Dante listened intently to Maya’s story, . As the flames of the campfire flickered, he decided it was time to share his own journey.
He began by recounting the encounter with the intelligent zombie leader—a chilling, calculated adversary that hinted at the evolving threats they faced. Maya’s expression grew serious as she absorbed his words, her concern deepening.
Dante hesitated as he approached the topic of Joshua. “I faced someone... evil person. His name is Joshua. He was faster, stronger, smarter than anything I’d fought before. It pushed me to my very limits. I barely survived.”
Maya’s gaze flickered to his right side, where his arm was now a stump. “And the cost was steep,” she said softly.
Maya leaned closer, her voice filled with empathy. “It was hard on you, but you’re still here, Dante. That speaks volumes about your strength.”
Dante offered a small smile, appreciating her understanding. Then, with a shift in his posture, he changed the subject. “Maya, you mentioned your Water Arrow skill earlier. We’ve encountered others with abilities, too. These ‘skills’ seem tied to this new reality, the ‘System.’ Do your people know how it works? How are skills gained?”
Maya nodded thoughtfully. “We’ve been piecing things together through trial and error. Skills usually manifest when someone faces intense emotional experiences, life-threatening situations, or performs specific actions repeatedly. For example, there’s a skill called First Aid (Basic) that enhances medical proficiency. Someone with basic knowledge of medicine might gain it after tending to injuries around ten times. Without prior knowledge, though, it can take twenty or more attempts—and even then, some still haven’t unlocked it.”
Dante listened carefully as she continued. “It’s was similar with Spear Mastery (Basic). Those with prior experience acquire it quickly, sometimes in hours. For others, it can take days of practice. Talent seems to play a role; some are naturally more attuned to certain skills.”
“That aligns with what we’ve seen,” Dante replied, his brow furrowing. “It’s like the System rewards effort and specialization, tailoring abilities to help us survive.”
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Maya nodded. “Exactly. Skills also grow stronger with practice. For example, my Water Arrow has become more precise and powerful over time.”
Dante leaned back, considering her words. Then, after a brief pause, He extended his remaining hand, and with a subtle motion, his Bone Control skill activated. Sharp bone claws emerged, gleaming in the firelight.
Maya’s eyes widened, a mix of amazement and fascination crossing her face. “That’s... incredible,” she said.
“It’s been useful,” Dante admitted. “But it’s also a reminder of how far this world has changed.”
As their conversation shifted, Maya’s expression turned serious. “There’s something else you should know. One of our survivors tuned into a radio frequency and heard about a military settlement to the north. It’s supposed to be a place of safety, but we don’t know much beyond that.”
Dante’s mind raced. “A military settlement,” he thought, his gaze distant. “If that broadcast reaches enough survivors, it could draw not only people but also monsters to its gates.”
Maya, sensing his concern, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Your abilities are extraordinary, Dante. Why don’t you join us? We could use someone like you.”
Dante managed a small smile. “Thank you, Maya, but I can’t—not yet. There’s something my group needs to handle first.”
After bidding her goodbye, Dante returned to his own camp. His group had gathered around a makeshift table, their faces reflecting the weight of the situation. He shared everything Maya had told him, including the existence of the System and the military settlement.
A MOMENT BY THE FIRE
As the night deepened, Dante sat by the campfire, lost in thought. His gaze lingered on his amputated arm, a painful reminder of his battles. “I hope my family is okay,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the crackling flames.
Maya, noticing his distant expression, approached quietly and sat beside him. “Are you thinking about your family?”
Dante sighed, his gaze fixed on the fire. “It’s that obvious, huh?”
Maya nodded. “I know that look. Do you know where they are?”
Dante’s voice was laced with both hope and worry. “My sister was in Africa, researching insects. My brother moved to England for a journalism job. And my mother... suppose to be in Toronto, she is closest of all.”
Maya placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Dante, I believe you’ll find them. This world is harsh and unpredictable, but fate has a way of reuniting those who are meant to be together.”
Dante met her gaze, the flicker of hope in her eyes reigniting something in him. He nodded, his voice steadier than before. “You’re right. Somehow, someday, I’ll find them.”