The Drake family is considered one of the most well-off and influential families in the city. As the City Lord, Mark Drake oversees the city's advancement, development, and resource allocation. Within the city, the Drake family holds a status akin to royalty in medieval times—respected, powerful, and immensely wealthy.
Mark is not only a skilled politician and strategist but also a formidable martial artist. Ever since the tragic death of his wife in an accident, he immersed himself in martial arts to cope with his grief. What started as a way to deal with pain turned into an obsession. Through relentless training and discipline, he reached a level where he could take down trained soldiers with ease.
However, no amount of strength could have prepared him for the chaos that followed—the day the world changed with a single message appearing out of nowhere.
To his disbelief and heartbreak, some of the people he trusted the most turned against him. They didn't just betray him—they wanted to drag his name through the mud, destroy his legacy, and kill his family.
The most tragic part?
The few who truly remained loyal to him died in battle while defending the Drakes. The remaining loyalists were hunted down by the gangs that now roamed freely, like wolves preying on the weak.
Mark couldn't help but think, Were we too soft? Should we have wiped out all the gangsters back when we had the power? Now we're the prey.
Surrounded by thugs, his grip on his sword tightened as dark thoughts swirled in his mind. He looked at his children—Jack and Alicia—and realized that fleeing the city might be their only hope. Maybe there was still a safe place somewhere in the world… anywhere but here.
But before despair could fully consume him, he focused. Rage boiled within him—especially at the thought of these monsters trying to harm his daughter—but he didn't let it cloud his judgment. His experience taught him better than to act rashly. Charging in recklessly would only put his children in more danger.
As a strict but loving father, Mark raised his children with discipline. He invested heavily in their education, hiring top-tier tutors and martial arts instructors to guide them. Thanks to that, they were well-prepared for survival, even in a world like this.
And like him, Mark's children also gained access to the system.
As for his skill?
Skill Name: Commanding Presence
Type: Passive/Active
Description:
Your aura demands respect. Whether friend or foe, your words carry weight, and your actions inspire—or terrify—those who witness them. Those who follow you will fight harder. Those who oppose you will hesitate.
Mark, being highly intelligent, had already explored his skill in depth. He understood its potential—and when to use it. This moment may be one of those times.
Waiting for the enemy to make the first move, he positioned himself carefully. His children adjusted their stances, alert and ready.
Just as the thugs prepared to strike, a voice cut through the tension like a blade.
Cold. Calm. Confident.
"Hey. Need help?"
All heads turned toward the source of the voice.
From the shadows of a crumbling building, a young man in his twenties emerged. He had sharp features, an air of mystery, and striking black hair. His presence felt heavy—commanding. The tattered cape on his shoulders swayed in the breeze, and in his hand, he held a sword that had clearly seen battle.
Mark Drake narrowed his eyes.
Unlike the others who stared blankly in surprise, Mark's mind immediately went to work, analyzing this stranger. That cape… that weapon… the calm in his voice.
He's explored the system already, Mark realized. He might even be stronger than me…
Mark knew he could handle these thugs alone, especially with his children at his side. But what troubled him was the question: Why would this man offer help?
Before Mark could respond, the young man spoke again, his voice even colder than before.
"Don't forget—this is the apocalypse. Leave them alive, and they'll come back to hunt you. Again and again."
Mark froze.
That statement hit deeper than he expected. He had planned to teach these thugs a harsh lesson, then let them go. But now that he thought about it… that was a mistake. A dangerous one.
His expression darkened as he imagined these same men returning later, with more numbers, dirtier tricks, and a thirst for revenge. Damn… he's right.
Looking again at the stranger, Mark felt a chill. The confidence in the man's stance… the steel in his eyes… this was someone who had killed before—monsters, and likely men.
Then, as if his own thoughts betrayed him, a voice echoed in his head:
"If you let loose screws go unchecked, all it leads to is more chaos."
The truth settled in.
Mark turned to the mysterious man and spoke with resolve.
"Hey. I need your help."
The young man gave a slight nod, replying nonchalantly:
"No problem."
After a few minutes
Mark Drake, after killing the three thugs on his side, looked toward the stranger who single-handedly took down the other seven.
"He's… stronger than me," he thought, eyes narrowing. "I wonder what he wants from us?"
He had purposely kept his children out of the fight.
Ding!
Status Updated
Name: Alex Dawn
Age: 21
Coins: 17,000
Stats:
Strength: 15
Speed: 30
Stamina: 32
Perception: 20
Vitality: 20
Items:
Good Sword
A finely-forged blade that strikes a balance between power and speed. Slightly enchanted to enhance agility and precision. A solid choice for those with refined technique.
Attack Power: +35
Durability: 200/200
Attack Speed: Fast
Crit Chance: 10%
Special Effect: +5% Agility while equipped
Bloodweave Coat
A long, dark crimson coat woven from enchanted fibers soaked in monster and human blood. Created by a forgotten warlock who believed blood was the key to power. It pulses faintly—almost alive—and grows stronger the more blood it absorbs.
Durability: 250/250
Base Stat Boosts:
+5 Vitality
+10% Movement Speed
+15% Slashing Resistance
+25% Fear Intimidation Aura when bloodied
Passive: Regenerates 1% HP/sec when near or in blood
Special Effects:
Blood Memory: After 10 kills, activate Blood Surge
+20% Strength
+20% Speed
Duration: 60 seconds
Cooldown: 10 minutes
Intimidating Presence: Enemies with lower stats may hesitate or flee before attacking
Alex's Thoughts:
Hmm. That fight bumped up my coins again. Let's keep saving.
After I kill the mutant in this city, I'll need to buy some gear—something that helps me survive in the mist. Night exploration won't be easy without proper resistance.
The closest city here is Sky City, north of here. It's famous for its high-elevation landscape and used to be a top tourist spot. After that, I'll head to another city—but I'll have to be back in Eagle City by 6:20 PM at the latest. The mist starts rolling in at 7:00 PM, and I'm not planning to get caught outside when that happens.
But first things first—before I even deal with the mutant—I need to wipe out these gangs. That last thug I tortured spilled everything: there's a major gathering happening right now. All the city's gangs are meeting in one spot.
Heh. Perfect.
This will be their last moment.
Jack's POV
Looking at my sister trembling, I felt a surge of anger—anger at myself, and at the thugs who took advantage of this situation.
Hell, they were even laughing… laughing in the middle of all this.
It made me grind my teeth in rage.
My people—the loyal ones—they were killed.
The traitors? I hate them to my very core. And now they're also dead.
Luckily, my family is still alive. We're okay… for now.
But we're surrounded. Trapped.
Just then, we heard a voice—cold, calm, and confident.
A few minutes passed.
And then… the thugs were wiped out.
What baffles me most is that one person—that man—handled seven of them like they were nothing more than children.
It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
Now I can't help but wonder...
What does he want?
Alicia's POV
Ever since that stranger arrived and started talking to Father, something changed.
The thugs got even angrier—but somehow, his calm, confident presence made me feel more at ease.
I'm still not used to this kind of situation. Not at all.
My skill… I haven't even fully grasped it yet.
Now, looking at that stranger—standing there after killing all those people so effortlessly—hmm, not bad at all.
He's… handsome.
A crisp blush crept up to my cheeks.
Wait—what? This is not the time for that!
Whew… calm down, Alicia. Focus.
The three of us—Father, Jack, and I—wait silently, wondering what this stranger wants.
Then… he speaks.
The words that come out of his mouth confuse me for a moment.
Just a moment, though.
Want to keep going from here? I can write his line next, or continue Alicia's reaction.
Alex's POV
The three of them—father, son, and daughter—are all staring at me, waiting for me to speak.
I cleared my throat and, in a calm but commanding voice, said:
"I need you to become my subordinates."
That made them freeze on the spot, eyes wide with shock. Just as I expected. They weren't ordinary—each of them had potential. And yet, the moment of surprise passed quickly. They composed themselves almost immediately. Good.
Mark looked at me with a serious expression, urging me to continue.
I spoke again, voice steady:
"You already know the world has gone to hell. Everything is collapsing. And right now, what we need more than anything… is order."
I paused, letting the words sink in.
"You three need to adapt. If you don't, you'll be left behind like the rest."
Their gazes sharpened.
"That's why I need you. I plan to take over this city and rebuild it from the ground up. That's my goal."
Mark finally spoke, hesitation in his voice.
"But… we were planning to leave the city."
I immediately replied, sharp and unwavering:
"You think it's safe outside? Don't fool yourself. This isn't just happening here—it's everywhere. If there's any chance of survival, it's by creating order in this chaos. That's why I need you. Follow me… and we start over. Understand?"
Mark exhaled slowly and nodded.
"Sigh… I understand. Looks like my perspective was too narrow after all."
I nodded in return.
"First things first—start gathering people. Go to the police department if you can. You're the city lord, right? Use that. I'll find you again soon. For now… I'm wiping out the gangs."
Mark raised an eyebrow.
"Wait. I accept your offer. But… are you sure you can handle all of them alone?"
I gave him a calm smile.
"Don't worry, Mark. Just follow my orders properly."
He hesitated briefly, then gave in.
"Alright… okay. We'll do it your way."