road of Lieren City echoed with the moans of the undead, their mangled forms seemed to be wandering aimlessly through the drizzle. In the middle of the chaos, a body lay sprawled on the asphalt, its skin faintly glowing green.
Dark clouds choked the sky, and cold rain fell gently, as if trying to hush the cries of the damned. A drop landed on the forehead of the motionless body.
It twitched.
Another drop fell.
Theo’s eyes fluttered open.
A translucent screen appeared before him:
[Rebirth process complete]
[System unlocked]
Host has gained rewards for successful rebirth
[3 new skills gained]
Theo blinked. He tried to rub his eyes, but by the time his hands reached his face, the screen had vanished.
Rain poured heavier now, soaking into his torn clothes. His head throbbed faintly, and his vision wavered as he struggled to sit up. The cold bit at his skin.
His shirt hung in tatters, claw marks slashed across it like he'd been mauled. He barely noticed. His feet shuffled forward as he staggered toward the nearest shelter.
Cars littered the road like forgotten toys—some crashed, others with doors hanging open. No drivers. No movement.
Except for them.
Figures. Human-shaped, but wrong. Their limbs twisted unnaturally with every sluggish step, like puppets pulled by invisible strings. They wandered aimlessly, unseeing.
They didn’t notice Theo.
Or maybe… they thought he was one of them.
Theo didn’t stop to think about it. He wasn’t focused on them. He wasn’t focused on anything but shelter.
The rain soaked through his shirt. He shivered.
A small house came into view. A bent street pole leaned in front of it. He grabbed it for support—and it groaned under his weight.
Creak.
Theo quickly let go, not wanting to fall. He stumbled toward the front door.
He reached for the door,but didn't notice the haggard moans coming from inside.
