《War Rats》 The First Ratkin "These damn rats again!" grumbled the old man as he smashed the head of a rat trying to steal meat from his storage. Tossing the dead rat into the trash can, he wipe his hand before stepping outside. Three black cats were lounging on his doorstep, lazily grooming themselves. The moment he tried to pick them up, they hissed in protest. "Pests have been unusually active lately. I wonder what''s stirring them up¡­" The old man clicked his tongue and shook his head, adjusting the cats in his arms. Behind the storage area, there was a small hole¡ªjust wide enough for an adult cat to squeeze through. Darkness pooled inside, and the stench of feces wafted out, making him grimace. He pinched his nose and nudged the cats toward it. "You three are worth one hundred Echoes. Time to earn it¡ªget to work!" That hole had been there since the day he bought the shop. Though he''d often thought of sealing it, the previous owner had warned him against it. According to the old man, some kind of creature lived down there. It brought an awful smell, yes¡ªbut also luck. The hole, he''d said, was its passage in and out. "Seal it up," the old owner had warned, "and you''ll curse yourself with misfortune for the rest of your days." The old man sighed, setting the area back in order before returning to his work. The rhythmic sound of his knife chopping meat filled the dimly lit room, the red light overhead casting long shadows across the walls. Unseen by him, a pair of glowing green eyes emerged from the darkness, watching silently from behind the hanging slabs of meat. ... In the pitch-black hole leading to the sewers, the cats darted forward, hissing as a cacophony of countless scuttling feet followed them through the darkness. The eerie sound of grinding teeth mixed with the cats'' snarls, echoing through the narrow, damp tunnels. "Why?" A voice broke through the din, quiet yet filled with frustration. From the shadows, a pair of glowing green eyes emerged, trailing the swarm of rats. The figure halted abruptly, staring down at the murky water pooling beneath the sewer walls. "Why am I a rat? Why me? A rat?! What the heck!" The rat¡ªonce a man named Light¡ªshook his head in disbelief. Of all the things he could have been reincarnated as, this was the cruelest joke. A goblin? That would''ve been tolerable. A dog? He could''ve managed that. Even waking up as a woman wouldn''t have been so bad. But a rat? No way. As far as he could remember, he hadn''t done anything so terrible as to warrant divine punishment. He''d been a good guy¡ªat least, he thought so. "My life¡­ my precious life¡­ I didn''t even get a girlfriend yet!" Light collapsed onto the grimy sewer floor, his tiny claws scraping against the slimy surface. Hopelessness gripped him. How was he supposed to live like this? He was just a rat, scurrying in a filthy sewer. He sighed deeply but immediately regretted it, gagging as his own breath stung his nostrils. "What am I even supposed to do now? Should I¡­ just end it?" he muttered, gazing up at the damp ceiling with lifeless eyes. "If I die again, will I get another chance? Or is this it?" After a long moment of pondering, Light made his decision: he would end it. There was no motivation to live as a rat. What could he possibly do with this body? Eat garbage? Feast on cheese in some dark corner? It was a pitiful existence. But just as he was about to act, glowing blue words appeared before his eyes. ------ Congratulations! You have become the first-ever Ratkin to exist in this world. I am the system that will guide you from now on. Note: I am not a sentient being, so please refrain from talking to me. I am simply designed to assist you in achieving your goals. The system has three main functions: 1. Energy Source ¨C The system can gather Energy from various sources such as artifacts, items, gems, stones, corpses, and more. This Energy can be used to empower yourself and other Ratkin. 2. Buildings and Units ¨C The system can create structures to train Ratkin in various professions such as Ratkin Warrior, Ratkin Warlock, Ratkin Thinker, and more. Note: Buildings and units consume Energy. 3. Condense ¨C Energy can be condensed into Energy Cores, which can be used for magic, technology, and more. Important Note: - Buildings are usable only by Ratkin. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.- By birthing more Ratkin, you can grow a powerful army and establish a stronghold. If you have any questions, click below: (More Information) ------ Light bolted upright, staring at the glowing words in disbelief and amazement. This kind of scenario felt like something out of a novel or video game. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine he''d end up in one himself. The sudden appearance of the system gave him enough motivation to reconsider ending it all. With a swipe of his tiny paw, he opened the holographic screen and clicked on the (More Information) option. His first question was obvious: Would he keep the system if he died again? Maybe reincarnation could offer him something better¡ªa dragon, perhaps, or a demon? The answers, however, dashed his hopes. If he died again, the system explained, he would enter the normal reincarnation cycle. He''d lose all memories of his past life and receive no special abilities or systems in his next life. Light let out a long sigh, his whiskers twitching with frustration. "...Alright. I guess living as a rat isn''t ''that'' bad. Maybe I''m just being overly dramatic," he muttered, trying to convince himself. Despite his words, his mind remained thoroughly human. How was he supposed to live like this? Eat trash? Scavenge leftovers? The thought made him shudder. He resolved to endure for now. If nothing else, he had to figure out where he was and what kind of world this was before making any drastic decisions. Just as he started to plan his next move, his body suddenly began to twitch uncontrollably. ------ Undergoing Evolution¡­ (1%) ------ A sudden, excruciating pain surged through Light''s body, leaving him unable to scream or even mutter a word. His eyes widened in terror as his body convulsed uncontrollably. The pain was unlike anything he''d ever felt as if someone was ripping his skin off and stretching his organs to their breaking point. "It hurts¡­ Damn it!" he thought, his mind reeling from the agony. His body was undergoing evolution. Slowly but surely, he began to grow larger. Coarse hair erupted from his skin in patches, followed by the sickening crack of bones rearranging and expanding. His limbs elongated, muscles bulging and twisting as they adapted to the changes. ------ (99%) ------ Light had no idea how much time had passed. He lay on the cold ground, utterly exhausted, his mind barely clinging to consciousness. Every fiber of his being felt like it had been through a grinder. He couldn''t move, his body too drained to respond as he struggled to catch his breath. "Damn it! At least warn me before pulling something like that!" he groaned. He exhaled slowly, forcing himself to calm down as he wiped the sweat from his fur-covered head. "I feel like crap¡­" he muttered, shaking his head weakly. After a moment, he managed to sit up, his muscles still trembling from the strain. He noticed a faint glow in the corner of his vision¡ªa status screen. Curious, he reached out and tapped it, revealing his profile. ------ Name: Light Race: Primal Ratkin Title: The First Ratkin, The Ancestor of Ratkin Rank: Civilian Class Class: (none) Skills & Abilities: - Night Vision (Evolved) - Extendable Claws - Battle Instinct - Plague Body - Giant Strength - King Aura Energy: 0 Ratkins: 1 Buildings: 0 ------ Next to the stats was an image of his new form: a towering humanoid rat with glowing purple eyes, razor-sharp white teeth, and sleek, white fur covering its body. The creature looked both intimidating and strangely regal. "This is¡­ me?" Light murmured, staring at the screen in disbelief. His gaze lingered on the polished fur and commanding aura of his reflection. "Why do I look¡­ so handsome? And kind of¡­ charming?" he wondered aloud, his rat-like features twisting in confusion. Even as he questioned his appearance, a faint glimmer of pride sparkled in his eyes. Light''s gaze shifted to his abilities. As the ancestor of Ratkin, it was only natural that he''d receive significant advantages. With a smirk of satisfaction, he averted his eyes from the screen and stood up. Towering over ordinary rats by at least a hundred times their size, he was a giant among them. The sounds of scurrying echoed through the sewer as countless rats moved about, their beady eyes glowing faintly in the darkness. From his elevated position, Light noticed a cluster of rats locked in battle with three pitch-black cats that had wandered into their territory. Stretching his newly evolved body, he let out a groan of relief as a satisfying crack echoed from his joints. His stomach, however, had other concerns, rumbling loudly in protest. Evolution had drained him of nearly all his energy, and now he was ravenously hungry. He grimaced, glancing toward the cats. "I don''t want to eat cats, but¡­"His stomach growled again, leaving him with little choice. To the starving rats, the cats weren''t intruders; they were simply prey¡ªanother source of much-needed food. The cats, nearly invisible in the shadows, blended seamlessly into the darkness of the sewer. Yet Light''s evolved night vision and enhanced eyesight allowed him to see them clearly. The other rats had developed similar adaptations, but they were no match for the feral cats'' claws and agility. "Alright, let''s get this over with," Light muttered, steeling himself. He dashed through the swarm of rats, forcing his way to the center of the fray. With a swift kick, he sent one of the cats tumbling away. "Meow!" A system notification appeared before him: ------ Based on your level, you are able to view the status of enemies. Black Ferlin Gender: Male Race: Cat Rank: Low Class Energy: 3 ------ "Low Class, huh? Shouldn''t be too hard..." Light clenched his fists, sizing up the cats. The system had explained that rank and class determined strength and even a single rank difference could mean a world of disparity. "Sorry, cat¡­" With that, Light''s claws extended, sharp and deadly. His body moved instinctively, blending into the shadows. In an instant, he appeared behind one of the cats, driving his claws through it before flinging the lifeless body at another. His movements were fluid, precise, and unnervingly stealthy. It felt natural¡ªlike second nature. His Battle Instinct skill seemed to guide his actions, crafting a combat style that was swift and lethal, like of that an assassin. The final cat''s wide eyes gleamed in terror as it watched its companions fall. It tried to flee, darting for the safety of the shadows. But before it could escape, its head was already severed, rolling lifelessly across the ground. "M-meow..." ------ You have gained +3 Energy. ------ Light stood amidst the carnage, panting slightly. His first real battle had gone better than he expected. Relief washed over him, followed by an odd sense of satisfaction. "Beating a cat feels... kinda good," he muttered, then cringed. "No, wait¡ªthat sounds terrible." My Child After the fight, Light sat in a dim corner of the sewer, gnawing reluctantly on one of the dead cats. His expression was grim, his teeth gritted as he forced himself to take a bite. The texture was rough, and the taste... not terrible. His eyes widened slightly in surprise. It wasn''t gourmet cooking by any stretch, but to a starving man¡ªor ratkin¡ªit was tolerable. "Huh... not bad, I guess," he muttered. As he chewed, his gaze grew distant. There was so much to figure out¡ªhis survival, the system, and most pressing of all, how to grow the Ratkin population. He knew instinctively that his purpose was clear: to establish a new race in this world. But how? "Don''t tell me I have to... with a rat?" Light''s face twisted in disgust as the idea crossed his mind, sending a shiver down his spine. His hand swiped at the system screen, desperate for more information. Moments later, he froze, the half-eaten cat falling from his hand. It didn''t even hit the ground before the swarm of smaller rats around him descended on it, tearing it apart in seconds. "F*ck..." he cursed under his breath. The system was clear: to birth more Ratkin, he had to mate with a female rat. But not just any rat¡ªit had to be a mutant rat to ensure a successful and viable offspring. Regular rats would likely die, unable to withstand his overwhelming... essence. Even with the explanation, Light shook his head violently. "Nope. Not happening. No way!" His body might have transformed into that of a Ratkin, but his mind was still human. Even entertaining the thought made his stomach turn, and he worried that crossing that line would cost him his sanity. Shaking off the troubling thought, Light stood up. The swarm of rats trailed him as he walked, but he paid them no mind. His hunger was sated after eating the two cats, and he was focused on more pressing matters¡ªnamely, survival. The sewer was eerily quiet as he moved forward. The faint sound of dripping water echoed in the distance, broken only by the occasional skittering of claws and the rhythmic gnashing of rat teeth. For some reason, the darkness felt oddly peaceful. Light hummed a soft tune to himself as he walked, trying to push the disturbing thoughts to the back of his mind. Survival came first; everything else could wait. But then he stopped abruptly. ''What is that?'' His glowing eyes narrowed, focusing on a faint pair of green lights in the distance. They flickered in the darkness, unblinking, and grew larger as they moved toward him with alarming speed. ------ Mutant Rat Gender: Female Race: Evolved Rat Rank: Civilian Class Energy: 56 ------ With the sound of chattering teeth, the mutant rat emerged from the shadows. She was massive¡ªthree times the size of a regular rat¡ªwith a sleek white coat of fur, thorny spines running down her back, and glowing green eyes that pierced the darkness. Her sharp, gleaming teeth caught the dim light, sending an involuntary shiver down Light''s spine. The mutant rat approached cautiously, sniffing at his feet before climbing up his body with surprising agility. Light tensed but didn''t sense any hostility. His **King''s Aura** ensured that all rats¡ªor anything within the _muroid_ family¡ªsubmitted to him instinctively. The creature crawled onto his shoulder, her curious snout sniffing at his ear before scuttling down to his arm. She paused, glancing at Light with an almost intelligent gleam in her eyes, as if asking for permission. Light raised a brow, intrigued. "What are you up to?" He extended his palm, half out of curiosity, half in wariness. The mutant rat sniffed his wrist for a moment, then without warning, bit into it. "What the hell?!" A sharp pain shot up his arm as blood welled up from the bite. The mutant rat greedily lapped at it, her glowing eyes narrowing in satisfaction. Light reacted on instinct, shaking his arm violently and tossing the creature off. "What the heck? Don''t tell me you''re trying to eat me!"Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The mutant rat landed softly, cushioned by the swarm of smaller rats that scurried to her aid. She didn''t appear hurt, only gazing up at him with those glowing green eyes. Light clicked his tongue in irritation and turned to walk away. "Damn rat. I should''ve known better than to trust¡ª" Before he could finish his thought, a notification flashed before his eyes: ------ New Event Unlocked: Blood Bond Ritual You have initiated a Blood Bond with a mutant rat. The creature has now become your first Ratkin Follower. Blood Bond Effect - The bonded rat undergoes partial evolution into a Ratkin. - The bonded rat will birth a new Ratkin (Time remaining: 24:59). - Increased intelligence and loyalty toward the bondholder. - Can aid in the creation of future Ratkin. ------ "Huh?" Light blinked, confusion flickering in his eyes. ''Blood Bond Ritual?'' But what really caught his attention was the second effect. "Wait... I can make them give birth to Ratkin just by giving them my blood? What the heck, system! Why didn''t you tell me this earlier?" Frustration surged through him. He had been stressing over this problem, only to find the solution was so absurdly simple. Yet the system had kept him in the dark, offering no information about this possibility. "I shouldn''t rely on the system too much¡­ tsk." He scowled, resolving to be more cautious. Letting out a sigh of relief, Light felt a weight lift from his shoulders. At least he no longer had to worry about the horrifying idea of mating with rats¡ªa thought that had been haunting him. Now, knowing his blood alone could create Ratkin, he couldn''t help but feel a flicker of joy. A wide grin stretched across his rat-like face, revealing sharp, white teeth. He was oblivious to how unsettling that smile looked. Carefully, Light picked up the Mutant Rat, treating her with the gentleness of a prized treasure despite having thrown her around earlier. He caressed her fur absentmindedly and continued deeper into the sewer. As he moved forward, Light suddenly stopped, his brow furrowing. A faint light glimmered in the distance. As he approached, the faint glow revealed itself to be torches mounted along the damp, moss-covered walls. Shadows flickered and danced behind him as he walked. Moments later... "Someone lives here?" He squinted at a small wooden hut cobbled together from planks and cardboard. Outside, a large metal can rested beside a clothesline draped with worn garments and undergarments. It wasn''t entirely surprising¡ªsewers often provided shelter for the desperate. But to live down here required a level of grit most couldn''t muster. Raising his hand, Light pointed toward the hut. A chorus of squeaks answered him as a swarm of rats scurried forward to investigate. When the rats returned moments later, they squeaked their findings: the hut was empty. Cautiously, Light approached, instructing some of the rats to patrol the surrounding area in case of hidden threats. Placing the Mutant Rat gently on the ground, he peered inside the humble structure. The interior was sparse: a small lamp, a rickety wooden desk, and a decayed foam mattress stained with dark spots¡ªlikely years old. A lone chair sat in front of the desk, atop which rested a book and an ink-stained fountain pen. "Judging by the style, this has to be human-made." Light sat down at the chair as he gaze at the book and opened it. ------ October 23, Year 872 A.R. I didn''t think it would come here. Why would it? Our town was nothing¡ªjust a forgotten speck on the map. But it came. The monster. The thing. It tore through the streets like a tempest of teeth and shadows. I saw it¡ªits writhing, unnatural form, twisting in ways that made my stomach churn. It devoured my family. Father screamed until his voice cracked like glass. Mother didn''t even have time to run; it was on her too fast. My little sister¡­ I don''t want to write this. I don''t want to remember. I want revenge. I tell myself that. But I can''t even pick up a blade without my hands shaking. I''m pathetic. A coward. My legs ran before my brain even told them to. I left them behind. And now, they''re hunting me. Not the monster. Not the thing that feeds on the light of the living. No, they''re after me. The men in black coats with brass goggles and masks that gleam like polished bone. They say nothing, but their footsteps echo behind me, faster than my heart can beat. What do they want from me? I didn''t do anything! I''m not the monster¡ªI''m not! Shouldn''t they be fighting it, saving the others? Why me? Why won''t they stop? I can hear their boots outside the inn. They''ve found me. I shouldn''t be writing this. I should be running. I should-. ------ The rest of the entry trailed off, the ink smeared as though the pen had been torn from the writer''s hand. A chill ran down Light''s spine, but his curiosity pushed him to flip through the remaining pages. To his surprise, every page after the first was blank. Even stranger was the language itself. He had never seen these characters before, yet he could read them effortlessly. A sudden thought struck him. ''Could I write in it?'' Grabbing the pen, Light scribbled his name¡ªLight¡ªin the journal. The letters flowed as though the language had always been second nature to him. He chuckled, the sound echoing softly. "I really can write in this language... Is this some perk of being the Ratkin ancestor?" Closing the book, Light surveyed the room again. Though small and crude, it could serve as a temporary home. He gently placed the Mutant Rat on the mattress, brushing away some of the grime. "It just needs a bit of work," he said, nodding to himself. "If the owner doesn''t mind sharing with a Ratkin, they''ll have a monster ally in return." Glancing at the Mutant Rat, still sleeping soundly, Light opened his system interface. He navigated to the building section. Most options were grayed out, locked behind level requirements, and the need for more Energy. ------ Great Hall Cost: Free Description: The central building of the Ratkin race. Serves as a hub for utilities, strategy, and labor. Trains Ratkin Worker Units responsible for resource gathering, cleaning, construction, and storage. Units: Ratkin Workers Special Units: Stormvermin Note: This building does not require Ratkin Workers for initial construction. Ignatius "Workers, huh..." Light muttered thoughtfully. Ratkin Workers could make life significantly easier, aiding in gathering resources and other vital energy sources. They would be indispensable for his growth. Still, he decided to wait until tomorrow to construct the Great Hall, after his ''child'' was born. As he considered this, a strange thought struck him. In his past life, he had struggled just to get a girlfriend, and now, here he was¡ªskipping that step entirely and already expecting a ''child.'' Light shook his head with a wry smile. A small rat climbed onto his hand and scurried into his palm, letting out a soft squeak. Light instinctively understood it. "You found someone? And this person is heading toward this place?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Could they be the owner of the hut? What do they look like?" The rat squeaked again, its tiny body trembling with excitement. "Someone about my height, with two arms and two legs, carrying a sword," Light repeated, piecing the information together. It sounded like a human. Unfortunately, the rat wasn''t intelligent enough to provide more details. Deciding he needed to handle the situation himself, Light raised his hand. A swarm of rats entered the hut, gently lifting the Mutant Rat and carrying her to a hidden location for safety. Initially curious, he grew cautious when he heard the owner was armed. If they were carrying a weapon, they could be dangerous. Light stepped outside, preparing to meet the approaching figure. Minutes turned into an hour. "When is this owner going to show up?" Light muttered, impatience creeping in. He summoned one of the rats for an update. The rat squeaked, revealing that the person had been hiding the entire time. Light narrowed his eyes, then suddenly burst into laughter, smacking his palm with his fist. "Of course! Who wouldn¡¯t be terrified, seeing a giant rat standing outside their house?" The image of the terrified owner cowering somewhere made him chuckle. They probably thought the Ratkin ancestor was some kind of ''monster''. "Alright... let''s go meet this ''owner.'' Maybe I can get some information about this world." He gestured toward his loyal swarm. "Rats, assemble! Let¡¯s move." ... Not far from the hut was a small area littered with piles of trash so high they resembled miniature mountains. According to the rats, the owner was hiding somewhere within this mess. The place reeked of decay, but oddly enough, the stench was tolerable to Light. Given the overwhelming amount of garbage and the sewer-like odor, most people would have collapsed from the smell alone. Following the swarm of rats, Light soon spotted the owner cowering behind a rusted trash can. The man sat with his back pressed against it, clutching a sword tightly in both hands. His dark, disheveled hair framed his trembling figure. Though Light couldn¡¯t see his face clearly, it was evident the man was human. "Should I report this to the Church? No, no! If I do, they¡¯ll find me too... But what is that monster?!" the man muttered to himself in a panicked whisper, shaking his head violently. "The Church already cleansed this area. There¡¯s no way a monster could appear here now... right? But what if they missed one?" "Impossible... impossible... what do I do now?" Light decided to interrupt the man¡¯s spiral of panic. "Hello there." "Hi¡ªAHHH!" The man screamed as he stumbled backward, his heart nearly stopping at the sight of a rat-like face mere inches from his own. Instinctively, he swung his sword toward the creature, but his trembling hands betrayed him. Worse still, the creature¡¯s breath reeked, nearly making him gag. In desperation, he flung the sword away and tried to flee. Sweat beaded on his brow as his legs scrambled to move.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Before he could get far, an unseen force pinned him to the ground. "Please! Please let me go! I beg you!" the man cried, his voice cracking in terror as tears streamed down his face. The acrid stench of urine filled the air. "Relax. I¡¯m not going to hurt you," Light said, removing his foot from the man¡¯s chest. "I just want to ask you something." "...Really?" the man stammered, his body still trembling as he instinctively tried to put some distance between himself and the creature. Wiping his tears with a shaky hand, he eyed Light warily. "Really," Light said with a nod, doing his best to sound reassuring. Internally, though, his heart raced with a nervous energy he struggled to suppress. ------ Ignatius Coldwater Gender: Male Race: Half-Mutant Rank: Knight Class Energy: 309 ------ This man was far stronger than Light had anticipated. He¡¯d underestimated him at first, fooled by Ignatius¡¯s timid demeanor. But the realization that Ignatius was Knight Class¡ªa rank far beyond his own¡ªleft Light uneasy. How could someone this powerful be so cowardly? Was this all an act? Light narrowed his eyes, thinking, ''Is he trying to catch me off guard?'' But if Ignatius was playing a role, surely he must know Light was already onto him. Stepping back slowly, Light kept his gaze locked on Ignatius. "Who are you?" Of course, Light already knew his name. But this question was bait¡ªhe wanted to learn more, to dig deeper into the man¡¯s background. Ignatius straightened his expression a mix of fear and desperation. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees, clasping his hands together. "Please! My name is Ignatius Coldwater. I¡¯m from Greenwood, a rural town. I swear I didn¡¯t mean to intrude on your territory! Please, forgive me! I have a family¡ªa wife and child waiting for me at home! If you let me go, I¡¯ll even bring you a human sacrifice!" The words hit Light like a slap. For a moment, he was speechless, the air around them falling eerily silent. Ignatius, too, seemed to notice, his breathing ragged as the tension grew unbearable. "If that¡¯s not enough," Ignatius continued, his voice cracking with panic, "I¡¯ll establish a church in your name! Please, just spare me!" Light raised an eyebrow, baffled. ''This guy... is he serious?'' He examined Ignatius closely, trying to determine whether the man¡¯s pleas were genuine or a ploy. Either way, the groveling was starting to give him a headache. "Who owns the hut?" Light finally asked, ignoring the man''s ramblings. "Huh?" Ignatius blinked in confusion, momentarily caught off guard. Realization dawned on him, and he quickly slammed his forehead against the ground. "I¡¯m sorry for deceiving you!" Light rubbed his temples in frustration. "Enough. I¡¯m not planning to eat you or anything. I just want to ask you a few questions." He paused, then added coldly, "But if you talk again without permission, I might change my mind." "Heek!" Ignatius whimpered, nodding furiously. He clamped his hands over his mouth and followed Light closely, trembling like a leaf. ''Seriously? This guy¡¯s either the world¡¯s best actor or a total wreck,'' Light thought, stifling a sigh. Despite the man¡¯s overwhelming fear, it was hard to reconcile his cowardice with his Knight Class rank. According to the system¡¯s information, a Knight Class was supposed to be strong enough to take on a thousand Civilian Class levels alone. Yet here Ignatius was, groveling like a novice. Light shook his head. ''Whatever. As long as he keeps misunderstanding my strength, it works in my favor.'' When they reached the hut, Light stepped inside first. "Come in," he said. Ignatius hesitated at the doorway. He opened his mouth to protest¡ªthis was, after all, his house¡ªbut quickly thought better of it and followed silently. Light settled into a chair while Ignatius knelt on the floor, hands still trembling. For a moment, the room was silent, save for the faint sound of dripping water in the distance. "First question," Light said, breaking the silence. "What exactly is a half-mutant?" "...Half-mutant?" Ignatius blinked, confused. "I-I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t know. There are many mixed races, but this is the first time I¡¯ve heard of a half-mutant." Light squinted at him, trying to detect any hint of a lie, but Ignatius seemed genuinely clueless. "B-but I do know about mutants!" Ignatius quickly added, eager to provide something of value. "I¡¯ve read about them in a book!" "Alright," Light said, motioning for him to continue. Ignatius swallowed nervously. "Mutants are terrifying creatures¡ªabominations created by corruption. They were once human or other races, but exposure to dark energy twisted their bodies and minds. They lose their reason, consumed by madness, but gain incredible strength and abilities. The trade-off is their morality¡ªthey become monsters in every sense of the word." He paused before continuing, "Most mutants don¡¯t last long. The madness usually drives them to self-destruction. Only the strongest can resist and regain enough reason to survive. According to the book I read, the dark energy that creates mutants comes from the Evil Gods." Light listened intently, his expression unreadable. "Mutants¡¯ origins are tragic," Ignatius went on. "Many were once warlocks¡ªscholars pursuing forbidden knowledge¡ªor adventurers who unknowingly fell victim to corruption. Then there are abominations¡ªa type of mutant created not by dark energy but through experiments conducted by warlocks." "But..." Ignatius hesitated, shaking his head. "I don¡¯t know anything about half-mutants." Light leaned back, processing the information. ''This world is more terrifying than I thought. Warlocks, mutants, Evil Gods... This isn¡¯t some simple fantasy world.'' He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ''It¡¯s like a nightmare brought to life.'' Still, Light decided to push those thoughts aside for now. While intriguing, the bigger threats¡ªlike warlocks and Evil Gods¡ªwere far beyond his current concerns. Right now, he was still in the "novice village," so to speak. Clapping his hands, Light said, "Alright. Tell me about the surface. What¡¯s the situation up there, and why are you hiding down here?" The Great Hall Light knew that the diary''s owner was Ignatius, so his question was that. "There is nothing much happening on the surface," Ignatius explained. "The Brazenhold Empire and the Erebusclad Federation are still in a peace treaty. It¡¯ll probably be a few years before anything changes¡ªhopefully, nothing does." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "But I don¡¯t know much about what¡¯s happening outside of this area." "What nation are we in?" "We¡¯re in the Brazenhold Empire," Ignatius said and then proceeded to explain more about the empire. The Brazenhold Empire is a militaristic nation that invests all its resources in its military, neglecting the common people. The empire is ruled by a tyrannical leader, Emperor Septimus Brazenhold, and is one of the most powerful nations of humans on the continent, primarily due to its formidable military force. With the emperor''s iron-fisted rule, the common people live in constant fear and oppression. Ignatius described how the military is a constant presence in daily life, enforcing strict curfews, carrying out public punishments, and engaging in arbitrary violence. While commoners, nobles, and merchants suffer under this regime, the upper classes manage to endure these hardships better. However, the only thing keeping the emperor in check is the influence of the churches, which provide some protection to the people. Thanks to the churches'' presence, the empire remains stable, preventing it from collapsing under its own tyranny. Light nodded as he processed the information. Internally, his concern deepened. ''How will the empire view me? With such a powerful military in control, I need to grow stronger¡ªand fast.'' ''Hopefully, they won¡¯t care about the sewers, right? As long as I stay hidden, no one will know I exist...'' His gaze flicked to Ignatius, and a darker thought crept in. ''Should I kill him? But... he¡¯s stronger than me.'' Light shook his head to clear it. ''No, I need more mutant rats to create more Ratkin. I have to build a powerful force as soon as possible to protect myself.'' He straightened and shifted the conversation. "Now, about the second question." "Ah..." Ignatius hesitated, his voice trembling slightly. "Well, I¡¯ve been hiding down here for years. A powerful organization has been hunting me. I don¡¯t know why, but I think it¡¯s connected to the monster that destroyed my hometown. I... I want to die, but I can¡¯t. I just... I just want to live." Tears welled in Ignatius''s eyes, his composure breaking. ''Hunted?'' Light''s mind raced. ''This could be dangerous for me. If those people find him, they might discover me too.'' For now, there was nothing he could do about Ignatius¡¯s presence. The man was too strong. Keeping him in check would have to suffice. But then, another idea formed in Light¡¯s mind. ''If we work together... we¡¯re both just trying to survive, aren¡¯t we? Since he overestimates my strength, I could ''help'' him repel his hunters while using his power for my own purposes. With Knight-class strength, he could be incredibly useful¡ªnot to mention his knowledge. He¡¯s like a living google in this world.'' Light nodded thoughtfully, internally marveling at his own cunning. ''I need information more than anything right now. Without it, I¡¯m like a blind ship adrift in a vast ocean.'' "Do you know anything about this organization?" Light asked suddenly. Ignatius hesitated, then answered softly, "After years of running, I¡¯ve only learned their name. They¡¯re called the Witchfinders. An organization specializing in hunting monsters and the subsidiary of the Empire. I... I didn¡¯t expect an entire nation to join their cause against me." "Then why hide here, in the heart of your enemy''s territory?" Ignatius gave a bitter smile. "My father taught me this strategy: ''Everywhere and Nowhere.'' While your enemies search for you everywhere, you hide right under their noses¡ªin their shadow." Light nodded, satisfied for now. There was no need to press further. ''Being a rat sure is hard...'' he thought with a sigh. ... "Another day, another life..." Light stretched his arms as he stepped outside the hut. It was a subtle reminder that this was only his second day in this strange new world. Despite the absence of sunlight, he knew the time¡ªhis son would be born in just a few minutes. The thought of his child brought a swirl of emotions. As a former human, Light had once imagined having children with his future wife, building a family the way most people dreamed. But life¡ªor perhaps death¡ªhad taken an unexpected twist. Now, his firstborn would be a Ratkin.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. He sighed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Strange as it is, he needed to accept it. The Ratkin carried his blood, his essence. That makes them his family, no matter their form. "I should check on them later," he muttered. The mutant rat was safely hidden, guarded by a swarm of lesser rats. As for Ignatius, was under the watchful eyes of rats. For now, there was no immediate danger. His main focus was on constructing the Great Hall. The cramped sewers weren¡¯t ideal for such a large structure¡ªespecially not a three-story building. He couldn¡¯t predict what would happen if he attempted to build it here. Would it collapse? Or worse, damage the entire sewer system? He had to be cautious when constructing anything. "Rats..." Light raised a hand, pointing into the dark tunnels. From all directions, a swarm of rats scurried forward, responding to his command. He ordered them to search for a larger, more open space within the vast sewer system. The sewers spanned the entirety of the Brazenhold Empire¡¯s capital, a sprawling maze beneath the city streets. Light¡¯s current location was only a tiny corner of it, a mere fragment of the labyrinthine expanse. "If I want to build my base, I need a bigger space. This area is too cramped for the Ratkin to grow and develop," he said, his voice filled with determination. "But I can¡¯t risk going outside right now¡ªit¡¯s too dangerous." As the Ratkin population grows, the sewers won¡¯t be able to hold them all. Besides, as a former human, he hated living in this damp, stifling place. he rather lived surrounded by trees and nature. There are so many reasons he needed to leave here. Last night, he¡¯d sent rats to scout all the sewer entrances. What they found wasn¡¯t reassuring. Most entrances led to streets or hidden alleys, many of which were heavily guarded by human soldiers. Some had been sealed with metal plates, etched with strange patterns that radiated faint energy. He hadn¡¯t understood why the sewers were treated with such caution¡ªuntil Ignatius explained it to him. According to Ignatius, aside from Mutants, there were two other dangerous entities in this world: Dark Creatures and the Entities Behind the Shadow. Dark Creatures were monsters born from darkness or any negative energy. The sewers, with their decay, waste, and rot¡ªboth physical and metaphysical¡ªwere the perfect breeding ground for these creatures. The accumulated refuse of society, pollution, and darkness created the ideal conditions for Dark Creatures to spawn. Moreover, the toxic atmosphere, mixed with lingering magical residue, occult rituals, or even the despair and suffering of the impoverished, amplified this negative energy. The sewers had become a cradle for twisted forms of life, creatures embodying the corruption from which they were born. In essence, the filth was more than just physical¡ªit had a spiritual and magical essence that fueled the creation of Dark Creatures. Fortunately, the churches and the empire cleansed the sewers annually to prevent Dark Creatures from being born. The last cleansing had occurred just a few months ago, so there were currently no Dark Creatures to be found here. In short, Light was considered the strongest presence in the sewers, except for certain half-mutants. However, for Light, this was a disaster. He clutched his head in frustration and rolled on the ground. If there were no monsters, where would he get energy from? Rats couldn¡¯t provide enough, and the other animals he encountered here were too weak to contain any significant energy. Creatures below the Low Class simply didn¡¯t have any to offer. And that wasn¡¯t the end of his problems. Where would he find food? Resources like wood, steel, or even clean water? This place was, in essence, empty. "Ugh... I''ll think about it later," Light muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration. He ventured deeper into the sewers, guided by his rats. After a long search, they finally uncovered a large, open space suitable for construction. The area was located near the center of the sewer system, offering enough room to build the Great Hall and still accommodate three additional structures. Surrounding the space were numerous tunnels leading to other parts of the sewers. On the grimy walls, patches of strange material glowed with an eerie green light, casting an otherworldly aura over the entire area. Light stepped into the center, surveying his surroundings. For now, this place will do. ------ Do you wish to construct The Great Hall? ------ "Yes," Light confirmed without hesitation. A blue holographic screen appeared in the air, displaying the shape and dimensions of the building. As it hovered above the ground, the earth below began to shift. Slowly, a foundation rose, layer by layer. Walls took form, followed by windows, doors, and every detail aligned perfectly with the glowing outline. Bit by bit, the structure materialized, and as the hologram faded, a solid, three-story building stood where once there had been empty ground. Above the main entrance, a sign engraved with The Great Hall accompanied by an image of a rat¡¯s head clutching a pickaxe and dagger. A status update popped up before him. ------ The Great Hall Level: 1 Durability: 100/100 Resources: (none) Workers: (none) Guards: (none) Units: Ratkin Worker Special Units: Stormvermin --- Ratkin Worker Training Time: 10 minutes Cost: 5 Energy Description: A Ratkin trained for labor, skilled in gathering resources and performing essential tasks with agility and precision. Starting Rank: Civilian Class --- Stormvermin Training Time: 1 hour Cost: 25 Energy Description: An elite Ratkin unit specialized in combat and fortress defense. Trained to serve as the backbone of any military effort. Starting Rank: Soldier Class ------ The Great Hall stood silent and empty, illuminated by the soft glow of flickering lamps mounted on the walls. The ground floor featured a counter near the entrance, welcoming visitors, with neatly arranged tables and chairs scattered nearby. Behind the counter, three doors led to essential rooms: a kitchen, an office for record-keeping, and a food storage area. A sturdy wooden staircase led to the second floor, which was just as sparse. This level housed workbenches, rows of empty shelves, open crates, and storage racks, designated as the building¡¯s primary storage space. At the back of the depot, a wide gate and staircase connected directly to the second floor, designed for easy loading and unloading resources. The third floor, however, was the heart of the building. This strategic area housed the main office and served as the command center for future operations. "This place is cozy, warm even," Light muttered, settling into one of the chairs on the ground floor. The depot was quiet now, but in his mind, he could already envision it bustling with Ratkin workers, their footsteps echoing through the hall. His gaze wandered across the room, and a sense of determination took root. The Great Hall was just the beginning. To survive, to thrive, he needed to grow stronger¡ªand quickly. Evolution of Mutant Rat The door creaked open, and as the lamps flickered, a familiar face entered. Ignatius rubbed his head as he walked in, his eyes scanning the surroundings with curiosity and caution. The rat creature had told him to follow, but now it was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a whole new building had appeared. How long had it taken to construct this? And how had he not noticed? "What... what is this place?" he muttered under his breath. "This is the Great Hall," came the response. "As... Sir! How may I assist you?" Ignatius stammered, bowing deeply. He wasn¡¯t sure why he called this strange rat creature "Sir," but it felt necessary. He knew that saying something wrong could easily offend the intelligent and imposing figure before him. Light remained silent, his watchful gaze fixed on Ignatius. The air between them grew heavy, and Ignatius could feel his heartbeat quicken. He had encountered many creatures and races in his life, but nothing like this. A towering rat who spoke like a human? He didn¡¯t even remember reading about such a thing. ''Perhaps a half-mutant?'' Ignatius recalled a question Light had asked him earlier. Now, thinking about it, maybe the rat creature was indeed a half-mutant. It made sense. Ignatius wondered if Light was confused about his own nature, which had led him to question it. But even with this possible explanation, Ignatius stayed silent. It seemed pointless to speak further, especially when his thoughts would likely make no difference. "I will help you," Light finally spoke. "Huh?" Ignatius blinked in surprise. "I have decided to help you," Light continued, rising to his feet. "But in return, you must serve me." Light wasn¡¯t sure if "serve" was the right word. He didn¡¯t know how deep the pride of someone with Knight-class strength might run, but he used it to test Ignatius''s reaction. If the man showed disgust or any signs of refusal, it would confirm what Light suspected: Ignatius was just acting. However, Light also considered that the reaction might indicate Ignatius''s willingness to serve a monster¡ªa terrifying ratkin. As he waited for Ignatius''s response, Light was taken aback when the man suddenly kneeled. "Sir, please! Let me be your follower! I promise my eternal loyalty!" Ignatius exclaimed. For the first time in a long while, Ignatius felt a flicker of hope. He grasped it desperately before it slipped away. He had been running for years, losing track of time, unsure of how many places he''d hidden in, how many tears he''d shed. He''d been escaping enemies who sought only to kill him, enemies with no other goal. He didn¡¯t feel regret or anger¡ªonly confusion. Why? That was the question that had haunted him for so long. He knew he would never find an answer, because he was weak, cowardly, and alone. He had no purpose¡ªsometimes, he even considered giving up. But he couldn¡¯t betray his family¡¯s last wish. If serving this powerful rat could bring him vengeance¡ªor at least answers¡ªhe would do whatever it took. He didn¡¯t care if the rat treated him badly. As long as he could pursue his goal, he was willing to grit his teeth and endure. "I swear my entire life to you! I will serve you until death! Please accept me as your follower, Sir¡ªno, Master!" Ignatius cried. Light rubbed his brow, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. He hadn¡¯t expected such a reaction, but it was good. Still, he couldn¡¯t tell if this was Ignatius''s true personality. Perhaps, like Light suspected, his cowardice was just an act. He had always believed Ignatius was playing a part, especially since he had no knowledge of this world. His ignorance only made him more cautious with every step. "Alright, alright," Light said, not probing any further. He got straight to the point. "I want you to go to the surface and buy food, water, artifacts¡ªresources."This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Ignatius blinked in confusion. "M-master, food and water are easy enough to buy, but artifacts... that''s more difficult. Most artifacts come from powerful organizations, and the Empire forbids ordinary citizens from holding them or any other dangerous items." "However, if we could get some, they would be very expensive," he added, glancing at Light with wide, questioning eyes, as if silently asking, Do you have the money for this? Light paused, unsure of how to respond. They both stared at each other in silence before Light coughed and said calmly, "Since you''ve chosen to serve me, it¡¯s only natural that you do your work. Go to the surface and find a way to earn some money." Internally, Light grumbled, ''Tsk. I didn¡¯t expect him to be poor too. I thought someone with his strength would at least have some money. Now I see why he lives down here.'' Ignatius nodded in acceptance, though a thought flashed in his mind. "Master... you know it¡¯s not safe for me out there. Someone might recognize me." "Don¡¯t worry," Light reassured him. "I have someone who will protect you. And you should disguise yourself." Ignatius sighed in relief. He had feared that some organization might recognize him, but now he knew that someone¡ªat least a powerful figure¡ªwould be watching over him. "And don¡¯t forget," Light added, about to say more when a strange, blood-curdling screech rang through the air. It sounded like something straight from hell¡ªa mix of raw pain. Light rushed outside to find a Mutant Rat giving birth. Supported by various smaller rats, the creature screeched in agony. Bloodshot eyes stared out from its pained face, and a pool of blood gathered beneath it, showing the intensity of the suffering. Some of the smaller rats had been crushed under the rat''s powerful spasms. "Just one more time, you can hold on!" Light encouraged from the side. After a while, a small infant ratkin lay on the ground, covered in blood. But it didn¡¯t end there. As soon as the mutant rat finished giving birth, a series of cracking sounds echoed, and her body began twitching uncontrollably. Light quickly carried the infant ratkin to safety and stepped aside, watching in awe as the mutant rat began to evolve. The process of the mutant rat''s evolution was similar to how Light had evolved into a Ratkin, so he could sometimes feel the pain of the transformation himself. Initially, he had been curious about why the mutant rat was evolving, so he checked the system for answers. Well... as the first Ratkin to exist in this world, his blood carried a unique power. It held a force that could activate an evolutionary pathway for creatures of similar species, particularly within the muroid family. However, for the evolution to succeed, the creature needed to meet certain conditions, including strong mental resilience to endure the pain. Without this, the creature might either fail to evolve and die¡ªor worse, become a grotesque abomination. In other words... a mutant. If the evolution succeeded, the creature would gain enhanced abilities: increased agility, speed, heightened senses, rapid regeneration, and strong resistance to plague, poison, and disease. The screeching finally stopped, and before Light stood a creature almost as tall as he was. She had a sleek white coat, piercing green eyes, sharp claws, and thorny spines running from her head to her tail, now more defined and deadly. She stood upright, almost human-like in her stance. ------ A new race had evolved, thanks to the ancestor¡¯s blood: Half-Ratkin A race evolved from the blood of the Ratkin ancestor, gaining various enhanced abilities. ------ Light watched curiously before he could say anything. A voice broke the silence. "...Hello, M-Master Light?" The voice was feminine and soft, but it trembled slightly, as though this was her first time speaking. "You can speak?" Light was a bit surprised. "Indeed, Master Light. After I evolved into a Half-Ratkin, I became... smarter?" she tilted her head, unsure. A surge of joy filled Light¡¯s heart. Finally, they could communicate like normal people. He smiled softly and asked, "How do you feel? Are you alright?" "I feel good, Master Light... but," she twitched her nose, looking at her hands and flexing them experimentally. "I feel... taller? But also... heavier? And there are so many fingers now!" She held up her hands, as though the extra digits were strange, alien appendages. Light chuckled. "That¡¯s normal. You¡¯ve got ten fingers now, just like me." Her eyes widened, sparkling with awe. "Ten? That many?! Master Light is so rich! Rats only had¡­ four. Oh, I will use them all very wisely!" "I''m sure you will. Anything else you¡¯ve noticed? And by the way, what is your name? I can''t just keep calling ''you'',¡¯ can I?" Light replied. The mutant rat tapped her chin, tilting her head thoughtfully. "My name is ''Mutant Rat'' since Master Light always liked to call me that... Hmm... I also feel smarter... like you said. But maybe not as smart as you, Master Light. Oh! Is this what thinking feels like? It¡¯s so¡­ noisy! Do humans always have this many... hmm, what are they called? Thoughts?" The mutant rat was full of energy and curiosity, like a little girl trapped in her castle. Light sighed in exasperation. A cowardly half-mutant and an energetic, curious half-ratkin¡ªwhat a strange group. The problem was, that he couldn''t communicate with them normally. But looking at the new Half-Ratkin¡ªher cute appearance, those sparkling eyes, and the way her whole figure seemed to exude an odd sexiness¡ªLight suddenly widened his eyes and quickly shook his head. ''What am I thinking? Did I go crazy?'' 101 Things to Look Out for in Darkness After conversing for a while, Light realized the conversation with Nyx wasn''t going anywhere. Her boundless curiosity kept leading them into endless tangents. In the end, he decided to name her Nyx and politely ended the discussion. However... "Master Light, take care! Nyx will be waiting for you!" Nyx said, stepping out of the Great Hall enthusiastically and waving her hands. Since being named Nyx, she''d referred to herself in the third person. Light didn''t know why but could only smile wryly and wave back as he bid her goodbye. Today, he decided to follow Ignatius to the surface. Truthfully, he was getting bored of the underground and wanted to take a look around. And maybe¡­ steal something while he was at it. Ignatius led Light through a roughly dug, man-made tunnel in the slums. It was likely carved out by Ignatius himself using his Knight-class strength. As they emerged, the bright sunlight stung Light''s eyes, forcing him to shield his face until they adjusted. When his vision cleared, he surveyed his surroundings. As Ignatius had mentioned, the area was an abandoned slum. Vacant streets stretched out before them, carrying the faint but unpleasant odors of dirt and decay. The eerie silence was broken only by the occasional rustling sound. "This place used to house the impoverished," Ignatius explained, noticing Light''s curious expression. "After the church built new housing, most people moved away. A few still wander back occasionally." The slum had been a refuge for struggling citizens, people living on the fringes of society, always at the bottom. But since the church initiated a plan to create new streets and housing for them, the area had become desolate and abandoned, now serving as a haven for those with criminal intent. Light nodded silently, his attention suddenly drawn to a large black rat that scrambled toward him, followed by a swarm of smaller rats and mice. The black rat climbed onto his hand and perched there, letting out a sharp squeak. Light absently petted it and murmured, "There are still a few people here... children, hiding." "Oh, and there are a few people dressed in white. They seem to be searching for something," he added, relaying what the black rat had conveyed to him. The black rat, leader of the slum rats, had sensed Light''s kingly aura and rushed to him as though greeting its sovereign. Like a loyal subordinate, it began reporting the current state of the slums. Light listened carefully, nodding as he processed the information. There appeared to be no immediate danger, though the mention of people in white clothing made him pause. He tucked the thought away for later and turned to Ignatius. "All right, you''ve got your task. I''ll take a look around on my own," Light said. "But, Master¡­ what about your protection?" Ignatius stammered, glancing nervously at their surroundings. Light handed the black rat to him. "Keep this one with you. Hide him in your clothes if you must, but don''t leave him behind. His name is Nathan. He can sense danger and command other rats. If anything strange happens, he''ll signal you." "A-alright..." Ignatius stuttered. He had expected something large and imposing for protection, not a simple rat. Still, he didn''t complain and nodded gratefully. "T-take care, Master." Ignatius tucked Nathan into his pocket and walked off. Unbeknownst to him, Nathan winked at Light, who nodded in response. A swarm of rats began to move discreetly through the shadows¡ªdarting across rooftops, weaving between cracks, and keeping watch over Ignatius as Light''s unseen eyes. Light stood there for a moment, watching Ignatius disappear into the distance. His lips twitched into a faint, knowing smile. He didn''t fully trust Ignatius yet. Despite the man swearing loyalty, it had only been words so far. Trust wasn''t something Light gave easily¡ªit had to be earned. Shaking his head, Light chuckled to himself. "All right, time to steal some food." ... Ignatius had told Light about several important places in the city. As the capital of the Empire, it was home to notable institutions like universities, a grand public library, and sprawling marketplaces. However, Light had to be cautious¡ªchurches, noble estates, and the dreaded witchfinders also dotted the city, their presence a constant reminder of the power structures at play. The city was large enough for Light to "play" without drawing undue attention from those forces, but only if he stayed careful. Perched on a rooftop, Light squatted, scanning the cityscape. His gaze settled on a grand restaurant. Its ornate exterior, adorned with gilded carvings and polished marble, screamed wealth. The steady stream of well-dressed patrons entering and exiting only confirmed its reputation as a prestigious dining establishment. "Perfect," Light murmured, his lips curling into a mischievous grin. He moved swiftly and silently, sticking to the shadows as he navigated the maze of alleys. He approached the restaurant''s back entrance, where the alley reeked of discarded trash. Rats scurried about, and Light knelt to communicate with them. After a brief exchange of squeaks and movements, they led him toward the storage area. Slipping inside unnoticed, Light found himself in the pantry. The room was packed with crates brimming with spices, vegetables, and fruits. But when he ventured into the adjoining meat room, he froze. His eyes widened at the grotesque scene before him.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. "Bloody hell¡­" he muttered, rubbing his eyes as if to dispel an illusion. The room was filled with human corpses, hung like livestock from hooks in the ceiling. Blood dripped onto the cold stone floor, pooling beneath the bodies. The metallic scent of blood mixed with the faint tang of decay, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a slaughterhouse from hell than a storage room. Disgusted, Light grimaced. The thought of stealing anything from this restaurant sickened him, but the gnawing hunger in his stomach made him grit his teeth and press on. Fortunately, some animal meat remained untouched in the corner, and that was enough for him. No way would he stoop to eating human flesh, no matter what kind of monster he was becoming. "Now I know why this place is famous¡­" he muttered under his breath, clicking his tongue in irritation. Light gathered the remaining animal meat, storing it carefully in a crate. He then loaded the rest of the food from the pantry¡ªspices, vegetables, and fruits¡ªinto additional crates. Despite his slim frame, his sheer strength allowed him to carry three fully loaded crates with ease, thanks to his skill: ------ Giant''s Strength: With every rank increase, physical strength becomes significantly higher than that of standard classes, enabling feats of extraordinary power. ------ With the crates balanced on his shoulders, Light glanced back at the now-empty storage room. A small, satisfied smile crossed his face. "Thanks for the food," he whispered before slipping out through the back door. He moved swiftly through the alleyways, keeping low to the ground and running on all fours for speed and stealth. Guided by the rats, he avoided any passersby, sticking to the shadows until he reached the abandoned slum. Dropping the crates onto the dusty ground, he paused to assess the situation. The man-made hole leading to his underground refuge was too small to fit the crates. Just as he began to consider his options, his instincts flared with urgency. A sudden, chilling sense of danger washed over him, the feeling radiating from the southwest. ------ Battle Instinct: Can sense danger from afar, including the hostility level of opponents. Enhances battle intelligence, improving tactical decision-making in combat. ------ "Have I been discovered?" Light narrowed his eyes, his thoughts racing. The first possibility that crossed his mind was betrayal¡ªIgnatius reporting him to someone. But that seemed unlikely. Nathan, the black rat he''d sent to monitor Ignatius, hadn''t reported any unusual activity. If Ignatius hadn''t betrayed him, then the approaching presence must belong to another force. Whatever it was, it was heading straight for him. Acting quickly, Light stashed the crates in an abandoned house nearby. The rats under his command swarmed the area, taking up defensive positions. They would protect the supplies until he returned. He then covered the entrance to the man-made tunnel with planks and dirt, camouflaging it to blend into the ruined slum. With the danger drawing closer, Light darted off in the direction of the public library. Sometime later, a shadowy figure crept into the slum''s hiding spot. The creature sniffed the air, its sleek form darting around with unsettling precision before disappearing into the shadow. Shortly after, two more figures arrived. The first was a man wearing a dark military-style coat, cinched at the waist with a thick leather belt. A bright red cape draped over his shoulders, flowing dramatically with every step. His face was obscured beneath a peaked military cap, casting shadows over his features. Beside him stood a woman in similar attire, though she lacked a cape. Her look was meticulous and efficient¡ªpolished boots, a neatly pressed coat, and a pair of glasses perched on her nose. She carried a book under one arm, her demeanor cold and analytical. Alessio glanced around, exhaling in mild frustration. "Ha¡­ the rat got away." The woman adjusted her glasses, flipping open the book. "Sir, the mutant was first spotted near the butcher''s shop. Should we investigate there?" "Really? Can''t we just let the enforcers handle it?" Alessio''s voice carried an air of laziness, though his sharp gaze betrayed a calculating nature. The woman''s expression didn''t change. She stared at him blankly. "Sir¡­" "Fine," Alessio muttered, rolling his eyes as he waved her off. As they moved, the woman suddenly paused, her sharp gaze locking onto the man-made hole that Light had concealed. She adjusted her glasses, and faint magical patterns shimmered faintly into view. "Wait, sir. There''s a trace here. Someone moved through this area recently." Alessio raised an eyebrow, crouching to remove the planks. He glanced into the hole, frowning. "This leads to the sewers. Is it from the mutant?" The woman shook her head. "No. This is... something else." "Then we leave it to the enforcers. Our job is dealing with monsters." With that, Alessio stood and leaped effortlessly onto the rooftop, his cape flaring dramatically. Embroidered across its fabric in bold letters was a single word: "Destroy." The woman sighed, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. She closed her book and followed him. ... Meanwhile, at the public library in the Riverhood district, Light was immersing himself in a world of knowledge. The grand, three-story building was one of the city''s most prominent landmarks. Its towering spires and intricate carvings symbolized the church''s commitment to spreading enlightenment. Once, knowledge had been a privilege reserved for nobles and scholars. But when the churches rose to power, they established public libraries like this one to give common citizens access to vital information, claiming it was a step toward "enlightenment for all." As Light flipped through an open book, he muttered to himself. "This world is more dangerous than I imagined. Even making a fire can be lethal¡­" The book he was reading, 101 Things to Look Out for in Darkness, was highly recommended by the library staff. It outlined numerous survival precautions, categorizing them into sections like Basic Darkness Safety, Dangerous Spaces, Anomalies and Portents, Unnatural Entities, and Final Warnings. ------ Examples from the book: Basic Darkness Safety: Refrain from calling anyone''s name in the dark. The dark might answer back. Dangerous Spaces: If a lighthouse shines red, head inland immediately. It''s a warning, not a guide. Anomalies and Portents: If the stars rearrange into unfamiliar constellations, hide._ Something is watching. Unnatural Entities: If an animal speaks, do not respond. It''s testing whether you''re worth keeping. Final Warnings: Always leave an offering at the threshold before midnight. It keeps the house quiet. ------ Light''s expression tightened as he absorbed the warnings. "Starting a fire in total darkness has a 50% chance of attracting... something. And it doesn''t even explain what." The sun outside was beginning to set, bathing the city in hues of orange and purple. Realizing time was slipping away, Light gathered a handful of books, including 101 Things to Look Out for in Darkness, a history text, and a few others he deemed valuable. "Too bad the system doesn''t have a storage feature. These would be so much easier to carry," he muttered. Carrying the books in a bundle, Light slipped out through the library''s back door, where no guards patrolled. Moving swiftly, he navigated the narrow alleys, using the growing shadows for cover. As he darted between houses, a rat scurried up to him, chirping urgently. Picking it up, Light narrowed his eyes as he listened. "Ignatius¡­ is being chased?" he murmured, piecing together the rat''s message. He sighed and nodded. "Alright. Let''s go help him." With his books secured under his arm and the rat perched on his shoulder, Light vanished into the shadow, heading toward his embattled companion. New Chapter on Webnovel I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have been reading my novel and supporting me. Your encouragement and feedback mean the world to me, and I truly appreciate every comment, review, and chapter you¡¯ve read. I¡¯m excited to share some big news¡ªI¡¯ve signed a contract with Webnovel! This is an important milestone in my journey as a writer, and I couldn''t have done it without your support. If you enjoy my book, I¡¯d love for you to continue supporting me by reading it on Webnovel. Of course, I know some of you might prefer to wait for someone to pirate it instead! Either way, I hope you continue to enjoy the story, and I look forward to bringing you even more exciting chapters in the future. Thank you all once again!This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.