The global ranking board faded after thirty seconds.
But it had already changed everything.
Zhao Ren stood alone on the rooftop, watching smoke rise across the city.
Rank 3.
That meant two others had already grown faster than him.
Interesting.
He opened his status panel again.
Name: Zhao RenLevel: 2Strength: 41Agility: 28Constitution: 39Spirit: 18Lifespan: 85 Years + 3 Years + 46 DaysTalent: SSS – Grave SovereignTrait: Titan Regeneration
His growth rate was steady.
But now competition existed.
And competition meant risk.
If others grew strong enough, they would begin hunting not monsters
but each other.
A distant explosion echoed from the eastern district.
He narrowed his eyes.
That was not a monster's sound.
That was organized resistance.
Or organized ambition.
The New Rule
A notification appeared again.
Zhao Ren exhaled slowly.
So the Trial had structure.
That meant long-term progression.
He scanned the city below.
Monsters were still roaming.
But the initial chaos was fading.
Survivors were adapting.
Which meant factions would form soon.
He needed information.
And resources.
Controlled Growth
Instead of charging blindly into the streets, Zhao Ren changed strategy.
He began clearing nearby buildings methodically.
Floor by floor.
Not rushing.
Not wasting energy.
Every monster defeated strengthened him.
Every corpse extended his lifespan.
His movements became cleaner.
More efficient.
Less wasted effort.
Titan Regeneration allowed him to recover from minor injuries quickly.
But he avoided unnecessary damage.
Power was growing.
But recklessness would still get him killed.
The Signal
By late afternoon, something unusual happened.
A flare shot into the sky from three blocks away.
Red smoke spread across the skyline.
A gathering signal.
Zhao Ren paused.
This early?
Bold.
He moved to a higher vantage point and observed.
Around twenty survivors had gathered near a supermarket.
They were organized.
Barricades already built.
Weapons distributed.
One man stood elevated on a truck, giving instructions.
Calm. Commanding.
Strong posture.
Zhao Ren opened his system.
He focused on the man.
Interesting.
A talent.
That meant he was valuable.
Killing him would provide significant gains.
But
Zhao Ren did not move.
Not yet.
The man was building structure.
Structure attracted monsters.
Monsters created corpses.
Corpses created growth.
Sometimes patience was more profitable than aggression.
The First Announcement
As the sun began to set, the sky flickered again.
The supermarket faction immediately tightened formation.
Panic spread among weaker members.
The leader shouted calmly, restoring order.
Zhao Ren observed silently.
Night would test everyone.
Including him.
He could join them.
Gain safety.
Blend in.
Or remain alone and continue evolving without limits.
His gaze shifted toward the darkening streets.
Shadows were already moving differently.
Faster.
Smarter.
He made his decision.
He stepped back from the rooftop edge.
Tonight
He would hunt.
Not for survival.
But for rank.