A few hours had slipped by as we navigated the ravaged streets of the city. Most of the shops had already been picked clean, but a few stragglers held remnants of supplies that hadn't been looted yet. The eerie silence of a once-bustling metropolis hung in the air, broken only by our cautious footsteps.
"Brother, look. A supermarket." Hannah whispered, pointing ahead to the glowing 7-11 sign still flickering. "Do you think we could get some food?"
I glanced at the shattered windows and disarray beyond the entrance. "Good call, Hannah," I murmured back. My hand rested on the axe strapped to my side as I surveyed the area.
The door was smashed in, leaving the store's interior exposed. Broken bottles, crushed cans, and scattered debris littered the aisles. I could feel Hannah's small hand tighten on the back of my shirt. Her unease was palpable.
"Stay close," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "We don't know who or what could be lurking inside. Let's be careful. If you see anything useful, pass it to me. I'll store it in my inventory."
Hannah nodded, keeping a low profile as we stepped over the debris. A faint stench of spoiled food clung to the air, but I ignored it, keeping my senses sharp. I called up the 'Inventory' with a thought, a faint glow illuminating the empty shelves as I stashed what few remaining supplies were worth salvaging.
We made our way further into the store when a low voice pierced the silence.
"Stop right there. Drop your weapons."
I froze. My heart raced as I instinctively placed myself between the voice and Hannah. Slowly, I turned to see a figure stepping out of the shadows, a gun leveled directly at us.
"Put your hands up, and turn towards me." His voice was gruff, each word dripping with menace.
'Shit.' I cursed inwardly as I reluctantly placed my axe on the floor. The man stood just a few meters away, his finger dangerously close to the trigger. His clothes were tattered, a filthy beard hanging from his face, and his eyes—sharp and bloodshot—were locked on us like a predator eyeing prey.
"We don't want any trouble," I said, keeping my voice steady. "We're just looking for food and water. That's it."
His lips curled into a sneer. "Food and water, huh? You think I'm just gonna give it to you? What are you offering in return?" He took a step forward, revealing more of his stained clothes and bloodied hands.
"We don't want any issues," I tried to reason. "We'll just leave if you want."
"Oh, no. You walked in here, and now, you pay the price," he grinned, the hunger in his eyes shifting toward Hannah. "How about her? She's pretty. That's payment enough."
A violent surge of anger coursed through me. 'This fucker… How dare he?' My hands curled into fists as my blood began to boil, fury clawing its way to the surface.
"I can give you supplies," I said through gritted teeth. "Food, water, medicine. We'll leave peacefully."
The man licked his lips, clearly savoring the fear in the air. "Nah. I've already decided what I want." He tilted his head toward Hannah. "The girl. Or your lives."
Hannah's hand tightened on my shirt, fear rolling off her in waves. My body trembled with restraint, every fiber of my being screaming to tear this man apart. But I had to think. Stay calm.
"I need time to think," I stalled, lowering my hands slightly as I slowly shifted my stance. Every second counted.
The man scowled. "Three seconds. Make up your mind."
'I have to act now,' I thought, glancing quickly at Hannah. I whispered, "When I say run, do it. No matter what."
"Three,"
"What?" she whispered back, panic flashing in her eyes. I sternly glared at her.
"Two." the man growled, his finger tightening on the trigger.
"Hannah, run!" I shouted. In a blink, she sprinted hiding behind the shelves. The man's attention snapped toward her for just an instant—a moment too long.
"Burst Step!"
I vanished, leaving an afterimage in my place. The man barely had time to blink before I was behind him, my hand materializing a rusty dagger. He gasped, eyes widening in shock as the blade pierced clean through his skull with a sickening crunch.
His body crumpled to the ground before he could utter another word. Blood splattered on the cracked floor, the gun falling from his hand with a clatter.
I twisted the blade viciously, ensuring the kill. "Fuck you, you fucking sick bastard," I spat, my pulse thundered in my ears.
Hannah cautiously reappeared, her wide eyes fixed on the body. "Brother… you… killed him." Her voice trembled, her innocent gaze making my gut churn.
I turned, yanking the blade from the man's skull and wiping the blood from my blade onto his ragged clothes. "He threatened us, Hannah. I did what I had to do."
"But..." She started.
I looked at Hannah, "No buts!" "He threatened us, Hannah. He was a threat. I did what I had to do."
"But..." She started.
Hannah's lips quivered as she stared up at me. "Your eyes… they're… scarier."
I paused, the reality of my actions settling in. 'What was I doing?' My reflection stared back at me from a nearby shard of glass—red eyes burning with fury, like those of a monster.
"Hannah…" I shook my head, the glow in my eyes slowly fading. I knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder, my heart softening at her trembling form. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
She sniffed, wiping at her eyes as I hugged her, guilt eating at the edges of my mind. "I understand. We will have to do this to survive."
-
With the encounter behind us, Hannah and I quickly exited the 7-11, the oppressive sun hanging high in the sky, casting sharp shadows on the ravaged streets of the city. Hours had slipped by unnoticed as we wove our way through the remnants of civilization, the air thick with the scent of decay and despair.
Everywhere we turned, goblins lurked in the ruins and dark alleys, their grotesque figures blending into the chaos. But they were no match for my skills; with each swing of my axe and thrust of my dagger, I cut through them like butter, the sound of their bodies hitting the ground a grim reassurance that they posed no threat to Hannah. The weight of my responsibility felt lighter, knowing she was safe at my side.
As the afternoon sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a golden hue over the devastation, we stumbled upon a building that stood out amid the ruins. It was barricaded and fenced off, a fortress in the chaos, and a dozen armed guards patrolled the gates, their imposing figures clad in heavy armor. They wielded a variety of weapons, their vigilance palpable. Surrounding the area, groups of people moved about freely, as if this place was a sanctuary from the madness outside. Families huddled together, children clinging to their parents, their faces reflecting a mixture of hope and fear.
"Whoa... Is this some kind of military base?" Hannah whispered, her wide eyes taking in the scene.
"I don't know," I replied, my gaze fixed on the guards and their formidable armaments. "But it doesn't look like a good place to approach. Let's keep our distance for now and observe."
Hannah nodded, her focus unwavering as she studied the families, the sight almost surreal amidst the desolation. I could see a flicker of longing in her eyes, a yearning for safety and normalcy that we had both lost.
We maneuvered into an empty alleyway, a narrow corridor that offered us a clear view of the building. "I'll stay up here and keep watch," I said, scanning the area for any signs of danger. "Why don't you take a moment to rest?"
"Brother, you haven't slept since last night," Hannah protested, concern etching her features.
"Don't worry about me, Hannah. I'm fine."
But she didn't budge, crossing her arms defiantly and staring up at me, her gaze unwavering.
"Really," I assured her, my voice firm yet gentle.
As I reached down to pat her head, I felt the warmth of her worry wash over me. "I'm alright, thank you for caring. But I'll be fine. Really. Please get some rest."
She looked reluctant, her brows knitting together in concern, but eventually relented, her shoulders slumping slightly. I settled down against the cool, cracked wall of the alley, allowing my back to sink into its rough surface. A deep sigh escaped my lips, and I felt a wave of exhaustion crash over me, my eyelids growing heavy like lead.
I forced myself to turn my attention back to the fortified building, knowing I had to remain vigilant.
-
A few hours drifted by, yet the air hung heavy with an unsettling stillness. People meandered in and out of view, their faces masked by expressions of nonchalance as if the looming threats from the portals were nothing more than distant tales. Guards patrolled the area, their steps echoing a hollow rhythm, but there was no sign of urgency or tension.
"Status," I murmured to myself, pulling up the interface.
-
Name: Jagger Ashton
Age: 18
Class: Warrior
Level: 7
HP: 190/190
MP: 170
[Stats]
STRENGTH: 5 (+2)
AGILITY: 5 (+3)
STAMINA: 5
DEXTERITY: 5 (+2)
INTELLIGENCE: 10
(Stat points: 35)
-
I studied the numbers before me, the flickering lights of the interface reflecting off my focused gaze. 'Not much has changed. My HP and MP have increased a little, and I still have 35 stat points to allocate,' I pondered, my mind racing through strategies. The gear I had equipped lent me a slight edge, boosting my strength, agility, and dexterity.
-
[Goblin Strength Gloves (E)]
Effect: +2 Strength
Durability: 30/30
Special Trait: Slightly increases grip strength (5%)
-
[Swiftfoot Goblin Boots (E)]
Effect: +3 Agility
Durability: 70/70
Special Trait: Minor increase in sprint speed (4%)
-
[Dexterous Goblin Shoulder Guard (E)]
Effect: +2 Dexterity
Durability: 70/70
Special Trait: N/A
-
After a moment's contemplation, I made my decision. 'I should put 10 points into strength, agility, and stamina,' I resolved, sensing the urgency of the impending dangers. Additionally, I added 2 points to intelligence and 3 to dexterity.
[Do you confirm these stat points allocation?]
'Yes.'
-
Name: Jagger Ashton
Age: 18
Class: Warrior
Level: 7
HP: 220/220
MP: 190
[Stats]
STRENGTH: 15 (+2)
AGILITY: 15 (+3)
STAMINA: 15
DEXTERITY: 8 (+2)
INTELLIGENCE: 12
(Stat points: 0)
-
A surge of energy coursed through my body as I confirmed my choices, muscles tightening and transforming. A faint red aura enveloped me, radiating warmth and power. My senses sharpened; the world around me became clearer, almost vivid.
"Whoa," I gasped, flexing my fingers and testing my newfound strength. It felt like a torrent of adrenaline surged through my veins, heightening every facet of my awareness. 'It's like my body is lighter,' I thought, reveling in the freedom of movement. I stood up, invigorated, and jumped a few times, feeling the thrill of the air beneath me. I lowered myself, then sprung upwards, launching nearly 1.5 meters into the air.
"Whoa…" A wide grin spread across my face as I landed gracefully. "This is incredible!" I began to box the air, throwing a flurry of jabs and hooks, feeling the power and speed behind each strike resonate in my knuckles. Each punch felt electrifying as if I were striking the very essence of the air itself.
"That's awesome!" a voice chimed beside me.
Startled, a sudden jolt ran through my body. My eyes flared with an ominous glow as I spun towards the sound, fists clenched and ready to strike. A deadly aura rolled off me like a warning.
Hannah flinched, stepping back with a soft squeak, her wide eyes fixed on me in astonishment.
"Huh?" I blinked, my heart racing. Realizing it was just Hannah, I hurriedly suppressed the aura, lowering my hands in an effort to appear non-threatening. "Sorry."
"Woah, brother! That was cool!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Your eyes went all glowie red, and you were like—pow, pow! And you were jumping so high!"
"Y-yeah…" I stammered, the intensity of the moment washing over me. My heart raced, but not solely from the adrenaline; guilt gnawed at me for nearly scaring her. I shook my head, clearing the tension that lingered in the air. "I just allocated some stat points. I'm level 7 now. Pretty good, huh?"
"Yup, you're strong, brother!" she grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. "Anyway, you want to rest for now? You've been up all day, and you haven't eaten."
"I'm fine. Really." I tried to dismiss her concern, but the fatigue in my limbs told a different story.
"Come on," she insisted, her voice firm yet gentle. "Just for an hour or two. I will sit next to you and keep watch. I won't sleep, promise."
I sighed, unable to resist her pleading expression. The warmth in her eyes reminded me of the bond we shared, a connection forged through challenges and survival. "Alright, just a few hours."
As I settled down beside her, I felt the weight of the day begin to lift, the tension easing into a sense of cautious respite. Together, we sat in the dimming light, the world outside still shrouded in uncertainty, yet at that moment, I found solace in the company of my little sister.