Grimaldi: Allies from the Night

The purpose of school is obviously to learn. Who would have thought that the school I had been attending for six years would become a battlefield? No one. No sane person would ever think that monsters and superhuman powers could exist in reality. It feels like yesterday when I was just another student eager to attend school after spending three years staying at home because of the pandemic. Now I became a player. A player in this cruel game called life. Last month, the place that I’m standing in right now was a peaceful school. Chaotic, yet students lived in harmony. Just like me—they all missed school. A place where you could stress over academics, learn new things, and create memories with friends and classmates. Now, it became an apocalyptic wasteland. Debris falls from ruined buildings. Signs of monster invasions remain everywhere. The grounds are covered with cracks and holes. Only twenty students survived the sudden attack of the orcs last month. And now—Here I am. Kaia Grimaldi. Leading them for our very first quest. …Or perhaps, their first quest. ❕ MESSAGE The system congratulates the [PLAYER] for completing the second tutorial. I am delighted to announce your first quest. ❕ QUEST SWARMS OF PESTS Insects in this world may be small but terrifying, especially those that contain venom. However, the insects from another world do not possess dangerous venom. They are simply bigger. Stronger. GOAL: [1] Eliminate all insects [2] Survive until the end REWARDS: [1] Mystery Chest that contains an S-grade weapon [2] 1,500 Battle Coins “If this isn't Kaia Grimaldi.” The feminine voice was calm, yet enough to send chills down my spine. “The saviour who couldn't even save herself.” Slowly, I turned around. And my heart stopped. No. It can't be. Out of everyone—why her? She was beautiful as hell, yet her presence alone was enough to tell me how dangerous she was. Her long straight hair was as dark as the aura she carried. Her crimson eyes stared directly into mine as if trying to look through the deepest part of my soul. Danger. Fear. Those are the things I feel every time I die. And at this moment I knew. I’m going to die again. There was no escape from this death. My body remained frozen. My mouth refused to open. I couldn't scream. I could only wish that she wouldn't kill me. But she will. I'm certain. She gently caressed my cheek. “I wonder…” Her hand slowly moved toward my neck. “What would happen if I kill you this time?” Her nails dug into my skin. I met her gaze... And instead of hatred— I saw someone who had already lost hope. Someone who had lost everything. Her hands trembled. She avoided my eyes. Then she whispered. “Don't ever forgive me.” And she cried. With her finger touching my forehead— I experienced my ninety-ninth death. But unlike the others... This one was instant. And painless.