Kei's footsteps echoed in the neon-lit alley as he ran. His countdown was at 2 MINUTES and 14 SECONDS. Each second that passed felt like a hammer striking his chest. If he didn't find a way to extend his time, he would be thrown out in nothingness.
The air shimmered unnaturally, and suddenly—a flickering blue shard floated in the air before him. It pulsed, vibrating as if aware of his presence.
[SYSTEM ALERT: TIME FRAGMENT DETECTED.]
[Absorb? (Y/N)]
Kei didn't hesitate. He reached out, and the moment his fingers brushed against the fragment, a surge of pain shot through his body. His vision blurred, and for a split second—time slowed down. The flickering neon signs, the distant screams of other survivors, the digital clock above the city—everything crawled at a sluggish pace. His brain processed every minute detail.
[Time Perception Enhanced – Ability Unlocked: Momentary Slow.]
Kei gasped, gripping his chest. His countdown had jumped to 4 MINUTES and 39 SECONDS. It wasn't just about survival anymore. He had just taken his first step toward escaping the Prison Of Time.