Hayden: "Thank you, guys… You didn't have to do this, but it means a lot to me."
They all smiled, happy to see that they had managed to bring him some joy amidst the chaos. Hayden was dressed in a white long-sleeved shirt, elegant black pants, and black leather shoes. His neat appearance contrasted sharply with the recent events, but it seemed like he wanted to mark a symbolic new beginning.
The Meeting: A Deeper Discussion
The group settled into the room to talk. Hayden, still visibly tired but determined, spoke up.
Hayden: "There's a lot I need to explain, and I want you to understand everything because we're all in this together now. So, listen carefully."
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, then continued.
Zombie Ranks and Levels
Hayden: "The system classifies me into 'ranks.' Right now, I'm at the Adult rank, which doesn't give me any particular advantage. Basically, I'm still just a normal human with a weapon and the ability to unlock techniques."
Flora: "And what's the next rank?"
Hayden: "The next one is Senior rank. Once I reach it, I'll be able to perceive my surroundings much more precisely. For example, I'll be able to identify level 2 and 3 zombies more easily."
Katie: "And what exactly are these levels?"
Hayden: "Level 1 zombies are the typical ones—slow and relatively easy to take down. Level 2 zombies are much faster and more resilient. As for level 3… I have no idea yet. The special zombie from yesterday doesn't fit into these categories—it was something else entirely."
The atmosphere in the room grew tense.
William: "So, basically, the higher your rank, the better you can anticipate dangers?"
Hayden: "Exactly. But to do that, I need to gain experience by killing zombies. For example, I need 1,000 points to reach Senior rank. Each zombie gives me 10 experience points. Yesterday, between the horde and the special zombie, I earned 300 points in total."
Unlocked Techniques
Hayden: "Then, there are the techniques. Yesterday, I unlocked Instant Slash and Eye of Truth."
Mary: "What was Instant Slash? Was it when you killed the special zombie?"
Hayden: "Exactly. Instant Slash is a technique that lets me attack with extreme precision and speed that I wouldn't normally be able to reach. But it consumes a lot of energy, so I can't use it all the time."
Katie: "And Eye of Truth? How does that work?"
Hayden: "It's different. Eye of Truth allows me to scan someone or something to obtain information. For example, the system let me see the level of zombies or whether they were special. Actually, it's thanks to all of you that this technique was unlocked."
Flora: "Us?"
Hayden: "Yes. When you all gathered to support me, this technique appeared. I think it's connected to our shared will to understand what's happening and to stay united. Yesterday, Mary was able to use it because I trusted her completely. Maybe the system works that way, at least partly, through the bonds between us."
Mary lowered her head slightly, still troubled by what she had seen when using the technique.
Mary's Emotions
Mary: "When I used Eye of Truth on the special zombie… I saw that it came from Life Corp. My parents work for them."
A heavy silence filled the room. Despite his exhaustion, Hayden stood up and wrapped her in a hug.
Hayden: "We're going to figure out what's going on, Mary. I promise you. You're not alone."
The other members of the group exchanged glances, each silently vowing never to let Hayden or Mary carry this burden alone.
Discussion About Combat Possibilities
Flora: "And what about us? Can we fight too?"
Hayden: "I don't know yet. But I think that if you train or actively participate, the system might react. Techniques seem to unlock either through repeated actions or targeted training. There's no reason why you couldn't learn some as well."
William: "We could start by training with weapons or working as a team, right?"
Katie: "It's worth trying. But we'll have to be careful, especially since we still don't know what Life Corp has to do with all of this."
Closing the Meeting
The group agreed to continue supporting each other and to find ways to help Hayden. The idea that they, too, might evolve was motivating, but they knew the road ahead would be full of obstacles. For Hayden, this meeting marked a new chapter—he was no longer alone, and together, they were ready to face the unknown.
After the meeting, the group stayed together, enjoying a more relaxed moment after the intense discussions and revelations. The atmosphere was a mix of emotions—relief, hope, but also a hint of unease.
Katie: (leaning against the table, arms crossed) "Well, now that we've caught our breath... Hayden, we need to talk about your outfit. Did you think you were in a fashion magazine or something?"
Hayden: (with a tired smile) "Hey, it's my birthday, right? Might as well look presentable for once. Even though, between us, it's not like I planned all this."
Flora: (laughing softly) "I have to say, you wear that white shirt well. But with everything that's happened, we almost forgot it's your day."
Mary: (her gaze slightly lowered, blushing a bit) "That's true... We should've thought of it sooner. Sorry, Hayden. But you do look sharp, really."
William: (tapping Hayden's shoulder) "Yeah, gotta admit, you've got style. But honestly, can't you just settle for a t-shirt and jeans? You're way overdressed for this chaos."
Hayden: (laughing) "And you, William, always look like a guy who just rolled out of bed, so I'll turn that question right back at you."
The group burst out laughing, finally releasing the tension that had built up.
An Emotional Connection Moment
Katie: (sitting up straight and looking at everyone) "Honestly... It feels weird to be laughing after everything that happened yesterday. I don't know about you all, but I'm still a little shaken. And seeing Hayden fight like that... I realize we've gotten into something really huge."
Flora: (nodding) "Yes, but that's why we're here. To help each other. That's what this meeting confirmed."
Mary: (glancing at Hayden) "And you, Hayden... I know we've said it already, but thank you for trusting us. It means a lot."
Hayden: (smiling gently) "I should be thanking you. You're the reason I'm holding it together. If I'm still standing, it's because of you."
A brief silence fell, but it wasn't a heavy silence. More of a pause filled with understanding and respect.
Back to Lightness
Flora: (breaking the emotional moment) "Well, now that we know Hayden can look chic even in the apocalypse, does that mean we can expect even fancier outfits from you, huh?"
Katie: (teasing Hayden) "Yeah, like a three-piece suit for the next fight? With leather gloves?"
William: (laughing) "Don't forget the sunglasses for style."
Hayden: (raising his hands in surrender) "Okay, okay! It was an exception, alright? Don't get used to it. Next time, it'll probably be a blood-stained t-shirt and ripped jeans."
The group continued chatting, laughing, and joking. This light-hearted moment was exactly what they needed after everything they had been through. For Hayden, even though he was exhausted, these moments of camaraderie were precious, reminding him why he was fighting for his friends, for their survival, and for preserving these simple yet important moments.
After their moment of relaxation, the group got ready to separate and return to their respective tasks. As they headed toward the exit, Hayden motioned for Mary to stay a little longer with him. Meanwhile, William and Flora exchanged a knowing glance and also moved away to discuss privately, leaving Katie alone... or almost.
Hayden and Mary
Hayden and Mary moved to a quiet corner, away from the others' gaze. Mary seemed intrigued but also a bit nervous.
Mary: (with a shy smile) "So, what did you want to tell me? You seem serious."
Hayden: (hesitating for a moment before speaking) "I just wanted to thank you... for everything you did yesterday. Using 'Eye of Truth,' taking care of me when I was exhausted... And even today, your support means a lot."
Mary blushed slightly, lowering her eyes.
Mary: (in a soft voice) "It's normal, Hayden. You're fighting for us. We can at least do that for you."
Hayden: (smiling gently) "It's true, but that doesn't make it any less important to me. And I saw how hard it was for you when you found out where that special zombie came from. I wanted to make sure you were okay... and remind you that you're not alone in this."
Mary looked up, touched by Hayden's words.
Mary: (nodding) "Thank you... that means a lot. And don't forget, we're here for you too, no matter what. We'll get through this together, okay?"
Hayden: (with a reassuring smile) "Okay. Together."
They exchanged a knowing look before joining the others.
William and Flora
Meanwhile, William and Flora had moved away to discuss in low voices.
William: (crossing his arms) "Do you think this will hold up? All this stuff with Hayden, the zombies, and this system... it's a lot to wrap my head around."
Flora: (sighing lightly) "It's a lot to take in, yes. But I believe he's sincere. And you know what? We don't have the luxury of doubting. If Hayden is right, then we need to be ready for anything."
William: (grimacing) "Yeah, you're right. But seriously, this guy's always had a knack for getting himself into impossible situations, huh?"
Flora: (laughing softly) "True. But he also has a knack for getting out of them. And now, he has us. That changes everything."
William: (slightly smiling) "Yeah. Alright, we need to be there for him. Even if that means chasing after zombies."
Katie and Blue
Meanwhile, Katie, left alone in the room, crossed her arms and nervously tapped her foot.
Katie: (muttering) "Great... Everyone finds someone to talk to, and I end up alone."
A familiar voice echoed in her head.
Blue: (with a hint of humor) "Hey, technically, you're not alone. I'm here."
Katie: (surprised, looking up) "Oh, right. You. The mysterious 'Blue' living in Hayden's head."
Blue: (amused) "I prefer 'strategic partner.' Sounds classier, doesn't it?"
Katie: (sighing) "Yeah, yeah. But seriously, how does this work? Are you an AI? Some sort of spirit? Why you and not someone else?"
Blue: (with a mischievous tone) "Mystery, mystery. Maybe one day I'll tell you everything... but not today."
Katie rolled her eyes, but a subtle smile appeared on her face.
Katie: (muttering) "Well, at least I'm not totally alone. But let me know if you want to give another inspiring speech, okay?"
Blue: (laughing) "Promise. But if you don't mind, I'll keep my coaching talents focused on Hayden for now."
Katie smiled again, feeling a little less isolated.
Thus, each person found a moment to regroup or connect with others. These quiet moments of exchange were precious, especially with everything that was still ahead of them.
Flora at the Library
Flora, as cheerful and radiant as ever, headed to the library with excitement. She wandered the aisles with boundless energy, stopping in front of books with colorful covers. She picked up a collection of modern poems and an adventure novel.
Flora: (murmuring to herself, with a smile on her lips) "A little poetry to soothe the soul and an adventure to escape. Perfect combo!"
She settled by a large window where natural light flooded the room. As she read, she completely immersed herself, her expressions changing with the pages: radiant smiles, furrowed brows, or even a stifled laugh.
Katie at the Gym
Katie, true to her spontaneous and direct nature, headed to the gym to blow off some steam. She tied her hair into a tight ponytail, put on her boxing gloves, and positioned herself in front of a punching bag.