Chapter 8: Lianna

Jayce half listened to the monotonous voice of the system which confirmed the death of the Goblin. Having no time to check his status window, he drew his attention to the woman who was still huddled in a ball, caught up in her own despair.

"Oi! We can't stay here any longer."

Gingerly walking over, he tried to get her attention.

The woman raised her head slightly, her pale face was fraught with fear and eyes wet with tears.

"N-No, stay away!" she shouted. Picking up the staff in front of her and pointing it in his direction.

Jayce sighed and shook his head. They didn't have a lot of time until the whole street would become flooded with goblins and other monsters.

"Look, I just saved you from this monster." he said, gesturing to the decapitated goblin on the ground next to him. "If we don't hurry, there will be more of these monsters clambering in the streets."

With a touch of urgency, he moved forward once more, grimacing from the pain in his muscles. He tried to act patiently and not scare the woman in front of him.

Reaching out his hand slowly, he asked. "What's your name?"

The woman raised her head and looked in his eyes, fear and desperation painting her features. Now that he had gotten a closer look at her, Jayce could tell that she was young, possibly younger than himself in this life.

Her fair complexion held a hint of a rosy blush, accentuating her delicate features. Long, lustrous locks cascaded down her back, flowing like a waterfall of ebony silk. Despite the weariness etched on her face, there was a certain purity and innocence that remained untarnished.

She hesitated for a moment, her voice trembling as she whispered, "My name is Lianna."

"Lianna, will you come with me to find shelter?" he asked softly. "I can explain the situation once we get there."

Jayce's voice carried a soothing tone, attempting to alleviate the woman's fears. He understood the urgency of the situation, the imminent danger lurking in the shadows. The streets were no longer safe, teeming with goblins and other malevolent creatures hungry for blood.

Lianna's eyes darted between Jayce's outstretched hand and the lifeless goblin at his feet. The turmoil in her expression revealed the internal struggle she was facing. Yet, something in Jayce's demeanor instilled a flicker of trust within her.

With a quivering breath, she cautiously extended her hand, her delicate fingers interlocking with Jayce's. The connection felt warm and reassuring, like a lifeline amidst the chaos surrounding them.

Together, they began their trek through the darkened streets, their footsteps hastened by a sense of urgency. Jayce's muscles protested with every step, reminders of the arduous battle he had fought. But he pushed forward, fueled by determination and the responsibility he felt towards Lianna's safety.

Thankfully they had yet to meet any more goblins or other monsters that could pose them a threat, otherwise he wasn't sure if they could survive in his current state.

As they navigated the labyrinthine alleyways, Jayce stole occasional glances at Lianna. Her presence was captivating, her ebony tresses swaying with each graceful movement. Her vulnerability tugged at his heart, urging him to protect and guide her through this treacherous world.

"Ah, it's in here." Jayce prompted, pointing to a set of stairs.

Jayce stood before the set of stairs that led down into the depths of the underground building. With a determined expression, he prompted Lianna to follow him, taking her hand firmly in his. Together, they descended into the hidden refuge, their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit passageway.

Reaching the bottom, Jayce rapped his knuckles against the heavy door, a plea for sanctuary. A hushed tension filled the air as they awaited a response, their lives hanging in the balance. After what felt like an eternity, a small compartment of the door opened, revealing a pair of green eyes scrutinizing them with cautious intent.

"We're humans, please let us in," Jayce spoke, his voice carrying the weight of desperation and hope.

Without uttering a word, the door swung open, revealing a burly figure standing before them. His massive frame exuded an air of authority, his presence commanding respect. A kite shield rested comfortably on his back, a silent testament to his role as protector.

"Hurry and get in," the man's voice resonated with urgency, his eyes scanning the staircase behind them. The imminent danger hanging in the air was palpable, urging them to quicken their pace.

Jayce wasted no time, gently guiding Lianna through the open doorway and into the makeshift shelter. As they stepped inside, the scene that unfolded before them was one of both chaos and resilience. The underground space, once a vibrant club, had been transformed into a haven of survival.

Approximately thirty individuals occupied the room, their faces etched with varying degrees of fear and exhaustion. Some sat huddled together, nursing wounds, while others cast wary glances at the entrance, ever vigilant for the encroaching threats of the outside world.

Jayce's eyes scanned the room, assessing the state of their newfound sanctuary. It was a fragile oasis, a refuge against the relentless storm that raged above. The smell of dampness mingled with the scent of determination, an amalgamation of hope and desperation that filled the air.

In the dim light, makeshift beds and supplies were scattered throughout the space, serving as a testament to the resourcefulness of those who sought solace within these walls. Despite the hardships they faced, a sense of unity prevailed—a collective will to defy the darkness that threatened to consume them.