MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: Fleeing
Selene's dreams were a blur of fire and shadows. The system's voice echoed in the recesses of her mind, growing louder and clearer as the images shifted.
"Lust energy reserves critical. Host synchronization will depend on intimate interactions. Survival hinges on your ability to form bonds."
She jolted awake, beads of sweat trickling down her face. The faint light of dawn seeped through the cracked windows of the safe zone, casting long shadows across the room. Her heart raced as she recalled the system's warning.
"What does it even mean?" she whispered to herself.
But before she could dwell on it, the door creaked open, and Marcus stepped inside. His expression was grim, but there was a softness in his eyes that caught her off guard.
"You're awake," he said, his voice low. "Good. Damian wants everyone in the main hall. There's been another attack."
Selene pushed herself up, her body still aching from the fight the night before. "Another demon?"
Marcus nodded. "It's getting worse. The barriers aren't holding like they used to. People are starting to panic."
Selene swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. She didn't have time to figure out the system or what it wanted. The world around her was crumbling, and survival was the only thing that mattered.
When they reached the main hall, the tension in the air was palpable. Survivors huddled together, their whispers barely masking their fear. At the center of the room, Damian stood with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"Listen up," he barked. "The barriers are failing faster than we anticipated. If we don't find a solution soon, this place will be overrun."
A murmur spread through the crowd, but Damian silenced it with a raised hand. "We've scouted a potential safe zone to the north. It's risky, but it might be our only chance. I need volunteers to secure the path."
Selene's stomach churned. The idea of leaving the relative safety of the safe zone was terrifying, but staying wasn't an option either.
"I'll go," Marcus said, stepping forward without hesitation.
Damian nodded approvingly before turning to the rest of the group. "Anyone else?"
Silence filled the room as people avoided his gaze. Selene felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She couldn't just stand by while others risked their lives.
"I'll go too," she said, her voice steady despite the fear clawing at her chest.
All eyes turned to her, some filled with doubt, others with surprise. Damian's expression was unreadable as he stared her down.
"You sure about that?" he asked. "This isn't a game. One wrong move out there, and you're dead."
Selene met his gaze, determination burning in her eyes. "I'm sure."
Damian shrugged. "Fine. The two of you leave at dusk. Make sure you're ready."
As the crowd dispersed, Marcus pulled Selene aside. "You didn't have to volunteer," he said, concern etched across his face.
"I know," she replied. "But I couldn't just stand there and do nothing."
Marcus studied her for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Just stay close to me out there. I'll keep you safe."
Selene gave him a small smile. "Thanks, Marcus."
The hours leading up to their departure passed in a blur. Selene prepared as best as she could, gathering supplies and steeling herself for what lay ahead. The system remained silent, but its presence lingered in the back of her mind like a shadow she couldn't escape.
When dusk arrived, she and Marcus stood at the gate, their weapons and gear ready. Damian gave them a curt nod before opening the barrier.
"Good luck," he said.
The world beyond the barrier was eerily silent, the once-bustling streets now abandoned and shrouded in darkness. As they moved through the city, Selene couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
"Stay alert," Marcus whispered, his grip tightening on his sword.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the air, sending shivers down Selene's spine. Before she could react, a pack of smaller demons emerged from the shadows, their glowing eyes locking onto the pair.
"Get ready!" Marcus shouted, raising his blade.
Selene's pulse quickened as the demons charged. She swung her iron rod, striking one of the creatures as it lunged at her. The impact sent a jolt of pain up her arms, but she didn't stop.
"Host in combat. Energy reserves critical. Initiating bond enhancement."
The system's voice rang in her ears as a surge of warmth flooded her body. Her movements became faster, more precise, as though someone else was guiding her.
Marcus glanced at her in surprise. "Where did that come from?"
"I don't know," she admitted, her focus remaining on the demons.
One by one, the creatures fell, their bodies disintegrating into ash. When the last demon was defeated, Selene collapsed to her knees, her breathing ragged.
"You alright?" Marcus asked, helping her to her feet.
"Yeah," she said, though she wasn't sure if it was true. The system's influence was growing stronger, and she had no idea how to control it.