The world seemed to collapse into chaos the moment the creatures charged. Ethan barely had time to react. The ground quaked beneath his feet as more of the twisted monsters clawed their way to the surface. They were smaller than the ones they had fought earlier, but there were more of them—dozens, maybe hundreds—and their numbers seemed endless.Galen was already in motion, his sword gleaming as it carved a deadly arc through the first wave of creatures. His movements were fluid and precise, like a seasoned warrior who had seen his share of nightmares. But even Galen couldn't cut them down fast enough."Focus, Ethan!" Galen's voice cut through the chaos, snapping Ethan from his trance. "We need to keep moving!"Ethan forced himself to act, pulling his sword free once more. His arm ached from the earlier skirmish, the bite wound still fresh, but there was no time to worry about pain.One of them lunged at him, its claws aimed at his throat. Ethan ducked, swinging his sword upward in a
Galen stood beside Ethan, his sword raised, the dark blood of their enemies still dripping from its blade. The mercenary's eyes darted between Ethan and the advancing creatures, his jaw clenched in frustration."I hope you've got more tricks up your sleeve," Galen muttered, readying himself for the next onslaught.Ethan gripped his sword tighter, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. They were both exhausted. The odds were against them, but he couldn't let fear take root."We can't fight all of them," Ethan said, his voice strained. "We need to retreat, regroup, and figure out how to get ahead of this thing."Galen gave a bitter laugh, sidestepping as a creature lunged at him, his sword flashing in the dim light. "Retreat? You mean run for our lives.""Call it what you want," Ethan replied, slicing through a snarling beast that came too close. "But if we stay here, we're dead."The creatures were closing in faster now, their twisted forms moving with a hunger that made Ethan's skin crawl.
"C'mon Ethan, let's go. It's been an hour already, and it's not like she's going anywhere." Mei huffed as she glanced up from scrolling on her phone."Give me five more minutes, Mei. It's her birthday."Mei Ling pouted as the machines keeping Mrs Li, Ethan's mother, alive beeped rhythmically in the deathly silent ward. Her eyes wandered to the muted TV showing an interview with an up-and-coming esper.She gazed dreamily at the young man who had the qualifications to work as a "hero" in the Otherworld. Mei silently wondered what her life would be like if she had landed a capable man like him instead of Ethan. A grin appeared on her delicate face as she imagined the wealth and status at her disposal in that situation."I'd even be able to visit the Otherworld with him by my side.""Did you say something?" Ethan turned his head to look at her. The dark bags under his eyes made him look a few years older than he was."It's nothing, dear." Mei sighed as she returned to swiping different p
"Astraea! We have a problem!"A young-looking woman screamed as she appeared on the marble pagoda floating in the night sky. She pointed at the unconscious body of the man she dragged behind her."He shouldn't be here! You have to help me before the others find out about my mistake!"Astraea chuckled as her long, pale legs slid out from her toga as she stood up from her favorite chair. Her dark hair swayed alluringly with her hips as she strode over to take a closer look at the "problem.""He's an ascendant." She let out an amused smile as her golden eyes pinned her friend in place. "You've done him a grave injustice by not preparing a gift for him.""I know! Please, don't tell anyone. Can you fix it for me? I can't do anything once it reaches this stage.""Fine, but you know what I want for payment, don't you?" Astraea's grin sent a shiver down her friend's spine. However, there was no way she could refuse!"I accept! Now hurry, he won't last much longer."A pair of golden scales ap
"We are Agents Yun and Kai from the DPER. A Psychic event was registered as originating from this location last night. May we come in?" The female agent in the black suit jacket and pencil skirt announced as she gestured to herself first and her partner next. "Please, come in," Ethan said with a bow as he opened the door further and gestured to the living room.Agent Xi Yun scanned the aftermath of Ethan's rage from the night before with a raised eyebrow. "Thank you. We need to confirm a few things."Ethan awkwardly scratched the back of his head. "Sorry about the mess. Please sit down."He swallowed as Agent Yun slowly sat down and crossed her legs while peering at him over the rim of her glasses. A silent pressure seemed to emanate from her partner, who stood silently by the window. Before they could ask their questions, a deep frown appeared on Agent Yun's face as her gaze moved to the two bright boxes on the table.A small gasp escaped her glossy red lips. "Are those what I think
Ethan awoke the next day with a wide grin on his face. His induction program the day before had revealed quite a lot of information. The Agents of DIA, a branch of the DPER, had put him through several tests and came up with stat results that were identical to what the system said.After that, they confirmed he could create Otherworld items with his ability and issued him his Hero license. It was a robust card with his photo and grade, but it would also serve as his ID even in the Otherworld.What really brought a smile to his face was his government salary!"Five thousand credits per month! That's sixty thousand a year!" Ethan laughed as he rolled out of bed and got dressed in his new government-issued apartment. "Only jobs on the same level as the best surgeons make that amount. I can't believe it's only my starting salary. I'll earn more if I can increase my grade."However, that was only the start. Ethan could earn bonuses for turning in exceptional items and resources from the Ot
Ethan replayed the image of Princess Elara Volsen in his mind as he and Xi made their way through the winding corridors of the palace. It was hard not to. There was just something about her, something that could turn ordinary guys like him into complete idiots with a simple smile."You're thinking about her, aren't you?" Xi's voice cut through his thoughts, sharp as ever."Who?" Ethan's eyes scanned the polished floor as he pretended not to know what she was talking about."The Princess," Xi said, her tone making it clear she didn't buy his act for a second. "Don't. She's not someone you should ever get involved with."Ethan let out a nervous chuckle. "You're assuming I'd want to get involved with her in the first place."Xi abruptly stopped, causing Ethan to nearly walk into her. She turned, her eyes narrowing behind her glasses. "Listen, Ethan. The Otherworld isn't a playground you can mess around in. There are forces here. Powers that don't give a damn about your abilities or your
Ethan's heart hammered away in his chest as he walked away from the Hero's Hall. 'I've got to prepare for this mission. I'll need supplies, a weapon, and maybe a change of clothes. I stick out too much wearing this.' Luckily, Xi Yun gave him some local currency to get started. He could've received more if he sold the potions, but he figured he'd need them for himself.The market district buzzed with chaos. Vendors hawked their goods, and the scent of roasted meats and fresh herbs filled the air. Ethan navigated through the crowd, trying to ignore the allure of everything on display as he headed for a modest stall Agent Yun had suggested to him."Good day!" the vendor, a portly man with a bushy beard, greeted him warmly. "Are you Looking for something specific?""Practical clothing," Ethan said, scanning the rack of tunics and trousers. "I need to blend in and stay low-profile."The vendor's eyes twinkled with understanding. "A traveler's robe, then? Sturdy and easily forgettable. Perf