Chapter 27: Chapter 26
Riding the elevator once more, I arrive at the 9th floor. With the time I had while waiting in the elevator, I manage to calm my senses and re-evaluate more on the things I did.
God... why did I even say those... She probably was just only pissed at me because she was concerned.
Feeling bad for what I did, I considered apologizing to her later. But I don't even know if she'll accept it, or even if she's in the mood to see me.
Fucking hell... Good job Lawrence, you fuck up. You dropped your spaghetti and you now have no idea on what to do
Not having any plan on what to do, I decided that maybe taking a walk might soothe my mind. Luckily enough, my need of some relaxation does associate with a thing that I also need to do.
"I guess... I should get that thing now"
And with a new task in hand, I began making my way to the facility gate.
Arriving in there, the familiar scenery of guards and cameras greeted me. Not far from where I was, is the room where the guy who logs everyone sits.
"U-umm.. Hello?"
"Hello to you as well sir, what can I do for you today?"
"Well... there's something that I need to do outside, so will you please allow me to leave?"
"Sure thing... we just need to log your name first. After which, you are allowed to leave"
"Thank you, the names Bruce"
"Bruce... you mean the person who was found lying in the cavern yesterday?"
"Yep, that's me"
"I see... quite odd to see you wanting to go back outside, despite what just happened. Did you receive another mission perhaps?"
"A-ahh.. No, I just need to do s-some practice outside! After what happened yesterday, I felt like that I was in need of some improvement. To you know, avoid further situations like yesterday's incident"
"Understandable I guess... just do be careful. We still haven't resolved the disappearance of the Psionic Ants"
"I'll keep that in mind"
And with my name logged into the computer, I was able to casually leave the facility to my heart's content. With me outside the facility for the third time, I began making my way back to the northern lake.
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Walking through the rocky cavern, I prepared my gun in hand to be on guard for any possible threats. The experience on the Ant incident has left an impression on me; which is that I should be prepared for the unexpected when exploring this place.
With my gun ready and with everything checked, I carefully made my way to the rocky terrain while scanning the area for any threats. Not long after in my travel, I eventually arrive at the mushroom filled lake.
Looking at the scenery, nothing really much changed since the last time I came to this place. There's still a lot of mushrooms around and cave bunnies hopping around and doing whatever the things that they do. It doesn't look nor feel like a ton of murder ants just came here.
"Now then... I guess I should go and look for it now"
With nothing much to do, I began making my way to the abandoned facility once more. In there, I carefully maneuver the dark place while checking to see, if there's still any Ants that the guards may have overlook. Seeing the lack of Psionic Ants in the area, I made my way to the facility basement where I still remember the numerous Ants that almost killed me. Seeing how nothing much has changed in the place, I quickly made my way to the room where me, Bobby and Evee hid ourselves.
"It should be here..."
With me inside the room, I began checking the area where I hid the thing that I was looking for. After a few minutes of searching, a glowing light dimly shined in the spot of where I was resting before. I finally found the thing that I was seeking.
"Thank god... they didn't find it"
-Psioniom
Category: Minerals
Description: Unknown
One of the rewards that I received after finishing the Psionic Training Quest, a mineral called Psionium. After accepting the rewards, I was given both this thing and 200 exp by the Character Building Tool. To avoid any suspicion on me, I tried hiding this thing in here when I decided the plan of escaping this place.
And with that said, I was also really nervous when Doc. Isaac mentioned that the guards investigated this place. If by chance they manage to find this, then I may have lost something valuable in my hands.
I'm just glad that they didn't find it.
Putting the small looking rock in my pocket, I quickly leave the facility while cautiously looking through any directions to see if anybody sees me.
Why I'm a being paranoid all of the sudden, it's not like anyone can just casually walk in here likes its nothing.
Relaxing my mind for a bit, I then scan the area for the second time before deciding to go home. While leisurely walking back to the settlement, I thoroughly examined the glowing rock in my hand.
"I wonder what even is this thing?"
Despite the fact that I have an ability that helps identify things, the lack of points invested in it makes said ability somewhat useless.
I wonder if investing some points in it may help me in the long term...
With nothing to go by other than its name. I began thinking of ways of how I can identify this rock. After a few minutes of thinking, I manage to thought of using the library considering that its where I pretty much get most of my information. But before I can even think of what book to borrow, Grace's smug tired face managed linger in my mind all of the sudden.
Thinking more about it... I guess Grace might know a thing or two about this rock. Maybe I can even sell this to her for a good price.
With a possible solution found for my problem, I then continued my trip back to the settlement. With how little to no threat or problems I found in my journey, I was quite satisfied with how my trip went. I hope that more future trips of mine went about as fine as this trip.
Looking back at the lake, without all the danger and monsters in this place. The area looks kind of nice to gaze at. With how busy I was with things, it's quite relaxing to enjoy the unique scenery of the place.
"Such a shame that I can't look at the stars, deep underground"
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-Bing...
With the elevator door slowly opening, I quietly hop off the thing and made my way to my room. With the strange rock still in my pocket, I made sure that I stay extra careful with other people in the place. Worst case scenario for me would be getting killed and robbed due to someone finding out about this thing.
And with me arriving at my dorm's vicinity, I quickly open the door and enter the place. While locking the door from behind just to be safe.
"Big bro, welcome back"
Entering the place, Claire greeted me as she usually does. Which reassures me quite a bit.
"Good afternoon Claire. Sorry for being late"
"It's okay big bro, you don't really have much when it comes to a schedule with your job anyway"
"Hahaha... I guess your kind of right about that. So, how's school?"
"Fine... nothing really much happened other than learning more things. But you should really be more concerned about your visitor than me"
"Huh?"
Looking more at the place, I manage to find Evee sitting at the room's sofa by herself.
What the hell is she doing in here...
"Hi..."
"A-ahh.. H-hi to you as well..."
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"...This is kind of awkward, seeing you both attempt to communicate. I guess I'll go and buy something for lunch. Please feel free at home sis Evee"
And with Claire, out of the picture. Me and Evee was left alone in the room, awkwardly watching each other silently. Wanting to break the unpleasant atmosphere, Evee finally started talking to me.
"I never knew... that Claire was your sister"
"I also never knew that you personally know her"
"I worked for a lot people, including miss Katherine. So, I personally know a few of her students. Your sister is a bright kid, who boast about her wonderful big brother a lot. I would have never guessed that said brother would be you"
"I see... I'm kind of embarrass now, hearing you personally say that my sister boasts a lot about me"
"Your feelings are understandable... but I can't understand why you have to lie to her"
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"So... you've talked to her?"
"Right... You weren't here when I tried visiting. So, I had a little moment to talk to Claire about things"
"..."
"I've heard some fascinating things, a lot of them involves Mushboar Steak for some reason. But I did find it interesting how she mentioned that you work as a Travel Agent"
"Hah... I guess you know now..."
"So, why you lied to her?"
"Who wouldn't, I'm her only existing relative. If she finds out how dangerous my work is, she would fuss about it non-stop. And if I quit then I wouldn't have anything to provide to her with"
"I see..."
"Now then... would you mind explaining why you're here?"
"I came to apologize... my actions earlier were really uncalled for... So.. I'm sorry"
"Apology accepted, I guess..."
"Please don't... I don't want you to accept my apology until I truly reflect on it. Seeing how you're risking your life so that you can provide to your sister... I can now understand why you would be angry at me"
"..."
"Seeing someone selfishly disregard their own life... I can see why that would piss you off"
"Good for you... but either you like or not, I'll still accept that apology of yours"
"I see... Say new recruit... how can I reflect on this?"
"Huh?"
"I live most of my life disregarding myself, thinking that helping people is what's important and that my life doesn't matter.. I don't really have anything to live for..."
"That's a lie isn't it?"
"Huh?"
"Its been bugging me ever since you and pretty much everyone I've come across, mentioned it. But why do you help people?"
"W-what?"
"Well you see, when I was looking for you. I've come across some people in the way and they mentioned a bit of things about you. Things like how you accept as many tasks as you can have possible, despite already fulfilling your quota and how most people in here knows about you. Again, I find it weird how you try as much as you can to help people"
"A-aahh.. That's because I-I... ahh"
"Hmmm?"
"A-aahh.. Sorry but I can't say it"
"Oh come on now, I'm genuinely curious"
"Y-you won't laugh at me, if I say it?"
"Sure, I can't really see how I would be laughing for something noble"
"Well... the reason why I help people... I-Is because I want to be a h-hero"
"..."
"Don't give me that look! You're the one who asked for it"
"Sorry, I was just shock because I didn't really expect such an answer"
"Aaahhh! I shouldn't have said it!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at it, as you can see... With that said I do find it very cute"
"Aaahh!! Shut up, shut up!"
"Well... there you have it I guess"
"What do you mean?"
"Your reason to live... You want to be a hero and help everyone, right?"
"How is that my reason to live?"
"You're a beacon of hope to all the people you've help, you give strength to others that needed it. Without you, who will help those people. So please live and continue being the hero that people needed"
"If you're trying to cheer me up, then that's a very cheesy way of doing it"
"Well, I'm not the one with a childish motivation"
"Huh?!"
"Sorry, but does that help you with said reflection"
"Screw you..."
"I'll take that as a yes then"
"I just came here to apologize... why do I have to be ridiculed by you"
"Nobody's ridiculing you, for anything your just flustered. Also, I would also like to apologize to what I did earlier. I get that you were just worried about my safety and me lashing out was very uncalled for"
"Apologies accepted, I guess..."
"That makes us even, then. So what now?"
"Don't ask me, I have no idea either"
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"Hmm... how about a proper introduction. We never really knew each other that much"
"Sure... I guess"
"I'll go first, then. My name is Bruce Edwards, nice to meet you and I hope we form stable cooperation in all future tasks"
"...Evee Evergreen, nice to meet you as well..."
"I guess that ends our introduction... I was hoping for it to be much longer, but here we are"
-Sigh
"God... you're such a mess"
"Hahaha, sorry... So, how'd you manage to find this place anyway?"
"I just went and asked sir Harold, he pretty much knows some personal data about all Agents in this settlement"
"I guess that makes sense. Wished I'd known about that sooner"
"Well now you know... It's getting late now, so I guess I'll go home. Call me if you need anything"
"Right... Oh yeah! About your door?"
"Don't mind it, I'll just pay someone in the workshop to build a new one"
"I'll help in the payment, then. How much does a door cost"
"I said no need, I'm not that poor you know"
"No, I genuinely want to pay for it. I'm partially responsible for its destruction in the first place"
"God you're so persistent. Don't you have a sister to raise"
"I can't sit well, knowing that I'm indebted to someone. So please accept my payment"
"This is just going to go back and forth, until I accept it, isn't it?"
"Most likely"
"I see..."
-Swoosh...
Without warning, Evee suddenly coated her hand with psionic energy and quickly attacked me with a chop. Quick on my reflexes I barely managed to dodge the unexpected attack.
"Quit moving around Bruce!"
"Eey.. You started calling me by my name now. Wait...! That doesn't matter, why did you do that all of the sudden!?"
"I tried to knock you out cause you keep persisting about the door payment. So, hold still will you"
"Who in their right mind would just knock someone ou- W-wait.."
Seeing Evee prepare for another strike, I quickly readied myself. But before she can even enact her attack, a sudden development prevented her from attacking.
-Creak...
"I'm back!... huh? What's going on?"
"A-ahh.. Welcome back Claire. We were just talking about stuff, right Evee?"
"R-right..."
"I see... then how about you stay for dinner, sis Evee? I just bought some dishes enough for 3 people"
"No need, I already had dinner"
"Okay..."
"Well I guess, I'll go and leave now. Thank you for inviting me Claire"
"No problem sis Evee, hope you visit once more"
"If I have the time... See you as well.. Bruce"
"..."
And with the arrival of Claire, Evee silently leave my dorm. As much as I wanted to, it seems that I wasn't able to pay her with the door damage. Visiting her, might also result to me getting attack once more. But deep inside I genuinely want to pay my debt.
With nothing much to do, I sat to the sofa and relaxed my mind. Many things happened today, that I genuinely feel extremely exhausted from both mind and body.
"So... you know about sis Evee"
"Somewhat"
"Say, care to explain why sis Evee came to see you?"
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"It's really nothing special, she just came due to some work-related things"
"I thought sis Evee works as an Agent of the Settlement, how does that relate to your work? And also, how'd you know her?"
"We only met yesterday but considering that she works for pretty much everyone. It's only a matter of time before we meet each other. But enough of that, I've just heard something odd from you"
"Eh?"
"You said that you've bought food enough for three people"
"Aaahhh... I-I only bought that amount of food cause I thought that sis Evee will stay..."
"You're lying, aren't you?"
"Eeehhh... maybe"
-Sigh
"I can't believe that you're such a glutton"
"Ey! A growing person like me, needs enough food to sustain an adequate amount of nutrients you know!"
"You're going to get fat if you eat that much"
"Booo..."
"Don't you just ignore me like th-"
"La-la-la, I'm not listening"
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Our little scuffle went for a few minutes, after which we had our lunch. With the amount of time I had; I used a majority of them to rest my body. And before I knew it, evening arrive which forced me to do pretty much nothing. I've spent a few times reading some books, after which I ended the day as usual.
-End of Chapter 26
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone