Chapter 3: Footsteps

Chapter 3: Footsteps

Lost in my thoughts, I blurted out what was bothering me, something that seemed likely to cause trouble with Jack, and perhaps even Shadow... There was a chance I'd be left alone. True, I wasn't weak enough to be scared or anything, but what was wrong with wanting better odds of survival?

"Common class?" Jack asked, his eyebrows knitting slightly above his grey eyes. "Ares, this isn't the time to complain about the class distribution system. We're lucky enough to have survived that thing. Besides, there's no such thing as a common or rare class. There are only common and rare ways to use a class."

His words made sense, as usual, but they didn't lessen my frustration. In Valaria, the class you got at the start determined your path. Assassin was a basic class, good at stealth and backstabbing, but it lacked direct offensive power and endurance. I had hoped for something more powerful, something that would give me an edge in this unknown world. But then I remembered how any class, if developed, could become incredibly powerful. Even Assassin wasn't inherently weak; I didn't know how I'd forgotten that, especially when one of the top 100 players was an Assassin.

"Jack's right, Ares," Shadow added, who was still examining his hand with precise movements. "The classifications we're used to from the game might not apply here. The ability to control micro-particles could be extremely powerful if used correctly. Think of it as a versatile tool. I could create shields, weapons, or even disable machines if there are any in this world... but the question is whether my mind can handle the strain of using this ability."

"Machines?" I asked, ignoring their rebuke. "Do you think there's civilization here?"

"I don't know," Shadow admitted. "But we must be prepared for anything. Probabilities suggest we are not alone in this world."

Jack looked up at the two-sun sky. "Night is coming. We need to find a safe place to hide."

There wasn't much we could do. We had no idea where we were, or what awaited us. The best we could do was stick together and use our abilities to survive.

We agreed to move in one direction, looking for any sign of civilization. We advanced cautiously through the forest, with me in the lead, using my enhanced senses to try and detect any danger. Shadow walked behind me, his eyes scanning the area for anything unusual. Jack was at the rear, watching our backs.

As darkness fell, the forest became more terrifying. The silver trees looked like shimmering skeletons, and the glowing blue leaves cast strange shadows on the ground. We heard strange sounds coming from the darkness—whispers and rustlings that seemed to watch us.

After hours of walking, we found a small cave in the side of a hill. It wasn't ideal, but it was better than nothing. We entered the cave, and Jack started a small fire using some dry twigs we found.

I sat by the fire, feeling the warmth spread through my body. Jack and Shadow were checking the cave for any signs of animals or other creatures.

"This place is safe enough for one night," Jack said. "We should take watch shifts."

We agreed I would take the first watch. Jack and Shadow were tired; both had used their abilities in the fight with the creature. I sat near the cave entrance, my eyes fixed on the darkness.

The hours passed slowly. I heard strange sounds coming from the forest, but saw nothing. I started feeling drowsy, but forced myself to stay awake.

Suddenly, I heard a different sound, one I hadn't heard before. It sounded like the faint tread of multiple footsteps, like a group of people moving stealthily, coming from a distance.

I listened intently. The sound was growing louder, as if approaching us. I woke Jack and Shadow. It seemed the fire we'd lit in the cave was about to bring us more trouble.