Chapter 30: Meeting

Three days after the apocalypse had passed 

The teams that had been set up by Veronica had gone to work the moment the rain had stopped. Power was now running thanks to the backup generators. It was currently morning and a group of male and female survivors who knew a thing or two about cooking used the equipment that had been procured from the cafeteria to make breakfast for everyone in the building. 

The atmosphere was still gloomy as those who had smartphones had tried to contact their families and loved ones but all the got was

'Sorry the subscriber your calling is unavailable please try again later'

No one really knew if it was because the cell phone towers had been affected somehow or if it was because they were already dead but no one wanted to really know so it was no wonder that almost everyone in this place looked gloomy.

Of course I even I had borrowed a phone and had used it to call mom's number but I got no response and I hadn't been in the best of moods after that but after a day I managed to organize my thoughts. I wouldn't give up until I knew for sure.

If I gave up now and she was alive and suffering then wouldn't I regret it in the future? 

Those were the thoughts that managed to keep me going.

…

Swoosh! The sound of something sharp cutting through the air was heard and a level 5 mutated dog met its end as it was cut directly in half.

[You have acquired the soul essence of a level 5 mutated dog]

The system message materialized in my retina as I violently slashed the black bladed sword towards the ground inevitably splashing the blood that was smeared onto it on the ground.

I was trying to familiarizing myself with the sword since I had no swordsmanship training of any kind and although I saw that Conrad was good with the sword given how he doesn't seem to like me that much I didn't think asking for his help would be good.

So here I was standing outside with about five or so mutated animal and ravid corpses that had clear sword marks on their bodies. I looked down at my sword with delight.

[Black salamander (Heaven grade): A weapon with a will of its own that was once used by an exceptional martial artist from Earth's counterpart who was a master of the shadows]

[You have obtained the UNIQUE stat 'Shadow Art'. Martial art style that uses Shadows and darkness as their core. Currently Shadow artà 25/ Shadow skills available: Shadow slash/ Shadow step 1st Chapter/ Shadow veil

[NOTE: As the 'shadow art' stat increase or as the user's comprehension of the Shadow increases more skills can either be unlocked or created specially by the user]

"Why am here again?" Jordan complained from a short distance snapping me out of my daze as I concentrated on Black Salamander's records

"I need you protection you know…since I'm still hurt?"

Right my left arm needed about two weeks to completely heal, my chest wound needed a few more days my broken leg was healed since it was a single fracture unlike my left arm. 

"Are you seeing how terrifying you are dude? You killed this small pack of level 5 and 6 hounds as if they were level 1's despite your injuries…you like a cracked game character"

"What you no longer confident in you protagonist title?"

I laughed at his comment

"Tch! Just you wait you cocky side character I'll show you soon enough how much of a protagonist I am" he said with determination

"Hey!"

We both turned around to see Lydia coming our way she seemed to be levitating a few feet off the ground. She was practicing with her air manipulation skill.

"Damn I'm jealous" I mattered under my breath. Who wouldn't want to fly? That had been a dream of humanity since we gained the ability to invent things! So seeing Lydia flying like that hurt a little.

"Yeah me too" Jordan nodded beside me

"Aren't you supposed to be resting?" Lydia scolded as soon as she was at arms-length from me. I could only give her an awkward laugh before trying to change the subject

"Anyway what's up?" 

"Breakfast is ready and the others want to talk during breakfast" Lydia replied but her eyes still held a level of strictness as she locked her gaze on me

"Ehem!"

Jordan fake coughed which seeming snapped Lydia out of her predatory state. Without saying anything further she turned and started to walk with me and Jordan following closely behind her.

…

At a table in the corner further away from the rest of the survivors, a small group of people was currently seated as they waited for three others to arrive before they could start their meeting. These people were naturally Conrad, Veronica, Grem, Melody, Rina and two teachers, both female.

While they waited they didn't just stay idle no they ate the food that was infront of them which consisted of a simple rice porridge and a some chopped meat pieces. If it was before the apocalypse most of them might have never even glance at what they had before them but given the current circumstances they didn't have much of a choice. 

As they ate they felt three presences entering the gym doors.

Naturally these were Lydia, Jordan and Huey

…

When we got inside though the atmosphere was still gloomy, it was better than how they had been a few days ago when the apocalypse had only began. Not wasting time under the gazes of everyone else who were either sitting on the floor while having breakfast or standing in line to get their share, we cut directly to the front.

While many may have had grievances about this what could they do?

Getting our food we headed towards the table which was designated for the leaders of this group. 

"You guys broke through to the First star huh?"

I greeted with a small smile. This was generally a good thing. The stronger everyone got the better they'd be able to survive especially given that we had to lead this large group of students

"Thanks kid though it wasn't as fast as you guys" Grem who used the security guard of the school said with a wink on his face

Conrad merely snorted. "I don't need your recognition"

I could only helplessly shake my head at his behavior. This guy really didn't like me. Not that I liked him that much anyway

We sat down and joined in on the food. While I stuffed my mouth, Veronica opened her delicate lips as she spoke. Finally beginning the mission.