The morning of our departure arrived with a weight that sunk into my chest. Steve Jr. and Emily stood outside the tavern, vying for the final spot in our party. I knew choosing one would slight the other - not an ideal dynamic before embarking into the unknown.

Steve Jr.'s magical armor and ability to soak damage could provide invaluable protection, allowing our damage-dealers do their job with low risk. Yet Emily's agility and precision could swiftly cripple foes before they ever closed in. It was a difficult choice between bolstering defense or amplifying offense.

I couldn't let my growing feelings for Emily influence my decision. Our mission was too important for me to be thinking with the wrong head. Wesley trusted me as leader - I didn’t want to fail him.

"Listen, Cade," Steve Jr. pleaded, his voice filled with raw enthusiasm. "I've got some of the best armor in the village, and I've been training to be a tank. I can protect the team, take hits, and keep everyone safe. Plus, my dad is the Sergeant at Arms, so you know I'll follow orders and keep the mission on track. I've been dreaming of this opportunity, fighting alongside you and proving myself. Please, choose me."

Emily stepped forward, her eyes focused and determined. "Cade, I understand Steve's desire, but let me make my case. Sure, my armor might not be as good as his, but what I lack in defense, I more than make up for in agility and precision. As a blade dancer, my DPS can stay up with the best fighters. I know I can contribute to the team's success.”

But there was more to my dilemma than just combat prowess. I couldn't deny the growing attraction I felt towards Emily. I spent my free time with her, sometimes training, often discussing the way things were before the System. Moreover, she was becoming someone whom I relied upon. Her presence brought a sense of comfort and camaraderie that went beyond the dynamics of the team. It was a dangerous line to tread, mixing personal feelings with professional decisions, but I couldn't ignore the way my heart fluttered whenever she was around.

Steve Jr.'s pleading voice echoed in my mind, reminding me of his dedication and aspirations. His desire to prove himself and fight alongside me was visible in his eager face, and it was hard to ignore the longing in his eyes. He had dreams and ambitions, and by choosing Emily, I couldn't help but feel like I was crushing them.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts. It wasn't an easy decision, but I had to consider what would be best for the team as a whole. Steve Jr.'s tanking skills would undoubtedly provide valuable defense and stability, but Emily's agility and DPS potential could be a game-changer, especially when dealing with formidable foes. Ultimately, I had to trust my instincts and make the call that would give us the best chance of success.

"Steve, I know how dedicated you've been to this team," I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "Your skills as a tank are impressive - no one can take a beating like you. But..." I hesitated, hating that I had to say this.

"Emily's talents could really change the game out there. Her speed and surgical strikes could eliminate threats before they ever reach the rest of us. I've seen what she can do, and it's pretty incredible."

I forced myself to meet Steve's eyes. "Her abilities could give us a real edge, especially against tough enemies. I wish I could take you both, I really do. But I've got to make the strategic move here, what I believe will give us the best odds. And that means choosing Emily for this mission. I hope you can understand."

I put my hand on Steve's shoulder. "This wasn't easy for me. I know how much this means to you. But I wouldn't make this call unless I truly believed it's what's best for the team. We need you for the fights ahead - just not this specific quest. When we get back, you'll be front and center again."

I tried to sound confident, but inside I was churning with doubt. I prayed I was making the right choice, one that wouldn't destroy Steve's spirit or divide our fellowship. But leadership meant tough decisions, even if they came with costs. I could only move forward the best I could.

A few hours later, I waited at the gate house and watched our team approach. Hanna was first. She wore her leather knee length jacket, leather pants and a knapsack slung over her shoulder. Watching her approach reminded me why she had been my first crush. Unlike Jayden, her build was willowy and slender.

My pulse quickened as Emily appeared, moving with effortless grace honed by years of dance. Even in simple leather armor she exuded elegance.

Jayden walked toward me, deep in conversation with Brian Wallace, whose piecemeal armor was a frankensteined mix of scavenged and looted armor. Like many men in our village, Brian had grown a beard since the System arrived. It was a mix of salt and pepper. It made the scruff on Jayden’s face seem inadequate in comparison. Unwittingly, my fingers rubbed against my smooth cheek. Even though the system reckoned me an adult, I wanted that upgrade sooner rather than later.

I wracked my brain for some pithy words to mark our journey's start. But then I saw him - Mark Wilson sauntering up like he owned the damn village.

"Shit," I muttered, my heart sinking. When Mark reached us, his lips spread in a predator's grin, all calculation and lurking hunger. His teeth glinted sharply, like the menacing jaws of a shark preparing its attack. Just the sight of him set my nerves on edge.

My mind was buzzing, trying to think of something to send him packing. But his mouth was already running when he reached us. "Well, well, if it isn't the great Cade," he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "Making decisions without consulting anyone else, are we? Picking your precious favorites over those actually qualified."

His derisive gaze settled on Emily. Fury boiled up in me, pulsing through my veins. “I wasn’t aware I needed to consult with an overstuffed asshat like you, Mark.”

Rage contorted his features. But before he could react, Hanna appeared by my side, a knife glinting ominously in her hand. Mark's shock mirrored my own - neither of us had noticed her stealthy movements.

Hanna's voice sliced through the tension, her words dripping with determination, "Go to hell, Mark. Wesley entrusted Cade with leading this group, and we stand by his decision.” Her eyes narrowed, glinting dangerously. "Now get lost."

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A vengeful light smoldered in Mark's eyes as he locked his gaze on Hanna. Turning his attention back to me, he taunted, "Can't even fight your own battles, eh? Go on, run back to Wesley and tell him a real man is taking this group out."

To my surprise, Jayden stepped up beside me, his presence lending strength to the moment. And right behind followed David, our combat medic. "You may have a point or you may not," he said evenly to Mark. "But you're new here. I trust Wesley's judgement - if he says Cade leads, that's good enough for me. Take it up with him if you disagree."

The air crackled with tension, you could have cut it with Jayden’s sword. Finally, Mark spun on his heels and stormed away, his parting words ringing in the air, "This ain’t over, kid."

As Mark disappeared from sight, Emily approached me, her voice filled with disbelief, "He was always a blowhard, but now he's lost his mind."

Fury coursed through me, hands clenching at my sides. I couldn't stop the trembling, infuriated that my leadership was already being questioned before we'd even started.

Hanna resheathed her knife, her words dripped with acid. "When we return, we're going to have a serious talk with Wesley. There's no way that dipshit is staying. Not after that."

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We had been on the road for less than an hour when we stumbled upon a village. As we approached its wooden gates, which stood a mere stone's throw away from the same farm to market road that traced our path, Jayden called out until a sentry appeared atop the fortified wall.

The sentry, a man in his thirties, gripped his bow tightly as his eyes scanned our group. "What is your business here?" he questioned gruffly.

I stepped forward beside Jayden, thumbing back down the road. "We hail from Columbia village, just down the way," I replied, aiming for friendly candor. "Thought we'd introduce ourselves, maybe share news."

My clumsy overture met stony silence. I grimaced inwardly, second-guessing my poor diplomacy. As the sentry retreated from view, doubt needled me. Had I already jeopardized potential allies with my clumsiness? Time crawled as we waited anxiously at the barred gates.

At last the gates creaked open, and a gray-haired woman emerged, weariness and wariness fixed in her face as she scrutinized us.

"I'm Gwen Meadows, a village elder," she introduced herself. Her searching gaze bore into us. "Just out for a leisurely stroll?" Her tone dripped skepticism.

Heat rose in my cheeks at her skepticism. I gathered my thoughts, determined to speak with clarity. "Sort of, ma'am," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm Cade Taylor, and these are my friends. We're on a mission to explore the surrounding area, to better understand the world around us. We've been to town, or what's left of it, and now we're venturing eastward."

A glimmer of interest sparked in Gwen's eyes as she leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Are there still people in town?" she inquired, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and apprehension.

I nodded in response, the weight of our journey pressing upon me. "Yes, some people remain. In fact, there are a few villages making ends meet there," I revealed, briefly contemplating how sell Columbia’s strengths to this woman.

Realizing that we hadn't yet conveyed the benefits of joining another settlement, I shifted gears in the conversation. "For our part, Columbia is managing well enough to explore beyond our borders," I explained, hoping to strike a chord of commonality with Gwen and her community. "How are you folks holding up here?"

Gwen turned to a man named Hank, issuing a command that brought both relief and unease. "Hank, open up. If this young man wants to share word of town and his settlement, we can offer hospitality."

As the gates slowly swung open, revealing systemized log cabins, I sensed the precariousness of Doe Run's existence. Despite the ample lumber and illusion of stability, an underlying fragility permeated the village, its spirit flickering dimly like a guttering candle.

Gwen motioned towards a few wooden chairs set up outside what appeared to be the village's modest town hall. "Please, have a seat," she offered, her voice tinged with weariness. "Welcome to Doe Run. It may not be much, but we're survivors."

As I settled into one of the chairs, I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, my gaze fixed on Gwen. For a moment, I pushed aside the pervasive sense of hopelessness that seemed to emanate from the village, determined to focus on our purpose. "We’re from Columbia," I began evenly. "A level three settlement. My companions and I seek allies - to trade knowledge, resources, anything to help each other do more than just survive."

Gwen's eyes were weary but with a glimmer of fragile hope. "Trade?" she murmured. "We've grown accustomed to scarcity and isolation. What can your Columbia offer that we've learned to live without?"

I considered my words carefully. Doe Run's spirit was nearly broken by loss and hardship - I had to choose my words wisely to if there was any hope to rekindle their weakened flame.

"We can help with resources, protection, and stuff," I responded, forcing my voice to carry more conviction than I felt. "You know, Doe Run has been through a lot, and it's only gonna get harder. The system seems to make things tougher every day. But if we join forces, we can face those challenges together. We'll have each other's backs, share what we know, and be stronger against the dangers out there. And having friends is really important, especially in times like this."

I paused, allowing my words to sink in, aware of the fragility that hung in the air. The village's dwindling population, the scars left by relentless monster attacks, and the heavy weight of loss were palpable reminders of the hardships they had endured. The spirit of Doe Run Village was fading, overshadowed by weariness and the toll of their struggles.

"But, it's up to you," I finished, my voice gentle and understanding. "We get it, trust is something you have to earn, and you've been through a lot to make it this far. We're here if you ever wanna team up and, you know, trade stuff. Maybe it could bring some new energy to Doe Run, if you're up for it."

Silence fell, the weight of uncertainty hanging overhead. I hoped the guttering flame of hope in their hearts would be stoked by the prospect of unity and shared purpose. For both our sakes.

Gwen's eyes met mine, her gaze filled with of sorrow. "We've lost so much, so many families torn apart by this new world," she spoke, her voice quivering with emotion. "Doe Run Village, well, it can't handle another big attack from those System monsters."

Her words hit me hard, the weight of their vulnerability sinking in. They needed a safe place to call home, and we needed more people to strengthen our community. But it wasn't my decision to make. The village council had to decide their fate. Careful with my response, I replied, "I understand, Ms. Meadows. It's not just about trading goods, but about mutual survival. In Columbia, we have several groups of adventurers. Let me talk to them and see how we can help. Together, we have a better chance of making it through these tough times."

Gwen's gaze softened, a spark of hope flickered in her tired eyes. She turned to the villagers who had gathered around, their faces marked with weariness. "What do you all think?" Gwen's voice carried a hint of vulnerability and resilience. “Face the darkness alone, or explore alliance with these folk from Columbia?"

A fragile chorus of agreement spread through the small crowd, their voices forming a delicate strain of hope. Gwen nodded and said, "There's your answer, young man. Let your village council know that we're open to trade and a shared protection.”

Before we left, they shared a humble meal - venison and pickled vegetables served in mason jars that evoked dwindling supplies from backyard gardens. David skewered a pickled egg and chuckled. "The old ways rise again."

As we continued our journey, optimism swelled within me. Doe Run had resources and willing souls eager to rebuild. Surely Wesley would see the potential here. Or maybe inviting them to join us.

Little did I know, that moment of hope would be short-lived.