The midday sun beat down as we neared the village bordering the highway loop around town. Yesterday's events still weighed on my mind, but dwelling wouldn't change anything. I put one foot in front of the other, trying to move past the grief I'd brought upon our group.

Jayden piped up, “Think the mayor will welcome us any better today?”

Wesley scoffed. “He was less than hospitable last time. I doubt two days improved his manners.”

Hanna chimed in sharply, “To hell with him. I bet he's still on his power trip.”

We continued on, bypassing the village gate. Though I stared ahead, I noticed the villagers observing us from the entrance, curiosity and longing in their eyes.

A young woman waved. Her warm smile briefly lifted my spirits and I waved back, wondering if our paths would cross again. Those around her also waved tentatively, seemingly yearning for something beyond this stagnant village.

As we moved farther down the road, my somber mood returned. Ever positive, Jayden lightened the atmosphere with a joke. “Well, at least we'll avoid the mayor's sour face this time around.”

Jayden's joke briefly lifted the gloom that had settled over me. But the respite was short-lived. I soon noticed figures approaching from behind our group.

I signaled for us to halt as the determined villagers caught up to us. My eyes scanned their faces, searching in vain for the girl who had sparked my interest earlier. Instead, there stood three weary women, two teenage boys, and a young girl.

The eldest woman spoke, desperation etched on her wrinkled face. "Please, take us with you. There's nothing left back there."

Wesley leaned on his shield. "And what does Mayor Bill make of you leaving?"

She laughed bitterly. "That ass? He's the reason we left. A workin' gun don't make him a leader. But he's puttin' lives at risk now. If you won't take us in, at least let us travel along for a spell."

"The road is free for all to walk," Wesley replied, hoisting his shield again. As an afterthought he asked, "You folks unlocked your classes yet?"

She nodded, raking a hand through unkempt hair. "Aye, though it weren't easy without help. I'm a gardener and my girl Bev here is a farmer."

Bev's two teenage sons stood behind her. I recognized the elder boy from our last visit and nodded to Wesley. "He's a warden, adept at navigating the wilderness. And the younger one is an arcane mage."

To demonstrate, the boy conjured an ethereal orb in his palm until his mother intervened. "Mitch, enough now."

The woman's frown deepened. "That fool Bill wanted to send my grandkids out unprepared. We weren't staying for that."

Wesley signaled for a private discussion. We huddled up as Jayden immediately voiced his thoughts. "This could boost our village numbers. I say they should join us."

Hanna shot a cynical look at the group. "We've got enough layabouts already. But I don't get that vibe from the old dame. I'm with Jay."

Sarah and I nodded in agreement. Wesley waved the group over and welcomed them in. But he laid down an expectation - "In our village, those with classes must contribute. Otherwise, you'll be sent packing."

Despite the extra numbers, I remained at the back of our expanded group. I was pleased to see the older teenager, Tommy, move up front with Hanna. We hadn't gone far when I spotted more figures approaching from the rear. This village was deteriorating fast.

I called out to Wesley, "Incoming company. Again."

A group of six approached, their strides filled with weary determination. But my focus narrowed on one face among them - the village girl who had waved before. Her beauty struck me once more. Chestnut colored hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing delicate features and sea green eyes that sparkled with resilience. The sight of her pulled at my heart. I found myself drawn to this girl. Tearing my gaze away, I noticed the man walking beside her was Jim Bridger, the former deputy. With effort, I shifted my attention back to our group. But thoughts of the village girl lingered in my mind.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Wesley greeted him with a friendly nod. "Good to see you, Jim. What brings you out this way?"

Jim sighed, frustration in his tired eyes. "Things fell apart after you all left. Bill lost it, shouting and cursing up a storm. Had to get my family free. Mark and Penny felt the same."

Wesley nodded in sympathy. "Can't say I'm shocked after the cold welcome he gave us. Hate seeing a village fail, but a man must put family first."

Jim introduced his wife Esther, his son Kyle, and Emily. They seemed a close-knit family, perhaps even before the System's arrival. Mark and Penny appeared Wesley's age and stood off to the side, with the Bridgers, but not of them.

As we talked, Wesley asked Jim about his class abilities in this Systemized world.

Jim chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "I'm a miller and Esther here is a baker. We may not be fighters, but we can provide for the community in our own way. Everyone has a role to play."

Mark stepped forward eagerly. "I was the main monster fighter for Mayor Bill, before he lost it. I'm a warrior and pretty handy with a sword, if I do say so myself."

The teenaged daughter of Jim Bridger rolled her eyes at his bravado.

Wesley shook Mark's hand. "Every class is needed. We need builders as much as fighters." He turned to Jim. "Your milling and Esther's baking will be invaluable. You're all welcome to join us - the more skilled folks we have, the stronger our group."

With that, the Bridger family and others joined our expanded ranks. My gloomy mood lifted as the girl from the village fell into step beside me.

She brushed a strand of brown hair from her face and extended her hand. "I'm Emily. I don't think we've been properly introduced yet."

I rubbed my sweaty palms against my pants before shaking her delicate hand. "I-I'm Caden," I stammered, cursing myself for sounding like a bumbling fool.

"It's nice to meet you, Caden," she replied with a radiant smile that made my heart skip.

"Y-you too, Emily," I managed to get out, my cheeks flushing.

A day that had started darkly now glimmered with hope. Having Emily by my side filled me with optimism, if I could just manage to string together a coherent sentence around her.

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As we walked, an awkward silence lingered between Emily and me. I racked my brain for something impressive to say to this gorgeous girl who was actually talking to me, a geeky freshman.

"So, uh...you were a junior before all this?" I stammered.

"Yeah," Emily replied with a nostalgic look. "Junior year was so much pressure, you know? But in a weird way, I'm glad to be away from high school drama." She glanced my way with a friendly smile that made my heart flutter. "You were a freshman, right?"

I flushed under her attention. "Y-yeah. It kinda sucked most of the time."

"I bet. High school sucks for everyone." Her eyes took on a mischievous glint. "But hey, brave new world now, right? A fresh start for all of us."

She grew quiet for a moment, eyes downcast. "We're in this crazy thing together now, no more cliques or labeling. Just human beings trying to survive."

I nearly tripped over my feet at her words. Was she implying we could be friends...or more? The possibility sent a thrill through me.

As we talked more, I found myself opening up about my dad's recent passing. Emily listened with empathy, sharing about her own loss of a beloved grandparent.

Our conversation flowed more smoothly now, touching on deeper topics. The initial awkwardness had faded away. I felt myself relaxing and enjoying her company.

Too soon we had to part ways to setup camp. I watched Emily head off, wishing our talk could have lasted longer. Did she feel the same spark I did? With her by my side, facing this chaotic world seemed less daunting. I could only hope our connection would continue to grow.

"I'm really sorry about your dad," Emily said kindly. "Losing loved ones sucks, especially now. If you ever need to vent or chat, I'm here."

Her kindness made me smile. "Thanks, Emily. I appreciate that."

Our conversation flowed easily. Couldn't believe this awesome girl was chatting with me. Eager to keep it going, I asked, "What class you end up with?"

Emily's hand brushed her rapier as she replied, "I'm a blade dancer - graceful and badass. I've always loved dancing, so mixing it with combat felt right as rain."

"That's wicked cool," I said, impressed. "Bet you've got some serious moves and skills."

Emily's eyes flashed excitedly. "Oh heck yeah! Those fluid motions let me weave through baddies and strike with finesse. It's flippin' awesome."

I patted my rifle and shared my class. "I'm a sharpshooter. My dad and I used to shoot and hunt all the time. So I've got good aim, and the System was like, yeah let's roll with that."

Emily's gaze lingered on my rifle, intrigue and admiration in her eyes. "That's way more badass than the mayor's dinky revolver," she remarked, her voice both playful and impressed. As her eyes met mine again, they sparked with excitement. "You're clearly lethal in combat. We'd make an awesome team."

I felt my cheeks flush even as I smiled at the thought. I'd never had a girl like Emily talk to me this way before. I was really enjoying her company. Eager to keep conversing, I said, "Yeah, I'm a pretty good shot, and I bet your agility with that sword makes you one wicked blade dancer." My voice cracked awkwardly, and I quickly added, "I think we'd totally kick ass together."