The following days passed in a comforting routine for Aiden. In the mornings, he participated in supply and reconnaissance expeditions, putting his powers at the service of the community. This allowed him to earn a few experience points, even if it was little, given the low level of the monsters. In the afternoons, he trained with Ethan under the supervision of John and Maggie, learning some basics of combat alongside Ethan.
With all his daily training, he received a notification from the system:
"Congratulations, you have unlocked the skill: Close Combat: Level 1."
"Close Combat: +5% damage."
"Ah, it's been a long time since I've heard from this system. Perhaps this environment is too quiet for the system?" he thought. "I feel like he's encouraging me to fight, to be violent, to do all that."
But it was the moments between these activities that he came to cherish the most. The meals shared with the group, punctuated by stories and laughter. Although he still enjoyed moments of solitude, he genuinely appreciated the group moments, the quiet conversations with Max, who willingly shared his wisdom and experience. Even the daily tasks, like helping in the kitchen or repairing equipment, took on a special flavor, that of belonging and usefulness.
One afternoon, while he was helping Sarah with some tedious tasks, Aiden realized how precious these little moments were.
"You know, before all this, I was really lazy and only did what I liked," he confided to Sarah while passing a tool.
"I never imagined I would find pleasure in this kind of task."
Sarah, focused on the task, gave him an understanding smile.
"It's funny how the end of the world can change us, isn't it?" This simple exchange, light but meaningful, was rather pleasant.
Aiden was discovering a side of himself that he didn't know, or that he had forgotten. He, who had always been a loner, wary of bonds and attachments, was surprised to find himself enjoying this community life. He felt accepted, valued, not only for his powers, but for who he was as a person.
He bonded particularly with Sarah, admiring her quiet resilience and discreet dedication. Her beauty was also pleasant. One evening, as they stood guard together on the roof of the shelter, she confided her story to him.
"Before all this, I was a nurse," she said softly, her gaze lost in the distance. "When the apocalypse hit, I tried to help as much as I could. But there were so many people in need, so much suffering... I felt like I was never doing enough."
She turned to Aiden, a small sad smile on her lips.
"You know, it's strange," Sarah continued, "despite everything, I don't regret those moments. Every person I was able to help, every smile I was able to see, it was worth it." Aiden felt a wave of admiration for Sarah. Her strength and optimism, in the face of so much adversity, touched him deeply.
"When my power manifested, I first thought it was a curse. I was literally disappearing from the eyes of the world. But Max helped me see it as a blessing. Thanks to this gift, I can continue to help, to protect those who are dear to me. Like an invisible guardian. And now I can control it."
Aiden nodded, touched by her confession. He understood that feeling, that desire to make a difference, to find meaning in this upended world.
"And you, Aiden?" Sarah asked softly. "What motivates you to keep going?"
Aiden thought for a long moment before answering.
"At first, it was survival," he said slowly. "Then, vengeance. I wanted to make those who had caused all this chaos pay, those who had hurt me so much."
He sighed, his gaze lost in the stars.
"But now... I think I'm starting to see things differently. I want to fight, yes, but not out of hatred. I want to protect what remains good in this world. This community, the people who don't have the strength to fight. And maybe, if I become strong enough, I could help build something new. A future where we no longer have to be afraid."
Sarah placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, a gesture imbued with an unexpected gentleness that made Aiden shiver.
"It's a beautiful dream," she murmured in a voice so low he thought he'd imagined her, letting a silence float between them that was loaded with unexplored meanings.
In the enveloping silence that followed, a flicker of intimacy wrapped around them, the outside world seeming to shrink to this shared moment. Sarah's hand, warm on his shoulder, conveyed a deep comfort, awakening sensations in him that he had long neglected. When he turned his gaze towards her, the moonlight bathed her face in a soft light, highlighting the delicate beauty of her features, her long blond hair seeming to flow like gold, and her green eyes shimmering with a mysterious glow.
She had the look of a warrior, with her athletic body forged by the demands of the shelter, but she also exuded a captivating femininity, accentuated by her outfit that hugged her curves in a subtly seductive way. Aiden had to restrain himself from glancing at her curves, which were almost hypnotic.
Later, as Aiden was preparing to go to sleep, he received a notification from the system that made him freeze.
"Attention: As a Dhampir, you must feed on blood regularly. Since your last blood consumption was several days ago, it is recommended to drink blood within the next 24 hours to avoid general weakening and deterioration of your abilities."
Aiden felt a wave of unease wash over him. In the excitement of the last few days, he had almost forgotten that part of himself, that dark thirst lurking deep within his being.
He thought back to Lea, to the shame and disgust he had felt after giving in to his urges.
But at the same time, he couldn't deny the truth of the system's warnings. He already felt his strength declining, fatigue insidiously settling into his muscles. And if he were to weaken during a mission, putting his companions in danger?
He fell asleep with a troubled sleep, his mind tormented by this dilemma and the ghosts of his past.
----
Damn, Aiden had forgotten he wasn't really human anymore, so he needs blood. But now's not the best time...