After leveling up, Zashirmiq turned toward home. Soon, from the side, a familiar voice cut through the air.
Fahad: "Knew that was you. Good to see you finally activated your Nexium."
Zashirmiq looked up, surprised.
Zashirmiq: "Fahad."
They met halfway, forearms locking in a brief, solid grip. Behind Fahad stood over ten women—beautiful, armed, disciplined. A powerful unit.
Fahad (grinning): "About time you started grinding levels. Need a hand?"
Zashirmiq: "Appreciate it. Still getting used to how it all works and figuring things out."
Fahad (gesturing to his team): "You don't have to do it alone. I've got people, gear, funding. Could help you level up faster."
Zashirmiq eyed the group behind him.
Zashirmiq: "You've put together a strong team."
Fahad (smirks): "Wasn't hard. Being from the Inner Zone helps. Dad's network, enough essence shards, and you'd be surprised how fast people show up."
Fahad smirked. "Level 50 in just under a year. Could've gone higher if my dad let us hunt deeper, past the city wall. That's where the real high-level Hollowed roam. But you know how it is. He doesn't want me taking risks."
Zashirmiq: "Level 50… That's impressive. But yeah, not everyone has that luxury."
Fahad: "We use what we have, Zash. Connections, power, money—they open doors. You can buy strength, rent skills, build protection. It's practical."
Zashirmiq: "Those things help. I won't deny that. But I want more than just what money can buy."
Fahad (raising a brow): "You think love and loyalty keep you alive? Zash, out here it's survival. No one follows you unless you can offer something. Protection. Gains. A future. The sooner you accept that, the faster you'll rise."
Zashirmiq: "Maybe. But I want a team that trusts me and whom I can trust. Fights beside me because they choose to—not because they're paid to."
Fahad scoffed lightly, then glanced back at his team.
Fahad: "You're chasing ideals in a world that's falling apart. I keep my people alive. That's why they stay."
Zashirmiq's eyes drifted to one of the women at the back. She met his gaze briefly, then quickly looked away.
Zashirmiq (quietly): "Maybe. Or maybe they stay because they don't feel they have a choice."
Fahad (frowns, tone sharpening): "Don't twist it. I'm not forcing anyone. They came to me because I can protect them. That's real. That's enough."
Zashirmiq: "I get it. And I respect what you've built. But I want something different. Real trust. Real connection."
Fahad (studying him): "You sure? You could level faster with my team. Better gear, better hunting zones. I'll cover it. No strings."
Zashirmiq (smiles, sincere): "Thanks. Really. But I need to do this on my own. Earn it, step by step."
A pause. Fahad watched him for a moment, then exhaled with a short laugh.
Fahad: "Still the same Zash. Idealistic. Stubborn."
Fahad (shrugs): "Idealistic, as always. But hey, I respect it. And if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me. We can always make room for one more."
Fahad: "Fair. Still, we should celebrate your Nexium. Come by the Inner Quarters when you get time. Dinner's on me. Real food. Real drink."
Zashirmiq gave a half-smile.
Zashirmiq: "Might take you up on that."
Fahad grinned wider, then glanced at the sky.
Fahad: "Alright, we're heading back into the city. Father called us back."
He raised a hand in parting.
Fahad: "See you around."
Zashirmiq: "Thanks, see you around too."
Fahad turned, his team falling into step behind him.
Zashirmiq stood there, watching them go.
Zashirmiq continued down the broken path toward home, the city's ruins casting long shadows as dusk approached. A distant crash rang out, followed by the unmistakable shrieks of Hollowed Humans.
He changed course instantly.
Up ahead, in a ruined courtyard, Ayesha fought alone. She was quick, precise, and unrelenting. A swirling aura of chaos clung to her like a storm barely contained. Her hand struck a Hollowed's chest. The creature convulsed violently and dropped, its insides shattered without a single mark.
Another lunged.
She twisted aside and grabbed its wrist. Chaos pulsed from her touch. Its bones snapped from within. A third charged with clawed hands outstretched, but her shield flared, barely visible, just a shimmer in the air. The impact dispersed like smoke. She finished it with a clean strike to the head.
Zashirmiq narrowed his eyes. Her movements weren't wild. They were instinctive, efficient, and powerful.
But as more Hollowed closed in, he stepped forward.
Teleport.
He appeared behind one, blade already drawn. In one clean motion, he cleaved through it, then kicked off to intercept another before it could flank her. Within seconds, the remaining Hollowed lay still.
Ayesha turned to him.
"You didn't have to step in," she said quietly. "I had it handled."
Zashirmiq gave a half-smile. "I know. I saw."
She blinked, then her eyes widened slightly.
"...Zash?"
He nodded. "It's been a while."
"Good to see you. When did you activate your Nexium? You didn't even let me know."
"Yeah, sorry about that. Just activated it a couple of days ago. Got a bit excited to try things out."
She smiled faintly. "How are you? You fought well. Those Hollowed didn't stand a chance."
As she spoke, Zashirmiq silently activated Insight.
Status
Name: Ayesha
Nexium: Chaos
Level: 18
Energy Domains: Cataclysm, Instability, Reality Warp
Specialized Domains: None
Skills: Catastrophic Blast, Chaos Infusion, Perception Shifting, Instability Shield
"Why are you fighting alone?" he asked. "Where's your team?"
"I don't have one," she said simply. "You know how it is. My powers aren't the kind people are used to. They get afraid of what they don't understand. I prefer it this way."
"Yeah, I saw that. Your skills are impressive though. Maybe someday, when I'm high level enough, you can join me. We'll fight together."
She looked at him, calm and sincere. "I'd like that."
Ayesha glanced at him as they began walking.
"How's Amina? I haven't seen her the last few days."
Zashirmiq's expression softened. "She's alright, just recovering. She got hurt a few days ago, but she's fine now. Just needs rest."
Ayesha nodded. "Good to hear. I'll visit her."
"Let's have dinner at her place after I clean up," he said. "I'm heading home for a quick shower first."
"Fair. You're covered in blood and smell awful," she teased. "I'll go cook something. See you there."
They parted for a while. After a quick shower, Zashirmiq made his way to Amina's home. The three reunited over a warm dinner, light conversation easing the weight of the world outside.
Later that night, lying in his room, Zashirmiq stared at the cracked ceiling.
"System," he said. "Why does the gender ratio seem so off now? It used to be almost one-to-one in the past."
The system responded, calm and clear.
"Correct. Historically, the male-to-female ratio was balanced. But after the Chaos Surge, everything changed. In the initial outbreaks, a much higher percentage of males died."
"Why?"
"Most males instinctively chose to protect their families and communities. They placed themselves on the front lines during the collapse, leading to higher casualties. This pattern isn't uncommon in post-catastrophe scenarios. Similar imbalances occurred in past global wars, though never to this extent."
"How bad is it now?"
"Nearly ninety percent of the human population either died or turned into Hollowed. Over time, a biological or evolutionary shift occurred. Since females are more critical for species continuity, even the birth ratio changed. The current ratio is approximately one male to every four females."
Zashirmiq frowned. "Will it ever go back to normal?"
"Possibly, but it will take time, if it happens at all. With people living longer due to leveling, overall birth rates have dropped. And the incompatibility between energy types further limits reproduction. The balance may never fully return."
He let out a slow breath and closed his eyes. "Figured as much."