Lucian stumbled across the hallways in a strange urgency. His lungs had grown used to the blood-stenched air, but that didn't change the fact that there was barely any oxygen left.
Every step felt like a day of labour. No matter how much he gasped, except for the metallic taste growing stronger within his mouth, Lucian could not feel any change.
He wanted to cover his nose, but he fought back his urges.
After all, his survival depended on his nose the most.
'I know there will be some morons who will start to think about how awesome the situation is. And how they have gotten a chance from the gods to rule the world.'
Reaching the end of the small hallway, he slowly opened the main door.
"Ridiculous," he hissed in a low voice, looking upon the gigantic snake-like twisting stairs that seemed to reach the doorsteps of hell.
Lucian's idea was simple, yet effective. If it smells like blood, leave the place without a second thought. And if it intensifies, run.
It was only for that reason, that he had decided to hurdle himself to get used to the gut-curdling stench of blood.
'If there really is something in the building, I'd rather get attacked in an open environment than these narrow walls.'
One by one, he silently descended the floors. Lucian tried his best not to create any unnecessary sounds— one careless move could invite his end.
'Neither do I possess any supernatural powers, nor has the system returned ever since. I have to be sure about stuff, because my life is essentially in my own hands.'
Lucian wasn't wrong in assessing the situation, in fact, he had done it perfectly.
Treading his path downstairs, he reached the ground floor. With a soft guided push, he opened the door slowly.
As he did so, his eyes widened, almost threatening to burst out of his sockets. He quickly clasped his chest as his body began to tremble.
It wasn't fear, but the urge to splay his guts outside that he was fighting. His vision blurred and veins bulged over his neck.
He bent his spine forward, as his knees threatened to give in at any moment. Then suddenly, from the other side of the door, Lucian heard a noise.
His head jolted upwards, and his gaze sharpened.
It wasn't the sound of a human, or anything in particular. It was just a low, raspy hum. But for some reason, Lucian subconsciously grew uncomfortable.
In that moment, he had completely forgotten about the murky smell and his body naturally relaxed.
However, something even worse seemed to have taken a good grasp of his heart and mind.
His muscles refused to obey—not from hesitation, but instinct. It was a predatory fear. The same as a rabbit would feel in the presence of a wolf.
Then, the sound came slithering once again and echoed through the narrowed walls of the building.
Lucian wished to see it through, or at least move his body. Because, as the circumstances were, he'd become prey in no time.
Frankly, he was in a dilemma. He could not see the area beyond the gates because of the darkness, and if he were to stay still at the doorstep, he'd be noticed by 'that' in no time.
'I have no choice, the way outside is beyond the door.' he gulped down, cold sweat slowly sliding off his face.
He clenched tightly onto his teeth and with all the power he had left, Lucian dashed outside the door and ran straight into the dark.
One after another, he crossed countless doors. His eyes scanned the surroundings, noticing countless fight marks on the walls and doors. Not to forget, the blood that still dripped wet from the ceiling and collected over the ground in small puddles.
All of a sudden, a familiar sound rang in his head.
*[Ding!]*
His eyes darted to his left. A system screen materialized!
---
[A '???' has appeared near you.]
[The emergency protocol has been initiated!]
***
[An Emergency Task has been created!]
[Task #1]
[•Objective - Escape out of the building.]
[• Time limit - 10 minutes]
[• Reward - ???]
[• Failure to reach outside within the given time will result in your death.]
---