The bulky man moves forward. "You guys are wasting time," he said, his voice tinged with impatience.
He then turned to address the others. "My name is Braxton."
"As you can see, my abilities are very useful for building defense. Anyone with experience in building, creating traps, carpentry, or any relevant skills, step forward and join me."
Braxton then pointed at Nexs. "If what that man said is correct, we're up against a thousand enemies, maybe more, and who knows how many waves we'll face each night."
"Twelve hours is a long time. It's better to be prepared than sorry. So, if you want to survive, contribute. "
"And for those of you tasked with gathering food and water, remember to collect enough for all of us, or we'll have a problem."
The red-haired man laughed. Turning his attention to the rest of the group, he spoke with a casual disregard.
"If you don't have any skills to contribute beyond fighting, come with me. They're just goblins, after all. What's there to fear?"
He then gestured towards the west side of the village. "You can call me Asura. That area is under my control,"
"Cross into it without my permission, and we'll have a problem. Those who choose to follow me need to obey my orders, and I'll make sure you will survive."
His laugh rang out again, and with a flourish, he manipulated the fire in his hand into various shapes, eventually forming a fierce tiger made of flames.
His eyes landed on Leslie, and he gave her a wink. "You're always welcome in my area."
Nex eyes narrowed into a glare.
Asura then turned his attention to Braxton. "You should strengthen the defenses on my place."
"A smaller area is easier to defend."
Braxton scoffed at the notion. "How naive...".
"I'm planning defenses for the entire village, not just your little corner. You want specialized protection?"
"Then make it worth it. Offer something in return, and I might consider it after my main tasks are done."
With that, he moved off, a group of eight other people trailing behind him.
Asura shrugged and began to walk away.
As he did, 15 people chose to follow him and agreed with his approach.
With the groups dispersing in different directions, only five people remained: Faust, Nex, Leslie, Aphelia, and an old man wielding a gun.
The old man stepped forward. "You can call me Billy," he said, then turned his attention to Aphelia. "So, what's the plan?"
Aphelia, scanning the small group, directed her question towards Faust. "How about you? What is your name?"
Leslie, who had been quietly observing, leaned in to whisper something to Nex.
After a brief exchange, Nex nodded and joined Aphelia in looking at Faust.
Faust simply replied, "Just call me Faust."
Leslie's eyes widened in recognition. "I knew it, you're Faust McHollen, right?"
Aphelia, taken aback, interjected, "Aren't you supposed to be dead?"
Faust gave a nonchalant shrug. "The Faust you're referring to is dead."
But Leslie moved closer to Faust, her eyes sparkling with certainty. "No, I'm sure it's you. Your eye color and hair are different, but that face... you're him."
Eagerly, she pulled out her book and flipped it open to the picture behind the cover. "Look, it's you."
Faust glanced at the photograph, a hint of nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "Why do you even carry that book around?"
Leslie's responded enthusiastically. "Oh, the cover is just for show. The inside is filled with my personal notes. I've been recording all the mutations I've come across so far."
Nex stepped up beside Leslie. "I'm sorry if she's bothering you. She's always idolized you."
Faust, however, seemed dismissive. "Idolize..." he echoed, shaking his head slightly.
"There's nothing to idolize from a failure of man. That Faust is dead."
Leslie replied. "You're not a failure."
Faust respond. "Any man who cannot protect his own family is a failure."
Before Leslie could retort, Aphelia intervened. "That's enough for now. Since there are only five of us, let's divide the tasks."
She turned to Nex. "Can you handle gathering food for us? And maybe enough to share with Braxton's group as well?"
Nex nodded. "That's what I planned on doing anyway."
Aphelia then turned her gaze to Faust. "How about you go with them and check for any unique plant and animal? With your expertise, it should be easy."
"Sure," Faust replied
Aphelia continued. "I and Billy will look for a suitable house for us to fortify. What Asura suggested does have merit."
"If worse comes to worst, we can focus our defenses ."
Before they dispersed, she added, "Let's gather here in two hours before the wave starts."
With their tasks assigned, Faust, Leslie, and Nex began to move deeper into the forest.
As they walked, Faust addressed Leslie. "Can I have a look at your notes?"
Leslie hesitated for a moment. "Yes, you can look at it, but please don't judge too harshly. The quality isn't the best."
Nex, scanning their surroundings as he said.
"Don't sell yourself short, Leslie. Your work is good. I'm sure Faust will find it impressive."
Taking the book from Leslie, Faust flipped it open. His eyes scanned the pages, each filled with meticulous details and observations.
"It's very tidy and detailed."
The notes within the book were clear, offering insights into the various mutations they were witnessing.
Mutated Flora - Luminescent Fungi: "Observed a cluster of fungi emitting a soft, bioluminescent glow. The light seems to seem to pulse in a rhythmic pattern. Speculate potential use as communication tools."
Animal Mutation - Avian Species: "Encountered a bird species with metallic feathers. Upon closer inspection, the feathers act as solar collectors. The bird shows heightened energy and agility in sunlight."
Amphibious Adaptations: "Found a frog with skin that can mimic its surroundings, much like a chameleon. This camouflage seems to be a direct response to increased predator activity."
Core-Bearing Creatures: "Large predatory animal, resembling a wolf, had a crystalline sphere in its chest cavity. The core pulsates with energy. Potentially a source of power or mutation catalyst."
Insect Evolution - Hive Mind: "Noticed a colony of ants exhibiting complex problem-solving skills, suggesting a hive mind capability."
Each entry is accompanied by detailed descriptions and sketches.
Faust pondered the patterns in Leslie's notes. 'So, not every mutated animal has a core. It seems the stronger they are, the higher the likelihood of a core.'
Handing the book back to Leslie, he says. "I agree with Nex; these notes are impressive. You shouldn't underestimate yourself. Have more confidence in your abilities."
Leslie's eyes lit up with a spark of joy. "Thanks."
Nex, observing the exchange with a contented smile, thought to himself, 'It's been a while since I've seen her smile like that.'
He then turned his attention to Faust. 'For the duration of this test, we should stay close to him. Hopefully, he can continue to cheer her up.'