The group paused, while Nadia laid back down from where she was resting. Seeing that he got everyone's attention, Nyx waited for the replies he was hoping for.
"So, we'll meet back here at sunset?" Bianca looked up from whatever she was fiddling with. "I'm all for it, but wouldn't that be a little...risky?" She wasn't that convinced. Rather, her tone suggested that it was rather stupid for them to be wandering around.
"That is, if we all split up while we hunt and scavenge." Amon said, "But if we all go out together to hunt for food, who would be left to look after our things? I don't think anyone here would find it pleasant if we came back and the only thing that's left of our stuff was the dirt underneath where we previously had put it ." He added, and pointed out.
"Yeah, the tent folds up and all, but our stuff would be a sitting duck," Nadia agreed, her gaze distant. Only she knew she was checking her system. Although she looked like she wasn't interested with the rest of the team. She certainly agreed with Amon about the things.
'I want to level up...' Nadia could not help but look at her ever rising EXP.
Amon's hesitation was apparent on his face , 'We need to acquire food,' glancing at his weapon with a sense of reluctance evident in his eyes.
Bianca's expression darkened as she kept her thoughts to herself, 'Our belongings could be ransacked,' a pout forming on her lips as the thought crossed her mind.
Nyx's on the other hand remained neutral as ever, 'Hopefully we can survive the night,' a sense of danger ringed inside him that hadn't disappeared even once after the apocalypse arrived.
The group fell into a contemplative silence, the weight of their predicament hanging heavy in the air until Nadia broke the silence, her voice cutting through everyone's thoughts like butter. "Then, should we hunt for food?" she asked, unable to suppress the question that lingered in her mind.
Not scavenge the dust, of what was left of the remnants of whatever convenience store that they could get their hands on. But rather, hunt for food.
In a different scenario, she would have been content to rely on her and Nyx's abilities to exchange cores and procure food. However, with Amon and Bianca present, she realized she couldn't continue to take risks and pull off daring feats like before. The dynamics had shifted, and a new level of caution had to be exercised in their quest for survival.
Nadia's concern deepened as she contemplated the dwindling food supplies, doubting that what they had would even sustain them for a month. God forbid she skimp on meals and end up with less energy to fight. She knows that in order to survive, a full meal for everyone in the group was needed. She needs everyone in tip top shape for a slimmer of survival at least.
"If it was up to me, I'd designate someone to stay behind and guard our belongings. However, none of us is strong enough to fend off potential threats alone," she admitted, acknowledging the harsh reality of their situation. With a heavy look at everyone, she proposed a solution, "We have to split up into two groups." Holding out two fingers to illustrate her point, Nadia settled herself at the entrance of her tent, crossing her legs, letting everyone ponder over her offer.
As Nadia laid out her thoughts, the group tentatively listened, their posture shifting a little bit. Because despite no one pointing out the fact that there was no definite leader in the group. It was apparent that Nadia was becoming one.
"Ideally, Nyx and I should be on the same team as we have spent time fighting together, and that goes to both of you guys." Nadia said, the others nodded their heads and showed that they agreed.
Nadia's decision reverberated through the group as she continued, "But now, I think Amon and I should partner up in hunts. Meanwhile, Nyx and Bianca can stay behind." Her words carried a sense of practicality and logic, it was obvious that Nadia had their combat ability in consideration.
"Why should I stay behind? Wouldn't it be more ideal for us to be partnered up?" His frown betrayed his unease at the prospect of being left alone with someone he was less inclined to work with.
A subtle understanding passed between Nadia and Amon as she responded, "Ideally, yes. But it seems that Amon would be the best partner for hunting." Nadia's gaze shifted to the dark-haired boy, meeting his eyes that held a glint of agreement despite his silence.
No one in the group could deny the fact that Nadia and Amon were their best shot at securing a full stomach of food, as both are pillars of combat within their ragtag group.
"Hey Amon are you a natural awakened? Or did you have to seek a core much like Nyx did?" Nadia curiously asked when Nyx continued to frown.
"I don't know about this 'natural awakened' thing, but I did not need to absorb a core for me to feel the shift in the air." Amon briefly answered.
Nadia nodded thoughtfully, intrigue coated her expression hearing Amon's response. Among the group, she was the sole individual, besides Amon himself, privy to the knowledge that he stood just a level below her in prowess, and maybe, on par with her in terms of skill.
"Good," Nadia muttered under her breath, prompting Amon to raise an eyebrow in response to her sudden query. "Remember when you mentioned the possibility of demonic wolves being a potential food source? Do you believe you have the skill to take down one of those creatures if we were to venture out and hunt them?" Nadia leaned in, supporting her chin with her hand as she awaited Amon's answer.
"Certainly not on my own, but I believe I could hold my own against one," Amon reflected, "At least I wouldn't die instantly." He evaded Nadia's intense scrutiny with a hint of unease. "As I mentioned before, hunting a demonic wolf would be a rare indulgence. They seldom roam these parts, and their elusiveness makes them a formidable challenge to track down." With a subtle retreat into his tent, Amon concluded his assessment of the situation.
"Plus, they are wolves. They don't hunt alone, but in packs." He added an afterthought.
"Their fur can be used to make blankets, and their bones can be crafted into weapons," Bianca explained. She added, "The fangs, in particular, are highly sought after. If we manage to acquire the fangs, we can trade them for cores," Bianca pointed out.
"I've heard that only a select few individuals are willing to trade for fangs though, citing requirements for specialized skills," Nadia remarked with a thoughtful hum.
"Yep, now that the school's trading center is gone, we might not even have the opportunity to trade," Amon remarked, rolling his eyes. "We shouldn't stress about these matters when we're not even certain if we can defeat one, or even locate one," he said, flicking his bangs and scowling.
Nadia pondered out loud, "If I were to make an educated guess, those wolves are likely at least level 5, if not higher." Her voice was filled with a sense of caution as she continued, "Our main concern shouldn't be taking down just one of them; our priority should be protecting ourselves from the entire pack. Remember what Amon mentioned—they don't travel alone." A glint of determination shone in Nadia's eyes as she purposefully directed her gaze towards the trio standing before her.
As a hush fell over the group of four, Nadia suddenly brought attention to a crucial detail that had slipped their minds. Each one sunk into their thoughts. The blazing afternoon sun dimmed slightly as a massive cloud drifted across the sky, casting a temporary shadow over the scene. Sensing the weight of the moment and the collective quiet that had settled upon them, Nadia decisively grasped her sword and rose to her feet.
"Well, we can't just linger here indefinitely. Personally, I want to venture out and search for food," Nadia voiced out, her tone tinted with vague sarcasm.
"Hunting for food without certainty of our survival?"
Nadia's smile remained unwavering as she casually remarked, "Well, whatever happens, happens." With a nonchalant wave of her hand, she added, "If I meet my end, so be it," a carefree grin playing on her lips.
'It's not like it's my first rodeo in the realm of death, anyway. I suppose you could say I've gained some experience in that department,' she mused, reflecting on her past encounters dancing with death on a daily basis.
Amon ran his fingers through his hair, a somber expression clouding his typically composed features. His piercing face softened considerably with bewilderment. "What a troubling girl," he exhaled softly, grappling with a mix of emotions stirred by Nadia's seemingly carefree approach to the precarious situation at hand.
The contrast between Nadia's nonchalant demeanor and the gravity of their circumstances left Amon in a state of uncertainty, unsure of how to reconcile the two conflicting perspectives.