As I continue entering the building. All the noise I could hear were the noises of my footsteps.

Ktu* ktu* each step I took, just repeated over and over.

Thankfully my shoes are just wrapped cloth protecting my feet. Although, if only I had better shoes, I would be able to fend for myself. The odds even might rise if I got my hands on a thick durable shoe.. For now, I need to focus on reaching the highest building. Climbing a stairway entrance, I ascended until a hole that was made came my way. Looking at the view, I don't see much happening in the center.

“La~la~la~lala” I see what looks to be a hairy bush with fruit as its hair.. I didn’t think plants could talk? As it kept walking forward it encountered what looked to be a dog.

As it growled at the talking plant it made a howl. “Awooo~!”

More growling came from each dark corner and popped out many other dogs. It’s surrounded by all of them.

The plant just kept on humming joyfully. “La~la~la~”

Constantly moving wherever it wanted without a care, it came close to one of the dogs.

Holding its pose waiting for its opportunity, it chomps on the plant's neck.

When it was pinned down. All the other dogs came to feast on the plant's fruit hair.

With each bite that was taken the humming lowered more and more as chunks of its body just disappeared into the dogs bellies.

Once the plant was gobbled, the dogs roared in the sky in success of their hunt. However, a mere second later. Vines started bursting out of their bodies. From their guts grew what looked to be grass. What continued next exploded from their bellies. Ruptured and damaged from the inside. Came out the same plant creature that the dogs consumed. Out came emerging a miniature version of its older self. When they came out they looked around at each other then held their plant like hands to each other.

“La~la~la~la~”as they all hummed in unison, they spun around in circles.

One by one they left the dancing circle and went their separate ways while humming cheerfully.

What the heck was that? These plants are so dangerous. I should run if I come across them. No, if I ever encounter one I will gladly burn it to the ground, from whence it came. Holding my fist in the air I become optimistic with resolve to go forth.

Luckily I didn't have to climb all the way back down, as there was a connection with the building next to the one I am currently in. Although the door is slanted because this building fell…

Listening in the door I could not hear anything, that seemed to be moving. Since I couldn't rely on my hearing, I decided to look into the keyhole. Surprisingly there aren't any openings that allowed me to observe in safe distance.

Slowly opening the door, I realized that the room had no visible lighting, since it was recently filled with light, the moment I opened it. It was just a storage room. A little disappointed, but this does seem like a promising area to stay for a while.

The suns about to set anyway, I wouldn't want to be at a disadvantage from not seeing anything.

Going in the door, I make sure to lock it before sleeping. Eating a piece of the fruit Ki u packed for me, I even brought my own water in case I were to leave my base. I prepared well, got a weapon, got some food and water to last me a few days. Especially...I think that's all I brought now that I think about it.

Oh I have the rope Kiau brought back with him. I can do something with it. Hmm, should I make a backpack with it or...keep it as a trap tool. Actually if I take into consideration how defenseless I am. I think it would be best if I made a trap with it first. Time is another matter, but if I set it before sleeping I shouldn't be surprised by anything during my sleep.

The next day I woke. Seeing light From under the door. After making sure it’s safe to go out, I open the door as slow as possible.

Untying the rope I wrap it around me for further use. After climbing a few more floors I finally found the entrance leading to the next building. Luckily the building was more upright, so I shouldn’t have to worry about going back down any time soon.

I took another glance at the center again. Unamazed it’s more of those plant creatures. Looks like their numbers increased even more. All they do is sing and hum and divide. What nonsense their kind brings into Mother Nature. No this seems more like an abomination, in my case.

No wait, I see something provoking the plant creature. The unknown creature came running at the plant creatures. And it seemed to be holding something in its hand. I-is that, a Torch?

Fwhoo shoo~* swinging the flames from the torch. The plant creature became afraid, hearing their miniature voice fleeing in terror against their most likely weakness.

It caught up to them and swung its torch on all the plant creatures. With its razor claws it picked the fruit and ate it. Expecting its body to get ruptured like the dogs. Seemingly nothing happens, it makes a large howl as if it wanted to show its dominance. Rightfully so as nothing else came to challenge the huge beast.

Sitting there it kept eating all the fruits that were burnt, while cooking the ones that seemed raw. That's interesting I will keep note of that, if I am ever in need of food.

The creature seems to be a differentiated version of the gorillas. Interestingly they seem to have horns attached to their heads. For what purpose I don’t know. The only difference I can perceive between the two is that these horned apes are somewhat smaller. Yet they are more swift and agile on foot.

And seemingly know how to use tools...that can’t be good.

Well for now I have only seen one so far, so I’ll be fine.

Finishing gathering my things, I continue forth. I believe as long as I am not in the midst of the center, I should be fine.

Climbing higher to the next floor I can see a tower afar that was run down and grass filled through the window, I believe that to be where I am supposed to go. On the way, I also found schematics of the floor that I am on.

Looking at the worn paper, it says that I am currently on the 8th floor. I am a little surprised that the building I am in is the eighth floor. Maybe it is the fact that the building is on a vertical slant, causing me to be disoriented with the height that I am in.

No matter, I just need to cross to the next building for me to descend.

I can hear birds in the sky, hopefully they don't notice me.

Skaww~ circling around in the sky.

Holding my position for a few minutes, I stay still as best as I can.

They seem to be blind, as one crashed into a building not far from what I can see. I will assume that noise will draw their attention.

Ignoring the birds I tread forward. Luckily the roof of the building didn't have windows otherwise they would fall into them, should the windows be facing upwards. However, carelessly I stumbled upon a stack of paper causing it all to fall down. Creating a loud enough thumping noise, for the birds to hear.

Focusing their gaze on the noise. The birds began diving in, but due to the toughness of the windows their attempts were for naught. They decided to give up, when a new noise was being made.

Skraaahhh~ a crowling shreek was heard

A larger bird came in swooping in as much of the birds as it can fit in its mouth. Obviously this bird might not have been blind, so I hide under some desks.

As it aims for the birds I can hear its huge beaks crash into the windows, breaking the glass of the windows. Searching for more prey, it decides to look around in the room of the building. My guess it was not aware of the inside, so it left when it couldn't see anymore.

I wish it were true, but it’s head was still stuck in the window gazing at me. Perhaps I didn’t give enough credit to where it’s due. This bird must be cleverly patient...or just plain dumb.

Skrahh~ as it tries to strike at me. But it’s neck is stuck tight through the window.

Not wanting to stick around I leave. To the best of my knowledge the stairs were in the far left.

Skraaahhh~ an echoing cry

It seems to still be struggling…

I find an exit to descend down the stairs, finally I get to take a small break. Climbing downstairs took a while, before I made it down the entire way. This break would be needed as my feet are sort of in pain from all this walking and climbing.

Pulling out the leaf pack holding the food, I eat some of the rations for the second time. Looking at my supply, I see that the food might not last long enough for me to survive while I am in here. Not to mention, some of them are fruits, which might not last long anytime soon.

Not good, the only thing I can see lasting long enough for me for a few days are the citrus fruits. If I dont cut them that is…

Now that I think about it, some of the stuff lying about might be craftable. Say I find cans lying around…

No, wait. The food might not be so great for consumption after all these years, even if they were canned.

All of a sudden something dropped on my nose. It was sticky, and came oozing about from the ceiling. It was so warm, yet at the same time cooled when some of it accidentally went in my mouth it tasted sweet. I don't know what it is, but I might be able to live off of this for a long time if more just keeps coming.

Before I head out, I make sure that I am able to swing my sword. I haven't tested how heavy it is, ever since I made it.

Getting into position, holding my legs both spread apart, I grip my hands on the edged cloth. Taking a deep breath, I swung the blade as fast as I could.

Eh...when I swung the sword it was so slow. I made a realization that my muscles are just too weak.

Okay...next order of plans I work on my muscles. I am positive that this is what I need to take in order to survive in this cruel fate of a world.

One...two...three… I just kept doing workouts one hundred times. Everything one hundred, one hundred sit ups, one hundred crunches, one hundred push ups, climbing the stairs up and down one hundred times.

I vow myself to gain as much strength within a few days.

Three days have passed since then.

“What the hell, what a pain in the ass!!!” Irritated that my workouts aren't helping much.

Instead all I have been doing are daily exercises, no way I can improve my strength within a short amount of times. This has to only happen in a cartoon. Yeah, that's the only exception to the rules of physics.

Tired, I fell asleep knowing that nothing will come in harm's way.

Next thing in the morning I saw through the window glass that one of the dogs grew wings, from consuming one of the huge birds. Not only that but it grew beaks at the front of its mouth, whilst retaining his canines.

Once fully transformed, it flew off into the sky, making a dog-lion's roar from its dog body. Where its mane began growing immediately like a ball of puff.

I think I realized what sort of place I am in now. It's a place for creatures such as that dog to mutate and evolve into a mixed species. The placements of the buildings, the creatures that dwell here, the overwhelming abilities.

Yes, it all makes sense. I am in the depths of an arena where all the vicious creatures live amongst each other. Where they grow by eating, evolve by eating, survive by eating.

And those that are living, are amongst the top of the food chain, if not in a league of their own.

My chances of survival is now at one percent…

Chapter 7 End