The rhythmic tapping of footsteps echoed in the corridor, growing louder with each second. The distinct cadence hinted at the approach of a group of individuals.With the soft sunlight filtering through my curtains, I realized morning had already dawned. This was expected, though; it was only a matter of time before they came to confront me.Judging by the distinct pace and muffled voices, I estimated that there were five of them. Their steps, while measured and deliberate, also betrayed a sense of urgency.As the footsteps neared, a smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. 'They decided to show up early.'Shortly, the group paused right outside my door. As anticipated, a knock followed."Damian, it's Annette," a familiar voice called out.Pushing down my initial amusement, I focused on arranging my features into a more neutral expression. I couldn't help but chuckle silently, thinking, 'This practiced look might be unnecessary, b
Restructured Narrative:"No, Damian, we couldn't impose like that," Anne began hesitantly, grappling for words to explain their decision to abandon me.I mentally willed her to halt, 'You better not say it.'"Consider them a token of gratitude," I interrupted warmly. "I don't wish to be merely a burden. With these resources, I believe I can be of help. There's more in the other rooms too," I added, ensuring my smile conveyed only sincerity.The palpable tension in the room shifted, replaced by the weight of my proposed generosity. It was palpable, watching them struggle between their prior decision and the allure of the supplies. I reveled silently at the sight, already anticipating their change of heart. But Anne, forever bound by her unwavering sense of duty, tried to voice their initial decision again."Damian, I really tried to persuade everyone but—" she began.Inside, I grimaced. 'Could she be any denser?'I was pr
My breath came in ragged gasps, each one tinged with the coppery taste of blood. "It's useless… I can't… I can't win!" I stammered, a fresh trickle of crimson spilling from the corner of my mouth.Every part of my body was a symphony of pain. The force that had opposed me had left me broken, battered, and on the brink of oblivion. There was no strength left to fight, no energy to flee. And even if there were, this being, this creature that faced me was faster, more powerful, and entirely invulnerable to anything I might have thrown at it.As it slowly descended towards me, its eyes locked on mine, the reality of my situation settled in. Sweat coated my skin, my heart pounding in my chest as the thoughts in my head spiraled into a chaotic whirlwind of terror."I don't want to die… I don't want to die… I don't want to die!"The fear was primal, a terror that reached into the very core of my being. I had faced danger before, encountered foes that seemed insurmountable, but this was diffe
My breath came in ragged gasps, each one tinged with the coppery taste of blood. "It's useless… I can't… I can't win!" I stammered, a fresh trickle of crimson spilling from the corner of my mouth.Every part of my body was a symphony of pain. The force that had opposed me had left me broken, battered, and on the brink of oblivion. There was no strength left to fight, no energy to flee. And even if there were, this being, this creature that faced me was faster, more powerful, and entirely invulnerable to anything I might have thrown at it.As it slowly descended towards me, its eyes locked on mine, the reality of my situation settled in. Sweat coated my skin, my heart pounding in my chest as the thoughts in my head spiraled into a chaotic whirlwind of terror."I don't want to die… I don't want to die… I don't want to die!"The fear was primal, a terror that reached into the very core of my being. I had faced danger before, encountered foes that seemed insurmountable, but this was diffe
"Get in formation, everyone!" Anne's voice rang out, assertive and clear, as she stepped forward. Her body began to glow with a fiery orange aura as she activated her Gift [Armament], preparing for battle. Damian watched the energy envelop her, fascinated by the transformation.As expected, the group positioned themselves to shield Damian, their bodies forming a protective wall between him and the approaching Demon. To them, the creature was a rapid threat, but to Damian's heightened senses, it appeared sluggish and unimpressive.He could sense every detail of the battle, even from his shielded position. It all depended on perspective, and his was honed to perfection."Stay behind us, Damian. Don't worry, this will be over soon!" Anne reassured him, her eyes filled with consideration and compassion. He was taken aback by her focused attention and suddenly remembered the tale he had spun.'Oh shit! I nearly forgot that I told her the whole story about my entire comrades being killed by
“Huu… good job, everyone,” Anne smiled, her face glowing with satisfaction. With a graceful motion, she wiped the sweat that had formed on her forehead while deactivating her Armament.A sense of ease settled over the group with the death of the Hobgoblin. Damian's eyes widened in astonishment as he witnessed their levels increase. Larry and Daniel advanced to Level 17, Peter reached Level 19, Anne soared to Level 22, and Lily climbed to Level 13—all from a single Hobgoblin subjugation!‘That’s… unbelievable… how low are their Stats for them to have all leveled up?’ Damian thought, his mind buzzing with the incredibility of it all.It occurred to him that perhaps their EXP had been on the brink of 100, so the death of the Demon tipped the balance and caused them to level up. That was the only reasonable explanation.When a Party hunted Demons, the EXP was distributed according to individual contributions. The system behind it was an efficient, uncomplicated method to gain Levels, and
Her inquiry into my Gift caught me completely off guard, landing with the force of a sledgehammer! It was the one question I hadn't been expecting. Even Anne and the other team members hadn't asked about it. It was Katie who finally dared to raise the question.Her voice, innocent as it was, had unintentionally attracted the attention of everyone present. Their eyes turned in our direction, filled with curiosity, and I knew I had to come up with something. A torrent of thoughts rushed through my mind, trying to form a coherent response.However, they all ended in the same panicked thought: ‘Oh crap, what do I say?!’“Oh, yeah. That’s true… I’m curious as well,” Peter chimed in, leaning in our direction, his interest piqued.Daniel, though busy with shrinking objects, glanced at us from time to time, his eyes betraying his curiosity. Larry remained silent, but his enigmatic Alignment meant I couldn't take his silence at face value.It was clear that everyone wanted to know.“I-I’m sorr
We continued on our journey, maintaining our usual formation. Anne was often behind me, her watchful gaze fixed intently on my movements. At the forefront was Katie, vigilantly scanning for monsters, with Peter's steadfast support.The others formed a balanced, airtight defense around us, taking care of our flanks. More than once, I felt Katie's eyes on me, a mix of curiosity and perhaps even a hint of envy.She seemed to long for the attention Anne bestowed upon me, a thought I found rather amusing.'You can have her for all I care… it’s not like I like having this overbearing woman around me,' I thought to myself, almost wailing at the idea.Our path led us to encounters with a few more Hobgoblins, though fortunately never all at once. The group dispatched them with the same proficiency as before, their movements seamless and practiced.We took pauses, of course, not only to work around the limitations of Daniel's Gift but also to accommodate the physical endurance of the team.Well