The two hunters sat there for awhile niether having the energy to talk just yet. The two had fought with thier life on the line and a mistake could've caused them to die, but because of this the two had a different view of eachother even if it was only a slight change.
Zephyr got to eating the infected hunter, its shark like teeth tearing through flesh and bone with a gleam to its eye. Not being able to stand the the noise Jack decided to speak up.
"So... How'd it happen?" He asked, gesturing to Zephyr.
Dell had to think for a second. The entire time since Zephyr entered his life he really hadn't questioned it or thought on it much, like it didn't matter. Looking up Dell would reply.
"I was out hunting slightly further from base. A few fuck ups later I'm dying in some bar, on my way out a large slug looking thing shows up." Pointing at Zack forming a finger gun he continued. "Bang. Shit head shot right into my back. It was aiming for my head but since it missed I'm still here"
"Yikes, you really can't catch a break huh? No rest for the wicked?"
"Tch. Not all of us live in a reinforced library full of armored assholes"
"I certainly can't say I'd rather be you"
"You sure? Having a monster live in you like a parasite is great, ten out of ten"
"Why of course, I'm sure it is" The pair smirked, exchanging sarcastic jokes to take the edge off.
"You got a girl back at base?" Jack asked.
"Pardon?" Dell looked at Jack with a raised eyebrow.
"A boy...?"
"No why the fuck would you have kids here-"
"I'm asking if you've got a romantic partner you robot!" Jack said with a laugh.
"Oh. Of course not, you?"
"Nah, don't wanna-"
"You're too much of an asshole?"
"Does anyone tell you you're really rude?"
"Does anyone tell you that?"
"Yea"
The two sat there, minutes quickly passing. Jack had a mission to do but just didn't want to leave yet. He had too many questions and was too sore. Dell however had no plan on leaving tonight, he wanted night to pass before continuing his journey.
"So you aren't an awakened?" Jack asked.
"Nope. Just get stronger each time Zephyr eats something"
"It has a name. Of course it has a name"
"Better then it being a savage beast and trying to kill me"
"Ok yea with that extreme situation in mind"
"How does awakening work? Like, you're obviously stronger but is that it?"
"Oh you actually have no idea. No there's more to it. Awakening gives you a new potential, yes there's an initial strength increase but I'm not drawing out as much as I could be, with work I'll be much stronger. Ontop of that you unlock an ability, though it takes alot of energy using one"
"An ability?"
Jack smacked the wall behind him, in an instant a black portal appeared and the head of a wolf like beast came snapping out, attempting to bite at the space infront of it. Jack closed it only seconds after but he still gasped for breath.
"... That... Is my ability"
Dell would nod, starting to understand.
"I can store monsters in a space outside of Zelith, along with other objects. Though it's not exactly ideal since it takes alot of energy to use, I have to touch the surface to open the portal and I can't store alot"
"Though that can all be improved apon?" Dell decided to ask.
"Fortunately yes. And with that we both fully know eachother from a hunter perspective"
Jack slowly got up and walked to Dell, who also stood up now that Zephyr had eaten. Jack had offerd a hand to Dell.
"I apologize for before, can we start anew?"
Dell shook the mans hand.
"Sure. You might be an asshole I can stand"
Jack would walk to the crate, the whole reason he was there. Picking it up with a sigh.
Dell would say as Jack walked back.
"Get stronger and leave those assholes behind. Who knows, we might meet again. Though I'm aiming to be strong enough to be able to tell anything in Zelith to go fuck it self. So I may leave you behind"
"No chance bud, I'll see you at the top soon" Jack would say. And with that he would leave, the pair now on thier own journeys once again.