Bull and his group secured the Sovereign Core and headed straight to Arcasium, the Aestari capital, to provide an after-action report to the directorate.

Meanwhile, the rest of the decimators unanimously agreed to stop at a safe point known as Fort Luminar for some much-needed rest. The idea of rest sounded fantastic to both Brian and Sophia, who were both yearning for a shower and a bed.

Leaving Reptiscale Caverns behind, the group made their way across the lavender-scented purple desert. The battle against the Grivaxians had been a relentless and grueling ordeal that left every member of the group utterly drained. As they trudged in silence through the desolate landscape on their journey to Fort Luminar, the pungent odor of blood and vomit clung to their weary bodies as a grim reminder of the ordeal they had endured.

During their trek, Brian learned that Sophia’s experiences had been largely similar to his. She explained that the creatures had held her captive but never harmed her, only keeping her locked away in a small chamber. Apart from this brief exchange and a few others like it, their journey was mostly silent. Everyone was too exhausted for casual talk.

In an effort to take his mind out of the traumatizing ordeal, Brian decided to take a look at his stats.

Status

Energy Signature: Brian Valtwood

Energy Rank: Trace (lvl 12)

Valtite Reserves: 199

Rank Progress: 19%

Affinity: None (Available)

Specialization: None (Locked)

Profession: None (Locked)

Vitality: 185/210

Vigor: 37/210

Valtite: 110/210

Stats

Constitution: 21

Strength: 21

Endurance: 21

Dexterity: 23

Wisdom: 21

Intelligence: 22

Untrained Potential: 4

At first, Brian was frustrated that his untrained potential seemed to be distributed randomly, but the result wasn't too bad. He found some satisfaction in realizing that the spread had made his stats more balanced than they had been at level 0. This would provide a solid starting point when he finally got to refine his build. Even though his stats weren't exactly equal, having 210 in vitality, vigor, and valtite was just... Perfect.

To make things better, now he could even prevent the random allocation of stats. It seemed to be tied to his new energy rank, which got upgraded to trace when he reached level 10, it provides him better control over the valtite within his body.

Brian also remembered receiving a message about aligning to a valtite affinity and a manifestation. Fire, water, earth, and wind? He asked Mandrix, who listed the different affinities, but the explanation didn’t seem clear – they weren’t elemental-based powers. He thought that maybe Mandrix didn’t fully understand them either.

He also asked Mandrix if he could see stats and levels as he did. Mandrix explained that his training improved different aspects of his body, but he had no awareness of any numerical values. When Brian posed the same questions to Sophia, her response was similar. She'd felt her body get stronger since she'd arrived, but didn't have access to specific numbers or a valtite system. The way she described her experience mirrored Mandrix's description.

There were other questions, but they had to wait. At last, after a little over four hours, the tiny safe spot came into view. Just like a refreshing pit stop in the middle of nowhere, the checkpoint looked like the last place to catch a break. It was built out of what looked like old, leftover stuff from a civilization that no one remembered anymore. The single watchtower, sticking up into the sky, looked like it had been keeping an eye out over this whole dead zone for ages.

Fort Luminar’s depressing atmosphere failed to ease Brian’s burgeoning gloom; instead, it underscored the harsh truth of his unforgiving new world.

Mandrix's sour expression morphed into a grin as they entered the refuge. "Brian, Sophia.” He turned around to face them. “Welcome to Fort Luminar," he said, sweeping his arm out to encompass the area. "Once a beacon of hope for weary decimators, this place has become a shithole, and a poorly maintained sanctuary. It still serves its purpose as a spot to recharge and restock, but government neglect and countless monster attacks have left it a mere shadow of its former glory!" Emphasizing the word ‘glory’.

Brian looked around. "I've got to say, this place really nails that post-apocalyptic vibe," he remarked.

At that moment, Serdna gave them all a brief, vacant look. “I’m gonna lay down,” he mumbled, then shuffled off towards the nearest building.

"Serdna," Brian paused, then continued, "Thank you for everything." Brian realized that they would have died to Zarkon without Serdna. He was the real hero.

In response, Serdna didn't utter a word. Yet, he paused in his stride, if only for a fraction of a moment. It was enough for Brian to know he'd heard and acknowledged his gratitude.

“Serdna, I’m sorry!” Mandrix exclaimed, but the weary man offered no reaction.

“Will he be alright?” Sophia asked.

“Yes. We all go through something like that every once in a while.” Lana stepped ahead. “I’ll get some food ready.”

“I’ll help,” Ilex said.

"Food! Thank you, Lana!" Sophia's eyes widened and she nearly jumped with excitement. "I'm starving."

"Thanks, Lana," Mandrix said, moving forward. As Lana and Ilex headed towards the center of the safe point, he turned his attention to Shinmu. "And what about you?" He rolled his eyes and called out louder, "Shinmu!"

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“Uh, what happened.”

Since inadvertently aging himself, Shinmu had been more distracted than usual. He grumbled something under his breath and ambled off.

“Well, ok.” Mandrix rolled his eyes, but wasn’t able to suppress a chuckle.

Sophia looked utterly confused, but quickly snapped out of it. “Are there showers in Fort Luminar?”

The comment instantly left a nagging thought in Brian’s mind. He took an unconscious whiff of himself and eagerly awaited Mandrix’s response.

“Uh, no sorry,” Mandrix replied. Noticing Brian’s and Sophia’s faces slump, he immediately added, "well, we don't exactly have a five-star budget to work with here. We make do with what we've got."

"I can see that," Brian replied, still taking in the gritty atmosphere. "It's got a certain…” he flickered his wrist as he tried to find the right words, “rustic charm to it, don't you think?"

Mandrix snorted, shaking his head in amusement. "If by 'rustic charm' you mean 'looks like it's been through the wringer,' then sure, I'll give you that."

"Well," Sophia said, smirking, "at least it's got character, right?"

"Character? Yeah, let's go with that," Mandrix agreed, his voice laced with humor.

There didn’t seem to be any new faces within the stronghold. The safe point held three small, worn structures merging Middle Eastern bazaar style with futurist details. Domed roofs, carved wood doors, arched entrances alongside hydraulic metal windows and scattered tech wreckage.

A flickering hologram bathed the windswept courtyard in neon, representing the bastion's spirit of survival and resourcefulness, where people grasped for life amid hardship. Grit and desperation hung thick in the air as Brian passed through the entryway.

As they walked, Mandrix began giving Brian and Sophia a tour of the outpost. He pointed at a building and said, "That one over there to the right is our infirmary." He paused, then corrected himself. "Well, not really an infirmary, because there isn't even a band-aid in there. But hey, it's the only place we’ve got."

Fort Luminar was starting to make Brian doubt his chances of survival. His approach to life had always centered on comfort and ease. He'd strategically chosen his education to align with a well-paying, secure job.

He'd always perceived his health as somewhat sensitive, and any deviations from his routine could send his migraines spiraling out of control. His first experiences here, marred by lack of rest, insufficient food, and overexertion, had been challenging. However, he'd noticed his body growing more resilient - a change he attributed to the valtite strengthening his body and improving his stats.

Meanwhile, Mandrix continued his tour, gesturing to a building on the left. "That's our armory, where government decimators can recharge their equipment." He stopped, reconsidering, and added, "Actually, there's not as much as a butter knife in there, but again, it's the only place we’ve got. We’ll sleep in there."

"Wow, you guys really know how to make the most of limited resources, huh?" Said Brian, yawning.

Mandrix shrugged, grinning. "You'd be surprised what you can accomplish with a little ingenuity and low expectations."

“Yeah, an armory without weapons and an infirmary without band-aids.” Sophia chortled.

He leaned in closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "And between you and me, I wouldn't be surprised if the government is keeping us down on purpose."

They walked to the central building. "Here’s where we eat. The food's just monster meat cooked over fire, but at least it's something.”

The dining hall's mix of styles struck Brian - themed bazaar booths clashed with Old West decor. Lana moved briskly behind the bar counter, alive with energy. Ilex hunched over his meal at a shadowed table, deep in thought.

Mandrix strode up to the bar with Brian and Sophia in tow, grinning widely at the sight of Lana putting dishes away behind the counter.

“You three can grab some food. it's not much though.”

"Lana, you’re so amazing." Mandrix said, clapping Brian on the shoulder. “Let’s eat something, then get some rest.”

Setting the polished glass down, Lana leaned against the bar looking at Sophia. “Hon, let me know if you need anything, okay!”

Settling into the worn benches of the mess hall, the group dug into a quick meal of hearty venom fern Stew. The strange mixture wasn't as inedible as it looked. Although its odd nuclear-yellow hue and certain gag-worthy moments were off-putting, Brian found the dish bearable. Once cooked, the stew's scent surpassed the stale odor clinging to his now useless button-up shirt.

Mandrix looked suddenly alarmed. "Wait, Lana, did you fully cook the venom fern? You know my stomach can't handle it otherwise."

Lana replied with a stern tone, "Yes, Mandrix. The venom ferns are fully cooked."

Once they finished the mysterious venom fern stew, Lana began to crouch under the bar counter, struggling with something lodged in a tight spot.

“Do you need some help?” Brian asked.

With a shake of her head, Lana replied, "Nope, I got it.” She finally emerged with two sets of neatly folded clothes, and promptly retrieved two pairs of boots, placing them next to the stacks. Adding to the collection, she positioned lightweight armor pieces next to everything else. “Hopefully these will fit you. Here, take these,” she directed towards Brian and Sophia. Pointing to her cloak draped around Sophia, she added, "You can keep that. The infirmary is empty if you want to change there.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Sophia gave Lana a warm hug. “Lana, you’re the best.” Carefully, she took her new clothes and walked away to change."

Brian eagerly changed into a simple black shirt and combat-style pants. No longer was he trapped in the uncomfortable grape-tinted business shirt, nor did he have to endure the smell of rotten flesh that had been assaulting his senses.

He marveled at the lightweight, futuristic chest armor and shoulder pads that Lana had provided. Underneath the armor, a layer of soft, comfortable fur padding rested against his skin, providing a cozy barrier between him and the rigid exterior.

Brian gave Mandrix his oversized cloak back and gratefully accepted a thick, orange scarf from Lana to complete his new look. The scarf provided an extra layer of protection against the chilly environment. He had to admit, with his space knight ensemble, he felt like a real-life Avenger. At least now I can play the part, Brian chuckled, completely accepting the reality of his new life. “Much better.”

Mandrix placed his large hand on Brian’s shoulder, the weight was almost uncomfortable. “Brian, after everything we’ve been through since I found you in Reptiscale, I’ve come to respect you. So I’m gonna tell you as a friend, this getup doesn’t suite you, you should go back to your pajamas.

Sophia returned moments later, now dressed in a practical but flattering outfit reminiscent of Lana's own attire. The fresh clothes and sense of belonging seemed to lift her spirits.

Seeing Brian's new appearance, she inevitably burst into laughter. "You look like a video game character, Brian!"

"Heck yeah," Brian responded, raising a hand for a high five which Sophia gladly returned. "Now all we need are some magic powers!" Brian grinned, giving his scarf an exaggerated twirl.

“It's not MAGIC!” Mandrix frowned.

"Thank you again, Lana. I feel like a new woman," she said brightly.

Lana smiled warmly at them both. "I'm glad I could help. Get some rest - I have a feeling there are more trials ahead."

With fresh clothes and full bellies, Brian, Sophia and the rest of the group joined Serdna within the walls of the empty armory, a building that decimators have deemed the safest among the outpost’s three structures. Brian found solace in one of its corners.

Brian felt tired, so tired. The armory's floor, though hard and cold, seemed almost welcoming in this state of fatigue. Valtite could speed up the healing process, but it looked like it wouldn’t eliminate the need for sleep. He confirmed that his fatigue was mirrored in his dwindling vigor points.

He just needed to lie down for a while, even if the surface was unyielding, it promised some form of rest. Brian, along with the others, sprawled out on the floor, giving in to sleep's demands.

There was something odd about it. The armory, a place of cold steel and colder memories, felt almost cozy. The chill was there, of course, but it was cut by the warmth of seven bodies lying close. They were all so spent, so very tired, drawing some strange comfort from being in this together. It was weird how exhaustion and company could make even the most inhospitable places bearable.