Having enough resources for a week, I didn't have to worry about food or water. I also had quite a lot of blue ores, though I knew I'd need more eventually.
Right now, my priority was to earn as many points as I could—and if I was lucky, maybe find some extra food along the way.
Looking at the wooden door, I realized I needed to at least reinforce it or get a proper lock.
But that was impossible at the moment, so I prepared myself to explore more of the city. I brought four blue ores with me just in case.
This time, I walked farther than I ever had in my past life. I kept my path straight, so if I needed to return quickly, I'd just have to run back the same way.
After 1 hours, I reached a street where there were quite a few monsters—but most of them were already dead. Probably taken care of by other humans.
I absorbed them all and gained about 35 points. There were seven in total. They were small, with large ears that colored red and the others full gray and it have no face not anything just a body
As I continued and 5 hours and 30 minutes passed, I noticed that a few monsters still roamed outside, even under the sunlight.
Most of them were weak, so I fought them off. In total, I killed 20.
Each one was the size of a 10 to 12-year-old child, and with my axe, I could defeat them easily.
Each gave me 5 points, bringing my total to around 235 points.
I was about to leave since there were only 2 hours left before nightfall. I turned around—still no signs of other normal humans.
Then, in an alley, my eyes darted toward something.
A creature's corpse—still fresh and considerably large. If I absorbed it, I might get an extra 100 points.
Its meat looked edible too, but the alley was dark. "Should I take the risk?" I muttered to myself.
I made up my mind. There were still 2 hours left, and the sun's rays were reaching part of the alley.
I walked in. The narrow space was blocked from the light, enclosed by walls, with some faded paint on them.
Looking closer, the corpse resembled a horse—pure black with a horn. Like a black unicorn.
Its eyes were still open, glowing with red pupils that sent a chill down my spine. I crept closer, step by step, keeping alert.
When I finally touched the corpse, a system notification popped up:
[To absorb a Rare Creature, 1 hour is required.]
I thought of dragging it back, but then—
Suddenly, four small creatures appeared, blocking the way back. More were gathering behind them.
Looking ahead, I considered running. One or two—I could handle. But four? With my average strength and lack of experience, there was no way.
Then I noticed something to the side—a bulky monster. Its face was grotesque, green liquid dripping from its mouth and nose.
It had no hair, and its hands were massive—like they could crush me in an instant. Its body was enormous.
I quickly threw three of the blue ores at the huge monster, and two more at the smaller ones.
They were blinded for just a few seconds—but that was all I needed.
I ran toward the sunlight. The rays were only a few meters away.
The two large monsters roared furiously. The smaller ones trembled in fear. The sound alone filled me with dread.
My body slowed down in terror, but I kept going.
Just as I reached the sunlight, one of the small creatures bit my finger.
Its jaw strength was enough to sever my pinky.
I gritted my teeth. The pain was unbearable—worse than when I was decapitated in the past.
Back then, death had come too quickly for pain to register.
Blood spurted as I crossed into the sunlight. The two larger monsters and two small ones stopped pursuing me, but one of the small creatures had followed me out.
I ducked into a corner, axe in hand, and waited.
When the creature appeared, I struck fast—cutting its neck while it was off guard.
It died instantly.
I tore part of my shirt and wrapped it around my bleeding hand. The flow of blood slowed slightly.
Before I could rest, another one bit my leg. I screamed—its teeth tore a chunk of flesh off, exposing bone.
Despite the pain, I fought back. We exchanged blows until I saw an opening.
With one final swing, I cut off its head.
Absorbing the two gave me an additional 10 points.
Wounded and barely able to stand, I didn't stop. I still had 1 hour and 35 minutes to get back.
The adrenaline wore off, and pain overwhelmed my body.
The walk back was long, fueled by sheer willpower. After an hour, I was pale, weak, and losing blood fast—but I made it back to my shelter.
I didn't rest. I grabbed 3 pieces of jerky and 2 bottles of water, then set out again—slower this time.
I poured water on my wounds and wrapped them with more torn fabric.
Eventually, I reached Lorraine's shelter. I knocked weakly, and she opened the door.
Her face darkened as she saw me—bruised, bleeding, and barely standing.
I held out the jerky and water.
"Help me, and I'll give you these."
She didn't take the food. Instead, she helped me immediately.
She gave me medicine and laid me down. I passed out.
As darkness fell, Lorraine looked outside and chuckled to herself.
"This kid is lucky. A little later and he'd have been vulture food."
She treated my injuries. My body was nearly drained of blood, but she managed to stop the bleeding and stabilize me.
She glanced at the food and water I brought but didn't take them. Instead, she stored them in her supplies.
Four hours passed.
I slowly regained consciousness. When I tried to sit up, my head spun, and my body was weak.
Lorraine sighed and gently pushed me back down. Her deep voice was calm.
"Don't worry. I don't need your food or water. I have plenty."
Lying down, I managed to whisper weakly, "Thank you…"
She nodded, not as cold as before.
"What happened to you anyway?" she asked