Honkai impact 3rd: [The Mission - System]

An: Hello everyone, it's me again. You all have might notice that the publish time have lag long specially with Ed(Editor).

Something happened to her that needs medical assistants so I've called my uncle who's a doctor to assist her for full recovery, im also assisting her at my own ways and while also busy at my study at the University.

So I'll be uploading less and less if there is an available time! That's all i could say for now, i hope you guy's enjoy the chapter and also have a good day!.

Stay safe everyone!

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The world was at peace. The town moved in quiet harmony, its people going about their daily lives. The streets were free of cars, with only the occasional motorcycle humming past and bicycles gliding smoothly along the road.

Pedestrians strolled, chatting idly as the setting sun bathed everything in a golden-orange glow. A gentle breeze swept through the town, rustling leaves and carrying the distant laughter of children at play.

Ayin sat alone on a bench by the sidewalk, his small frame still as he watched the kids running around. His mind, however, was far from the scene in front of him. His thoughts were tangled in the upcoming report he had to present to his teacher tomorrow.

_What if I mess up?_ The question echoed in his mind, an unwanted parasite latching onto his nerves.

_No, I will mess up. My voice is going to shake, and then I'll forget half of what I was supposed to say. Everyone's going to stare…_

Anxiety gnawed at him, and he quietly wished for a sudden class suspension, just enough time to gather his courage.

_Maybe if a storm hits overnight? No, that's too much. A minor power outage? Just long enough to cancel classes_

_No, that's too specific._ He sighed, resting his chin on his palm. _Why can't I just be naturally good at this?_

His imagination betrayed him, conjuring the worst-case scenario. He could already see it.

His classmates staring with piercing, judgmental eyes, his teacher watching with that unreadable expression. Standing there, alone at the front of the class, fumbling over his words, his voice barely audible.

_I'll freeze up. My throat will dry out. Someone in the back will snicker, and then it's over._

A quiet sigh escaped him as he shifted, lowering his upper body into a thinking posture. His fingers curled slightly as he lost himself in his own spiraling thoughts.

Ayin was still deep in his thoughts when he suddenly felt something wet land on his head. The sensation snapped him out of his spiral.

_Huh?_

Blinking in confusion, he reached up and touched his hair—wet. His fingers ran through the damp strands, feeling the moisture sink into his scalp.

_Ah.. Why is my head wet?_

His brows furrowed as he rubbed his fingers together, the cool droplets clinging to his skin. Another droplet hit, trickling down the side of his face. Then another. His confusion deepened.

Looking up, he expected to see dark clouds looming overhead, but the sky remained clear, painted in the warm hues of the setting sun. There was no sign of rain. No overhanging tree branches dripping excess moisture. Nothing.

And yet, the droplets kept falling.

Within seconds, his face was completely soaked. The cold sensation sent a flash of irritation through him. His confusion shifted to frustration as he abruptly stood up, shaking his head vigorously.

"What the—where is this even coming from!?"

He blurted out, his voice louder than intended. His hands wiped at his face, flicking off the excess water.

Annoyed, he stepped away from the bench, still looking up as if the sky itself owed him an explanation. Then, just as suddenly as it started, the droplets stopped.

Ayin halted in his tracks, frowning.

_What? Just like that?_

His eyes darted around, searching for any possible source, but the town remained unchanged. People walked by, chatting casually, completely unaware of his predicament.

He exhaled sharply, both relieved and still baffled. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his face dry.

With one final sigh, he put the handkerchief away and walked off down the sidewalk, still casting a few suspicious glances at the sky.

As Ayin walked, his thoughts kept circling back to what had just happened. The water dripping on his head, stopping the moment he moved.

_Was someone messing with me?_

He frowned, running a hand through his hair as if he'd find some hidden clue there. But before he could dwell on it further, a sudden realization made him stop mid-step.

It was quiet. Too quiet.

His pace slowed as unease coiled in his stomach. The streets that had been bustling with people just moments ago were now eerily empty. No chatter, no footsteps, nothing but the distant hum of the wind.

His heartbeat quickened.

_Wait.. Ahh.. where did everyone go?_

His gaze flicked around frantically, scanning every direction, searching for any sign of life. He turned toward the area where the kids had been playing earlier where their laughter had filled the air.

His breath hitched.

Not a single trace of them. No scattered toys, no distant giggles. Just a void where life had been mere moments ago.

His fingers curled into fists, a cold sensation creeping up his spine. The unease deepened, sinking its claws into his mind.

_Okay… that was weird._

Then, as if on cue, a cold gust of wind swept past him, carrying an eerie stillness that sent a sharp chill straight to his core.

"…Oh, come on." Ayin muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. He shivered, hugging his arms to himself.

This was like something straight out of a horror movie.

His muscles tensed, his breath slow and measured. He stood there, waiting. Almost expecting something else to happen.

Ayin's breath came in short, uneven bursts as he scanned the empty streets, his pulse hammering in his ears. The silence was suffocating, pressing down on him like an invisible weight. He swallowed, his throat dry.

"Where is everyone?" His voice barely broke the eerie stillness.

_This.. doesn't make sense._

Just a minute ago, these streets were full of people walking, chatting, laughing. The distant sounds of a radio playing from a small shop, the clatter of footsteps against the pavement… all of it, gone. Vanished as if they had never been there to begin with.

A tight knot formed in his chest. His fingers twitched at his sides, restless, uncertain.

_Something Strange is happening. Wait Something IS Strange with this place! Am i in a nightmare?!_

A faint ringing filled his ears, a dull pressure growing in his skull. His breath hitched, and before he even realized it, his body moved on its own. His foot hit the pavement hard—then the other. Then again. And again.

His heartbeat roared in his ears as he broke into a sprint. The sound of his footsteps echoed loudly against the quiet, too loud, like they didn't belong in this unnatural stillness.

Tap—tap—tap—tap—!

The golden light of the setting sun stretched across the road, casting long shadows. It felt like a path, leading him somewhere. But to what?

His frantic gaze flickered toward the houses and small stores lining the streets. Dark windows stared back at him, hollow and lifeless. No figures moved inside, no doors were left open.

It was a ghost town.

His chest burned from exertion, his legs ached, but he didn't dare stop.

There has to be someone. Anyone.

Then, just ahead he saw a figure. A person at the distance, standing as it's facing the sun.

Ayin's breath caught in his throat. Relief flooded his system, washing over his panic for just a moment.

_Finally!_

He pushed himself harder, forcing his aching legs to move faster. His vision blurred from exhaustion, but he didn't care.

"H-Hey!" His voice cracked, rough from the desperate run. "Wait! Please—!"

His foot hit the pavement wrong. His body lurched forward, almost falling, but he caught himself, barely. His heart pounded as he fixed his eyes on the figure ahead, his mind racing.

He didn't care who it was. He didn't care what was happening.

He just needed to know, why was they're the only ones left?

Honkai Impact 3rd: [The Mission - System]

The person stood still, facing the last rays of the setting sun, the fading light painting everything in a warm, golden hue. Ayin's voice cracked in the still air, louder this time as he tried once more to get the person's attention.

"Hey! Please, just turn around! I need to know what's going on!" His shout seemed to hang in the air, unanswered.

No response.

Ayin took a deep breath, his heart pounding louder with each passing second.

_What is happening?_

_Why won't he answer?_

He took another step forward, feeling the ground shift beneath him, but his legs felt heavier with each stride. His head spun, his mind racing with questions he couldn't answer. He could hear his own footsteps echoing in the empty street, the only sound in this suddenly abandoned place.

_Wasn't there someone just, just a moment ago?_

"Hello?!" He called again, desperation creeping into his voice. His eyes darted to the empty sidewalk and the now silent houses with only that one person standing at the distance.

"Do you know where is everyone!? Or where did they all go!?"

The person still didn't move. It felt like a trick, like the world itself was taunting him. He could feel his stomach tighten in a knot, his hands growing clammy. The wind picked up again, brushing against his skin like the fingers of someone just behind him. It gave him a chill, like a warning.

_Something's wrong. Something's wrong with this whole damn place._

The sun was nearly gone now, slipping away as though it never existed, leaving only a faint glow behind. Ayin's eyes snapped to the figure. His breath hitched as the silhouette slowly, almost lazily, turned around.

His entire body froze because of that face.

Ayin blinked, and his throat went dry.

"No. Wait. What—?"

He didn't know why, but just seeing that person's face felt wrong. Like it shouldn't be there. It was like staring at a reflection in water that wasn't his own. Something about it unsettled him, gnawing at his chest in a way that didn't make sense.

The person's eyes met his, and Ayin felt his pulse race, his heart slamming against his ribs. His feet seemed to move of their own accord. Without thinking, he turned and ran.

His legs burned with the effort, but he couldn't stop. He didn't care that his body was already exhausted. The only thing that mattered was getting away. He couldn't stay here. Not with that person watching him. Not with that feeling creeping up his spine.

His breath came faster, his eyes frantic, but every corner he turned only seemed to make the world feel smaller, the shadows deeper. He wasn't getting anywhere.

The moonlight overhead cast an eerie glow over the streets, and Ayin couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows were stretching toward him, reaching out. He glanced behind him, but there was no one there. No one following, yet the sensation of being watched never faded.

The figure. It was like they were always there, no matter how fast he ran.

Ayin gasped for air, running harder now, his breath ragged. He refused to look back, refusing to acknowledge that strange, chilling presence. But his mind couldn't stop racing.

Ayin's legs screamed in pain, each step heavier than the last.

Thud-thud, thud-thud.

His heart raced, but there was no time to stop. His breath was shallow, uneven, the world around him starting to close in.

Shh—shh—

The sounds of his breath seemed to echo in his ears, mixing with the pounding in his chest. Every step felt like he was dragging a weight, like gravity itself was conspiring against him.

_I can't keep going like this!_

His thoughts were fragmented, slipping between his fingers. His vision blurred again.

_Focus. Focus._

He gritted his teeth and pushed forward, eyes scanning the surroundings. The small, familiar home dining restaurant loomed ahead like a faint beacon. A glimmer of hope in the haze of his panic.

_Please…_

His chest tightened with desperation. Please, just let me get to the door.

His trembling hand reached for the door handle. He twisted it with all the strength he had left, but the door didn't budge.

Click.

"Damn it…" Ayin muttered through clenched teeth. His heart was a drumbeat in his chest.

thump-thump-thump-thump

And sweat poured down his face, mixing with the dirt and grime. He tried again, his fingers turning into claws. Scrape, scrape, scrape. His breath came in ragged bursts as he pulled harder.

"Open, please, just open!"

But something inside as the scraping groaning noise that made his skin crawl.

Creeeak—groooan.

It was wrong. It felt wrong. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, and a chill crept down his spine. He froze for a moment.

_What was that? Wait n_

A sudden, horrifying shift in the air. He whipped around, his heart slamming against his ribs.

Thud

The zombie, Its twisted with its bloated face was barely recognizable, half-rotten flesh hanging loosely, the eyes hollow and vacant. Its mouth gaped open with a low, guttural moan.

Grrrr… hhhhhh.

Ayin staggered back, his pulse hammering in his ears.

Thump-thump-thump.

Panic surged through him, but his body, exhausted beyond belief, refused to move fast enough.

"Shit!"

_No!_

Before he could react, the zombie lunged with an awful, wet slap, its decaying hands reaching for him. But just as the creature's hands nearly met him, the door behind him exploded with a deafening crash as the splintering wood and metal fragments showering the ground.

The force hit him full on, slamming him backward. Thud! His body crashed against the ground, the impact sending a sharp pain up his spine. For a moment, everything was drowned out in white noise, a ringing in his ears.

"AH—!"

Ayin gasped in pain, his breath catching in his throat. He tried to push himself up, but his limbs felt like lead.

_No, no, no… I can't die here._

_I can't._

His hands scraped against the rough ground, his fingers desperately searching for any purchase. Scrape, scrape, scrape. His vision swam, everything spinning out of control. The air felt thick, suffocating.

In the distance, he heard the zombies.

"No.. they were getting closer."

Their screams rising with each second. Their dragging shuffle of feet was unmistakable.

Shffft—shffft—

Growing louder, the sound unbearable, filling every inch of his mind, drowning out everything else.

_Get up! Please_

"Just.. get... Up!"

But his body wouldn't obey. His arms trembled under the strain, shaking violently with every movement.

Grrrrrk

His breathing came in short, jagged bursts, his chest rising and falling in rapid succession.

"Please… don't… not like this…"

Ayin's voice barely reached his own ears, a weak, choking whisper. His heart raced, pumping painfully in his chest. Thump-thump-thump-thump.

The ground felt like it was tilting beneath him. His vision spun and everything was blurring. He couldn't focus. Shadows danced in his periphery, the world becoming more and more distant.

_I'm not going to make it…_

The cold air pressed against him, but it wasn't comforting. It felt suffocating, as though everything was closing in, closing around him. The sounds of the zombies were growing, the shuffle of their feet becoming overwhelming. They were all around him now.

His legs trembled beneath him, too weak to hold his body up. His hands, his numb fingers, slipped from the rough ground.

_No… please…_

He tried again, his hands desperately reaching out, scraping against the gravel.

_I can't give up._

But his breath was growing harder to catch, the darkness closing in on him. His body, exhausted and battered, was betraying him, pulling him into the void. The light, the sounds, everything was fading away. His vision grew dim, the cold pressing in.

_Please… not now…_

His heart beat erratically in his chest, but it was slowing.

Thump-thump… thump… thump...

_It's so cold.... and so dark... This is too much._

And then, everything went black.

A blinding flash lit up the darkness, followed by a deafening crack of thunder.

"Ah—!"

Ayin jolted awake, his body jerking forward as he gasped for air. His chest rose and fell in sharp, uneven breaths, his lungs burning like he had just surfaced from drowning. His head throbbed, a dull, pounding ache settling behind his eyes. He groaned, squeezing them shut for a moment before forcing himself to focus.

"…Ahh?" His voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper.

His first instinct was to reach for his head, to press against the pulsing pain at his temple. But the moment he tried to move, something was off. His arms didn't move freely. His brows furrowed as he tugged again, only to feel resistance.

"Wait… what?"

He blinked, his breath hitching as he looked down.

Rope. Thick, rough fibers wrapped tightly around his wrists, holding them together.

His stomach dropped. His breathing picked up.

"What the—?!"

He pulled against the restraints, twisting his wrists as panic surged through his chest. The rope didn't budge. The tightness bit into his skin the more he struggled, making his fingers tingle from the pressure.

_No, no, no. Wait!. A!. Second!._

_The hell is this?!_

He gritted his teeth, his heartbeat hammering in his ears. His mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened. The last thing he remembered was… what? Running? A figure? And then.

His head throbbed harder, like a cruel reminder that thinking too much wasn't an option right now.

Ayin let out a sharp exhale, trying to steady himself. Freaking out wasn't going to help. He needed to focus.

"Okay… okay, calm down," he muttered to himself, swallowing hard. "First, figure out what the hell just happened and Second, get these damn ropes off!."

His eyes darted around, trying to get a sense of his surroundings. The dim light made it hard to see, but the air felt heavy—stale, like a place that hadn't been touched in a while.

Then, another rumble of thunder shook the walls.

Ayin stiffened.

That didn't sound distant. It sounded close. Too close.

He looks around again but his breath hitched, he wasn't alone.

Ayin's heart was pounding in his chest, his thoughts a blur of confusion and fear. He was about to try and figure out how to free himself from the ropes when something caught his eye. He froze, eyes wide, staring at the figure standing a short distance away from him.

A person. They were standing in front of a small cabinet, a rope dangling from their left hand, while their right hand was stretched out as if reaching for something—a baseball bat resting just beside the cabinet.

The figure was still, frozen in place, and Ayin noticed the half-eaten fish stuffed in their mouth. The world seemed to stop. The rain outside pounded against the windows, a constant, unyielding downpour that filled the heavy silence in the room.

It only took a split second for recognition to hit Ayin like a ton of bricks. His breath caught.

It was Kiana.

Kiana, who had frozen as soon as their eyes met, staring at Ayin with the same shock mirrored on his own face. The tension between them was almost suffocating. Neither of them moved. Neither of them said a word. They just stared at each other in disbelief, the rain outside a distant background to the stillness within the room.

Ayin swallowed hard, still trying to process everything. After a long, heavy moment, he managed to break the silence, his voice shaking slightly. "Kiana...?"

As soon as her name left his lips, Kiana's eyes flickered. Her jaw clenched, and in an instant, she grabbed the baseball bat that had been resting by her side, her body snapping into action. She pointed it straight at Ayin, her eyes hardening with a new resolve.

"I've finally confirmed something," she said, her voice sharp and tense.

Ayin blinked, still not fully understanding. He tried to process her words, but his head was still clouded with shock. "What? What do you mean?"

Kiana took a step closer, but her grip on the bat tightened. Her expression hardened, though there was something in her eyes that made Ayin's stomach drop.

"I finally found the stalker," she said coldly, her gaze unwavering. "The one who's been following me for the past few days."

"It was you! Isn't it!"

"...."

The words hung in the air, leaving Ayin completely stunned. His brain struggled to catch up, but all he could do was stare at her, his face a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"A stalker?" Ayin repeated slowly, still trying to piece things together. "What... are you talking about?"

The room fell silent again, the only sound the relentless rain outside. Ayin's mind was a whirlpool of thoughts, none of them making sense.

_Why was Kiana saying something like that? What did she mean by a stalker? Me?... IM the stalker??_

He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, far more wrong than he could possibly understand in that moment.

An: Poor ayin, just let him rest for a little.