Unlike the first Headquarter that I have established within the Subway Station, I make sure to decrease the magical lighting to zero, allowing only natural lights coming in from the windows and doors to light up the interior.
While I do not want anyone to be asking me about where the lightings are coming from, it is also done to prevent monsters wandering outsides from noticing the lights and then deciding to have a look. Of course, no one can enter my Establishments without my say so. Not without using some sort of spatial magic, anyway.
Unfortunately, that security feature cannot be used right now because doing so means neither Natalie or Eric can enter and exit the room freely, as they are not my employees.
I have not bothered to contract them, as that will reveal some of my abilities. They have no clue what is really going on, and I prefer for them to figure out themselves.
"Stay here. Do not leave for whatever reason," I advise Natalie and Eric. "If you feel the needs to relive yourself, figure out something or use the bathroom. As for foods and other necessities, there are a lot of stuff in the cupboards and fridge. Help yourself since the original owner cannot anymore."
There are some questions from Natalie and Eric, but mostly on the subject of whether I would return later on. I confirm that I will before heading out.
"I mean it. Do not leave the safety of the room. If you do, I cannot guarantee your safety," I warn them both one more time before leaving. If they remain in the Headquarter, I can monitor them and render them aids if needed be. If they are outside of it, then I cannot really help them.
Speaking of which, I check up on Alex and the others. Thomas is awake, and Jessica is filling him in on what has happened. He is surprised by the game-like interface that Jessica has gained access to. That will keep him busy for a while.
I wonder why Alex has not gained acknowledgment from the System yet despite constantly using the Restoration spell via the Blood Runic Stigma. Maybe there is some other requirements for that. What requirements will reveal itself in due time, so I am not too worry.
Since I am now alone once more, it is time to head down to the ground. Traveling on rooftop is really slow and exhausting. It also narrows down all the possible paths towards my destination, and I do not like that very much.
I run into a few more groups of people on my way home to my mother, and I try not to get too involved with any of them. It is really a pain, really, as they are all akin to distractions. Of course, I render them aids and supports when they are about to get themselves in deep shit. Or when they are already deep in shit.
Again, my efforts are not acknowledged and awarded by the System, and that alone is starting to really bother me. Like really bother me! Damn it. It is just unfair.
"Don't go that way, brother," Dwayne warns me as he points at all the overgrown vines on the nearby walls. "These things are growing everywhere, and if they manage to bind you, you're as good as dead, I tell you."
Dwayne and his group of survivors left afterwards, and despite their advice, I continue onwards to get home and see what has become of it.