Chapter 10 - To the Human Resistance Base

After getting outside the city, Alex checked the map on his his watch to determine the Human Resistance Base(HRB) closest to him. After deciding the one that suits him best, he then flew off in that direction.

"I would have chosen Base 4, but I felt I shouldn't. Besides, it's time I get to know others and probably make myself rich." He said as a grin crept up his face.

He noticed few people heading in the same direction as him, but he didn't pay them attention so as not to draw attention to himself or so he thought.

"Hey brother! Wait up!" A silhouette of a man in a blue suit flying without support said as he sped up to catch up to Alex.

'Just when I decided to mind my business,' he pretended not to hear him as he increased his speed. 'if he has what I need, perhaps that'd be better.'

The man trying to catch up to Alex smiled when he saw Alex increase his speed.

"I can do that too, just that you're not as fast as I!" His speed suddenly doubled as he closed the distance between the two of them.

Their small chase had drawn few attention to them but they soon lost interest when they saw it wasn't worth their attention.

Alex slowed down to allow the other guy catch up to him which he did in few seconds.

"What do you want?" He asked coldly when the guy caught up to him.

"Same as you. I'm John, what's yours?" The guy replied as if he wasn't affected by Alex's attitude.

Alex craned his head to look at the guy beside him and was surprised to see that his suit was better than his own which made him to almost choke. 'Seems like I hit a gold mine this time,' he thought as grin crept up his face.

"How many days do you think it will take us to get to Base 4?" He asked John beside him.

John didn't immediately reply as he seemed to be in thought as he flew beside him.

"Judging by our current speed it will at least take us five days, but if I go at my maximum speed, almost three days should do it, "he said as he didn't bother to turn to Alex, "besides, how many days will it take it take you at your maximum?"

Alex didn't reply as he sped up again to put a distance between them. He knew the guy was probing him, if only he knew what he was after.

John caught up to him immediately "If you don't want to answer, it's okay. I know we are heading in the same direction, so I propose to keep each other company till we get there."

"Oh that's good. I've always been bored being alone. What do you have to offer?" Alex asked expectant. If he was right, this guy's rich. He had quickly noticed somethings about him during their short exchange. All that's left for him is to suck up to him, pardon me, befriend him.

"I do have an advanced generation model of the motorcycle you are using." John said as an hologram appeared before them. It displayed a motorcycle in resemblance to the one Alex used but with more unique features.

"How did you get that?" Alex asked his voice dripping with excitement. He must confess, this guy is truly rich.

John beside him felt this guy was off, but he didn't pay attention to it.

"My dad lives in the layer C of the inner area. So it wasn't hard to purchase." He said as he checked Alex for his reaction, but was disappointed when he didn't see any look of excitement on Alex's face.

"I'm Alex. Nice to meet you John."

"Nice to meet you too."

They both maintained their silence as they flew past many places. Akex kept on observing the terrain around him and he must confess, Earth has really changed with the descent of the monsters. He raised his head up as he seemed to look past the earth into the endless space. There are others like them out there. He wondered when he will encounter them, but not too far off in the future. His aim was to become powerful then maybe defeat the invaders and leave Earth to explore the universe.

Those two years he spent on the brink of death while in pursuit by death were really eye opening for him.

He looked ahead and noticed a forest ahead of them. They had to go through this forest before they can get to their destination.

"Let's stop when we get into the forest and look for a safe place to stay."

Alex heard John beside him speak which he nodded in reply to instinctively.

They reduced their speed as they got closer to the forest.

"Must say, this place should be nice to rest. What do you think?" John asked Alex who landed beside him as he observed the area they were inside the forest.

It's been almost ten minutes since they entered looking for a good place to rest.

What's nice here? Alex looked at the guy in front of him and decided that he should reevaluate him, maybe mental health issues.

Clearing the bush patch around them, they settled down as silence settled again between them. Alex brought out one of the food package he prepared and started eating. He noticed the guy doing the same thing but soon lost his interest in him.

John observed Alex and was surprised when he saw that Alex didn't even try to flatter him after knowing his background. He family must also be in equal footing with mine or even greater. But maybe he is just not interested. The voice of excitement he heard after showing him the motorcycle wasn't fake except if this guy could really act, this will make this journey worthwhile.

"If you want to say something talk. Stop looking at me, but I can't promise to answer." Alex said without gazing at him.

John was surprised as he didn't look that obvious.

"What's your reason for leaving the city?"

Alex raised his head to look at John sitting across him and his look seemed to doubt him. "To get stronger and to promote myself to the inner area."

John looked at him and laughed, "Same thing I have in mind. I had to leave the city secretly to not let my family know, but I know it's stupid of me." He said as he scratched his head in embarrassment.

"Give me your ID so I can pass you the motorcycle," he paused as he noticed Alex giving him the questioning look, "our journey will be faster that way."

Alex called out his ID which he then typed on his watch, and after few seconds Alex noticed the items in his inventory has increased by an object.

"Don't worry, I have better things with me." He grinned at Alex.

Alex choked on his food, is this guy telling him to rob him? If so he will be willing to. Patience Alex, patience.

"See you in the morning!" He heard John say as he saw a makeshift tent on the floor with John nowhere to be seen. He noticed the guy had set some traps around his tent.

So he isn't stupid after all, well I don't plan to rob him yet, besides we may head off to the invaders territory together.

He also brought out his tent then entered after setting up some traps.

Few minutes later, John's tent opened as he looked at Alex's tent and noticed there were not footmarks heading towards his tent.

"He isn't blinded by greed. Interesting. Father would be pleased with someone like this." He said as he retreated back into his tent.

A few kilometers ahead of them was group of five people, three men and two women who sat around a fire that was almost out.

They could all be seen eating as they someone roasted an animal that looked like rabbit over the fire.

"Nothing beats the taste of freshly roasted meat." A man among the group said as he tore a large chunk of meat into his mouth.

"Henry, if you keep eating like that how do you want to battle.?" A lady spoke as she cleaned her mouth. Henry who was reprimanded belched as he said in an intoxicated tone, "who cares about battle Evelyn? It's good I enjoy myself before I end up going. No one knows the future." He said as he tore another large piece of meat. His whole body seemed to be inflated as he kept on eating.

"It seems two other people entered here after us." Another man said in the group.

He sat in a meditative posture as he looked at the other members. He had a short red hair and a small scar across his face. He wore a necklace that looked plain. His suit was green and looked ordinary save for his presence that screamed danger.

Henry's attitude changed abruptly when he heard what the man said as he quickly gulped down the meat with him. "More people means more food."

"What do you suggest Eva?" The man said to the other lady in the group.

"We ambush them of course." Eva who looked harmless replied. She wore a black suit with a mask covering her nose downwards. Her black hair rested on her shoulder as she tilted her head to look at the last man who hasn't spoken.

The man's face was covered it a mask and he wore a black suit with number fifteen written on his chest. The image of a fierce snake pierced with a rod on the head and tail was engraved beside the number.

"We will do as she suggested." The man spoke.