My newfound ability to manipulate illusions had become my most valuable tool. The Genesis Beyond was no ordinary place, and survival here demanded more than brute force. Deception, control, and manipulation would be my weapons.
As I wandered deeper into the ruined city, my senses heightened. My mind, once limited to perceiving only what was, now stretched to detect what could be. Every shadow became a potential advantage, every corner a canvas for deception.
Ahead, I saw the first of my rivals. A man, bulky, armed with a crudely crafted blade. He moved with the reckless confidence of someone who believed his size was all he needed. Fool. Power is not measured by muscles, but by the mind.
I stepped into the open, deliberately allowing myself to be seen. His eyes locked on me, narrowing with suspicion. He raised his weapon, charging forward without hesitation. Perfect.
With a flicker of thought, I cast an illusion—a duplicate of myself, running to the right, seemingly panicked. His eyes followed, and his body moved instinctively toward it, while I remained hidden in the shadows.
As he reached my illusion, the realization struck too late. I emerged from the darkness, my knife sinking into his side. He collapsed, gasping in pain, his strength meaningless against a foe he couldn't even see. I crouched next to him, watching as the light drained from his eyes. The strong live, and the weak die.
The city was vast, and I knew I couldn't be the only one with a power like mine. The others were out there, some dangerous, some useful. And in this place, alliances were as fleeting as life itself.
As I moved through the desolate streets, I sensed a presence. Someone was watching me. I paused, my eyes scanning the shadows. Whoever it was, they were skilled—silent, patient. But not enough.
"Come out," I called, my voice calm but commanding. "I know you're there."
A figure stepped from the shadows—a woman, tall, slender, her eyes sharp with calculation. She was different from the others I'd seen. She hadn't attacked on sight. Interesting.
"You're not like the others," she said, her tone even, assessing. "Most would've run or fought by now."
I smiled. "I don't waste time on pointless fights."
She crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly. "Then perhaps we can come to an understanding. We both know this place isn't meant to be survived alone."
I considered her words. An alliance could be useful—temporary, of course. Trusting anyone here was a mistake, but using them to further my own goals? That was just strategy.
"Fine," I said. "But make no mistake. The moment you become a liability, you're gone."
She smiled, though her eyes remained cold. "I wouldn't expect anything less."