Chapter 16: Briefing

What made me especially happy is that Lili brought a great benefit with her and those are the two characteristics, as their names imply concealment is a characteristic that allows me to hide everything from scent and presences and even your existence if taken to the extreme, that's why Lili's existence is almost impossible to detect unless she wants to even when I used the assimilation characteristic to merge with me I couldn't find her even though I knew she was merged with me.And as for assimilation it's a bit complicated feature to apply but it allows me things like merging with shadows or darkness as well as many other uses.I had outlined a plan before my hunting expedition, however, Lili's appearance had changed the dynamics of my strategies. Now, with her by my side, the possibilities had expanded and required revision and possibly, a new direction.As I finished reviewing my status and assigning my stats, I observed Lili, who was looking at me expectantly, clearly waiting for me to finish taking care of my internal business. In a serene but curious tone, she asked me:[So, what are we going to do now?]"First of all, we need to establish a clear identity for everyone," I explained. Lack of official identification was a common problem among slum children; I was no exception. This situation stemmed from having taken a different path than in my past life. While the beginning was more challenging, this decision offered long-term advantages.Before proceeding with any plans, I decided to review the information the children had gathered during my absence. 'They may have found data that could be useful to us,' I thought as I awaited their return.Hours later, as I chatted with Lili about the general details of my revised plans, evening approached and the second group of children returned. Upon their arrival, they were eager to greet me, but before they could organize a noisy welcome, I rallied them to start a meeting."Ehem, let's start the briefing," I announced, clearing my throat to get their attention. Clayton, ever enthusiastic, was the first to report:"Chief, we followed all the exercises you left us with and gathered as much information as possible."Clayton provided a detailed report, covering everything from trivial details, such as the presence of other children loitering near our territory, to more worrisome matters, such as unknown individuals who seemed to be looking for something specific in the area. Although the children were unable to determine exactly what these subjects were looking for, one piece of information caught my attention: a merchant was offering a reward for information about his missing son."Do you have a picture or description of this person?", I asked, interested in learning more about this matter.Clayton pulled out a poster showing a picture of a boy of about 11 or 12 years old, with green hair and golden eyes, highlighting prominent glasses. As I looked at the photo, I recognized the person. Despite his youth, the features were distinctive and I could not mistake him, especially those golden eyes that seemed to emit a glow of their own. The name on the sign, however, read [Chris Ventura], which created confusion as it did not match the memories I had. The possibility that he really was who I thought he was prompted me to look him up and his current location."Excellent work, everyone. Now, I have a new task for you," I announced, determined. With the information and capabilities I had recently strengthened, it was time to expand our operations. I instructed the children to continue to gather information and bring in more children who were homeless. "Gather them in a different location, not at our base. We will lure them in, promising them food and shelter, and once trust is established, we will integrate them fully into our group.""Chief, are you leaving again?" asked Clayton with a look of concern."Not for long, just for a while. Follow instructions and I'll be back soon," I assured, trying to calm his concern.After restocking our supplies and leaving enough resources for the potential new members, I concluded the meeting and headed to my room. However, I noticed someone following me. Turning around, I saw Eirlys looking at me intently."Is there anything else you would like to say to me?"[...]I tilted my head asking her why she was following me, but she didn't say anything, just looked at me with her big blue eyes. We stood looking at each other for a while, and I couldn't stand this awkward silence, so I decided to continue on my way."...If you have nothing to say, I'll be on my way."I continued, but she kept following me. Knowing that she wanted something, I had no choice but to try to think what it was, so drawing on my memory, I tried to figure out what it was."Oh," I exclaimed when I realized the possible reason.Looking at her, my mind traveled back in time, I knew Eirlys from before we started this group of slum kids, remembering the days we spent in the orphanage, a gloomy place where joy was as scarce as warmth on cold winter nights.In those days, Eirlys and I had supported each other to survive. The orphanage, run by people who embezzled funds intended for the children, barely provided enough to keep us alive. Many children did not survive; malnutrition and lack of care were deadly. Violence was frequent, and beatings by caregivers often ended in tragedy.Faced with such a situation, even at only six years old, I had decided that we had to flee. Eirlys, who had always been like a sister to me, did not hesitate to follow me. We were only six years old when we left that place. The first days on the streets were brutally difficult, learning to survive in a world that showed no mercy to two lonely children.However, together, we found ways to face each challenge. Sharing not only survival strategies but also what little warmth our bodies could generate, we huddled together in any corner we could find that offered a modicum of shelter.These moments, despite the adversity, became a small comfort in our daily struggle for survival. Every night, shrouded in the cold darkness of the streets, we would search for abandoned spaces or shady corners where the cold winter wind could not reach us so easily. Sometimes it was under an old bridge, sometimes in an unoccupied alley between buildings that blocked the icy wind.This act of sharing our warmth was not only a physical necessity but also a deep emotional bond that strengthened us. It reminded us that we were not alone in this hostile world, that there was someone else facing the same struggles and sharing the same hope for better days. In those moments, our conversations often revolved around small dreams, like finding a better place to live or the food we would like to eat if we ever had enough money.Although we were older now and our circumstances had changed, the old habits, especially those formed under the pressure of survival, were hard to abandon. Recalling those memories buried in my memory that now feel so fresh makes me realize that my mind is not fully synchronized and there is still a bit of conflict.Oddly enough the first week she showed no action of approaching me, maybe it's because of my personality change, but apparently Eirlys, felt loneliness enough to overlook my changes, especially after my absence during the hunt."I understand, don't worry. You can stay in my room tonight if that makes you feel better."His normally serious and focused face softened into a small smile upon hearing my invitation. Following me to my room.Seeing the small smile on Eirlys' face as she followed me, I felt a comforting relief. Exhausted from the intense days of hunting and the emotional whirlwind of the day, I plopped down on the makeshift bed, which was nothing more than a pile of fabrics and some threadbare cushions we had gathered. As sleep began to envelop me, my thoughts turned to the future.I pondered how Lili's presence, with her unique skills, could transform our strategies and strengthen our little group, which was slowly growing in numbers and skill. Each of them, with their stories and hidden potentials, was a responsibility and a promise of a different future, one that I was determined to improve.I was determined not to let our bonds, forged in adversity, be lost like empty words in the wind. These connections were the core of our collective strength, and in them, I found the motivation to plan not only for our survival, but also for our flourishing. With those thoughts firmly in my mind, I surrendered to the dream, ready to face whatever fate had in store for us with renewed vigor and a clear sense of purpose.