later Wanderer's arrive on zane tent. this time Zane join the battle after Wanderer persuade Aresia to allow him to join.

Today, he handed Zane a cup of tea, the steam curling up into the air as they settled into their conversation.

Zane, and Aresia. despite most swat officer is appear to be nameless. these two is exception. Zane come from wealthy family on east, they are main donator of Swat creation, plus zane face is distinct on average swat face appearance. a “pretty boy” vibe. or handsome, term fixed on him.

And Aresia is first female commander since old commander demise. term queen was proposed. but swat officer to cringe for that. so they just call her real name instead.

Wanderer explained the current state of affairs in the wasteland. Zane expression shifted from curiosity to intrigue as the details of each faction unfolded before him.

"This world is a powder keg waiting to explode, Caliphate, Series 9, True Horde... and now you're trying to form an alliance with the True Horde? That's quite the gamble, isn't it?" Zane said,

Wanderer took a sip of his tea, a smirk playing on his lips. "I love war... I mean, I love peace."

Zane raised an eyebrow "You love war but you love peace? That's quite the contradiction there, my friend." He took another sip,

"Thanks,"

"For...?" Zane asked. " But seriously, how can you love both war and peace at the same time? That's like saying you love fire and water. They're kind of opposites, you know."

"No, it's not. It's from the same creator," Wanderer countered.

Zane's expression softened slightly,. "Same creator, huh? You mean like... God?" He took another sip of his tea, swirling the liquid within the cup as he contemplated Wanderer's words.

"Yeah... God," Wanderer said, taking a munch from his snack. "You don't read your own scripture, man?"

Zane glanced up,. "Well, no. Not really," he admitted, a hint of a sheepish smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I guess you could say I'm not exactly the model religious soldier, you know."

Wanderer continued, "I wonder what the sacred order is doing right now. They must be somewhere out there, playing vigilante. The world indeed needs some kind of hero in this bleak situation."

Zane nodded in agreement, his gaze drifting off into the distance. a row of slaves are carried creates giant artillery ammunition and there outside the tent "Yeah, it's a mess out there, that's for sure. A hero's always needed to bring some peace in all this chaos." He leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. "You know, I've heard rumors about a mysterious hero who goes by the name 'Wanderer.' They say he's doing his own part to bring back order in this wasteland."

"Please... don't flirt with me. I will be very rough," Wanderer smiled, a teasing glint in his eyes.

Zane's expression froze for a moment, caught off guard by the response. He let out a low chuckle, regaining his composure as he smirked. "Flirt? I wouldn't dream of it," he said with mock seriousness. "I like my partners feisty, but not murderous. You're a bit too rough around the edges for my taste, Wanderer."

"Good... but why do you see me as a hero? I'm just... umm... a killer," Wanderer replied,

Zane raised an eyebrow, a. "Who said anything about you being a hero?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm. "I only said I've heard rumors about a 'Wanderer.' But if the shoe fits..." He took a slow sip of his tea, studying Wanderer's expression intently.

"What? What do you... true... I mean... just what do you mean by that?" Wanderer pressed.

Zane let out a low chuckle, his tone turning more playful. "You really want me to spell it out for you?.. Fine, I'll say it. You're rumored to be some sort of mysterious hero out there, saving the day and whatnot." He leaned back in his chair, a smirk on his face,

"Hmmh... I see..." Wanderer rubbed his chin,

Zane chuckled again, watching Wanderer in thought. "You don't seem too surprised," he observed. "Not even a denial. Interesting..."

"Perhaps I'm sort of a hero for humans, but for those who fight against me, I might just be a cold-hearted merc," Wanderer admitted.

"A hero for some, a mercenary monster for others," Zane mused, his gaze never leaving Wanderer's. "Isn't that just the nature of things, Wanderer? Everyone sees themselves as the hero in their own story, but to someone else, you might just be the villain."

"Yes... what do you feel when someone calls you a hero?" Wanderer asked,

Zane paused for a moment,. "When someone calls me a hero?" he repeated. "Well, it depends on who's doing the calling. If it's one of my men, or someone I've helped, I feel proud. Proud that I could make a difference, you know?"

Wanderer looked at his yellow snack a moment before devouring it. "Make a difference,.. I actually always see myself in a loop of the same bleak moment."

Zane's expression softened "Loop of bleak moment?..What do you mean by that, Wanderer?"

"My men and friends come and go, same as my enemies. They come and go... and each day, I feel it's just getting more... complicated,"

"Life is a cycle,People come and go, and sometimes things get complicated. It's the sad reality of this world we live in."

Wanderer sighed, "I wonder what our ancestors were thinking while they lived in simpler times, killing each other with swords and bows. It must have been... more relaxing."

Zane snorted a laugh, "Simpler time? Relaxing? Trust me, killing people with swords and bows isn't exactly a walk in the park. It's messy, painful, and brutal. There's nothing relaxing about it."

Wanderer smirked. "So you prefer spamming bullets? Is that more... relaxing?"

Zane shrugged, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "I'll admit, there's a certain satisfaction to pulling a trigger and watching your enemies drop. But relaxing? Not exactly. It's just a different kind of brutality, you know?"

“mh. are you just.. like following family tradition within military man? you sound.. lack of passion”

Zane chuckled slightly, “Lack of passion, you say? Or maybe I'm just good at hiding it. But yes, you could say I'm following family tradition. My father served, my grandfather did too. It's just part of who I am, Wanderer."

“my family too is kinda military when great war broke.. but my parent didnt follow the footstep of my grandfather.. that why.. there is like a miss link when come to me.. those dna still within me.. but because i lack of patriotism. i become a merc instead,, sort of. especially after great coalition war. patriotism is..for someone who had nation”

"Lack of patriotism...?.You still put your life in danger to fight for something, don't you?" Zane mused

“yes.. but i dont care if swat and caliphate destroyed.. i probably just say.. ehh.. and move on”

"Not caring if SWAT and the Caliphate gets destroyed, huh?,, well you see too many war..You really are a mercenary at heart, aren't you? No loyalties, no ties. Just follow the money,,, and your shady investment agenda am I right?"

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“no one hate money.. that for sure.. by my loyalty is for myself. and people i care.. i just had soft spot on swat you know..” wanderer then clean his hand after finishing his bag of snack

Zane chuckled softly,."SWAT, huh? And why is that? What made you have this soft spot for them, out of all the factions in the wasteland?"

“i found them kinda cool.. they adaptable.. defeated on war. but emerge to be new one.. a rebirth.. like a phoenix.. but of course they not all heroic all of time.. they do slavery, rely on propaganda and ... incompetent leader .. but i still found the pro is greater than the cons. plus they fight for human”

” I can see why you find them “cool”. But just like any other faction, they have their flaws. it’s all part of the game, I suppose.” Zane nodded in agreement,

“so.. you just simply become commander of swat just because family and its fight for human too?” wanderer ask

Zane chuckled lowly, a wry smile on his face. "You're awfully curious for a mercenary. But yes, I suppose you can say that. Growing up, I saw my father and grandfather lead the SWAT with pride. And I guess I've always known that one day, it would be my turn. The SWAT is my legacy, and I'm continuing the fight for humanity, just like my ancestors before me."

“hmhm.. you fight not because you hate the stinky mutant?”

Zane's expression hardened slightly, "The mutants... no, I don't fight them out of hatred of them. They're not necessarily evil, as you know. But they're still dangerous. And they threaten everything we've built here in the wasteland."

He paused for a moment, taking another sip of tea.

"But fighting them isn't the only reason I lead the SWAT. We do much more than that. We protect our people, rebuild what's left, and try to bring back order to this chaos."

wanderer chuckles “good propaganda line.. how many times you repeat that normie line man? hehe”

"Propaganda? Maybe. But it's also the truth," zane replied with chuckle. "We don't just exist to hate mutants, or any other faction. We're here to protect our people, to bring back some sense of normalcy to this chaotic world. You might not believe it, Wanderer, but there's still a shred of humanity left in me, no matter how deep it's buried."

Zane leaned back, . "Let me ask you something,Do you have any loyalty or purpose? Or are you just a wandering sword, fighting for the highest bidder?"

Wanderer shrugged.” hmhm.. perhaps. i will rule everyone in wasteland.. i know if anyone in here is just avoid religious obligation in caliphate.. find.. some sort of freedom.. and... embrace chaos or sinful behavior without someone tell them what to do.. so i will regulated those.. fools”

Zane's lips curled into an amused smirk. "Rule the wasteland? And be the moral police? Ambitious." He chuckled, sipping his tea. "How'd you manage that? Sword and sharp tongue?"

"Both," Wanderer replied. "Like a prophet, but without the miracles and scriptures. I'll use an iron fist and a gentle nudge in the right direction."

"Ah, so you'll be the wasteland's judge, jury, and executioner. A prophet with an iron fist... that's an interesting combination."

zane set his teacup down on the table, a gleam of amusement in his eyes.

"And how do you plan to do that, Wanderer? Do you have some sort of divine guidance that'll lead you to this glorious destiny?"

“we all had guidance.. that is our heart.. don you think?” Wanderer said.

Zane's smirk faded. "Guidance from the heart… Hmmm." He sighed. "It's an interesting perspective, Wanderer. But I've found that the heart can be just as flawed as our minds. It can be clouded by desires, fears, and prejudices. So I don't think it's the most reliable 'guidance' system, do you?"

“yes it is.. just hoping this new tyrant will be change his heart to be a pure one before he get the throne man..”

"Tyrant… pure heart…" Zane repeated, his smirk returning. “Change his heart to be a pure one, huh? Do you really believe that's possible? Do you truly think someone can change their heart and become pure after obtaining power and control?"

“yes..”

"You're an optimist. Believing in change, a 'pure heart' in this world? Power corrupts, Wanderer. People become the worst versions of themselves. What makes this tyrant different?"

“because.. im the one who already get everything in the world.. desire is over for me.. i got everything i want just simply become a merc..” wanderer look at corner of tent. seeing old photos of swat leaders which already passed away. they all fail to defeat mutants in north. for wanderer. victory is was a distant dream. no longer his desire.

Zane's smirk widened, "Fulfilled all your desires? And you're still wandering? How'd you find enlightenment, oh wise one? Through mercenary work?"

“i will find peace after i dead.. i find enlightenment after.. this suffering.. hmhm.. i feel if pain is the one who broken my heart.. i realize when i stop rely on materialistic desire. i feel more free than ever”

Zane listened, his smirk turning thoughtful. "Enlightenment through pain? Interesting. Giving up things to feel free? Intriguing. What about love, friendship, human connection? Do they matter in this freedom of yours?"

“its good to had friends. even it is necessary for many scenario we will passed through.. but again.. after experienced many lost in my journey.. i feel.. less sad while loss a connection. its not like i going to numb. i just feel if.. the memories will be more impactful after their lost”

Zane nodded. "Loss hardened you. Less sentimental. But you still value connection, even if it's not the same." He paused. " So you've essentially become detached in a way. Not numb, but less affected by loss."

“yes that good way to put it” wanderer then open a tablet. and then observe the progress of artillery placing, aim to series 9.

Zane took another sip of tea, and broke the silence "Hm... I suppose your detachment can be seen as a strength in this cruel land. Less attachments mean less vulnerabilities that can be exploited by others."

He leaned back in his chair, "But do you ever find it lonely, being detached like that?"

“well.. no..” Wanderer said. while put down the tablet

Zane chuckled."No, huh? So you're completely content being detached and alone?"

He leaned forward,

"Not even a hint of loneliness, of wanting a connection, a meaningful human relationship?"

“i had wife. and had a baby girl..” Wanderer said” hmh. i feel content with it .. perhaps.. just perhaps. when my daughter grow up.. i finally had.. those feeling you wanna point out

Zane softened. "Ah, for now at least. But you suspect that, once your daughter grows up, you might start feeling that loneliness again. Is that what you're saying?"

“yes,, because i might attached with my daughter.. like most every parent ever.. but for now.. she just a baby.. and so what?”

Zane chuckled. "Parental attachment. Natural. You see her as a baby, not a source of connection or loneliness yet." He sipped his tea. " It's understandable, I suppose. You're in a different phase of life, and it's okay to have different priorities and emotions at different times."

“yes indeed.. how about you?” wanderer ask

Zane paused."Me? Well, I've had my fair share of connections, both romantic and otherwise. I guess you could say I value those connections, but I also know how easy it is to lose them in this world."

He took a deep breath,

"And like you, I've experienced loss more times than I care to recount. It's a cruel reality of life out here."

"Good," Wanderer said.

Zane raised an eyebrow,"Is that it? Just 'good'? No follow-up question or comment?" a smirk playing on his lips."I shared a bit about myself, and all I get is 'good'? You're a tough one to please, Wanderer."

Wanderer chuckled.”ehehe.. i only please when i got a heaven!.. for now. i just.. the stoic dude”

Zane's smirk widened."Ah, so you're only interested in pleasure in heaven, huh? And in the meantime, you're just the stoic dude.I see. So nothing in this mortal world can quite measure up to those heavenly pleasures, eh?"

“mhm.. harem. good food.. conquest.. and. what else. "wanderer rub his chin" torture chamber.. adventure.... "he then close his eyes" art.. knowledge.. history.. grandeur tales.. " and open his eyes again and sigh" solitude.. and praying.. those all seems.. nothing compared with heaven.. but indeed.. i don't denied those pleasure.. its just feel life more good with it than nothing.. but still. even without it. human still can life and find other sense of pleasure”

Zane smirking."Hm.. quite an interesting list you've got there And solitude, prayer, knowledge, art... truly a man of diverse interests, aren't you? Can't imagine you get bored easily, with all those things to occupy your mind."

“yes,, im more complex with your typical warlord.. perhaps”

"hah, No doubt. You balance worldly desires with spiritual and intellectual pursuits. Not many can do that."

"Good," Wanderer said. "But do you know my true desire?"

Zane raised an eyebrow. "I must admit, you've piqued my curiosity now. So, tell me, Wanderer, what is your true desire?"

"Serving someone worth it," Wanderer said while draw his silver pistol. stare at reflection of his own eyes

"hah, Serve someone worthy? Noble. Most chase power, wealth, pleasure. Serving someone 'worth it' needs trust, loyalty, sacrifice."

“perhaps.. i just tired to take charge all of time.. and tired put weak puppet for my bidding.. those all is child play.. true goal is serving someone.. and i wait him or she.. in this wasteland”

Zane nodded. "Being in charge is exhausting. Stressful. You're waiting for someone 'worth it'? A commitment. Not easy, especially out here."

“yes..hmhm.. nom” wanderer then holster his pistol back

"Just 'yes' and 'hmhm'? You truly are a man of few words, Wanderer."

Aane took another sip of tea,

"But I've got to admit, your dedication to finding someone 'worth it' is admirable. I've met many warlords and generals in my time, but few who are as selective about who they serve as you are."

"Mhm," Wanderer leaning back. "Tell me… anyone good at the officer academy lately? Someone worth my time?"

Zane raised an eyebrow at Wanderer's question, his interest clearly piqued. "Ah, the Officer Academy, hm? You're interested in the cadets there, I see. Well, there are a few promising ones, I must say. Several with great potential, both in terms of intelligence and combat skill. But as for whether any of them are 'good'..."

He paused for a moment, lost in thought. "And as for someone worth your time, hm... that's a different story altogether."

Wanderer let out a heavy sigh. "Mhmm, yes. Perhaps my future is not serving SWAT. I can feel it."

Zane chuckled, "Ah, so you're feeling the burn-out, eh? Been serving SWAT for a while now, and you're starting to feel like it's not your future."

He took another sip of tea, contemplating Wanderer's situation. "Well, it's not uncommon for warriors like us to feel restless at times. But I've got to wonder... is there no one in SWAT you'd consider worthy of your service?"

Wanderer shrugged. "I don't know. Perhaps... that mermaid."

Zane's eyes widened in surprise at Wanderer's mention of the mermaid. "The mermaid, you say? Ah yes, I've heard about Vila. She's causing quite a stir, isn't she?"

He leaned forward, a smirk on his face. "You have your eye on her, then? Think she might be someone worth serving?"

Wanderer nodded. "If she's a bit more open, I might consider it as best choice. But she's probably just as manipulative as anyone else. but.. again. only mad people wanna settled in here, if not warmongers. stinky mutant. and that black cat capitalist"

Zane raised an eyebrow,. "Best choice, you say? So, out of all the people in the wasteland, a potential mermaid is the best choice for you, huh?

Wanderer grinned. "Because she's less aggressive, I guess. It's refreshing seeing someone less xenophobic and genocidal."

“You find the prospect of a non-aggressive and non-xenophobic being appealing in this wasteland.So you find her lack of those traits... alluring, in a way?"

Wanderer grinned wider. "Yes, you too enjoying my story, aren't you? You should pay for listening to my tale and thoughts."

Zane smirk "hah, Oh, you think I should pay for listening to your tale and thoughts, do you? And what makes you think I haven't been enjoying listening to you talk, hm?"

Wanderer winked. "Yes. Massage my leg."

Zane chuckled at Wanderer's demand, his smirk broadening. "Ah, so this is about asserting dominance, is it? You want to establish who's in charge here, hm?"

He paused for a moment, as if considering Wanderer's request. "Very well then, why not? I suppose I should pay you for your words, as you suggested."

He moved closer to Wanderer's chair and placed his hand on his leg, beginning to massage it.

Wanderer wiggled his eyebrows. "Good. It's about asserting dominance too."

Zane continued massaging Wanderer's leg, his smirk growing. "Ah, so this is about asserting dominance, is it? You want to establish who's in charge here, hm?"

He increased the pressure of his massage, his smirk growing wider. "Well, it doesn't take much effort to assert dominance over someone when they are enjoying a leg massage, does it?"

later. shizuka peek on tent. behind him a Nishi with vodka bottle. “umm.. gay things?” Nishi ask.

Shizuka hold a laugh “shh.. no.. wanderer already had wife you know.”

Nishi raise his eyebrows “i see.. “ Nishi then look at his bottle “ i had lot of..something like this. do you wanna drink with me?”

Shizuka blinked several times. “im sorry. do you ask me?”

Nishi look at her eyes “yes”

Shizuka cover her mouth from nishi breath “i wont let a young warrior flirting with me”

Nishi then grin then lean closer “but im not”

then Furqan and Chrome arrive , nishi then look at them and sigh, and just leave shizuka. furqan raise his eyebrows look at shizuka.after a brief pause “what you doing here?.. we ready to move”

Chrome cross his arms with wicked grin “yess.. its time to destroy other than freaks”