Chương 101: An Awaiting Surprise

We kept on chatting, even when we were already stepping outside of the simulation area, seeing the teams who we were fighting with and against leaving.

Outside, i saw as the entrance to the simulation was quickly packed as teams flooded in, the crowd quickly shrinking until it stopped.

We dumped our leftover ammo into the container on the side, nearly filled to the brim.

Finished, we headed for the locker room.

Mercenaries walked around, more than earlier as they walked around with their bags to leave or putting stuff inside lockers for the simulation.

I grabbed my bag, stripping the armor off my body and placing my weapons inside to leave.

A quick zip and i was finished. Carrying our bags outside we still stayed close together, continuing to talk.

"Saw more weapons on the Parabellum market before we left." Lennox said.

"More Koresmalin stuff?" Marcel asked.

"No, different weapon brands, some i rarely saw, even a few choices from Borania." He replied.

"Parabellum is just securing larger deals with more companies, you should try buying some of that Boranian stuff Stephen," Stephen, who was leading us turned to Thalia.

"Yeah, they got good long range rifles, though i prefer weapons from here, besides. I got a good rifle some time ago, still reliable and powerful."

"Fair." Thalia ended the conversation.

In front of the elevator, it opened to an empty interior, we went inside, leaving the packed shooting range and simulation area. Doors closed in front of us and the descent began.

"You think Sebastian is already back at the quarters just waiting for us?" Another conversation began, this time from Stephen.

"Probably not, he got surgery and is healing after it along with the other wounds." Alina replied.

The elevator opens with cold air hitting us as fast as the doors opened.

We made our way to the quarters, as we walked, there were many mercenaries walking around with bags just like ours.

"Testing out the guns from the deal probably." Lennox commented.

We reached the quarters, empty and quiet. No delay, we headed to our rooms.

Inside my room i walked straight towards the armory, seeing my weapons on their cabinets and my armor, more weapons than when i started, shotguns, rifles, smgs, pistols, more of everything. After putting my armor back and my weapons onto their cabinets, i stopped and pondered. Been weeks and i've bought many weapons, some used alot and some i rarely to never used. I came far from where i started, a room that was once empty and barren with only a simple common rifle and pistol is now decorated with new weapons of varying brands taking up some of the cabinets and new armor from the academy, a gift from them. An armor set only we probably got. I silently stared at the weapon cabinets. Weapons i bought with money from missions i finished with my team. I came a very long way than before. I smiled as i thought of it.

Finished, i placed back the bag and headed out to meet the others.

My teammates awaited outside. After everyone was ready, we set off for the cafeteria. more people were passing by, bringing bags with them, heading for the elevators down the hallway.

"What do you think the cafeteria is giving out?" Thalia asked.

"Probably some pizza or something else like cupcakes or pancakes and some coffee." Marcel replied. From his reply, we came up with our own conclusions on what could there be while we walked on.

While talking, we reached the cafeteria, our convo still not ceasing.

When we got nearer, i saw what they were giving out.

Wait....Is that? Steak!?

The others stopped talking, now glaring at it. We immediately grabbed trays to get our food. Next to the steaks were sides to be had such as mashed potatoes, bread rolls, glazed carrots, asparagus, all lined up respectively with steam still visible. The drinks were no different from wines to simple water, the bottles and names were displayed on tablet facing us in front of the food. Why so much food? This seems excessive for just one day.

"What will you be getting?" A woman from behind the counter asked nicely.

I haven't even thought of what to get, so much choices.

"Steak!" I responded hastily, not even done thinking of the others.

"What else?" She asked. I looked back at the food.

"B-Bread rolls," I responded, stuttering as i continued thinking. "Mashed pot-potatoes, asparagus, and water- Please." I managed to finish my sentence. The lady began taking scoops of the foods i asked for, placing them on my tray, as each one was settled on it, more steam and more aromas flooded my nose.

"Tsk tsk tsk" Thalia sounded in disappointment, shaking her head while giving a smirk.

"Come on Damon, plain water? Wine isn't common in the cafeteria you know," Thalia turns her head to the tablet.

"I'll order one for you." Thalia moves her head closer to the lady and says something unintelligible to her, the woman ducks down. Retrieving a dark red bottle. Thalia took the bottle, "Come, let's find a table." Thalia grabbed the bottle. After doing so she began asking for the food.

Everyone finally got their food. My tray was just full of food, the combined heat of it hitting my face even when i wasn't looking down.

We sat on a vacant table as Thalia started opening the wine bottle.

"Ain't the first time you drank wine Damon, here." Thalia poured some onto my cup, proceeding to pour for the others, finishing with her own cup. The wine was dark red.

A full meal in front of me, we all sat, grabbing our utensils.

Thalia raised her cup.

"To our team!" She exclaimed. We raised our own glasses, clinking together.

In seconds, we started eating our food. I cut a small piece of the steak, as i did, steam spawned from the cut, levelling it to my mouth, i could smell the scent more. I ate the slice whole.