Born in apocalypse

’What the fuck is this... why is there nothing on this floor? Is this how it’s supposed to be, or did something glitch out?’ Dhruv muttered as he observed the surroundings around him.

Saying that he was observing is an understatement, as there wasn’t anything to observe.

There was no ground, no sky—just a vast emptiness stretching out in every direction. There was no wind, no stars, nothing to guide him. The complete whiteness made the space around them even more eerie.

’"Should we teleport back to the top floor? No, that’s not possible... for that, we have to remain still for five seconds.’ Shaking his head, he quickly connected with the others.

[Everyone, stabilize yourself as soon as possible.]

[Will do, Master...] Vexar said as everyone agreed with him as well.

Closing his eyes, Dhruv let go of something inside himself, beginning the process of his monsterization.

Wings sprouted from his back as they quickly began their work. Gusts generated against the gravity as Dhruv began flying through the air.

Following his master, Vexar did the same. Aurora and Azarex quickly formed a platform of ice and bone beneath their feet.

Alaric assumed his monster form and became light enough to levitate without any problem.

Grec was one step ahead... he froze the space below him, breaking his descent.

And Archana...

[MASTER... SAVE ME.]

Apparently, she didn’t have any method to stop her descent.

’Why did she shout in my mind...’ Grabbing his head, Dhruv moved quickly her and caught her by the back of her dress.

When everyone was safe enough, he created a long platform for her to stand on.

’Why is she blushing... she really is a strange one.’ Focusing back on the group, Dhruv addressed them.

"This is a serious problem... I’m sure you know what I’m referring to, right?" Dhruv said, looking at Aurora.

"I think so too..." Aurora said, nodding her head.

"Can you guys fill me in as well?" Alaric asked, a bit confused.

Looking at him, Aurora began explaining why this was a problem. "You see, the moment humans see that the 11th floor has been opened, they will teleport directly here... and what do you think will happen to them when they do that?"

"They will fall straight into the void."

"Exactly. So, I think one of us should go to the top floor and warn everyone about this."

"Why should we warn them? Haven’t you mentioned humans are our enemy?" Vexar asked, chiming in.

"Yes, I’m also confused. Why are we helping them so much without anything in return? You even gave them the fighting pattern of the bosses for free..." Archana asked, hiding her blush.

"Good question, and I have my reasons... just follow for now, and you will understand everything." Smiling, Aurora answered.

"Now, now, we don’t have much time... which one of you will go to the top floor?" Knowing the gravity of the situation, Dhruv asked.

"I will go..." Alaric agreed to take on the task this time.

"Okay..." Dhruv wanted to send Archana first... but after remembering her carefree manner he knew she wasn’t the one.

Alaric was about to move when Aurora interrupted him, "Take this as well."

Saying that she handed him everything about the 10th-floor boss pattern.

Nodding, Alaric said the code and stayed still for five seconds. The time passed quickly, and he was teleported directly to the top floor.

"Now, shall we focus on clearing the floor?" Dhruv sighed and looked at the others.

"Which direction would you like to go? I’ll take north, and Archana will come with me." Dhruv said, glancing at the group.

Aurora took the south, while Azarex and Vexar headed to the east and west.

Before moving apart, Aurora looked at the others and repeated herself, "Spread out and find the boss as soon as possible... you all know what to do afterward, right?"

"Yes," Everyone nodded as the group split once again.

"So, Archana, why don’t you learn something to keep yourself flying?" Dhruv suggested with a warm smile.

"I think I’ve got it, Master..." Saying that she jumped from the platform and created a layer of steel silk beneath her feet.

"Huh! If you knew this, why did you ask for my help?"

"Well, I didn’t know how to do it until I saw the others do it."

"Yeah, sure..." Not entirely believing her, Dhruv moved on as Archana followed him.

***

’Is there really nothing on this floor?’ Dhruv couldn’t help but think after not finding anything for the past five minutes.

’There must be something here... I mean, how else are we supposed to clear this floor?’

[Archana, did you find anything?]

After moving around together for a while, he sent her away to maximize efficiency.

[No... not yet, Master.] She replied, disappointed.

[Ohhh! Keep searching.]

[Has anyone else had any luck?] Dhruv asked the others as well.

[No, Master...]

[Same here.]

[No, Master, I haven’t found the boss, but I did run into some monsters.] Vexar replied enthusiastically.

’Nice... at least someone’s luck is shining.’

[What kind of monsters are they and what tier?] Dhruv asked what was on everyone’s mind.

[They were birds, Master. Their tiers are random, but the highest I saw was Tier III. They weren’t much fun to fight.] Vexar replied.

[Ohh! Good job and keep looking, and I’m sure you’ll find a worthy opponent.]

[I hope so, Master.] Smiling, Vexar closed the connection and resumed his search.

’So there are indeed monsters on this floor. They’re bird-type... hmm! air element maybe.’ Making a guess, he continued moving forward.

Hoping to encounter a monster himself, Dhruv drifted through the endless void, the world around him completely silent and still.

Dhruv increased his speed, moving forward effortlessly, though it felt like there was no clear destination. Time seemed to slow down as he flew, the minutes blending into one another.

His thoughts began to wander, but with nothing around him, they felt both small and distant.

Another ten minutes passed, though it was hard to tell in the void.

Suddenly, in the midst of this emptiness, Dhruv saw something ahead as his heart skipped a beat.

"Is that it...?" he whispered to himself.

A smile crept across his face as he spotted the silhouette of something in the distance. But as he drew closer, his smile faded.

The shape he had been so eager to see was not what he expected. It wasn’t a monster like he had hoped for.

It was a ship...

... A truly massive ship.