The transition from the ice cream van to a striking new truck at a nondescript gas station beyond New York City's limits was swift, with Mr. Julian taking the driver's seat and beckoning James and Lauren to join him. As they settled into the comfortable interior, the engine roared to life, marking the true beginning of their road trip, which they were informed would lead them all the way to Florida, where an area suitable for their needs had been reserved.

The atmosphere inside the truck was charged with a sense of anticipation. Mr. Julian, being a figure of considerable power and experience, was not just their escort but a bridge to the hidden events shaping the world of Awakeners. As the miles rolled by, he began peeling back the secrecy layers that cloaked the New York AA's inner workings.

"The Regional Director of the New York AA," Mr. Julian started, his voice steady and imbued with gravity, "is perceived by the public and many within our community as competent and reasonable. However, the reality is far more complex. He is, above all, a pragmatist, willing to employ ruthless measures to achieve his goals."

James and Lauren listened intently, absorbing the old man's words. The landscape outside the window - a blur of passing trees and the occasional town that had a powerful enough Guild or AA branch to survive the monsters - went by unnoticed as their attention was entirely directed to the conversation.

"His methods were once tolerated by the old guard, under the belief that his actions, though extreme, were necessary evils in a world still reeling from the Apocalypse. Anything that could lead us to retake our land was not to be questioned." Mr. Julian continued, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "But recent incidents have illuminated a disturbing pattern. His pragmatism has crossed into outright abuse and arrogance, endangering the very fabric of our society."

The revelation that the Regional Director might be responsible for the disappearance of critical figures within both Guilds and the AA was not surprising to James. He had witnessed firsthand how the man changed approach when put in different situations, and it wasn't much of a stretch to believe what he had sensed was just the tip of the iceberg. It was still alarming that someone at the helm of such power could wield it with impunity for so long and with the tacit approval of most.

"Among those who have vanished," Mr. Julian went on, “were many individuals accused of crimes, certainly, but also those whose only 'fault' was probing too deeply into matters meant to stay buried. This includes investigators, potential whistleblowers, and even those loosely associated with suspects."

Lauren, direct as always, interjected, "So, he's essentially sanctioned extrajudicial killings to maintain his version of order?"

Mr. Julian nodded solemnly. "Exactly. While some of his targets may have indeed been criminals, the arbitrary nature of these disappearances - without due process or oversight - cannot be condoned. It sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the principles upon which the AA was founded."

The Apocalypse did a lot more damage than what appears at first glance. Everyone knows about the terrible loss of life of those days, of entire regions of the planet being turned into wastelands, and of the monsters that still roam what were once vibrant cities. But it also allowed people to lower their standards of leadership. Fear meant that anyone who could offer safety was allowed to do whatever they wanted, as long as they maintained a veneer of normalcy. It's not really anyone's fault, as it's a human condition, but it's something we need to push back against whenever we can.

The truck sped through state lines, the journey a metaphor for their departure from the familiar into uncharted territories, both in their mission and understanding of the world they were sworn to protect.

Florida's welcoming warmth was still a distant promise as they traversed the heart of North Carolina. As lunchtime approached, Mr. Julian steered the truck into the parking lot of a Buc-ee’s. It was a place famous for its clean restrooms, wide array of food options now that most competitors had gone bankrupt, and a cult following among the rare road trippers. It was also one of the very few stops available these days, as the fee to have a Guild team on hand was beyond most companies.

The establishment was bustling with activity, a cross-section of America on the move. The occasional courageous family, truckers, and intrepid solo travelers all converged here, each with their own stories and destinations.

Inside, the trio found a spot at the far end of the dining area, away from most patrons. Mr. Julian ordered burgers and wings before getting up and leaving for the bathroom while they waited for their food to arrive.

"Everything's moving so fast," Lauren remarked, stirring her drink with a straw. "Miss Walker's disappearance changed everything, but we couldn't do anything about it. Now it seems like everything is happening at once."

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Things are happening quicker than I expected, but in a good way. If Mr. Bethany had taken his time, he wouldn't have been able to take the chance he has now." James replied.

"I guess. Still, there are more people here than I would have thought. Traveling is not something to take lightly these days." She commented.

James nodded, his gaze wandering over the other diners. "Yeah, I didn't think it would be just us, but this place is almost full. Not that everyone looks to be going on vacation." His eyes settled on a group that seemed out of place amidst the travelers - a family, likely from a rural background, judging by their attire and the cautious way they navigated the crowded space. "People are still being forced into cities for safety, abandoning their homes because living too far from an Awakener's protection is too dangerous."

The burgers arrived, a welcome distraction from the heavy topics at hand. The food was surprisingly good; the burgers were juicy and flavorful, and the wings were well-spiced and crispy, a testament to the establishment's reputation. Buc-ee’s had somehow managed to expand even in the post-apocalyptic world they lived in, opening restaurants alongside their older shops. It was one of the few non-Awakener-related success stories that could be heard lately. Yet, even as they ate, the gravity of the earlier conversation loomed over them.

Mr. Julian, having allowed them a moment of quiet reflection, returned and resumed the discussion. "Marcus Bethany is making bold moves, true. But they're necessary. The current situation within the AA and the unchecked actions of the Regional Director are symptoms of a larger problem. A decay that's set in after the initial reclamations failed to retake the whole country. What he's doing is not just seizing control. He will be restoring accountability and safeguarding the principles that should guide us, of that I’m sure.”

"But at what cost? How much are we willing to disrupt to bring about this change?" Lauren asked.

Mr. Julian met her gaze squarely. "The cost will be high, undoubtedly. There will be resistance and not just from those currently in power. Change, even when necessary, is often met with fear and suspicion. But the cost of inaction, allowing corruption and autocracy to take root, would be far higher. Marcus will try his best to prevent bloodshed, but I don't doubt a few of the more bellicose allies of the Director will have to be dealt with." Lauren had nothing to say to that, merely concentrating on eating.

The conversation restarted once they finished their meal and got back into the truck, with James broaching a subject that had been lingering in the back of his mind. "If you agree with what Mr. Bethany is doing, why won't you participate in the operation yourself?" he asked directly. The old man had been forthcoming with information, yet James sensed a boundary he hadn't crossed.

Mr. Julian took a moment, his eyes losing focus as if gazing into a distance only he could see, though his hands remained steady on the wheel. When he finally spoke, his voice was tinged with resignation and determination. "I have my reasons," he began slowly, each word measured. "I've sworn not to get involved in power struggles, not to seek personal acclaim or power for myself. I intend to keep that promise."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "I'm not so callous as to ignore a friend’s request for help, especially when he's fighting to improve things. But I'm jaded enough to know that changing one factor isn't enough to bring the whole country back into the light. The problems we face are systemic, rooted in decades of compromises and the aftermath of the Apocalypse."

Mr. Julian's gaze wandered to the rearview mirror to James and Lauren, his expression softening. "I've chosen instead to dedicate myself to raising the next generation of Awakeners. To instill in them the values and skills they'll need to navigate this world and, hopefully, make it a better place. That's my chosen path, and I'll stay true to it."

James felt a twinge of frustration at the old man's response, wanting to argue, to convince him that his involvement could make a crucial difference. Yet, he recognized the conviction in Mr. Julian's words, understanding that pushing further would be futile. Instead, he nodded, respecting the older Awakener's decision.

I guess everyone has the right to choose their path. I doubt I'll be able to convince him, considering how settled he seems in his decision. He has been thinking about this for a long time and probably has access to much more information than I do.

Changing the topic, he asked, "What will our training consist of, then? If you're not directly involved in Mr. Bethany's plans, what do you have in store for us?"

Mr. Julian's eyes twinkled with a mischievous light, starkly contrasting the solemnity of their earlier conversation. "Ah, now that's a surprise I won't spoil," he said, a grin spreading across his face. "But prepare yourselves to be worked to the bone. Ranking up will be only the start. You'll emerge from this month stronger, more skilled, and ready to face whatever challenges come your way."

I'm torn between being very happy that an S-ranker is about to spend a whole month training me and being terrified of precisely what that means. Well, at least I know I'll be much more powerful if I make it out of it alive.

"There is something else I'd like to ask." James finally said, getting his companions' attention. "I understand that we are going to Florida to train, and I will dedicate myself to it body and soul. But if possible, I'd like some free time to run a couple of errands. There are some people down there that I would really like to meet."

Despite his best efforts to remain neutral, James was aware that some of the bloodthirst he kept carefully locked away in the recesses of his mind had leaked through. By how Lauren looked at him in surprise, his attempts were unsuccessful.

"That sounds like an interesting story." The old man replied neutrally. "I could be convinced to let you go if it's for a good enough cause."

James sighed. He really would have liked not to have to share his family history with everyone, but it seemed like he wouldn't be that lucky. "I'll tell you about it once I'm sure I can actually meet them; how about that?"

The old man grunted in assent. "I'm not going to pry if you don't want to tell me, but I took you two under my wing to train you up into good fighters, not to allow you to run around and create chaos."

James nodded, "That's fine. It's a personal issue and I understand your position, sir."

The conversation then drifted to lighter topics, with Mr. Julian sharing tales of his adventures and the lessons he'd learned along the way.

As night fell and they made their way further south, James reflected on the day's discussions. Initially just a means to an end, the road trip had become worth it on its merit. He looked at Lauren, who seemed lost in thought and felt that things would be alright. Together, under Mr. Julian's guidance, they would forge a new path forward, ready to confront whatever awaited them in Florida and beyond.

And I can get some revenge, finally.