Chapter 9: Partners

Aeden had never really been good at the whole comforting thing. Especially within recent years with a lack of any real deep connections. He also didn’t really know how to react to a stranger basically telling them their life story. But he needed all the help he could get right now, so mustered as much courage as he could and tried to pat her shoulder, but he still hesitated. Being fed up with is own spinelessness he eventually pushed through his own doubt and clasped her shoulder. “People always claim they would do anything for their family. However, I don’t think people understand what it means to put their life on hold for your family. How much they would have to sacrifice themselves for the sake of everyone else. I believe most people would cave under pressure or only help half-heartedly. People are selfish by nature even when it comes to blood.”

“Wow you are probably the worst person at trying to cheer someone up. You couldn’t have said, Oh I don’t know… Your family was lucky to have you. Or you could’ve even earned yourself some points with me if you said, don’t worry I’ll find us a way home. Then you hit me with a big reassuring smile,” she said struggling to laugh, wiping away some tears that had started to fall.

“Unfortunately for you got stuck with the least heroic person you’ll ever meet. Plus, I would never say something so cliché.” He said with a smile. “I don’t have anyone relying on me so I can lord my cynical nature on everyone else as I please.” Erika just laughed and fought back some more tears. Aeden thought at least it seemed to work because she regained control over herself.

“Wow. My hero.” She said mockingly with a bright smile and red puffy eyes. He could tell she was still hurting, but Aeden wasn’t going to give her that kind of hope of seeing her family again. For all he knew they may not even have been transported at all.

Aeden did take a moment to process the thought of going home. He didn’t know what this world had in store for them, but he felt he could change here rather than go back. Even if they could go back to earth they were doomed anyway. Earth was plagued with rising amounts of pollution, the water was rising, food was becoming scarcer, and there was an asteroid destined to collide in a couple of years. For him he couldn’t think of a single reason to go back. That was easy for him to say he didn’t have any loved ones to think about. He had been on his own for five years now. And he chose to spend that time alone.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

After waiting a few minutes for Erika to calm down fully he told her the last thing he had found on the status screen. “If you ever want to know how you’ve earned the things you have, try checking the log in the corner of the screen. There should be a glowing exclamation point. Just focus on it like the other aspects.” As she focused, another screen popped up saying...

Log

Reconstructing the body… Action Complete…

For having a deep understanding of dance, you have been awarded the [Dancer] Class…

For the deep understanding of [Dancer] class you have been awarded three random skills that pertain to your class…

Defeated goblin gained xp…

Defeated goblin gained xp…

Congratulations you have leveled up, all attribute points have been allotted…

Defeated goblin gained xp…

For defeating multiple opponents without taking any damage +1 STR, +3 DEX, +1 CON have been awarded…

Erika looked at the screen then to Aeden. She stayed silent for a moment pondering something, but she got over her hesitation and would ask Aeden an important question. “Hey Aeden, are we going to be, okay?” She asked hoping he would say yes. Aeden took a second before responding. “I don’t know there's probably more than just the ruin dwelling monsters we have to worry about. Her expression saddened a bit at his response, but he quickly followed up with... “But I don’t plan on just laying down to die either. That last ambush in the ruins was an eye-opening experience.” He thought back to when he was surrounded by the goblins. How easy it would have been for them to jump him all at the same time if Erika hadn’t come back to save him. As smart as Aeden thought he was it didn’t matter if you were weak and alone. For whatever reason the system deemed Erika to be stronger than him in all aspects even intelligence. Even though he thought he would be able to accomplish more by himself this place held to many unknowns, and it wouldn’t hurt to have someone to watch your back. Plus, if he had a partner, he could explore this system more thoroughly.

“I have the start of a plan on how to get strong enough to survive. If this system allows it that is.” Al smirk spreading from his lips. Erika’s felt some relief that at least he had a plan. Her disposition brightened up when he uttered those words. “Seriously you're weird I don’t know how you're so calm about this whole situation.” She just didn’t realize he had nothing to lose to stay so calm. “So, what's the plan?” she said, waiting expectantly. Maybe she would survive this whole thing.

“How about we partner up? We’ve already survived two deadly encounters together. It will be a simple partnership; you watch my back I watch yours until we find better prospects.” Erika took a moment to process the deal. She didn’t really know how to feel being stuck with Aeden. He was a little awkward and seemed like the loner type, and she noticed he was ogling her earlier, but he had already saved her and helped look for brother. From what she noticed how he bandaged his leg and the fact he was ready to fight the goblins without any hesitation. It wouldn’t hurt to rely on him for now. As far as first impressions went, he didn’t seem that bad. Just a bit of a downer and a bit socially awkward. She could handle that, and he did say until they found better prospects. “Okay you have deal,” she reached out her hand to shake. Aeden stared for a moment before reaching to take hers, and with a shake of their hands Aeden had his first ally in a long time.