I Got A System In The Ruined World

Skills

The gruesome squelch of monstrous flesh under force echoed throughout the confined hallway, marking yet another victorious battle against a wave of demons.

"Skriiiiikkk," the creatures wheezed, issuing their final, feeble death cries as the life seeped out of them.

I surveyed the bloody aftermath, an odd sense of satisfaction washing over me. "This marks the third wave," I gloated, casting a scornful look at the pathetic beasts now lying lifeless at my feet.

As if in response, an unexpected message rang through my mind, a voice both alien and intimate simultaneously.

[You Have Leveled Up]

[You Have Leveled Up]

My eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. Leveling up twice in quick succession? I had expected a more substantial boost, given the formidable opponents I had just laid low.

The slain demons were a group of three, and each of them held an impressive level. One was at Level 6, the remaining two at Level 5. Considering my level was at 4 when I killed them, I had been hoping for more experience points.

As the realization dawned on me, I couldn't help but murmur, "The higher my level, the harder it is to level up, huh?"

Shrugging off the thought, I stooped down to retrieve the cores of the fallen demons. Their bodies had already disintegrated into dust, but the cores remained, shimmering with residual power. I collected them and carefully stowed them away within the infinite expanse of my [Subspace].

Just as I completed my task, a new message resonated, instantly grabbing my attention.

[Congratulations]

[You Have Exceeded Level 5]

[You Are Now Able To Use Skills]

[Skill Slots Have Been Opened]

My heart pounded with anticipation as I rapidly scanned the contents of the message that had materialized in front of me. My eyes widened in shock, then danced with excitement. "Don’t tell me…!” I gasped aloud.

Skills, I had finally obtained them!

From the divine vantage point of the Heavenly plane, I had observed people wielding these extraordinary abilities. However, the specific level required to unlock these skills had always eluded me.

These Skills are distinct powers wielded by the Gifted, unrelated to their Gifts. Unlike Gifts, which are unchanging, Skills can be acquired and developed as an individual progresses in their journey. This early acquisition of Skills could very well be the turning point in my survival. Especially considering that my Gift lacked any form of offensive capability.

"Skill Slot," I muttered, and an additional golden window materialized before me. It was distinct from my Status Window and glowed with an inviting light, beckoning me to examine its contents.

[Skills]

- You Currently Possess 3 Skill Slots

• Slot 1 – Empty

• Slot 2 – Empty

• Slot 3 – Empty

[Skill Slots Will Be Added As Your Level Increases]

I found myself grinning as I processed the information in front of me. “Three is plenty… For now…” I muttered.

With each triumph over the monstrous hordes, my confidence grew. My previous nervousness had dissipated, replaced with an unwavering resolve. As long as I continue to level up, to grow stronger, I can survive in this harsh world.

Suddenly, my confidence was shattered by the bloodcurdling cries of demons echoing from every corner of the hallway. From the stairs, the rooms, even the corners, the ominous sounds reverberated, growing louder and more sinister.

“Shit! I wasted too much time-" I cursed myself, my heart pounding with rising panic.

I considered abandoning the freezer where it stood and making a run for it, but I quickly dismissed the thought. “I need it to smash the Demons!" I murmured, my decision made.

If I were to hide, the demons would eventually catch my scent and gain the upper hand. Until now, I had survived by keeping the demons off balance. They were always distracted by the sight of their slain comrades, giving me the perfect opportunity to strike. However, this time, I didn't have the luxury of time to set the stage.

With dread clawing at my insides, I quickly accessed my [Subspace] and recalled the freezer, stashing it away for later use. I then hastily opened the interface of my Gift, preparing for what was about to come.

"Select all!" I ordered impatiently.

The purple cores, glowing with a soft, almost ethereal light, poured into my hands. The cool sensation on my skin gave me a strange tingle, hinting at the untapped power contained within.

Just as I had anticipated, a notification popped up in front of me.

[Hell Kobold Spawn’s Demon Core Equipped]

[Hell Kobold Spawn’s Skill ‘Claw Attack’ Available]

[Save Skill In Skill Slot?]

[Yes] [No]

I could feel the rush of adrenaline, my gaze darting between the message and the gathering horde of demons. With no time to spare, I hastily confirmed the prompt.

One of the eight cores began to glow brighter, then dissipated, turning into a multitude of tiny particles. The particles swirled around me before seeping into my skin, a surge of energy coursing through me. I felt a tingle, a kind of awakening, as the essence of the skill became a part of me. The system is really useful!

Before I could bask in the power of my new skill, a horde of at least a dozen demons rounded the corner, their eyes filled with unbridled rage at the sight of their dead comrades.

“Fuck!” I quickly stashed the remaining cores back into my [Subspace], securing them for later use.

Their animosity was almost palpable as they lunged at me.

“Activate Skill: Claw Attack,” I instinctively commanded.

A surge of power flowed through me, and my fingernails began to elongate rapidly, darkening, sharpening, and growing sturdier.

Without a moment's hesitation, I lunged at the nearest demon, my claw-like nails piercing its skull, killing it instantly.

“Whoo! Amazing,” I couldn't help but exclaim.

More demons lunged at me from behind. I quickly whirled around, launching my hands at them, eviscerating them in an instant. The swift deaths of their comrades made the other demons hesitate, buying me some precious time.

“Scared now, are we?” I taunted them, relishing in my newfound power.

But the moment was short-lived. A system alert beeped, and a new window appeared in front of me.

[ALERT!!!]

I didn't even have time to read the notification before my nails retracted back to their normal size.

“Shit!” I yelled, realizing what had just happened.

How could I forget that every skill has a duration period!

“Activate Skill: Claw Attack,” I yelled, hoping against hope.

But all I got was another system message.

[System Notification]

- Time Left Until Next Use (09:56)

Of course, there's a Skill Cooldown too!

“What the fuck! I have to wait for ten whole minutes?!” I yelled in desperation.

I felt a wave of terror sweep over me as I watched the demons sneer at me, their mouths salivating in anticipation. Their growls echoed everywhere, and I could tell they were ready to lunge at me and devour me whole.

I had made a big mistake, and once again… I’d been cornered!

“Oh shit! I’m screwed!

“ Skrrrrrrriiiiiaaaakkk!”