Chapter 8 Survival

It’s been six days since I returned to this world… and 36 days since this madness began.r

My body still trembles at the thought of leaving this haven I made for myself, but I refuse to allow the fear within to shake my resolve.r

“Urgh… I stink…” I gagged, after taking a whiff of my odor.r

Being so preoccupied with learning as much as I could, I spent time doing nothing else. Other than eating and sleeping, everything else went to learning the System and formulating strategies while preparing for the inevitable time I would leave.r

After six days of such an unhygienic lifestyle, I needed an intense bath.r

I brushed my teeth as hard as I could, making sure I got everything right since I would not be doing anything like it in a while.r

Also, using the water that was left in my bath, after putting enough in my [Subspace] I had a thorough shower.r

Now feeling refreshed and full of vigor, I picked the cloth I had decided to wear, after saving the others for later.r

My black hoodie, coupled with faded blue jeans and black sneakers.r

“It’s best not to stand out… I don’t need any attention drawn to myself” I reasoned.r

After gearing myself up for my expedition to the outside world, I smiled nervously, looking at my door with dread.r

“I wonder how much has changed” I muttered.r

Opening the door slowly, the creaking sounds it made caused my heartbeat to rise. Excitement and fear mixed within me as I leaped out of the room and for the first time in seemingly forever, I arrived at my parlor.r

“Classic”r

Bottles of beer littered the sitting room, and dirty laundry covered the chairs and floor, making the entire room stink.r

The damp atmosphere caused the air around to be still, thereby making it stuffy. I began to feel hot and uncomfortable, struggling to breathe due to the stale air and terrible smell I had just inhaled. r

“Good to see it’s just as I left it”r

My father wasn’t home during Christmas. But the night before, he had made sure to cause a mess in the house after giving me my fair share of spankings and punishment. I suppose one could say I received my Christmas present early.r

I carefully navigated my way through the room, making sure I didn’t trip on any of the bottles around or touch my father’s smelly wear.r

It was a difficult task, but I managed to complete it.r

The door leading outside my home seemed ominous as I looked at it.r

>Beep< >Beep< >Beep<r

I unlocked the door and proceeded to open it, finally leaving my nest of safety.r

My hands trembled as I slowly raised it in the direction of the doorknob.r

“Get a grip, Jeremy!” I grunted.r

Despite how it appeared, I had no choice but to leave this place. My supply of food and other necessary resources was limited. Even if I decided to continue staying here, they would eventually run out. Should that happen, I’d be too desperate to find another source, and that would only lead to recklessness… In a world like this, that could cost me my life!r

Besides, there’s no guarantee for my safety here anyway. I could be preyed upon at any moment and this building may very well collapse at any time. There are too many dangers associated with being stagnant. I have to take risks if I want to survive in this world.r

I tightly gripped the doorknob and opened up my path of exit.r

I live in an apartment, so leaving my home didn’t mean that I have gotten to the outside world just yet. I still have to pass through several stairs to get to the final exit. I live on the third floor, after all.r

“Second Floor. First Floor… Ground Floor… I have to pass through these to get out of here?” I reasoned.r

Walking slowly, I tiptoed through the hallway, heading for the stairs. Since I wasn’t sure whether there were monsters in the building or not, I had to play it safe.r

After walking for some time, I neared the stairs and gave a relieved smile.r

“Ah, Thank God!” I muttered in gratituder

I didn’t encounter a single monster on my way to the stairs. Perhaps I was too worried-r

“Skriiiiiikkk!” A strange sound suddenly emanated from the end of the stairs.r

My eyes bulged as I heard this.r

“Skriiik Skariiik!” It continued.r

“This sound… It’s –”r

Oh no… I celebrated too soon!r

There was only one thing that could make such a sound… It was a Demon!r

I was just a short distance from the stairs, so I quickly rested my back against the wall and crouched.r

“Skrrrriiiiikaaa” The sound drew nearerr

“Shit! It sensed me!” I thought to myself.r

Demons have an insane level of perception. I thought I was well prepared and adequately cautious, but I was wrong.r

“There’s no avoiding it now!” I muttered, preparing to fight it out.r

I really wanted to avoid any direct confrontation this early, but I’m left with no option now. I’ve been spotted.r

“[Subspace]” I whispered.r

My blue window appeared in front of me, displaying its contents to me.r

I smiled as I saw the one I wanted, proceeding to tap on it hurriedly.r

<Sharpened Metal Rod x5>r

Since I tapped it only once, only one of the 5 pieces came out. The metal rod appeared out of the panel before me, and I trapped it swiftly, drawing it close to my chest.r

“Close” I muttered in a shaky tone.r

The Subspace Window vanished instantly.r

“Skoriiiik!” The sound, only a short distance from me came again.r

A bead of sweat dripped from my forehead and I braced myself.r

“I can do this…”