He remembered a snowy day deep in the forest when he was just ten years old. He sat in the back of a car driven by a muscular man in his thirties. The driver had a scar across his face, giving him a menacing look. Sitting beside him was an older man wearing a cap and a yellow cloth that looked like traditional Japanese attire.
The car drove deeper into the woods, the darkness pressing around it. After thirty minutes, it finally stopped.
"Get down," the old man commanded.
Without questioning it, Kenji complied. The driver also exited, heading to the trunk. He pulled out a crate of supplies and moved away from the car.
"Follow him," the old man instructed.
Kenji followed without hesitation. After they walked about thirty steps, the driver dropped the crate and told Kenji to check inside.
Kenji did as told. As Kenji rummaged through the crate, he discovered food and other necessities. His hand brushed against something cold, a knife.
"What's this for?" he wondered.
Suddenly, he noticed the driver was gone. The car's headlights flashed, blinding him for a moment. He shielded his eyes with his hoodie as the vehicle sped away, leaving him in the snow. Panic set in as he ran after it, but his tiny legs struggled to keep up with the heavy snow.
He couldn't believe it. He kept looking at the car until it vanished from sight.
"Huh, he's gone," Kenji thought as he stood there for a minute, processing the event that had just unfolded. The moment's weight pressed down on him, a strange mix of disbelief swirling in his chest.
He remembered why he was there:
"Just because I drank his precious wine." Anger bubbled up within him as he thought of the past. The memory of that moment still frustrated him, veins throbbing at the side of his head.
"Just because of a wine," he muttered again, feeling the weight of that childhood mistake. His expression conveyed both frustration and joy.
Kato led Kenji to his room, opening the door to find that no one else was in.
The underground sanctum was beneath Rose High School. Its spacious chambers were carved from excellent stone and illuminated by soft, flickering lanterns. The high ceilings arched overhead, giving a sense of openness despite the depths below. Each room is designed to comfortably accommodate twenty students, with pairs of plush beds arranged in cosy nooks, fostering a sense of community and warmth in the cool underground air. Additionally, each room had its own bathroom.
"This is going to be our room," Kaga said,
"Why is no one here?"
"Well, I'm not really a popular person; no one wanted me in, so I will be staying with you. There are multiple rooms, but since we aren't many it we can stay by ourselves," Kaga said and continued.
"I'm starving, let's head to the dining hall."
"Know, don't worry, I will meet you there. Tell me the location."
"Just track me through the system map," Kaga said as he tapped something on his interface. Instantly, Kenji got an alert. He clicked it, and a map appeared on his screen. A small face icon popped up, Kaga's. Beside him, he could also see his face icon. The map displayed the entire bunker layout, including labels Kage had added for places like the dining hall, bedroom, and other rooms. The only thing Kenji couldn't see was other students on the map.
Kaga left after making a sharp turn, is body disappeared from Kenji's sight, and Kenji went into the room.
Kenji sat on the edge of the bed, the black cloth draped over his shoulders like a second skin. The fabric was rough yet oddly comforting, a reminder of Kaga's quiet support. He took a deep breath and focused, opening up his system interface to check his inventory.
His eyes scanned the list, taking stock of what he had.
56 Arrows: Well-crafted, each a potential lifeline in a tight spot, five Crossbows: Reliable and deadly, though he preferred the swift accuracy of a bow, two Broken Wooden Shields: Useless in their current state.Three Daggers: Close-quarters weapons that could turn the tide in a sudden confrontation. Two Worn-Out Blades: They'd seen better days, but their weight was familiar, like old friends in a fight.
Having a weapon put Kenji at ease, but he knew he needed to get stronger.
Kenji continued exploring the system; his curiosity piqued as he checked the details of the Monster core stones: he had obtained from the goblins.
Monster core stones:
Description: Crystallized remnants of defeated monsters, each imbued with unique powers and uses.
Uses:
Trading: Valuable for bartering in shops for rare items and resources.
Yin Energy Replenishment: Restores a portion of your yin energy, crucially for abilities and spells.
Stat Point Upgrade is used to enhance specific attributes and improve combat effectiveness. Enchantment: a particular monster core can have a skill that could be used by embedding it in a weapon.
As Kenji absorbed the details of the Monster Core Stones, clarity washed over him. He knew what he needed to acquire to grow stronger.
Just years ago, he had lost reason to leave. Now, a fierce will to survive burned within him. This shift in perspective stirred emotions, and his heart tightened with the weight of his past.
His stomach rumbled, reminding him of his journey's physical toll. He needed to eat something.
"Guess it's time to head to the dining hall."
Kenji stood up, determination solidifying in his chest. The path ahead was clear; strength and sustenance were both essential. He would face the challenges head-on, not just to survive but to thrive.
The sanctum central dining hall bustled with life, its long, sturdy tables inviting shared meals and spirited discussions; the scent of hearty dishes wafted from the adjoining kitchen, where skilled cooks worked tirelessly to provide nourishing fare, their laughter mingling with the clatter of pots and pans.
Nearby, the medical room was a healing sanctuary with everything necessary to tend the ailing. Soft colours adorned the walls, creating a calming atmosphere, while herbal remedies and tinctures lined the shelves, offering solace to needy people.
The sanctum boasted luxurious private chambers adorned with rich fabrics and exquisite decor for the wealthy seeking refuge from the chaos above. Plush seating areas invited relaxation, and thick carpets muffled footsteps, creating an oasis of comfort amidst the world's turmoil outside. Heavy stone doors sealed these chambers, ensuring security and seclusion.
This underground sanctum, nestled beneath Rose High School, was more than a shelter; it was a hidden haven where learning, healing, and refuge intertwined, offering safety and serenity, or so it should have been.
No one would have predicted this event. There was not much spirited discussion; there was just fear and uneasiness. The cook was nowhere to be found, so the students who attended the cooking class were the ones making the dishes. None of the students were good at medical treatment, so it was a mess. But as Kenji heard, Kato was doing the best he could to keep order and control.
Students clustered in small groups, each surrounded by familiar faces, their expressions betraying an underlying tension; as Kenji entered the dining hall, every gaze turned toward him, and a spectrum of reactions flickered across their faces.
"OMG, that's Kenji."
"his he the one that killed so many of does things to make it here."
"What is he doing here? He isn't even a student here; he should be kicked out."
"What are you saying?, arent you part of the people he rescued?"
Ignoring the attention, he strode confidently to the serving area, picked up a plate and tray, and went directly to the waitstaff.
The waitstaff was flanked by two students, seemingly offering her protection. She was a female student who flinched when she spotted Kenji approaching, instinctively lowering her head to avoid his gaze as she served him. Kenji received a bowl of "tamago kake gohan," a comforting breakfast dish of rice topped with a raw egg and a drizzle of soy sauce.
As he turned to find a seat, the waitstaff said softly, "Thank you for saving me," bowing her head in appreciation.
Kenji couldn't quite recall her face but replied with a gentle smile, "Sure." He then continued his search for a place to sit.
Seeing Kenji's smile brightened her day; she felt delighted. However, as Kenji glanced around the dining hall, he noticed every table seemed filled.