Chapter 15: Escaping the Devastation

Liam found himself back in the devastated landscape that had once been a frozen, snow-covered expanse. The titanic battle between the stone guardian and the shadowy figure had taken a heavy toll on the environment, leaving behind a scene of utter destruction.

The devastation stretched out before Liam like a scene from an apocalyptic nightmare. Gone were the once pristine, snow-covered plains, replaced by a charred and desolate expanse that bore witness to the catastrophic battle between the stone guardian and the shadowy figure.

The ground beneath Liam's feet was a patchwork of scorched earth and fragmented rocks, cracked and splintered from the titanic forces that had been unleashed upon it. The air was thick with the scent of burnt vegetation and the acrid tang of molten stone, the remnants of the elemental fury that had been unleashed during the clash.

Piles of debris littered the landscape, a chaotic mixture of shattered ice, pulverized stone, and the twisted, blackened remains of the once mighty trees that had stood proudly in the frozen wilderness. In places, the ice had not merely melted but had been vaporized, leaving behind gaping chasms and pits that scarred the face of the earth.

As Liam moved through the destruction, he could see the remnants of the colossal battle that had taken place. Massive footprints, each one larger than a small house, were embedded in the ground, the imprints of the stone guardian's passage still clearly visible despite the chaos that surrounded them. The shadowy figure's influence was no less apparent, with tendrils of lingering darkness snaking through the desolation like malevolent tendrils, corrupting and consuming anything they touched.

The sky above the devastated landscape seemed to mirror the chaos below. Heavy, ash-laden clouds hung low, casting a dark and oppressive pall over the scene. Occasional flashes of lightning split the gloom, illuminating the desolation in stark, eerie relief.

In the distance, plumes of smoke rose from the still-smoldering remains of the battlefield, creating a thick haze that obscured the horizon and blended with the oppressive clouds above. The air was heavy and stifling, the lingering heat from the battle making it difficult to breathe and leaving Liam's throat feeling parched and raw.

All around him, the once tranquil and serene landscape had been transformed into a hellish, nightmarish vision. The devastation was a testament to the power that had been unleashed during the battle, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked within this world and the trials that Liam would have to face if he hoped to survive.

As Liam surveyed the destruction, he heard loud, thunderous sounds echoing in the distance. The battle was not yet over, and he knew that he needed to get as far away from the danger as possible. With no time to waste, he took off at a sprint, his heart pounding in his chest.

As Liam sprinted across the devastated landscape, a monstrous bird spotted him from high above. With an ear-splitting screech, it swooped down towards him, its enormous wingspan casting a vast, ominous shadow over the broken terrain. Liam's heart pounded in his chest as he raced to find cover, keenly aware that the bird's keen eyes were locked onto him and the distance between them was closing rapidly.

The monstrous bird was a terrifying sight to behold. Its massive body was covered in thick, dark plumage, and its hooked beak was large enough to crush bones with ease. Its eyes, a piercing yellow, seemed to burn with an almost predatory intelligence as it bore down on Liam. The wind generated by its powerful wings stirred up clouds of ash and debris, further obscuring Liam's vision and making it difficult for him to keep his footing.

Liam's breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed his body to its limits, his legs burning from the strain of sprinting across the unstable, uneven ground. With each thunderous flap of the bird's wings, he felt the air around him grow colder, as if the very atmosphere was being sucked away by the creature's immense presence.

Despite his best efforts, Liam knew he couldn't outrun the monstrous bird forever. Desperation clawed at him as he scanned the shattered landscape for any sign of cover, his heart sinking as he realized just how exposed he was amidst the destruction.

Just as the bird was about to reach him, Liam spotted a narrow gap between two large, partially shattered rocks. With a burst of adrenaline-fueled determination, he dove into the opening, his body barely fitting into the tight space. The rocks provided just enough cover to shield him from the bird's razor-sharp talons as it swooped past, its screech of frustration echoing through the air.

Stolen story; please report.

Inside the crevice, Liam pressed himself as close to the cold, jagged rock as he could, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The monstrous bird circled above, its keen eyes searching for any sign of movement. Liam held his breath, his heart pounding in his ears as he willed himself to stay as still as possible, hoping to avoid detection.

Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as Liam remained hidden in the narrow gap, his muscles aching and trembling from the strain of maintaining his position. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the monstrous bird let out an irritated squawk and took to the skies once more, its powerful wings carrying it away from the area in search of other prey.

With a sigh of relief, Liam cautiously emerged from his hiding place, his body protesting as he stretched his cramped muscles. The monstrous bird was now nothing more than a speck in the distance, and Liam knew he had been incredibly fortunate to escape its clutches. He glanced around at the devastated landscape, a sobering reminder of the dangers that lurked in this world, and resolved to be more cautious as he continued his journey back to the snowy forest.

As Liam set out on his journey back to the snowy forest, the close encounter with the monstrous bird had left him acutely aware of the need to be more cautious in this unpredictable and dangerous world. The thought of being caught off guard again sent a shiver down his spine, and he knew he couldn't afford to make the same mistake twice. With this newfound understanding, Liam abandoned his previous sprinting pace in favor of a more careful and measured approach.

As he traversed the devastated landscape, Liam's senses were heightened, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of potential threats. He moved with a newfound grace, stepping lightly and deliberately to minimize noise and leave minimal trace of his passage. His ears were attuned to every sound, from the distant howl of the wind to the faintest rustle of debris beneath his feet.

The terrain gradually began to change as Liam left the desolation behind, the shattered remnants of rock and earth giving way to a more familiar landscape of snow and ice. The air grew colder, and he felt the chill seep into his bones once more. The transition back to the snowy environment was both comforting and disconcerting, as it served as a reminder of the destructive power that had been unleashed in the area he had just left.

As he progressed deeper into the snowy forest, Liam found himself instinctively adopting a more stealthy and efficient style of movement. He used the cover provided by the trees and the natural contours of the land to his advantage, ensuring that he remained hidden from any potential predators or other players who might be nearby.

The journey back to the snowy forest was slow and arduous, but it allowed Liam the opportunity to hone his survival skills and develop a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the world around him. Every step he took was an exercise in patience and self-discipline, a constant reminder of the need to be cautious and vigilant in this harsh and unforgiving environment.

{You have acquired: “Stealth”}

Feeling the effects of the skill instantly, he felt lighter on his feet, and even his breath slowed to make his movements undetectable. Continuing his journey through the forest he received a system message.

[Attention! 15 days remain in the tutorial.}

{10% of the original population remains.}

{Difficulty will increase.]

Upon receiving the system message that only 10% of the population remained, a mix of emotions washed over Liam. The stark reality of the situation was sobering, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for the countless lives lost. However, amidst the turmoil of his thoughts, Liam found a glimmer of hope in the belief that his sister had managed to survive thus far.

His sister had always been a force to be reckoned with. Her strong will and determination were evident in every aspect of her life, from academics to sports. She had a natural athleticism that seemed to make her excel in any physical activity she tried. Whether it was figure skating, volleyball, or track and field, she had always been a standout performer, earning accolades and admiration from her peers and coaches alike.

Liam found solace in the thought of his sister's indomitable spirit and prowess, and it bolstered his confidence that she would be able to endure the harsh trials of this unforgiving world. He recalled her fierce determination and the way she would never back down from a challenge, no matter how insurmountable it may have seemed. If anyone could defy the odds and persevere through this deadly game, it was her.

This newfound hope fueled Liam's resolve, pushing him to continue his own journey with renewed vigor. He knew that his sister would be doing everything in her power to survive, and he owed it to her to do the same. For the sake of both their survival and the chance to reunite with her, Liam would need to draw upon every ounce of his strength and resourcefulness to overcome the myriad obstacles that lay ahead.

Another system message followed, to Liam’s surprise.

{Leaderboards}

Level: 7

Race: Human

Class: Survivalist

Profession: N/A

Skills: Endurance, Weapon of Opportunity, Rapid Regeneration, Stealth

Traits: Fearless, Detest the Heavens

Faith: N/A

Blessing: Nature