Chapitre 67: Marcia and Lies
"Well that seems a little unfair." Colton said frowning at how powerful James' skill sounded.
James rolled his eyes at Colton, "Says the guy who can cancel any skill within 20m of them."
Colton looked at Ben, "Doesn't work on everyone." he muttered, clearly still pouting.
"That is a very powerful skill James." Ben said, eager to see more skills and abilities. He was fascinated with all the different skills and how they seemed to be connected to the person's personality and class.
Cloey stood out and quietly said, "Ice Queen."
The entire room's temperature seemed to drop below freezing. Ben's eyebrows scrunched together as he looked down at his hands, feeling his blood circulation slowing down. Being at his level, he had immaculate control over his body. So when he could feel his blood and thoughts slowing down, it was uncomfortable and unnatural. Ben looked back at Cloey and saw her body covered in white snow with an ice crown on her head, looking like a frozen goddess.
Colton and the others were shivering, clearly affected by Cloey's skill.
"Ice Queen creates a domain with me as the center, everything in the domain can be frozen, even time. Of course with my current power I can't accomplish that." Cloey explained to everyone, deactivating her skill. The room's temperature returned to normal but the others still were shivering from the cold.
"Awesome. Just awesome." Ben said with a bright smile on his face. "Anybody else?" he asked eager to see more amazing skills. Nobody came forward, much to his disappointment.
"What about you City Lord? What is your Inherited Skill?" Colton asked, curious on what skill their powerful City Lord unlocked.
"Actually I acquired my Inherited Skill when I was level 20. It is called Nature's Child and has three abilities, although I have only unlocked one and that is absorbing Natural Energy from my surroundings." Ben spoke calmly, revealing his skill.
The others stared at him, expressionless.
"Freak." James muttered quietly but not that quiet.
Ben glared at him before Lance cleared his throat.
"Lord we have placed the refugees from the fallen cities in a building with a couple soldiers guarding the place." Lance said, stepping forward, informing Ben about the refugees.
Ben had completely forgot about the refugees from the fallen cities that had come over. He was busy with his own war when they came over and then was unconscious before going to City 03.
"I will go meet them right now." Ben said, letting Lance lead the way. The others seemed to have things to do and quickly left the mansion.
Ben and Lance walked through the streets, people stopped and thanked Ben, offering food and stuff as thanks. Ben rejected their offers but did take an apple from a younger girl who was around 13 years old.
"Thank you." he said, flashing her a bright smile and rubbing her head. Blushing she ran back to her mother and pulled her hand, trying to get away.
Ben laughed as Lance shook his head and smile faintly.
They approached a one story building with two guards standing at the doorway.
They bowed to Ben before letting him by, Lance thanked them and patted them on the shoulder.
"Do you know all your soldiers names?" Ben asked, curious.
"Not all." Lance said shortly, not expanding.
Ignoring Ben, Lance opened the a door to a large room that was filled with around 20 people.
"How many people did we get from the fallen cities?" Ben asked.
"Just under 1000, mostly women with a few soldiers." Lance said looking around the room. Everyone was watching Ben and Lance talk as they looked up from their food.
"Please finish your meals." Ben said kindly towards the refugees. They were mostly south americans with darker skin in the room with a few white and black people.
'Must have been the cities in south america.' Ben said looking around. After a few minutes the refugees had finished their meal and stared at Ben and Lance with fear.
Ben cleared his throat before speaking, "My name is Bennett and I am the Ciy Lord here. We welcome you to our city." Ben said clearly looking around the room. The refugees didn't seem to believe him as they stared at him with fear and wariness.
A tall female wearing leather armour stood up and spoke, "What are your plans for us? Because I would rather be killed than become slaves or sex toys for you dirty men!" she spat venomously at Ben. The others nodded their heads in agreement, their eyes turning hostile.
"We have no slaves in our city and women and men are equal in status. Of course the stronger you are, the higher your status is in this city. Two of my five generals are strong females." Ben said, calmly explaining.
"Ha! Probably all part of you harem!" the women stared at Ben with hatred.
"Harem? I think you have read too many novels." Ben said exasperated. Lance sniggered behind his hand at Ben's dilemma.
Another women stood up, "Please forgive her as our last leader was lecherous and tried to rape every girl in the city. My name is Marcia. Thank you for welcoming to your city." Marcia said, brushing her long hair out of face, her deep brown eyes never left Ben's face.
"Marcia! You trust this man!" the other women looked at incredulously.
"Yes Ana, I do. You know my ability." Marcia said turning towards Ana.
"He's telling the truth?" she asked shocked.
Marcia nodded her head slowly, "So far he hasn't told us a lie." she said, returning her eyes to Ben's face.
"You can tell when people are lying?" Ben asked, his eyes narrowing. 'What an interesting ability.'
"Yes but it comes at a cost." Marcia gave a bitter smile.
"Cost?" Lance asked, his curiosity peaked.
"Yes, I can't lie myself." Marcia said, a sad look came over her face.
"May I ask you some questions then?" Ben asked.
"Yes but I may not answer them. I can't lie but that doesn't mean I have to speak." Marcia told him flatly.
"Fair enough." Ben smiled, "I don't plan to ask anything personal, just about your previous city."
Marcia nodded and waited for his questions.
"Can you explain the structure your city followed and how you fell to the zombies?" Ben asked, curious on how their city fell.
"Structure? There was no structure. Fernanda was a dictator and killed anyone that challenged his position. The city fell quickly once the walls themselves couldn't keep the zombies out." Marcia said with an edge in her voice.
"I see. What do you want from me and our city then?" Ben said looking around at the group of refugees.
"A chance. A chance to become strong enough to protect ourselves. A chance at become a equal part of society." Marcia explained, emotion thick in her voice.
"A chance?" Ben smiled. "You will all have this chance to become strong. As for an equal part in society, that is a human right. You already are." He turned to Lance, "Sort them out based on their classes and get them integrated into the city. Spare a couple soldiers to watch them for the first little while. After a week we will take them to level up."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone