"You sure make this interesting Hulaif. You made an alliance with The Resistance." Sarin said to me while smiling.
"At least, that is the thing I can do. I am not going to stay here forever. There is a few much place I need to go." I replied.
"But, how do you think that Kruez will listen to your wish?" Judy asked.
"Hmm. Don't know. It's better than disbanding that group. There might be people who have hope for that group. I want to protect their hope even a little." The both of them looked at me surprised." Right now the three of us are in the Sarin's apartment.
Judy and Sarin exchanged a glance, seemingly caught off guard by my response. "You've always been full of surprises, Hulaif," Sarin remarked, a hint of admiration in her voice.
"I guess I am," I said with a grin, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "But seriously, let's not waste those noodles you cooked, Sarin. They won't taste good if they get soggy."
"So, what is the next plan?" Judy suddenly asked us.
"Since I came here, I did not travel to this town yet. How about we walk around the town? I want to know."
"I am amazed with you. You want to remember this place map." Judy impressed.
"Yeah, like that." I just follow up with what he thinks. "We go tomorrow morning. I am quite tired this night. How about we take a rest after this."
Judy grinned, shaking his head in amazement. "You truly have a unique way of approaching things, Hulaif. But you're right, a good night's rest sounds perfect."
Sarin stretched her arms and yawned. "I have to agree with Judy. After all the action today, some sleep sounds heavenly."
With a unanimous decision, we concluded our discussion for the night. As we settled into our sleeping arrangements, I began to unwind from the day's events, eventually drifting into sleep. However, before I could fully rest, I felt the need to take a refreshing shower. I had neglected it after returning from our recent event.
The apartment boasted two small bathrooms, one connected to Sarin's room and another closer to the kitchen area. Since entering Sarin's room at night was out of the question, I opted for the more convenient bathroom near the kitchen. I gathered a towel and a change of clothes, readying myself for a brief moment of relaxation.
Turning the door's handle, I cautiously entered the bathroom. To my surprise, I found a young woman in the process of undressing. I squinted, trying to make sense of the situation. The girl's face bore a striking resemblance to Judy's, but he was male, wasn't he? Confusion clouded my mind as I struggled to comprehend the sight before me.
"Hey! I understand that you want to use the bathroom, but could you at least knock or check if it's occupied?" The voice was calm, and I immediately recognized it as Judy's.
"Judy? Is that really you?" I blurted out, my own confusion mirrored in my words.
"Yes, it's me! Now, could you please leave and give me some privacy?" Judy's tone remained composed, despite the unexpected intrusion.
Flustered and embarrassed, I quickly retreated from the bathroom, sliding the door closed. My cheeks flushed as I leaned against the wall outside, trying to process the bizarre encounter. It seemed that this day had more surprises in store than I had anticipated.
Feeling rather flustered by the unexpected encounter, I decided to knock on Sarin's room. "Hey, I know it's late, but can I use your bathroom for a moment?" I asked.
Sarin, who appeared to be awake, looked at me inquisitively. "Sure, go ahead. Everything alright?"
"Thank you, Sarin. You're a lifesaver," I responded with gratitude, slightly embarrassed.
She raised an eyebrow. "Did you happen to stumble upon something you shouldn't have?"
I sighed in defeat. "Is it that obvious?"
Sarin chuckled. "Consider it a woman's intuition. Don't worry, I should have mentioned earlier that Judy is a girl."
"Would you mind giving me a break? I'm pretty exhausted."
"Of course, go get some rest. We'll talk more about this in the morning."
I entered the bathroom, took a quick shower to clear my mind, and finally settled into bed for a much-needed sleep. It was time to put the day's surprises behind me and embrace the rest I deserved.
The following day, I awoke to the soft light filtering through the windows. Stretching my limbs and shaking off the remnants of sleep, I felt a renewed sense of determination. Today was a new day, a chance to explore the town and gather information about this place in which I had found myself.
As I stepped out of my room, the aroma of breakfast greeted me. Sarin was busy in the kitchen, deftly maneuvering pots and pans. "Good morning, Hulaif. Did you sleep well?" she asked with a warm smile.
"Morning, Sarin. Yes, I feel much better now," I replied, returning the smile. "You're quite the cook, huh?"
She laughed. "Well, I have to be self-sufficient. Plus, I enjoy it."
"I can tell. It smells delicious."
Judy entered the room, her hair slightly disheveled. "Morning, you two. Something smells amazing."
"Judy, you're up early," Sarin noted.
"Couldn't resist the aroma," she said with a grin.
I turned to Judy and asked, "Judy, you're a girl, right?" She nodded.
"Why didn't I know that?" I asked.
"I thought you already knew," Judy said.
"Tch, so it's a reverse trap, huh?" I blurted out.
"What does that mean?" Judy asked curiously.
"Ah, don't worry about it." I don't want to explain to her.
As we savored our breakfast, the topic of exploring the town emerged organically in our conversation. The events of the previous day had unveiled intriguing surprises and unveiled a fresh layer of mystery to our situation, making it all the more enticing to acquaint ourselves with the town's intricacies. Moreover, we decided it was imperative to don our AR glasses, as they appeared to be an essential accessory for every resident, granting us deeper insights into this intriguing place.
"I think it's a great idea," Sarin chimed in. "This town has a unique charm, and I'm sure there's much to discover here."
Judy nodded in agreement, her curiosity piqued. "I'm up for it. It could also help us gather more information about this place."
I couldn't agree more. "Exploring sounds like a plan. It'll give us a chance to get to know the town and its people better." However, a question lingered in my mind. "But, Judy, aren't you familiar with this place already?"
Judy hesitated for a moment before replying, "Well, I do know some parts of it, but there are always new things to discover, right?"
I cannot argue with what she said. After that, we made our way outside, eager to explore the town. The cool morning air invigorated us as we stepped onto the quaint streets lined with advanced buildings and bustling shops. The town had a peaceful and busy atmosphere.
Our first destination was a local market known for its fresh produce and artisan crafts. We strolled through the vibrant stalls, exchanging smiles and greetings with the friendly vendors. Judy, in particular, seemed to have a rapport with many of them, a testament to her familiarity with the town.
As we meandered through the market, I couldn't help but notice the variety of unique items on display. Handcrafted jewelry, intricately woven textiles, and aromatic spices from distant lands all beckoned us. We couldn't resist picking up a few souvenirs along the way, reminders of our time in this captivating town.
Next, we decided to explore the historical district, known for its well-preserved architecture and cobblestone streets. The buildings here bore the marks of time, each telling a story of the town's rich history. Sarin, with her keen interest in history, shared fascinating anecdotes about the town's past, adding depth to our exploration.
Our journey led us to a quaint park nestled in the heart of the historical district. It was a serene oasis, with well-manicured gardens and a charming gazebo at its center. We took a moment to rest, enjoying the peaceful surroundings. It was in this tranquil setting that Judy finally opened up about her past in this town.
"I spent my childhood here," Judy began, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "This park, in particular, holds many memories for me. I used to come here to read and dream about the adventures that awaited me."
Sarin smiled warmly. "It must be wonderful to revisit these places with friends."
Judy nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions. "It is. And I'm grateful to have all of you here with me."
As the day continued, our exploration of the town took us to various locales—a charming café with delectable pastries, a vibrant cultural center showcasing local art, and a serene riverbank where we watched boats drift lazily along the water. Looking at what happened during our trip this day, makes me think this country has its awesomeness other than its technology.
With each passing hour, our bonds grew stronger, and our understanding of the town deepened. It was a day of adventure, discovery, and shared moments that would forever connect us to this special place.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we found ourselves back at Sarin's cozy apartment. We gathered in the living room, reflecting on our day's journey and the newfound friendships that had blossomed.
"This town has a magic of its own," I remarked, my gaze drifting to the window where the evening stars began to twinkle. "And I'm grateful we could experience it together." Sarin and Judy nodded in agreement, their smiles conveying the shared sentiment.
While we relaxed in the living room, I received an urgent call from Kruez. As I hastily accepted the call, his voice crackled with urgency. "All of you, run!" Without wasting a moment, I relayed Kruez's message to Sarin and Judy, the urgency in his tone sending shivers down our spines.
Without a second thought, we leaped into action, Sarin grabbed a backpack filled with essential supplies while Judy swiftly secured her AR glasses, ensuring they were ready for use. I quickly equipped myself with the Chesscrest, ready to face whatever threat was approaching.
As we rushed to the door, Kruez's voice continued to echo through the call. "They've tracked you. I don't know how, but they're closing in fast." I can hear a few explosions and an army of RoboCops get closer.
The urgency in his voice propelled us forward. We burst out of the apartment, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. The quiet streets had transformed into a potential battlefield, every alleyway and storefront a potential hiding spot for our pursuers.
"Where do we go?" Sarin asked, her eyes darting around nervously.
"Kruez, any suggestions?" I inquired through the call.
A brief moment of silence followed before Kruez's voice returned, filled with grim determination. "Head for the nearest underground tunnel entrance. It's your best chance to lose them." Then he put down the call.
With Kruez's guidance, we navigated through the winding streets, racing towards the underground tunnel entrance. But, before that, Hawk got out of the watch and said something to me. "I feel something wrong about this." We paused a moment before entering the tunnel.
"Sarin, Judy!" I called to them, excitement in my voice as I laid out my plan.
As we ventured deeper into the tunnel, we finally encountered Kruez in person. I couldn't help but voice my doubts, "Kruez, is this really the right way? It seems too easy."
Kruez's laughter echoed through the underground passage, sending shivers down my spine. "Hahaha! You're all quite foolish to have followed my advice. Now, you're trapped, with no way to escape."
"So, you intend to apprehend me?" I questioned him. "Are you suggesting you're a law enforcement officer?"
Kruez regarded me with a hint of condescension. "Your ignorance is astounding. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Kruez Dimitri, and I am the leader of the special crime unit."
"Could you enlighten me as to why I am being labeled a culprit?" I calmly asked, my tone unwavering in the face of escalating tension.
Kruez maintained a stern expression as he listed our perceived transgressions. "You have three charges against you. First, you've produced a drug without a valid license. Second, you've illegally entered this area from the UnderCity. And lastly, you've eliminated the leader of the insurgent group, thereby assuming their leadership."
The weight of his words hung in the air, each accusation carrying serious consequences. We were caught in a web of circumstances that seemed increasingly difficult to escape.
As Kruez signaled his companions to apprehend us, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Our exploration had taken an unexpected turn, and now we were at the mercy of a system we didn't fully understand. The narrow underground tunnel suddenly felt suffocating, closing in around us like a trap.
Sarin and Judy exchanged worried glances, silently communicating their concerns. We were undoubtedly outnumbered and outmatched in this subterranean confrontation. The odds were stacked against us, with Kruez firmly in control. Our fate dangled by a thread, and tension filled the air.
With a calm demeanor, I suddenly burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Are you certain that capturing me will be enough? I possess the potential to pose a significant threat to this world." I invoked Lizark's power, summoning a furious sandstorm that engulfed the underground passage.
Amid the swirling sands and blinding chaos of the sandstorm, Kruez's voice cut through the tempest. "Fire at them! Don't let them escape!"
Bullets flew, guided by the dim light of the tunnel, and we found ourselves taking cover within the domain as the shots ricocheted off the sandy walls. Our refuge protected us from harm, but it was clear that we couldn't stay hidden forever.
Sarin clenched her fists, her determination unshaken. "We need a plan, and fast. Kruez won't give up easily."
My mind raced as I considered our options. The storm raged outside, concealing our movements and granting us a brief respite, but it wouldn't last long. We needed a strategy to outmaneuver Kruez and his special crime unit, or our escape would remain an elusive dream.
"You two, do as I said earlier." Sarin and Judy nodded. Then, I continued to call Kruez "Kruez, you win. I surrender." I said.
The gunfire ceased, and the howling winds of the sandstorm began to drown out all other sounds. The tense silence hung in the air as we waited. "I am surrendering myself, let them go. They are innocent."
Kruez's response was chillingly cold. "I'm sorry, but I can't comply with your request. Both of them are facing other serious charges."
My heart sank as I realized the gravity of the situation. There was no way out for Sarin and Judy. I turned to them, my voice heavy with regret. "I'm sorry, guys."
Just as despair threatened to consume us, a new force entered the scene. The Special Crime Unit, known for their ruthless efficiency, arrived swiftly to apprehend us. The situation had taken an even darker turn, and our fate now rested in the hands of these enigmatic enforcers of the law.
As we got caught, we were swiftly separated, each of us escorted by stern-faced agents to different holding areas. My thoughts raced as I tried to piece together what had led us to this point. The underbelly of this city held secrets far more dangerous than I had ever imagined, and we were now entangled in a web of intrigue and danger.
As I sat alone in my confined space, my thoughts raced. What would become of Sarin, Judy, and me? However, my worries were temporarily set aside by a rather unexpected source of humor.
"Hahaha!!!" I couldn't help but burst into laughter, despite the dire situation.
"Hulaif! What's so funny?" Sarin's voice suddenly rang in my mind through our domain connection.
"Sarin, I thought I told you to lay low," I responded.
She chuckled. "Skid mentioned that it's safe for me to communicate with you here. But seriously, why are you laughing like a villain?"
"Maybe we're more like anti-heroes," I mused.
Sarin replied, "Or perhaps, just heroes facing an unexpected twist."
"How's everything on your end?" I inquired.
"Judy is holding up well. Please don't overexert yourself," Sarin assured me.
"Don't worry about me. Focus on what you need to do," I encouraged her. The uncertainty of our predicament hung over us, but we had come this far, and there was no turning back now.