Chapter 17: 17. Jealousy

Laurence looked back to Beatrice, who nodded at him without saying anything.

"It's already getting late, so you'll be going on your first exploration mission tomorrow," Laurence said sternly. "But first, there are a few things you need to know."

He then looked at the road leading to a forest area. The forest was more than 300 meters away from them. Judging from Laurence's angry and worried expression, what he was about to say wasn't going to be pleasant at all. Laurence then looked back at the four people in front of him, still frowning.

"Number 1: Don't go toward the forest. You probably haven't seen mutated WILD animals before. After the Tiran impact occurred, not just humans who were infected by the asteroids mutated, but also animals in the forest and in the ocean."

"Number two: Keep a watch out for titans. They are normally as huge as a four-story building, so it wouldn't be so hard to spot one."

Hearing the word 'Titans,' the group of people was confused. Laurence sighed as his shoulders dropped and he took a deep breath before he continued.

"Titans are creatures who were too close to the asteroids when the Tiran impact happened. There are also humanoid, zombie Titans, but they are very rare."

The individuals nodded as they heard what Laurence said, and he replied, "Good. You may all return to your assigned rooms. We'll do a change tomorrow."

The sun was already down, and it was already getting dark, so they just left and went back to their rooms.

"So, all of them already entered Heaven's tower?" The Canadian beauty Beatrice asked, finally saying something.

"Hm," Laurence nodded. "They are really an exceptional group of people."

Beatrice nodded and walked back toward the main building in the middle of the camp.

Meanwhile, Laurence sighed while looking at the beauty from behind. "She is still as distant as ever."

He pulled out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it before walking away from the gate to check out his crew.

After Dexter and the others got back to the room, Rina stayed close to him.

"So, Dexter, what did you do before the apocalypse?" She asked with a smile.

"Hmm..." He pondered. 'What did I do before the apocalypse?'

"I was a writer."

"I already know that. I mean, your situation before all this happened, how was it?" She corrected.

"Well, it wasn't too good. My dad died earlier last year, and as the first son, all eyes fell on me. I wasn't a very intelligent person when it came to my studies, which labeled me as a disgrace in the family," Dexter said, feeling somewhat sad as he continued.

"All eyes fell on my little brother, the last child. He was very intelligent and showed exceptional progress in school. I tried so hard to make a name for myself, but before I could, this stupid apocalypse broke out," Dexter said.

"Hehe. Then why don't you aim to be the strongest?" Rina said, making Dexter turn to her with a bored and tired expression.

"I know the dangers out there. I'm not some anime character," Dexter said.

Rina laughed at his statement, making Dexter confused as he didn't know whether he said anything funny. Plus, as she laughed, she slapped his shoulder. Even while being more durable than other humans, a girl's slap still hurt.

Leo was just looking at the two interacting with an angry expression as they talked and Rina laughed.

He looked forward and closed his eyes to their talking and laughter, but he couldn't, and he stood up. He turned around and walked toward the door with an angry expression, and Rina noticed this.

"Where are you going?" She asked, but Leo ignored her and left the room while slamming the door, making the walls crack.

"Hey, Leo?!" Rina went after him to see what happened to her friend.

Dexter already had a hint of what transpired.

"He hates me. Right?" Dexter asked Zain, and the muscular guy dropped his book that he was reading and looked at Dexter.

"No. He doesn't hate you. He's just jealous," Zain said with a shrug as he picked up his book again.

Meanwhile, Dexter was stunned and confused.

"Jealous? Jealous of who?" His lips curved downwards in disdain.

"Of you, of course," Zain said, putting the book down again as he expected the next question.

"Why would he be jealous of me?" Dexter was confused.

"Because he has feelings for Rina, my boy," Zain smiled. "You wouldn't notice as it's hidden behind that cold expression of his."

Dexter finally nodded, this time, in understanding. 'So he hates me because he's in love. I wasn't even flirting with Rina. I have a girlfriend, bruh,' Dexter thought as he shook his head. He then looked back at Zain, who had already picked up his book.

"Hmm... I know what to do," Dexter said while nodding.

"Eh? What do you plan?" Zain asked.

"I plan to bring them together. We don't know whether anything will happen that'll separate you guys, so the earlier, the better. At least let them use their time very well," Dexter said, and Zain agreed with him.

Dexter was very correct. Anything could happen in this god damn apocalypse and it will be better to live happy last days.

Zain wasn't too comfortable about having an idea of dying but whay Dexter said was true. Anything can happen at anytime.

...

Leo walked away toward the entrance of the camp, and Rina was behind him, shouting his name to get his attention.

"Leo! Leo!"

"Just leave me alone! Okay?!" Leo shouted with a loud voice, making all of the people around look in their direction. He didn't care for any of them, though, and walked away.

Rina immediately began to cry as she ran back to the room they were assigned for the night.

Freddy was also close by, walking into the entrance with a bunch of wood. He also saw the situation unfold, but he still had his indifferent expression and walked inside with the wood.