It was dark and soulless; the air felt nauseating. The scent of ammonia was strong; it was the only thing that kept Rich awake the entire time.
He was thrown out, like a tool with no use — left behind again. He felt no attachment to the world; all it did to him was make his life miserable. The feeling of dread slowly crept inside him, the bitter taste of defeat lingering in his mind.
A young person was lying on the dirt, his face defeated and tired, his eyes distant, looking into nowhere. It was the scene of a person despised by the world. He couldn't take any more of it. Rich had had enough of the world, his mind slowly being consumed by rage.
I've had enough. I want to be stronger than anyone else. He thought in anger.
He clenched his fists, his eyes lit with purpose. Rich stood up, his whole body ragged and worn. He patted his clothes clean and sighed.
"I guess I should start by leaving this crude place," he said.
While the place was crude, it felt more ancient, as if it had been centuries since someone had been there. Its walls had engravings that he couldn't decipher. They were squiggly, forming a sense of ancient writing. His hands ran along them, feeling the texture.
"What's this? Lines and... is this a drawing?"
A drawing that looked like an octopus. It was out of place, not fitting with the writing. He was confused by everything in there. He continued to explore more cautiously.
After walking for a few minutes, Rich stopped. He sensed something moving, heard heavy breathing and the clashing of something hard. He hid behind a large rock and carefully peeked.
The sight was baffling. It was a monster fighting another monster. "What are they? I didn't know something like them existed," he mumbled to himself.
The feeling couldn't be described as good. In fact, he was scared. His feet felt glued to the ground, and his bones felt very soft for some reason.
The battle was hard-fought on both sides. The first monster, a two-legged creature with mantis-like claws, slashed at the other. However, the other side blocked with its shell-like body with ease. It looked like a mixture between a turtle and a snake. Its head elongated and bit its opponent.
The mantis jumped back, then its rounded body began to glow green. With its frog-like head, it spat acid. The snake-turtle monster moved quickly, dodging the attacks. Rich was shocked to see it move so fast. He thought that with its massive and heavy body, it would be far less quick.
***
Jan woke abruptly to the sound of panickrd screams echoing through the unfamiliar surroundings. A thunderous roar reverbrated, sending sbivers down his spine.
"Did I get transported to some random place again?" he muttered, slightly annoyed and in disbelief, as he scratched his head.
He was sucked through space and transported to a place he didn't recognize. It bothered him, but he quickly regained his composure. Nothing would happen if he let his emotions get the better of him. First, he examined his surroundings.
The place was heavenly, with a floor made of white, cloudy air. There was a majestic feel to the place. Yet, not far away from him, he could see people running away. He could see a huge demon, the size of a skyscraper. It towered over everyone; no wonder they were running away from it.
I guess I should also escape. He thought, while looking for an escape route.
But time was ticking, as the monster was slowly approaching him. Every time it moved, the place shook, a loud thumping noise sending everyone's heart into a terror. Buildings and shrines were destroyed by its weight. It seemed like it would end this realm for good.
"Oh crap! Oh, CRAP!" He panicked, his sluggish movements as he darted away, running in the opposite direction of the behemoth.
It breathed fire, scorching the people caught below like burning wood. Their agonized screams pierced the air, a haunting testament to the devastation brought upon the city. As he witnessed the carnage, Jan felt overwhelmed with helplessness. The screaming continues as the behemoth slaughter them, yet despite the ongoing onslaught no one dared to help, afraid to be one of the deceased. They fell and died. Their bodies were left to burn, slowly turning to ash, and then, with the passing wind, their bodies were transformed into dust.
Witnessing the disaster, he could not hold his emotions. He remembered that no matter what had changed in him, by nature he was just a weak human being. Nothing had changed.