The tension in the darkness thickened with every step. Every move forward meant the beginning of a fight to either survive or die.
Near the personal hygiene aisle, I noticed a small lamp between the wall and the ceiling flicker out for three seconds. I stopped instantly, analyzing the situation and anticipating the next move of the creature stalking me in the shadows.
When the three seconds passed, the light flickered back on. Standing near it was a human body—lips shredded, eyes missing, a fake smile plastered across its face. It was as terrifying as it was tragic.
Damn you, monster. What do you think we are? We aren't trash you can treat however you please. I will crush you!
I took two more steps. Darkness returned for another three seconds. When the light reappeared, the corpse was missing its right arm, and a pool of blood was forming around it.
You bastard… you're still playing with his body.
Suddenly, the silence shattered. From multiple directions came the sound of wet chewing and crunching; it was as if our guest were feasting on the victim's arm. The crunching grew louder—the kind of sound that sends a chill down your spine.
It felt as though someone was breathing heavily right behind my neck. Yet, if I turned to look, I knew I would see nothing but the infinite darkness and my own reflection within it.
Before I realized it, I was standing over the mercilessly desecrated corpse. I knelt, looking at the ruined face, and noticed a name printed in capital letters on the shirt: A-U-G-U-S-T.
"I'm sorry, August. The world we knew is over. But I'll make sure you reach a place where you can rest in peace… just wait for me a moment. I have to kill this bastard first!"
"Ka… kaka… ka… ka…" Laughter echoed from all corners of the room. It was revolting and terrifying all at once.
Darkness seized the room again, and silence returned. I stood up in a heartbeat.
Will it strike now, or will it wait? I can't tell which direction it's coming from.
I began to project my body's electricity outward. If it jumps, runs, or flies, I'll detect it instantly and react.
The light returned after a five-second interval. The creature was mid-air to my left, poised to sink its foul teeth into my neck.
It's close… but I have to stay calm.
It was slow—nothing compared to Dragon's monstrous speed.
With lightning quickness, I dodged. The disgusting creature slammed into the personal hygiene section.
Thud, clatter, crash!
Products tumbled to the floor, breaking the silence.
This is a problem… other creatures might have heard the noise and could be heading this way right now.
The beast scrambled to its feet, licking its foul mouth as it hissed:
—"Raaah… zuuuh… chaaa."
An unintelligible tongue, even for someone who could no longer be considered human.
Based on its expression, it seemed both enraged and delighted. Then, I felt blood begin to trickle down my forehead, blurring my vision. The blood stung as it seeped into my eyes.
I have to end this quickly… before the darkness gives it another opening.
"This little scratch is nothing. I'm digging your grave right here, you piece of filth!" I shouted, surging electricity through my body once more.
I lunged, aiming a direct blow at its hideous face, but it managed to dodge, blurring to the right with a burst of electricity. As I pulled my hand out of the wall I had just punched through, the creature stood still.
Is it waiting for a lapse in my focus? Or the perfect moment to strike?
It doesn't matter what this wretch does. I'll have my revenge.
"Interesting… your smile is gone, and I can see sparks of energy flickering in your legs." I spoke up, squaring my stance toward it.
Apparently, its ability involved using electricity to augment its legs for multi-directional movement. But just how fast was it? It was possible its reaction speed and raw power far exceeded mine.
This beast is the perfect test subject to help me increase my own speed and striking power. This is getting exciting!
The creature began to load power into its legs, aiming at me. The charge was so intense that sparks flew from the floor and thick smoke began to rise from its feet.
It lunged at an undetectable speed, swinging its left leg into my ribs. I was sent flying into a shelf, which collapsed into another, the din of the impact growing louder.
CRASH, BOOM, SMASH!
Shelves toppled like dominoes as products exploded. The ceiling began to tear as the shelves collided with the structural columns.
The wound on my forehead reopened. Blood masked my vision and dripped onto the floor as I pushed myself up from the wreckage.
That bastard has incredible power in his legs… he sent me flying with a single kick. But his strength still doesn't compare to Dragon's. This monster didn't even break a single bone.
"Kakakaka… kakaka… kaka… ka," the demon laughed as I stood up.
As I stared into its foul eyes and maw, it began charging its feet for the next attack. The ground began to vibrate. A shelf to my right started to tremble and crack. That's when I realized: its speed came from a combination of vibrations and electricity.
It was likely using sonic vibrations paired with electrical acceleration to create a chain- reaction explosion, boosting its pace and power.
How fascinating… I think I can test his theory to blow him apart from the inside out.
If you can't wait until next Monday, you can read the continuation of Chapter 10 and Chapter 11 right now at:
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I've also shared some information about hybrids here:
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