The sun was setting.
In the open park near the fighter's arena, three figures stood together.
One held a sword with a black handle.
One smiled, trying to hide his tension.
And one looked relieved—but alert.
"Come on, Seed," Pojay said. "We should leave now. Daylight is fading."
Seed froze.
"…Right. The creatures of the night."
In this world, when the sun disappeared, fear took its place.
Creatures of the night—beasts that lurked in shadows, terrified of sunlight and artificial light. Every home, every street, every building was protected by hovering UAV lights.
Without them, no one survived the dark.
"They're mindless," Pojay continued. "But dangerous."
Luckily for you, I brought an extra UAV light."
He tossed a small device to Seed.
The moment Seed caught it, a translucent screen appeared.
Item Acquired
Protection of the Night (UAV Light)
• Active Duration: 5 minutes
• Recharge Time: 60 seconds
"Five minutes?" Seed scoffed internally. Big name for such a short lifespan.
"Nina," Pojay said, turning serious. "Stay close. And don't get hurt."
"Yes, ma'am," Pojay and Seed replied together.
She sighed.
They escorted Nina toward her home first, moving cautiously through an open field.
Seed's hands trembled.
I was never allowed outside at night…
His mother's voice echoed in his mind—stories of hollow-eyed creatures, shadows that moved too fast, and souls that never returned.
That was how his parents died.
"Don't be afraid, Seed," Nina said gently. "If anything happens, I'll protect you."
He relaxed—just a little.
Then the wind shifted.
The grass rustled.
A dark figure rose from the ground.
It let out a shrill cry.
"Creature of the night!" Pojay shouted.
Both Pojay and Nina activated their UAV lights instantly.
Seed stood frozen.
The creature lunged toward him, moving with terrifying speed.
Pojay stepped in front of Seed, blocking its path with the light.
"Get a hold of yourself!" Pojay yelled. "Use your UAV light!"
Nina rushed to Seed, grabbed the device from his shaking hand, activated it, and pressed it back into his palm.
"Hold it. It will protect you."
Seed gripped it tightly.
The creature circled them, frustrated—unable to pass the light.
Then it screamed.
More shadows emerged.
Six creatures surrounded them.
Pojay cursed. "This is bad."
"We fight while the lights are on," Nina said calmly.
Pojay drew his sword. Lightning flickered across the blade.
"Stay behind us," he told Seed. "We've got this."
Pojay charged.
The creature dodged instantly—but the light burned its shadowed skin. Using that opening, Pojay struck, his blade flashing as the creature collapsed into mist.
Nina moved next.
She stabbed her sword into the ground, forming a faint barrier, then surged forward. Her blade glowed white as she struck with precision, forcing another creature back until it dissolved into smoke.
The remaining beasts hesitated.
As the mist faded, faint streams of energy drifted toward Seed.
He froze.
The energy sank into his body.
A system screen appeared.
Basic Night Creature defeated
Basic Night Creature defeated
Energy absorbed: 2 units
Warning: Unknown compatibility detected
Seed swallowed.
…What is happening to me?
In the distance, the remaining creatures retreated into the darkness.
The UAV lights dimmed.
Silence returned.
Pojay exhaled slowly. "You okay?"
Seed nodded—though his heart was racing.
This was only the beginning.