The city was a graveyard at dawn.
Kael stood at the barricaded entrance of the community center, the morning light painting the ruined streets in shades of gold and ash. The air was cold, sharp with the scent of smoke and distant blood. He flexed his fingers around the hilt of his knife, feeling the familiar tension of battle and the unfamiliar weight of uncertainty.
Sera Lin, the Shadowglade Guild's captain, was already there, checking her battered rifle and giving orders to a handful of volunteers. Ryu Minho hovered nearby, his face pale but determined, a scavenged crowbar clutched in his hands. Mira watched from a window above, her eyes wide with worry.
Kael caught her gaze and nodded, a silent promise. He would return.
Sera's voice cut through the morning hush. "Listen up! We're heading to the old pharmacy on 12th. We need medicine, bandages, anything that'll keep people alive. Stay close, stay quiet, and if you see anything move, call it out. We're not heroes we're survivors."
Kael fell in with the group, his senses alert. The system's enhancements made every sound sharper, every shadow more distinct. He could hear the distant scuttle of Gremlins, the low growl of something larger prowling the alleys. The city was alive with danger.
As they moved out, Kael's mind drifted. He tried to focus on the present, but memories his and not his kept intruding.
Flashback: A Different Life
He was running, breath burning in his lungs, feet pounding the cracked pavement. The world was ending, monsters everywhere, and he was just a boy—no sword, no crown, just fear and desperation.
He remembered his mother's voice, sharp with panic. "Kael, run! Don't look back!"
He remembered the crash of glass, the roar of something inhuman, the heat of fire licking at his heels.
He remembered hiding in a closet, clutching his little sister, listening to the screams outside. He remembered the promise he'd made, whispered in the dark: "I'll protect you, Mira. I swear."
The memory faded, replaced by the present the weight of the knife in his hand, the cold air on his skin, the knowledge that he was both the boy and the king, two lives tangled together.
---
The group moved in silence, weaving through the wreckage of the city. Kael kept to the front, his senses straining for any sign of danger. The pharmacy was only six blocks away, but every step felt like a journey through a warzone.
They passed the husk of a burned-out bus, its windows shattered, the seats inside smeared with blood. A child's doll lay in the gutter, one arm missing, its glass eyes staring up at the sky.
Ryu shivered. "This place gives me the creeps."
Kael nodded. "Stay alert. The monsters are quieter during the day, but they're still out there."
Sera led them down a side street, her rifle raised. "We'll cut through the alley. Less open ground, fewer eyes."
They slipped into the shadows, the alley narrow and choked with debris. Kael's heart pounded, every sense on edge. He could feel the system's power humming beneath his skin, ready to react.
A sudden noise a clatter of metal, the scrape of claws on concrete.
Sera froze, signaling for silence. Kael crept forward, peering around a dumpster.
A pair of Gremlins crouched over a corpse, tearing at the flesh with sharp teeth. Their backs were turned, oblivious to the group.
Kael glanced at Sera, who nodded. He moved silently, the Gremlin's Guile skill making his steps almost soundless. He closed the distance, knife flashing.
The first Gremlin died with a gurgle, the second whirling in surprise. Kael dodged its claws, driving the blade into its chest. It collapsed, twitching.
**[YOU HAVE SLAIN: GREMLIN (F)]**
**[XP GAINED: 20]**
**[MONSTER CORE OBTAINED!]**
**[DEVOUR? Y/N]**
**Yes.**
The rush of energy was familiar now, a surge of strength and clarity. Kael wiped the blade, signaling the others forward.
Sera gave him a look of grudging respect. "You're wasted as a civilian."
Kael shrugged. "I do what I must."
They pressed on, the pharmacy looming ahead a windowless building with a faded sign. The front door was ajar, swinging in the wind.
Sera motioned for silence. "Ryu, stay with the rear. Kael, with me."
They slipped inside, the air thick with dust and the faint, sickly-sweet smell of rot. Shelves were overturned, pill bottles scattered across the floor. Kael's eyes adjusted quickly, picking out movement in the gloom.
A trio of survivors huddled behind the counter, eyes wide with terror. One was bleeding from a gash in his leg, the others clutching makeshift weapons.
Sera lowered her rifle. "We're not here to hurt you. We need medicine."
The oldest survivor a woman with gray hair and a steely gaze nodded. "Take what you need. Just… help us get out."
Kael moved quickly, scanning the shelves for anything useful. He found bandages, antibiotics, a few bottles of painkillers. He stuffed them into his pack, keeping one eye on the door.
A low growl echoed from the back room.
Kael tensed, signaling Sera. She raised her rifle, covering the entrance.
The door burst open, and a massive, wolf-like beast lunged into the room. Its fur was matted with blood, eyes burning with hunger.
Kael moved without thinking. He dodged the first swipe, slashing at the beast's flank. Sera fired, the bullet tearing through its shoulder. The beast howled, turning on her.
Kael leapt onto its back, driving the knife into its neck. The beast bucked, throwing him off. He rolled, coming up in a crouch.
Ryu darted forward, swinging his crowbar. The blow glanced off the beast's skull, but it was enough to distract it. Kael lunged, knife flashing.
The blade found the beast's heart. It shuddered, then collapsed.
**[YOU HAVE SLAIN: SHADOW HOUND (E)]**
**[XP GAINED: 40]**
**[MONSTER CORE OBTAINED!]**
**[DEVOUR? Y/N]**
**Yes.**
The surge of power was intoxicating. Kael felt his senses sharpen, his muscles coil with new strength.
**[SKILL UPGRADE: HUNTER'S INSTINCT (ENHANCED SENSES, TRACKING, NIGHT VISION)]**
He staggered, catching himself on the counter. The world seemed brighter, every detail sharper.
Sera stared at him, awe and suspicion mingling in her eyes. "What are you?"
Kael met her gaze, letting the truth show. "Someone who refuses to die."
---
Flashback: A New Life
He was sitting in a classroom, sunlight streaming through the windows. The teacher droned on about history, but Kael's mind was elsewhere. He doodled in his notebook, glancing at the clock.
The bell rang, and he joined the rush of students in the hallway. He saw Mira waiting by the lockers, her face bright with excitement.
"Kael! Mom said we can get ice cream after school!"
He smiled, ruffling her hair. "Only if you finish your homework first."
The memory faded, replaced by the present the weight of responsibility, the knowledge that he was both the boy and the king, two lives intertwined hit once again.
---
They finished gathering supplies, the survivors joining their group. Sera led the way out, her rifle ready.
The streets were quieter now, the monsters retreating into the shadows. Kael kept to the front, his senses alert.
As they neared the community center, a new threat emerged a group of armed men, faces hidden behind masks, blocking the road.
Sera cursed. "Raiders. They've been hitting supply runs all week."
The leader stepped forward, a shotgun slung over his shoulder. "Hand over the meds, and we'll let you walk."
Kael stepped forward, his voice cold. "We need those supplies. Stand aside."
The raider laughed. "Or what? You'll stab us with that little knife?"
Kael smiled, a predator's smile. "If I must."
The raiders moved as one, weapons raised. Sera fired first, dropping one with a shot to the chest. Chaos erupted gunfire, screams, the clash of steel.
Kael moved through the melee, his skills guiding him. He dodged a wild swing, disarmed a raider, and drove his knife into another's side. Ryu fought beside him, crowbar flashing.
The battle was brief but brutal. The raiders broke, fleeing into the ruins. Kael stood over the fallen, breathing hard.
Sera wiped blood from her face. "You're wasted as a civilian," she repeated, this time with a hint of a smile.
Kael shrugged. "I do what I must."
They returned to the community center, the survivors cheering as they entered. Mira rushed to Kael, throwing her arms around him.
"You're safe!" she cried, tears streaming down her face.
Kael hugged her tightly, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. He had survived. They all had.
But the world was still broken, and the real battle was just beginning.
---
Flashback: The Old World
He was standing on a balcony, the city spread out below him. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of gold and crimson. He felt the weight of the crown on his brow, the burden of leadership.
He remembered the oath he had sworn to protect his people, to be a king worthy of their trust.
He remembered the betrayal, the fall, the fire.
He remembered dying.
---
That night, Kael sat by the window, watching the city burn. He thought of the two lives he carried—the boy and the king, the survivor and the ruler. He thought of Mira, of Ryu, of the people who depended on him.
He would not fail again.
He opened his status window, the blue text glowing in the darkness.
---
### **[STATUS SCREEN: KAEL ARDAN]**
**Class:** Sovereign (Unique)
**Level:** 3
**XP:** 170/300
**HP:** 120/120
**MP:** 40/40
**Strength:** 14
**Agility:** 16
**Endurance:** 13
**Intelligence:** 11
**Perception:** 15
**Charisma:** 12
**Skills:**
- **Devour (Unique):** Absorb and fuse monster abilities.
- **Gremlin's Guile (Passive):** +10% evasion, enhanced stealth.
- **Hunter's Instinct (Passive):** Enhanced senses, tracking, night vision.
- **Ogre's Endurance (Passive):** +10% damage resistance.
**Inventory:**
- Kitchen Knife (Worn)
- Minor Healing Potion (1)
- Bandages, Antibiotics, Painkillers
- Crowbar (Ryu's)
**Party:**
- Mira Ardan (Non-combatant, Tactician potential)
- Ryu Minho (Scout, Unawakened)
**Active Quests:**
- Survive the First Week
- Investigate the System's Origin
- Protect Mira