Kael walked along the outskirts of the city as the sun began to disappear on the horizon, painting the streets and buildings in shades of orange and red. Each step felt heavy, every shadow seemed to watch him. The Affection System pulsed faintly, but Kael was already learning to ignore the constant effect of his appearance. Covered with the hood and improvised mask, he felt partially protected, but he knew the city was no longer safe. Involuntary glances and intense emotions still arose, even from a distance.
"I need a safe place…" he murmured softly, looking at the forest that began just beyond the city walls. He needed solitude, complete isolation, to understand the Affection System, train, plan, and, most importantly, survive his own curse.
The forest seemed dense and silent, yet full of hidden life. Kael entered cautiously, sensing the smell of damp earth, leaves, and the cold night air descending. Every snapping branch under his feet made him tense, a reminder that even alone, there were natural dangers: wild animals, smaller creatures, and possibly monster patrols approaching the city's outskirts.
A cabin would be ideal… he thought, dodging low tree branches. But I can't build anything now. I need something already there, safe and secure.
He ventured deeper into the forest, avoiding visible paths and choosing darker routes. With each step, he reflected on his mission: impregnating the Zombie Emperor. He knew it was impossible to approach immediately and that time was limited: only three years. Three years to strengthen himself, learn to manipulate the Affection System, and plan every move. But first, he needed shelter.
After almost an hour of walking, Kael spotted a rocky formation in the distance. A dark opening suggested the entrance to a natural cave, partially hidden by dense trees and bushes. He approached silently, examining the area. The Affection System emitted only a faint pulse, indicating that no one was nearby.
"This could work…" he murmured, analyzing the entrance. "Big enough to protect me, but hidden… no one will find me here."
Kael entered the cave, feeling the cold scent of damp stone. Darkness enveloped him almost completely, but he could see enough to notice that the interior was deep, with small rocky protrusions that could serve as makeshift platforms for sleeping or storing supplies. A small opening in the ceiling allowed a sliver of moonlight to enter, enough to see that he was not entirely alone, but at least partially protected.
"Perfect…" he said, leaning against the wall. He began exploring every corner of the cave, making sure there were no animals or natural traps. Small stones occasionally fell from the ceiling, but nothing that could seriously threaten him. Kael was already accustomed to street life, and his survival instincts came naturally.
As he moved through the cave, he began to think about what he needed to make the place secure. Wood and leaves could serve to improvise a bed; a small area could be reserved to store supplies stolen from the city; perhaps he could even use the space to train his physical and strategic skills without being observed.
"This will be my temporary refuge… at least until I learn more about the Zombie Emperor." Kael took a deep breath, feeling the cold, damp air fill his lungs. "And here… no one will bother me"
He sat on a rocky ledge, leaning against the wall, and began reflecting on his recent life. Aphrodite's curse, the Affection System, and the impossible mission weighed on his mind. Every detail he absorbed about the emperor, the city rumors, and his own ability to manipulate emotions now intertwined with the need for basic survival.
Kael closed his eyes and tried to calm his mind. He needed strategy, he needed to plan his future moves. The cave provided the isolation necessary for that. He could stay there during the day, go out only at night to seek supplies or information, and train without drawing attention.
"I need to maintain my physical strength… he murmured, standing and examining the area. "I'm still weak. Theft works, but to face anything stronger, I need to train. And training here, away from everyone… it's the only chance."
Kael began improvising a small sleeping area. He used fallen branches and dry leaves he found nearby, creating a small bed against a rocky wall. It wasn't comfortable, but it was sufficient. The spot allowed him to stay hidden and have a clear view of the cave entrance in case anyone or any creature approached.
While organizing the space, Kael also began imagining possible traps or warning signals. Dry branches could be placed at the entrance to make noise if someone tried to enter; small stones could be positioned strategically to create obstacles or sound alerts. Each detail seemed trivial, but for Kael, every small measure increased his chances of survival.
"This will be… my little headquarters. At least for no", he said, satisfied with the improvised space. He knew it wouldn't be permanent, but it at least offered immediate protection.
Finally sitting, Kael reflected on the next phase: gathering information, accumulating power, and learning how to use the Affection System to his advantage. The cave was only the first step, but a crucial one. Security provided clarity, and clarity was essential for any strategic planning.
"I need to be patient" he murmured, looking at the opening that let the moonlight in. "The Zombie Emperor won't be easy. Three thousand years of life, indifferent, immortal… and I… I'm just a mortal, but with a blessing that could make me something more."
Kael breathed deeply, feeling the cold and dampness of the cave around him. Complete isolation provided time to think, but also reinforced the sense of loneliness. He knew no one could help him; any interaction with others would represent a risk of exposure or misuse of the Affection System.
"So… it's just me, the cave, and the mission" he said, closing his eyes and resting his head against the rocky wall. "It all starts here."
The night progressed, and the cold intensified, but Kael didn't care. The temporary shelter offered protection, isolation, and time to plan. He knew that every night spent there was an investment in survival and the mission. The cave, dark, silent, and secure, became the first bastion of his new life, where he could train, learn, and prepare to face the impossible.
As the moon shone outside, Kael allowed himself to close his eyes for a few minutes, thinking about the long journey ahead. The world out there remained indifferent, but inside the cave, he had time and space to grow, to turn the curse into a weapon, and to prepare for the day he would face the Zombie Emperor.