With quiet purpose, the group of seven Awakeners stepped over broken glass and twisted metal frames into the department store's gaping entrance. Dust motes danced in columns of weak daylight from shattered skylights. Rows of toppled mannequins and ripped clothing racks littered the foyer. The air smelled musty, tinged with the metallic tang of dried blood. Whatever had rampaged here left a mess.
Joon-woo, sword raised, took point. He'd fought alone most of this time, but now he led a small band—Mi-sun and Ha-jin at his back, and the new allies: Do-hyuk (sword), Yeon-jin (staff), Sang-min (bat), and Eun-hee (shield) fanned out around him. They moved carefully, eyes scanning every shadow. Survival demanded silence and vigilance.
They advanced deeper, passing shelves of half-burned clothes and racks of torn footwear. The building's interior sprawled over several floors, but they'd stay on the ground level first, searching for supplies or gear. Joon-woo had made them a promise: help clear it, and he got first pick of rare items. In truth, if he found something truly special, he'd consider claiming it swiftly. He was wary—alliances in these times were fragile, based on quick bargains.
A muffled growl from behind a counter made them halt. Joon-woo raised his hand, signaling everyone to freeze. He crouched low, peering around a display of broken sunglasses. A pair of hunched figures lurked near a collapsed escalator, their backs turned: Mire Gnashers, humanoid but stooped, their arms too long and ending in hooked nails. He remembered these monsters as tricky—they spat gobs of sticky resin that slowed victims. Killing them fast was key.
He gestured silently: Mi-sun and Ha-jin to flank left, Eun-hee and Sang-min to the right, Yeon-jin and Do-hyuk with him down the center. They nodded, spreading out in near silence.
Once positions set, he whispered softly, "On my mark: Yeon-jin, try to stun them with your staff skill if you have any. Do-hyuk, strike from behind. Eun-hee, raise your shield to block any spit. Mi-sun, Ha-jin—poke and distract. I'll handle finishing blows."
They nodded, adrenaline shining in their eyes. They were a motley crew with basic weapons, but teamwork could compensate for their lack of heavy gear.
He counted silently—three, two, one—then sprang forward. The monsters hissed, startled, turning their twisted faces toward him. Yeon-jin lifted her staff, summoning a crackling spark that leapt off the tip and struck one Gnasher's shoulder. It howled, staggering. Do-hyuk rushed in behind that one, delivering a swift sword strike to its back. The creature screamed, arching in pain.
The other Gnasher spat a blob of resin at Joon-woo. He saw it coming, invoked Parry, and angled his sword. The resin splattered off an invisible Skill barrier, landing harmlessly on the floor. He lunged, using Quick Slash to carve into its torso. Blade Echo followed a heartbeat later, striking a second phantom blow at the same spot. The monster gurgled, collapsing in a twitching heap.
Meanwhile, the wounded Gnasher staggered away from Do-hyuk's blade. Eun-hee raised her shield and advanced, blocking its path. Sang-min swung his bat low, cracking the Gnasher's knee with a dull thud. The creature fell to one side, shrieking. Mi-sun darted in, spear ready. With careful aim—remembering Joon-woo's advice—she thrust at the creature's throat. The spear sank in deep, muffling its screams as it choked on its own blood.
Moments later, silence. Two dead monsters at their feet. The group breathed heavily, but smiles flickered across faces. This time they fought as a team, and it showed. Less panic, more coordination. Joon-woo noticed Mi-sun and Ha-jin's confidence growing—their strikes more deliberate.
He nodded approvingly, "Good work." His voice low, but not unfriendly. The others exchanged relieved grins. They were forging trust through battle. He must remain cautious but admitted it was helpful to have more blades and eyes.
They resumed their cautious advance. The store's ground floor stretched out in departments—clothing, accessories, a section that once housed camping gear (which might still contain knives, flashlights, or even sleeping bags—valuable tools now). He directed them toward the camping section, remembering its location at the far corner. If lucky, some camping equipment might remain, including basic protective wear or sturdy boots.
As they navigated, they found scattered remains of lesser monsters, likely killed by other groups. The city's Awakeners were active. They had to be quick if they wanted first dibs on good loot.
They reached the camping aisle—shelves partly toppled, but some items intact. He signaled them to fan out and search quietly. Mi-sun picked up a pair of sturdy gloves, Ha-jin found a small hatchet hidden under twisted metal. The four newcomers rummaged carefully. Yeon-jin uncovered a box of energy bars intact in a back corner, distributing them among the group. Eun-hee found a partial roll of bandages, Sang-min some basic rope.
Do-hyuk gasped softly, holding up a padded vest. "This might help absorb a hit," he said, voice hopeful. It wasn't metal armor, but thick padding. He offered it to Joon-woo first, remembering the deal—Joon-woo got first pick of rare items.
Joon-woo examined it. Just a basic padded vest, not system-labeled as rare. Useful, but not special. He shook his head. "You keep it. I want rarer stuff. This is common gear—help yourself."
Do-hyuk grinned, putting it on. It fit awkwardly but better than nothing.
They continued searching. Joon-woo spotted a pair of rugged boots in his size. No system buffs, but sturdier than his current shoes. He swapped them silently, grateful for more stable footing in rough terrain.
No sign of a true rare artifact here yet. He suppressed disappointment. He'd known it was a gamble. The real treasure might appear later, perhaps deeper in the store or on another day when the Rift inside stabilized further. But at least they got supplies and nourishment.
A distant roar made them freeze. Joon-woo motioned silence. Something big prowled upper floors, perhaps drawn by their rummaging. He considered leaving now. They got some gear, no major finds. Staying longer risked encountering something tough. But would leaving too soon waste this chance?
He eyed the escalators leading up. If a boss-level monster lurked above, defeating it might grant him a Stat boost or better loot. With Blade Echo and a team at his side, maybe he could handle it. He turned to the group, whispering, "We can leave now with what we have, or attempt to clear upstairs. Might be riskier."
They hesitated. Yeon-jin frowned. "We already got some supplies. Is it worth the risk?"
Sang-min shrugged. "I'm not eager to face something bigger. We barely managed a few monsters together."
Ha-jin looked to Joon-woo, trust in his eyes. Mi-sun did the same. They deferred to his judgment. He weighed the odds: he was stronger now, but the alliance was fragile and their gear basic. One major fight could cost lives. He wasn't here to babysit them. On the other hand, if a big monster upstairs guarded a Skill Tome or a Key Fragment… The temptation tugged at him.
He exhaled softly. "We made good progress. We got some gear and no casualties. Let's not push our luck. We'll leave and find another target elsewhere."
They nodded, relieved. He chose prudence over greed—for now. There would be other opportunities. He had learned not to underestimate this world's challenges.
They retreated, quietly exiting the store. Outside, the sun was higher, the sounds of conflict more scattered. Some semblance of routine might be emerging. Groups of Awakeners claimed zones, fought off monsters, and tried to form safe havens. Joon-woo's small band, though temporary, worked well this time. He had no reason to dissolve it immediately, but he'd remain cautious.
He turned to them. "We survived together. Good job. Next, I know of another place that might yield potions or minor enchantments—if you're willing to continue."
They exchanged looks. Eun-hee nodded shyly. "You know where to find these things. We'll follow your lead."
Do-hyuk gripped his sword, looking more confident. "Lead the way."
Joon-woo hid a small smile. Control over this group gave him more strategic options. He would guide them to safer hunts, slowly building a stockpile. The apocalypse was a marathon, not a sprint. With each minor success, he laid foundations for future power.
As they moved off, stepping over monster corpses and shattered glass, he kept his senses sharp. The city brimmed with secrets—herbs, Skill Tomes, fragments—and he intended to claim them, forging a path unmatched by any other survivor.