I was wearing the mask I got from Hyosan School.
It really came in handy.
Huggh...
I should leave now.
After stretching a bit more, I decided to head toward the central plaza, since this area would likely be overtaken by the zone in a few hours.
Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the streets.
What now? Where is that sound coming from?
I quickly looked around here and there in search of the roar.
It didn't take me long to find the source of the noise: an abomination was slowly emerging from the darkness on the other side of the road.
Huhhh, just when I thought I could finally relax, another problem arises...
Why does my luck keep going from bad to worse?
It's as if the universe is determined to keep me on edge.
Its massive form lurched forward, sporadically illuminated by the flickering streetlights.
My heart pounded in my chest as I realized I had no time to hesitate.
The plaza was still my best bet, but getting there without attracting the abomination's attention would be tricky...
Considering I'm already at a disadvantage against it.
If this guy sees me and starts fighting, then others might get alerted and come to check, leading to my capture, which I absolutely don't want.
I moved as quietly as possible, keeping to the shadows and using the derelict cars and debris as cover.
The creature let out another roar, its head snapping in my direction.
Ohh, fuck, I am gone...
I froze, holding my breath.
It sniffed the air, and for a moment, I thought it would charge.
But then it turned its attention to a nearby building, smashing through the door with terrifying strength.
[Dash (Level 3) activated successfully!]
Seizing the opportunity, I activated my dash skill and sprinted towards the plaza, my footsteps echoing in the silence of the deserted streets.
The abomination's roars faded behind me as I put as much distance between us as I could.
Run-Run-Run...
I kept running in an unknown direction, not looking back to check if the Abomination was following me.
I just wanted to make sure I was safe.
After a few minutes of running, I finally stopped in the middle of an unfamiliar street.
I was panting heavily, trying to steady my breath after all that running.
I have to admit that two things helped me navigate and cover distance.
First, my torch, which I had taken from the mall, allowed me to see.
Second, my keen senses helped me avoid tripping and falling.
Just then, I got fucked up again as the roar of the previous Abomination echoed through the streets.
"No, he really followed me all the way"
Before I could finish my thought, a blast erupted nearby, sending a shower of debris towards me.
I shielded my face with both hands to protect myself.
I opened my eyes to see the Abomination only a few meters away from me.
Its gaze met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.
It was an unnerving sight, as if only humans were supposed to have such a stare-down.
But who knew these creatures were so anomalous?
After a few seconds, a sinister smile suddenly spread across the Abomination's face, sending a chill down my spine.
The expression was so horrifying that I literally stood frozen like a statue for a few moments.
But as the terror gripped me, I fought to regain control.
With trembling resolve, I prepared to take the most dangerous risk of all...
It might also be the dumbest thing I could do, especially since these big guys tend to leap around unpredictably.
But it's better than doing nothing and accepting defeat...
With no hesitation, I immediately dashed towards the building in front of me.
My hands were trembling wildly because I knew that one wrong move would mean the end for me.
My plan was to reach the building and hide in one of its safe spots, as there was a pretty low chance of these guy finding me there.
"No, no, no..."
The Abomination roared and immediately dashed toward me, its massive form hurtling through the floor...
I barely had time to react.
With a surge of adrenaline, I jumped up and started running, narrowly escaping its grasping hands.
"Not now, not now..."
I sprinted toward the staircase, my heart pounding.
The monster was right behind me, its footsteps shaking the entire building.
I reached the stairs and rushed up recklessly...
I somewhat anticipated this situation, but I didn't expect it to happen due to my own careless mistake.
If only I hadn't lost my balance, things might have turned out differently now...
Forget it; I need to focus on my backup plan.
To do that, I have to reach the highest floor, but the problem is this guy might catch me before I get there.
So, I need to move faster and gain as much height as I can.
Come on, faster!
I took the stairs two at a time, my legs burning with the effort.
Running while holding the torch in one hand and trying not to fall again was hugely difficult.
Also, I could hear the Abomination smashing through everything in its path, getting closer with each second.
The sound of its roars echoed up the stairwell, spurring me on.
Third floor, keep going...
I reached the third floor landing, but I didn't stop.
I knew the creature was too close. I kept pushing myself, each step feeling like it took an eternity.
My breath came in ragged gasps, and my vision blurred from the strain.
Fourth floor, almost there...
The fourth floor flew by in a blur of darkness and shadows.
I could feel the monster gaining on me, its hot breath almost on my neck.
I couldn't stop; I couldn't slow down. The fifth floor was my only little chance.
Finally, I stumbled onto the fifth floor landing, my legs barely able to hold me up.
But before I could catch my breath, the Abomination burst through the stairwell door, its eyes locked on me with murderous intent.
"Shit, you showed up quicker than I expected, but don't worryI'll make sure you don't live to see tomorrow," I taunted.
He roared in anger and charged toward me, while I headed in a different direction.
The area was surrounded by buildings with glass panel walls, which made me think these weren't apartments.
I had devised a backup plan to lure the Abomination towards the glass panel walls amd then do the most normal thing...
This was the only way I could defeat it, as killing it in direct combat was nearly impossible.
The panels were old, dusty and seemed to be in poor condition.
I had hoped for this.
I glanced back to see the Abomination crashing through the corridor, its rage evident in every furious step.
I bolted toward the glass wall, my heart racing. I had only one chance to get this right.
With a burst of speed, I ran towards the glass panels, hoping the Abomination's sheer size and aggression would drive it to follow.
I sprinted and finally, with one last push, I slammed into the glass, my weight and momentum shattering the fragile material.
Huh? It's done...
The panels exploded outward in a shower of glittering shards, and I was thrown off balance.
It seems like I'm about to fall now...
I stumbled through the broken glass, and the Abomination's huge charge threw it into the mess.
It crashed through the shattered panels, its massive body swaying dangerously at the edge.
In a tense moment, it lost its balance, flailing its giant limbs in a desperate attempt to stay upright.
But, at least I felt a bit relieved knowing that the creature was falling with me.
With a roar of shock and anger, it toppled over the edge, descending alongside me into the abyss.
**SIGHS**
I'm about to die againwhat a strangely nostalgic feeling this is...
[The story Ends????]
"OFCOURSE NOT!"