That day, I was really lucky.
A crystal came out of the dead orc—and went straight into my body.
But it wasn't a gift.
It was pain. Pure, tearing pain—like my body was being ripped apart from the inside.
I looked at the orcs closing in.
I pulled Priya close to my chest—and screamed.
One of the orcs raised its massive axe and swung.
I dodged—barely.
That's when I realized—my speed and reflexes were enhanced. But every movement felt like death. Every step tore something inside me.
Still, I had to move.
Because if I stopped—even for a second—we'd die.
Another orc attacked. I dodged again, instinctively.
Two orcs swung at once—but I jumped, and they accidentally struck each other.
That gave me time to run.
I wasn't running because I was healed.
I was running because if I didn't… I'd collapse and die.
I ran—like a madman—holding Priya tightly.
She was frozen in fear, clinging to me like a little child.
She couldn't speak. Just stared. Trembling.
Suddenly—another orc came at us.
I dodged, but this time—my hand was hit.
Pain exploded through me. I knew instantly—it was broken.
Still, I kept running.
Then—I saw it.
A house. It wasn't surrounded by monsters.
Without thinking, I jumped at the door, broke it open, and slammed it shut behind us.
I grabbed everything I could—furniture, shelves—and piled them against the entrance.
Then I carried Priya into the kitchen.
And collapsed into the corner—just holding her.
She cried, silently. Terrified.
And I held her. Even as pain tore through my entire body.
I didn't care
Vishwa:
"Calm down, kid. Let's inspect the house now."
Priya:
"Okay, uncle."
Vishwa stood up and started checking the house. In the living room, there was a sofa and a TV. The kitchen had some knives, other tools, and even fresh food in the fridge.
But when he went upstairs…
He found them.
Dead bodies.
But not of humans — of orcs. Four or five of them.
Also, some children. Some adults.
Their bodies had been eaten.
Vishwa wanted to vomit, but there was no time.
Suddenly, he heard something downstairs.
A huge snake — demonic in size, even twice as large as an orc — lunged at Priya.
Vishwa jumped just in time, pushing her out of the way and kicking the snake aside.