ROT CITY: The Place Where Humanity Decays
Author: Sabbir Ahmed
Volume 1 – Awakening in Rot City
---
Chapter 6: The Price of Protection
Luna poured herself another drink.
"You work for me now," she said calmly.
"That's how you stay alive in Rot City."
Ethan leaned against the wall, watching the city lights through the glass.
"And if I refuse?"
Luna smiled.
"Then you die alone in an alley."
> [Contract Opportunity Detected]
[Rot Resonance reacting…]
Ethan felt it—the system urging him forward.
"Fine," he said.
"But I don't kneel."
Luna's smile widened.
"Good," she replied.
"Kneeling men are boring."
---
Chapter 7: Training in the Darkness
The basement of Black Eden was soaked in blood and sweat.
Luna's men attacked Ethan one by one.
He learned fast.
Too fast.
> [Stat Increase: Strength +2]
[Stat Increase: Agility +2]
Every punch he took made him stronger.
Every drop of blood sharpened his instincts.
Luna watched from above, eyes glowing with interest.
"This city broke countless men," she whispered.
"But it's forging you."
---
Chapter 8: The Assassin in White
The lights went out.
A blade flashed.
One of Luna's guards fell—throat cut clean.
"Assassin!" someone screamed.
Ethan turned—
A woman stood there, dressed in white. Cold eyes. No emotion.
She moved like death itself.
> [High-Level Threat Detected]
Their eyes met.
For a moment, the assassin hesitated.
"…You," she whispered.
Then she vanished into the shadows.
Luna clenched her fist.
"I know her," she said.
"Her name is Iris Vale."
---
Chapter 9: System Evolution
Pain struck Ethan's head.
> [Rot Resonance Level Increased]
[System Evolution Available]
Visions flooded his mind.
The city's heart.
Its crimes.
Its desires.
> [Skill Acquired: Rot Sense]
[Allows detection of killing intent, lust, and corruption.]
Ethan exhaled slowly.
"So this is what Rot City feels like…"
Luna looked at him carefully.
"You're changing," she said.
Ethan smiled.
"So is the city."
---
Chapter 10: First Night in Rot City
Night fell heavy.
Ethan stood on the rooftop beside Luna, city lights burning below.
"You could leave," she said quietly.
"Before this place ruins you."
Ethan shook his head.
"This city didn't ruin me," he replied.
"It gave me purpose."
Luna stepped closer.
Her hand brushed his.
Rot Resonance surged.
> [Bond Progress: Luna Blackwood – 15%]
Somewhere in the darkness, unseen eyes watched.
The assassin in white observed silently.
Ethan didn't know it yet—
But Rot City had chosen him.