Chapter 21: Viktor
Zorvax followed the group of survivors as they led him to the makeshift base of the Red Shark Group, nestled inside an abandoned supermarket. The survivors moved with a sense of familiarity, navigating the post-apocalyptic landscape with ease.
As they approached the entrance to the base, they were greeted by a pair of guards stationed there. The guards, vigilant and prepared for any potential threats, immediately tensed when they laid eyes on Zorvax. His masked face and the colossal bone sword on his back were enough to set them on edge.
One of the guards spoke up, his tone wary. "Who are you?" he inquired, eyeing Zorvax with caution.
Before Zorvax could answer, one of the survivors stepped forward and spoke on his behalf. "He's Zorvax," the survivor explained, his voice confident. "He might be one of the Awakeners in this world." He paused, his expression serious. "We wouldn't want to provoke an Awakener, would we?"
The mention of Awakeners sent a chill through the guards. Awakeners held a position of unparalleled importance in this evolving world, and even the most fortified guards knew better than to provoke one. The prospect of facing the wrath of an Awakener was a fate they dared not tempt.
The survivor continued, his tone more conciliatory. "We're here to meet the boss," he explained. "He'd like to meet the one who helped us out of that situation."
The guards, understanding the gravity of the situation, exchanged a quick look and then nodded in agreement. They parted, allowing Zorvax and the survivors to enter the base of the Red Shark Group.
Following one of the survivors, Zorvax made his way through the bustling makeshift base of the Red Shark Group. The survivor led him to a particular room where the group's boss was located. With a polite knock on the door, the survivor announced their arrival, "Boss, I've brought the Awakener we mentioned over the walkie-talkie."
From within, a deep voice responded, "Let him enter."
The survivor opened the door, allowing Zorvax to step into the room. Inside, he found the boss of the Red Shark Group, a figure of authority in this evolving world. Zorvax, his mask concealing his expression, entered with a respectful nod and spoke, "I would like to see who the boss is."
Zorvax entered the room, and his eyes were met with a sight of unexpected opulence. The room was lavishly decorated, a stark contrast to the harsh and unforgiving world outside. His gaze settled on a large bed, where a man lay comfortably flanked by two women who were engrossed in his company.
The man, a picture of self-assured confidence, calmly addressed the women, "Leave us alone for now." With their nods of compliance, the two women departed the room, leaving Zorvax and the man alone.
As Zorvax observed the room and the man's companions, he couldn't help but think, "As expected from the boss of a group like this."
The man, named Viktor, walked toward Zorvax, a confident smile on his face. "So, you are Zorvax," he remarked, his voice carrying a tone of authority.
Zorvax nodded, acknowledging his identity. "Indeed, I am."
Viktor, his demeanor relaxed yet commanding, introduced himself. "I am Viktor, leader of the Red Shark Group. My ability is called Flame Palm. I can emit fire from my palm." He extended a hand, and a small flame danced to life, casting a warm and flickering glow in the room.
Viktor's words hung in the air, and he continued, "I've heard about your abilities and what you can do. We could use someone like you in the Red Shark Group. We're looking for individuals with unique skills and a strong will to survive."
Zorvax pondered Viktor's offer, considering the possibilities that came with joining a group. It was a moment of contemplation where he weighed the benefits of alliances and the value of strength in numbers.
Zorvax didn't immediately commit to joining the Red Shark Group. He had his own agenda and missions to fulfill, and while Viktor's offer was enticing, he needed to know what was in it for him.
He straightened his posture and met Viktor's eyes. "What's in it for me if I join?" Zorvax asked, seeking clarity on the terms of their potential alliance.
Viktor, a confident and charismatic leader, smiled and rose from his seat, spreading his arms in a welcoming gesture. "Anything," he replied, his voice filled with conviction. "In this world, power rules, and you could have anything you desire. We value strength and skills, and we reward those who contribute to our cause."
Zorvax couldn't help but smile in response, understanding the dynamics of this new world and the value of aligning with a group like the Red Shark. However, his main mission at the moment was to gather information, and he wasn't ready to give a definitive answer just yet.
Before they could delve deeper into the conversation, a sudden knock on the door disrupted their discussion. Viktor's demeanor shifted from welcoming to anger, his brow furrowing in annoyance, and he turned his attention to the intruder.
"It better be good for you to disturb me," Viktor warned, his voice laced with irritation, his palm already igniting with a small fire.
The survivor who had knocked on the door nervously gulped, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and explained, "One of the generals has died."
Viktor's eyes widened in surprise, the flickering flames in his palm reflecting his astonishment. He leaned in closer to the survivor, his voice a low, intense growl, "General? Are you sure?"
The survivor stammered, his face pale, "Y-yes, sir. He was a general. His body is in the hall."
Viktor's eyes blazed with a mixture of concern and urgency. "What happened? How did he die?" he demanded, his fiery palm dimming slightly.
The survivor struggled to find words, fear evident in his eyes. "We... we're not sure. He was fine one moment, and the next... he just collapsed."
Without hesitation, Viktor issued a command, his voice now filled with determination, "Take me there, now."
Zorvax, who had a growing curiosity about the term "general" in this context, decided to join them. He was keen to unravel the mysteries of this evolving world and believed this could be a unique opportunity to gather valuable information.
The three of them, Viktor, Zorvax, and the survivor, hurried to the hall, their expressions reflecting a mix of anticipation, anxiety, and determination. They knew that confronting the unknown might reveal more about the complex and perilous world they now found themselves in.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone