Uno turned to Az, a hint of concern in his eyes, and asked for his opinion. He began, "Az, I value your opinion. But I've started to feel fear when it comes to placing my trust in others. It's challenging to determine who is genuine in these trying times. What should we do now?"
Az, still with that unfamiliar serious expression, shrugged nonchalantly and replied, "Eh, I don't really care much what you are going to do after this. You guys can do whatever you want; I'll just do my thing."
Uno was taken aback by Az's response. He had expected hesitation or at least some skepticism, but Az's casual indifference left him surprised.
Uno was perplexed by Az's response, "So, Az, why did you help me in the first place?"
Az chuckled and replied, "Well, Uno, I've played enough games to know that going against a character like Lee usually leads to something interesting. Plus, I've got a taste for the unpredictable."
Uno couldn't hide his disappointment in Az's response, but he also understood that he couldn't force someone to change their nature. With a heavy sigh, he realized that he couldn't expect Az to provide unwavering support.
Az continued, "You should really consider Lee's warning. This place isn't safe anymore. Maybe it's time to pack up and look for a new hideout." His words were tinged with a seriousness that had been rare in his usual carefree attitude.
Uno simply replied with a single word, "Y... Yes." He had taken Az's advice to heart and recognized the need to consider an evacuation.
As Az and Lumi left Uno's room, Lumi couldn't help but question Az's lack of commitment to helping Uno. She asked, "Az, why don't you want to help Uno? He needs all the help he can get in this situation."
Az looked at Lumi, his expression thoughtful. "Lumi," he began, "sometimes, people like Uno need a little push to become stronger. By relying on me or anyone else too much, he won't grow into the leader he needs to be. He has to learn to make tough decisions and take charge. He's the one who calls himself a leader.. then, be a leader."
As Az expressed his desire to meet Lee in her prison before leaving the shelter, he and Lumi prepared to make their way to her location. Just as they were about to depart, Hex approached from behind, causing Az to jestingly ask, "Are you going to punch me again, Hex?" half-expecting another punch.
However, Hex surprised Az with his response. "I overheard what you explained to Lumi earlier, and I respect that decision," Hex said. Az let out a sigh of relief, grateful for Hex's understanding. Hex then shared crucial information, saying, "If you want to meet Lee, I know where she is."
As they made their way toward Lee's confinement area, Hex took the opportunity to inquire about the peculiar elements of the world they now found themselves in. He was eager to understand more about this new game-like reality, the alien invasion, and the unexpected source of Az's apparent strength.
In response, Az, always ready to share his knowledge, answered Hex's questions. "I don't know much about the alien invasion, to be honest," Az admitted.
"But as for the game-like elements, you can open up your status tab, like this." He demonstrated by opening his own tab. Hex watched in surprise as the interface appeared on his screen. He quickly followed Az's example, and his own status tab opened up.
This demonstration left Hex in surprise as he followed Az's lead and successfully opened his status tab. As Hex peered at the details, Az offered a casual observation to Lumi, "Looks like those who didn't enter the simulation have limited information compared to us."
Az decided to establish some terminology to differentiate between the two groups, naming those who entered the simulation "simulators" and those who hadn't as "survivors." This distinction would help them discuss their unique experiences and abilities more effectively.
As Az glanced at his status tab, he realized that he had a significant number of unused skull points.
"For your third question, Hex," he began, "I think it's time I put these skull points to use." Az began allocating the points to his attributes, his gaze lingering on the Arcane. He assigned all the points to Arcane. It was a visible transformation as his aura seemed to shimmer with newfound energy.
While Az was busy enhancing his stats, he looked over at Lumi and said, "Lumi, why don't you answer Hex's question, like you've been answering mine before?"
Lumi responded with a mischievous twinkle in their eye, "Oh, Az, you seem so delighted explaining it to Hex. I wouldn't want to steal your thunder."
Az playfully rolled his eyes, his cheeks tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "Come on, Lumi," he chuckled, "stop poking fun at me."
Suddenly, As Az's Arcane attribute surged past 10,000, an unexpected notification popped up:
Arcane Books of Reverie Art Unlocked
Az blinked in amazement, "Well, this is new." However, his attention quickly shifted when he noticed Lumi gripping her head in pain. Concerned, Az turned towards her, asking, "What's happening, Lumi? Are you alright?"
Lumi winced but managed to explain, "I.. I remember something. It's connected to the newfound Arcane Books you just got. It seems that if you reach a certain level, you can unlock a special skill. Each attribute has its own unique skill, and the criteria for unlocking them can vary for each individual. It's a personal ability."
Az's eyes widened with intrigue as he processed this new piece of information.
Concerned about Lumi's well-being, Az asked Hex to escort her to a resting place. "I will meet Lee alone, thanks for showing me the way."
As they prepared to depart, Hex inquired, "Can I share the information about the status upgrade with others?"
Az cautioned Hex, emphasizing the importance of discretion, "You can, but only with those you truly trust. Remember, if something goes wrong, it's on your shoulders. So, choose wisely."
Hex nodded in understanding, aware of the responsibility that came with sharing such vital information, and he agreed to be selective in whom he would inform.
As Az walks through the shelter's corridors, he can't shake the worry for Lumi. The recent revelations and the tension of the situation weigh heavily on him, and he can't help but wonder how Lumi is holding up.
However, he knows he needs to stay focused and prioritize gathering information from Lee.
Az arrives at the area where Lee is being held. He doesn't waste time and immediately speaks to the guard, firmly requesting a private conversation with Lee. After a brief exchange, the guard nods and exits, leaving Az alone with the woman who has caused so much trouble.
Nearby, her unconscious accomplice lies sprawled out, a remnant of the chaos that had ensued earlier. And just a few feet away, the beheaded alien's body rests, the grotesque remains of the encounter still staining the ground.
Lee's face, filled with a sense of deep-seated vengeance, locks onto Az as he approaches. Her eyes reveal a simmering defiance that suggests she won't yield easily.
Az opens his mouth and gets straight to the point, his voice carrying the weight of his determination, "Who is it?" There's a gravity in his tone that demands answers.
Lee, however, doesn't seem inclined to cooperate. She replies mockingly, "Who's what, stupid?"
Az isn't interested in playing games. His tone grows more serious as he presses forward, "Who told you about my location after I was sent to Earth? Your 'friend' told me you guys are working under someone..." He gestures towards the beheaded alien as he mentions her 'friend'.
The beheaded alien's body serves as a mute witness to the conversation, a reminder of the recent violence that had unfolded within the confines of the room. Lee remains silent, her resolve unwavering.
Az decides to raise the stakes. "I know you don't have much love or trust for anyone else, but you still love yourself, right? How about telling me if you don't want to end up like that?" He points to the beheaded alien. "I can do that to him," Az continues, his eyes locking with hers, "I don't see any problem doing it again to trash like you."
Lee's defiance wavers and she finally opens her mouth, her voice laced with hesitation, "I'll end up rotting in here anyway when they move out from this shelter, or should I bet on the aliens when they raid this place." She smirks sinisterly.
Az leans in closer, his tone dropping to a whisper, "I know them," he says, "they have too much pride to spare you alive. But if you tell me, I'll spare you. I don't have a problem with you anyway. You can go and do your own thing once we're done."
Lee considers this for a moment before she concedes, "Fine." She then adds, "I'll tell you what you want, but only after you get me out of this place." Her gaze remains locked with Az's.