They emerged from the library's hushed gloom into a world blazing with raw chaos. The street outside echoed with distant howls, and smoke curled from multiple fires. Cars lay overturned, and monstrous corpses already littered some corners—evidence that Awakeners were starting to organize, to fight back. Joon-woo glanced at Mi-sun and Ha-jin. Both gripped their weapons tensely, eyes flicking around. They'd survived the library's horrors and even assisted in a fight. Though still anxious, they carried themselves with a bit more spine now.
He led them away from the library district, heading toward an older commercial area he vaguely remembered. In his past life, a small department store there, once ordinary, had become a modest dungeon-like zone on day two or three, spawning unique crafting materials—a rare thread needed to reinforce armor. If he reached it early, maybe he'd find a precursor drop or hint of its future bounty. Worst case, he'd scout its layout for future raids.
They slipped through alleys, keeping off main roads to avoid stronger monsters. The late morning sun cast sharp shadows. He navigated by memory and new intuition, following the patterns of Rifts in the distance. Occasionally, they spotted other survivors—some hiding behind barricades, others banded together, crude alliances forming. Joon-woo avoided prolonged contact. He didn't want to share his knowledge or loot. Mi-sun and Ha-jin seemed content to follow his lead silently.
They approached an intersection where a cluster of low Rifts hovered overhead, like shimmering soap bubbles. Beneath these Rifts lay the old department store, its sign partially fallen. Broken mannequins lay scattered at the entrance, and shattered glass windows gaped like toothless mouths. Joon-woo signaled a halt, crouching behind an old delivery truck. Mi-sun and Ha-jin joined him, peering nervously over the rusted edge.
A group of four Awakeners stood in front of the store's entrance. Armed better than most—one held a metal bat, another a short sword, a third a wooden staff that crackled with tiny sparks. The fourth wore a makeshift shield of metal plating. They looked organized, whispering among themselves, as if preparing to venture inside. Competitors, possibly.
Joon-woo frowned. He wanted the store's interior to himself. Fighting other humans this early might be risky and unnecessary. Perhaps he could let them enter first, observe what happens, then slip in after. If monsters killed them or forced them to retreat, he could swoop in for the rewards. Mi-sun and Ha-jin exchanged anxious glances, unsure.
He whispered, "We wait. Let's see what they do."
They watched as the four Awakeners advanced into the store, stepping over broken glass. Moments later, shouts and snarls erupted inside. The clash of metal and squeals of monsters echoed. After a tense minute, the Awakeners stumbled back out, dragging one wounded member. A trio of creatures followed them out—reptilian bipeds with long claws and frilled crests: Crested Razors. Quick and vicious pack hunters, more cunning than the goblins.
The four Awakeners tried to form a defensive line. Their wounded member clutched a bleeding arm. The monsters fanned out, hissing, cutting off escape routes. Perfect chaos. If Joon-woo intervened now, he could claim goodwill or demand something in exchange. On the other hand, if these Awakeners were well-armed or got the upper hand, they might refuse to let him in later.
Mi-sun touched his shoulder, whispering, "Should we help them?"
Ha-jin bit his lip, "If we do, they might reward us or at least not fight over loot inside."
Joon-woo considered. With Blade Echo now in his arsenal, he could dispatch these monsters efficiently. Also, with these four as potential temporary allies, he might secure the store's interior with less trouble. It might be worth showing off his strength, gaining a reputation that could make others back off from challenging him later.
"Stay behind me," he murmured, sliding from cover. He crossed the street swiftly, sword at the ready. The four Awakeners noticed his approach with surprise. The monsters turned to face him, uncertain, splitting their attention—a perfect advantage.
He advanced on the nearest Crested Razor, which hissed and lunged. He met its leap with a Parry, sparks of Skill energy deflecting the claws. As it reeled, he invoked Quick Slash for a sudden counterattack, carving a deep wound along its side. The monster shrieked, backing off. Another Razor tried to flank him, but Mi-sun and Ha-jin rushed in from behind, brandishing their makeshift weapons. The distraction let Joon-woo pivot and deliver a precise stab to the flanker's thigh. The beast howled, stumbling.
The four Awakeners watched in amazement. Seeing Joon-woo's intervention, they rallied. The one with the staff summoned tiny sparks, zapping a Razor's flank. The sword-wielder stepped in to help finish off a wounded beast. The bat-user and shield-bearer protected their injured member, pushing forward.
Joon-woo decided to test Blade Echo now. The last Razor, a larger one with vibrant frills, charged at him head-on. He met it halfway, slashing horizontally. The blade cut through flesh with a clean strike. As the creature staggered, Blade Echo triggered—a ghostly afterimage of his sword strike replayed half a second later, slicing the beast again in the same spot. The monster never saw it coming. It collapsed, twitching, blood darkening the pavement.
With all Razors down, silence returned, heavy with the scent of iron and sweat. Joon-woo lowered his sword. The four Awakeners stared, awe and relief on their faces.
The sword-wielder, a young man with a grim set to his jaw, nodded respectfully. "Thanks, stranger. We were in over our heads."
The staff user, a woman with a weary smile, added, "Without you, we'd be dead. I'm Yeon-jin. He's Do-hyuk (the sword), Sang-min (the bat), and Eun-hee (the shield)."
Joon-woo inclined his head slightly. He didn't reveal his name yet. "I'm just passing through. Thought you could use help."
Ha-jin and Mi-sun stepped closer, standing behind Joon-woo, letting him lead the conversation.
Do-hyuk eyed Joon-woo's blade. "You're well-armed. Must have gotten lucky or known where to look."
Joon-woo shrugged. "Luck, skill, and a bit of planning. What about you? Why are you at this store?"
Yeon-jin sighed. "We hoped to find something inside—safe space, maybe supplies. Turns out it's full of monsters."
Joon-woo considered his next move. He wanted inside too, for possible early artifacts. But now these four knew about the monsters. If he worked with them temporarily, they could clear the interior together. But that might mean sharing loot. Unless he demanded a portion. Or he could let them try again and swoop in after they fail.
Before he decided, Sang-min (the bat user) spoke up, "Look, we're grateful. If you're interested, maybe we can clear the inside together. Split anything we find. Safety in numbers, right?"
Eun-hee nodded, holding her shield close. "We need a stable base, and maybe this store has what we need. Food, water, maybe some low-level gear. We'll share fairly."
Joon-woo weighed the offer. His main goal was a rare material rumored to appear later, not guaranteed. But rummaging inside might yield minor items now—potions, clothing, or basic armor pieces. He'd still have these two novices (Mi-sun and Ha-jin) and now four more Awakeners. However, a larger group could draw more monsters. Also, dividing loot among seven was less appealing.
He had the advantage of Skill and strength. He could negotiate. "I'm willing to help clear inside," he said, voice calm, "but I want first pick of at least one valuable item if we find something rare. You get the rest. Fair?"
They exchanged glances. Do-hyuk hesitated, but seeing Joon-woo's capabilities, he nodded. "Agreed. Without you, we can't get far anyway."
Mi-sun and Ha-jin looked relieved they'd have more allies, even if temporary. More weapons meant safer exploration. Joon-woo accepted the terms for now. If something truly rare appeared—like a Skill Tome—he'd claim it first. If no Tome, maybe some better armor. He'd cross that bridge when he came to it.
He turned toward the store's broken entrance. "Then let's move quickly. We don't want more monsters showing up outside."
Seven strong now, they ventured inside, ready to face whatever lurked in dim aisles and broken displays. Joon-woo smirked inwardly: alliances formed and broke easily in these days, but for now, he'd use them to cover more ground safely. His blade and Skills gave him confidence. He'd see this through and seize the opportunities waiting in those dusty corridors.