In the distance, Az, Lumi, Uno, and their fellow survivors watched with heavy hearts as the alien army descended upon the now-abandoned shelter.
The group had already safely packed up their belongings and were prepared to move, but they wanted one last look at the place that had served as their refuge during the early days of the invasion.
Uno, in particular, felt a deep sense of attachment to the shelter. It was here that he and his friends had gathered, planned, and saved other survivors.
The shelter symbolized their unity and resilience in a world overrun by chaos and destruction.
As the alien forces closed in on the shelter, the survivors knew they had two options: to defend their sanctuary or to flee.
However, considering their limited manpower and the overwhelming might of the alien army, the decision to abandon the shelter was the only practical choice.
Hex remained with Lee, keeping an eye on her to ensure she didn't make any sudden moves. Uno approached Az, his expression heavy with gratitude. He spoke to Az, his voice filled with sincerity.
"Though our time together has been brief, Az, I am grateful for the clarity you have brought to our situation. You've helped me see things differently, and for that, I thank you," Uno said.
Az nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating Uno's words.
Az firmly took Lee from Hex, and he knew that Hex would be heading back to Uno to offer his help in the upcoming battle. Hex had seen enough and felt compelled to support Uno, his uncle's friend could use all the help he could get in their unexpected journey ahead.
As Az and Lumi prepared to leave, Hex rushed back to Uno, and the two shared a few words, their expressions heavy with the gravity of the situation. Uno's words of gratitude and understanding passed between them.
Hex then returned to Az and Lumi, his determination unwavering. His eyes glinted with a mixture of hope and determination as he spoke to Az. "Az, I've seen what you're capable of, and I'd like to join you on your journey. I know it won't be easy out there."
Az was pleasantly surprised by Hex's decision. He hadn't anticipated someone willingly choosing to follow him, considering the uncertain dangers of their situation. After a brief moment of consideration, Az grinned and replied with a touch of humor, "Well, I'd rather avoid getting punched again. Welcome aboard."
He extended his hand for a handshake, sealing their newfound alliance. Lumi observed the exchange with a contented smile, pleased to see Az building connections and allies.
With Hex now part of their group, they set off together.
With their paths diverging from Uno's, they could still hear Uno's voice in the distance. "Thanks, you guys!" His words carried a sense of gratitude and hope, and Lumi responded by wishing him success in creating a safe shelter for the survivors.
Lumi's voice carried a warm and sincere tone, "May you find a place of refuge and build a strong community. Take care, Uno." while waving her hand as a goodbye sign.
Hex also offered his silent appreciation by waving towards Uno, a gesture of thanks and a way to convey their mutual farewell. Their goodbyes were exchanged with voices just soft enough not to attract any undue attention.
As they walked, a moment passed, Hex inquired about their plans, Az gave a moment of thought before responding, "Our next move is to gather information." His priorities were clear, and he was determined to extract valuable details from Lee.
Suddenly, Az pressed Lee against the nearby wall, and her cries of pain filled the air. Az's demeanor had shifted to one of seriousness, and he made it clear that he wasn't interested in playing games.
"Enough playing. Talk, or should we expedite your 'departure'?" Az demanded answers from Lee, tightening his grip on her neck, making it clear that he wouldn't tolerate any more games.
Fearful for her life, Lee acquiesced and agreed to share the information she had. She disclosed that she had been following the orders of the alien invaders, acting as a subordinate to a low-ranking soldier who reported to someone higher up in their hierarchy.
With fury in his eyes, Az tightened his grip on Lee's neck and demanded answers. "Who is it? Is it Byurn?" he growled, the threat evident in his voice. Lee, struggling to breathe and in obvious pain, responded with desperation, "I don't know. I seriously don't know."
Az peered deeply into Lee's eyes, his instincts telling him that she was indeed ignorant of the information he sought.
Realizing he needed to change tactics, Az released his grip on Lee's neck and shifted to a different line of questioning. He inquired about the location of any nearby alien bases, his tone now more composed.
Lee, her voice strained from the earlier ordeal, managed to muster the strength to share the information they needed. "The nearest alien base is located near the bridge, about a two-day journey from here."
Az then probed further, asking if Lee had any knowledge about upgrading stats, to which she replied with a puzzled expression, "No, what is that?" Az paused for a moment, pondering the irony of her situation.
He couldn't help but remark, "They didn't tell you huh?" implying to the alien race, "You killed your own kind, and yet they—the aliens—still treat you as if you're one of human. Quite ironic, isn't it?"
Az untied her hands and, after issuing a stern warning, allowed her to leave. Hex, witnessing the interaction, asked if it was wise to let her go. Az's response was a menacing threat: "If I ever see her again, that's her last breath."
As he walked away from Lee, she couldn't help but ask, her voice tinged with curiosity, "How did you know about my past?" Az turned to face her, his gaze unwavering, and responded with an enigmatic remark, "That person—your other accomplice—he's the student you were once in love with, right?"
As Az's words sank in, Lee's eyes welled up with tears. Deep within herself, she could still see the kind-hearted teacher she once was, the one who had once cared deeply for her students.
Regret and sorrow weighed heavily on her conscience. She knew that it was her actions and the experiences she had endured that had led her astray, transforming her into a different person.
At that moment, a flashback materialized before her eyes, showing an alternate reality where she had taken a different path. In this vision, she had become a fierce but nurturing teacher, and her life was filled with moments of joy and fulfillment.
She saw herself engaging positively with her students and forming lasting bonds. The contrast with her current reality, and became painfully clear how different her life might have been.
Regret and longing filled her heart as she watched this vision of what could have been, but she knew that there was no turning back the clock. The decisions she had made and the actions she had taken had led her down a darker path, and she had to live with the consequences.
Az left Lee behind, and their next course of action was set.
Az and the group began to step away from Lee, leaving her behind. However, before they could put more distance between them, Lee's voice caught Az's attention.
"Tréverndari..." she mumbled.
Az turned back and questioned her, "What are you talking about?"
Lee's voice was strained, but she managed to respond, "Tréverndari, that's what they, the aliens called themselves."
Az turned to Lumi for confirmation, and she responded with a fearful nod, the weight of their new knowledge sinking in.
The revelation of the name "Tréverndari" had an unexpected effect on Az. Instead of fear or apprehension, he became more excited than ever by the name he just heard.
This discovery was a crucial piece of information that could potentially unlock more of the mysteries surrounding him.
"You can do whatever you want," Az said to Lee, dismissing her as he shifted his focus to the nearby alien base and the revelation of the name alien race's name.
However, Lumi's empathy and concern for Lee caught Az by surprise. "Are we really going to leave Lee alone here?" She pointed out the potential dangers Lee might face if they abandoned her, and Az reluctantly gave in to her persistence and tenacity. "Fine, fine, Lee can follow us, but if I ever feel she is dangerous..." Az added, casting a warning look at Lee with murderous intent.
Hex, witnessing this exchange, couldn't help but laugh at Az's soft spot for Lumi. He made a mocking comment, "You really can't win against Lumi, huh? Hahahaha..." However, Hex soon realized he had crossed a line with his earlier jest.
Az then made it clear that Lee would be Hex's responsibility from that point forward. "Lee will be your responsibility from now on," he stated, surprising Hex and making him regret his earlier joke. "Wait, wait, I was just kidding, man..."
Lumi watched the scene unfold and couldn't help but laugh at the situation.
As for Lee, she remained silent, reflecting on the dynamics of the group and wondering if she, too, could find such a connection if she had chosen a different path in life.