The next morning, Julian slowly opened his eyes. He felt an unfamiliar lightness in his body, his aches were gone, and his strength had returned. As he shifted to sit up, his gaze fell on the four women sleeping soundly next to him, tangled in the blankets and each other, exhaustion still etched on their peaceful faces. A faint heat rose to his cheeks, he remembered just how intense last night had been.
Shaking his head with a wry smile, he carefully slipped out of bed, making sure not to disturb them. He dressed quietly, then stepped out of the room for the first time in days. Outside, the shelter was bustling with life. People smiled, laughing with relief, food supplies were stable again, and hope had returned. Julian chuckled to himself, imagining Derrick somewhere passed out after overusing his skill to replenish their stores.
Further ahead, he spotted Luke and Rogan walking together. Luke waved as soon as he saw him. "Hey, Julian! How’s the wound? You’re up and about faster than I expected."
Julian shrugged lightly. "Maybe my body just heals quickly."
Rogan exhaled in visible relief. "Are you planning to head out today?"
"Probably tomorrow," Julian replied calmly.
"Good," Rogan said with a nod. "Before that, there’s something we want you to see."
Luke chimed in, grinning mischievously. "But don’t freak out."
They led Julian through the bustling shelter to Albert’s workshop. The gruff old craftsman looked up from his workbench, scowling. "What do you want? I’m not building another rocket launcher for you, Rogan."
Rogan groaned. "That was one time! And this isn’t about that."
Albert’s gaze shifted to Julian, his expression softening. He bowed slightly. "Julian... thank you for what you did. We owe you everything."
Julian shook his head. "I just did what needed to be done."
Albert grunted. "Still, you’re strong. Aya’s been telling me all about you, and I must say, I’ve never seen someone so eager to learn as that girl. She’s sharp."
Julian smiled. "She says your teaching made it easy for her."
Albert scratched his beard. "Hmph. I just explained it like I always do."
Luke cut in before they could go further. "We’re actually here to show Julian something."
Albert’s eyes widened in realization. "Ah... but it’s not done yet! I told you it needs more time."
Luke waved him off. "Come on, Mr. Albert. It’s fine. We just want to take a look, it’s always inspiring to see something before it’s perfect."
Albert sighed, clearly outmaneuvered, and stepped aside. "Alright, but don’t blame me if you’re underwhelmed."
They entered the cluttered workshop, filled with half-finished weapons and scattered blueprints. But at the center of it all stood a rugged, military-grade vehicle, like a jeep built for the harshest terrains, faintly humming with energy crystals wired into its core.
Albert folded his arms proudly. "What do you think? Beautiful, isn’t she? It’s my latest project, a gift for you, Julian, for everything you’ve done."
Julian was speechless for a moment, eyes wide as he took in the machine. "It’s... incredible."
Albert’s face softened. "Use it wisely. It’s yours once it’s finished."
Julian’s hand reached for the door handle, eager to climb in, but Albert barked, "Don’t touch it yet! It’s not ready! You’ll break something, idiot!"
Luke burst out laughing. "Guess that’s our cue to leave."
With that, Albert shooed them out of his workshop, muttering about reckless kids and unfinished masterpieces.
They strolled leisurely through the bustling shelter, the early morning sun casting long shadows over the buildings. Julian glanced sideways at Luke. "By the way... where’s Vivi?"
Luke’s face twitched. "Why would you even ask me that? Do I look that close to her?"
Julian and Rogan exchanged a glance, and in perfect unison, nodded.
Luke froze, then let out the longest sigh imaginable. "You two... listen, my relationship with Vivi isn’t what you think. She’s... impossible. I’m only with her because we’re in the same division! She’s rude, never respects my seniority, storms into my room uninvited, tosses my things everywhere, and when I dare complain, she beats me up and blames me! She’s not a person, she’s a demon... No, a demon still has a conscience. She’s a monster. one that never stops tormenting you!"
Just as Luke finished his dramatic rant, a chilling voice spoke right behind him. "Oh? So that’s how you see me?"
Luke’s face went pale as he turned slowly to find Vivi standing there, eyes narrowed like a predator. "V-Vivi...! I... I didn’t see you there..." he stammered, darting panicked looks at Julian and Rogan for help.
But the two men had already averted their gazes, whistling innocently as if the clouds overhead were the most interesting thing in the world.
In his mind, Luke screamed ’Guys! Help me! I’m going to die today!’
Rogan, sensing Luke’s desperation, thought dryly, ’Just give up, Luke. There’s no saving you now.’
Julian, keeping his expression blank, prayed silently, ’May your soul rest in peace, Luke.’
As if he could hear their silent betrayals, Luke’s eyes widened in horror. ’You traitors!’
Vivi grabbed him by the collar, her expression darkening with every passing second. "Let’s go, Luke. You’re about to find out what a real demon looks like."
She began dragging the struggling man down the hall, his desperate eyes fixed on his so-called friends until he disappeared around the corner.
And as if nothing had happened, Julian and Rogan strolled casually, their steps echoing in the morning quiet. Rogan glanced up at Julian, his expression oddly serious. "Hey, Julian... is having a girlfriend as fun as people say?"
Julian blinked. "I... wouldn’t know."
Rogan stared at him blankly. "Don’t lie. You literally have a harem following you around. And you’re trying to tell me you don’t know?"
Julian looked away awkwardly. "I’m serious. Before the apocalypse, I was just a shut-in otaku gamer. I never even talked to a girl, let alone dated one."
Rogan squinted at him suspiciously. "That’s impossible. You look exactly like a player who juggles a dozen women without breaking a sweat."
Julian sighed. "It’s really not like that... And maybe you should focus on yourself first instead of worrying about girlfriends. You’re still young."
Rogan frowned, crossing his arms. "What do you mean ’young’? I’m 25."
Julian almost tripped. "That’s a joke, right?"
Rogan shook his head solemnly, pulling out an ID card from his pocket. Julian stared at it, Rogan Lee, 25 years old. His eyes darted back to Rogan’s petite, baby-faced appearance. He looked like he’d barely hit middle school.
Julian’s mouth fell open. "How... how is this possible?"
Rogan groaned, his shoulders slumping. "I’ve been called ’little brother’ by people way younger than me my entire life. I’m so sick of it. Should I just nuke everything with a bazooka to prove I’m an adult?"
Julian raised his hands hurriedly. "Okay, okay, I’m sorry! Please don’t bring out the heavy artillery."
Julian and Rogan walked side by side when they suddenly caught sight of a figure ahead, someone who looked suspiciously familiar. Julian squinted. "Hey, Rogan... am I seeing things, or is that...?"
Rogan’s eyes narrowed. "Let’s follow them."
They began tailing the figure, creeping from shadow to shadow like two amateurs trying, and failing, to look inconspicuous. The mysterious woman entered a modest house that Rogan instantly recognized. "That’s Selena’s place," he whispered.
Julian frowned. "Maybe we shouldn’t get involved. This feels like poking our noses into someone else’s business."
Rogan’s eyes gleamed with determination. "Aren’t you curious? That was clearly Rea. And she was wearing... a summer dress. A very feminine summer dress."
Julian sighed. "I’m sure Rea has his reasons..."
Rogan shook his head with the serious face of a hunter. "My instincts tell me this is a critical incident. We must investigate."
Julian groaned internally, but followed along, he was already in too deep to turn back. They trailed Rea as he headed into town, eventually arriving near Luke and Vivi. Luke looked worse for wear, bruised and battered, leaning against a wall with Vivi standing guard like an angry dragon.
Then the elegant "woman" stepped forward, voice soft and unmistakably feminine, "Luke... I’ve admired you for so long... please go on a date with me."
Vivi, standing right beside Luke, began to radiate a dangerous aura that seemed to warp the air around her. Luke, catching on to the tense atmosphere, forced an awkward smile as cold sweat trickled down his neck.
"I appreciate what you said," he replied, his voice unsteady, "but I can’t go out with you... so please, just head home, okay?"
Vivi’s eyes blazed, her aura so murderous it practically scorched the air. "Haa? What did you just say, Luke? You’re happy about this? Are you enjoying being confessed to?" she snarled, grabbing Luke by the collar and shaking him like a ragdoll.
Rogan, watching through the window of a nearby building, whispered, "This... is the best show I’ve ever seen."
Julian glanced at him flatly. "Are you really using your skill just to spy on people fighting?"
Meanwhile, Julian’s senses tingled, he felt someone behind them. He turned to see Selena standing there, barely suppressing her giggles. Rogan jumped. "Selena! What did you do to Rea?!"
Selena wiped a tear of laughter from her eye. "Yesterday, Rea and I made a bet. The loser had to confess their feelings to Luke, And guess who lost?" She gestured dramatically. "Isn’t he adorable in that dress? And look, he even matches it with cute sandals! If Luke doesn’t realize it’s him, Rea will lose again, ahahaha!"
Julian stared at her, stunned. The girls here are all insane, he thought.
Rogan tried and failed to stifle his laugh, his whole body shaking.
Back near Luke and Vivi, the situation escalated. Vivi, now fuming, got right up in Rea’s face, grabbed him by his silky wig, and yanked it back. "Wait... Rea?! Have you... gone off the deep end?!"
Rea’s face went red as he shouted back, "I am not into that! You idiot!!"
From afar, the combined laughter of Selena and Rogan echoed like a pair of mischievous hyenas.