Level: Warrior.

Sebastian

I thought we wouldn't make it. But at the very last second, the car burst through the gates and landed on the streets, screeching to a halt before turning to the right as it sped down the road.

We actually made it.

A loud ding from the system had me wincing as the screen changed back to its usual blue color, a bold "MISSION COMPLETED” written on it, and only then did I finally let out a sigh of relief. I wasn’t dying anytime soon.

“Did we lose them?” I heard them ask as the car slowed and I looked behind me to see we weren’t being chased yet.

“For now.” I yelled back and he finally stepped on the brakes, making the car screech to a stop. The pain from slamming into the door earlier finally registered as I winced in pain and rubbed my forehead. I froze when I felt blood trickle down my face and then let out a sigh as I wiped it off with my shirt.

“You should drive. I have no idea where we are going.” the one who had been driving said as he moved to the back seat and I got into the driver’s seat, fastening my seat belt. “Why did you save us? Who are you? We don't even know your name.”

Without wasting time, I hit the road once again, taking a different, darker path using the system’s map to avoid being trailed by those men.

“How about we start with a little introduction?” I said calmly as I kept looking at the window to see if we were being followed. “I'm Sebastian. You are?”

“I'm Jonah.” the timid boy said almost immediately, and I could see he was a little more relaxed than the other. “He is Ronald. We’re best friends.”

“Boyfriends.” Ronald corrected and I glanced at them in surprise. “Are you homophobic?”

“No! No, hell no. I was just surprised. How old are you both again?”

“He’s seventeen. I'm eighteen.” Ronald replied calmly and I let out an ‘ah’ sound as we finally came out to the streets once again, far away from the military gates and the danger that almost killed us minutes ago.

Adrenaline still flowed through my veins from the thrill of nearly dying but making it out at the very last minute. The screen had turned off on its own probably because we were already out of trouble.

“Well, do you know why you were abducted?” I asked, trying not to think about the fact that they were dating. I wasn't exactly homophobic, I just never truly understood the concept of being gay.

It was just as weird as it was fascinating.

“For science experiments.” Jonah spoke up and I frowned. Science experiments?

The car was approaching the plant and that was when both of them finally realized where we were going.

“Why are you heading towards that building? Don't you know it's now toxic and contaminated?”

“He's right. Unless you're taking us to get killed too?” Ronald replied and I immediately shook my head, trying to get them to calm down.

“I used to work here, trust me, this is the safest place to be right now. No one can find us here. And it is not as toxic as you think it is.” I replied as the car sped into the building, the darkness swallowing us with it.

When the headlights came on, I parked the car deep inside the building and then got out with Jonah and Ronald who looked around in awe.

“What kind of experiments did they want to use you for? Are you sick?” I asked as I turned to them, noticing that they were both injured and bleeding. “Follow me, there should be antiseptics in the medical lab.”

“We didn't really get all the details. But they said something about a mutation. They took our blood and left us in the cage.” Jonah explained and my brows furrowed as they followed me upstairs. 

A mutation? If they were talking about humans turning to zombies then everything was wrong. Absolutely wrong.

Zombies broke into Sloradath in my past life. Could it be that this time, zombies would break out from here itself?

I finally found the switch and turned it on, watching as the plant lit up. 

We made it to the lab, and I gently wiped their injuries before covering them with plasters. I couldn't help but notice how Jonah held onto Ronald for support when he was in pain and it made me… jealous?

What was I even thinking? The fate of the world lies in my hands now.

After getting betrayed by people I trusted and loved with everything I had, I didn't have any love to give anymore. I couldn't trust anyone else anymore anyway. Not after that cliff.

“Can we stay with you? We have no idea if those men will come searching for us again and we feel safer knowing that you're looking after us.” Ronald said and for a moment, I hesitated.

Could I trust them? I still didn't know their role in everything. 

But when I saw how tired they looked, and remembering how they came back for me when they could have left, I couldn't help but agree.

It wouldn't be so bad to have more company other than Buis.

“Don't you have parents?” I asked before I could stop myself and they exchanged awkward glances. “My bad, that is none of my business. Well, you are welcome to stay with me. I could use a little help in building this place up.”

“Why are you staying here though? Don't you have a house?” Jonah asked curiously and I almost snickered when I heard that. 

Should I tell them that the Sloradath was coming to an end soon and that I was building this place to save my ass and other survivors? Would the system let me do that?

“It doesn't matter. Let's just say this place is really important to me.” I replied calmly as I rubbed my forehead gently.

I figured they would need a moment of privacy when they held each other so I walked back down to where the car was parked. I immediately noted that if I was going to drive this car around, I had to disguise it or we would be caught. I could spray paint it. Also change the plate number.

I couldn't believe that I stole something and did something so crazy. Maybe surviving the second time wasn't that bad. Only when I wasn't dying, though.

Just then, the screen came back on and I had an annoyed look on my face as I crossed my arms over my chest.

“Look who finally shows up,” I said sarcastically but the system totally ignored me.

“Congratulations, you have successfully completed Mission 001.5. Your rewards have been updated in your stats level. You have leveled up from beginner to warrior.”

Oh, I leveled up?

On the screen was my stats level and I leaned closer to see that they had indeed changed.

Level: Warrior.

Strength : + 20

Endurance : + 10

Intelligence : + 10

Speed : + 20

Vision : + 10

Other stats levels are locked till certain missions are completed.

I didn't exactly feel any different yet but knowing that I survived and leveled up was all that matters.

“Can you tell me now why I had to save those boys so urgently? And why you nearly killed me?” I questioned grumpily, and the screen returned to normal before Buis finally spoke.

“Do you have their blood?” it asked and my brows furrowed in confusion at the question.

“I cleaned their blood earlier but the cotton swabs are in the bin.” I muttered, ready to ask another question when it interrupted me.

“You have to get it back. Also,” Buis stopped for a moment, making me panic. “You have to send them away.”

“I'm sorry, what?”

“They do not belong here,” It replied plainly, and my blood ran cold.