After getting up, the two humans continued to train for the rest of the day.

Michael wanted to see how much Evelyn has improved. While Evelyn’s growth was a slow process, it was still incredibly quick compared to Earth's standards. And unlike Earth standards, Evelyn and Michael’s growth didn’t stagnant, a common occurrence for normal people that pushed their bodies to grow.

Since Michael was an evolved human, he had a mental benchmark for how strong he was and how strong the Draco was. No amount of human force could defeat the Draco unless Michael evolved past his current stage and even then, he wasn’t confident. Even if he was in top condition and empowered by a monstrous amount of body-enhancing drugs, Michael wasn’t confident he could defeat the Draco.

When night fell, Michael and Evelyn decided to have dinner inside the cave instead of under the stars. While the two enjoyed a hot and delicious dinner, Bob was already tucked in and sleeping. He joined in the training and was sore from continuously throwing heavy objects that Michael and Evelyn had to dodge while fighting each other.

Eventually, the two of them finished their training with Michael still the clear and obvious victor. Even with her best efforts, Evelyn couldn’t defeat the current Michael, who was improving just like her.

Once their training was finished, the two started to butcher the goros. Michael taught Evelyn how to properly butcher a goros carcass without damaging its important organs. With Michael’s steel knife, they could carve meat far easier than before and with fewer errors. Evelyn’s learning potential was the same as Michael’s which allowed her to copy what Michael was doing, albeit with a few errors here and there due to the lack of experience.

After a whole day of careful butchering, Michael and Evelyn were able to extract the organ that held the pure adrenaline. Michael proceeded to quickly hide the still-warm organ in a dry and dark place. He would love to store the organ in a refrigerator or even an icebox but he currently doesn’t have the ability, knowledge, or tools to make either of those.

Since it was evening, the duo was relaxing in the comforts of the cave.

During their relaxation, Evelyn wanted to talk about what would happen next, if they succeeded.

“So… once we kill the Draco, what’s next?”

Michael raises an eyebrow.

“I mean… what happens next? We kill the monstrous beast then what happens next?”

+I don’t understand what you mean.+

“Like… what do we do next? What goal or purpose do we have after the Draco?”

Michael leans on his chair, a bit confused by that specific question.

+I-+

Michael stopped for a bit. He wasn’t sure what to answer.

“Yeah?”

Ever since he was transported to Teremarae, Michael had only one thought in his mind. It was to survive. Every once in a while when he felt safe, he would find ways to make his life a little bit easier but in the end, his goal was to make sure he would live till the next day.

So far, he has succeeded.

But now that he was presented with the question itself, Michael was stumped. His goal was to survive and slaying the unbelievably powerful Draco was a part of it. In fact, if Michael manages to successfully kill the Draco, his goal of surviving would become easier. And if Michael could prevent other superspecies from appearing, he would never have to fear for his life. He was that confident in his current knowledge and strength.

Killing the Draco, something Michael would have never imagined possible if not for Evelyn would render the goal of surviving moot. Their lives would be so much easier if the Draco is dead.

Once their alpha was dead, the super reptiles would disperse due to their territorial nature. If they start to evolve, Michael and Evelyn will just have to hunt them down before another Draco appears.

Without any clear goal in mind, Michael replies to Evelyn’s question.

+I don’t know.+

“Hah?”

Seeing Evelyn’s surprised face, Michael shrugs.

+I don’t know what to do after we kill the Draco.+

“I see…”

+Yeah, it’s a bit depressing but I’ve only been focused on surviving.+

“Wait, then what about the bath?”

+Hygiene. An integral part of survival.+

“Salts?”

+Drying food. Also important for long-term survival.+

“Umm… the beds!”

+To prevent body sores. For, survival.+

“The elevator??”

+Shortens time. For survi-+

“FOR SURVIVAL! I KNOW!”

Evelyn sighs. Looking up, she sees Michael’s slightly despondent face.

“So everything you’ve made was for the purpose of survival?”

Michael nods.

+I prioritized survival and everything else was secondary.+

“Oh, goddess… you’ve had a miserable time!”

Michael gives Evelyn an expression that says “you just figured it out now?”.

+I already told you this.+

“You didn’t!”

+I did. I already told you in the cave that my time here was nothing short of hellish. And not all of the times were miserable. I did meet Bob after all.+

Remembering their previous conversation, Evelyn nods.

“Oh, you’re right but wow that sucks… Work all day and no play.”

Michael shrugs.

+I’ve played before, although not a lot.+

“Like what? What did you play in this goddess-forsaken world? Hmmm?”

Evelyn teased Michael which causes him to roll his eyes.

+Let’s just say I don’t have the opportunity to play a lot.”

“Yeah, you’re right on that part… how about this… Let’s both set a new goal for you!”

Michael raises his eyebrows.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

+Go on.+

“Let’s do this. Once we kill the Draco, let’s turn this place into a paradise.”

Michael nods, amused by Evelyn.

+Okay, and?+

“Think about it, the two of us are going to be here for long while. If that’s the case, why not make this place fun so that in our time here, we won’t kill each other, go crazy, or both.”

Michael smiles.

+Go crazy? Do you think we’ll go crazy?+

Evelyn chuckles.

“Us? Nah but you know, this place is horrible and so far, our only company is each other and Bob.”

+That is true. We are the only humans here.+

Evelyn seems to become a bit flustered but she continues.

“And truth to be told, we’re lucky that we don’t dislike each other… Which actually makes me think… Are we compatible?”

Michael thinks for a bit. He didn’t know where Evelyn was going with this but he decides to humor her.

+Why do you ask?+

“Well, haven’t you noticed? So far, we’ve been together for a few months and nothing bad has cropped up. We don’t have pet peeves that annoy each other. We communicate well enough and our banter is spot on. And despite you hitting me, you don’t go too far and you push me to do my best.”

Michael thinks back and he nods. He didn’t agree with everything but he did agree that they weren’t against each other. He also wanted her to be strong so she can survive. It didn’t necessarily mean he wanted her to be the best but he also has no reason to deprive her of being her best.

Maybe, I am pushing her to be her best?

+Yeah, you’re right. Is that a bad thing?+

Evelyn’s eyes widen at that.

“NO! It’s a great thing! That means that the two of us are not only compatible, but we’d also be good partners!”

Quickly, Evelyn realizes what she said and she covers her mouth.

Michael was shocked and he stared at the beautiful woman in front of him.

For a moment, Michael’s muteness applied to his ability to sign.

Despite being an extremely evolved organ, Michael’s mind ground to a halt while Evelyn’s brain started moving faster as she panicked. She tried to cover up her mistake.

“I- I didn’t mean like a partner partner but you know! As companions! As friends!!! Like best friends! Amigos! Duos!”

While Evelyn continued to panic, Michael was still silent and shell-shocked. Their time together has shown that Evelyn was a reliable individual, a trait that Michael looked for in potential partners. While he has never considered Evelyn to be a potential partner, it’s mostly out of respect due to their current situation. After all, would it be a real relationship if both parties had no other options?

“Hey, Michael! Speak! Sign! Move your hands or something!”

Seeing Michael still mindlessly staring at her, Evelyn leans forward and then grabs Michael’s shoulder.

“Michaelllllllll, Teremarae TO Michael!”

Evelyn shakes Michael and eventually, the only man on the planet returns to his senses.

He grabs Evelyn’s hands and slowly pulls them away from his shoulder.

“Ah, finally. Good… you’re back… Now, I can clarify it for you. I meant as a partner, best friend, close confidant, etc!”

Michael looks at Evelyn.

+Did you really just say etc?+

Evelyn chuckles.

“Yeah, what of it?!”

Michael smiles and for a moment, he studies the face of the only woman on the planet. He had to be honest with himself. If they got together, it wasn’t because they were compatible, it was because there were no other choices.

It felt forced and that was unfair to the two of them.

But when Michael looks at Evelyn’s flustered face, he saw that she didn’t care. Maybe if they met on Earth, they would have become like this as well, minus the survival part. Michael couldn’t know the answer to that but he knew a certain thing.

Earth or Teremarae, Michael liked Evelyn.

Resolving himself, Michael makes his decision.

With slow assured movements, he signs to her while moving his mouth to emphasize his message.

Evelyn sees this and she watches intently while staring into Michael’s eyes. She senses a resolve that threatens to spill out at any time and she can’t help but smile. She liked this part of Michael. She liked the fact that Michael could face almost any challenge the moment he applies himself, no matter how difficult it was.

+If we survive the Draco, my next goal would be to turn this place into a home for both of us, one where the two of us will be able to sleep, relax, and eat in peace. And eventually, welcome more people.+

Evelyn waited for Michael to continue. When he stops and waits for her reply, she purses her lips. Realizing that she might have been rejected, Evelyn gives him a generic reply.

“Okay… that’s a nice goal. I really like that goal.”

Looking at Evelyn, Michael couldn’t help but admire her more. If he could, he would like to stay like this a bit more.

Evelyn’s beautiful red hair seemed to shine a bit brighter in the torchlight. Her smile was blinding for him and it seemed to wash away whatever feelings of hopelessness he had. Despite having an annoyed look on her face, Michael still liked it. He didn’t care if the Draco survived. As long as he was with her, he would be fine.

Then he continues to sign.

+And.+

Evelyn raises her eyebrow in surprise. She thought that Michael was done.

“And?”

+I think.+

“Yeah?”

+I would like.+

“Like???”

Unknown to Evelyn, she was closer to Michael’s face. Michael felt flustered but he stood his ground and continued.

+Like to.+

“LIKE TO??? COME ON! SPIT IT OUT!”

Michael internally smirks. He was having fun with this.

+I’d like to -+

Before Michael could continue, the two of them hear a sound they would usually like.

~Angry Monkey Noises~

Looking behind them, the duo sees a very sleepy-looking Bob angrily glaring at them.

+Do you know what time it is??!!+

Bob flung his arms in a rage as he signed to Michael and Evelyn.

The little monkey screams at Michael and Evelyn for over 10 minutes, reprimanding them because they’re too noisy.

Eventually, Bob tires himself out and returns to his bed to sleep.

Michael and Evelyn, who were both motivated, were now out of steam.

They look at each other.

+I guess it’s time to sleep?+

Evelyn nods.

“Yeah, it is…”

Standing up first, Evelyn goes to Michael’s doorway.

Turning around, she says goodnight.

“Good night Michael, have a nice rest. We have a big day ahead of us.”

Michael nods.

+Yeah, good night. You too.+

Michael watches Evelyn as she leaves his room and goes towards her own room.

Once alone with Bob, Michael closes the door and goes to his bed.

Bob was asleep and Michael was now alone with his thoughts.

This is fine.

Michael slowly closed his eyes and he slowly drifted to sleep. He had a productive day. He spent the entire day improving their chances against the Draco. After that, Evelyn trained with him. Then they ate dinner in his room. Their talk was nice too.

For now, he was satisfied with that. Slowly, Michael drifted off to sleep but his eyes suddenly opens.

NO! THIS IS NOT FINE!

Michael quickly stands up. He quickly goes to his closed door and opens it to find Evelyn standing in front of it with her hand raised up to knock.

She gasps in surprise when she sees Michael but they both immediately act. Michael leaned forward and their lips touch in a passionate kiss.

Evelyn feels Michael’s rugged hands tenderly caress her cheeks and hair as he intertwines his tongue with hers.

Michael focuses on Evelyn, trying to figure out how she felt about this. Her light gasps and moans in his mouth told him that he was doing well.

Eventually, they pull away, a bit flushed. They stare into each other’s eyes for what seemed like an eternity. Eventually, Evelyn broke the silence.

“You’re… still awake. I thought you were about to sleep.”

Michael was still but he was able to immediately reply.

+I didn’t want to sleep.+

“Me too. I felt… I didn’t want to sleep.”

+Yeah. I-+

Evelyn cuts Michael off.

“I went here because I wanted to see you.”

Michael nodded, still gazing into her eyes.

+I wanted to see you too.+

Evelyn smiles at that.

“I guess I wanted to see you more since you know, I was in front of your door.”

Michael exhales a bit as he watched the woman he’s been with for the past few months act like she was a completely different person.

Michael smiled.

He was wrong, Evelyn wasn’t different, she’s always been an amazing person.

+Yeah. I guess you did want to see me more.+

Michael slowly walks forward and Evelyn backs away a bit, allowing Michael to go out of his room. He closes the door behind him, leaving Bob alone.

Now that they were extremely close, Evelyn felt the gap between the two of them. Evelyn was not small or short but Michael was very tall. At this close proximity, she could look up at Michael.

He mouths the next words. Evelyn didn’t need to see his hands, she knew what he was trying to say.

+I really wanted to see you.+

Evelyn smiles.

“Yeah. I really wanted to see you too.”

Then Evelyn tiptoes and kisses Michael’s lips again.

Michael reciprocates and the two of them embrace each other.

Their lips stay still for a bit, enjoying each other’s sensations then they start to explore each other’s mouths, refusing to let go.

For a moment, the two were sharing each other’s breath. Eventually, they both pull away.

Michael and Evelyn both felt breathless.

“Oh… wow…. Wow… that felt…”

+Amazing?+

Evelyn quickly nods.

Michael smiles.

He then leans forward to kiss her but he feels Evelyn stop him by putting her fingers on her lips.

Michael looks at Evelyn. She was blushing and her eyes screamed desire but she was desperately controlling herself.

“I… I want more! But…I feel that if we continue… I won’t be able to stop myself?”

Michael tilts his head which Evelyn found really cute.

+Is that a bad thing?+

Now, Evelyn really really wanted him.

“No! But… let’s… take it slow… is that okay???”

Michael smiles.

+That’s okay.+

“Thank you… I wanted to savor… this feeling… I… I like you, Michael.”

Michael seems to smile but he holds himself back a bit.

He wanted to say his piece.

Even now, in such a momentous moment, Michael couldn’t speak but he could at least tell her.

+Evelyn, I like you… I like you a lot.+

Evelyn smiles and immediately pounces on Michael’s lips with her own.

Once again, they intertwine with each other like ravenous wolves but eventually, Evelyn pulls away breathless with slightly glazed eyes. Michael’s breathing was a bit ragged and his body was slightly agitated. They could feel the effects on their body. They could also see it in each other.

They share an awkward moment. After a second of silence, Evelyn speaks first.

“Umm… I’ll see… you tomorrow… okay??”

He wanted to pull her into his room. He wanted to hold her but he knew that it wasn’t the time.

Michael smiles then he nods. He wanted more just like her but he also knew the value of delayed gratification.

+Tomorrow. I’ll see you tomorrow.+

“Yeah, tomorrow!”

Evelyn walks backward while looking at Michael. She was slowly getting closer to her room.

+Yes, tomorrow!+

“Tomorrow!”

They continue this until Evelyn bumps into her room’s door.

She doesn’t turn around as she fumbles for the handle. When she opens the door, she keeps her eyes trained on Michael. Michael never looks away as he continues to watch Evelyn fumble her way into her room.

Once she’s halfway in, still staring at Michael, Evelyn speaks

“Good night Michael. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Michael gives her a wide smile, one unbefitting his usual stature, and appearance.

+Good night Evelyn. I’ll see you tomorrow.+

Evelyn sees Michael not moving and she eventually goes in first.

Once alone, Michael goes into his room. He takes a seat on the floor and covers his face.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.