I Got A System In The Ruined World

Milestone Achieved

My body quivered, trembling with an unfamiliar sensation, a disconcerting numbness spreading through my limbs like a silent, creeping storm. It was a moment that hung in the balance, teetering between survival and demise, an instant that would decide if I could find my place in this world, or be discarded like obsolete flotsam in the face of an era that was alien and daunting in its savagery.

"As a rational person, should I fail to kill a Demon during our first encounter, what hope could I possibly harbor to explore the chaotic world that lies in wait beyond these walls?" This grim realization sank like an anchor in the sea of my thoughts.

With an unwavering grip, I clutched the sharpened metal rod that was my only line of defense, a pitiful shield against the brutal realities of my existence. With measured movements, I tilted the rod, aligning its razor-sharp edge towards the direction of the ascending staircase.

"Skraakiiiikk!" The eerie sound resonated in the cavernous silence, the dull tapping noises created by the abominable creature as it trotted up the staircase amplified until it was so close I could sense its powerful, insatiable lust for blood. The world around me seemed to hold its breath.

Gulping down the anxiety that had crept up my throat, I willed myself to stand firm. "I can do this, I can do this!" I repeated to myself, summoning every shred of courage I could muster.

Suddenly, the first grotesque limb of the creature made its appearance, its monstrous foot landing on the platform of the third-floor hallway. It resembled the limb of a feral beast, complete with enormous toenails and an unsettling, slimy brown color.

Before my brain could process the horror before me, another leg followed, the creature's body gradually materializing in my field of view. Frozen, paralyzed by a chilling fear that threatened to devour my resolve, I could only watch as the Demon unveiled its true form.

This monstrosity, while being no larger than a child, boasted a height of barely two feet. Its gait was hunched, and the creature's grotesquely long arms nearly grazed the floor as it moved. The eyes, almost bulging out of their sockets, appeared monstrous and bloodthirsty. Sharp, elongated ears sprouted from its large, bald head which would intermittently tilt as it skulked around.

"Griiiik…" The guttural sound filled the air as the creature looked in my direction, tilting its head curiously. With an ominous grin, it revealed its sharp, deadly teeth, a thick, grimy saliva oozing from its large, cavernous mouth.

[System Alert]

[Danger]

Suddenly, a red status bar flashed into existence, an ominous beacon identifying the peril that lay before me.

[System Information]

- Name: Hell Kobold Spawn

- Level: 2

- Race: Demon (Lesser) – Grade: 1

- Age: 29 days

[Stats]

- HP: 12/30

- MP: - -

- Strength: 9

- Agility: 30

- Vitality: 10

- Intelligence: 1

[Status Condition]

- HP continues to decrease until the Demon feeds. Currently active.

[End Of Information]

The status window of the Hell Kobold Spawn presented itself in an intimidating, vivid red. But the data it revealed allowed a sliver of relief to infiltrate my anxious heart. The creature was weak.

"That means... I should be able to wi-" My optimistic revelation was cut short as the demon lunged at me, slashing at me with its clawed hands.

>Squish<

An intense, searing pain shot through my body as the creature's claws dug into my arm. I couldn't suppress the scream that tore from my throat, the raw, primal sound echoing in the abandoned building.

"It hurts! It hurts!!!" The agonizing pain seemed to reverberate inside my head, a merciless hammer pounding against the walls of my skull. I clutched at my wounded arm, my hands smeared with blood. The metal rod that was my only defense had fallen from my grasp, discarded helplessly as I writhed in pain.

With a satisfied grin, the demon retracted its claws, taking perverse pleasure in my suffering. It advanced towards me, its hunger fueled by the sight and smell of my blood. All I could do was watch in horrified anticipation as it came closer, my tears of pain mingling with the blood that stained my arm.

But just as it prepared to strike, I found my voice. "I was expecting this…" I muttered through gritted teeth. "[Subspace]" I commanded, summoning another sharpened rod from the hidden depths of my secret storage.

The rod appeared with a sudden force, spearing through the open mouth of the demon, its sharp end emerging through the other side of its head. The creature let out a guttural scream, its body convulsing in shock and pain.

"Now you know how it feels, you monster!" My lips curled into a grim smile. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.

With considerable effort, I pushed myself to my feet. The pain from my wound was relentless, but I knew I couldn't afford to waver. The demon wasn't dead yet, and I was determined to avoid repeating the mistake I made earlier.

Grasping the fallen rod, I stumbled towards the squirming creature. Its blood – a strange, purple substance – pooled around it, staining my shoes.

"Disgusting," I muttered. With a swift motion, I drove the rod into the monster's chest. Its scream of agony echoed through the building, but it quickly faded as its body disintegrated into flames, leaving nothing but a small, purple crystal in its place.

"Ah, that must be the monster drop…" I muttered to myself, recognizing the item. In RPGs, defeated monsters often drop items, typically their cores. Sometimes, higher-ranking monsters drop other things, but those were rare occurrences.

This creature was a Grade 1, even affected by the

status. If it wasn't so weak, I would likely already be dead. I knew I couldn't linger here for long. The noise of the fight would draw other demons, and my injury would put me at a disadvantage.

"B-But, hold on… What if..?!" An idea sparked in my mind. If it worked, I could improve my situation significantly. "Status Window," I commanded, pulling up my personal data.

[STATUS INFORMATION]

- Name: Damian Stark

- Level: 1 – Exp: 70.00

- Race: Human – Job: None

- Age: 16 Years

- Sex: Male

- Height: 5" 3. – Weight: 115 pounds

- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

- Karma Points: 100 - (G) Karma Points: 10

[Stats]

- HP: 89/100

- MP: - -

- Strength: 50

- Agility: 300

- Vitality: 100

- Intelligence: 500

- (G) Factor: 90

- Gift: [Subspace]

- Items Equipped: Demon Core (Lesser) x 1

- Allies: None

[Status Condition]

HP drops as time progresses until the wound is healed or closed. Currently active.

[Additional Information]

A human with the last Gift. Possesses the interest of God.

[End Of Information]

Looks like some things have changed in my Status Information. My HP dropped, and I now have a 'Bleeding' Status Condition. How bothersome.

But, the most important change is the fact that I gained experience from killing this Demon. I'm just a little bit away from leveling up! Once I do, I should be able to get stronger!

Thinking about it logically, there was only so far that I could go in my wounded state. Plus, the Demons could sense me, especially now that I had the smell of blood on me. Running wasn't really an option either.

"It would be more efficient if I could pick them off myself and use that opportunity to Level up!" I reasoned.

I could hear screeching sounds and monster grunts around me. Some ascended the stairs, and some came from various apartments, all drawn to the sound of screams and the smell of blood.

"They're coming!"

With a nervous smile, I formulated my next plan. After my first kill, there could only be more to come!