Everyone had their thoughts and opinions of what transpired earlier, even the citizens of England and specifically the United Kingdom. Of course, the news report made them aware.
“I doubt we’ll need to worry about those bastards making a return,” As citizens of London watched the news report from the television of a loud and rowdy bar, a gentleman stated. “We thought Jack would have killed all of us, but he’s dead now. The solution was that the US changed their president.”
“...And why do you say that?” A drunken man questioned as he held a clear glass of ashen brown whiskey.
“All the screw-ups with the S-Class convicts’ escape and all the shit they caused in both America and our country is because the United States made shit decisions,” The gentleman replied. “Look how much better things have been since President Ada was elected. It’s because of her that we can leave our houses and not be scared that Jack the Ripper might kill us. Even today, there weren't any civilian casualties in the news report. If you open your drunken eyes, you’ll realize Ada Foster is fixing everything that needs to be fixed.”
“Tsk, screw that damn president! I was hoping they would keep screwing around here, so I could get whiskey for free!” The drunken man yelled as he waved around his glass, causing whiskey to spill everywhere. “But Ada killed Jack and scared away the rest of’ em! Screw her!”
“...You drunk bugger.”
* * *
Of course, the Enlightenment Program’s soldiers had noted what happened earlier. After all, why wouldn’t the ones who allied with Ada and played a part in the defeat of Jack not make themselves aware of the endeavors of the S-Class convicts?
Occupying the grounds of a London-owned military base, the soldiers sparred. They were under the watchful gaze of their only instructor, Trixie Leah.
“C’mon, guys! Always make sure to put in that elbow grease while fighting!” Trixie encouraged. The raging wind ruffled Trixie’s rainbow-colored hair and caused her jester outfit to ripple. “Think of fighting like trying to play a prank on someone! You gotta be serious about it!”
The wind which disturbed her hair and clothes was generated by the clashing of attacks by Sariel, Ariel, Amber, and Ivory. Due to the ones she was combating against, Amber restrained herself from unleashing her enlightened transformation.
“...You don’t need to worry about us taking this lightly. That’s the last thing I want to do…especially what happened recently,” Sariel responded as she materialized Rubik’s cubes. These cubes quickly reconstructed themselves into two white futuristic rifles. The rifles’ barrels and stock were enshrouded with blue holographic energy. “Reaching our friend is our main goal.”
“It’d be nice to at least get on Kreuger’s level first,” Ariel stated. “Unlike us, he was able to help Amber…”
Sigh, everyone’s been scarred since the battle against the demon. I wanted to take all the burden so they’d feel more at ease since I’ve been enlightened, but it’s the opposite. Amber pondered as she observed her friends with a sullen look. They’ve requested so many more spars. Their determination is higher than ever…But I hate how it makes me secretly happy…that my friends want to become strong enough…to fight by my side. Speaking of Leo…
Amber shifted her gaze to a gazebo relatively close to their sparring area. The gazebo was a resting area for soldiers as they sat and performed any desired activity. Kreuger was no exception as he sat in isolation in the gazebo.
He passed the time by viewing the report of the ‘S-Class convicts’ assault.’
“So, the buggers got screwed up by super soldiers. They’re getting picked off more and more,” Kreuger said to himself as he lay on the bench, his expression dripping with depression. “It’s only a matter of time until they get eliminated…sigh.”
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
My whole life…I’ve been pushing myself madly to kill Jack. Now that he’s dead, what’s the point of training and strengthening myself? Kreuger pondered. The S-Class criminals will soon be killed too. Everything’s become so boring. I’m starting to miss my damn…teenage years–
“Leo? Are you okay?” Amber’s concerned tone was audible as she suddenly appeared beside him. Her sudden presence and voice sparked surprise in Kreuger as he hopped up from his bench.
“Jeez! What are you, Ryzen!?” Leo questioned. “Weren’t you in the middle of sparring, so why did you just randomly spawn here!?”
“Hehe, well, you’re just here all alone, and I sense that you’re not alright, Leo,” Amber replied. “You can’t hide it from me, ya know.”
“...Is this some new skill you received from enlightening, or is it your instinct deducing I’m not alright?”
In response to his questioning, Amber casually placed her hand on his head. Due to their height difference, Kreuger reflexively leaned forward for her to get a good hand placement.
“...What are you doing?” Kreuger questioned as she rubbed her hand through his long, black hair.
“I make sure to know my friends, but you’re a very important person to me, Leo,” Amber replied. “It’s easy to tell when something’s wrong with you.”
“H-Huh? I-I’m an important person…to you?” Leo stuttered as his cheeks flushed red.
“Why yes! Not only are you my friend, but the things we’ve experienced in the past have aligned with each other!” Amber explained. “This might be morbid, but I feel like God has destined us to meet together…because of our hatred for that demon and what he has done to us.”
“Oh…yeah, right,” With a disappointed expression, Kreuger muttered. Of course, she means friends. What the hell were you thinking, Leo? You’re a trained assassin too… Kreuger thought. Amber just experienced that bugger Aiden confessing to her before being killed…she doesn’t need any more burdens…right now.
“Sigh, you saw the news right? It seems that President Ada needs no help from us,” Kreuger remarked. “I realize…there’s no point in my strength anymore. My revenge has been completed through you, and the big threats will be dealt with…I’m pretty much useless now.”
A few seconds of silence resonated in the atmosphere as Amber held her head down in sorrow in response to Kreuger’s admission.
“...I understand how you feel. The main reason why I joined this program…was to kill that demon, and avenge my parents,” Amber responded. “I know you feel the same way…since you told me you’ve gotten so powerful because you wanted to avenge your clan. Sigh, I wanted to tell you this, but now is a good time to. Don’t you dare call yourself useless, Leo!”
“H-Huh?” Kreuger uttered as he was shocked by Amber’s sudden yelling.
“There’s so much more to life than our blind desire for revenge…I’ve realized that recently. There’s no human without purpose or value…no matter who they are!” The angry Amber continued. “I’ve come to realize saving people from whatever predicament they’re in is my purpose…I love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, and that goes double for you guys, who are dear to me. What better way to continue getting stronger so I can keep seeing everyone smiling?”
“Uhm…”
“You may not have one yet, but I know you’ll find passion in something too. Life isn’t just about constantly evolving yourself…it’s also about seeking out what you love. If you combine those two things, you’ll overflow with joy and growth,” Amber said before stretching her hand out to Kreuger. “Those heinous criminals which took the lives…of innocent soldiers…may be dealt with, but other threats will appear. Don’t say you're useless. Why don’t you come and spar with your friends for now?”
“...Sigh, that was pretty deep, huh,” Kreuger stated. “Be careful, or you’ll fry your brain.”
“Hey! I’m not that dumb!”
“Pfft, whatever. I feel a bit better now,” Kreuger said as he placed his hand in Amber’s. “I guess I’ll spar with you and the buggers. But next time…don’t pull a Ryzen and pop up out of nowhere.”
“Hmm, speaking of Ryzen, I wonder what he’s doing now?” Amber questioned. “He always pops out of nowhere and leaves whenever.”
* * *
It seems standing by the edge of a cliff after getting past a ‘mission’ was a ritual for the developer, as he observed the natural scenery or greenery and skies from a bird’s eye view.
“Sigh, everything was going well…up until Themis blessed that damn woman. Though I set up Nathan and the others for their suffering, I feel like Themis is the start of all this misfortune…she always was an annoying one,” The developer contemplated. “Nah, I couldn’t call myself a developer if I didn’t experience these ‘game issues.’ I think I did well with encouraging my game characters, so hopefully I see some improvement in the future.”
“Wow, you’re back here again, huh?” Popping out of nowhere, Ryzen suddenly said. “The desperation is dripping off you.”
“Oh, Cain.”