One piece: Without a system, I have to survive!

I didn't have time to think.

The Watchers were relentless.

Their attacks came from every angle, clawed hands slashing through the air with inhuman speed.

But I had already figured it out.

Stop thinking. Move on instinct.

My body reacted before my mind could keep up.

I twisted to the side, avoiding a strike aimed for my ribs.

A second Watcher lunged from behind—

I dropped low, sweeping my leg out—

And my heel collided with its knee.

A sickening crack echoed through the jungle.

The Watcher stumbled.

But it didn't scream.

It didn't flinch.

Its body merely shuddered, then moved again as if nothing had happened.

My eyes narrowed.

So even breaking their bones isn't enough?

Damn it.

Shira was faring better.

She danced through the battle, her movements wild and unpredictable.

Her daggers flashed, cutting through the air—

And for the first time, the Watchers struggled to keep up.

But they didn't stop.

They just kept coming.

They never tired.

Never slowed.

And if we slipped even once—

We were dead.

The Elder Moves

Then, the Elder sighed.

He stepped forward, walking right between us and the Watchers.

As if he had no fear.

The creatures immediately stopped attacking.

They didn't move.

Didn't blink.

Like statues frozen in time.

I gasped for breath, sweat dripping down my forehead.

"What... the hell?" Shira muttered.

The Elder stared at the Watchers, then spoke.

His voice was calm.

"You were not meant to interfere."

The Watchers didn't respond.

But something about their glowing blue eyes flickered.

Almost like... hesitation.

Then—

One by one—

They vanished.

Fading into the shadows like they had never been there in the first place.

Shira and I just stood there, breathing heavily.

I clenched my fists.

"What... what just happened?"

The Elder turned to me.

His gaze was unreadable.

And then he said something that sent a chill down my spine.

"They are bound by rules."

He paused.

"And you... are not supposed to be here."