The group left the safety of their temporary sanctuary behind, stepping cautiously into the transformed world. Dante took the lead, his role as both leader and frontline fighter now firmly established. His bone claws remained at the ready, a physical reminder of the responsibility he carried.

  Behind him, Selene walked with quiet determination, her fireball skill primed to defend the group if needed. The others followed, each contributing in their way—one student supported the injured, while Mr. Ron and another student carried chairs they had salvaged, makeshift weapons in case of sudden danger.

  As they moved through the university campus, the eerie silence pressed in around them. Buildings that once bustled with life now stood as hollowed shells, foreboding and alien in the transformed reality. Every step felt heavy with the weight of the unknown.

  Selene leveled up after their previous battle and had wisely allocated her stat points to Mana. She knew the importance of being able to cast more fireballs in the battles to come.

  Their journey brought them to an intersection, where they faced a choice of directions. Dante knew that every decision they made could have life-altering consequences in this transformed world. The group huddled together to discuss their options.

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  Just as they were deliberating, another group of survivors emerged from a nearby building. This group consisted of three students who had clearly adapted to this new reality with skill and teamwork.

  

  
1. 
   
     Natalie Rodriguez: A young woman with a strong and athletic build, Natalie had been a dedicated member of the university's fencing club before the transformation. Her piercing blue eyes and short, blonde hair framed a determined and focused face. She carried a fencing sword, moving with the precision and grace of a seasoned fencer.
   
     


  
2. 
   
     Jake Anderson: Jake was a tall and burly guy with a rugged appearance. He had played club sports like rugby and had a stocky build to match. His dark, messy hair and perpetually scruffy beard gave him a somewhat disheveled look. Armed with a wooden club, he swung it with a raw, unrefined power that was surprisingly effective.
   
     


  
3. 
   
     Sarah Chen: Sarah was a petite and agile student, known for her nimbleness even before the transformation. Her long, black hair was tied back in a practical ponytail, allowing her to move freely. She had a mop from the janitor's closet, an unconventional choice for a weapon, but she wielded it with surprising dexterity. Her quick thinking often helped blindside their enemies.
   
     


  

  The trio approached, and after a tense moment, both groups recognized the opportunity for collaboration.

  Before they could speak to each other , a lesser frog leaped from the shadows. Its grotesque form and glowing eyes sent a ripple of alarm through the group.

  Its long, slimy tongue snapped toward Natalie, who was momentarily caught off guard.

  Selene reacted instantly. With one remaining fireball in her arsenal, she summoned her Mana and cast the spell. The blazing projectile streaked through the air, striking the frog mid-attack. The creature screeched in pain, its tongue recoiling as it crumpled to the ground.

  Natalie turned to Selene, her expression a mix of gratitude and respect. “Thanks for the save. I owe you one.”

  Jake whistled, impressed. “You can throw fireballs? That’s incredible.”

  Selene, modest as ever, nodded and explained her skill. She shared the story of how she and Ray had found the chest with the two skill books, unlocking their unique abilities.

  Dante , not wanting to be outdone, stepped forward. “Let me show you something,” he said.

  He summoned his bone claws, the sharp appendages extending from his hands. With a swift motion, he raked them across a nearby wall, sending chunks of stone crumbling to the ground.

  Natalie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Impressive. It seems I’m not the only one from the Hundred here.”

  The group exchanged puzzled glances, the term unfamiliar to most of them. But Dante understood. He remembered his One from the Hundred title and its stat bonuses. Natalie’s words suggested she bore the same title, further solidifying her role as a skilled survivor.

  Jake’s eyes lit up as he remembered something. “Guys, I have a minivan parked in the lot. If we can get to it, we might have a chance to drive out of here.”

  Sarah looked skeptical. “Will all of us fit in a minivan?”

  “It’ll be tight, but it’s better than staying here,” Jake replied. “We can’t risk waiting for whatever else is out there.”

  Dante nodded decisively. “We head for the minivan. Stay close, stay alert, and be ready for anything.”