Greg seemed amused by Rendell's lack of respect. "What's your name, boy?"
Rendell ignored him and took a seat on the floor with his back against the wall. Although he remained indifferent, he was prepared to pull out his sword if Greg showed signs of hostility.
The atmosphere became heavy.
Kent who was watching them at the sidelines felt the oppressive atmosphere. He hurriedly stepped forward and said. "Officer Greg, you should take some rest. We will keep watch tonight."
Greg turned his head and smiled at Kent. "Will you guys be alright without me?" He asked as if he was concerned.
Kent nodded. "Don't worry. You can leave the rest to us."
"That makes me feel at ease. Just call me if you need anything." Greg stood up and went to a corner to rest. He took one last glance at Rendell before he lay down on the floor.
Seeing this, Kent immediately went to Rendell's side and whispered. "Let's not cause a commotion for the time being. Sir Ralph's wife and kids are sick so it would be troublesome if we attract the evolved beasts here."
Rendell didn't say anything.
At this moment, Phillip came back from his cigarette break. "Is he sleeping?" He sat beside them while pointing at the resting Greg.
Kent shook his head. "It's not been long since he laid down."
"Why don't we…" Phillip made a slitting gesture as he looked at them.
"It's not yet time." Kent shook his head. "We still don't anything about him."
Phillip shrugged. "Up to you."
***
The next day, Rendell woke up from a three-hour sleep. His head felt a bit heavy from the lack of sufficient sleep.
"You're awake?"
He looked at James and didn't say anything.
"The others are still preparing our breakfast. You should get some hot beverage first to fill your stomach. I already made some hot water using my Gift." He chuckled.
Rendell finally nodded his head. He stood up and headed to the kitchen.
Looking at him leave, James smiled and shook his head. "That guy is still unwilling to open up to us."
When Rendell entered the kitchen, he saw Ericka and Aurora busying themselves with cooking.
From the smell coming out of the pot, he could tell that they were making a noodle soup.
"Good morning!" Aurora greeted him with a smile.
Ericka didn't say anything and just nodded at him.
"Mn." Rendell nodded at them in response.
Aurora's eyes lit up. She then grabbed Ericka's arm and whispered. "He actually responded."
Ericka was also surprised. Usually, Rendell would just stare at them. It was the first time he responded to their greeting.
Rendell was oblivious to their conversation. He grabbed the thermos flask and filled an empty cup with hot water. He then mixed a sachet of instant coffee.
The aroma of the cheap coffee made him calm. It has been a long time since he last tasted coffee. Because of his tough financial situation, he couldn't even afford to buy the cheapest one for himself since he had to prioritize his essential needs.
Rendell lifted the cup and brought it to his mouth to take a small sip.
The forgotten taste filled his mouth, making his taste buds scream with joy.
A smile unknowingly appeared on his stone-cold face.
"Look. He is smiling." Aurora was shocked by the scene. Rendell had never smiled genuinely at them, not even once.
Seeing him smile made her less scared of him.
"Stop watching. He might get mad if he sees you looking at him." Ericka pulled her arm.
Meanwhile, Kent went to look for Lina. He found her sitting together with Celine inside their room.
"What's up?" Celine stared at him with furrowed eyebrows.
Kent made a shushing gesture and looked outside the room to make sure that no one was listening. "I came here to ask Lina about Officer Greg."
Hearing this, Celine shook her head. "I already asked her, but she's not willing to tell me anything."
Kent turned his gaze to Lina.
His gaze made her feel uncomfortable.
"Lina, can you tell us anything about Officer Greg? I just want to know if we can trust him." Kent asked in a gentle tone.
Lina's shoulders trembled. She hugged her knees and lowered her head.
"Did he do something to you?" Kent had to get some information from her even if it would upset her.
Lina slowly lifted her head. With a terrified look, she muttered. "H-He…killed everyone… He k-killed my friends… He touched them and then killed them… They were fifteen just like me, but he…" She could no longer continue her words as she cried emotionally.
The faces of Celine and Kent turned grave upon hearing her words. They stared at each other.
"Let's inform Rendell about this. He is the only one who can deal with that person."
Celine nodded in agreement.
"Lina, you should come with us. We will protect you. I promise." Celine hugged the high school girl and rubbed her back.
Lina shook her head and said in a quivering voice. "No! H-He will kill you all! He will kill everyone!"
Celine sighed. The girl must be heavily traumatized since she witnessed the deaths of her friends. This made her enraged at Greg who pretended to be a righteous police officer.
"Lina, we have a powerful friend. He will take care of that person." Kent tried to reassure her, but the girl didn't believe his words.
"I'll stay here with her. You should go and inform Rendell about this."
Kent pushed up his glasses as he nodded his head. "Alright. You guys have to be careful."
He turned around and opened the door, but someone was standing outside the room.
"Officer Greg!" Kent exclaimed in surprise and alarm.
Celine stood up in shock and immediately summoned her sword.
Greg smiled at them. His gaze momentarily stopped at Lina who was cowering behind Celine. "What did you guys talk about?"
Kent felt his heart beating so fast. A drop of sweat rolled down his face as he looked at the smiling Greg.