Kirko and Cain continued their journey to the 3 km mark. It was pretty uneventful—they took only one break during the entire journey and managed to sneak away from every worm in the vicinity. However, one thing was different: the number of worms had increased, and they had become faster. Still, they reached safely, only having one close call when a worm started chasing them. Luckily, they got out just in time—otherwise, they would have been crushed.

"I'm guessing that if we step forward now, the worms will get stronger and appear more often. So always be prepared and don't be scared," Kirko said.

"I won't be like last time, you don't need to worry," Cain replied.

"Then let's go."

They stepped into the 3 km mark, but nothing happened. They didn't mind it and started running, wanting to cover as much distance as possible before getting spotted by a worm. However, Cain was still too slow and started getting tired before even reaching 100 meters. Kirko stopped to wait for him, but then he heard a loud screech and realized they had been found. He turned around and saw a worm in the sky—flying.

"They can fly now? That's cheating!" he exclaimed.

The worm rushed toward him. Kirko quickly threw his dagger into a nearby building and teleported inside. "I have to tell Cain," he thought. Just then, the wall in front of him shattered as the worm crashed into it, breaking through. The creature let out another loud screech.

"Shit, it's calling its friends. I have to get out of here and find Cain fast."

Kirko noticed a ladder and rushed toward it, but the worm followed, destroying everything in its path and causing the building to collapse. As he fell, he desperately looked for a place to throw his dagger when he noticed a strange shine coming from another building.

"Light? Why is there light in an abandoned city?"

Without thinking, he threw his dagger toward the source. Just as the worm opened its mouth to devour him, he teleported.

"Teleport!"

"Whew, I got away."

Looking around the room he had teleported into, he saw the same shine again, covered by a pile of rocks. He quickly destroyed the rocks and found a book.

========================
 secret item found

 The Kings Lost Secret 
 1/3
 ========================

"A secret item… It must be something important. But it looks like it's part of a collection of three. I'll keep this one with me for now. Let's go find Cain."

Kirko looked out the window and saw several worms flying in the sky.

"Cain must be hiding somewhere—somewhere the monsters can't see him."

He started teleporting from building to building, having to wait 30 seconds each time for his ability to recharge. After a few teleports, he suddenly heard Cain's voice.

"Somebody help me! Kirko, help!"

Kirko looked out of a window and saw Cain being chased by a worm.

"Finally, I found you."

He waited for 10 seconds, then left his dagger in the building and jumped straight down toward Cain.

"Kirkoooo?"

"Sorry for making you wait—grab my hand!"

Cain quickly grabbed Kirko's hand, and they teleported just in time.

"Another close call," Kirko sighed.

Cain, still in shock from the chase, collapsed onto the ground, exhausted.

"Let's take a break—you look like you're about to die," Kirko said.

"I was going to die," Cain exclaimed.

"Well, I saved you, so don't worry."

Cain sighed and layed on the floor, completely worn out.

"Kirko... I have a question."

Kirko glanced over. "What is it?"

Cain hesitated, his fists clenching at his sides. "Why do you keep saving me?" His voice wavered. "I've been nothing but a nuisance since the start. You would have been so much further without me holding you back. You could have just left me behind… so why? Why do you keep doing so much for me?"

Kirko smiled at him. "It's simple. I'm saving you because you're my friend."

Cain's voice rose, raw and desperate. "That's not a reason! You can't just say 'because we're friends'—that's not enough!"

For a moment, Kirko was silent. Then, with a small chuckle,he looked up."You know, Cain… I've never had a friend before."

"Wait really?"

Kirko continued, making his voice lower. "No one ever talked to me. No one ever cared. But you were different. You approached me. You talked to me. You didn't treat me like I was invisible.You were my first friend… and I don't want to lose you. Not now. Not ever. So if you are in danger I will always be there to protect you."

Cain Started to tear up."You're the first person who's never left me.Everyone else always pushed me away. They said I was too loud, too annoying… But you—you stayed." He smiled."You're my first real friend, Kirko."

Kirko patted Cain's head. "There, there. Stop crying. We still need to reach the safe zone."

Cain quickly wiping his tears. He took a deep breath and stood up. "You're right. Let's go break time is over."

===========================
 Tutorial- 2

objective - Get to the safe zone 

Time Left - 20hr 

location - destroyed city

Distance covered- 3.5/6 km
===========================