Chapter 4: A Moment to Breathe

Mon and the injured woman moved cautiously through the ruined city, the echoes of distant roars serving as a grim reminder that danger lurked around every corner. The weight of his newfound power pressed heavily on his mind. Dimensional Storage had saved them twice now, but was that enough? Could he rely on it forever?

They reached a small, abandoned storefront, its shattered windows and overturned shelves a sign of the chaos that had swept through the area. Mon helped the woman sit down behind the counter, giving them a temporary shelter from the horrors outside.

"You okay?" he asked, kneeling beside her.

She nodded weakly, wincing as she adjusted her wounded leg. "Yeah. Thanks to you."

Mon exhaled sharply, running a hand through his sweat-damp hair. He had never fought before today, never imagined he'd be standing in a battlefield where survival depended on wits and instinct. And yet, here he was, taking down red-skinned orcs with a power he barely understood.

His gaze drifted to his hand, flexing his fingers as he recalled how easily the portals had swallowed the monsters and their weapons. Store and retrieve. That was the basis of the ability. But what were its limits? How much could he store? Could he use it more offensively?

A low growl snapped him from his thoughts.

Mon turned toward the storefront entrance just as another red-skinned orc stepped into view, its jagged teeth bared in a cruel snarl. It was larger than the others, its muscles rippling with raw strength as it hefted a massive iron mace over its shoulder.

The woman's breath hitched. "Mon—"

"Stay down," he said, stepping forward. He had to test his limits. He had to know if his power was truly enough.

The orc charged, the ground shaking beneath its heavy steps. Mon's pulse quickened. He focused, opening a portal just as the beast swung its mace down toward him.

The weapon vanished mid-swing, throwing the orc off balance. Seizing the opportunity, Mon opened another portal—this time directly above the orc's head.

The stolen mace came hurtling back down with full force, slamming into the creature's skull with a sickening crack. The orc crumpled to the ground, unmoving.

Mon stood over the fallen monster, heart hammering against his ribs. He had done it. He had used Dimensional Storage not just to defend but to attack. The realization sent a shiver down his spine.

He turned to the woman. "I think I'm starting to get the hang of this."

She stared at him in awe, but before she could speak, another distant roar split the air. More were coming.

Mon clenched his fists. He wasn't the same person he had been just hours ago. The world had changed, and he was changing with it.

If he wanted to survive, he needed to master his power. And fast.

The battle was far from over.

With the woman still injured, Mon knew she wouldn't survive alone out here. He had to find a safe place for her. After a few moments of thought, he remembered a nearby police station—one of the last standing bastions of order in this chaotic city.

Supporting the woman, Mon led her through the ruined streets, keeping an eye out for any movement. The distant howls of monsters made it clear that danger was never far away.

After what felt like an eternity, they reached the police station. The building was fortified with makeshift barricades, and a few officers stood guard, their expressions weary yet resolute.

One of the officers, a grizzled man with tired eyes, stepped forward. "What do you need?"

Mon gestured toward the woman. "She's injured and needs help. I found her while escaping from the monsters."

The officer studied them both before nodding. "Bring her inside. We'll take care of her."

Mon helped her inside, watching as the officers guided her to a medic. She turned to him, offering a weak smile. "Thank you, Mon. I owe you my life."

He shook his head. "Just stay safe. That's enough."

With that, Mon turned and walked back into the ruined streets, alone once more.

The journey back to his apartment was filled with silence. The adrenaline of battle had worn off, leaving behind the weight of everything that had happened. The world had changed so fast. Just days ago, he was an ordinary man. Now, he was fighting monsters and using abilities that defied logic.

He reached his apartment—a small, cluttered space that now felt like a relic of his past life. The familiar sight brought him a brief sense of comfort, but it didn't last. He knew he couldn't stay here forever. He needed a plan.

Sitting on his couch, Mon rubbed his face, exhaustion washing over him. Dimensional Storage was powerful, but it wasn't enough. He needed more than just a trick up his sleeve. He needed to become stronger, to learn how to fight, to level up—just like in the games he used to play.

Mon exhaled and leaned back against the couch. The world had changed. And he had to change with it.

Tomorrow, he would begin his real journey.