Boom.
"Fuck—I'm regretting listening to that old man's words."
Rick flew backward, smashing through a cracked wall and crashing into the street. Pain roared through his body, each breath jagged and sharp. The lizard stood where it had hit him, untouched, its eerie smile carved deep across its face. That grin drew a line too clear to ignore—predator and prey.
Rick groaned, forcing himself to his knees. Every nerve in his body screamed to stop, but he couldn't. He spotted the Quill lying ahead, the dim light glinting off its surface. He crawled, fingers trembling, and grabbed it. The metal was cold, pulsing faintly, as if alive.
His thoughts spiraled. Can I even beat that thing?
The question hit hard. The creature hadn't even tried, and he was already near collapse. If more like it were coming, what chance did humanity have? He felt his chest tighten, the weight of hopelessness pressing in. He gritted his teeth. His father's voice echoed in his head—rough, commanding, and impossible to forget. Death is not an option.
He took a deep breath and uncapped the Quill.
The air shifted instantly. A dark aura seeped from it, humming in rhythm with his pulse. Its sleek body shimmered before transforming—the pen tip flattening into a blunt, deadly edge. It was no ordinary weapon; it was made for "survivors", humans who had undergone genetic mutation through nanobotics. It didn't demand energy but something far more dangerous—control.
The moment it activated, the side effect appeared. BLOODLUST.
A cold wave crawled under his skin. It wasn't pain, but hunger—the urge to destroy. His heart pounded faster. The scent of the beast filled his senses, and instead of fear, a twisted thrill rose in him. He tried to fight it, but the more he resisted, the more it grew, feeding on his rage.
His breathing slowed. His hands stopped shaking. The fear vanished, leaving behind only focus, sharp and unyielding.
The lizard's smile faltered for the first time.
Rick's gaze burned with crimson light, the veins around his eyes darkening. The bloodlust didn't control him—it fueled him. His father's words echoed once more, calm and absolute. Death is not an option.
He smirked, wiped the blood from his lips, and pointed the Quill forward.
"we'll see who dies."
The lizard tilted its head, grin creeping back.
Rick stepped forward, eyes locked on his target.
And for the second time he whispered,"Come and have a go,You overgrown lizard."