Brian's eyes flickered open. The armory was silent, everyone else was still out cold, scattered around the floor. He eased himself up, doing his best not to wake his friends. Once up, he slipped out of the armory and into the open.

Sophia was there, seated on a metallic box with some strange geometric designs on it. She seemed engrossed in the sky, lost in whatever thoughts the cosmos were inspiring.

"Hello," Brian said quietly, joining her. "Your circadian rhythm's messed up too, huh? This whole always night thing."

Sophia glanced at him, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Yeah, but isn't it beautiful?"

Brian's eyes tracked upward, getting lost in the star-filled sky. The moving stars painted an entrancing picture, like a far-off galaxy. His time in Valteria had been tough, mostly harsh and ugly. But maybe, just maybe, there was some beauty to be found here too. It was a comforting thought, given that his return to Earth seemed more and more unlikely with each passing day. Despite his knack for well-laid plans, he couldn't comprehend how he ended up here, nor did he have any plan to get back. As the uncertainty built, the idea of going home seemed more like a pipe dream.

"So much has happened lately," Sophia said in a soft voice. "I haven't had a chance to just relax and take it all in."

"Tell me about it… Feels like we're in constant danger, always in this kill-or-be-killed state."

It dawned on him that although he hadn't killed anyone directly, he had been complicit in the deaths of many Grivaxians. These beings, while not human, were undoubtedly intelligent and capable of experiencing emotions. He wondered if he should feel sad about it, he had never been particularly empathetic, and he had never truly experienced loss before. The closest he had come to such an experience was attending funerals for friends' loved ones, events he avoided as much as possible. Even then, he didn't bear genuine sadness; instead, he felt the need to put on a facade, which made him feel fake and anxious.

"Do you think we'll survive here, Brian? Not just survive, but really live?"

"We have to," he replied with confidence. "We'll support each other and make sure we're both living, not just surviving."

Brian didn’t really know Sophia back on Earth, despite working in the same building. He had always found her attractive, but his apprehension of initiating conversations had kept him at a distance. He had been in relationships before, but it was always the other person who had chosen him. Perhaps Valteria was an opportunity for them to grow closer. Maybe embracing the challenges, appreciating the hidden beauty, and nurturing relationships might just be the key to surviving—and thriving—in this unfamiliar world.

"Good lum, you guys sure woke up early." Mandrix stretched his arms wide, stifling a yawn.

Brian shrugged. "On Earth, sleeping hours work a bit differently, so it's tough to keep track of when to sleep or wake up here in Valteria."

Mandrix turned to Sophia, raising an eyebrow. "So, Sophia, was it? Did you two know each other back in your world?"

Brian hesitated for a moment, then replied, "A little bit." He covertly shushed Mandrix, hoping to cut the conversation short.

Mandrix caught the hint, his expression playfully serious. "Ah, so stay the fuck away, got it, buddy?"

Sophia giggled at the exchange.

***

Though Valteria lacked a day-night cycle, Brian guessed it was breakfast time. Lana whipped up a stew using vegetables recently delivered from the capital—a welcome break from their usual diet of monster meat. The group gathered around a worn-out table in the dining area, savoring the aroma of the warm, hearty stew that contrasted with the musty air inside the old, abandoned tavern.

Mandrix grinned. “Your valtite energy has increased significantly since I found you in that cave.”

“Now that you mention it, I felt the swirly tingling sensation go up a level after we defeated Zarkon.”

"I've been thinking. That Oculus Core of yours. With some training, you could be the perfect sidekick for me. We should get you to the Decimator Academy asap," said Mandrix.

Brian cocked his head, his spoon midway to his mouth. "Sidekick? Hmm. How is the Academy? And… Is being a Decimator just exploring Valteria looking for cores and fragments?"

Mandrix leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Yeah, basically. Life in Arcasium is restrictive. As a Decimator, you'd get more freedom and sometimes better pay. Sure, it's dangerous work, but you get a flexible work schedule and you usually choose when and where to go.”

Brian's interest was piqued; those were corporate terms he understood. He knew why restrictions might be necessary in a post-apocalyptic world, but the idea wasn't appealing to him. The freedom and potential for higher pay as a Decimator were certainly attractive. And he thought that his increased reaction time from his Oculus Core ability would certainly improve his chances of survival. If he gained a powerful ability like Serdna's or Ilex's, becoming a Decimator would be the obvious choice.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Sophia chimed in, "Brian, what would you like to do? I'm fine with whatever you choose. After all, we should stick together."

Brian paused, a bit confused by Sophia's reaction. Back on Earth, he didn't really know her beyond recognizing her from the office. Her willingness to go along with whatever he decided was both comforting and unexpected. Was this the real Sophia? He had perceived her as an outgoing person, but perhaps she wasn't the leadership type. Then again, in this strange new world, they were both outsiders. Maybe her trust in him was more about a lack of alternatives than genuine faith. Regardless, she was right; sticking together and backing each other up was their best shot at survival.

Serdna put down his fork, a frown creasing his forehead. "Don't rush into this, Brian. Take your time to think it over."

Mandrix scoffed, his face reddening. "There is nothing to think over, he needs to become stronger so he doesn't end up like Xezia."

Serdna's eyes narrowed, and he pushed his chair back, standing up. "You asshole! How dare you talk about Xezia like that? Show some respect!"

Mandrix rolled his eyes, indifferent. "Oh, come on! I said I was sorry, and decimators die. But life goes on, and we have more pressing matters to deal with."

As Serdna and Mandrix continued to argue, Ilex, who had been quietly picking at his food, finally spoke up. “Shinmu, I want to go to Serpent's Pools, can we leave nexlum?” He paused, expecting a response. "Shinmu, are you there?”

Shinmu looked up, his expression blank. "What?"

Ilex's asked again calmly. "Shinmu, where are you? Are we still planning to go to the Valtivenom territory with me?"

Shinmu's face twisted in anger, and he slammed his fist on the table. "Don't you get it? I fucked up, Ilex! I turned myself into an old man and nearly killed us all. I'm not strong enough anymore, especially not for the Valtivenom territory. I'm not gonna be a decimator anymore, I’m retiring and settling down in Arcasium."

“Oh ok,” Ilex responded.

“We understand, but know that you were very valuable at Reptiscale Caverns, thank you for helping me when I wasn’t able to walk,” Brian nodded.

Shinmu looked down and resumed eating.

***

After a few uneventful sols Brian walked over to the group.

"Hey, Brian, what took you so long? You look like you've seen a ghost," Mandrix asked, noticing his discomfort.

"Well, it seems like my body can't handle the food here, and I'm going to die from diarrhea within the day... I mean, 'lum.'" Brian sighed. “Sophia, are you having any issues?”

Sophia couldn't help but giggle. "I'm fine, Brian. Lana gave me some pills when we arrived at Fort Luminar."

Lana frowned at Mandrix. "Didn't you give Brian any Diarigon?"

Mandrix burst out laughing, his body shaking uncontrollably. "Oh, I totally forgot!" he managed to say between laughs.

"What's Diarigon?" Brian asked, while struggling to process the conversation.

"Every aestari takes one Diarigon pill every lum to prevent upset stomachs," Mandrix explained, still chuckling. "Oh fella, this reminds me of the story of 'The Shitmaster.'"

Brian was a bit curious. "The Shitmaster?"

"Yeah," Mandrix said, wiping tears from his eyes. "One of the first aestari settlers on Valteria was known as The Shitmaster because he had the most terrible diarrhea you could ever imagine. I mean, it was like a firehose of liquid doom. His stomach was like a warzone, and his poor backside was the front line."

Mandrix continued, "Anyway, The Shitmaster devoted his life to developing Diarigon so that future generations wouldn't have to suffer the same fate. He spent years perfecting the formula, testing it on himself, and let's just say there were some... explosive failures. And well, it worked. Although the Shitmaster still had to relieve himself everylum at the same time, it slightly alleviate his symptoms. Diarigon works better on some people than others, but for most aestari… it keeps them regular."

The entire group laughed, even Brian, despite his discomfort. Lana gave Brian a pill, and he swallowed it immediately.

"Well," Brian said, trying to regain his composure, "I guess I should be thankful for The Shitmaster and his... sacrifices."

Mandrix nodded solemnly, a wide grin on his face. "Indeed, Brian. The Shitmaster's legacy lives on, one pill a lum."

Shinmu cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the group. "Well, I've had a great time with all of you, but I can't risk my life anymore with my horrible power." He looked around at each of his friends, his gaze lingering on Ilex for a moment.

Serdna nodded in understanding, putting a hand on Shinmu's shoulder. "I get it. I hope we meet again, I am staying away from Mandrix for a while, too." He turned to Brian, his expression serious. "Good luck on whatever decision you make, Brian. And… Be careful around Mandrix."

Brian gave Serdna a small smile. "Thanks. I've decided to give the Decimator Academy a try."

Sophia's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands together. "I'm so happy! I was hoping you'd choose that."

Mandrix and Lana both grinned, excitement radiating from them. Lana pulled out a couple of cards that looked like IDs and handed them to Brian and Sophia. "Here you go. Brian, you're now Ilex's cousin, and Sophia, you're my little sister."

"Oh, ok," said Ilex at the mention of his name.

Sophia perked up. "How did you get these?"

Lana winked. "I have friends in high places. Or rather, friends who can make fake IDs."

Brian inspected the IDs, worry etching on his face. "Will these hold up?"

Lana waved a hand dismissively. "Relax. IDs are mostly for identifying lost people, and the only Aestari in Valteria live in Arcasium. So there is no reason for anyone to suspect that an outsider is trying to enter the city. However, I have to escort you two there since only Decimators are allowed outside Arcasium."

Ilex spoke up. "I'll stay here at Fort Luminar for a few more lums, then head to Serpent's Pools and study the valtivenoms."

Mandrix sighed, looking around at his friends. "Well, our party was short-lived this time, but I want us to kill some monsters together again. So don’t fuck up!"