As his words sank in, Jack and Job exchanged surprised glances before admitting, "Now that you mention it, I don't feel hungry at all. It's as if my stomach's still full from what I ate before I ended up here. But after running this much, I am starting to feel thirsty."
"Same here," Jack chimed in, echoing Job's sentiments and the remaining two also shook their heads in response to Kalsie's inquiry.
"I can't explain why this is happening, but at some point, we will become hungry and thirsty." Kalsie continued as he felt his own thirst weighing on him after their encounters with the monsters, "We can't stay holed up here and risk starving or dying of thirst. Sooner or later, we'll have to explore this place in search of food and water."
Nick's anxiety was visible on his face as he stammered, "B-but those m-monsters..."
Kalsie nodded solemnly, acknowledging the group's fear as he continued, "Yes, I'm aware of the danger. But we must face it if we want to survive."
His words hung heavily in the air, driving home the reality of their predicament. The tension in the group grew as they thought with the prospect of confronting the monsters, even though they were currently safe.
Seeing their distress, Kalsie let out a sigh and spoke with a touch of bitterness, "None of us know how long we'll be stuck here or if a search party will ever come. I don't have the answers, and it may sound harsh, but we can't afford to wait idly, clinging to false hope. We should take matters into our own hands, increasing our chances of survival. So, what do you all want to do? Are you willing to take the risk with me, or do you prefer waiting here for rescue?"
A heavy silence enveloped the group, their expressions etched with worry as they contemplated their uncertain fate. Kalsie patiently awaited their response, knowing that their decision would shape their next course of action on this mysterious island.
He understood the immense difficulty of surviving alone in this place, and he was genuinely relieved that the people in front of him weren't senseless but rather aware and understood what truly mattered.
As Kalsie had anticipated, saying yes wasn't an easy decision for them.
What he asked them carried numerous risks, with the looming possibility of death weighing heavily on their minds. However, an even greater fear lingered – the thought that their families and authorities might never locate them, given the vast distance that now separated them from home.
After a prolonged silence, it was Nicole who surprised everyone by being the first to respond.
Her nervous gaze locked onto Kalsie as she stammered, "B-before I give you my answer... D-do you think... even someone like me could be of any h-help? I-I mean... because of my mistake, we ended up in a dangerous situation earlier... but what if we find ourselves in the same situation again because of... me?"
Nicole's question spilled from her lips without a clear idea of what she expected to hear in response. Her mind was a whirlwind of nerves and tentative hope.
However, Kalsie's reply left her utterly stunned.
"Are you an idiot?"
"Excuse me?" Nicole was taken aback by his response.
"I'm asking if you're an idiot or not?" Kalsie's gaze bore deep into her blue eyes.
"Kalsie—" Jack began to interject in defense of his sister, but Kalsie raised a hand and interrupted.
"Let her speak," Kalsie urged.
"I-I..." Nicole felt the weight of everyone's attention, making her even more nervous and self-conscious.
But with Kalsie's unwavering stare urging her on, she mustered her courage and declared, "I-I'm not an idiot!"
"See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" A gentle smile spread across Kalsie's face as he continued, "If you're not an idiot, then I'm confident that you won't make the same mistake twice, right?"
A faint blush tinted Nicole's cheeks as she nodded in response to Kalsie and seemed a little distracted toward his greyish eyes which shone in the bonfire, thankful that her shy expression concealed it.
"Truth be told, I won't deny that it wasn't partly your fault," Kalsie admitted.
"But in our current situation, mistakes like that can happen anytime. You shouldn't let it burden you. As for your question, every person possesses their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It's only a matter of time until their strengths outweigh their weaknesses, making them indispensable to others."
He continued, "For example, you might perceive me as strong because I can dispatch those Dead Walkers, but I'm only human, and there are limits to what I can achieve on my own. However, those limits can be pushed beyond if I'm not alone, if I have people with whom I can collaborate."
He paused briefly before addressing not just Nicole but everyone.
"Admittedly, it's undeniably risky. However, should we find ourselves in a similar or even more dire situation, I can promise you all this: I will give my utmost to resolve the problem. After all, it's me who's asking you to take the risk."
His words hung in the air, and they considered his unwavering resolve and the sincerity in his eyes. The group realized that their decision would not only impact their survival but also the bond they were forging under these dire circumstances.
Silence enveloped the group as they gazed at Kalsie in a mix of wonder and surprise, his words and promise echoing in their ears.
"Sigh..." Jack, who had initially hesitated, stood up and walked over to Kalsie.
He stopped before him, raising his fist for a bro-fist, and declared, "I was a bit hesitant at first, but... after you gave your word, I can't be a coward now, can I? You can count on me whenever you need my help."
Kalsie reciprocated the gesture, their fists connecting. He grinned and responded, "Glad to have you onboard."
Jack chuckled as he glanced at his sister, Nicole, and remarked, "Besides, looking at my sister's face, even if I hadn't said anything, she'd make me agree with you!"
Nicole pouted hearing her brother's remark.
Kalsie chuckled lightly, finding Nicole's reaction endearing. A smile unconsciously crept onto his face as he thought, 'She is cute...'
With the twins now on board, the attention turned to Job and Nick.
"What's your answer, Job?" Kalsie inquired.
Job's smile was slight, but his resolve was evident. "Don't you already know it? I'm hesitant, but we can do nothing if we don't take the risk. Furthermore, you're right about the strength lying in the group, so I agree with you. Nick, you feel the same, right?"
Nick nodded in agreement. "I-I also agree..."
Job continued with a serious expression, "And about the part when you said you would give your all to solve the problem; I also want to assure you that if we find ourselves in some predicament, then I promise that I would give my all to help you and everyone."
"Same with me!"
"Me too."
"S-Same here!"
"Since you've all placed your trust in me, then I will also do the same." Hearing their responses, Kalsie felt a sense of relief wash over him as he expressed his gratitude to everyone for their trust and support.
Continuing their conversation about the things they would do for tomorrow, the group's atmosphere gradually shifted towards positivity, dispelling the earlier gloominess that had hung over them. Even the slight tension between Nick and Nicole even dissipated as he offered a sincere apology, prompted by Job's insistence.
But it wasn't long before, one by one, they began to fall asleep, succumbing to the physical and mental exhaustion that gripped their bodies. Despite the reluctance to sleep in such a perilous place, fatigue overwhelmed them, forcing their eyes closed.
They all drifted into slumber, except for one person.
Observing them sleeping and occasionally mumbling, Kalsie chose not to disturb their rest. Instead, he diligently tended to the bonfire, ensuring its warmth. His vacant eyes, however, remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings.
"Mom..." He mumbled as he recalled how normal the day was for him...