I woke up early, around 6 a.m., and was greeted by a surprising sight. Crystal looked dramatically different. Her fur had turned a brilliant white, with her paws as black as night, and she now resembled a wolf more than a dog. Her beastly nature had grown considerably; her fangs were longer and sharper, and her fur, as soft as snow, seemed durable enough to withstand the average weapon.
Excited by Crystal's transformation, I carefully inspected her to understand the extent of her changes. The transformation was striking; she had become significantly more streamlined for speed. Her once fluffy fur was now sleek and sturdy, and her muscular frame had grown noticeably stronger. Her fangs, longer and more menacing, suggested a heightened predatory capability. Her eyes, sharper and more focused, reflected a newfound intensity.
As I continued my inspection, I noticed other changes. Crystal's ears were more pointed and attentive, constantly twitching to catch even the slightest sounds. Her tail, previously fluffy and wagging, was now bushier and more rigid, poised like a signal flag.
If Crystal continued to evolve at this rate, she might soon be strong enough to carry me as my mount. Her current state indicated she was already approaching a level of strength that would make such an arrangement possible. The idea of riding Crystal into battle filled me with a mix of excitement and anticipation.
Suddenly, a notification appeared in my field of vision:
[ Skill Gained: Inspect - Provides limited information about living and non-living items. ]
"That's surprising, but it's a useful skill to have," I said aloud, feeling a sense of accomplishment. With this new skill, I could gather more information about the objects and creatures around me, making it easier to navigate this unpredictable world.
I patted Crystal's head, feeling the smooth yet sturdy texture of her fur. "Looks like we're both evolving," I whispered. "Let's see what other surprises today has in store for us."
"Inspect"
Name: Crystal
Breed: Wolf
Lvl: 2
HP: 110
MP: 70
"Wow, Crystal, you've really transformed into a wolf. You're already quite impressive for your breed, with your size and strength far surpassing what I'd expect from a typical wolf. Your new form looks both majestic and formidable."
"Woof woof," Crystal responded with a bark.
After breakfast, I took a final look around our apartment.
"This will probably be our last time here, Crystal," I said.
"Woof," Crystal agreed.
We made our way down the stairs and exited the building, stepping into a scene of utter devastation. The morning light cast a pale glow over the landscape, revealing the stark and fresh aftermath of recent chaos. The fires that had ravaged the area were mostly extinguished, but their remnants were still visible, smoldering in charred patches and sending thin wisps of smoke into the air.
Buildings that once stood tall and proud now appeared to have been torn apart, as if a bomb had detonated in the vicinity. Walls were crumbled, windows shattered, and entire floors had collapsed into piles of rubble. The streets were littered with the twisted wrecks of cars, a grim testament to the panic and destruction that had ensued when the unexpected changes swept through.
As we walked, I noticed that many vehicles still contained the bodies of those who had died, unable to cope with the sudden influx of mana that had transformed the world. Their lifeless forms, contorted in final moments of terror, served as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life. Some cars had become makeshift prisons for zombies, trapped by the wreckage or rubble that surrounded them. These undead creatures clawed and groaned, their eyes filled with an insatiable hunger, but their movements were restricted by the twisted metal and debris.
The air was thick with the scent of smoke and decay, and the silence was occasionally broken by distant sounds of collapsing structures or the eerie moans of zombies. Crystal moved with a newfound grace and agility, her sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. Her transformation had not only made her more powerful but also more vigilant.
As we continued through the desolate streets, we encountered scenes of further destruction. Streetlights were bent and toppled; their bulbs shattered. Sidewalks were cracked and upheaved, creating treacherous paths that required careful navigation.
I spotted a few survivors huddled in makeshift shelters or hidden behind barricades, their eyes wide with fear and suspicion. Some clutched weapons, ready to defend themselves against any threat, be it human or otherwise. Their faces were gaunt, reflecting days of sleepless nights and constant vigilance.
Crystal and I moved cautiously, aware that the streets could hold dangers we had yet to encounter. Every shadow seemed to hold potential threats, and every sound set our nerves on edge. The city had become a labyrinth of peril, and we had to navigate it with both skill and caution.
Despite the overwhelming destruction, there was a sense of determination within me. The world had changed, and we had to adapt to survive. With Crystal by my side, her transformed strength, and our new skills, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the desolation. We had faced dangers before and emerged stronger, and I was confident that we could overcome whatever challenges lay ahead.
Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I glanced at Crystal, who stood alert and ready by my side. Her keen eyes scanned our surroundings, her ears perked up in anticipation. With a shared understanding, we continued our walk down the street, taking count of how many zombies were around. It didn't take long for their lifeless eyes to lock onto us, and a low, guttural growl rumbled through the air as they began to shamble in our direction, their movements slow but relentless.
A quick assessment of the situation revealed about 30 zombies wandering the street ahead of us. These were the immediate threats, scattered loosely along the cracked pavement. Some were still relatively intact, their clothes tattered but their bodies largely unscathed, while others were more gruesome, with visible decay and limbs at awkward angles. Their eyes, devoid of any human emotion, were fixed on us with a single-minded hunger.
Beyond this immediate group, more zombies were present but immobilized. Some were trapped inside burning, abandoned vehicles, clawing futilely at the windows, their hands leaving streaks of blood and grime on the glass. The flickering flames cast eerie shadows, making the scene even more surreal. Others were pinned beneath rubble from the collapsed buildings that lined the street, their moans barely audible over the sound of the occasional shifting debris. These trapped zombies thrashed and struggled, but the heavy concrete and twisted metal held them in place.
The air was thick with the scent of decay and burning materials, a nauseating combination that made my stomach churn. I could hear the distant wail of a siren, a haunting reminder of the world that once was. The ground beneath our feet was littered with debris, broken glass, and scattered belongings, each piece telling a story of lives abruptly interrupted.
Crystal and I moved cautiously; our senses heightened by the imminent danger. My grip tightened around my weapon, ready to strike at any moment. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, sharpening my focus and quickening my reflexes.
As we advanced, I noticed the differences among the zombies. Some had fresh wounds, indicating recent transformations, while others were in advanced stages of decay, their flesh hanging loosely from their bones. The newer zombies were faster, their movements more coordinated, while the older ones were slower, their limbs stiff and awkward.
The scene was a grim tableau of post-apocalyptic desolation. The once vibrant street was now a chaotic graveyard, littered with overturned cars, crumbling facades, and the skeletal remains of what had once been a bustling urban area. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burnt materials and the pervasive stench of decay, making each breath feel heavy and tainted.
As the zombies began to converge on our position, their numbers were not overwhelming, but their sheer presence was unnerving. These creatures, stripped of their humanity and driven only by a primal hunger, were a constant reminder of the world's collapse. The quiet, punctuated only by the shuffling footsteps and occasional groans, heightened the tension. Each movement felt amplified, every rustle of clothing or scrape of a footstep on the asphalt echoing in the oppressive silence.
With a quick glance, I silently communicated a plan to Crystal. Her heightened senses and newfound strength would be invaluable in this situation. I readied my weapon, feeling its reassuring weight in my hands, and prepared myself for the oncoming fight. Crystal crouched slightly, muscles tensed, ready to spring into action. We both knew the drill: take them down swiftly and efficiently, conserve energy, and always stay aware of our surroundings.
As the first few zombies drew closer, I could see the dull, milky haze in their eyes, a chilling indicator of their lost humanity. Their movements were jerky and uncoordinated, yet there was a disturbing persistence in their approach. Crystal let out a low growl, a warning that echoed the tension in the air. She was poised to attack, her gaze fixed on the nearest threats.
We moved in unison, a well-practiced team. I stepped forward, slashing at the nearest zombie, the sharp edge of my weapon slicing through decayed flesh and bone with a sickening ease. Crystal lunged at another, her powerful jaws clamping down on its neck, severing its spinal cord in a swift, lethal motion. The creature collapsed, lifeless, as she moved on to the next target.
"Time - Speed Suit"
Activating the skill, I moved at double speed and circled around a cluster of zombies. By the time they realized what was happening, their companions' heads had already fallen. Crystal seized the opportunity, attacking the zombies I had bypassed. Within about ten minutes, the area was clear. As we were about to move on, I spotted a small, shining object among the fallen bodies. Picking it up, I discovered it turned into a pair of boots. The boots were all black combat boots with a blood red soul on the bottom. They looked menacing enough but I was more concerned about the stats improvement that came with them.
[Swift Boot - Speed +5; Set Item 1/3]
I quickly switched to the new boots and continued our path of destruction.
The zombies seemed endless, but we fought with precision and efficiency. Each swing of my weapon was calculated, aimed to incapacitate or kill quickly. Crystal's movements were a blur of white and black as she darted between zombies, her fangs and claws tearing through them with ruthless efficiency.
The pavement was soon littered with the fallen undead, their bodies twitching in their final moments before succumbing to stillness. Despite the overwhelming odds, we held our ground, our combined strength and skill turning the tide in our favor. The adrenaline coursed through my veins, sharpening my senses and dulling the fatigue that threatened to set in.
As the last of the immediate threats fell, I took a moment to catch my breath. Crystal stood beside me, panting lightly, her eyes scanning the area for any remaining dangers. The street was quieter now, the groans of the trapped and pinned zombies a distant background noise.
I assessed our surroundings, noting the positions of the remaining immobilized zombies. Some were trapped in the wreckage of cars, their arms outstretched through broken windows, grasping at nothing. Others were pinned beneath heavy debris, their moans a constant reminder of their presence.
"We need to keep moving," I said softly, my voice barely more than a whisper in the eerie stillness. Crystal nodded, understanding the urgency. We navigated the debris-laden street with caution, our senses on high alert for any signs of danger.
The journey through the devastated landscape was far from over, but each encounter made us stronger, more prepared for the challenges ahead. With Crystal by my side and our combined skills, I felt a glimmer of hope amidst the desolation. We would survive this new world, adapting and evolving to face whatever came our way.
The fight was brutal but efficient. We dispatched the zombies methodically, one by one, ensuring each kill was decisive. Despite their numbers, the creatures posed little real threat to us, their slow reactions and lack of coordination making them easy to dispatch. However, we remained cautious, always aware that a single mistake could be costly in this unpredictable environment.
As we carved our way through the small horde, the sounds of the struggle echoed down the deserted street. Each strike, each growl from Crystal, was a stark reminder of the world we now inhabited—a world where survival meant facing these nightmarish creatures head-on, day after day.
When the last zombie fell, the immediate danger had passed, leaving us standing amidst the carnage. The bodies of the undead lay scattered across the street, their forms now still and silent. The air was heavy with the scent of death, and the grim reality of our situation settled over us once more.
I glanced around, ensuring there were no more immediate threats. The trapped zombies in the cars and under the rubble continued their futile struggles, but they were no danger to us at the moment. Crystal and I exchanged a brief look, a silent acknowledgment of our successful skirmish. We had come through unscathed this time, but the day was far from over. We still had a long way to go, and the city was filled with countless dangers yet to be faced.
With the area temporarily cleared, we took a moment to catch our breath and assess our next move. The apocalypse had transformed the world into a perilous landscape, where each step was fraught with potential threats. But with Crystal by my side, I felt a surge of determination. Together, we would continue to navigate this new reality, facing whatever challenges lay ahead.
By the time we reached the gas station at the end of the block, we were both exhausted. We entered, encountered, and dispatched another five zombies before locking the door behind us. We took a much-needed break.
The effort was rewarding; among the drops was a pet collar.
[Tactical Collar - For tamed pets only; +2 to all stats]
Crystal also acquired a new skill.
[Lightning Step - Channels lightning mana through the feet to increase speed. +5 speed, 10 mana per second, LVL 1]
With the experience we had accumulated, we were making good progress.
"Status"
Name: Dwayne Storm
Level: 5
EXP: 200/600
Name: Crystal
Level: 3
EXP: 200/400
"We really need to get out of the city soon," I thought.
After resting, I stored almost everything in the gas station into my pendant. It was a successful haul. I began to fill the gas tanks and instructed Crystal to keep watch.
"Crystal, guard me while I fill up the gas," I said.
"Woof," Crystal acknowledged.
As I refueled the tanks, Crystal handled the zombies approaching us. I noticed her fighting strategy had evolved; she now maneuvered around enemies before striking at their necks, a significant improvement from her previous approach.
While Crystal was engaged, she growled at something in the alley. An animal resembling a large cat emerged. I quickly used 'Inspect' on it.
"Inspect"
Name: Earth Cat
Breed: Feline
Level: 7
HP: 170
MP: 200
Attack: 130
Defense: 190
"Be careful, Crystal. This one's stronger than you," I warned.
"Woof," Crystal acknowledged, preparing for the fight.
The Earth Cat lunged at Crystal with astonishing speed, its movements fluid and deadly. It was faster than any creature we had encountered before, its sleek, muscular body a blur as it closed the distance. Crystal, unfazed, activated her [Lightning Step] skill, her form instantly enveloped in crackling energy. Her eyes sharpened with focus, and in a flash, she was gone, her speed doubling as she darted away from the Earth Cat's path.
Crystal leaped from a nearby building with remarkable agility, her powerful limbs propelling her high into the air. She aimed to land on the Earth Cat's back, intending to use her momentum to deliver a devastating strike. Her approach was swift and silent, a testament to her newly honed abilities and instincts. The ground blurred beneath her as she descended, claws poised to dig into the Earth Cat's tough hide.
However, the Earth Cat exhibited an unexpected level of intelligence. Sensing Crystal's impending attack, it abruptly rolled to the side with feline grace, narrowly evading her. As it completed its roll, its long, muscular tail lashed out like a whip, catching Crystal off guard. The impact was brutal; the force of the blow sent her skidding across the rough ground, her white fur momentarily stained with dust and dirt.
Crystal quickly recovered, shaking off the disorienting impact. Her eyes narrowed, and a low growl rumbled in her throat, a sign of her determination. She rose to her feet, her fur bristling with energy. Channeling her frustration and focus, she summoned her lightning mana, the air around her crackling with electricity. Her claws began to glow with a bluish hue, the lightning energy infusing them with a deadly charge.
Without hesitation, Crystal launched herself at the Earth Cat, her movements now a blur of speed and precision. As she closed in, the Earth Cat, demonstrating its elemental abilities, triggered an earth spike. The ground beneath Crystal's feet rumbled ominously, and in an instant, a jagged spike of stone shot upward, aiming to impale her. With a split-second reaction, Crystal twisted her body mid-air, narrowly avoiding the spike's lethal point. The maneuver was breathtaking in its fluidity, a testament to her agility and combat instincts.
Seizing the opportunity, Crystal channeled all her remaining mana into her right claw, the energy intensifying into a sharp, concentrated burst. She lunged at the Earth Cat with a fierce cry, her claw arcing through the air in a lightning-fast swipe. The charged claw struck true, slicing through the Earth Cat's thick fur and into its flesh. A burst of electricity coursed through the creature's body, causing it to convulse violently. The Earth Cat let out a pained yowl, its body shuddering as the paralysis took hold, the electric energy disrupting its nervous system.
Crystal landed gracefully, her breath heavy but controlled. She watched as the Earth Cat staggered, its once-fluid movements now jerky and uncoordinated. The creature struggled to stay on its feet, its eyes wide with pain and confusion. Crystal's attack had been precise and devastating, exploiting the momentary weakness with lethal efficiency.
With one final, guttural growl, the Earth Cat collapsed to the ground, its body twitching from the residual electricity. Crystal stood over it, her chest heaving, as she watched the life drain from its eyes. The battle was over, and she had emerged victorious. The Earth Cat lay defeated, a testament to her growing power and combat prowess.
As the last vestiges of life left the Earth Cat, Crystal's fierce expression softened. She glanced back at me, her eyes meeting mine, a silent confirmation of her victory and resilience. She had faced a formidable foe and had come out stronger. The encounter had tested her abilities and instincts, pushing her to new limits.
Crystal's fur, once again pristine and white, shimmered in the aftermath of the fight, the remnants of lightning energy dissipating into the air. She padded over to me, her steps steady despite the taxing battle she had just endured. I knelt down, placing a hand gently on her head, feeling the warmth of her fur and the subtle thrum of residual energy beneath my fingertips.
"You did amazing, Crystal," I said, my voice filled with pride and relief. She had proven herself once more, not just as a companion, but as a formidable ally in this harsh new world.
[Skills Acquired]
[Lightning Claw - Channels lightning mana into the front claw for a powerful attack. 50 mana per use, 10% chance to paralyze]
[Danger Sense - Ability to perceive incoming danger]
[Killed Earth Cat - EXP: 150]
I stored the gas tanks into my space pendant and carried Crystal back inside the gas station.
"Crystal, that was an excellent fight. I'm proud of you," I said, offering her food and water to restore her strength. We rested there for an hour before continuing our journey.
We continued down the next block, our pace steady as we methodically cleared the zombies in our path. Crystal and I had fallen into a rhythm, working seamlessly together to dispatch the undead. The once-familiar streets were now a battleground, littered with the remnants of our fight. Our progress was steady, and for a brief moment, it felt as if we were making headway in this chaotic world.
Suddenly, a new threat emerged with startling speed. Out of nowhere, a creature barreled past me, its movement so swift that it nearly severed my head from my shoulders. My heart raced as I narrowly dodged the attack, my reflexes and the protective boost from my [Time - Speed Suit] skill barely managing to save me from certain death.
The creature was unlike anything I had seen before. It was a grotesque amalgamation of zombie and animal, its body a nightmarish blend of the two. It moved on all fours, its limbs elongated and ending in razor-sharp claws that gleamed menacingly in the dim light. Its fur was matted and grimy, but its movements were fluid and alarmingly agile. The creature's growl was a low, guttural sound that resonated with an unsettling, primal intensity. It was clear that this wasn't just another zombie—it was something far more dangerous.
I quickly assessed the situation, trying to understand what we were up against. The creature's speed and ferocity suggested it was not just a regular zombie but a new, evolved threat. Its appearance and the way it moved indicated a predatory nature, as if it were a hunting machine built for one purpose: to kill.
Crystal, already on high alert, crouched beside me, her eyes locked on the creature with a focused intensity. Her ears were perked up, and her body tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. I could feel the shared understanding between us; we had to deal with this new threat swiftly and decisively.
The creature, undeterred by my near escape, circled around us with predatory precision. It emitted a series of low growls and snarls, its eyes never leaving us. It was sizing us up, trying to find the best angle to attack. I could see the intelligence in its gaze—a cruel, calculating awareness that suggested it wasn't just reacting on instinct but had a strategic mind behind its feral exterior.
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I prepared for the fight. This creature was clearly formidable, and we couldn't afford to underestimate it. With Crystal by my side, we would have to rely on our skills and quick thinking to overcome this new adversary.
"Crystal, stay sharp!" I called out, my voice steady despite the danger. "We need to outmaneuver this thing and find an opening."
Crystal responded with a determined bark, her body poised and ready. We would face this creature together, using our combined strength and skills to turn the tide of this battle. The streets around us were eerily quiet, the normal hum of the city replaced by the tense silence that preceded the clash. We prepared ourselves for the fight of our lives, knowing that survival depended on our ability to adapt and respond to this new, formidable enemy.
"Inspect"
Name: Slasher
Breed: Speed Zombie
Level: 11 (Bronze Rank)
HP: 350
MP: 300
Attack: 450
Defense: 380
"System, what does the rank mean?"
[The rank indicates the level of existence.]
[White Rank: Level 1-10]
[Bronze Rank: Level 11-25]
[Silver Rank: Level 26-50]
[Higher ranks are beyond your current knowledge.]
"Damn, so I'm still a White Rank," I thought. "Crystal, stay back. I'll handle this one."
"Woof," Crystal replied, stepping aside.
"Space - Shackle!"
I activated the skill, and a shimmering energy field materialized, ensnaring the Slasher's back right limb. The Slasher's movement was abruptly halted as the energy constricted tightly around its limb, causing it to stumble and crash onto the ground with a heavy thud. The creature's distorted growls and frantic attempts to free itself were audible, but the shackle held firm.
Seizing the opportunity, I sprinted forward with maximum speed, my heart pounding as adrenaline surged through my veins. The Slasher, disoriented by its fall, was momentarily vulnerable. I leaped into the air, my katana raised high, aiming directly for its exposed head. However, the Slasher's reflexes were quicker than anticipated. It raised its claws in a desperate, blocking motion, deflecting my blade and forcing me to retreat mid-air to avoid being counter-attacked.
I landed gracefully, quickly assessing the situation. The Slasher had managed to break free from the initial shackle and was preparing to retaliate. With a determined focus, I chanted, "Space - Shackle" once more. This time, the energy field appeared around the Slasher's other limbs, effectively pinning it to the ground. The creature's remaining appendages were now restrained, its attempts to move limited by the powerful shackles.
With the Slasher immobilized, I approached with a calculated calm. The katana's edge gleamed as I positioned myself for a decisive strike. I brought the blade down onto its neck with force. The katana cut through flesh and muscle, but to my surprise, it only made it halfway through the neck. The Slasher's head remained stubbornly attached, even as I swung again with all my strength.
The blade carved through the remaining resistance with a final, decisive cut. The Slasher's head finally toppled from its shoulders, crashing to the ground with a sickening thud. The force of the blow had also taken a chunk out of my katana's blade, leaving it slightly damaged but still functional.
As the Slasher's lifeless body lay twitching on the ground, I took a moment to catch my breath, surveying the aftermath of the intense battle. The area around us was strewn with the remnants of the fight, and I could feel the weight of our victory and the toll it had taken.
[Killed Slasher - EXP: 1000]
[Demolisher (Bronze Rank) - A spear made with mana steel, channels mana through the weapon, cuts through Bronze Rank beings; +10 Strength, +5 Speed]
"Woof woof," Crystal barked.
"I'm fine, girl. Let's get out of here. I need a rest," I said to Crystal.