It wasn't difficult for Nyx to support himself and Viktor in the chaos that had become of Earth. Food, water, and basic equipment could all be purchased for the same price: one mana stone each.
'Though many of these items are useless,' Nyx mused as they walked, his eyes scanning the desolate streets. 'Guns and explosives barely scratch the monsters. It's as if they're protected by some invisible shield. But they still affect the environment.'
The thought lingered in his mind. 'So what's the requirement for effective equipment?' He pondered, recalling how he had killed goblins with nothing but a broken metal chair leg.
The human-made weapons, even guns, had been useless, and Nyx had decided not to risk testing body armor. If firearms couldn't penetrate the monsters, who's to say protective gear wouldn't be equally futile?
But now, he had something new—someone to test on.
His gaze drifted to Viktor, walking a few paces behind him, visibly weary but determined. 'A perfect test subject,' Nyx thought, his calculating eyes narrowing. There was still much to learn about how this new world worked, and Viktor's talent, Shift, might hold some answers.
It seemed there were special requirements to kill these monsters. But what exactly?
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A few moments later...
Ting! Clang!
The sound of metal striking metal echoed through the blood-soaked streets. Viktor was locked in combat, using a dagger to fend off a kobold wielding a rusty knife.
'The monsters aren't difficult to defeat because of their intellect,' Nyx thought, watching with mild interest. 'They make perfect training partners for Viktor.'
Viktor moved swiftly, shifting his position with each swing of the kobold's knife, but the strain was clear. A moment later, the kobold lay dead on the pavement, and Viktor collapsed, panting heavily, his face smeared with dirt and sweat.
Nyx stood over him, expressionless. 'He can shift through most things—buildings, monsters, even just to move—but it drains his stamina quickly,' Nyx analyzed. Viktor's talent was useful but limited by his endurance.
As Viktor struggled to catch his breath, Nyx glanced down at his own clothes, now stained with blood and grime. "We need to do something about our appearance," Nyx said quietly, almost to himself.
Viktor, still breathless but catching on, replied calmly. "How about forming an organization?"
Nyx's eyebrow lifted slightly, intrigued by Viktor's sudden suggestion. The rage that had fueled Viktor's desire for vengeance seemed to have dulled, his emotions now buried beneath a cold practicality.
"It's not a bad idea to bring people together," Nyx responded, his voice as emotionless as ever. "But that's just charity."
Viktor shook his head, a dark smirk tugging at his lips. "Who says we're helping them?"
Nyx's cold gaze flickered with a hint of approval. 'Maybe he'll prove more useful than I thought,' he mused.