“What the hell is a simp and why am I already tired of hearing this word?”

The two had relocated down to the second floor of the building. Because of the structure of the building most of the place was built underground. This limited how far the genomes' communication could go.

They were now seated in the Mess Hall. The area where the genomes often came to eat and allow themselves to relax. It was a very calming experience after a long hard day. The only thing is you had to pay for your meals.

If you wanted food you needed points for it. Geos to be exact. This was the currency used to purchase meals and whatever else they wanted to feel more human. Michael decided if the genomes wanted to act like the people they were destined to protect he would let them.

However, they were still tools to be used. For that reason, he made sure they paid for everything they wanted. It also served as motivation to fight. Those who couldn’t died a very agonizing death.

“A simp… is someone who’s way too nice-”

“Isn’t that a good thing?”

“Normally, yeah.”

“You’re nice as hell for no reason. Are you a simp?”

“NO!” Oasis was sitting across from Terios at one of the many benches presented in the massive hall. On his tray was an apple, mac and cheese, and some kind of sports drink that seemed to have a logoed G on it. “A simp is someone way too nice to women that they like. Especially when they don’t deserve it.”

Terios blinked a few times with a deadpan expression. His tray would have been empty if Oasis didn’t pay for his meal. On it was a baked piece of chicken and a bottle of water. “So, why should I care?”

Oasis brought a spoonful of mac and cheese to his mouth as he took a bite before chewing softly. Once his mouth was empty he responded. “Because the woman he’s with is nothing but trouble.”

“Trouble?”

“She thinks she’s all that when she’s not. She’s being carried by how strong Sariel is. Your brother is amazing.” He stated as he brought another spoonful of mac and cheese to his lips. After swallowing he proceeded. “She’s just toxic. A total hoe.”

“Did you tell him this?” Terios sighed as he grabbed a fork and stabbed it into his baked piece of chicken. He then brought the whole thing to his face before taking a fair-sized bite out of it.

“I did! He’s stubborn like you. He won’t do something unless he decides to.” Oasis sighed before grabbing his apple to take an audible bite from it.

“I could always reprogram their memories. Have it where they don’t recognize each other.”

Silence filled the air.

Oasis looked over at Terios as if he had been told one of the worst possible answers. He then shook his head before shutting the idea down completely.

“That’s messed up bro. Too unethical for me. Besides… they’re stronger than you.”

“Stronger than me?” Terios took another bite from his chicken before looking around the cafeteria.

He saw a lot of people. A lot of genomes. These people had knowledge of Either and control over it. Even if it was at a basic level. This meant that they would be able to defend themselves against attacks like his.

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“Yeah, if I had to take a crack at our power scaling… you’d rank below me. Just above Cecilia and Talia. You bested Talia even if it was by luck, so you scale to their level and the twins have a good track record.”

“You think you’re stronger than me?”

“I don’t like to toot my own horn. But, if I wasn't so beat up when we first met. Things would have gone a lot differently.”

“I see. I still have more to learn about this stuff. Abigail was reluctant to teach me since she had a feeling I could grow to surpass her.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll get plenty of training done. We have to anyway, ha. I’m going to help you get stronger.”

“Shut up, simp.”

“Heeeeey! I’m not a simp, besides you aren’t even a girl.”

The two had finished their food and were having a light conversation. It didn’t take long for the atmosphere of the entire room to change. Once the doors to the Mess Hall opened and revealed two of the top dogs at this facility.

“Oh my god! It’s Abel!!” One of the female genomes yelled out.

Soon a bunch of girls were rushing out of their seats to confront Abel who was just entering the area to grab some food. Soon a large crowd of girls had him surrounded much to his annoyance.

The person with all of this attention looked very similar to the boy sitting with Oasis. He was the same height as Terios. Had very similar features, especially in the face and bone structure. They had a very similar build except he seemed a bit lighter.

He had a bit longer hair than his brother with his tyrian purple strands of hair surpassing his eyes a bit. To keep hair from getting in his eyes he had a few hairclips in. His lilac-colored hues gazed upon everyone and despite being annoyed by their presence he still acknowledged them.

He was wearing a white polo-collared shirt that was buttoned up and a loose black sweater. He was wearing grey joggers with purple and white vans.

The girls loved him because of his charismatic aura, his soft delicate features, and his gentle, yet enchanting voice. To them, he was a sex symbol. And to the guys who were now fighting to see him as well. He was a person who they wanted to best in combat.

Upon seeing everyone crowd around him. He was able to stop time. His attention and focus turned to his partner. Someone whom he believed would stand the test of time with him.

“Sagull. Are you mad…?”

“I’m not mad.”

“You look mad though…”

“I’m not mad…”

“You know I can’t help how they act.”

“Now do you understand why you have to take us out to eat? It’s too crowded here.”

Sagull. Another robust one. She was a very healthy woman with a lot of personality in more ways than one. She had raven-colored hair that was long and stopped by the center of her spine.

Her eyes were a chestnut brown. Striking… but also burning with passion. She was a determined woman who had a lot of desires for this world.

“I know, it’s just Oasis told me to meet him here for lunch. We’re already late because…”

“Because what?”

“Because someone wanted to stop and buy some new perfume.”

“It was worth it. Trust me you’ll love it. Now tell these people to go away before I kill them.”

Sariel chuckled a bit before he got everyone’s attention. “Hello everyone, we just came to grab a bite. Please don’t treat us like celebrities or whatever.”

“Can I have your autograph?” A random woman said.

“I guess it wouldn’t hu-” He thought about it, but soon he felt the piercing eyes of his girlfriend and decided against it. “Sorry, but no.”

Everyone seemed disappointed. One man told Sariel he had to train with him to make up for not giving them attention and he merely waved.

Eventually, the duo got their food and joined Terios and Oasis at the cool kids' table. Sariel sat next to Oasis while Sagull sat on top of Sariel.

“Is that needed?” Oasis questioned.

“Why were the genomes acting so out of character?” Terios wondered.

“Yes, Anthony. I don’t want to be apart from my boyfriend.”

“Sounds pretty fake. I’m pretty sure I saw you all cuddled up with a genome that could turn invisible.”

“Almost as fake as your relationship with Cecilia. Sucks that it isn’t official.”

“We don’t have to be ‘official’ to be real with one another.”

“Come on guys. There’s no need for this. We’re all friends.” Sariel pleaded.

“Please, keep going. This is the most entertaining thing I’ve witnessed since arriving here.” Terios chimed in.

“Ugh, and who is this random?” Seagull looked over at Terios.

“Doesn’t he look similar?” Oasis questioned.

Seagull’s eyes squinted, she stared intensely at Terios but then shook her head.

“You know, right Sariel?”

“Yeah… I could never mistake it. You really did bring my big brother back to me. For that, you are a true friend.”

The two brothers stared at each other… not knowing how to respond to one another. This was a moment that Sariel had been waiting for since he first knew of his purpose. Terios was oblivious to everything.

“Tonight, let’s go for a walk. I’ll ask the commander to approve it. He won’t mind if I’m with you. There’s a lot I want to talk to you about.”

“...” Terios nodded.

“I thought we were going to have anime night.” Seagull frowned.

“I’m sorry, but this is something I have to do.”

Seagull pouted and looked down.

“Tomorrow night, I promise.”

“Okeh.”

Oasis leaned over next to Terios as he looked over at Sariel and Sagull. “Simp.”