Chapter 26 - Help

"Done with the weapons. What's next?" Serena inquired, her gaze scanning for a place to eat. Aaron, standing beside her, couldn't help but hear her stomach growl.

"I think we should eat something as we have money now?" Aaron suggested. Serena's eyes lit up as she smiled in agreement.

"Sounds good to me. Plus, I'm pretty tired. Can we rest somewhere, Lolita?" Max chimed in, looking a bit worn out.

"We don't have time for that," Lolita responded curtly. However, Serena and Aaron were already heading towards the restaurant ahead.

"Well, I think we might still have a little time," Max grinned and followed them.

Lolita rolled her eyes but joined the group.

Upon entering the restaurant, the savory aroma in the air greeted Serena, intensifying her hunger. They found a table, with Serena and Lolita on one side and Max and Aaron on the opposite side. The restaurant wasn't very crowded, except for a peaceful family dining in the corner.

"Welcome to Savory Eats. What can I assist you with today?" A hologram emerged from the table, startling them.

"Ooh, ahh what's on the menu?" Serena's face lit up with excitement as the hologram displayed various dishes.

"...And Rabbit Stew," the hologram added.

"Looks like they've got Garry's stew!" Max chuckled.

"Could you please get me some roasted chicken and a plate of fried rice?" Serena turned to Aaron, who seemed a bit unsure about his choice. "Actually, make that two orders of each," she concluded, smiling at Aaron, who returned the smile with gratitude.

"I'll go for three servings of Turkish kebab, a plate of salad, and a glass of fine wine," Max placed his order.

Lolita followed suit with her order, "Just a plate of salad and a glass of water."

"Are you on a diet, Mis- I mean Lolita?" Max asked, hoping for a response this time.

But she totally ignored him.

"Orders taken. Your meals will be ready in 5 minutes. Thank you," the hologram conveyed before deactivating.

With the hologram gone, Max cautiously ventured, "Lolita, are you originally from JavaCity?" He held his breath, hoping for a response this time.

"Yes," came Lolita's unexpected reply.

"I've heard that JavaCity is renowned as the most peaceful city in the entire West. What's the reason behind that?" Serena asked, her gaze drifting out the window.

"It's because JavaCity falls under the jurisdiction of King Arthur and is governed by Lord Jester. Moreover, this city is safeguarded by both the NWO and the British military," Max answered, looking over at Lolita for confirmation.

"He's correct. JavaCity serves as a major trading hub," Lolita added.

Just then, a table automatically glided to their side, bearing the dishes they had ordered. With mechanical precision, the table's appendages distributed the food, and the group enjoyed their respective meals.

"Hmm, i wonder where Garry is..." Max mumbled as he ate his kebabs

-----

Meanwhile, In the western part of the city, Garry walked alone through the streets after separating from the group. "I wonder if this city has what the doctor asked for," he thought anxiously, searching for nearby medical stores.

His head doctor had entrusted him with the task of finding a specific medicine. After about ten minutes of searching, he decided to take a break and sat on the steps of a small building.

The surroundings were bustling with activity—people, robots, and animals all moving together. This was one of the largest cities in the western region, attracting individuals from both near and far for trade and various other purposes.

"I wonder what they are doing..." Garry murmured, his voice soft as he gazed downward.

Though he had only known them briefly, he was starting to feel a sense of attachment to his companions. Lost in his thoughts, he suddenly noticed two men accompanied by a tall, imposing robot standing in front of him. Garry observed the two men, who appeared to be experienced soldiers, wearing cloaks with a crest that read "Great Britain."

This was one of the three dominant powers mentioned by Max that held sway over the world. Great Britain was responsible for the destruction of Serena's hometown—the same city where Garry had previously come from with Aaron and others.

Garry's legs trembled, and his ears flattened against his head as he wondered about their presence. 'Could they be after Aaron and the others?' He felt a surge of panic and quickly stood up, heading back in the direction he had left the group.

As he was about to sprint, a voice called out, freezing him out of his tracks. "Hey there," the voice said. "Why are you running?" Garry gasped for a big breath, and then he darted as fast as his little rabbit body could carry him, paying no mind to the men behind him. "AHHHHHH!" he cried out, his voice echoing as he sprinted.

His small size allowed him to slip through tight spots that would stop a regular human in their tracks. He hopped and dodged.

Finally, he found himself in an alley, crouched behind a dustbin, thinking he might have gotten away. But suddenly, a buzzing sound from above caught his attention.

Looking up, he saw a humanoid figure gazing at him. Garry's heart sank; he knew his chances were slim.

"Please... spare me!" he pleaded, his voice trembling. Meanwhile, on the eastern side, the group consisting of Aaron, Serena, Lolita, and Max had already reached the outskirts of Javacity.