Devils in the Darkness (1).

Haru rolled out of the forge a few pounds lighter than he had been when he stepped in.

He was tired, exhausted and hungry. But he wore a large grin on his face.

Laying all around him were his fellow craftsman and brothers-in-arms, all equally as exhausted and drained as he was.

They had dedicated the bulk of two whole months to making a whole bunch of weapons and gear.

Their bodies were sore, and their minds had been tested.

Still, they all wore pleased and proud expressions on their faces.

Staring at the system prompt that had just appeared before him, Haru couldn't help but feel a bit giddy.

Before the old world had come to an end, he had been like everybody else. A mindless drone moving with the current.

Due to a few health conditions he had, he had been unable to practice martial arts like many others.

His life had been one disappointment after disappointment, a bleak, lifeless world.