"John, my boy! Open up..."
The booming voice of the unknown individual resonated throughout the base, startling everyone inside. John’s brows furrowed, his eyes narrowed, and his gaze flicked towards the gate. He knew who was standing outside.
"Who is it, boss?"
"It’s Theodore..."
Everyone gulped at his name, they knew of his alliance with the Luminars and of his strength.
"John..." Stephanie squeezed John’s shoulders gently and pleaded with her gaze.
"I’ll take care of this," John said, his expression had darkened and his voice was steady, but he couldn’t hide his apprehension from himself. His mind raced as he thought of the possibilities. He didn’t think they were ready for a confrontation against Theodore.
"Boss, we can take him out. Just give the word."
"No, I’ll deal with him myself," John said, and walked towards the gate.
"What do you want, Theodore?" John’s voice cut through and Theodore simply smiled.
"John, my boy. Long time no see."
"Cut the crap, Theodore. What do you want?"
"Why the hostility, my boy?"
"Stop wasting my time."
"Fine, let’s talk business. I want you and your group to re-join my group," Theodore replied, his voice calm and his eyes sharp.
"What makes you think we’ll join you?"
"It’s simple, I’m stronger than you and I am giving you no choice," Theodore explained, his tone matter-of-factly.
John’s features twisted into a scowl, "if you think I’ll listen to you, you’re mistaken."
Theodore sighed, his brows furrowing, and his eyes turning solemn, "John, do you have a choice? I know you’re not blind, you know how strong the Luminars are. Your group is strong, but not strong enough to take on an entire army."
Theodore shook his head and turned around, "you have one week, my boy. If you’re not back in the university in a week, I will come take you by force."
With those words, Theodore and his minions left.
"Fuck," John cursed, clenching his fists with darkness spreading through his expression.
"Boss, don’t worry, we’ll fight them."
"Don’t be foolish. There’s no way we can beat him."
"But, boss. You’re so strong. I’m sure you can beat him," the survivor said, his voice trembling and his eyes glistening.
John’s eyes narrowed and he tried to use his Appraisal on Theodore once again, but just like before, he couldn’t see his stats.
As John made his way back to the lounge, he couldn’t help but feel anxious. He knew how strong Theodore was and he wasn’t sure if they had any chance of winning.
As soon as he entered the lounge, his companions rushed to him.
"What’s going on, boss?"
"We’re not joining Theodore, right?"
"What if he attacks us?"
"What are we going to do?"
Their questions poured in, and John couldn’t help but sigh.
"Stephanie, come here."
"Yes, John."
"Come to the basement, I want to talk."
John and Stephanie descended the stairs towards the basement. It was their designated storage area, and it was filled to the brim. They had gathered materials, tools, and weapons.
"We’re not joining him," John said, his tone firm and his gaze sharp.
"What are you saying, John? He’s strong and he will crush us."
"Maybe, but I’m not going to surrender to him."
"What are we going to do?"
John sighed and summoned Echo right next to him. Stephanie’s eyes widened. It was her first time seeing Echo.
"J-John... what is that?"
"This is Echo," John introduced, his expression calm and his tone neutral.
"Hi, I’m Echo," Echo’s cheerful voice chimed, and its robotic face lit up.
Stephanie blinked, her jaw slack and her eyes wide.
"John, what the fuck is that?"
"That’s Echo, the backbone of our base. And a friend."
"I...see," Stephanie managed to squeak.
"Echo, what monsters do we need to kill to withstand a full attack from Theodore and possibly the Luminars?"
Echo’s metallic face spun around, and its lights flickered.
"We need to gather at least two different monsters, one has to be of at least two stars or above, and then combine their blood, Cores, and bodies."
"Wait wait, back up a second. Two-stars, cores? What are two-star monsters?"
"Two-star monsters are a stage above the Draconian and when killed, their Core is exposed."
John’s brows furrowed as he remembered the Skullmaw. Was the Skullmaw a two-star monster as well?
"And we need to kill two of these monsters?"
"Yes."
"What are the chances we can do this?"
"There is a high chance."
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"How high?"
"90%."
"Alright, let’s do this."
"We’re going to hunt two-stars, now?"
"Yes. We can’t let Theodore control us."
"Are you sure about this, John?"
"What other option do we have?"
"You’re right. Let’s do it."
"That’s the spirit. Let’s tell the others."
John and Stephanie climbed the stairs and informed the group.
"Everyone, we’re going on a hunt," John announced and everyone looked at him, their expressions serious.
"What are we hunting, boss?"
John explained the existence of two-star monsters and how strong they were. The survivors had a hard time believing it, but when they remembered how powerful the Luminars were, their expressions changed.
"Boss, are you sure we can do this?"
"Of course, I’m confident in your abilities."
"That’s great, boss."
"Prepare for a battle and rest. Tomorrow, we hunt."
As the survivors cheered and prepared for the coming battle, John and Stephanie retired to their bedroom.
John plopped down on the bed and Stephanie curled up next to him.
John caressed Stephanie’s hair and she smiled, her eyes warm and her heart filled.
She closed her eyes and her mind wandered, the memories of her past surfacing in her thoughts. Her mother’s loving smile, her father’s gentle embrace, and her brother’s playful grin. She missed them. She wanted to go back, but she knew that it was impossible.
Her eyes snapped open, and she looked at John. She looked deep into his eyes and found comfort. She snuggled up to him, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in," John said and Julia walked in. He had forgotten Julia was supposed to sleep with him, but perhaps this could be an opportunity...