Among Ruins

Han Taejin stood at the base of the station's main stairwell, staring up at the exit. A faint light seeped through the dusty windows, hinting that it might be daytime outside. After barely surviving forced scenarios underground—the wave event and the grimy goblin den—he was relieved to finally attempt a return to the city's surface. The text on the battered screen behind them still read:

Free Exploration PeriodAwait the Next Main Scenario

Though Taejin's pulse still throbbed from recent battles, it felt like the system had granted them a temporary reprieve. Possibly, the entire area above was just as chaotic, but the knowledge that they could move without a ticking death clock provided a slim ray of hope.

He tightened his grip on the short sword looted from the Goblin Chief's chest. Its balance was rough, the blade chipped, but it was far better than the bent metal pipe he'd been using. Behind him, Goeun fiddled with her new leather bracers, absently rubbing the half-healed cut on her forearm. She'd gotten the worst of it against the Chief, but the healing potion had stabilized her. Now she tested her arm's flexibility with small, tentative movements.

Won, the teenager, held the battered fire extinguisher tight to his side as if it were a trusted companion. His eyes flicked to Taejin, waiting for a signal. Yunhee hovered near the rear, carrying the same kitchen knife she'd used against the goblins. Her face was paler than before, but she'd yet to complain. Mr. Park stood with some difficulty, favoring his injured chest. He'd refused a portion of their healing supplies, insisting they save the resources for those fighting up front.

The group formed a small knot on the bottom step. No one spoke for a time. They all understood that the city above might be in ruins, more monsters lurking around every corner. Taejin finally drew in a measured breath and took the first step upward. "Stay close."

The stairs were dark and littered with debris—crumbled plaster, broken glass, splintered planks. They climbed in near silence, Goeun occasionally testing the steps for stability. Mr. Park panted, hand pressed to a bandaged wound. They paused halfway up to let him breathe, then continued until they reached the station entrance.

Sunlight, at last. Thin rays shone through the shattered doorway. Taejin squinted as he stepped onto the street outside. A dull hush lay over what was once a busy intersection. Cars sat abandoned in haphazard positions, some with smashed windows, others tinted with streaks of dried blood. Paper and trash fluttered across the pavement, carried by a faint breeze.

Goeun let out a low hiss. "It's… emptier than I expected."

Empty, yet not at peace. Taejin could feel an undercurrent in the air—like something had swept through recently, forcing normal life to vanish. They passed a ruined bus stop, the seats warped as if battered by something big. A flicker of movement caught Taejin's eye, and he turned, sword half-raised. A stray dog darted away into an alley, scavenging for scraps. No immediate threat, but the entire block felt haunted.

They gathered around a battered sign that read "Central Station" in chipped letters. From the vantage point, Taejin saw far-off columns of smoke drifting above the skyline. Parts of the city might still be burning. Skyscrapers, once shining with corporate lights, stood forlorn with some windows missing. An unsettling hush replaced the typical roar of traffic.

"Let's check for any signs of safe zones," Taejin murmured. "Or other survivors. We can't be the only ones."

Won kicked aside a chunk of rubble. "The system might've turned the entire city into scenario zones. Who knows how many survived the initial onslaught."

They started walking, scanning for movement. Taejin's status window nudged the edge of his vision:

Name: Han TaejinLevel: 5Strength: CAgility: CVitality: C+Intelligence: ESkills: [Basic Strike Lv.1]

He felt a lingering tension in each muscle, as though the slightest spark could trigger fight-or-flight again. The entire group looked similarly on edge, eyes flicking at shadows. In the distance, a siren wailed and faded. Taejin's chest tightened.

They paused at a small convenience store. The glass doors were half-broken, but no immediate sign of danger. "Let's take a quick look," Taejin said. "We're low on supplies."

He and Goeun stepped in first, pushing aside shards of glass. Shelves lay toppled, snack packages strewn across the floor. A messy scrawl of old footprints indicated other survivors might have ransacked the place. Most goods were gone or spoiled. A musty stench permeated the cramped aisles.

Yunhee picked her way through the broken shelves, brightening when she found a few bottles of water behind a counter. She passed them out, a trace of relief flickering across her face.

"Any luck?" Won asked, rummaging behind the register.

"Just water," Yunhee answered, pocketing two bottles carefully. "Better than nothing."

Taejin stepped around the corner, glancing at a flickering overhead light. The air felt thick, as though it carried a faint taste of gunpowder. He froze at the sight of a shape slumped in the back corner. A middle-aged man, eyes staring blankly at the ceiling. Blood pooled around him, dried and dark. The wide gash on his side told its own story—likely attacked by a monster or even another desperate survivor.

Taejin pressed his lips into a thin line. He motioned for Goeun to help him, and they carefully covered the man's face with a discarded jacket. A quiet gesture of respect. Mr. Park exhaled, shoulders sagging, as if reminding himself how close any of them had come to a similar fate.

They regrouped by the shattered doors. Taejin's gaze swept the street. "We keep moving," he said. "There might be a bigger safe zone somewhere. Possibly government or military presence."

"That's a long shot," Goeun said softly, but she didn't argue.

They continued, weaving between abandoned cars. Every so often, they passed more signs of chaos—a scorched intersection, an overturned police cruiser. No crowds, no rescue lines. It was as if the entire city had been forced into hidden enclaves or killed outright. Taejin tried to block out the pang of despair that threatened to dig at his composure.

He knelt by the police cruiser, rummaging through the open trunk. Inside, he found a dented bulletproof vest—maybe a partial protective piece. Goeun helped him tug it on. It was heavy and missing the back plate, but better than bare clothing. Yunhee found some leftover flares and a partially crushed first-aid kit. Mr. Park coughed, leaning against the side of the cruiser for a moment's rest. The group's meager spoils hardly felt like enough.

A distant crash drew their attention. They pivoted, scanning the street. Another crash echoed, accompanied by a faint snarl. Taejin's pulse kicked up. He signaled everyone to hush and follow slowly.

They crept along a half-collapsed building, where the side street opened into a wide alley. Smoke curled from an overturned food truck. At least three creatures skulked around the corner, making guttural sounds as they pawed through wreckage.

Orcs. Green-skinned, broad-shouldered, each nearly as tall as a grown man but twice as wide, with tusks jutting from their lower jaws. They seemed more organized than the mindless horrors from the wave scenario. All three wore ragged scraps of armor and brandished makeshift metal clubs or swords. Taejin's hand reflexively tightened on his short sword.

He guided the party behind a low wall of rubble, peering over. The orcs rummaged through the remains of the truck, possibly searching for food or loot. One roared in frustration, tossing a steel pan aside. The clang reverberated off the walls.

Won's breath caught. He whispered, "We can't be sure how tough they are."

Goeun frowned. "If they're anything like goblins, they might be stronger individually. They look bigger."

Taejin nodded, heart hammering. They'd fought goblins in close quarters, but these orcs were a step up. Still, he recalled the wave scenario that pitted them against monstrous creatures far worse. If orcs were typical fantasy fare, the group might handle them—if they coordinated well. But there were three. One slip could be fatal.

Mr. Park's grip on the crowbar trembled. "We can try sneaking away. We're in no shape for a drawn-out fight."

Taejin weighed the option. The free exploration period didn't force them into a direct battle. They could attempt to skirt around. On the other hand, the orcs might eventually notice them. Or they might threaten other survivors. And every combat could be a chance to level up. His thoughts flicked to the system's unsaid rule: the only way to survive long-term might be to grow stronger.

But was it worth the risk?

Goeun spoke, voice hushed. "We need supplies, and we can't keep running. If we can take them out, maybe we find something valuable. Or at least ensure they don't trail us."

Taejin exhaled. She was right in a sense. Hiding forever wasn't an option. He scanned the orcs again, noting their stance. One had a rusted axe. Another wore a battered chest piece. The third, presumably the biggest, barked orders in a guttural language.

He turned to the group. "Alright… we'll try to pick them off carefully. If it goes south, retreat."

They crept forward, hugging the collapsed building. Goeun and Taejin moved in from one side, Won and Yunhee from another. Mr. Park crouched behind a chunk of concrete, ready to give ranged support with a piece of metal pipe if needed. Not ideal, but they had no better plan.

At a nod, they sprang the ambush. Taejin let out a sharp yell, drawing the orcs' attention. The closest orc whirled, raising its club. Taejin dashed in, sword aimed at its midsection. The orc parried, metal scraping metal, sparks flying. Up close, Taejin felt the brute force behind each swing. This was no feeble goblin.

Goeun circled behind the orc, baton smashing down on its unarmored shoulder. The orc snarled in pain, flailing. Taejin seized the opening, driving his sword forward. A spurt of crimson signaled the blow landed. The orc staggered, but still roared defiantly, swinging its club in a wide arc. Taejin ducked, heart pounding.

Meanwhile, the second orc bounded toward Won and Yunhee. Won braced, slamming his extinguisher into the orc's side. It barely budged, responding with a heavy punch that sent him skidding back. Yunhee lunged, slashing at its arm. The orc hissed, turning to bash her away. She cried out, stumbling.

Taejin's peripheral vision caught the largest orc—the one with the axe—charging into the fray. Mr. Park tried to distract it from behind the rubble, throwing debris. The orc roared, smashing a chunk of concrete with its weapon. It locked eyes on Mr. Park, heavy footsteps closing in. Taejin's stomach lurched. He twisted away from his current fight, calling, "Park! Move!"

But Mr. Park couldn't outrun it, his injuries slowing him down. The orc towered over him, axe raised. Taejin cursed under his breath. He had to intercept, but the first orc was still thrashing dangerously. Goeun struck it again, finally bringing it to its knees. Sensing an opening, Taejin pivoted away, trusting Goeun to finish.

He sprinted toward Mr. Park, Basic Strike swirling with desperate energy. The large orc's axe whistled down. Mr. Park threw up the crowbar in a pitiful block. Metal clashed, sparks shooting off. The older man toppled with a grunt. The orc roared, about to finish him. Taejin slammed his sword into the orc's flank with all his might.

A jolt ran through his arms. The blow cut deep. The orc howled, swinging back with savage force. Taejin barely managed to raise the short sword horizontally, absorbing part of the impact, but the sheer power knocked him sideways. He crashed into the pavement, breath leaving his lungs.

A second blow threatened, but Mr. Park, on the ground, hooked the orc's ankle with his crowbar. The orc nearly lost its balance. Taejin forced himself up, ignoring the pain in his ribs. He lunged again, channeling every ounce of that silent system-driven strength. His sword found the orc's ribs, piercing flesh. The creature bellowed, blackish-red blood gushing. A final twist of Taejin's blade, and the orc collapsed, limbs twitching.

Chest heaving, Taejin turned to see the remaining orcs. The first had fallen to Goeun's baton barrage. She stood over it, panting, arms trembling. Meanwhile, Won and Yunhee grappled with the second orc, which was battered but not beaten. Yunhee's arm was bleeding from a slash. Won struck the orc's jaw with the extinguisher, momentarily dazing it.

Taejin sprinted over, sword still wet from the kill. He swung low, slicing behind the orc's knees. It let out a ragged growl, dropping to all fours. Won seized the opportunity, smashing the extinguisher onto the orc's skull. It crumpled with a final groan.

Silence, except for ragged breathing. Taejin stood, adrenaline pulsing in his ears. Goeun's face was drawn, baton clenched in a white-knuckled grip. Yunhee pressed a trembling hand to her wounded arm. Mr. Park gasped on the ground, alive but in pain. Won looked about to collapse, still holding that dented extinguisher as though it were the only thing keeping him upright.

Orcs Defeated. +30 ExperiencePossible Loot Available

Taejin closed his eyes for a fleeting second, letting the system's subtle energy wash over him. They'd survived again. He wiped sweat from his brow, stepping toward Mr. Park to check him. The older man coughed, waving a shaky hand. "I'm… still here," he rasped. "Thanks to you."

"Lean on me," Taejin murmured, helping him up. Goeun hurried over, rummaging through a small kit for bandages. She tore strips of cloth, pressing them over Mr. Park's re-opened wound. Blood stained her fingers, but she worked with quiet resolve.

Yunhee slid to the curb, wincing as she tried to tie her own arm bandage. Won crouched beside her, brow knitted in concern. The group was battered, nearing the end of their stamina. But the orcs lay still, a reminder that they could hold their own if they fought smart.

Taejin exhaled. "Let's see if the orcs have anything we can use." He approached the bodies, swallowing the revulsion that rose at the gore. The biggest orc with the axe had a crude satchel. Inside were lumps of dried meat (questionable), a few lumps of metal that might be smelted scraps, and a small leather pouch that jingled.

+12 Bronze Coins acquired.

Coins again. Taejin pocketed them, uncertain if they'd matter beyond system usage. Another orc had a single healing herb—like a shriveled green plant that glowed faintly. Goeun, seeing it, recognized from the system's partial knowledge: "Might work as a minor healing item if crushed into a poultice." She stuffed it in her pouch.

Won tested the battered orc weapons. Most were too clumsy or heavy. The best find was a rusted but robust axe that might be cleaned up. He slung it over his shoulder.

They regrouped near a half-destroyed building façade. Taejin scanned the surroundings. The fight hadn't drawn any immediate new monsters, but they couldn't linger. Mr. Park's injuries were getting worse. Yunhee also needed proper treatment soon.

"Let's see if we can find a safe house," Taejin said. "Somewhere we can barricade ourselves while we patch up."

They moved carefully, avoiding main thoroughfares. Past a couple more blocks of abandoned shops, they found an old hardware store with barred windows. One bar had been pried loose, but it looked more intact than most places. Taejin peered inside. It was dim, scattered with fallen shelves, but no immediate signs of threats. They squeezed through the door, shutting it behind them.

Inside, the store reeked of stale air. Rows of tools, nails, and building materials lay scattered. Perfect for someone who wanted to fortify a hideout, if they had the time and energy. Taejin signaled the group to spread out. Goeun and Yunhee scouted the back rooms. Taejin found no bodies or monstrous remains, which was a good sign.

"This might do for a short rest," Goeun said, returning from the rear. "No back entrance, just a small storage room."

"Windows are mostly barred," Taejin noted. He helped Mr. Park settle behind a counter, letting him rest. Won found a stack of wooden planks. With some nails and a hammer, they could reinforce the front door. They worked quietly, adrenaline fueling them. Within minutes, they'd created a rough barricade inside the entrance.

Finally, they collapsed onto the dusty floor, breath shuddering. Taejin draped a tarp over a patch of broken glass so no one would cut themselves. Yunhee sank down, propping her wounded arm on a crate. She looked pale, but conscious.

The sense of short-term safety loomed, but Taejin's mind churned. They'd encountered orcs, confirming that the city was overrun by a variety of threats. The next main scenario could strike anytime. And they still had no real plan except survival. He forced himself to breathe slowly, not wanting to spiral into panic in front of the group.

Goeun, finishing the last of the bandaging for Mr. Park, glanced at Taejin. "So, what's our next move? We can't hide in this store forever."

Taejin considered. "We might look for a bigger survivor enclave. Maybe the city's emergency shelters—like City Hall or the sports complex. They might've turned into safe zones or at least defended areas."

Mr. Park pressed his lips together. "Some parts of the government or military might still be active. If they formed a stronghold, that's our best bet. But the roads are crawling with threats."

Taejin looked around at his ragtag team. "We'll rest here for a bit, patch up, and then head toward the city center. We'll go slowly, check for any posted signs or signals of a large camp. If we find nothing, we keep exploring. In the meantime, we keep leveling and upgrading gear wherever we can. The system is… monstrous, but it's all we've got."

He hated the idea of risking more battles. But each fight—like with the orcs—gave them a sliver of experience and possibly items. Maybe enough to stay alive. Everyone's expressions showed tired acceptance. They understood the grim logic.

Won cleared his throat. "I'll stand watch near the door. The rest of you catch some sleep if you can."

Taejin placed a hand on the teen's shoulder. "We'll rotate. Wake me in a couple hours."

Won nodded, picking up a crowbar from the store shelf to replace his extinguished canister. Taejin sank against a wall, shutting his eyes for a moment. Goeun and Yunhee settled nearby, weapons within arm's reach. Mr. Park exhaled, lying flat to minimize the strain on his chest.

The hardware store felt claustrophobic, but better than sleeping in the open. Taejin let the tension ebb slightly, mind drifting. He recalled the sickening sensation of that orc's axe smashing into him. Yet they had persevered. Their ragtag band had grown from cowering passengers in a subway to a fighting unit. Not unstoppable, but not helpless either.

As he hovered on the edge of sleep, the system flashed a subtle notice:

Partial Quest Unlocked:"Establish a Safe Base or Join an Existing Survivor Camp."Reward: VariesFailure: None (Optional)

It was an odd quest, lacking the usual dire penalty. But it aligned with Taejin's plan. They needed allies or a real stronghold. The system had confirmed it was a viable path.

He swallowed, blinking at the message until it faded. Step by step, they were rewriting their roles from victims to active players. If a permanent safe base was possible, they might just carve out a place to survive these twisted scenarios. Maybe even rescue others along the way.

He closed his eyes, letting exhaustion take hold. The city outside was silent, pregnant with hidden dangers. But for now, in this dim hardware store, they had each other's backs. And that was enough to hold onto as they braced themselves for whatever new horrors or new glimmers of hope lurked ahead.