Chapter 9: *Heart of a Survivor*

Summer break had just begun, and the city was in chaos. A breach in the city’s defenses had allowed a horde of monsters to slip through while the military was occupied with a massive tide on the border. Their main target was the city.

While in high alert using his newly attained ability “Antennae Space Sensory” that he renamed to (Radar Sense), Nix found about 20 monsters nearby, possibly had wandered off course and ended up in Mount Trashmore, where Nix and Granny Laurie lived.

The weight of the situation sank in for Nix. He had to protect his home and the people he cared about with no additional support. Reaching the hidden cave, he secured Roni and her grandparents inside and prepared for the battle ahead.

Nix monitoring their movements through his [Radar Sense]. When he got a clear view of them, Nix identified the pack of [Mudmaws], Level 1 beasts that slithered through the junk with muck-covered, serrated teeth. Nix sprang into action, using his metal baseball bat with spikes, dubbed [Morning Wood] to deliver powerful blows. His hair, capable of manipulating objects invisibly, stretched out, pulling Mudmaws into traps he had set, sharp metal stakes hidden beneath debris and deep pits.

image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54034135578_34b1c3aa85_m.jpg]

Nix then used his hair technique, (String), a combination of “Tail Strengthening” and “Solid Form” abilities, to pull a Mudmaw toward him. As it stumbled closer, Nix swung Morning Wood, smashing the creature with a decisive crack. He repeated the technique, using his hair-tentacles to trip and immobilize the remaining Mudmaws, then finishing them off with his trusty bat.

As Nix dispatched the last of the Level 1 monsters, his (Radar Sense) picked up some heavy, more ominous footsteps approaching. Three *Level 2 mutated monsters* emerged from the shadows:

A Mutated [Graveltusk]: A hulking, rhinoceros-like creature with skin as tough as stone and powerful tusks,

A Mutated [Shardback]: An armadillo-like monster with razor-sharp, reflective plates that deflected attacks, and a Mutated [Venomclaw] A sleek, panther-like beast with toxic claws capable of melting through steel.

Nix assessed the threat. These monsters were far tougher and smarter than the Level 1 creatures. He would have to confront them head-on with all he have.

The Graveltusk charged first. Nix used his hair-hair-tentacles to trip the beast, causing it to crash into a pile of scrap metal, then held it down using (Phantom Hands). Nix tightened his grip on Morning Wood and delivered a consecutive of his most powerful strikes, until he smashed the Graveltusk’s head. The beast roared in pain before collapsing, defeated.

The Shardback was next, spinning like a buzzsaw. Nix ducked and dodged, then used his hair-tentacles to wrap around the Shardback’s spinning plates, while trading blows until pulling it off balance. With a focused strike, he drove Morning Wood into a weak spot between the plates, stunning the Shardback. Nix followed up with his technique (Spear) to dug through the chest plate, reaching its heart that brought down the Shardback.

Finally, the Venomclaw lunged with claws extended. Nix barely avoided the attack, using his hair to trap the beast’s limbs. He then pulled it towards him with (String), but it countered with a claw swipe that left deep scratches on his shoulders. Nix then changed tactics and decided to pin the monster down until its head gets exposed. After a hard struggle, Nix was able to tangle it down, and swung Morning Wood with all his might, smashing the Venomclaw into the ground. He repeated the process, using his hair to restrain the beast and Morning Wood to deliver crushing blows until it was defeated.

Nix collapsed, panting, bleeding and bruised, as the Venomclaw lay down on dirt motionless. His wrist communicator updated, reflecting his kills.

The battle had been grueling, and Nix knew the fight wasn’t over. The city still faced threats from hundreds of monsters and the Level 5 leader. For now, his only priority is his home and love ones.

Nix had just finished the grueling battle against the three Level 2 monsters, his body beaten and bruised. His Protective Armor was torn, blood seeping through the fabric. He stood shakily, breathing heavily as the adrenaline began to fade. Before he could even collect himself, Roni rushed out of the bunker. Her eyes widened in horror when she saw his battered state, and without a word, she sprinted back inside, grabbing the first aid kit.

A few moments later, she was by his side, kneeling in front of him. Her hands trembled as she quickly unpacked the kit, tears forming in her eyes as she saw the extent of his injuries. “Nix… what did you do to yourself?” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Nix smiled weakly, trying to make light of the situation. “You know me, I just don’t know when to quit.”

But Roni wasn’t having it. Her hands gently wiped the blood from his face as she applied antiseptic to his wounds. “You’re an idiot,” she muttered, but her voice was soft, betraying the fear and worry she felt. “You don’t have to do this alone. You don’t have to always push yourself this hard.”

Nix winced as she dabbed at a particularly deep cut, but he kept quiet, watching her through half-lidded eyes. Her touch was gentle, full of care, and despite the pain, there was something comforting about it.

Roni’s hands moved with urgency, but her emotions were clear. She sniffed back tears as she wrapped his wounds, her heart clearly breaking at the sight of him in this condition. “You mean too much to me, Nix,” she whispered. “Please… don’t get yourself killed.”

Nix’s chest tightened at her words. He leaned back slightly, letting his eyes close for a moment, exhaustion overtaking him. “I won’t,” he promised, his voice barely audible. He felt her hands rest on his shoulder, then she wrapped her arms around him from behind, hugging him close. He felt her warmth, her love, and for the first time in hours, he allowed himself to relax.

An hour passed In this quiet, peaceful moment. Roni held him gently, trying to give him the comfort he needed as he rested and regained some strength. The distant sounds of explosions and tremors from the battle with the Level 5 monster on the east side of the city echoed in the background, but for now, they were far away from the chaos, tucked safely in their corner near Mount Trashmore.

But their peace was short-lived.

Without warning, a *Level 3 monster*, a hulking, scaly creature with massive jaws and claws, emerged from the shadows. It must have wandered too far from the battle and had gotten lost. Its eyes locked onto Nix and Roni, and it roared, charging at them with terrifying speed.

image [https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54034213479_fe822dae0b_m.jpg]

Nix’s eyes snapped open, and instinct took over. He activated his (Phantom Hands), invisible tendrils of hair forming into large, spectral hands. With a sudden push, he shoved Roni back towards the bunker, the force throwing her off balance but keeping her out of harm’s way. The monster’s massive claws barely missed her as she tumbled back, the bunker door closing with a slam behind her as Nix used his (Phantom Hands) again to seal it shut.

“Nix!” Roni screamed from inside, pounding on the door.

“Don’t open it! No matter what!” Nix shouted, his voice filled with urgency as he turned to face the monster. His back was exposed, and the creature’s next swipe caught him off guard. Its claws raked across his back, leaving a deep, jagged wound. Pain surged through his body, but Nix couldn’t stop now. There was no time to think about himself.

He dodged another attack, using his (String) technique to shoot hair threads toward the nearby trees and walls, pulling himself out of the monster’s reach. Nix quickly used his Hunter’s Watch to scan and identify the beast. [Vortex Fangbear] seeing its stats Nix gasps after seeing its defensive stats. He swung from side to side, keeping himself mobile and trying to stay ahead of the creature’s brutal swipes while waiting for an opening to counter attack. Each movement cost him precious stamina, and he could feel it draining fast. Nix found an opening and used his (String) to pull himself towards the beast as he prepare his [Morning Wood] to attack, in what seems to be a flash, Nix user all his might with the strongest attack he could make in his life, putting his life on the line in this one attack aimed at the level 3 monsters head.

“Whack!” “Pang!”

Nix was surprised as his attack only managed to irritate the level 3 monster. Looking at his [Morning Wood] that is now bent sideways. His limbs were growing heavier, and his vision was starting to blur. Nix had to discard his weapon and focus on dodging for until he can think of a way to hurt the level 3 monster.

An alert flashed on his watch, but he already knew it was pointless. He had sent out an SOS to nearby hunters, but help would take time to arrive. Time he didn’t have.

His stamina was dangerously low now, barely above 25. He couldn’t keep up this pace. His (String) technique and (Phantom Hands) were both draining his energy faster than he could recover. He needed a solution, and fast.

Then an idea struck him. His newly obtained ability [Blood-Devouring] could help him recover his stamina faster by devouring the blood essence of the recently fallen beast.

Nix steadied his breathing, blood trickling from his many wounds as he faced the terrifying Vortex Fangbear. Its massive form loomed over him, claws poised to strike again. Every nerve in his body screamed for rest, but Nix knew there was no time for that now. He closed his eyes briefly, focusing all his senses into his [Radar Sense]. The air vibrated with the creature’s movements, and its heartbeat thumped like a drum in his mind, giving Nix a precious window to anticipate the next attack.

Nix had already used [Blood-Devouring] to siphon the essence from the first set of monster corpses, recovering just enough stamina to dodge the Vortex Fangbear’s brutal swipes. But now, with his body on the brink of collapse, he had to rely on his ability more than ever. He sent out all ten of his hair-tentacles to latch onto the remaining 23 monster bodies scattered around him. The blood essence flowed into him, rejuvenating his strength but leaving him defenseless. Nix gritted his teeth, trusting his [Radar Sense] completely as he danced between the monster’s blows, narrowly avoiding each attack.

The Vortex Fangbear roared in frustration, its claws gouging deep into the earth as it missed again and again. Nix felt its heartbeat spike just before it charged, and he rolled to the side, his muscles screaming in protest. He kept absorbing the blood essence, feeling his strength slowly return. He knew he couldn’t keep dodging forever, but every second he bought himself was another step closer to survival.

As the last of the blood essence from the 10 corpses flowed into him, Nix felt a surge of vitality. His wounds began to heal, and his stamina shot up, but blood still leaked from his deeper injuries. Desperate, Nix had an idea. He used his [Radar Sense] to guide strands of his hair and began sewing his open wounds shut. His hands shook as he worked, but after a few tense moments, the bleeding slowed, and Nix could once again focus on the fight.

The Vortex Fangbear growled, sensing that its prey was regaining strength. It lunged at Nix again, claws slashing through the air. This time, Nix was ready. With his stamina replenished, he dodged the attack and leapt onto a nearby pile of scrap metal. He needed to buy more time, and he couldn’t afford to make any reckless moves.

For fifteen minutes, the battle raged on. Nix continued to dodge and weave between the Vortex Fangbear’s attacks, using his hair-tentacles to throw debris in its path and trip it up whenever possible. But his energy was waning again. He had to use the last of the blood essence from the remaining 13 monsters. His hair-tentacles darted out, latching onto the corpses as the familiar rush of power filled him once more, boosting his stamina to 50%.

The Vortex Fangbear was relentless, growing angrier with every missed strike. Another 15 minutes passes, and Nix knew he was running out of time, but just as his stamina reached its limit, a glimmer of hope arrived.

A thunderous crack echoed through the battlefield as a massive figure leapt into the fray, blocking a devastating swipe that would have finished Nix. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, and Nix’s exhausted body staggered from the force.

The one who arrived was Jake Gibbon, an old Enforcer with a reputation for strength. His huge axe gleamed in the dim light as he faced off against the furious Vortex Fangbear. Nix could hardly believe his eyes as Jake swung the axe with practiced precision, meeting the creature blow for blow.

The fight between Jake and the beast was ferocious. The Vortex Fangbear, a level 3 evolved monster, was far smarter and more cunning than the average monster. Its attacks were relentless, and for every strike Jake landed, the creature retaliated with deadly force. Nix watched the battle from the sidelines, struggling to stay conscious as his body begged for rest.

Fifteen grueling minutes passed, with Jake using every ounce of his strength and skill to wear down the Vortex Fangbear. Nix knew that even with Jake’s help, this wasn’t going to be an easy fight. But Jake had one thing the Vortex Fangbear didn’t, experience.

Finally, with a mighty roar, Jake swung his axe in a wide arc, catching the Vortex Fangbear in a critical weak spot near its neck. The creature let out a final, deafening shriek before collapsing to the ground in a heap. Its massive form lay still, and the battle was over.

Nix exhaled in relief, his body trembling from exhaustion. He had survived, but only barely.

Jake turned to him, his grizzled face showing a hint of a smile beneath his helmet. “You did good, kid. Now let’s get you patched up.”

As the adrenaline faded, Nix slumped to the ground, his vision fading to black as he finally allowed himself to rest, knowing that for now, the battle was won.

“That should do it,” Jake muttered, taking a seat on a nearby rock. With a sigh of relief, he reached into his coat, pulled out a flask, and took a long swig of liquor. The warmth of the drink spread through his tired body, and he looked over at Nix, who was still slumped against the tree, barely able to keep his eyes open.

Jake squinted at him, then his eyes widened in surprise. “Wait a second, you’re only a level 1 Evolver?!”

Nix, still catching his breath, managed a weak nod.

Jake let out a low whistle and shook his head, laughing. “Little cub, you’ve got guts. How the hell did you hold off a monster like that?”

Nix gave a small, exhausted smile. “I fought it… for about 30 minutes… I was waiting for backup.”

Jake’s jaw dropped slightly. “Thirty minutes?! Against *this* thing?” He gestured at the Vortex Fangbear. “Kid, this is one of the strongest level 3 monsters I’ve ever fought. Even a level 4 would have a hard time against it. You really fought this beast on your own for half an hour?”

Before Nix could answer, Roni and Laurie emerged from the bunker. Roni rushed over to Nix, her face full of worry as she knelt beside him, cradling his head in her arms. “Nix, are you okay?”

Nix managed a small smile. “I’ll live.”

Laurie, her face a mixture of pride and concern, approached Jake. She could see the fatigue and pain in Nix’s eyes, but there was also a fierce determination, a will to survive, no matter the cost. Laurie’s voice was soft but filled with emotion. “He’s always been like this. Puts everything on the line for the people he loves.”

Jake watched the scene unfold, his expression softening as he took another swig from his flask. “Yeah, well… you can’t teach that kind of courage. Like they say, even a sick cat will fight tooth and nail when cornered.” He looked back at the dead monster, then back at Nix. “You’ve got heart, little cub. I’ll give you that.”

Roni hugged Nix tightly, her eyes welling up with tears. “You could’ve been killed! You should’ve run when you had the chance!”

“I couldn’t,” Nix whispered, his voice strained but steady. “I had to protect you. I had to protect everyone.”

Jake shook his head, still in disbelief. “Kid, you’re something else. You held off one of the strongest level 3 monsters I’ve ever seen. This wasn’t just some random attack either. A leader monster never comes alone. It brings its best subordinates when it’s planning something big.”

He glanced around, scanning the horizon. “There’s a lot more going on here than we thought.”

Nix, exhausted but still alert, nodded weakly. “I had to hold it off. I couldn’t let it get any closer.”

Jake chuckled and took one final swig before standing up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Well, little cub, you’ve got my respect. Not many would’ve lasted that long against something like this. You did good.”

As the adrenaline from the battle slowly faded, Nix finally allowed himself to relax. Roni held him close, her heart still pounding from the fear of almost losing him. Laurie stood behind them, her eyes filled with pride for the boy she raised.

Jake stretched, cracking his neck. “You rest up, kid. You’ve earned it. And don’t go picking fights with level 3s any time soon, alright?”

Nix let out a weak laugh. “I’ll try.”

With that, Jake turned and began walking away, still muttering to himself about how tough the battle had been. But he glanced back one last time, his eyes lingering on Nix. “What a strong willed kid” he thought.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the aftermath of the battle, Nix leaned against Roni, her warmth comforting him as he slowly drifted into an exhausted sleep. He had fought for his loved ones and survived. For now, that was enough.