"I guess your friends went offline," Ryan said as he laid down on the field where we came to complete the daily tasks.
"Which friends?" I asked, brows furrowing as the system beeped.
SUPREME WEREWOLF SYSTEM
(Daily task: 3)
Run thirty kilometers 2x = 30 EXP (completed)
Do sixty push-ups = 20 EXP (completed)
Meditate for ten minutes = 20 EXP (completed)
"I'm sure he's talking about Sam and Jack," Blake chimed in as he collapsed beside Ryan, panting like a dog in summer.
"Oh! I haven't heard anything from them, so I don't know if they're online or offline," I replied, deciding to check Flaming's daily tasks.
(SUPREME WEREWOLF SYSTEM: Companion Stats)
Run thirty kilometers 2x = 30 EXP (completed)
Eat 5 kilograms of raw meat = 20 EXP
Practice your fireball control = 20 EXP
"When are we going to complete my remaining two daily tasks?" Flaming asked through the mental link we shared, standing proudly before me, tail swishing like a happy puppy.
"How about the day after tomorrow?" I replied with a frown, folding my arms across my chest defiantly.
"Jeez, is it because I refused to let you put me on your shoulder that you're acting like a baby?" Flaming licked its paws, looking at me with wide, innocent eyes.
I could feel my left eye twitching as Flaming's voice continued to chime in my head.
"Why is Ethan's eye twitching?" Ryan whispered into Bassam's ear, barely suppressing a laugh.
"You know I can hear you, right?" I shot back.
"I swear I didn't say anything," Ryan quickly turned his head, feigning innocence.
"What's up with you and your baby?" Bassam asked, trying to pet Flaming on the head. The wolf pup dodged his hand like a seasoned martial artist.
"As this punk evolved, its arrogance seems to have evolved too," I replied, trying to suppress a grin.
"Don't you guys know that Flaming is practically a celebrity now?" Blake sat up, stretching out like a cat. "So how would it allow you to pet its head?"
"See? He understands. So take a chill pill," Flaming chimed in my head, the confidence dripping from its tone.
I inhaled deeply, crouched on the ground, and pretended to adjust my shoelace. With a swift motion, I launched myself forward and caught Flaming.
"Where's your voice now?" I said triumphantly.
"I'm sorry!! I'm sorry!! Now put me down, please!" Flaming shouted in my head, and a sly smile crept onto my face.
"Guys, why don't you come and rub your hands on Flaming's beautiful fur?" I grinned, eyeing Ryan as he approached.
"What about you guys?" I nudged Ryan and Bassam.
"Well, I think I'll pass," Bassam said, backing away slightly as if he were about to touch a live wire.
"Same here," Blake echoed, crossing his arms defensively.
"Jeez, you guys just spoiled the fun. I was hoping to laugh a little," Ryan said with a straight face, looking genuinely disappointed.
"Why the straight face? It looks like your future depends on touching Flaming's fur," Blake retorted, creating quite the distance between himself and Ryan.
"You were just saved," Ryan rolled his eyes at Blake.
"Let's focus and complete Flaming's tasks," Bassam said, sounding like the responsible adult in the room.
"Which can't be completed here," Blake added, looking around the open field, where the only things around us were grass and a few trees.
"Where do we go then?" Ryan asked, scratching his head.
"You see, they care about me, but you don't," Flaming piped up, its tone dripping with mockery.
"Why don't we use those unfinished buildings in that alley?" I suggested.
"Is the alley where Billy turned them?" Blake asked, curiosity piqued, his eyes widening.
"Well, that was also where we found Betty and Christiana's bodies," Ryan added, trying to sound knowledgeable about the place.
"Also where you almost died," I said with a cruel smile, enjoying the way Ryan's face paled slightly.
"Fuck you!! You were the one who almost got me killed when the police were shooting and you decided to run !" Ryan shouted but laughed afterward, like a bad joke.
"Hey, it's a team effort," I replied, shrugging. "We all play our part in keeping each other alive… or at least trying not to get killed in the process."
"Well, I heard the police sealed the area," Bassam said, and we all stopped to look at him, intrigued.
"Well, I was expecting something like that to happen, but how did you know?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"I heard from a girl in my class. She lives close to the area," Bassam explained, folding his arms.
"Did you get her number?" Ryan interjected, a cheeky grin forming on his face.
"jeez, Ryan!" Blake slapped him on the shoulder. "We're not here to play matchmaker."
"Hey, a little romance never hurt anyone!" Ryan shot back, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Besides, if Bassam finds a girlfriend, he might stop being so grumpy all the time."
"Yeah, right," Bassam scoffed. "Like I need a distraction when I have to deal with you idiots."
Flaming interjected, "You know, I would make a great wingman. I could charm her with my good looks and fireballs. What do you think?"
"Flaming, you'd scare her away before you even got a chance to say hello!" I laughed.
"Hey, don't underestimate my charisma!" Flaming replied indignantly.
"so where are we going", Ryan yawned as he asked
"well let's go to the Forest to complete your task lazy boy" , I grabbed Flaming and I placed it on my shoulder as we walked all to the Forest.