Mage (1/2)

It was a long trek to the Valley. By car, it took approximately 1 and a half hours to reach, and another 15 to get to the highly-populated areas with supermarkets, stores, etc.

Jason was too jaded for everything but to fall down and rest. For hours, he walked, ran, and even had small skirmishes with Suljars. Yet along this tiny journey, there was nowhere and no time to rest.

Sleeping in the forest would leave him open to not only Suljars but wildlife and people; he understood that even with his increased stats, he would not survive a head-on encounter versus a suljar or something like a bear.

Or even lurking survivors.

Unless it was a naturally weak animal, such as a deer, then he would definitely win.

As much as he did, he decided it was more logical to not take any gambles early on, so he kept trotting along the road.

He already went through more than half of his food and water, only completing 30% of the way to Yucca Valley.

[Passive Skill: Sense triggered.]

Out of nowhere, his passive skill was triggered.

He quickly rotated his body, the notification leading him to scrutinize his surroundings. Yet nothing was in sight. No suljars, people, or animals.

[Possible threat within 10 meters]

"10?!"

Jason panicked. It was most likely a human, how could a Suljar approach Jason so closely and him not notice?

However, no matter where he looked, he could not see anything. He began to question the system if it was purposely playing with him.

"To your left." An old voice spoke out. Although it didn't match its owner, the voice was robust, clear, and strong, but it didn't sound threatening.

Dodging out of the way, he locked his eyes on the elderly man who wore a long black robe that reached his calves.

"Calm down kid, I don't wanna fight!" He claimed, Comically raising his hands, showing that he was unarmed.

[Threat neutralized: Status changed. Possible enemy > Friendly]

Letting out a sigh of relief, Jason greeted the man, ogling the lavish robe he wore.

The man took notice of this, smirking at the young boy's admiration for an unadorned sleek robe.

"It conceals my presence, letting me sneak close to people, and past those aliens. Pretty neat, eh?" He spoke with certainty, even puffing his chest out.

He wasn't wrong. A robe like that would be extremely useful, sneaking past Saljurs, who were without a doubt, the dominant species and would save a person's life on many occasions.

"May I analyze it?" Jason asked, still staring at it.

The man's eyes widened, then reverted to normal. With a sigh, he un-equipped it and gave it to Jason. "You also have that system thing?" He asked Jason, who nodded in return.

"Also, you may keep it. I'm too old to be fighting, already did a fair share of it since the start of this apocalypse."

Jason recognized the irritated look on his face and decided to not speak further. However, the opportunity represented itself, so he seized it.

"Want to team up? We'll be able to deal with Saljurs if we come up with a plan. It's easier with two than one, right?"

Looking out the corner of his eyes, he could see a smile form on the old man's lips, but he declined shortly after.

Jason was confused. In such a predicament, the more the merrier he thought.

"I have my reasons, boy. And I just said I don't want to be fighting."

Jason frowned, he wouldn't force him, but he is stubborn.

"C'mon... Just help each other, then we can find more people and build a civilization! You don't even have to fight!" Jason pleaded, staring at the man right in his eyes.

"That would be nice, but as I told you I have my reasons."

He shrugged with a sigh. If the old man didn't want to, he wouldn't push on it further. He had nothing else to offer.

'System, examine.'

[Assassins Cloak: Silences the person wearing this cloak by 50%. Concealing their presence by 30%, and giving a 10% resistance to sharp weapons.]

Jason nodded in satisfaction. Simultaneously equipping it. The robe flawlessly matched his long black hair, reminding him of a prince from novels he read.

"Thank you- Ehh… What's your name?"

"Leonard, obviously Leo for short." They shook hands, and Jason introduced himself.

Leo was surprised that Jason was able to live, even making it past the city.

"So, Leo, what has happened to you so far?"

As they walked together, they told each other about what they experienced.

Jason told him about him escaping from a Saljur and the biker that tried to rob him. And of course, explaining why he was carrying a baby.

"Ah, that explains it. I was wondering why you, a 16-year-old at best, were carrying around a child. That just means your good-willed, and nice person at heart," Poking at Jason's chest while saying those words.

"Thank you, Leo."

Jason left out the fact he reloaded in a "checkpoint" As he doesn't know if it's something everyone shared.

He did find out that other people also possess the game-like system as him.

'Damnit... I thought I'd be super strong because of the system that only I had!'

Jason was bummed that the system did not only choose Jason, but he was still elated about having one.

[Passive Skill: Sense triggered.]

[Possible threats: 100 Meters.]

'Possible threats, as in a group?'

[Yes. 7.]

Noticing the worry on Jason's face, Leo stopped, feeling an intense discomfort at the sudden expression change.

"Is anything wrong?" The words took Jason out of his daze, along with another system notification.

[Possible threats: 90 Meters]

"We have to go. My skill told me that threats are closing in." Jason commanded and instantly began running.

"Hoho, keep up youngster." With a cheeky taunt, they began to sprint.

To his surprise, Leo was in good shape, even faster than Jason.

He didn't know if he was surprised because the man was at least 60 years old, or whether he was faster than Jason who had his agility at 10.

The group of 7 mimicked their increase in speed, the alerts rapidly appearing as they sped closer to the duo in a van.

Luckily Jason had such a useful Auxiliary skill. Although it wasn't offensive or defensive in sorts, it was definitely helpful to scout.

If he didn't have such an ability, he would've never noticed the group, which would allow a deadly ambush.

As the van neared them, the side door slid open, revealing a man who climbed out, holding onto the inside of it.

He extended his hand, stabilizing it to ensure the best accuracy.

Out of nowhere, a blazing ball of fire the size of an adult's head conjured from his hand, soaring straight at Jason's back.

The ball of fire warped the air around itself, allowing it to travel at frighteningly high speeds.

'Fireball, the most basic magic spell ever!

However, a look of realization and dread came upon Jason's face. If they were able to use magic, and Jason wasn't, that means by far they were stronger or had a better starting level; Not like Jason and Leo would've won, to begin with.

"Dodge!"

Leo grabbed Jason by the collar, pulling Jason into himself. The impact knocked Leo off balance, colliding into the ground face-first, dragging Jason down with him.

The fireball flew past them, and after flying a few more meters it combusted and dispersed into thin air.

"We got them!" A member exclaimed, unsheathing a long sword that was tucked in his waistband.

'A whole fucking sword for crying out loud!

Who the hell has a sword before the apocalypse? How do you even get on to begin with?

He could sense an aura radiating from the sword, although faint it was present. It made him worry all the more.

"You okay?" Jason asked.

"Just because I'm old doesn't mean I'm fragile but thank you for your concern." He said with a wink, quickly jumping up to a standing position.

Jason stood up, brushing the dust and tiny pebbles off his pants.

It was no use to run, the group was already a worrying 20 meters away.

"Do you think we can win?"

"No."

"That was awfully straightforward."

"No point in lying."

"Of course." Jason chuckled, eyeing the approaching group.

And the system was spot-on, 7 people came out from the van. 6 Came forward while a solo girl stood back, barely stepping out the van doors.

"So... Will you guys just give up?"

"Nope," Jason responded, preparing himself for the imminent fight.

After reaching a striking distance, the man with a sword swung sideways at Jason's torso, aiming to lethally wound him.

Jason stepped back, barely weaving the attack. Leo himself was dexterous, although barely parrying the blows aimed toward him.

Jason ducked under another blow, quickly sending out a kick to the man's knee.

In retaliation, the man spun on his left foot. Doing a complete 360, he utilized the momentum and swung the sword with no remorse, grazing Jason's calf to his shin.

A clean line was cut on his leg, and blood dripped onto his navy blue school pants.

Although the cut didn't seem bad, whatever aura covering the sword was it enhanced its lethality, rendering Jason's leg useless.

Collapsing, Jason grasped at his leg, his jaw clenching in pain.

Soon enough, a small knick appeared on Leo's hand. The same as Jason's leg, his battle prowess eventually dampened by a significant margin, resulting in his inevitable loss.

The duo lay on the road, defeated.

"What should we do with them?" A lanky blonde man asked. Nothing stood out about him besides his glimmering blue eyes.

"Slaves I guess? That will probably be a profitable industry."

The men nodded in unison, eventually surrounding Leo and Jason.

[An unknown god believes in you. 2+ Stat boost.]