And just like that, with an air of finality, he ended it all. He gathered the crimson energy that surrounded his weapon, focusing it into a single, concentrated point. With a swift, horizontal slash, he unleashed the power toward the multitude of Demons that still lingered.
>BOOOOOOMMMMM< An eruption of pure energy exploded forth, its force cataclysmic and unrelenting.The Demons were consumed by the blast, their bodies incinerated, leaving behind only the pungent, sickening smell of burnt flesh and blood. There was no time for screams or protests; they died instantly, their wicked lives snuffed out in a single, decisive moment.All that remained of them were ruby-like stones that lay scattered on the ground, glowing faintly as if in testament to their former existence. The pounding in my heart, which had been deafening only moments before, began to subside, replaced by an overwhelming sense of relief and disbelief.Finally, I turned my attentionThe mysterious man who had saved me didn't simply vanish into the shadows after that harrowing battle. Instead, he took me under his wing, guiding me back to the apartment where I had been staying.In the days that followed, he became my constant companion, my source of comfort, safety, and newfound wisdom. As time wore on, the bond between us deepened, evolving from a simple rescue relationship to something more profound. I began to depend on him, trusting him implicitly, a sensation that both warmed and surprised me.We embarked on a somber mission, carefully entering the homes of my fallen comrades and gathering their valuable belongings. The task was a difficult one, filled with haunting reminders of lost friends, but it was necessary.At first, my savior seemed troubled by our actions, guilt gnawing at him as we sifted through the possessions of the deceased. It was a feeling that he didn't try to hide from me, his face betraying his internal struggle
“W-wha-?!” I nearly exclaimed in shock, my voice catching in my throat.The words he'd spoken hung in the air, vibrating with a finality that I hadn't been prepared for. He was leaving me. Just like that. And I would be all alone again.Panic welled up inside me, and I reached out, grabbing at his roughened dark garment, desperate to keep him close.“N-no… please don’t go. I’ll be better, I promise. Just don’t leave me. I-I don’t want to be alone…” I pleaded, tears streaming down my face, fear and loneliness threatening to consume me.He stood firm, his masked face impassive, his voice steady as he responded, “Don’t worry. You won’t be alone…”Those words pierced through my despair, causing me to look up in shock, my tear-filled eyes meeting his obscured gaze.“I can sense some people approaching this place. However, a monster is nearby, and they are in grave danger. I intend on helping them out. Afterward, I have to leave to hel
After my first encounter with Arthur, I made a peculiar discovery about the visibility of Status Information. Paul and I could see each other's Status Information. The reason was clear: there was a mere 15 level difference between us. A long-standing rule exists that if someone is 50 levels or more beneath you, they cannot see your Status Information. At that time, Paul was just starting at Level 1, while I was a modest Level 16. Hence, he still had access to my information.‘However, much has changed since our encounter. Now that I've ascended to Level 102, it's doubtful many can peer into my Status.’My initial reaction to the transparency of Status Information was of mild annoyance. I was uncomfortable with the idea of others having insight into my Level. Still, I shrugged off this concern, reasoning that my Level was relatively average. Thus, I assumed I wouldn't stand out and could blend in easily.However, my perceptions took a drastic turn. As I learned more about this world, I
Anne's departure seemed inevitable.Any concerns about nighttime demons had been dispelled by the tales Damian had spun earlier. Convinced of the area's safety and after having been well-fed and rested, Anne had no valid reason to prolong her stay.Additionally, with her team's departure scheduled for the crack of dawn, they would need the night to finalize their plans and decisions.“I’ll return, Damian. That's a promise,” Anne said as she rose from her seated position, her joints protesting mildly.From his spot on the floor, Damian looked up, her towering figure coming into full view once more. An involuntary smile tugged at the corner of his lips, which he promptly suppressed.“Damian, I can't thank you enough. We'll meet again soon,” she voiced with a note of finality, among other parting words, as she made her way out.Choosing to remain where he was, Damian didn’t escort her to the exit. He simply stayed put, waiting for her to depart completely.“Gone so soon, huh? Given her n
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