Chapter 3 – Gates
In an alley
The streets were almost empty that night, but to Edem's newly sharpened senses, he can sense everything, Every heartbeat of every passerby sounded like a war drum in his ears. Every pulse carried a rhythm that made his own throat ache with a maddening thirst.
Edem looked at his retina.
> [First Mission: Sate Your Hunger]
Objective: Consume the blood of any living creature.
Time Limit: 3 hours
Failure Penalty: Severe Blood Frenzy
Edem's eyes flickered crimson as he stumbled into a shadowed alley, pressing his back against the cold bricks. His chest heaved, his veins burned like liquid fire, and his jaw trembled as his fangs itched to pierce flesh.
"No… not like this…I have to control these argues" he whispered, his voice hoarse.
A woman passed the alley, her perfume carried by the night wind. But what struck Edem wasn't the fragrance of flowers—it was the pounding of her heart, the rushing of blood in her veins. His knees buckled. His body screamed to pounce.He forced himself by slamming his head against the wall.
Thud!
Pain rushed through his skull, clearing the haze for a moment.
"I… I'm not a monster… I won't be."!
He thought of Troy—his younger brother, pale and frail on a hospital bed. The boy's laughter was thin, his coughs. Edem clenched his fists until his nails cut into his palms. Clearing his mind and gaining control.
If I fall now… how can I protect him?
His mind raced. Where could he find blood without killing anyone?
Then the thought struck like lightning.
The hospital.They had blood banks, transfusion bags, donors… He didn't need to hurt anyone. If he could just sneak in, he could complete this cursed quest without losing himself.
With trembling determination, he pulled his hood tighter and set his course for the hospital.
Edem Qwasi – Status Screen
Race: Dracula (Lesser)
Level: 1
Crimson Evo Points: 0
Attributes
Strength: 15
Vitality: 10
Agility: 10
Endurance: 10
Intelligence: 10
Perception: 11
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Meanwhile, at the Capital of Zahara
In a fortified skyscraper where only the highest officials tread, the air was tense. Screens lined the conference room, displaying chaotic energy waves rippling across the planet's orbit.
A gray-haired general slammed his fist on the table. "The Crisis anomaly is escalating. The satellites confirm: the invaders are only a month away."
"Aliens," whispered a minister, his face pale. "After all these years of speculation… it's true."
A scientist adjusted his glasses. "That's why we've initiated the Gene Awakening Project. Humanity's potential can be forced open, unlocking dormant abilities. But…" He hesitated.
"But what?" the general barked."The risk is fatal. The recent who drinked the Awakening Potion died instantly. The other half may awaken powers… or deform."
"The world is Uninformed. If they knew, panic would drown the planet before the aliens even evade. Only the council, elites, and chosen soldiers will receive the potions."
The room went silent as another screen showed a terrifying image: a Portal tearing through an abandoned districts.
"These Rifts are both a curse and a gift," the scientist murmured. "Inside them are beasts far stronger than us—but their cores, their blood, their bones… they're resources that can elevate humanity. If we dare enter."It's been 5 years since we have been going into this hellish Gates started opening.
The general narrowed his eyes. "we have no choice. We step into hell now… or wait for it to consume us."!
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