Awww, I really didn't expect to experience this level of pain.

I knew it would be painful, but this is too much!

I'm lucky I didn't get any cuts or wounds thanks to this comfortable white hoodie. Otherwise, I might have died first from an infection rather than at the hands of a monster.

Slowly, I rise to my feet, step closer to the window, and observe the distance between this building and the one in front of me.

How can I reach this place?

I should have died down there. It's impossible for an ordinary human to do this. Could it be thanks to that foreign ability? But I don't feel anything. This is quite strange.

Is someone helping me?

Not far from there, the red-haired man shakes his head slowly while smiling proudly. "I didn't expect him to jump, even though I had chosen a building with an unlocked rooftop door," he mutters. He sighs, shakes his head again, and watches the white-haired man disappear behind a wall. "Turns out there's someone even more foolish than me. But I admit, his mental strength surpasses mine," he says before finally joining the battle.

A few minutes later, I have reached the city center. Luckily, the elevators in the building are still functional. Otherwise, I would have been exhausted before even reaching the city that the red-haired person mentioned.

However, why can't I find anyone?

They should still be around here, and even if they are hiding, it's impossible for me not to see anyone. Where are they?

An uneasy feeling starts to creep in, attempting to take over my body and instill a sense of panic that clouds my judgment. I can't think clearly, and I fear that I might end up dead due to foolishness. I won't allow that to happen. I know I am weak, but that doesn't mean I will accept everything just like that.

I can still change, transform into the person I've always dreamed of becoming, someone who will change everything, alter the course of my life, and make my parents happy.

Trying not to dwell on the disappearance of the people, I continue moving forward, striving to reach the outskirts of the city before sunset. However, it seems that the situation has other plans. I'm forced to take a detour after seeing a group of goblins marching along the highway, dragging a few unfortunate individuals who scream for help.

If you're wondering why I didn't help them, it's because I have no idea how to fight goblins, and jumping into a battlefield without any information about the enemy would be like suicide.

There are other things I can do, like seeking revenge on them, and that's my promise to those unfortunate people. I will definitely find those goblins and kill them.

Since the sun is almost completely set, I have no choice but to find a hiding place to rest. If I remember correctly, there's a large chain store a few blocks from here. It should be a safe place to spend the night, and I can also look for supplies for the journey to the village.

As I walked along the street, I looked around, trying not to grimace at the drastically changed surroundings compared to just a few minutes ago.

Broken glass, roads shattered by impact, and signs of fire could be seen everywhere, accompanied by scattered body parts that could no longer be recognized. I never imagined that life in this world would be so harsh.

I mean, I knew there would be many casualties, especially in the face of monsters, but I never expected it to be this bad. Movies, comics, and the like always made the situation seem not so grim, while reality told a different story.

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Several times, I had to hold back the urge to vomit when I saw brains scattered on the ground with someone's head having a large hole, not to mention the protruding intestines that resembled a cream being squeezed out.

It is true that humans this weak?

Do we really have no chance to fight back? Is this our limit?

I refuse to accept that.

I know that humans are capable of so much more than this, but a life filled with peace and entertainment has tamed us. The image of a strong human has long been lost, especially after the internet became prevalent.

I'm not complaining; the internet also brings unbeatable entertainment compared to the past, at least in my opinion. However, it's undeniable that humans have become weak as a result. Only a few percent of us still care about physical and mental strength.

It didn't take long for me to find the large chain store. It still looked majestic from a distance, even though signs of massacre were evident all around, with bloodstains clearly visible on the white walls of the massive building.

As I gathered my courage, I approached the store, scanning for signs of danger on both sides, preparing myself in case someone or something ambushed me.

Yes, someone.

I had already seen several corpses of people from this world. I hoped they died trying to save us, but I couldn't let my guard down so easily. I didn't want to lose my life when it had just begun.

I entered the store, slightly startled as the automatic doors opened and a bit on edge when I heard the notification sound as someone or something passed the sensor at the top of the door.

After waiting for what felt like 5 minutes but was only around 5 seconds, I cautiously continued my steps, inspecting every hidden corner that could serve as a potential hiding spot in case someone or something was ready to attack.

Without realizing it (most likely because I was too focused on searching for signs of life), I had arrived in one of the aisles filled with gardening equipment. There were various tools that could be used as weapons, but that wasn't what I was looking for.

I ventured deeper until I came across a section filled with "military" gear specifically designed for civilian use and legally available.

It didn't take me long, less than a minute, to find it— a black Tactical Shovel with a relatively high price tag. I picked up the item, something I didn't expect to use.

I had seen this tool often on the internet, comparing it to other specialized security tools like tasers, handguns, or even a katana. However, after considering their practicality, the Tactical Shovel came out on top. It could not only be used for inflicting harm but also for prying, providing protection, and, not to mention, digging.

Why would I need that, you ask? You'll find out soon enough.

It's true that not many people are familiar with this tool. Only those who have actively sought knowledge about survival techniques would know about it, although not everyone would necessarily purchase one.

Nonetheless, any knowledge about survival can be valuable now, and I'm grateful that the time I spent learning about it hasn't been in vain.

Next, I grab a Climbing Rope because it's one of the most essential items when it comes to survival. It can be used for various purposes, such as tying things or even..

Someone.

I also take a Sleeping Bag, Pocket Knife, Lighter, Flashlight, and other necessary items. I make sure to pack them all into a Climbing Bag. As for food, I grab a few cans that will last me for about three days.

I don't need to take too much since I plan to hunt animals to save resources. I'm unsure of the distance to the city the red-haired person mentioned, so I need to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances along the way.

After making coffee at the mini cafe and having a few pieces of bread, I headed to the rooftop where I had set up a sleeping bag along with a lantern that I would leave behind because I have a solar-powered flashlight.

I intentionally used the lantern as an item to create a calming and comfortable atmosphere. At least for tonight, I wanted to sleep in peace before embarking on a completely different world, a world full of adventure and challenges. A place where new memories are created, leaving behind meaningful experiences.

Perhaps I can find someone I love out there, as they say, there are plenty of fish in the sea.

If I truly want to, that is.

Hey, the sky in this world looks so beautiful. Much clearer and brighter than the previous world. I believe that, despite having so many dark aspects, this world also has its own beauty. Hopefully, I can still enjoy this beauty without losing myself in the future.

Ahh.. How long has it been since the last time I truly enjoyed life?

Do you know? It doesn't matter.

The point is, I feel so alive now. The light that was once lost is now shining brightly again.

I can't wait for tomorrow, to see what this new world has in store for me. I hope it's not something too frightening.. yawn, or something dangerous...

Thud

Thud

Thud

Hmm? Footsteps? Who-

"Don't move."

Ah, so this is what it feels like when you wake up from a peaceful sleep and are immediately faced with the tip of a sword.