Help!

I need to get out of here.

NOW!

The bearded man lunges at me, his hand reaching for my face. Something snaps inside me—pure instinct takes over.

I dart to the side, moving faster than I thought possible. Their hands swipe at empty air, their fingers barely grazing my hair as I slip between them. My heart pounds wildly in my chest, adrenaline flooding my veins as I sprint down the hallway.

"HEY! GET BACK HERE!" one of them roars, his voice thick with rage.

"Quick! Patrick! GET HER!" the other shouts.

The pounding of their boots echoes behind me, each step a thunderous reminder of the danger chasing me. I can hear their ragged breathing, the drunken fury in their voices.

But I don't dare look back.

I reach my room, throwing myself inside and slamming the door shut. My hands shake violently as I twist the lock into place.

BAM!

BAM! BAM!

The door rattles on its hinges as they slam their fists against it, their furious growls seeping through the wood like poison.

"OPEN UP, YOU LITTLE BITCH!" one of them screams, his voice raw with anger.

"COME ON! WE JUST WANNA HAVE SOME FUN!"

BAM! BAM!

The pounding is relentless, each hit sending shockwaves through my body.

I press my back against the door, trying to hold the world at bay, my breath coming in shallow gasps. Tears blur my vision, but I can't let them in—I can't!

If the door breaks, I'm done!

I will be a dead cat!!!

But then—

"HEY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" a new voice bellows from the hallway. It's harsh, rough, and commanding—a voice that cuts through the chaos like a blade.

The banging stops. Silence hangs heavy for a moment.

"Tsk…" one of the men grunts. "Fucking old man…"

"We weren't doin' nothin'," the other one says, his voice suddenly far less aggressive. "Just wanted to introduce ourselves to our new Furren neighbor."

"She doesn't want to meet you. Don't ever bother her again!" the new voice barks. It's an older man, but he speaks with such force that I can almost feel the fear it instills. "Get the hell out of my inn, or I'll throw both of you out myself!"

There's a pause. I can hear them muttering under their breath. But they give in.

"Chill, old man, no need to get so worked up," the taller one mutters, his voice sour.

As they go away, the heavy footsteps fade into the distance.

But I'm still terrified.

Now, I stand frozen, pressed against the door, gasping for air. My entire body shakes with leftover fear, my knees threatening to give out beneath me.

Then, a knock. It nearly jolts me out of my skin.

But… it's just the old man.

"You okay in there? Sorry for the trouble. Those bastards are gone," the old man calls through the door. His voice is calmer now, but still rough, like gravel.

"I… I'm okay," I stammer, barely able to speak.

"Good. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them. You're safe now."

"Th-thank you," I manage to say, though I'm still too rattled to fully trust him.

I stay pressed against the door for a long time, my chest heaving, my mind still reeling. The fear clings to me like a shadow.

At least… I'm safe…

For now….

Let's not go anywhere.

————————————-

Fuck…

Needless to say, that was utterly terrifying.

Now, hugging my knees to my chest, I close my eyes, trying to calm myself down.

But…

I can't.

If I had been a little slower…

If they had managed to catch me…

Then…

What would be happening to me now?

The thoughts wrap around my mind like toxic vines, suffocating. My whole body shivers.

SLAP! SLAP!

I slap my face, trying to snap myself out of it, to push away the fear.

Man…

Why couldn't I have woken up inside a luxurious mansion, with a catgirl maid at my side or something? Instead, I'm stuck in this crooked place with no idea what to do next. And even almost got myself raped by those creepy bastards.

Oh god, I just wish for some guidance. A tutorial, like at the start of a game, or at least a weapon to defend myself.

Please just something!

Suddenly, I remember.

Oh yeah!

That reminds me!

"Status!!!" I shout, my voice echoing through the room.

"STATUS! OPEN!"

"SYSTEM, ACTIVATE!!!"

Usually, when someone is transported or reincarnated into another world, they can call out for a system or status screen to get information or missions.

But here… nothing happens.

Yup, nothing…

"Nyaaahhh… I'm so fucked…" I lean back against the wall and let out a deep sigh.

Suddenly, I hear a clicking sound.

The door…

It's opening!

Someone is unlocking it from the outside with a key!

FUCKKK!!!!

Is it those guys from before?

I don't know!!!

But they have another key!

They're going to enter the room any second!

Panic surges through me, and I instinctively grab the chair, jumping to the furthest corner of the room. My heart races, my mind a whirlwind of fear and confusion, my hands trembling uncontrollably.

And then, as the door creaks open, the person comes into view.