Isekai Murim In The Apocalypse

Aziel's walk home was unusually long. By the time he arrived, the sun was setting, casting deep orange and violet hues across the sky. Ahead stood his destination—an old, abandoned factory on the outskirts of the district.

It loomed in eerie silence, its rusted frame and shattered windows a testament to years of neglect. This isolation was why Aziel had chosen it: no one would come looking for him here.

He slipped inside through a rusted entrance, carefully navigating past decaying machinery and scattered debris. His movements were swift and practiced; he had done this countless times before. Eventually, he reached a hidden crawlspace, just large enough for a child.

Lowering himself onto his hands and knees, he crawled through the narrow passage, the rough ground scraping against his palms. Moments later, he emerged into a dimly lit corridor, his footsteps barely making a sound as he pressed forward through another tight opening.

Beyond it lay his sanctuary—a vast, abandoned basement cluttered with broken chairs and tattered tables. Dust thickened the air, and the scent of rust and dampness clung to the walls. It wasn't an ideal home, but it was the only refuge he had.

As his gaze drifted to the far corner of the room, the bleakness of his surroundings faded. There, curled up with her arms wrapped tightly around her legs, sat a little girl.

"Anais. I'm back," Aziel called softly.

Her head snapped up at the sound of his voice, bright yellow eyes widening in alarm as she took in his battered form.

"Big Brother! What happened to you? Are you okay?" she gasped, scrambling to her feet and rushing toward him. Her small hands trembled as they cupped his face, fingers tracing over the fresh bruises and cuts that marred his skin.

"I'm fine, Anais. Just tripped and fell..." Aziel muttered, wincing slightly at her touch.

Anais narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. She grabbed his cheeks and forced him to meet her gaze.

"Don't lie to me," she demanded, her voice firm. "You were out doing something dangerous again, weren't you?"

Aziel gently pried her hands away before reaching into the pocket of his worn tracksuit. A grin spread across his face as he pulled out several small food items—his spoils for the night.

"That doesn't matter. More importantly, look what I got for us. We won't go hungry tonight."

Anais's eyes widened, flickering between gratitude and worry. "Big Brother... You didn't have to... Not if it meant getting hurt like this."

Aziel shook his head, his smile unwavering. "What are you talking about? If it keeps us safe and fed, a few bruises are nothing."

Without warning, Anais threw herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. Her small frame trembled slightly.

"Still, I don't want to lose you too... Promise me you'll be more careful next time... Please..."

Aziel hesitated, then exhaled softly. "Alright, alright... I promise. But that's enough hugging. Hurry up and eat; you must be starving."

Anais, however, shook her head, her expression resolute. "No. We eat after you're healed."

Aziel sighed but didn't argue. Instead, he sat down, watching as Anais placed her delicate hands on his cheeks. The air around them shifted, an invisible force stirring. Her short pink hair lifted slightly, and a warm golden glow began to emanate from her palms, spreading across his body.

[Holy Manipulation: Healing.]

A soothing warmth coursed through him as the cuts on his skin slowly closed, the swelling around his bruises subsiding. It was a sensation he had felt before—gentle yet powerful.

"Don't use too much Mana," he murmured, concern flickering in his voice.

Anais remained silent, her focus unwavering. Aziel could only watch as she worked, her power flowing through him. Mana—a gift granted only to those who awakened—bestowed incredible abilities upon its wielders: enhanced strength, magic, survival. If only he had awakened too... If only he had that power, life wouldn't be such a struggle.

When the glow finally faded, Anais released a heavy breath and gave Aziel's cheek a firm pinch.

"Does it hurt?" she asked.

Aziel flexed his jaw and rolled his shoulders. "No. I feel great."

Anais sighed in relief, then flashed a bright smile. "Thank God..."

Afterward, Aziel rationed out the food, and they ate in silence. The nourishment, though scarce, brought color back to their pale faces. But by the time she finished her meal, Anais was already nodding off.

"That was good~" she mumbled, sleep lacing her voice.

Aziel quietly arranged their makeshift bed, carefully laying her down. As he sat beside her, he watched her for a moment, his expression softening.

"You stayed up waiting for me, didn't you?"

Anais giggled, her eyes fluttering shut. "Heh heh~"

"That's not something to laugh at. Next time, go to sleep like I tell you. What if a monster came? You need energy to run in an emergency."

Her only response was the slow, steady rhythm of her breathing. She was already asleep. Aziel let out a quiet sigh, lowering his gaze.

"Ha… I was gone for a whole night, and all I managed to get us was a few cans… It's not enough…"

His thoughts were interrupted by Anais's soft murmuring.

"Big Brother... Come back... Don't leave..."

Her small body trembled slightly in her sleep. Aziel clenched his fists before gently brushing a hand over her hair.

"Don't worry… I'm not going anywhere… I'm right here..."

At his words, the tension in her body eased, and she let out a contented mumble. "Mmm~ Chicken..."

Aziel chuckled quietly. Her innocent smile—so pure, so untainted by the harsh reality of their world—was what kept him going.

But his moment of peace didn't last. His expression darkened as he reached into his pocket, retrieving the key he had found. He turned it over in his palm, studying its details.

"I'll do anything to keep her safe... I don't care what I have to sacrifice... Just hurry up and give me power already."

Yet, nothing happened. The key remained motionless, unchanging. Frustration flickered across his face.

"If it's a key, then there must be something it unlocks… But where?"

His eyes scanned the basement, searching for any sign of a keyhole. Deep down, he doubted he'd find anything here.

'Could it really just be junk...?'

Before he could finish his thought, his vision blurred. His limbs felt heavy, and the room spun around him.

"Huh...?"

His body collapsed beside Anais, the key slipping from his grasp. As his consciousness faded, the last thing he saw was a faint glow pulsing from the key. But before he could fully comprehend it, darkness swallowed him whole.