I peeked around the corner, scanning the streets for any signs of pursuit. The coast seemed clear, so I cautiously stepped out from the safety of the alley, my heartbeat gradually slowing. I had almost made it into the open when I stopped dead in my tracks, my gaze locking onto the swords in my hands. Their gleaming, polished blades caught the faintest glint of sunlight—a beacon in the chaos surrounding me. I couldn’t afford to draw attention right now. With the city falling apart, a set of pristine, golden swords would only make me a target.

I glanced around, realizing how exposed I was. Quickly retreating into the shadowy depths of the alley, I scanned the area for something—anything—to conceal the weapons. My eyes darted over heaps of trash and debris, then landed on an old, tattered cloth, half-buried beneath discarded boxes. It was filthy and torn, but it would have to do. I hurried over, yanking it free, and hastily wrapped the swords, ensuring the golden glint was completely hidden from sight.

Once satisfied, I took a deep breath and stepped out into the street again, my movements calculated, each footstep deliberate. The world around me had transformed into a living nightmare. Smoke curled into the sky from distant fires, casting a heavy, suffocating blanket over the city. The once vibrant streets were now eerily silent, the only sounds a distant crackling of flames and the occasional groan of something—or someone—dying. I forced my eyes forward, avoiding the bodies strewn across the pavement. Some were piled in heaps, others sprawled across the road, their lifeless eyes staring blankly into nothingness.

I had no time for mourning or grief. The city was dying, and if I didn’t stay focused, I’d join the countless dead. Supplies were my priority—food, water, medicine. Pearls would soon become invaluable, and I was still fuming over having to use one so early. It was reckless. I should’ve known better. I grit my teeth, pushing those thoughts away as I approached the store.

It was a small convenience store, or at least it used to be. The windows were shattered, jagged glass still clinging to the frames, and the door hung loosely from its hinges. I slowed my pace, my instincts screaming that something was off. The eerie silence, the empty streets—this wasn’t normal, not even for the apocalypse.

I unwrapped the katana from the cloth, my fingers trembling slightly. The streets had been deserted, yes, but in times like these, an empty store wasn’t something to celebrate. It was a trap waiting to be sprung. I could feel it—the quiet tension in the air. My breath hitched as a thought crossed my mind, sending a chill down my spine.

A Frey.

I cursed under my breath, my stomach twisting into knots. “Shit… why the hell is that thing here?”

The Frey—creatures born from the darkest nightmares. Towering, hulking beasts with thick, iron-like scales that covered their entire bodies. Their eyes were useless—completely blind—but they didn’t need them. Their sense of smell and hearing were unparalleled, and they hunted anything that moved. Their teeth, razor-sharp and jagged, could tear through flesh, bone, and steel with equal ease. A single bite from a Frey could crush a man’s skull like a watermelon, and their speed... No one outran a Frey. They moved like lightning, closing the gap between predator and prey in an instant.

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But they had one weakness—they were blind. As long as I stayed quiet and controlled my breathing, I had a chance. A slim one, but a chance nonetheless.

Gripping the hilt of my katana, my palms slick with sweat, I edged closer to the store's entrance. The Frey could be anywhere—waiting, listening for the slightest misstep. I knew I couldn’t afford to make a single mistake. One wrong move, one sound too loud, and I’d be dead before I could even draw my weapon.

I stepped inside the store, and the smell hit me immediately—a sickening mixture of decay and blood. My stomach churned, but I forced myself to push forward. I glanced toward the back of the store, and there it was—the Frey. Its hulking form towered over the mutilated body of a woman, its jaws gnawing on her remains. Blood dripped from its mouth, pooling beneath the beast as it feasted.

I swallowed hard, my eyes flicking to the bodies scattered across the store. Torn limbs, crushed skulls—these poor bastards didn’t stand a chance. I gritted my teeth, trying to block out the gruesome sight. Focus. Clumsiness was just as deadly as the monster itself.

I moved through the aisles, grabbing what I could—canned food, water bottles, alcohol, medicine—all while trying to create as little noise as possible. Each step felt like it took an eternity, my heart pounding in my ears.

As I reached for a pill bottle on one of the shelves, it happened. The bottle slipped from my hand, clattering to the floor with a deafening crash.

“Shit!” I cursed inwardly, panic flooding my system.

The Frey’s head snapped toward the sound, its body tense, ready to spring. I froze, my body screaming at me to run, but I knew better. Any sudden movement would only lead it straight to me. Instead, I ducked into the nearest corner, pressing myself against the cold shelves as I held my breath. My heart hammered in my chest, the sound of it deafening in the silence.

For what felt like an eternity, the Frey prowled the store, sniffing the air, its claws scraping against the tiled floor as it searched for me. I stayed perfectly still, my body trembling as the beast moved closer, its massive form casting a shadow over me. I could smell its rancid breath, feel the heat radiating off its body.

After nearly an hour of searching, the Frey finally gave up. It lumbered back to the body, resuming its gruesome meal. I waited a few more agonizing moments, just to be sure, before I slipped out of the store as quietly as I had entered.

My entire body trembled with relief as I stepped back into the street, glancing over my shoulder at the store. If I had been caught… I wouldn’t have lasted a second.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. One more stop—a trip to the armory. Swords might be useful, but a bow would be better. Long-range weapons were invaluable in this world, especially against monsters like the Frey. But first, I needed to regroup. I’d been away from Khan for too long.

Before I could think further, a glowing blue window appeared in front of me, hovering just inches from my face.

Status

Race: Human

Age: 17

Skills:

Eyes of a Genius

Wind Blades

Lightning Speed

Emotion Manipulation

Telepathy

Author's Will

Blessing:

Blessing of ???

Curses:

Curse of ???

Pathway:

N/A

I frowned at the screen. “Blessing of what? Curse of what?”

The question marks were unsettling, but what caught my attention the most was the skill listed as *Author’s Will*. I focused on it, and the description expanded.

Author’s Will

As the author of this world, you possess the power to alter anything within it. However, each change will cost your life.

“What the hell?” I muttered, eyes wide. This skill was overpowered, sure, but at the cost of my own life? It was a literal death sentence. Who the hell thought an ability like this was a good idea?

Damn it, never mind. I need to get back to Khan and give him a weapon.

As I ran through the ruined streets, my thoughts raced. What the hell did those blessings and curses mean? And why were there question marks? The uncertainty gnawed at me, but I pushed the thoughts aside. There were more immediate concerns—like surviving long enough to figure it all out.

The sooner I got back to Khan, the better.