..
I wasn't stupid. The moment those zombies finished with whoever they were after, I would be next, I didn't know why they were ignoring me or why my house was unscathed, but I had a feeling that I would eventually be found.
My mind raced.
Damian Derulo ' Think… think… If novels and manhwas have taught me anything, zombies' weaknesses are their heads… But I need a weapon '
The second the thought crossed my mind, I almost smacked myself.
Silently, carefully, I moved.
..
---
Location: Earth – ??? – ???
Year: 2026
Date: February 17th
Time: 12:27 AM
POV: Damian Derulo
---
My steps were feather-light as I crept toward the storage room—the same place I had taken the doors out from a few days ago..
Inside, the familiar scent of dust and old wood filled my nose.
My eyes scanned the room, settling on the mountain of organized junk stacked in the corner.
All of this belonged to my father.
The man had a habit of buying anything he found useful or interesting.
I moved toward it, his fingers brushing against a long black case buried under dust.
Fifty inches long. Heavy.
I lifted it, gritting my teeth at the weight.
Slowly, carefully, I lowered it to the ground.
With a sharp exhale, I blew away the dust and opened it.
Inside—
A black sword.
Over forty inches long, encased in a dark scabbard.
I lifted it, the weight familiar yet strange.
I tightened my grip on it.
It looked different.
Damian Derulo "Weird… It didn't look like this the last time I held it."
I turned the sword over in my hands, my brows furrowing. Last time, it had been nothing special—a plain, silver-bladed longsword with a basic black handle. The kind of thing you'd find collecting dust in an antique shop or given as a starter weapon by an amateur blacksmith.
But now…
Now, it was different. The once simple blade had transformed into something almost elegant—sleek, black metal with intricate silver engravings carved into its surface. The edges were sharper than I remembered, featuring subtle, jagged curves near the hilt. A dark, circular gemstone was embedded in the handle, catching the dim light of the storage room.
For a moment, I could've sworn it shimmered.
My gaze shifted to the scabbard. It looked mostly the same, but the engravings on it were different—more complex, their patterns almost hypnotic. The details were hard to make out in the dim light, but they were definitely there.
Damian Derulo ' Maybe Dad bought a new one ' I thought with a shrug, pushing away any deeper curiosity. It wasn't exactly the strangest thing in the world. My father had a habit of collecting things he found interesting, even if they served no real purpose.
With a deep breath, I stood up and scanned the room. My eyes landed on a familiar object hanging from a rusted nail in the wall. I walked over, brushing off the faint layer of dust with a few quick taps before strapping it to my waist.
Then, I bent down and picked up the sword once more, giving it another glance before fastening it securely.
As I adjusted the strap, a long-buried memory surfaced—the younger me, running around the house, swinging the sword wildly, lost in the grand delusion of being a lone warrior in an impossible battle.
I groaned, covering my face with one hand, my neck and ear turning red.
Damian Derulo ' How embarrassing '
I had been caught red-handed by my mother that day, and the sheer secondhand embarrassment was enough to make me vow never to hold the sword again. Until now.
Shaking off the cringe, I exhaled sharply and moved toward the garage, stopping just in front of the door.
Then, it hit me.
Damian Derulo ' Wait… I haven't even tried my Facets yet. And was I really just going to waltz out there without a plan?! What the hell is wrong with me?! '
Annoyed at my own stupidity, I turned on my heel and headed toward the pile of bike parts in the garage. It was time to check my Origin Status.
The familiar translucent screen hovered in front of me, the glowing text casting faint shadows against my face.
____________________________________
[ Origin System Interface ]
---
* [Name] : Damian Derulo
* [Race] : ??? Unknown ( No Longer Fully Human )
* [Title(s)] : [The Ender (Peak Absolute Grade)]
* [Power Tier] : Echo (Awakening Stage)
* [Identity] : A Survivor of the Rapture, Transformation and Title change.
____________________________________
[ Facets ]
---
1.[Eternal Consumption] - Grants the ability to absorb even more complex powers, including conceptual ones, from those you kill by consuming their remains.
2.[Entropy Surge] - Causes rapid decomposition upon physical contact with anything or anyone.
3.[Oblivion Chains] - Conjures chains that latches onto targets, draining them of their vitality and strength.
____________________________________
[ Resonances ]
---
1.[Undying] - Prevents Permanent death.
2.[Survivor Instinct] - Heightened reflexes and danger perception.
3.[Absolute Termination] - Anything you completely destroys cannot be restored.
____________________________________
[ Relics ]
---
1.[Nyxfang] - A one-handed longsword that was previously an ordinary sword but has evolved due to ???. Now, after its transformation, it has gained four Facets:
(Steady Grip) – Increases handling and stability.
(Focused Mind) – Enhances concentration in battle.
(Reinforced Strikes) – Boosts attack power.
(Silent Steps) – Dampens movement noise.
A practical yet deadly weapon in the right hands.
____________________________________
//
Damian Derulo 'I was right, Relics Are equipments' I nodded with a hint of pride and then glanced at Resonance.
'Now I just have to figure out what Facets and Resonances are… But wait, what?! Nyx Fang? So it is the same sword, but it changed… '
I thought as I looked down at the blade resting in the sword strap, its sleek black form reflecting the dim light.
'But… what's with the question marks? '
That detail nagged at me. It either meant I didn't have enough authority—whatever that meant—or I was just too weak to comprehend what the cause of the changes are.
'Which one is it…? '
I shook my head. ' Shit, I'm getting sidetracked ' I needed to test something first.
Closing the Origin Status screen, I turned toward the scattered bike parts in the garage. My gaze landed on a spare windshield resting against the wall.
I stepped closer and placed a hand on its surface.
'[Entropy Surge]'
Nothing. Not even a spark.
Frowning, I tried again, this time speaking aloud.
"[Entropy Surge]."
This time, something changed.
A strange sensation rippled through my body—a current, like running water, flowing from my heart, through my veins, down my arm, and into my palm.
Then—
*Sssssssss*
A faint sizzling sound filled the air.
I was just about to lift my hand and inspect the windshield when—
Pain.
A searing headache exploded in my skull, nearly sending me to my knees. It felt like someone was hammering a nail straight into my brain. My vision blurred as I clutched my head, grinding my teeth to keep from screaming.
It lasted for thirty agonizing seconds before it finally faded, leaving me gasping for breath.
Damian Derulo " I-I am n-never doing that again " I muttered, wiping sweat from my forehead.
My hands rested on my knees as I forced myself to steady my breathing. When I finally looked up, my eyes widened.
The windshield was gone.
In its place was a pile of fine ash, like it had been burned down and grounded to dust.
Damian Derulo " Woah " I said as I stared at the remains in of the windshield disbelief. ' Should I try the other ability?..... Yeah no ' I wasn't about to go through that hell again.
Shaking off the lingering pain, I turned and left the garage, heading back toward my room. Once inside, I made my way to the window and carefully peeked outside—toward the house where those four people had run into.
..
.
Damian Derulo ' What that hell?! ' My eyes widened as I peered through the window. Two zombies—one stationed at the back door, the other at the front.
' Zombies aren't supposed to be that smart… '
I clenched my fists, my heartbeat hammering against my ribs.
' These aren't normal zombies '
I needed a plan. Fast.
' I'll take out the one in the back first '
I turned to leave—only to freeze in place.
My breath caught in my throat. My legs refused to move.
Damian Derulo ' What the—? Come on, man, move! '
Frustration surged through me, but my body wouldn't obey. No matter how much I willed it, my feet remained rooted to the ground.
Deep breaths. In. Out.
Nothing.
My left hand trembled as I reached into my pocket, fingers fumbling until they wrapped around my earbuds. I slipped them in and connected them to my phone. With a few taps, a familiar Funk track filled my ears, the rhythmic beats flooding my mind.
Slowly—finally—the tension in my muscles eased. The trembling stopped.
Funk tracks are the best.
I'm so weird, who listens to phonk just before a battle and their first battle at that.... Yep, I'm gonna die.
The fear lingered, but at least now I could move.
Silently, I made my way to the garage, unlocking all three padlocks with slow, deliberate movements. I pushed the door open just enough to slip through, stepping outside into the cool night air.
Instinctively, my gaze flicked upward.
The Eyes were gone—or there weren't there in the first place.
A small wave of relief washed over me, just enough to keep my nerves steady.
One deep breath.
And then—
I took my first step.
..
.
The wooden fence groaned softly beneath my weight as I hoisted myself over, landing on the damp grass with a quiet thud.
I crouched low, pressing myself against the rough exterior of the house. A single zombie stood near the back door, its grotesque figure illuminated by the faint moonlight.
Damian Derulo ' It's now or never '
I gripped Nyx Fang tightly, my breath slow and controlled.
Then, I heard it.
—THUD! CRASH!
Screams. Furniture breaking. The chaotic sounds of struggle echoed from inside the house. The people inside were fighting for their lives.
' Focus '
I exhaled through my nose and crept forward. Each step was calculated, my body moving with unnatural steadiness—Focused Mind at work. My senses sharpened, every detail crisp.
Then—
*SNAP!*
A twig beneath my boot.
The zombie's head jerked up.
Its rotten nostrils flared, and in an instant, its hollow eyes locked onto me.
Damian Derulo ' Shit '
It lunged.
I barely had time to react before its clawed hands swiped at my throat. I stumbled back, barely dodging the strike, my heart slamming against my ribs.
The zombie shrieked and charged again. This time, I had no room to retreat. I raised Nyx Fang, parrying its next swipe. The impact rattled my bones.
It was strong.
Its fetid breath hit my face as it snarled, gnashing its rotting teeth inches from my throat, It's a good thing I wore a nose mask. I gritted my teeth and shoved forward, creating space before swinging my sword in a diagonal slash.
*SHNK!*
A deep gash split across its torso, but it barely flinched.
Not enough.
The zombie lunged again—sloppier, more aggressive. I sidestepped, barely avoiding its grasp, and spun, bringing Nyx Fang down in a precise arc.
*SHLING!*
The blade cleaved through its neck.
For a second, nothing happened.
Then, with a wet thud, the zombie's head hit the ground, rolling a few inches before stopping. Its body swayed—then collapsed lifelessly.
*Silence*
I stood there, panting. A cold shiver ran down my spine, but beneath it… exhilaration.
I had done it.
I had killed a zombie.
My hands trembled slightly as I slid Nyx Fang back into its scabbard, the weapon feeling almost like an extension of me.
Then—
A low growl.
My body tensed.
Slowly, I turned.
Standing a few feet away, the second zombie—the one that had been at the front—was hunched forward, snarling. Its hollow gaze burned into me.
It had heard the fight.
And now, it was coming for me.
With a guttural screech, it lunged.
This time, I wasn't frozen.
I sidestepped smoothly, drawing Nyx Fang in one motion. As the zombie stumbled past me, I slashed upward.
*SHHK!*
The blade tore through its abdomen, but I didn't stop. I pivoted and brought my sword down, cleaving its skull in one swift motion.
The body dropped instantly.
This time, no fear. No hesitation. Just pure clarity.
'Wow, Focused Mind is broken'
I exhaled, stepping over the corpse. Without looking back, I made my way toward the front of the house.
The door was broken—smashed in by the zombies that had entered earlier. I stepped inside, gripping Nyx Fang tightly.
The interior was a wreck. Blood smeared the wooden floors, furniture lay shattered, and in the dim light, I spotted them—
Four people.
Two young men. Two young women.
All of them were injured, exhausted, and barely holding on.
One of the men—a handsome Japanese guy with black hair and striking blue eyes—was on his knee holding two knives, desperately trying to move away as a zombie loomed over him.
Its claws were raised, ready to tear him apart.
My body moved before I could think.
I lunged forward, bringing Nyx Fang in a brutal arc.
*SHLING!*
The blade sliced clean through the zombie's neck. Blood sprayed, the creature collapsing instantly.
I turned to the remaining two zombies, they look disoriented, maybe confused by my sudden appearance.
I moved as quick as I could and decapitated them.
Silence filled the room.
The four survivors stared at me, wide-eye
Their gazes roamed over my form—my black hoodie, dark pants, and the nose mask covering my face.
I could see it in their eyes.
Surprise.
They all kept staring at me, it made me uncomfortable.
Damian Derulo ' Shit, what do I say? I didn't think this far ' " Um… ah… hi? " I said as I raised my left hand in an awkward wave.
..
.
---
Location: Earth – ??? – ???
Year: 2026
Date: February 17th
Time: 12:44 AM
POV: 3rd Person
---
Damian stood in the blood-soaked doorway, surrounded by lifeless zombie corpses. His grip on Nyx Fang relaxed as he slid the blade back into its strapped sheath, but the silence in the room was deafening.
The four survivors stared at him.
Nobody spoke.
Damian awkwardly lowered his hand, shifting uncomfortably under their gazes.
Damian Derulo 'Please, say something! Anything!'
Seconds stretched into eternity.
Unable to take the suffocating silence any longer, he turned on his heel, heading toward the front door.
Hannah Lee "Wait!"
Damian halted mid-step at the sound of Hannah's voice. He sighed internally and turned back around.
Damian Derulo 'Stay calm.' "Yes?" He responded, keeping his voice neutral, suppressing the embarrassment creeping up his spine.
Hannah, a petite young woman with a very curvy figure, she had short black hair and hazel eyes, and was helping Kai to his feet.
Hannah Lee "You okay? Your face is red" she asked, tilting her head slightly.
Damian Derulo 'What?!'
His fingers instinctively gripped the front of his hoodie, pulling it lower to shield his face.
Kai, now standing but still wincing, gave him a pained smile.
Kai Renji "Ugh… Thanks for the help man." He clutched his dislocated shoulder, his breathing uneven.
Damian waved it off. "Sure, no problem… Are you guys okay?"
Marcus, a lanky guy with messy black hair and thick glasses, leaned against the wall, setting down his blood-drenched weed wacker. He adjusted his glasses with a sigh.
Marcus Hale "We're good, man. Thanks for the assist. We'd have been in deep shit without you" he admitted.
Damian nodded. "It's fin—"
Sofia Hayes "Who exactly are you?"
The sharp voice cut through the room, interrupting him.
Damian turned toward the source—Sofia.
She was a striking woman, likely in her early twenties like the others, with piercing black eyes and long red hair. Her curvy figure, fiery red hair and confident posture made her stand out, but her tone was anything but welcoming.
Damian simply stared at her, silent.
A decision formed within him.
Before he could respond, Hannah sighed, her disapproval evident.
Hannah Lee "Sofia, that's not nice. He saved us. You should be thanking him."
Sofia gave Damian one last glance before turning sharply on her heels and heading upstairs.
Kai, still nursing his injured shoulder, let out a tired sigh. "Sorry about her. She doesn't do well with strangers."
Damian finally spoke, his voice calm and even. "...It's okay."
Marcus stepped forward, his eyes on Kai's injured shoulder. "Let me help you with that."
Before Kai could protest, Marcus grabbed his arm and jerked it back into place.
*Pop!*
Kai groaned loudly in pain, his body tensing from the sudden shock.
Damian winced at the sound.
Kai rolled his shoulder tentatively before exhaling. "Thanks."
Marcus smirked. "Anytime, man." Then, turning to Hannah, he motioned to his ribs. "Can you fix me too? One of those bastards got a good hit in."
Hannah smiled. "Sure, let's go upstairs."
As she helped Marcus toward the stairs, Kai turned to Damian.
Kai Renji "Come on, man. Have a seat," he gestured toward the barely intact couch in the living room. "It's chaotic, but manageable."
Damian hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, his gaze flickering to the shattered windows where the shattered moon's eerie light bled into the room.
For now, he would rest. But only for a little while and he was also in need of information.
.
.
.
.
.
.
To Be Continued....