TAOTB) Chapter 10) The Lives Of Others Mean Nothing (Patreon)

“What are those!?” Chloe cried out when she saw the wave of monsters running our way.

“Those are first evolution monsters. They used to be normal, everyday animals. Many of which would never harm a fly but now will kill you on sight. Do not hesitate to kill. You are now fighting for your life.” I knew I was probably sounding like a broken record, but I wanted Chloe to realize this was a fight to the death.

“Don’t worry. I will not die.” Chloe gave me a serious nod, which was quite cute. I have to admit that after living so many years all alone with no lover, having one made a big difference. Chloe was really cute, and even as she got older and matured more, she was still just as cute.

We did not get to keep chatting, though. The first monsters quickly ran towards us. Most of which, I am guessing, were only level 1 at this time. Only the bigger ones would be a sup high level. Why this is, I do not know, but I guess monsters and humans are just built differently.

A dog five times its normal size swung its massive paw at me. While lunging forward, with hits open jaws. This sight was something that would have scared me shitless before, but this time, I was more than ready. I quickly kicked the paw away while spinning my body and bisecting the mutt’s head. Its massive body dropped to the ground as I moved to block the next attack. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Chloe slowly becoming overwhelmed, but I had to say she had good instincts. Her agile body was also helping her a lot.

I fought my way to her to try to lighten the load. As soon as we were attacked, we were forced apart. But I did have to admit trying to protect someone was not easy. I have done it many times before, but there were times when I was not successful. With so many monsters, if the person you are trying to protect is heavily wounded or just unable to fight, it makes things much harder. Luckily, Chloe was a fast learner. She picked up all the swordsmanship skills quickly. Even if she was still rough around the edges, it was enough for these mindless monsters whose only thought was to kill.

Only when monsters start to get stronger will things become harder since their intelligence will also go up. “Chloe, stay focused. Aim for the heads first if you can. Otherwise, chop off their legs so they can no longer attack.”

“Ri-Right…” Chloe seemed to calm down a bit. I  had to make sure to keep an eye on her. But she did survive before, so she had it in her.

Time passed, and we continued to keep killing and killing. The people inside the building who were still alive had not even appeared once. Ungrateful fuckers who will praise you one second and then try to take your head the next. All of them. It makes me want to go door to door and kill them all. I saw a few peeking out the window at us, but they quickly went back into hiding. Scared of dying but willing to let others protect them.

“Reni, there is no end to this! What should we do!?” Chloe started to panic again. It had already been three days. I could tell she was starting to get tired. 

“We will retreat into the building. Leave the door open. The monsters will need to funnel in or find a different route. Maybe we can get some of these people in their homes to finally help if their lives are at stake.” I was sick of it. I could hear the sounds of gunfire off in the distance, which meant the military or police were already fighting, but they were still far off from this section of the city. 

“Okay!” Chloe answered without any hesitation. I knew this girl would not care about others. This was just how she was.

We began backing up and making our way towards the entrance of the building. Killing any monsters that attacked us. When we finally made some space, I tapped Chloe, and the both of us turned and ran into the building with multiple monsters hot on our tail. It didn’t take long before we started hearing screaming coming from behind us. 

Serves them right. I bet before, they did not even get to live a long time. I might have even bought them a few extra days of life compared to my past life. But my main concern was Chloe. She was starting to slow down, and I did not wish for her to be injured badly. She already had a few gashes here and there, but nothing to worry about. Such wounds will stop bleeding almost immediately. 

More and more screams could be heard as the monsters funneled into the building. I could even hear gunfire as well. It was about time they started fighting for their lives. Chloe and I made it to the seventh floor, where I finally let out a sigh of relief and said: “Chloe, go inside and sleep for a few hours. I will be fine  a while more.”

“No. I can keep going.” Chloe looked at me with a stubborn expression I had never seen before. 

I shook my head and smiled as I said: “You are about to collapse. You can not continue just sleep just inside the door. I will keep the monsters away from you.”