Stepping from the garage into the kitchen, Derek felt the day’s tensions fade in its silent comfort. Effortlessly flicking off the beer cap, he approached the stove. The distant laughter from the living room mingled with the aroma of chili and rice, prompting a contemplative sigh as he weighed his options. He let the familiar aroma of the simmering fill him and soften the difficulty of the day.

He felt tired and was ready for the day to be over. He wasn’t sure what he would rather do, socialize and talk, or battle another horde of monsters. At least he didn’t have to consider the monster’s feelings as he tore them apart. He looked down at his hand and squeezed it into a tight fist, feeling the strength contained there. Derek felt the need for sleep. His entire mindset wavered and his resolve faltered. If he had to sacrifice his emotional capacity to protect Marie, their baby, and the growing family, then he would without hesitation.

Armor would be helpful to protect him as he carved a bloody path through the monster, but he didn’t have the first clue how to make it, not to mention he didn’t have any leather to make fasteners. Nor did he even have the time to make armor. Why couldn’t the monsters drop armor like in video games?

He settled into the chair at the kitchen table, the wooden surface cool and smooth under his touch. Before him was a mixing bowl, cradling the remnants of rice and beans. As he absentmindedly ate, his focus shifted to the interface, its screen glowing softly in the dim kitchen light.

System Query

Query: What are credits?

Credits are the currency used by the Collective. They can be used to purchase goods or services throughout the Collective.

Derek tapped his fingers, eager for more specific information.

System Query

Query: Where do I spend my credits?

You can spend credits at shops and merchants that offer goods and services.

He rolled his eyes. Obvious, yet unhelpful. Derek complained to himself.

System Query

Query: Is there an Amazon or Ebay for the Collective?

Yes, however, Earth 91 is off limits for travel or trade for the first cycle after joining the Collective.

System Query

Question: How long is a cycle?

A cycle is every 4.72 of your planet’s years.

System Query

Question: Is there a way to acquire food, clothes, or other supplies through the interface and receive the goods within 24 hours?

Not currently.

You seem to be exploring the Query function to refine your inquiry. Keep in mind, the interface strives to address both the literal and the intended essence of your question. For a comprehensive understanding, refer to page 419, Article 4, subsection R, part 903D in the Interface Guide.

Derek tapped the link, and the interface obediently brought up the Guide. The highlighted section glowed a faint blue, confirming the information in stark digital clarity. A wry smile tugged at his lips - helpful, yet frustratingly limited in its utility. He looked out over the lawn and saw that the bodies were almost finished decomposing.

“Derek, can you help us clear out our offices?” Marie asked when she came up from the bottom floor.

“Yeah, I need to talk to you about… in private.” He stated, glancing back at the noisy stairway.

“Sure.” she said, noticing his gaze.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

Derek trailed Marie into their bedroom, a sanctuary of tranquility compared to the rest of the house. The soft bedspread wrinkled slightly as she sat down.

“Aunty Marie! Did you find Derek?” Candace called from the landing.

“Yeah, we will be right down, sweetie.” Marie called back. “What did you want to talk about?”

“I told Carson that you’re in charge.” Derek stated matter-of-factly. “Seems the best way to keep things running smooth without us clashing.”

Marie looked at him, a mix of surprise and appreciation in her eyes. “And you’re comfortable with that?” she asked.

Derek nodded, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You might be the boss, but I still wear the pants.” He gave a low growl like a wolf and put his hands on Marie’s hips, pulling her against him.

“Stop that. We don’t have time for this,” Marie laughed, lightly swatting his leg. “Come, use those big muscles. Let’s clean out those offices.”

“Yes, madam matriarch, ma’am.” Derek said saluting and marched past her out the door.

“Omg, what am I going to do with you?” Marie laughed.

“You sound like a teenager! Mrs. Señora!”

“Hey! I’m still a Señorita!”

“Lady, you’re married and pregnant. No mas un Señorita. ¡Tu es mi vieja!” Derek laughed, escaping her reach by running down the stairs.

“I’m not old!”

The unpacking went well. While arranging furniture, Derek turned a stairwell closet into a safe room. It would act as a reinforced hiding place for the children if something got into the house. Later, they quickly held a firearm safety session. Under Carson’s careful guidance, everyone, including the children, learned the basic safety rules.

With the household bustling, space became a premium. Phil shared a room with James and Leroy, while Candace and Janet bunked together, occupying all the available rooms. The need for additional beds was evident. The downstairs TV room transformed into a play area, and a sofa found its way to the upstairs sitting area. Office contents were moved to storage, including Derek’s computer files, now integrated into his interface and files shared with Marie. Marie’s desk, moved to their bedroom, served as a catch-all for assorted items.

Dinner time brought lively conversations, replacing the day’s tense events. Derek watched the group from his seat at the table, noticing Marie’s happiness amid their chaotic household.

Jenny smiled at her children. “How do you like your new home, kids? Excited about all this space?”

James smiled widely. “It’s cool! I’ve never seen a house with a forge before. Can I learn how to use it, Dad?”

“Maybe when you’re a bit older, James. It’s not exactly child’s play.”

Jenny smiled. “Actually, I wouldn’t mind learning. Derek, do you think you could teach me and James? Or would it be too dangerous?”

Derek scratched the back of his head. “Well, yeah, it’s dangerous, but I think he’s old enough, as long as someone supervises him. I don’t have a problem with you using it. Maybe you can make me some armor.”

“Derek, can you teach me how to kill monsters? I want to be a hero like Conan!” Leroy asked with excitement.

An awkwardness filled the air for a moment as everyone turned to Derek to see what he would say.

He simply shrugged, “Gotta learn sometime.”

“Leroy, you’re a bit young for that.” Jenny said.

“How old do I have to be?” Leroy snapped at her. “I don’t want to be useless until I’m 90.”

“Leroy.” Carson warned. “We’ll talk about it later.”

“What about you Candace, how do you like it here?” Janet asked, shifting the conversation.

Candace played with her food for a moment. “I just want things to be normal again. But I guess this is our new normal, isn’t it?”

Marie reached over and placed her hand on Candace’s forearm reassuringly. “We’re all adjusting, Candace. But we’re here for each other. That’s what’s important.”

Everyone fell into a brief, contemplative silence.

Derek began, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of gravity. “I plan to start patrolling the neighborhood. It’s time I get a sense of our new world.”

Carson nodded, a determined glint in his eye. “Count me in. I want to see firsthand what we’re up against.” Jenny and Janet exchanged looks, their expressions a mix of resolve and apprehension.

“We’re with you,” Jenny said. “We’ve all got a stake in this now.”

“We also need to go to the hardware store, grocery store, and hell, even gas stations.” Carson said.

“That may actually be higher on our list. Let’s take all three trucks into town in the morning. Can we take that bitch-ass muffler off your truck, so it won’t attract every monster within a half mile?” Derek asked.

“Yeah, I suppose,” Carson said, almost not rising to the bait. “But do you think that Chevy is going to pull your little cargo trailer up the hill?”

“I guess we will know soon enough.” Derek smiled. “Let’s take the whole crew. Even the kids can help. If that is alright with you?” He turned to Marie, who had been listening.

“I don’t know if I want to take the kids.” Marie said.

“We can’t protect them from this world.” Janet pointed out. “They can be trusted to point the guns in the right direction and shoot something.”

“Which is more than most people’s kids can do.” Carson said.

Marie nodded gently, her expression thoughtful as she considered the faces around her. “Tomorrow, after breakfast, we’ll venture into town together,” she said, her voice warm and reassuring. “In the field, Derek will lead, but remember, we’re here to support each other, like a family.” She smiled at the other women. “Let’s sit together after dinner and think about what we all might need. It’s important we care for each other’s needs as well as our own.”

Dinner’s end ushered in a flurry of activity outside. Under the artificial garage lights, Carson, Derek, and Phil moved with purpose around the trucks and trailers, their figures casting long shadows on the driveway. They rapidly put away the supplies, furniture, clothes, and other items that Carson’s family brought. While Janet, Jenny, and Marie worked on their shopping list.

As the night settled in and the house quieted down, Derek, fresh from his shower, sat contemplatively in their bedroom, listening to Marie have her turn in the shower. He scrolled through his interface, methodically allocating his points. His eyes lingered on the final milestone point, pondering its best use.

Once everything was finished and the household was winding down from the stressful day, Derek sat in their bedroom after a shower. He looked over his interface, made sure he spent all of his points and debated where he should use his last milestone point.

After some consideration, he put the point into physical.

Milestone Ability

Ravager has advanced becoming Ravager’s Resolve

For thirty seconds, you become immune to all mental attacks, your physical ability doubles, you are able to shrug off all but the most damaging blow, and all damage received adds to the duration of Ravager’s Resolve while it is active. Can use once every 24 hours.

Currently on cooldown: Available in 16:35:42.

“Woah.” Derek said, staring at his interface. “That is a hell of an ability.”

His mind raced with the implications of this newfound power. It wasn’t just an improvement; it was a game changer, one that could tip the scales in ways he hadn’t yet fathomed.