Prologue: Trouble

Nearly three hours had passed since Ash and the group sought refuge on the rooftop. Not much had occurred during that time.

Ash and Iris ate some snacks and drank a bottle of water each to quench their thirst.

Some of the workers spoke to Ash, recognizing him from when he would lounge around the building while his sister was working. It was nice to see some familiar and friendly faces, considering the awkward situation with the students from his school.

He spent time with Iris, getting to know her.

Despite everything that had happened, she had stuck by him since the moment they met.

She hadn't run when his so-called friend did when he was in danger, nor did she try to join Mr. Benson's group. They mainly had a problem with Ash, so if she wanted to, she could have joined them.

While talking, he learned she was two years younger than him and quite a reserved person.

At least, that was his impression, since she hadn't interacted much with anyone but him. He also learned she was one of the best in the school's boxing club and a top athlete in the track team.

Ash was very impressed.

She sounded very capable. He wondered why he had never heard of her before. With her achievements, she should have been popular at school. Then again, he had never paid much attention to others. He had always been in his own head.

He also caught up with Misty, sharing lighthearted conversations about their lives before this disaster started.

It was a nice breather for Ash.

If it weren't for the sniper shots ringing out occasionally, the dark, cloudy weather, and the distant roars of beasts, he might have forgotten about the chaos.

Around the two-hour mark, everyone's phones or watches vibrated. To their surprise, they had regained signal, and myriads of notifications flooded in. Ash immediately tried to contact his sister, as well as his mum and dad.

His mother was the first to respond, letting him know she was holed up at home with some neighbours. Hearing from her filled Ash with relief.

He wanted to tell her to come to the company building, but the distance was too far, and the streets were too dangerous to traverse.

After his mother, his sister responded, asking where he was. Ash explained that he had made it to her company building. He then asked where she was, only to learn she was at Benedict Mall, a shopping mall just down the road.

It was a common hangout spot for students due to its proximity to schools. The military had used it as a temporary shelter, but order had completely collapsed.

Her situation was dire, a powerful beast had invaded the mall and the firearms of the military were ineffective. 

'This is serious.' Ash immediately went over to Zed to inform him and to ask if he knew anything about it. The news surprised Zed, who promptly reported the situation to his superiors.

Afterward, Ash tried to get more details from his sister. He learned that she wasn't alone—she was with another person, and they were currently hiding in a clothing store. They couldn't do much as the creature was resting inside the mall.

'What to do…' Ash knew his sister couldn't just stay where she was. That beast could wake up at any moment and find them. He couldn't let that happen.

"Zed, can someone go there? That creature sounds very dangerous."

He went over to Zed again, hoping the military could intervene.

"Unfortunately, that kind of creature isn't the only one," Zed responded, his expression grim.

"There have been multiple sightings of beasts that aren't affected by regular bullets. We have our hands full. That mall is finished."

Ash's expression soured at those last words. He looked around at the survivors on the rooftop. Some were crying, some had defeated expressions, while a few smiled at their phones—likely relieved that their loved ones were safe. But for many, their families had been lost.

Turning back to the ruined cityscape, Ash clenched his fists. 'This can't happen. I can't let her die…'

The thought of just sitting here, doing nothing, while his sister's life hung by a thread made his stomach churn. What made it worse was that the mall was only down the road. A straight run that would take just ten minutes.

"I'm going to the mall." Resolving himself, Ash turned to Zed.

There was a brief silence.

Hearing nothing from Zed, Ash turned around to speak to Iris and Misty, explaining his decision.

"Are you sure about this?" Iris furrowed her brows after hearing Ash's brazen idea.

"Yes, I have to go. I can't just sit here while my sister is in danger."

"Ash, please, you can't do this. If even bullets don't work, what can you do?" Misty interjected, visibly upset.

"I'm not sure, but they're trapped. I can at least act as their eyes outside. The creature might not even be near their hiding spot. They might have a clear escape route but can't move because they don't know where it is," Ash solemnly explained.

The two girls were clearly displeased by his reckless decision.

"I'll go with you," Iris said after a few moments, her voice firm.

Hearing this, Ash was surprised. "No, I'll go alone. It's easier to move around by myself."

"But—"

"It's a no. You have your own family and loved ones. If something happens to you, I wouldn't be able to face them."

Seeing Ash's stubborn expression, Iris reluctantly backed down.

"Here, take these." Suddenly, Zed approached and handed Ash a combat knife and a grenade.

Holding the items, Ash felt a little nervous, especially at the grenade.

"Pull that pin and throw it. I can't give you any firearms. The knife and grenade are the best I can do," Zed explained, his voice low.

He quickly slipped the grenade into Ash's blazer pocket, making sure it was hidden from others except for Misty and Iris.

"Thank you," Ash said sincerely, grateful for the stoic and cold man's assistance.

Without wasting any more time, Ash opened the doors and headed down the long, arduous stairs.

Others in the group wanted to ask where he was going, but Misty explained that he had gone to find his sister. They all shook their heads, wondering why he was walking to his death.

Zed watched Ash's departing figure. 'What a brave kid.'