Quinn was huffing and panting. Around him, dozens of Rataclaw corpses lay scattered, unmoving. Taking down one beast was manageable — but dozens? That was a different story. Yet somehow, Quinn had survived, and every one of them now lay dead at his feet.
Right now, he could wield earth, water, healing, and ice abilities. After the first few blows, he'd learned to avoid most attacks. Though his MC cells and powers had increased, his body still had a long way to go. Fortunately, thanks to the system, he was steadily growing stronger with each level-up.
During this battle, Quinn had started experimenting with his powers — particularly combining ice and water in synergy. Previously, forming earth or water constructs like spikes or shields took him several seconds. Now, he could summon them instantly. It had taken practice, but eventually, he got the hang of his newfound strength.
Against the Rataclaws, Quinn had used only his water and ice synergy to kill them. A simple water spike was lethal enough, but freezing it mid-flight turned each strike into overkill. Yet, he soon realized that despite having 390 MC cells, every attack consumed a portion of his energy. If he used his abilities recklessly, he'd run dry quickly. Each cell regenerated in five minutes — enough to recover eventually, but not enough to be careless.
He took a quick glance at his system screen:
EXP: 730 / 400
System Level 4
EXP: 330 / 800
Free Stat Points Allocated.
Strength: 18
Agility: 18
Stamina: 18
Quinn could feel his body strengthening — muscles tightening, reflexes sharpening.
After ensuring the area was clear, he bent down to carve out the beast crystals — only to find none.
"What the hell…?" he muttered.
Out of anxiety and curiosity, he opened the system menu, only to discover thirteen Rataclaw crystals sitting neatly in his inventory. A smile tugged at his lips. At least he didn't have to collect them manually.
As he walked on, the silence weighed heavy.
There were no cries, no footsteps — just the distant whistle of wind. With how he himself encountered the beasts If anyone had to survive, he thought, they'd probably hide somewhere safe. His gaze shifted toward a dome-shaped building in the distance.
As he approached, a crest caught his eye — the same symbol as his school's insignia.
"So this really is a human shelter," he murmured. "But why's it all ruined?"
The building was massive and square-shaped, though only two stories high. Despite the surrounding destruction, it was in better condition than most.
Quinn recognized it immediately — it was a military storage facility. They had one just like it in his city. Inside would be high-end equipment, ability books, skill books, and beast weapons.
"There's a good chance the portal might be in there," he muttered. "But should I even return to the military? They're the ones who threw me out… going back might as well be suicide."
He sighed, eyes narrowing on the cracked walls.
"Still, it's not certain that the portal leads to the same base. And even if it doesn't — I can't waste this chance. There might be some armor or gear inside I can use."
With that thought, Quinn tightened his grip and stepped toward the shattered entrance.
----
Meanwhile, about a mile away, Vorden was roasting one of the Rataclaw beasts alive with his fire ability.
"You're a total fool for coming into this hellhole! What were you even thinking? You've got us killed,"Rayten grumbled inside his mind.
"Will you shut up? Unless you'd rather fight the damn thing yourself?" Vorden snapped back.
On the scorched ground before him lay two Rataclaw corpses — one defeated, the other charred beyond recognition. When Vorden first arrived, he'd stumbled upon the creature out in the open.
Knowing there were likely more of them nearby — lesser beasts drawn by noise and heat — he'd quickly retreated into the nearest building, keeping his flames low to avoid attracting attention.
Elsewhere, Erin slowly stirred from her daze. Darkness surrounded her. Her head throbbed as she tried to make sense of where she was.
"How did I end up here… whatever this place is," she murmured.
Panic gripped her chest as she scanned the shadows. Her breathing quickened. The last thing she remembered was being summoned to meet Truedream — and then nothing.
"Where is everyone? And why can't I remember anything?"
A sudden realization then struck her. She raised her hands, trying to summon her ice ability — but nothing happened. Not even a flicker.
"Why… why can't I use my ability? No… this isn't possible. No, no, no—nooo…"
Her voice trembled, the final word dissolving into the emptiness around her.
After a few shaky breaths, Erin steadied herself. Spotting a rusted metal pole on the ground, she picked it up, gripping it tight like a lifeline, with anger and grief written all over her face.