"Time for what?" Victor asked with a frown.
"We go to the vortex."
Myles didn't bother to lower his voice. He wanted them to know. He wanted the idea planted in their minds because sooner or later it would be their only path forward.
Of course, he expected the protests.
"We can't go there yet, Myles. It's too dangerous," Ryan said quickly.
"Yes. I know you want to get stronger. We too," Victor added, "but going there without any information it's suicide."
Myles shrugged, his expression calm, almost careless. "Alright. Don't worry too much. I'm only suggesting it." He smiled faintly as he said it.
The others exhaled in relief. Usually, when Myles spoke it was final. His word carried the weight of command.
If he had ordered them into the vortex tonight they all would've had no choice but to follow.
But this time, he showed restraint and that gave them hope he was still thinking rationally.
They all knew the truth, though. With the monsters dwindling their growth was slowing. The vortex was becoming less an option and more an inevitability.
"I only brought it up because… look around," Myles said, gesturing to the quiet building around them. "There are fewer and fewer monsters. If we want to keep getting stronger, the vortex might be the only place left."
Victor grumbled, fists tightening. "You're right. No monsters here anymore. And I need more strength if I want to kill that bastard in the apartment."
The anger burned in his voice again, the reminder of the talking monster that had killed his girlfriend and still haunted him.
Silence followed. Each of them sank into their own thoughts, uncertainty settling heavy over the room.
Myles leaned his head back and exhaled quietly. He thought of Lilian, the demon woman. If she were here, she would know more about the vortex.
She always knew more. But she hadn't returned yet, and that meant they had no guide.
They were blind and forced to figure out this new world on their own.
"What if we… go farther instead?" Ryan's voice broke the silence.
Myles narrowed his eyes. "Farther?"
"Yeah. To other districts. Maybe there are still monsters there. If we can keep fighting and keep gaining EXP, we won't need to risk the vortex yet."
The suggestion made several heads nod. It was safer, at least on the surface.
But something inside Myles twisted uneasily. His instincts told him it wasn't so simple.
"And what if we meet another group of survivors?" he asked quietly, scanning their faces.
The room stilled. The thought hadn't crossed their minds until now.
"Goddamn it… you're right," Victor cursed. His jaw tightened, his anger shifting into something darker. "Honestly, I'm more afraid of people than monsters right now."
His words hit them all because they knew it was true. Monsters were mindless and predictable. With enough strength and right tactics, they could be cut down. But humans… humans could smile at you one moment and put a knife in your back the next.
Even so, it was still their best option. At least for now.
"Let's decide tomorrow," Myles said at last, pushing himself to his feet. "For tonight I think we should rest." He glanced at Nadine, and together they left for the classroom they had claimed.
One by one, the others followed, preparing their makeshift bedding and setting down their weapons within reach.
Weariness pulled at their bodies, heavier than they cared to admit.
Only George remained awake and still hunched in his corner.
His thick fingers carefully turned the pages of the battered blacksmithing books and eyes burning with determination.
—
Inside the classroom, silence wrapped around them like a heavy blanket. Beyond the door faint rustles of the others settling into their makeshift beds had already faded and outside, the night was eerily calm.
No howls, growls, or scraping claws against concrete. For the first time in days, there was nothing but stillness.
Myles leaned against the wall, his short black blade resting near his side, while Nadine sat close enough that their shoulders brushed.
Their eyes met, unspoken thoughts lingering between them.
"What do you want to do now?" she asked quietly, her voice carrying the softness of someone who didn't want the moment broken.
"I don't know," Myles muttered, head tipping back against the wall. "Maybe… just sleep."
Her lips curled into a faint pout, her teeth grazing her lower lip as if to hide her disappointment.
Myles caught the look and raised a brow. "What about you? What do you want to do?"
"I don't know…" Nadine hesitated, her eyes darting away before she let out a small, playful laugh. "Maybe I'll masturbate in the corner."
A chuckle rumbled from his chest. "You're not embarrassed saying that?"
"Embarrassed?" Nadine's smile grew, a flicker of warmth lighting her tired face. "After everything we've been doing, isn't it too late for embarrassment?"
The truth was undeniable. They had already crossed lines beyond embarrassment. Pretenses had fallen away long ago.
Myles reached for her suddenly and pulled her close until her body pressed against his body. His hand slid down her back and gripped her butt firmly.
"Because I'm nice," he said with a low grin, "I won't let you be lonely tonight."
"As expected," Nadine whispered, her voice already unsteady, carrying both relief and also desire.
Their lips met, they kissed slowly at first then deepening with the release of tension they had both carried for too long.
They kept kissing. Their lips clashing and tugging and biting each other. They swallow each other's breath.
Their tongues tangled in a heated rhythm and wet sounds echoing softly in the quiet classroom.
Nadine suddenly caught Myles's hand then pressed it firmly against her chest. With a sharp intake of breath she guided his fingers until he gripped her tightly.
Myles didn't hesitate after noticing that. He squeezed her breast hard, answering her silent demand without a moment's pause.
He kneaded the soft breast a little bit harder and Nadine let out a long sigh.
"Engh…"
—