors and nurses passing by.

He entered his mother's room, the dim lighting casting soft shadows against the white sheets. Machines beeped in a rhythmic pulse, monitoring her vitals.

Leon pulled up a chair, sitting beside her.

She looked peaceful, her chest rising and falling with each breath. Yet, her face was pale, her body frail from years of illness.

He reached into his coat, pulling out a small envelope. Inside was a payment confirmation for her medical expenses.

This next dungeon run would make sure she got the best care available.

Leon leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.

"I'm close, Mom," he murmured. "Just a little longer."

There was no response—just the steady beep of the machines.

Still, he liked to believe she could hear him, somewhere deep inside.

He sat there for a while longer, letting the moment settle.

Then, with one last look at her, he stood.

It was time.

Stepping Into the Unknown

The B-Rank Dungeon's entrance loomed before him.

Unlike the lower-tier dungeons he had conquered, this one was massive—a sprawling labyrinth hidden beneath the city, its entrance carved into a cliffside lined with obsidian pillars etched with demonic runes.

The area was crowded with hunters, most of them forming teams, checking their weapons, finalizing strategies.

Leon walked through them, alone.

Some turned to stare. Others whispered.

"A necromancer? Soloing a B-Rank?"

"He's insane."

"He's probably going to get himself killed."

Leon ignored them.

He approached the dungeon inspector, handing over his entry token. The official glanced at it, then at Leon.

"Solo entry?"

Leon nodded.

The inspector hesitated. "B-Rank dungeons aren't like the lower tiers. Monsters here think. They set traps. You sure you want to do this alone?"

Leon didn't blink. "I'm sure."

The official sighed, stamping the token. "Your funeral."

Leon stepped forward, passing through the glowing mana barrier that marked the dungeon entrance.

The moment he crossed the threshold, everything changed.

The First Steps into the Labyrinth

The light from the outside world vanished instantly, swallowed by an abyss of shadows.

The air was thick with mana, pressing against his skin like unseen hands trying to drag him deeper.

The architecture was different—not just stone tunnels or caverns. The walls were covered in pulsing red veins, almost alive, stretching across the ceiling like a web of demonic corruption.

Leon took a cautious step forward.

A low whisper echoed through the darkness.

"Another one comes to die..."

Leon's fingers curled around his gun.

This wasn't a normal dungeon.

Something inside was waiting for him.

And it already knew he was here