Road pathways to the woods, Outside of Willowrest.
Breathing noise, panting, foot tapping on the road, running—Shanz was running from danger, fleeing for safety from the two unknown threats chasing him down.
Those two were catching up fast, and Shanz's heart was pounding hard. Fear was crawling inside him, but his confidence was still fighting back at the same time.
Thinking if there's a way to escape from the two, his first thought was to go back to the town and get some help.
But then his mind shifted again—if it needed evidence, he would have to go back and get it.
Yet on the other side, that evidence could be gone in just seconds, especially in this new world where things don't work the same way as before.
What do I do?! he thought, panic rising inside him. Should I go to the town to get some help? Help from the people there? No...
What if it needs evidence? I don't know why I'm thinking like this—it's like my head's still stuck back in the old world,
where if you get involved in something, you always need proof! If not, you'll be the one suspected, even if you saw who really did it!.
He gritted his teeth while running, his mind spinning with frustration.
It's kinda dumb just... Kinda...
he muttered under his breath, his feet still pounding on the dirt.
His thoughts were going wild, acting like he was still living by the old world's rules, where evidence was everything.
But this world—this world was different. He tried to come up with a second plan, a backup, anything that could save him.
THERE IS NO SECOND THOUGHTS!
he yelled inside his head.
Matter of fact, I can't think straight right now! If I stop running, I'm dead! If I go to the town, I'm also half dead! What should I do?! Fight? Dang it,
I don't even have those protagonist-type powers yet! It's not awakenin—hold on... it's on me right now...
A sudden realization hit him like lightning.
The more I experience something, the more powerful I get.
My level isn't connected to my strength—it's just the limit that unlocks my skills, my defense mechanism... though... I'd just adapt... kind of OP....
He shook his head. Anyways, I need to think how to fight them.
His breathing got heavier, the sound of the forest wind mixed with his steps echoing through the road. Behind him, faint voices and rustling leaves were closing in fast. His body was tired, but his mind was burning with one thing—survive.
Running through the road, Shanz's mind was spinning. Thoughts kept popping in and out while his feet kept moving fast.
Then suddenly, without thinking twice, he drifted to his left and dashed straight into the forest.
Fellus and Herra followed right after him, breaking through the branches and leaves.
"Hey kid! Just come here! We're not gonna hurt you!"
Fellus shouted, his voice echoing through the woods.
Herra added,
"Hmm, yes! Come here, kid, will you?"
Her tone sounded playful, but there was something off about it—something that made Shanz's skin crawl.
As the two chased deeper into the forest, Shanz's breathing grew heavier. Then, just a few moments later, he appeared out on the other side of the woods—safe, at least for now.
He grinned for a second, proud of his own trick, then looked back over his shoulder to make sure no one was following.
"Anyways," he muttered, straightening up. "I better go now… back to town. But should I go now now? Like… this might take time…"
Before he could finish that thought, a soft chime sound popped up beside him.
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[ATTRIBUTES]
Strength: 45 > 55 (+10)
Agility: 12 > 25 (+13)
Intelligence: 4 > 9 (+5)
Charisma: 3 (+2)
Luck: ???
[ATTRIBUTE POINTS]
Unspent Stat Points: 0
Potential Ascension: LOCKED
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Shanz blinked, looking at the glowing display floating beside him.
"Huh… how'd I get that high strength and agility?"
He started jogging back toward the town while staring at the stats.
"How long have I been running anyway? My stamina… I didn't even notice it. Once I ran out, the energy came back again—so fast… I didn't even feel it."
He squinted at the next part.
"Also intelligence… lemme guess, that trick I pulled off? Nah, I just love to play pranks, so maybe that's it. Then charisma—HELL NAH, what? I don't wanna be looking good, especially not famous…"
He sighed, shaking his head.
"And the rest are still zero and locked, huh? Figures."
As he kept running along the road, the wind brushing through his hair, Shanz looked ahead with a tired grin.
"Anyways… looking forward to going back to the town. This adventure's been wild—crazy even."
Footsteps echoed softly against the dirt road, the sound of jogging mixed with heavy breathing. Sweat dripped down Shanz's face, his chest rising and falling as he moved.
The breeze of the trees brushed against him, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, shining faintly over his tired body. Still, he kept jogging—pushing himself to reach the town.
After what felt like forever, he slowed down and finally stopped. His legs trembled slightly as he leaned against a nearby tree, sliding down to sit under its shade.
Breathing heavily through his nose, Shanz stretched his legs and arms before letting out a deep sigh.
"Just a minute… I should rest," he muttered between breaths.
"How long is this gonna take? I still don't see the town anywhere…"
The heat of the sun pressed against his skin. His shirt clung to his body, completely drenched in sweat.
The energy that carried him this far had finally faded, leaving his body heavy and sluggish.
"So this is how it feels to get tired again," he murmured, tilting his head back. "Still… why do I feel like my anxiety's rising up again—"
Before he could finish, the faint crunch of a footstep echoed in front of him.
He blinked once.
And just like that, a figure appeared—standing a few steps away.
"Oh… hmm hmm… so this is where you are, huh, kid?" a familiar voice spoke, calm but mocking.
"Do you know how long we've been looking for you?"
A breeze swept through, the trees swaying lightly. The air felt heavy now, the tension thick enough to choke on. Standing before him was Herra—alone this time, no sign of Fellus.
Shanz's pulse quickened instantly. He pushed himself up from the ground, preparing to run again, but before he could take a single step—Herra's hand shot out, gripping his shoulder fast, her fingers digging into his skin.
"Oh no, no, no…" she whispered, her tone playful yet cold. "You won't escape this time."
Her grip tightened.
Shanz groaned, a sharp pain shooting through him as it felt like his shoulder was about to shatter. His teeth clenched, his face twisted in agony, but he tried to pull free anyway.
"Ngh—! Let… go of me!" he gasped, feeling the pressure build in his bones.
Herra only smiled wider, her crimson eyes glinting in the sunlight. The calm wind around them started to change—growing heavier, sharper, almost humming with power.
"Dang it, I left my guard down," Shanz gritted his teeth, eyes narrowing as pain throbbed from his shoulder. "But it's alright... if I pretend to be weak, they won't suspect what I'm capable of."
His gaze flickered toward Herra—her eerie red eyes glowing faintly under the sun, her lips curved into a playful grin that didn't match her sharp tone.
Where's that other guy? Is she alone now? he thought quickly, his heart hammering. If it's just her, maybe I can handle this. But... no. I shouldn't fight yet. Not until I'm sure. Just pretend for now, play along, then escape the moment I get a chance.
He let himself struggle, resisting enough to make it look real. His voice cracked with pain as he tried to twist away.
"Nghhh—! Let go!"
Herra's grin widened, enjoying his reaction. "Oh no, no, no. You're not going anywhere this time."
Her grip tightened, her nails digging into his shoulder until the pain shot through his nerves like lightning. Before he could breathe, her other hand balled into a fist—then slammed right across his face.
Thud!
His head whipped to the side. His nose burst with blood, his ears rang, and the world around him blurred and twisted. He stumbled back, the ground shaking beneath his feet.
Herra laughed, her voice echoing in the forest. "Haha! Shut up! If you even try to scream, I'll kill you!"
Shanz stayed quiet. His vision flickered for a second, his thoughts scattered, but his will stayed sharp. Alright, calm down… think straight, don't panic.
Blood dripped from his nose to his lips, and he wiped it roughly with his sleeve. She's strong… too strong. That punch alone nearly knocked me out. If I fight, I'll lose for sure. I need to trick her. Make her think I'm broken.
Herra flicked her wrist, wiping the blood off her knuckles as she turned her back to him. "Pathetic," she muttered, smirking. "All bark, no bite."
That was his chance.
Shanz tilted his head, pretending to cough as he slowly lowered himself, acting dizzy and defeated. His fingers lightly touched the dirt, tracing his next step in his mind.
There's cover behind that tree. If I move too fast, she'll notice. If I wait too long, she'll grab me again. So… steady.
He took a slow breath, in and out, forcing his body to stay loose. His legs were shaking—not from fear, but from the adrenaline boiling through him.
Herra turned halfway to glance at him again. Her eyes narrowed. "What, no more talking now? You were pretty loud earlier."
Shanz forced a weak chuckle. "Guess… you punched the words out of me."
She smirked, tilting her head. "Cute. You're funny for a dying kid."
That was it. She looked away for a second—just one.
Shanz pushed off the ground.
His body moved fast, his instincts taking over. He bolted into the trees, the sound of crunching leaves exploding beneath his steps.
His heartbeat thundered in his ears as he ran deeper into the forest.
Herra's voice echoed behind him, laughing, sharp and wild. "Oh, running again? That's adorable! Run faster, kid! Let's see how far you make it this time!"
Branches whipped at his arms as he darted between trees, his breath coming out short and rough. His head still hurt, blood drying on his face, but he didn't care. Don't stop. Keep moving. Just survive.
He could feel her presence behind him—the faint tremor of the ground, the sound of feet chasing, light and fast. She was playing with him, not even using her full speed yet.
"Come on, come on…" he muttered, eyes darting ahead, searching for anything—a rock, a stream, a slope to hide behind. "Think, think, think—"
The forest stretched endlessly, the light flashing through the gaps in the trees as his lungs burned.
He didn't know how long he could keep running. But he knew one thing—if he stopped, even for a second… it was over.
The forest grew thicker as Shanz ran deeper in, branches clawing at his arms and face.
The smell of damp soil filled his lungs with every heavy breath. He could barely see through the blur of his vision, but he didn't dare slow down.
Behind him, laughter echoed — faint, distant, yet sharp enough to crawl under his skin.
"Keep running, little rat!" Herra's voice rang. "You're just making it more fun for me!"
He grit his teeth and ducked under a low branch, the bark scraping his back.
She's enjoying this. She's toying with me.
His boots pounded against the earth until his lungs screamed for air. His chest tightened, and every inhale burned.
I can't outrun her forever. I need to disappear… think.
Up ahead, he spotted a fallen tree split open by lightning. The trunk was hollow, wide enough to fit a person inside.
There!
He sprinted toward it, forcing every ounce of strength into his legs, then dropped low and rolled beneath it.
Dust and rotten bark scraped his cheek as he pressed himself into the darkness, trying to control his breathing. He placed his palm over his mouth to muffle the sound.
The forest went quiet for a few seconds — only the faint rustling of leaves above.
Then, footsteps. Slow. Careless.
Crunch. Crunch.
Herra was nearby.
Shanz's pulse pounded so hard he could hear it in his ears. He could almost feel her presence passing by — the shift of air, the weight of her footsteps.
Her voice hummed softly, playful, almost calm.
"Come on out, Shanz… I know you're here. Don't make me burn the whole place down just to find you."
He froze, eyes wide. She can use magic.
Herra's laughter grew quieter but more unsettling, echoing in multiple directions.
"You think you're clever, huh? I can smell your fear from here."
Shanz shut his eyes tight, trying not to shake. Every muscle in his body screamed to move, to run, but he forced himself still. He counted the seconds, each one stretching longer than the last.
Then — a sudden silence.
Her footsteps stopped. The forest turned dead quiet.
Where is she?
He slowly tilted his head, peeking through a crack in the trunk. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, but there was no one in sight. No sound. Nothing.
Just as he was about to move, a whisper brushed against his ear — close, too close.
"Boo."
Shanz's blood turned cold. He flinched, but before he could turn, a hand slammed into the wood beside him, breaking the trunk open with a sharp crack.
Herra's grin appeared through the splinters. Her eyes gleamed crimson. "Found you."
Shanz rolled out fast, dirt and bark flying everywhere. He stumbled to his feet, barely keeping balance, and darted downhill through the trees again.
His body ached, and every breath felt heavier than the last.
Herra didn't chase immediately this time. She just watched, leaning against a tree with that same twisted smile.
"Run all you want. I'll catch you again... like always."
Her voice faded into the forest, leaving only the sound of Shanz's footsteps and the rustle of leaves.
He didn't look back. He couldn't. His mind focused only on escape.
He found a slope leading down into a ravine, the air turning cooler and damp. Water trickled somewhere below — a small stream. Good… if I can get there, maybe she'll lose my scent.
Sliding down the dirt path, he landed roughly on the riverbed, his palms scraping against stones. The stream was shallow, just enough to cover his boots.
He crouched and followed the water's path, moving upstream with soft, careful steps. The noise of running water would hide his movements. Stay low. Stay quiet.
Minutes passed. The forest above seemed still again.
Finally, he stopped beneath a fallen canopy where sunlight barely reached. He dropped to his knees, hands trembling, chest heaving. Blood had dried on his face, and his head throbbed where her fist had struck.
"Damn it…" he whispered, clutching his chest. "If I didn't move when I did…"
He leaned back against the cold stone beside the stream, eyes half-open, listening. Only the faint trickle of water, the rustle of distant birds.
No sign of Herra. For now.
Shanz let out a shaky exhale. "Not yet… I can't fight her yet." He stared at his reflection in the water — bruised, bleeding, but alive. "Next time… I'll be ready."
The wind passed softly through the trees, and for a brief moment, the forest felt calm again.
But deep down, Shanz knew — this wasn't over. She was still out there. Watching. Waiting.