Shadows of Ascendancy

Souls Entwined

As the first light of dawn filtered through the curtains, Elena stirred from her restless slumber, a sense of relief flooding over her as she realized she had survived another night. Slowly, she sat up in bed, her gaze sweeping over the room as she took stock of her surroundings. Everything seemed to be in order, the faint glow of the solar lamps casting a warm and reassuring light.

Despite the fear and uncertainty of the night before, Elena couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settling over her. Perhaps it was the sheer exhaustion that had finally allowed her to drift into a deep and restful sleep, or perhaps it was the knowledge that she had faced her fears and emerged stronger for it.

Turning off the lamp beside her bed, Elena made her way to the veranda, carrying the solar lamps with her. With practiced hands, she placed them strategically around the perimeter, their soft glow illuminating the space with a sense of calm and security. She also took the time to charge the additional lamps provided by Mrs. Hans, grateful for the extra layer of protection they offered.

With the immediate tasks completed, Elena set about preparing a quick breakfast, the comforting routine of cooking helping to anchor her thoughts. By the time she finished, the clock read 9 am, signaling that it was time to venture out and assess the situation outside.

Stepping out into the morning light, Elena took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead. The gas and water lines were still functioning, a small comfort amidst the chaos that had engulfed the city. But the absence of electricity served as a stark reminder of the challenges they faced in the days to come.

With determination in her heart, Elena set off to explore her surroundings, ready to face whatever challenges the new day might bring. Though the road ahead was uncertain, she knew that as long as she remained vigilant and resourceful, she would find a way to navigate the obstacles that lay in her path.

Eating her fried egg and bacon—yes, she still has bacon on her fridge, which she needs to consume right away because it will probably go bad now that the fridge is no longer working. It is funny to think that she can still have this kind of breakfast outside of the chaos.

She saw blue. Yes, it’s a blue light with a message. It says, "Welcome, Elena Sinclair. Awaken no. 000004.” followed by stats. She blinked multiple times, thinking that she was dreaming and seeing something like that early in the morning, but no. She can still see the blue light that shows her so-called "stats,” which she is having a hard time understanding.

Her stats read as follows:

Strength: 65/100

Intelligence: 80/100

Health: 100/100

MP: 95/100

Constitution: 60/100

Defense: 65/100

Dexterity: 70/100

“What the hell is all this? ”She tries to understand what she is seeing, but the lone thing that caught her attention is that her attribute is darkness. When in a world you need light, you are given an attribute opposite to it. Her job role is where she almost screams. It is written that the job role is office worker/necromancer.

“This is getting crazy and nonsense.” She disregards it and prepares to go out. With her pair of jeans, sneakers, cap, and a plain tee, she is ready to go out. She looked around her home, making sure that it was locked and that she used it as a weapon. She then settled for a common baseball bat that she once got as an exchange gift last holiday. Armed with it, she headed down quickly, impossible but real; the surroundings of their apartment building were all clean, and no trace of someone was hurt or injured. She even saw some of the tenants in the said building. She greeted them with a nod before she proceeded to the bike stand.

Where does she plan to go? To the nearest park or police station, she needs news. But even before she turned the corner of their building, she saw a sight that she would never get used to. Corpses of monsters, but she can't find any humans, which gives her relief. But she then realizes that it may be because they were all eaten by these dead monsters, which is why she can’t see them. She immediately passes by them. She saw a man on the street injured, so she stopped.

“Where are you going? ”She asked him, and he was looking around in his mid-30s. The man holding his injured arm looked at her. At the hospital, my wife had just given birth. He answered, and Elena looked at the man’s injury. She wonders how he got injured when the sun was already up. Then, realizing what Elena was thinking, he answered.

“When I entered our home, a small monster was hiding behind the door. It was in a dark corner. It attacked me, but I was able to lose the door and lock it,” he explained. Elena makes a mental note of the said details. It doesn't matter if it's night or day. What the monsters like is the dark. They can move as long as there is darkness.

She helped the man go to the hospital. She looked around too. The hospital had a generator, but it seemed like it would not be enough to sustain everyone who was injured. A nurse came running towards Elena, asking, “Are you alright? Are you hurt? ”Eleanor looked at her. I am fine. I just brought that man.” She answered, looking at the man she helped. The kind nurse nodded, giving her a pouch.

“Take this. This is an emergency kit we are giving away. It has basic medicines and a flashlight. Remember to keep it on you all the time.” She reminded her, and Elena nodded again, and the nurse went on her way. She kept the pouch in her back and went out of the hospital. Her destination was the police station. She needs to know what the hell is happening. No internet, no TV, nothing. That is the best place where she can get information.

But she was wrong. The police station? Gone. It can no longer be called a police station. It seems like it is a place where a freshly finished war happened. She tried to look around in the rubble. She trembled, and she moved back. A few uniformed police officers were lying down, dead. She is sure; they were attacked by the monsters the past night. She almost gaggles at the sight she is seeing. She was about to turn and run back to her bike.