Chapter 14: Calm Before the Storm

The wave’s happening tomorrow. Today is our last chance to prepare.

I had everyone gather for a final check meeting.

“Is everything in place?” (Will)

“Yes. The traps, weapons, and people are ready and on standby.” (Brook)

“Good, there’s no need for the people to stand by now. Get everyone to sleep early today. Even though it was said that the wave will happen at the end of the month, it doesn’t mean that it wouldn't happen immediately at midnight. I want everyone awake and ready by 9:00 PM.” (Will)

“That’s for the best.” (Brook)

Brook nodded along with everyone else.

Next, I turned towards Anne.

“Make sure to prepare the clinic before everyone goes to sleep. After waking up, have everyone with healing powers ready and stand by.” (Will)

“Yes.” (Anne)

We had prepared a clinic room after clearing out a large store in the mall and made sure that it was well equipped with medical equipment and drugs.

I even took those equipment from the nearby hospital by making trips back and forth.

Seeing Anne nod, I turned towards Warrick next who was standing beside Leslie and Natalie.

“Have your soldiers rest as well for now. You're a General so I hope you’ll help lead the people as well when the time comes. If our men are disorganized, we will lose. Even if we don’t lose, we will still lose a lot of men.” (Will)

“Don’t worry about it. I will definitely help lead the people.” (Warrick)

Nodding, I turned towards May next.

“Those who aren’t fighting, lead them to the store before midnight.” (Will)

“...Am I included as well?” (May)

“...If you want to help fight, just lead them there and come back to me.” (Will)

“Understood!” (May)

May smiled and nodded.

Since the store was a no-fight zone, it was the best place we can use to shelter the people so they don’t get hurt.

This was something that May had pointed out at some point before so she was the one I asked to lead the people to evacuate.

I nodded and looked towards everyone else.

“There are still 15 hours before midnight. After lunch, make sure everyone gets to sleep and rest. Meanwhile, use these 3 remaining hours to double check, even triple or quadruple check everything. That is all.” (Will)

Seeing everyone off, I sighed and slumped back into the chair.

Ryza, Sam, and May stayed behind.

“Will, you should rest early.” (Sam)

I smiled at Sam’s worried look.

“I’m fine. I’m just a bit exhausted. In a moment, I’ll go out and see if I can still convince the other people staying outside to take shelter here and scout ahead.” (Will)

After all, after tomorrow, I’ll finally get the pay from being a store owner. If I can invite more people and have them spend their points in my store, I can have more points to take as well in my payday.

Also, if I wanted to really build a fortress, I would still need more manpower.

“Don’t push yourself too hard.” (May)

“It’s only a day left...after tomorrow, I can relax all I want.” (Will)

I laughed and stood up again as I stretched.

Walking out, I took a deep breath and activated my [Phoenix Wings].

“Take care.” (Ryza)

“I will.” (Will)

I smiled and flew away.

I went back to one of the buildings where a couple was staying outside the base in order to convince them again.

“Mr. King, I know you mean well, but we don’t want to leave our home...” (Husband)

“The monster wave will be tomorrow...on that day, I’m not sure whether you will survive or not. Can you tell me why you don’t want to leave?” (Will)

I truly don’t understand. It’s not like I will force them to be slaves too and it’s fine if they just do some random chores.

The best reason I can think of it that this apartment of theirs hold a special memory...but even then, is it worth risking their lives?

The husband looked at his wife then sighed.

“When the apocalypse started, our son...he was outside. He was hurt bad...but he was still able to run back here.” (Husband)

“He was bleeding so much...so much...we tried to save him...we tried calling for help...but no one was available to help.” (Wife)

“When we called out for help...that strange window popped up and we understood what happened. After we got our equipment and weapons...sigh, unfortunately, none of them were capable of healing at all.” (Husband)

That...is truly a cruel fate…

Just imagining the scene where this couple held their dying son in their hands, calling for help but everyone was all panicking and none of them were able to help...then seeing the system, the inventories, the equipment...and find that they still have no way to save their son…

That was truly a heart-breaking moment for them.

“Our son died here...in our arms...in our home. We no longer have the strength to continue living, Mr. King. Please, just leave us here...” (Husband)

I fell silent for a minute then sighed.

“Look, I can’t pretend to know how it’s like to lose a child. But I do know what it is like to lose a family. Before this apocalypse even started, my family and I got into a car accident. I was the only survivor.” (Will)

The couple’s eyes widened in shock, seemingly imagining how it is like for a young man to suddenly lose all his family in one go.

“My mother, father, little brother, and little sister...all of them were gone just like that. You know, I actually envy you a bit. The thing that killed your son was a monster...at least, to you guys, you have something to blame...but for me, who was I supposed to blame? The cars? The world?” (Will)

Sighing, I closed my eyes for a bit as my memories started to resurface. However, I held back the tear that was about to come out of my eye.

“I don’t know your son. I’ve never met him. But I think he wouldn't like it if his parents were to follow him in death.” (Will)

The couple hesitated but still remained silent.

I sighed and smiled.

“How about this then. If after the wave, the two of you are still alive, then leave this place and follow me to the base. If not...then I guess your wish to reunite with your son will come true.” (Will)

I didn’t bother to hear their reply and turned around to leave.

After that, I went through to the other stubborn ones who had a similar situation to the earlier couple.

Some of them gave in while some still chose to stay behind. To those who stayed behind, I made the same promise as the first one.

When I left, they all wore wry smiles. They should’ve guessed that what I said was merely to trick them to follow me later. After all, I just need to make sure they’re safe when the wave hits. Since the base already has a lot of protection, I can spare some effort to defend them.

Anyway, I only have to protect three more buildings outside of the base. It shouldn’t be too hard...probably…

It’s already time for lunch. After this, everyone will be resting.

Today’s lunch was a lot more than normal. Though it kinda looks like we’re preparing for our last meal, it is actually to motivate everyone when it’s time to fight later.

Also, we wouldn't be eating too much for tonight’s dinner so everyone has a sense of urgency. Of course, we wouldn't be eating too little so that we wouldn't have the energy to fight later.

Besides, the tension in the morning is lesser than in the night so everyone decided to celebrate at lunch time before the battle.

After lunch, everyone went to their rooms to rest while leaving only a handful of people to watch out in case of any emergencies.

Even though my relationship with Ryza, Sam, and May are somewhat...recognized with each other, we still had separate rooms.

Only, when I went to my room today, Ryza also followed along.

“Is there something?” (Will)

“...I want to sleep together.” (Ryza)

Hearing Ryza’s sudden intention, I froze and gulped down a mouthful of saliva.

My mind panicked and I was momentarily unable to say anything.

Ryza just smiled and went in the room by herself as my gaze followed along Ryza’s back.

My eyes can’t help but imagine a few things as I moved my sigh up and down Ryza’s body.

C-can it be…!?

Swallowing another mouthful of saliva, I steeled myself and strode forward as if I’m going off to defeat the demon king!

No! It should be the demon queen!

Right now, this devilish figure...my hero sword shall pierce it!

...What the hell am I thinking now all of a sudden!!!???

No good, my mind’s too confused and all sorts of things and scenarios are popping in my mind.

Seeing Ryza sit on the bed, I started to stiffly walk into the room and closed the door behind me.

Should I lock it? Would she think it’s weird if I lock it? No, it should be normal for people to lock the door when they go in right? If she mentions it, I will just say it’s a habit. Yep! Let’s go!

*Click*

Why is the locking sound so loud!? No, I’m probably just overly conscious about it so it felt louder than normal...but still…

Ryza turned towards me and my heart stopped.

Just as I was about to say that it was a habit and unlock the door, I saw Ryza smile and laid down on the bed, still looking at me.

I gulped again and realized.

...She was already expecting this…

Even after realizing this, my heart still was unable to calm down as I walked to the bed and laid down beside Ryza.

“Will...I love you.” (Ryza)

“I love you too...Ryz...” (Will)

We spoke to each other with our faces close to each other. So close that we were able to feel each other’s breaths.

I inched closer as Ryza closed her eyes.

Our lips touched and slowly, our clothes were taken off as we began to battle each other on the bed.

* * *

8:00 PM.

Ryza and I had already finished our business and slept a few hours ago. Though Ryza’s still sleeping beside me, for some reason, I woke up earlier than expected.

I looked at the girl beside me and let out a smile.

I truly didn’t expect that someday in my life, I would get to love someone like this. Especially after my family had died.

At that time, I was broken and alone. When I recovered, I simply wanted to finish college and live normally with a simple work. I thought, if I did that, then I can move on with my family’s deaths and also assure them in whatever afterlife there is that I am fine.

But now, seeing the girl I love sleeping beside me, I truly feel that I had moved on and that my family will be proud of me if they were here.

Thinking of this, I felt a huge weight in my heart lift up.

I was stroking Ryza’s hair and felt her eyes move.

“Sorry, did I wake you up?” (Will)

“No, I was about to wake up anyway.” (Ryza)

She smiled so I didn’t pull my hand away and instead rested it on her cheek.

“After the wave, let’s go visit our parent’s graves.” (Will)

“Alright. I will also let my parents know that we’re together now. I’m sure they’ll be happy.” (Ryza)

“Yeah. I’m sure mine too. Should we bring Sam and May as well?” (Will)

“Un. After all, they are now my sisters from now on.” (Ryza)

Smiling at each other, the mood became better and under the teasing smile of Ryza, another round of battle started.

After an hour, we both went out and began the last preparation meeting.

Time left till the monster wave: 3 hours.

Status

Name

William King

Level

25

Mana Points

650/650(+100)

Ranking

1

Strength

15(+10)

Wisdom

40(+10)

Agility

26(+10)

Stamina

16

G Points

5762

Status Points

1

Skills

Flame Aura

Play Dead

Photosynthesis

Heavy Strike

Alpha Pack

Dragon Eyes

Enhanced Hearing

Camouflage