The sun—if it could even be called that in Devastia—glowed a dim crimson in the sky, casting an eerie red hue over the cracked pavement and the ruins that stretched out ahead. Lian took a deep breath, still not quite used to the surreal quality of this apocalyptic world.
Demist, the burly man with the battle axe, got off the cycle and scanned the horizon. "We're near a settlement zone," he said. "But this one… it was attacked not long ago."
Lian nodded, keeping his eyes on the road and the buildings half-swallowed by vines and ash. His cycle creaked as he pulled to a slow stop.
Suddenly, a new prompt appeared.
[ Side Quest Unlocked: Search and Rescue ]
Objective: Search the ruined zone and find survivors. Escort them safely to the checkpoint.
Reward: +50 coins per person rescued. Bonus for all survivors reaching checkpoint alive.
Time Limit: 2 hours.
"Nice, an opportunity," Lian muttered, jumping off the cycle. He turned to Demist. "Think we'll find anyone?"
Demist nodded grimly. "If they haven't already turned into monsters."
[ Hint: Be cautious. Threat level has increased. ]
That wasn't comforting.
They began moving through the ruined zone, Lian cautiously pushing his cycle while Demist led with his axe ready. The buildings loomed on either side, silent and broken. Then—a sound. Faint. A whimper.
They followed it to a collapsed house. Inside, three people—a young woman holding a toddler and an injured teenage boy—were hiding in a bathtub beneath debris.
"You're safe now. We're heading to the checkpoint," Lian said softly, helping them out.
But as soon as they stepped outside, a loud screech tore through the air.
From the shadows of a nearby alley, a creature emerged. Pale, humanoid, but with too many limbs and a mouth that split vertically, dripping with black ooze.
[ Threat Detected: Mutant Class – Tier 2 Level 3 ]
Lian's eyes widened. "I knew it was too quiet!"
"Get them on the cycle!" Demist yelled, stepping forward to engage.
The cycle groaned under the weight of the passengers. Lian mounted quickly, gripping the handlebars tight. "Come on, come on…"
Demist clashed with the mutant, the sound of metal and bone echoing as the creature shrieked and lashed out. Lian didn't want to leave him, but—
"GO!" Demist roared.
Lian kicked off, pedaling hard with the family on board. The cycle was slow, but every second counted. He didn't get far before another notification hit.
[ Emergency Boost Unlocked – Talent Activation Triggered ]
Due to escorting endangered civilians, your vehicle speed has temporarily increased by 50%.
He flew down the road, his legs pumping, heart pounding.
Behind him, the sound of the mutant battle echoed faintly before fading away entirely.
Two hours later, they reached the checkpoint.
A glowing platform shimmered in the air, and a voice rang out:
[ Side Quest Complete: +150 Coins | Bonus: +50 Coins (All survivors safe) ]
[ Total Coins: 460 ]
Lian smiled faintly. "Not bad… halfway there to the rickshaw."
But his smile faded when he saw another prompt blinking.
[ Global Announcement ]
Warning: First Threat Wave Incoming in 3 days. Prepare yourself.]
He stared at the message, then back at the road ahead. "Three days… I need that rickshaw. Fast."
Then, for the first time, a small flame of resolve lit in his chest.
The race for survival had truly begun.