In the dimly lit apartment, where shadows danced playfully on the cracked walls, Ethan found solace in the rhythm of his own movement. The sparse light from flickering candles illuminated his form as he practiced boxing, his fists cutting through the stale, musty air. Each breath he took was deliberate, following a technique lost from his memory but naturally replicated by his body.
In the past three days, he had experimented with various methods to harness the Lumen more effectively. While meditation had its merits, Ethan found that the familiar dance of combat served as a more effective conduit for the energy and was more practical as well.
His well-defined physique glistened with perspiration as he executed a precise jab. The room resonated with the subtle symphony of his movements, punctuated by the occasional crunch of debris beneath his worn boots—an ever-present reminder of the unforgiving world looming beyond the fractured walls.
Survival in the new, harsh reality required having the ability to defend himself and playing to his strengths. Primes, in general, boasted physical superiority over regular humans, but Ethan's physical prowess, including strength and agility, fell below the standard for a typical Prime. His true potential lay in his mastery of Focus and Lumen. Until he could command the latter with finesse, his unique strength would collect dust.
Through his relentless practice for the past three days, his integration with the Lumen energy had progressed, albeit slowly, from 10 to 12%. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
Ethan's body moved with a grace that belied the scars of survival that marked his surroundings. The battered furniture stood as silent witnesses to his journey, the makeshift bed and wobbly table a testament to the life he had been thrust into.
In a corner of the room, Liam sat watching, his eyes shimmering with a newfound admiration. Ethan was heartened to see Liam's spirits lifted.
Siphons, as he had learned, were individuals to whom Primes could impart their abilities. When Ethan's initial attempt had faltered, Liam had been crestfallen and disheartened. They had both attributed it to their limited understanding of Primes, but Liam had still been weighed down by disappointment. However, he seemed to have temporarily cast aside the despair.
As Ethan executed a powerful right straight, a surge of Lumen energy coursed through his arm. The glass fragments scattered across the floor trembled, and the curtains billowed as an invisible force swept through the room.
"That was incredible," Liam exclaimed with enthusiasm. "I think it was even more potent than before."
"Raw power is good but consistency would've been better," Ethan replied, though a small, triumphant smile tugged at his lips. The Symbiote within him was proving to be a valuable ally, actively aiding in channeling the Lumen, particularly through his right arm.
Apart from his training, Ethan was itching to try the ability his Symbiote had somehow gained. But [Power Surge] sounded like a powerful ability and using it in the confines of a small apartment did not sound wise.
Ethan halted his training, taking a long swig of water and using a cloth to wipe away his perspiration before settling across from Liam.
In their shadowy refuge, Ethan turned to Liam, his expression a blend of determination and concealed worry. The subdued lighting cast elongated shadows that mirrored his inner turmoil as they contemplated the impending challenges. "Any promising options?"
Ethan composed a list of five essential tasks to work towards in the near future: expanding his knowledge of the world, procuring food and basic necessities, acquiring weapons, honing his abilities, and uncovering more about Lila and Marcus.
Currently, their top priorities were securing food and weaponry. Their stores of food were dwindling, and though Liam didn't require sustenance, Ethan did.
Liam wrinkled his nose thoughtfully. "There are three potential options, but realistically, we're limited to two. We could either scavenge empty houses or target a hotspot."
"What about the third option?"
Liam shrugged. "Trading with settlements. However, that's a tricky endeavor. We lack money—I spent all I had on the Symbiote, and I doubt you've got any either. Besides, settlements tend to be wary of dealing with strangers, so it won't be a straightforward task."
Ethan listened attentively, his fingers tracing the cool metal surface beneath them, grounding him as he contemplated their options. The first option was safe but unreliable, the third was effectively off the table, and the second was perilous yet potentially rewarding.
After a moment of silent contemplation, Ethan made his decision. "We'll raid a hotspot," he declared, his voice laced with resolve. "We can't afford to waste time rummaging through houses, and we don't have anything to trade. It's risky, but it's our best shot. Where do you think our best chance would be?"
Liam unfurled a map and pointed firmly to a bustling commercial district.
"A shopping area," Ethan replied with a hint of uncertainty. "Aren't we likely to encounter a lot of zombies there?"
"That's a risk we'll have to take," Liam stated resolutely. "All hotspots come with their own dangers; otherwise, they wouldn't be hotspots in the first place. We won't find anything worthwhile if we don't venture into the thick of it."
Ethan hesitated, concern etched on his face. "Isn't there a more secluded location we could consider? Being surrounded by zombies everywhere doesn't exactly sound appealing."
"There are," Liam answered, "But this is the best option. We can make a quick round trip within a day, there aren't any high-ranking creatures around, and this area offers a wide range of resources, including the possibility of finding weapons."
Observing Ethan's lingering doubt, Liam pressed on. "If it were only zombies, I could go there alone. Zombies don't attack each other. However, there are bound to be other scavenger groups as well. Due to the sheer number of zombies, they can't transport all the goods with large vehicles, so they often raid the area in smaller parties."
"Let's go to this location then," Ethan concluded, a mutual understanding silently forged between them. Liam had already provided substantial help, and Ethan couldn't ask him to continually risk his life for nothing.
"Alright," Ethan agreed, rising to his feet. "Let's go."
Liam halted him momentarily, placing a pair of gloves in his hand. "Before we leave, remember one crucial thing. If possible, conceal the fact that you're a Prime, and never reveal the Symbiote to anyone."
Ethan raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification.
Liam nervously bit his lip. "Primes, despite their strength, often become coveted targets for various reasons. Lumen is a highly sought-after resource in this world, and Primes are the easiest source of it. Genesis Primes, like you, are considered the weakest and are frequently hunted for capture. So, be careful."
**********
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long, eerie shadows across the empty streets, Ethan and Liam ventured toward the designated hotspot, their hearts pulsating in sync with the tension that hung in the air. It was a dangerous gamble, one they couldn't afford to lose.
Each step echoed in the desolation, a haunting reminder of the world that had unraveled.
Their path led them through crumbling buildings, past abandoned vehicles, and past the remnants of lives that had once thrived in the city. Now, it was a graveyard of civilization, where every corner could conceal death's relentless approach.
Ethan's senses were on high alert as he navigated the maze of crumbling alleyways and decaying infrastructure. He could hear the faint rustling of leaves, the distant moans of the undead, and the muted whispers of the wind. His hand rested on the hilt of the makeshift blade he had fashioned from a discarded metal pipe, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.
Liam, beside him, clung to the satchel of supplies they had brought along. His wide eyes darted around, scanning for any signs of movement, any hint of danger. His breaths were shallow, his fingers trembling ever so slightly.
As they approached the commercial district, the once-vibrant streets lay shrouded in a sinister silence. It was as if the world itself held its breath, anticipating their arrival. Broken glass crunched beneath their boots, a discordant symphony that echoed their intrusion.
Ethan signaled for Liam to wait, crouching down low behind the remnants of a shattered storefront. Peering around the corner, he assessed the situation. The hotspot lay just ahead, a cluster of shops and stalls that had once teemed with life, now infested with the undead.
He counted at least three dozen zombies meandering aimlessly, their pallid skin illuminated by the pale moonlight. They groaned and shuffled, their vacant eyes locked onto some distant memory. Among them, Ethan noticed a few that were slightly different, their bodies more intact, their movements less sluggish. These were the remnants of scavenger parties, unfortunate souls who had met their end in this unforgiving world.
Ethan's courage faltered at the scene. "Why couldn't we have come during the day?" he hissed.
Liam's response was measured, his words carrying a sense of conviction. "Fewer raiding parties venture out at night. It should be safer this way."
Taking in the cool night air with a deep breath, Ethan quelled his doubts. Second-guessing their choices would get them nowhere. "Let's go," he declared, determination lacing his voice.