Nex's curiosity was piqued. "Modify how?"
Faust responded. "I don't know yet. I need to see the card first to understand its mechanics."
He paused for a moment, deep in thought, before adding, "Both of you heard the announcement, right?"
Nex and Leslie both nodded in confirmation.
Faust continued, "Then you should understand that to them, we're just entertainment or maybe part of some experiment."
"We shouldn't trust anything that comes from them."
Leslie replied. "I agree, but it's not like we have much choice. If we don't use the system and its powers, we'll fall behind. "
Faust continues. "Believe me, with or without this class system, it's just a matter of time before every survivor develops their own abilities."
"Though, this system adds an unknown factor to the equation."
Leslie pondered his words. "It's true that all plants and animals we've seen so far have mutated."
"So, you think I should wait until I undergo my own mutation?"
"For now, yes," Faust replied.
He then shifted the conversation. "So, how is it in your area after the catastrophe? "
Nex's voice was laced with a hint of bitterness. "When the catastrophe happened, we were in a big city. "
"Survivors started to group up, but things quickly turned bad. It became lawless."
"Mutants took control, and everyone else had to do their bidding just to survive. That's why we moved further away from the town."
Faust nodded. "A quiet place? But there are a lot of mutated monsters in such areas?"
Nex responded. "It's better to fight against monsters than other humans and mutants."
"At least with monsters, you know what to expect."
Leslie nodded in agreement. "Well, it's not like we didn't have our fair share of dangers in the city."
"Some corpses even mutated, turning into something like a zombie."
Faust pondered. 'That's outside of my calculation. Could it be due to the intervention of those so-called 'gods' as well?'
"Do you think what they say is true?" Leslie asked.
"They? You mean those who claim they created us?" Faust replied.
Leslie nodded again. "Yes, the implications if that's true are just..."
Faust let out a short laugh. "Just what? Let's say it's true that we were created merely as an experiment by aliens. Does that change our reality? "
"We still need to eat, sleep, and survive. The real issue lies in our perception."
"Many people think humans are special, but what truly sets us apart is our status as the apex predators of this planet. Nothing more, nothing less."
Nex, puzzled, asks, "Apex predator?"
Faust nodded, elaborating on his point. "Yes, apex predators. At the top of the food chain. "
"Our intelligence, our ability to adapt and manipulate our environment – that's what has always defined us."
"Whether we're an experiment or not, those fundamental aspects of humanity don't change."
Nex's expression turned contemplative as he reflected on their discussion.
"In the past, I used to think humans were special. But now, this world feels more like something out of a fantasy novel. "
"What's so special about us when we're struggling just to survive?"
Leslie chimed in, "The animals and plants have mutated, some showing signs of intelligence. And now, with this game..."
She paused, directing her gaze towards Faust. "What do you make of the announcement? "
"They mentioned an invasion from the world behind the obelisk. What do you think that means?"
Faust pondered for a moment before responding. "I need more data to be sure, but I think the obelisks might function as portals to other planets, similar to where we find ourselves now."
Nex's eyes widened with the realization. "So, you're suggesting we're on another planet right now?"
" If that's the case, wouldn't it be better for us to explore further?"
Faust replied. "Let's prioritize gathering food and fulfilling the quest for now. We can gather more information and explore later."
Nex replied. "I haven't seen any animals around yet. For the time being, let's search for fruits or other edible plants."
Faust then says. "Let's split up. The area is quite large, so we can cover more ground."
Leslie seemed hesitant about the idea. "I think it's better if we stick together, just in case something unexpected happens."
"Plus, there's a chance we might run into Asura's group."
Faust glanced at Leslie, then turned to Nex. "I think you'll be alright with him around. Just remember, don't hesitate to kill them if they make trouble for you."
With those parting words, Faust moved away from Leslie and Nex. As he distanced himself, he mused quietly,
'There really are no animals so far.' His attention then shifted to the vegetation around him.
'These plants seem no different from those on Earth.' With this observation in mind, he continued his exploration,
Meanwhile, Leslie and Nex…
Leslie's eyes lit up as she spotted something. "Nex, look! We caught a rabbit."
Nex moved closer, "Is Faust mistaken? Why would there be a rabbit on another planet?"
"Maybe there's something we're missing," Leslie suggested.
Nex replied. "You think Faust can't be wrong? I get that you idolize him, but don't trust him too blindly. You don't really know him."
Leslie's response came with a hint of nostalgia. "I did meet him once, a long time ago."
"That was just at a public event," Nex pointed out. "Why didn't you tell him that when you had the chance?"
Leslie reflects on her brief encounter with Faust. "It was a long time ago… "
"I didn't want to bring it up and get an answer that he forgot about it."
Nex raised an eyebrow. "But isn't he the genius with an eidetic memory you were talking about?"
"Well, he might remember if I mentioned it directly, but that would just be embarrassing for me," Leslie admitted.
Nex shrugged, a bit amused by her concern.
"You still care about that, huh? Anyway, don't let your guard down even with Faust."
"Of course," Leslie agreed, regaining her focus. "Let's check the other traps we set up."
They nodded to each other and continued their hunt.
As they walked, Nex suddenly pulled Leslie aside, whispering, "Leslie, look over there."