As the emotions settled from their harrowing escape, Derek awoke to the familiar rumble of the truck pulling into the safe haven of their driveway, thankfully free from monsters. The convoy behind them parked as well. Carson had expertly maneuvered the truck and trailer into the cramped driveway, a skillful feat given the exhaustion that clung to them all like a thick fog. Close on their heels, the store’s flatbed trucks rumbled in, their arrival marking the end of another perilous journey in the quiet of the impending dusk.

With Marie’s help, Derek walked into the house’s makeshift ‘armory’ and stripped the gear from his body. The day’s loot started being placed in organized piles, spilling from his storage bracelet.

“Come on, let’s get you a bath.” Marie suggested.

“Let me finish emptying my storage bracelet first. Will you go get it started? I’ll be there in a few.”

“Alright, fine. Don’t make me come get you, if you take too long.”

Derek emptied all the supplies he collected, filling up the two large sheds on the property. his upgraded storage bracelet went a long way with space for storing everything. Too bad it came with the death of a human. The loss of life was regrettable, but it wasn’t like he was attached to those people. The storage space in his bracelet was ten times larger than what it had originally been.

The warmth of the bath seeped deep into Derek’s muscles, loosening the knots of tension as he relaxed into it. His exhausted body allowing the bath salts to soak in, easing the freshly healed wounds. He allowed his mind to relax while the house became chaotic as everyone came in from outside. The kids started arriving, their chatter loud. Dishes started banging around in the kitchen as someone decided to start dinner. This was going to be the new norm in the household. With four families in the house, it would no longer would it be quiet.

After a quick shower to actually clean himself, he dressed and stepped out of the master suite, curiosity guiding him towards the unfamiliar voices mingling with the familiar ones, signaling new faces among their ranks. Apparently, someone appropriated another dining table from somewhere and now there was room for everyone at the table.

Linda was an average-looking woman whose three kids had taken a toll on her body and John, who worked in construction, was in the advanced stages of having a beer belly. Their three kids, Olivia the oldest girl age 13, Michael the boy was 11, and their youngest daughter, Victoria, was 6. The other new couple with a baby on the way were Michele and Adam. Michele was a realtor, and Adam had an online consulting business. They were both into fitness and looked like they lived in the gym.

According to Derek, the only one with any practical skills was John. The rest of them were lacking in the ‘skills needed for the apocalypse’ department. They were survivors, and the toll the last several days had taken on them was apparent. All seven of them were tired and hungry.

They talked about sleeping arrangements while Derek was checked out of the conversation. He stared out the window, looking at his building project, while the conversation flowed around him.

As the chatter about sleeping arrangements swirled around him, Derek’s gaze drifted to the window, his unfinished projects outside catching his eye. The voices faded to a distant murmur, his thoughts turning inward, reflecting on the day’s toll and the tasks ahead.

Congratulations:

Over the course of sixteen battles: you have killed 31 goblins, 5 goblin warriors, 38 orcs, 3 orc warriors, 29 trolls, and 1 level six human and assisted in killing 43 goblins, 2 goblin warriors, 28 orcs, and 27 Trolls.

With the death of members of the Collective, their slayer obtains experience based on their strength and credits in their possession. You have ownership rights of all possessions of killed individuals; you are required to collect them on your own.

Rewards:

6,121 experience

5,787 credits

Congratulations:

Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

You have received the title: Troll Slayer (rank 1)

For killing: 50 Trolls

Troll Slayer: You are a known enemy of trolls everywhere. Warning: Your reputation precedes you.

+1 stat point

Congratulations:

You have gained 1 levels and reached level 16.

+1 stat point

With a few decisive mental taps, Derek allocated his stat points, the digital figures on his interface ticked up. The changes flowed through his body. His muscles lightly twitched while his mana vibrated through his body.

Derek Irisson

Level:

16

Titles:

Goblin Slayer (rank 4)

Orc Slayer (rank 2)

Troll Slayer (rank 1)

Race:

Echo of the Divine Dragons

Classes:

Elemental Berserker

Physical Ability:

45

Mental Ability:

18

Emotional Capacity:

12

Magical Capacity:

31

Passive Abilities:

Elemental Awareness

Abilities:

Ravager’s Fury

Aura: Bloodlust

Elemental Infusion

Elemental Impact

Experience:

1,755 XP / 5,705 XP

Stat Points

0

Milestone Points

1

Active Quests

Path of Evolution (Divine Dragon)

A burst of laughter from the table snagged his attention, drawing him back into the room’s warmth.

“All it took was a couple of kids and a dragon man.” John said as they ate dinner, pulling Derek’s attention from his interface.

“That’s Dragon Daddy.” Janet corrected.

“What?” John asked, thoroughly confused, causing the original group to laugh except Derek, who shot Janet a sideways look.

“That’s what we call him. Dragon Daddy.”

“Why do….” John started but was cut off.

“Only Janet calls him that.” Jenny said, glaring at her sister. “It’s from one of Marie’s fantasy romance books.”

Marie blushed. “Is not, she made that up!”

After clearing her embarrassment, Marie knocked her glass on the table a few times to end the conversation and make the room fall into silence as they enjoyed the delicious stew.

“I understand that a few of us have a racial evolution scheduled for tonight, and you’ve already allocated your stat points to your respective areas,” Marie began. “Remember, you can remain on the human racial path by informing the cosmic entity of your desire to maintain your humanity. Yet, you can also evolve it to handle the increased attributes.”

“Derek’s race is Dragon Daddy?” Olivia asked with a crooked smile, causing most of the table to laugh.

“No, it is not.” Derek replied, unamused. “I am an Echo of the Divine Dragons.”

“Oh!” She smiled and nodded. “Divine Dragon Daddy. Can we call you ‘Triple D’?”

Derek grumbled and rolled his eyes.

“Ahem,” Marie cleared her throat. “For the young ones, I advise you to consult with an adult before finalizing your decision. They shouldn’t dictate your evolution but can offer guidance and perspectives on aspects you might overlook, like relationships with others. I understand you might not be considering dating or starting families now, but finding a partner can be challenging if, for instance, you resemble a troll. Trust me, no one is eager to date a troll.”

Marie’s gaze swept over the group, her pride evident not just in her words but in the way she effortlessly brought them together, her nurturing presence a comfort. They were taking a big step into the future, and this was almost like a coming-to-age ceremony for them.

“I’m going to be as strong as a minotaur!” Leroy shouted in his excitement.

Oddly, Derek was happy to see that the kid hadn’t lost his childhood in the slaughter. It was a drastic difference from the blood covered warrior from earlier in the day. By the looks on everyone else’s faces, they were happy as well. Derek watched Jenny, whose smile was bright and full of happiness, when she looked at Leroy. Her bright little boy was still there under the blood stains.

Derek’s smile was a careful mask, one that barely concealed the weariness in his eyes. Around him, the laughter continued, untouched by the shadows that lingered at the edges of his thoughts. He was happy for everyone and happy to be alive, but something was hurting his heart. Derek looked at Marie, whose smile was genuine as she talked and joined in on the conversation. The feeling that he didn’t belong surged in him. These people and enjoyed their joy. It wasn’t his. He was distant from it, like he was watching their happiness from the outside.

Derek edged his chair back, the quiet scrape against the floor almost a signal of his intent to retreat. But then, Marie’s hand found his, a silent plea without a glance. Her gentle pressure was enough to hold him in the moment. To be a part of their makeshift family that formed in the midst of chaos.