We spent a few more days in the village, allowing ourselves time to rest and grow closer to everyone. For me I grew closer to Analu. We enjoyed various activities together, swimming in the pond, hunting down monsters we could defeat, and simply having a lot of fun.

We developed a routine of going for early morning runs and exercise. We would race to the pound then have a little mock battle then take a swim. The rest of my friends followed us for just one day but for the rest of the time they were occupied doing whatever they wanted.

During a heart-to-heart conversation with Analu one evening we opened up about our dreams and aspirations. Analu shared that in our previous life, she had wanted to be an accountant. As for me, I had always envisioned becoming a successful entrepreneur, ensuring that my family would be well taken care of and living a comfortable life. However, in this changed world, the idea of traditional success seemed to lose its meaning.

There was no longer a monetary system, and no single group held control. It made me contemplate the possibility of forging a different path, like starting our own small empire by searching for valuable resources like gold, oil, or these new materials, and doing things differently.

I explained all this as Analu listened intently, nodding in agreement as I expressed my thoughts and hopes for the future.

Then, unexpectedly, she asked, "Two questions. What are you going to be now and also, am I like family now to you?"

"Well, maybe a researcher seeing that I don't know much about this new world or maybe an inventor." I replied as I tried to gear up to answer the other question.

Her first question was okay but the second one caught me off guard, and I stumbled a bit in my response. But I assured her that she was indeed family now, a special family. As I gazed into her beautiful eyes, I felt a mix of emotions—nervousness, excitement, and even a hint of enchantment. The golden hue in her eyes seemed to glow brighter, capturing my attention. I couldn't shake the feeling that she had a hold over me, like a spell. Unsure of what to do next, I found myself at a loss.

We drew closer to each other, my heart pounding with anticipation. I could feel the electricity in the air, a mix of excitement and nervousness as we were about to share a moment that had been building up for a few days. Our eyes locked, and I knew that I was finally going to experience the touch of her lips on mine.

"Hey Rome!! Where you at!" The sound of Kero's voice shattered the magic of the moment, and I reluctantly pulled away from Analu, feeling a pang of disappointment wash over me. I longed for just a few more seconds, but duty called, and I had to answer.

Analu tried to hide her disappointment as she looked away, a subtle hint of longing still lingering in her eyes.

"Did I interrupt something?" Kero asked innocently, seemingly unaware of the profound emotions that were at play.

"No, nothing at all," Analu replied with a faint smile, but her eyes betrayed the emotion she tried to conceal. I couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same connection I did.

We joined the rest of the team as Mr. Swayden had requested to see us. The atmosphere was charged with tension and unspoken feelings. As we stood there, the memory of that almost-shared moment lingered like a sweet ache in my heart.

When we gathered with the team and Mr. Swayden, he began to share his findings about the monster we had encountered a few days ago. He had scanned it with his ability, revealing to us three layers of glowing energy which signified its level of strength.

I couldn't help but draw a parallel to the three layers of emotions within me – the unspoken love, the hidden desires, and the longing for something more. It seemed the monster was a reflection of our emotions, powerful and intricate, just like the connection between Analu and me.

As we continued to discuss the monster's strength, my mind kept drifting back to the brief, stolen moment between Analu and me. I couldn't help but wonder what could have been if Kero hadn't interrupted us.

One thing was certain – the bond we shared ran deeper than any monster's power, and I knew that our journey together held so much more than just battles and danger. It was a journey of romance, emotions, and a love waiting to blossom

He informed us about the ranking of monsters, classifying them into three categories: basic, intermediate, and advanced, based on the number of layers observed. This seemed like a more suitable name to describe their strength than what Kero had suggested.

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"His way sounds better than your layer one, layer two foolishness." Jeered John.

The formidable spider we had recently faced fell under the advanced level, while the rats, frogs, and spiked dogs were categorized as basic and intermediate. Despite the rankings, Mr. Swayden cautioned us not to underestimate any of them, as each monster possessed unique fighting skills and powers that could be deadly if we let our guard down.

Curiosity gripped me, and I couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Should we consider the possibility of monsters evolving? The smaller spiders were basic, but the larger one we encountered had advanced abilities. Could they evolve into higher levels if they become stronger?

Mr. Swayden considered the question carefully before responding,

"At this point, we lack sufficient evidence to draw that conclusion. However, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious. We mustn't underestimate the capabilities of this changed world and the monsters within it. While we strive to become stronger by facing them, let's not recklessly embark on a slaughtering rampage. Such a strategy could lead to dangerous situations, especially if we encounter multiple advanced level monsters simultaneously."

Kero, always eager for action, offered his perspective, "I understand the need for caution, but we can't remain idle either. Let's return to our village, where we can protect and strengthen ourselves. While developing trade routes, we can deal with some of the monsters along the way. It will help us grow and protect our village simultaneously."

"Yea, let's exchange resources and information to grow a rebuild a thriving society for both our people." Said Mr. Swayden.

I found wisdom in both their viewpoints, realizing that balance was key. "You're both right," acknowledged Sarah and Celestia. "We mustn't rush headlong into death's embrace. Returning to our village to protect it and seeking strength is vital. Simultaneously, we can clear out monsters as we create the trade route. This way, we can grow stronger without recklessly endangering ourselves." Said Sarah.

"Yea but killing a few monsters on the way wont' be enough. We have to train daily." Said Rome.

"You dont have to tell us that twice." Replied Kero with a look of determination.

Mr. Swayden nodded approvingly, offering his guidance, "Indeed, my young friends. Striking a balance is essential. Remember, the path of wisdom lies in safeguarding yourselves while making progress. Create a secure foundation for your village, and through careful strategic planning, you can confront the monsters without putting yourselves in undue peril. With time, experience, and unity, you'll face the challenges that lie ahead and overcome them."

The night in the village was both bittersweet and promising. As we prepared to depart, laden with the spoils of our hard-fought victory, we gathered two sturdy horses, two carts to carry our belongings, and a supply of those explosive pods that had proved so valuable.

In the morning, we were fortunate to have some delicious goat meat to sustain us on our journey and some to bring to our village. It was a welcome change from the limited monster meat, chicken, and vegetables we usually had back in our community. Gratitude swelled within us for the villagers' generosity, and we knew these provisions would be vital in the days to come.

Amidst heartfelt farewells and expressions of gratitude, something remarkable happened. Analu, with a hint of mischief in her eyes, planted a tender kiss on my cheek. In that fleeting moment, my heart fluttered with joy, and I couldn't help but feel an intense connection with her. As we parted ways, my mind was already longing to see her again. Could this be love that had bloomed within me? The thought filled me with excitement and warmth, and my smile grew wider as we got ready to embark on our journey back home.

"Thank you once more for your invaluable assistance," expressed Mr. Raymond to us all with gratitude.

"Please know that you're always welcome to visit us again in the near future." He continued.

Sarah warmly responded, her embrace conveying her appreciation. "Of course, it was my pleasure uncle." She held onto him for a moment longer before letting go.

"Stay safe, my dear niece," Mr. Raymond affectionately said, embracing Sarah as well. Turning his attention to John, he added with a serious tone, "And you, young man, I entrust her safety to you. Take care of her with all your might."John's confident response came forth, reassuringly, "You can count on me. I'll make sure she's well taken care of."

"Rome, improve daily, I do fear that even stronger monsters now exist. Never get too laid back. Develop your skills, always find a way to win the battle. When they break you, like glass, make sure you cut them with the shattered pieces. This goes for both monsters." Said Mr. Swayden.

"What do you mean by both monsters?" I asked, my curiosity piqued as the weight of Mr. Swayden's words settled upon me.

Mr. Swayden elucidated, his eyes reflecting the gravity of his revelation, "Whenever you hold onto something worth cherishing and safeguarding, that's when the true adversaries reveal themselves. They'll stop at nothing to seize it." His finger gently touched my chest, underscoring his point, sending a shiver down my spine.

Indeed," he continued somberly, "humanity itself can embody the most fearsome monsters of all, lurking within the shadows of ambition, greed, and the relentless pursuit of power."

I took his words to my heart, their profound meaning resonating with me like the distant echoes of the forest where we had found the pearl-like core in the monster. Never forgetting them, I carried these words with me as we waved our goodbyes, leaving behind the village that had welcomed and supported us. Mr. Swayden's wisdom had become a cherished part of our journey, a reminder of the extraordinary potential and darkness that both the universe and humanity held within.