Min Ran and I walked through the abandoned corridors of the school, past cracked walls, empty classrooms, and broken doors. In the distance, faint screams and hurried footsteps still echoed — the hunt was ongoing — but here, all was relatively calm. Finally, we emerged onto the wide, empty parking lot in front of the main building.
In the very center of the asphalt wasteland stood a group of people, cloaked in a faint, bluish shield. It shimmered slightly under the sun, like a massive soap bubble trapping silhouettes within. Nearby stood others — those who, for some reason, had not been allowed inside.
I glanced sideways at Min Ran. She looked tense, but not frightened. I dismissed my imps back into the Demonic Sea — extra eyes would only raise unnecessary questions.
A broad-shouldered guy with a buzzcut and a wide grin immediately walked toward us. His face was familiar — Ho Bin. A former thug, and now, judging by the looks of it, the leader of this little "survivor base."
"What do you want?" he asked lazily, folding his arms across his chest.
"Why are you keeping people outside? There's enough space," I said calmly, trying to sound confident without showing aggression.
Ho Bin chuckled as if I had just told a joke.
"And why would I?" His tone was mocking. "Keeping the shield up ain't free. Mana, strength, nerves... First — coins. Then — protection. Simple."
I frowned but held back. Arguing now would be pointless. Instead, my gaze drifted toward those sheltered within the barrier. Ten people. All of them looked far more confident than most beginners I had seen. Squinting slightly, I opened my targeting system, and for a brief moment, their levels flickered before my eyes.
Fifth. Fifth. Fifth. Fifth... and Ho Bin — sixth.
And I... I was merely fourth.Despite all the battles, despite the new sword on my back and the crimson spheres, I was still lagging behind.
"Wow," Ho Bin smirked, glancing at my class. "A simple summoner, three stars, and you made it to level four alone? Not bad, kid. Miracle of the day, huh?"
I offered a faint smile, as if his joke had genuinely amused me. Min Ran also shot me a sidelong glance filled with newfound curiosity, but she didn't voice her thoughts.
In that moment, two truths crystallized in my mind.First — they couldn't see the rarity of my class and likely had no idea of my true capabilities.Second — I was still too weak.Even with "Ragnarök" slung across my back, even with imps and new skills — I wasn't ready to challenge people like Ho Bin and his group.
I gave a short nod and didn't engage further. Turning and leaving was always better than fighting with no hope of victory.Min Ran stayed behind — hoping, perhaps, to negotiate something on her own.And I walked away from the parking lot, a faint, unpleasant burning growing in my chest.No — it wasn't anger.It was something healthier.Anger at myself.
I was passing along the side of the building when silhouettes flickered ahead — short, crooked, snarling figures. Goblins.
I stopped, exhaled, and without hesitation, opened my hand.Summoning flames flickered through the air, and two imps materialized at my side.
"If I'm still weak..." I said aloud, chuckling grimly, "then I just have to get stronger."
The imps cackled viciously, eager for the coming fight.I lifted "Ragnarök," feeling the weight of the blade in my hand, and with a spark of exhilaration, charged toward my new foes.
Today, I would take another step forward.