"Those monsters..." Blade mumbled under his breath, his voice almost inaudible as he stared at the apartment intercom, the monster on the other side of the intercom mumbling about needing food.

To think that monster was once your neighbor, to see them all lanky and almost shriveled up, their movements twitchy yet calculated—their eyes bloodshot with barely concealed desire for sustenance and insatiable hunger... it was unnerving.

Blade's stoic expression gave nothing away to indicate the feeling of dread that sunk deep into his stomach, his grip on the blood-stained broomstick—a physical reminder of the dangers Blade fended off.

This was supposed to be a fun way to start off adulthood, to rent an apartment with you, Blade's close friend. Renting an apartment without your parents breathing down your necks at every given chance is certainly a great way to start off your journey to independence, no?

Unfortunately, it turned out to be a hellhole. Citizens around the Xianzhou Luofu either transformed into these voracious beasts or were unfortunate enough to become monster chow.

It certainly felt like the end of the world.

"Stand back." Blade murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "We don't know what they're capable of." He warned, his gaze sharp and guarded as glared at the monster displayed on the staticky intercome, a silent battle of wills between them.