My Memories & Melancholy A Paradox

by Haunt Tether

Shown through his eyes, this is the story of Haunt's final involuntary conscription by ⟨Redacted⟩ his endeavor for redemption ultimately developed to how he saved indeterminate amount of lives throughout the vast alternate realities against an entity that developed the same kind of ambitions ⟨Redacted⟩ had upon entering this plane of existence.

9. Chapter 3 - Sequence 2: Quixotic Protege

⟨Darkness⟩

I woke up experiencing derealization... I was in this thoughtful daze for a bit before I acknowledge how dark the room or everything was... I thought I lost my vision hence I satt up then looked around in a panic to see a door ahead, this assured me that I wasn't blind to my relief... as for the reason as to why the room was almost converted by this Musou blackness, it's because Juno did something to me... as to what and why I have no idea... the only things not affected or reached was the door and some parts of the wall it's installed on.

"Juno?" I asked feeling weird in the head.

"... I'm here," she replied which made me sigh in relief, she sensibly smiled in response to my reaction.

"What happened?" I asked.

"You needed a break hence why I brought you to this room, in my construct," she replied.

"Am I responsible as to why this room is almost an abyss or void?" I asked.

"Yes, like I said you needed a break... besides, I don't want you to become entirely a homicidal psychopathic maniac," she replied.

"... I think being a homicidal psychopathic maniac isn't that bad," I impulsively replied as a sudden surge of negativity kindled in mind.

"... I'm just not dead enough inside... not feeling and caring, to cleave the stirrings and complications in mind-" I continued before a soothing and cool or minty sensation enveloped me which relaxed both my mind and body.

"Steady there," she said as I gently lay back down on the floor, absolutely comfortable and much more sane.

"... thanks," I replied which made her smile.

"You're welcome," she replied.

"... I agree with Hesh that you're perfect the way you are hence emotion and empathy are one of the things I expect to be present from you, otherwise, like the unfortunate rare misaligned variants of yours, you wouldn't end well with me," she explains.

"... what made these rare variants of mine intolerable?" I asked.

"These rare variants are deviants from your ramification, as a result, they weren't what I'm used to about you... although capable combatants, the chemistry and tolerance wasn't there... absolute disappointments really," she replied.

"My depressed and suicidal selves can't catch a fucking break from existing," I replied as I sit up.

"Hey, when our adversary is done overcoming what we subjected him to, I will be gone... don't worry," she retorts.

"Unfortunately so is my only hope for my variants," I replied, referring to her which made her smile albeit sensibly sad.

"... I'm sorry," she said genuinely apologetic.

"... how long have I been here?" I asked, digressing.

"One night, here and for the outside world," she replied as I begin standing up.

It's only then I notice that I'm no longer wearing my complete H.P. armor set and that I'm relatively bloody as a result of combating... I was now wearing the attire I worn back in Moscow or during the train incident with the Chaos Insurgency.

"What now?" I asked looking at the void emptiness of the room.

"Use the door ahead of you," she replied hence I began walking towards it.

"So, did my setup and construct helped you at all?" she asked as I casually walk.

"You already know the answer to that," I replied.

"If I ask you about these obvious contexts, that means I just want to hear it from you," she replied which I shrug.

After a brief moment of quietly introspecting...

"... I'm not sure," I said as my loathe and contempt for her kindled a tad bit.

"It was fun though even if I was practicing a mentality that revolved around murder and violence as a means to cope, which is ironic," I add which made her sensibly grin in response.

"I'm glad that you at least found or had some fun," she replied before sensibly smiling, contented.

"And you didn't?" I asked with a raised brow which made her giggle a bit in response.

"... don't worry about me," she replied before sensibly smiling.

"... I was-" I begin before she cut me off.

"I'm challenging myself, I don't want to resolve your problems effortlessly via my anomalous means, otherwise things could get boring really fast... besides you're interesting as it is," she adds.

"... at least that's something which will likely keep you astray from why I loathe you... if it entertains you then why not," I replied which made her sensibly grin in response.

"By the way, this door will lead us to somewhere else in this world, I won't be spoiling though," she said.

"Is it somewhere in the middle of a battlefield, firefight, or a containment breach?" I asked which she sensibly smiles then grins in response.

"Do you want it to be?" she said which made me frown.

"Please no," I replied.

"Then good, because it isn't like that," she said.

"... not yet?" I asked, skeptical.

"... maybe, you wouldn't know," she replied before sensibly grinning.

"I can only hope," I replied which she giggles in response.

I reached the door which didn't automatically and autonomously open up for me, I was about to ask Juno about it before she materialized my combat shovel conveniently on my right hand, she then spoke.

"It'll be convenient considering the place of my interest," she said before the door then retracted up into its doorframe as a means of opening.

The adjacent room was dark hence I utilized the night vision feature of my mask before I stepped out... the room and the presence of some furniture within were dirty as well as the floor... from the looks of it alone, evidently this place was abandoned in haste and unkempt for a long time... I then looked back behind me to timely see the doorway close before neatly transitioning out of existence which no longer obstructed the line of sight of an eerie long hallway behind it... I stride onwards albeit vigilantly with my combat at hand at the ready.

"I'm assuming I'm in a building that's been made a den or a home of some horrific creatures or entities," I comment which made Juno sensibly smirk.

"You're wrong, but you're right to be cautious," she replied before snickering.

"Why was this building abandoned?" I asked as I cautiously stride onwards, vigilant.

"You'll find the answer soon enough... in the meantime, I'll leave you be to navigate your way out of this place," she replied before sensibly smiling then winked at me.

"I hope I get killed and that somehow you couldn't revive me," I replied, which made her roll her eyes at me albeit smirking.

"That's doubtful considering I didn't downgrade you, besides that happening is just wishful thinking because I wouldn't allow it," she replied.

After an uneventful while...

I heard something moving ahead although I couldn't see it since it was around a corner, Iris then highlighted the source through the walls... It was humanoid although its movement plus body was off... seeing no alternative way to go around intended to put some distance and find an angle to look at the person, I crept up closer... this thing or person seemed drunk but I doubt that considering this place is pitch black and let alone abandoned for some time... Iris would've informed me that it was undead but Juno didn't want it spoiled thus I was oblivious at that moment... until Iris in response to my thoughts quit highlighting this person before I peek around the corner, it's only then I realized that it's a zombie...I then had this sense of being watched somewhere to my right hence I immediately looked in that direction to see a zombie facing me... although it couldn't see me I was startled and convinced that it can for a second, but seeing it in a trance just staring at my direction still, I calmed down.

After a brief moment of quietly contemplating...

I manipulated reality in the way which I recall hence I killed both instantly albeit simultaneously via placing fabricated artificial forces inside their heads... I just simply tweaked these conveniently to terminate their brain, Juno didn't approve of it hence she then spoke.

"I'm downgrading you," Juno said which made me frown.

"I fucking hate you," I then replied, annoyed, as my contempt for her kindled a tad bit which she giggles in response.

"You're being a mischievous bastard too," I add referring to her making Iris not highlight that zombie which startled me, she grin in response.

I was then downgraded by Juno but differently this time because I didn't pass out or got knocked unconscious as a result, she then spoke.

"I just limited what you can do, but your celerity, strength and etc are untouched," she said before sensibly smirking.

"... at least, thanks," I replied, contented enough.

"You're welcome, now carry on," she replied before sensibly grinning which I complied.

"... I want to see how you handle yourself in this context without the assistance of Iris of enabling you to see through walls," she adds which annoyed me.

"Whatever," I replied which made her snicker.

I went in the middle of the intersection intending to see which way apart from where I came from seemed promising in leading me out of this place... there were remains of something on the floor though I couldn't tell what it belonged to since the remains were only bits of bones and rotten flesh.

"I'm assuming you want me to find my way out of this place," I comment which she grins in response.

"Obviously," she replied.

"And maybe somehow get scared enough from this place that I'll piss in my pants in the process," I add which made her chuckle.

"I hope so," she replied.

"Prepare to be disappointed," I retort which made her giggle before I cautiously continued onwards with my combat shovel in hand at the ready.

"See, the-... the convenience... chemistry... the kind of level of understanding unlike the rest," she said referring to me in comparison to others.

"Quit stroking my shaft," I impulsively replied intended as an insult, annoyed by her, she giggles in response.

"Oh... do you want that to happen?" she asked, teasingly, before sensibly grinning.

"W-what, excuse me?" I asked flustered and caught off guard whilst frowning which made her laugh.

"Relax, I'm just messing about... I know it's just an insult but I couldn't resist taking the opportunity to pin that notion in your head," she said before giggling then sensibly smiling.

Flustered and speechless, I then shook my head as I continue onwards, perturbed in mind by how she replied to me which only made her smile widen thus making me more annoyed and also bothered in mind.

"Yes, please do continue thinking about me, I like it," she said before sensibly smirking.

"Shut up," I replied, now uncomfortable which she snickers in response.

After a while...

"Am I in an underground facility or base?" I asked as I retrieve my combat shovel from the head of a zombie I just killed.

"Yes, although it's a mix of both," she replied.

"Explains why it's massive... why am I here again?" I asked.

"To find a way out," she reminds.

"Oh, right," I replied, reminded.

"However, if you want, you can search for the Rail Gun that's somewhere on this level of the construct," she said.

"Rail Gun?" I asked.

"Yeah, but," she replied as I walk.

"But what?" I asked which she sensibly smirked in response.

Suddenly, the lights in the hallway turned on which hurt my eyes for a second because of the sudden amplification of brightness, courtesy of Iris, she immediately turned off the night vision for my sake.

"... *sigh* people," I comment as my eyes are squinting a bit still, adjusting to the brightness.

"Choose to find the exit or let these likely bad people get their hands on the Rail Gun, it's up to you," she replied before sensibly smirking.

"Are they bad people?" I asked which she sensibly shrugs in response.

"No one is entirely good Haunt," she replied before sensibly smirking.

After a brief moment of silence as I contemplate...

"Looks like I'll have to find out," I said which made her grin.

"Then continue," she replied as Iris highlighted a waypoint for me to follow via my HUD or U.I.

After a bit of silence between us...

"... I'm assuming the gun is handheld hence on second thought I doubt that these people can utilize such a weapon considering its recoil," I retort as I peek around a corner.

"Then don't give a shit, find a way out, simple," she replied before sensibly smirking.

"... *sigh* doesn't mean these people can't do something about it hence why they're here... besides a weapon like that has fearful firepower... especially if I'm wrong about its design," I retort which made her sensibly smile.

"Are they human?" I asked, now intending to meet whoever these people are, hopefully, to determine their intentions about the Rail Gun.

"You'll find out for yourself," she replied which I impulsively huffed, irritated by her which made her giggle.

"... or maybe I don't have to," I replied which made her smile in response.

"Oh Haunt, there are times wherein I actually find you too good to be true," she admits before Iris provided a waypoint for me to follow via my HUD or U.I.

After a while...

I violently killed a zombie that looked like it belonged to the movie "The Thing," or an abomination SCP-610 would create... considering it's disturbing screams coupled by the level of it's animalistic way of combating it kinda freaked me out.

"What the fuck are these people thinking!?" I comment, agitated, referring to the mutated zombie I murdered via my shovel.

"Don't worry, this thing isn't connected to SCP-610... at least it made you vent out a bit of your anger," Juno replied before sensibly grinning meanwhile as I pulled out my combat shovel that's embedded in its bloodied head.

"What if this shit reached the wilderness and infected the animals- this is-... I hate people," I impulsively said.

"Is your hate enough for you to give me a pass of having some fun-," Juno said before I cut her off.

"Oh shut your pie hole," I said which made her laugh.

"... to think the outbreak in Siberia is definite as to why things like this is a bad, no- is an absolutely horrible idea," I add.

"They prioritized winning above else," Juno replied before sensibly grinning.

"What's there to gain let alone continue off on if the whole world is fucked or decaying, in a state that's irreversible, mindless... fucking idiots... are the Sarkites involved in-" I said before an unfamiliar voice of a man suddenly cuts me off from somewhere behind... immediately, I looked behind me to see three men wearing tactical gear and respirators, all three already had their guns aimed at me... the man who called out to me which was in the lead of his two comrades then spoke.

"Can you speak and understand English?" he asked.

"... yes, I can," I replied with a nod.

"... mind telling us who are you?" he asked.

"Just a survivor, more so a wanderer," I replied.

"So much for avoiding these people in favor of snatching the Rail Gun," Juno comments.

"As I said, I'm a magnet for bullshit," I replied in mind.

After a brief moment whilst I stand by as the trio talk to each other in the distance...

"Are you with anyone else?" he asked.

"I originally was until they got jumped and eaten by something," I replied.

"Likely something similar to whatever this is," I continued referring and gesturing to the corpse of the mutated zombie I killed... suddenly I then had this anticipated sense that I'll get shot before it subsided.

"... walk towards us," he said.

... In response, I intentionally just stood there for a couple of seconds intended as an impression of hesitance... without a word I then turn my back against them as I walk back before I holster my combat shovel convenient behind me.

"I like how you're going with this," Juno comments before sensibly smiling.

"The sense I got is enough that I should kill these people but I doubt that it's only just them... might as well wait till I meet the whole crew before I act," I replied in mind which made her smile widen more.

When I got close enough to them he told to stop before one of his comrades put my hands behind my back then cuff me, I was then turned around to face them... the presumable leader of the trio, the one who called out to me then spoke.

"You look like you've been living surprisingly well, even if bloodied a bit," he comments referring to the quality of my clothing, I didn't respond.

"You've got some balls taking out one of those freaks with nothing but a small shovel," he continued as he nod towards the direction of the mutated zombie I killed which I turn to look at in response.

"Seeing the lights turn back on in this place made me driven to continue, I took an adrenaline shot before I sum up the courage to explore, intending to get put of here even if it was unlikely," I replied as I look back at the leader.

"Cool mask," the slim man on the left comments which I nod in response.

"Don't worry, it stays on," Juno said indicating that she made it so that these people will allow me to keep my mask on.

"Thank you," I replied, happy, intended for her which made her giggle, meanwhile as the slim man dismissively wave in response.

"Alright, our boss wants to meet you," the leader of the trio said.

"Do I have a choice?" I asked.

"What do you think?" the man replied before I was grabbed by the shoulder and led forwards in the direction of where they came from.

"What were you doing here?" the man asked.

"... I wasn't told why, my recruiters only told me that they needed an extra guard and pair of hands for their search mission... in exchange for some valuable equipment they know was stored somewhere in this place," I replied.

"And you believe them?" he asked.

"Yes, they were well equipped like you guys and that there was another person who was recruited like me," I replied.

"... you're a fool to trust people so easily," he replied glancing at me.

"They were convincing, besides they looked like genuine soldiers, actual military," I replied which made him glance at both of his comrades in response.

"Tell me more about this recruiters of yours," he said.

"... unfortunately they didn't want to be questioned of their backgrounds hence me and this other recruit were left in the dark about them, but notably in terms of conversation they-" I replied before intentionally trailing off.

"... they what?" he asked.

"They seemed to be gathering information about life here in the apocalypse, neither me and this recruit confronted them about it though," I replied, courtesy of Juno informing me trivially about what part of the world I'm at.

"... this place is infested, from what I think, you and this other person were brought to serve as a distraction if things got too out of hand, alternatively once you both were done helping it is then they'll kill you," he explains.

"They did seemed nice and genuine people," I replied, thoughtfully.

"Anybody can seem like that," the bulky man that's leading me onwards from behind replied.

"It's a good thing then that we've found you, otherwise the monsters here or other immoral people would've sealed your fate in this place," he said.

"... I can only hope at this point that you guys are what you imply as you say," I replied which made him chuckle.

"Don't worry, we're just being cautious, besides if we were actual bandits we would've shot you in sight right away," he replied.

"Thank you all for not shooting me on sight then," I replied which made the slim guy on the left chuckle.

"... why are you guys here?" I asked.

"... for an important matter, it's confidential," the leader replied.

"So much for surprising you of the apocalypse," Juno said.

"Thank you by the way," I replied in mind which she sensible smile and nod in response.

After a while, eventually...

I was led into the middle of the hallway just outside a security station which was guarded by two people, looking through the window of the security station there were three people inside it... in addition, they all had the peace symbol painted in blue on them, intended as their insignia... anyway, a person then came out of the security station which was the actual leader of the group, like her members she wore tactical gear and a respirator, she then spoke.

"Ah, bloodied but unscathed, interesting," she said looking at me up and down.

"Ever since we got the power back on this level, one of my friends here managed to utilize the cameras in this place... fortunately, some were still operational, luckily we saw you," she continues.

"He was originally with other people, he's the only survivor, also his recruiters intended to scavenge this place for something although he wasn't informed what," the leader of the trio explains.

"That's bold and reckless... dumb of you, don't you think?" their superior replied as she looked back at me which I didn't respond.

After a bit of silence of staring at each other, unwavering...

"... I really like him already," she said, looking at me still with her steely gaze.

"I witnessed you kill whatever that thing was, honestly I'm really, really impressed of what I saw," she continued before Juno's manipulation of reality was sensible hence everything was then paused except for me.

"I'm doing this for an addition, don't try to use this opportunity to lash out and kill them," she said before my brain had this tingly sensation.

"Close your eyes for a moment," she continues which I comply.

⟨Darkness⟩

After a moment of quietly waiting...

"Okay, open them," Juno said as she made me aware and knowledgeable of what I can do now and how to do it.

... upon seeing the leader in front of me I curiously test this new addition... I was now able to read the mind of someone by looking at their head, although it's much more instant if I look the person at their eyes... I can also tell if a person is truthful or not.

Anyway, what I was aware about the leader of this group enrages and disgusts me thus Impulsively I then intended to grab her face to crush then rip it off via my right hand... however I couldn't do what I intend because Juno didn't let me, she then spoke.

"You'll get to kill them but not now," she said which I impulsively huff in response as my anger transitioned to her for a second.

"What's the point of this!?" I asked.

"To see or determine which one here isn't an entirely bad apple," she replied which settled my mind.

I looked at every person... out of seven only one was passable in being tolerable enough for me, especially considering of what I'm aware... it was a woman who was standing nearby the monitoring equipment in the security station... she secretly loathes these people ever since she discovered their perverse and malignant nature... she's been waiting for so, so long for the right opportunity to get rid of these people, she couldn't do anything to oppose them since she'll be killed...as a result, she had done things she never wanted, meanwhile as she waited longingly for an opening which stretched uncertainly, which was eating at her soul... although for me that's borderline contentious, ultimately I just gave her a chance, convincing myself that I wasn't in her shoes and at those moments... she was forced to do things she never wanted plus coupled by her pent-up rage and melancholy, it made me soften up a bit since I can relate.

"Bitter," Juno comments referring to the woman who I'm currently staring at, at this moment.

"At least she's unlike the rest of these pieces of shit... likely redeemable in my eyes... besides she never lost herself and didn't give up which is admirable, at least for me," I retort which made her sensibly smile.

"... but still I-... ah fuck it, *sigh* hopefully this will end well," I add which she chuckles in response.

"So, what's your poison?" she asked intended to indicate that she'll spawn me a weapon of my choice.

"... something disconcerting," I replied which made her sensibly smirk.

"Excellent but now's not the right time though, you'll know when," she replied which I nod in response before she revert me to my original placement and posture before her interruption, she then resumed normalcy.

"... tell me, what's your name?" the leader of the group then asked.

I wanted to lie, but I have this read from all of them that they likely won't appreciate it if I said that my name is Haunt... I didn't want to risk them getting violent as a result of my insincere or out of place impression, and although that isn't a problem I just didn't want to compromise my inhuman properties yet... after all they won't remember it since they'll be dead.

"... Kozlov," I replied.

"So you are Russian, I had my doubts even if your hat is a dead giveaway," she replied.

"I've never met one before... a long way from home huh?" she asked which I nod.

She chuckled as she turn to distance herself from me, she hums to herself for a bit before turning around to look back at me as she crossed both her arms, she then cleared her throat then spoke.

"Alright Kozlov are you interested in joining me and my group?" she asked.

"... I don't know you people as you all are to me," I replied, disgusted in mind.

"You certainly didn't know your recruiters yet you trusted them," she retorts.

"Why should I join your group?" I asked.

"We are what you call the peacekeepers of this apocalyptic state, we are known as such... we wander with a duty to help and protect the weak thus we have a lot of enemies," she replied which kindled more of my contempt and disgust for these people.

"Peacekeepers," I said.

"Yes, we are the Peacekeepers, don't you want to contribute to such movement?" she asked which I didn't respond.

"I promise you, it can be quite rewarding especially under my close supervision," she adds as I restrain my urge to just lash out and brutally kill them.

"Just a bit more Haunt, let them fall into place," Juno retorts which I huff in response as I comply to holding back.

"So what do you say Kozlov?" the leader of the group meanwhile asked.

"... why offer me a position? I'm a stranger," I replied.

"And strange you are, I just have this feeling you'll be a good asset or addition to my group," she replied which made me think she's depressed considering my anomalous proximal effect on people.

"Really boss?" the petite woman who was leaning on the wall of the hallway somewhere behind the leader asked.

"Is there something wrong?" she replied looking back at her.

"We've only just met him," the leader of the trio who is behind me said as he approached his boss with his two buddies following.

... he believed that I'm untrustworthy, he intends to talk to his leader secretly about what I've said to him, moreover he also intends to influence his leader to interrogate me for information he suspects that I'm hiding that could be valuable... considering my presentation or the way I handled the discourse was rather unreliable, especially in being convincing which was unsurprising... in addition, his two comrades were being bothered and disturbed by their guilt or sins because of my anomalous proximal effect.

"I agree, plus there's something off about him," the bulky man to the right of them said as he glanced back at me.

"He'll earn our trust over time, I'm sure he'll be a beneficial addition to our party," their leader remarks meanwhile as the cuffs on my hands sensibly disappear which Juno is responsible for.

"It's time, have fun," Juno then said before sensibly smiling and materializing the gun conveniently on my right hand.

In a fast sequence, I raised my gun then shoot their leader at her face then followed by the trio... since we were indoors and my gun was the Deagle .50 AE, the loudness made the other two enemies in the hallway too affected of being startled and caught off guard to do anything in response, their process my opening... fortunately too hence I was able to fix the malfunction of the cycling of my pistol to then shoot them before they could do anything... I then looked back at the window of the security station, timely to see the enemy unknowingly shoot through the bulletproof glass, which unsurprisingly didn't break... the woman who I intend to keep alive and befriend, then meleed this enemy from behind, she then utilized him as a meat shield at gunpoint... I frowned at the complication before I went to stand nearby the bulletproof window of the room, once I was I then spoke.

"I'm aware that you loathe and contempt these evil people," I said which surprised her.

"I want to help you end them if you'll have me as an ally," I continued.

"... w-what are you?" she asked wanting an answer of how I got out of the cuffs and that I had a gun on my hand all of a sudden, plus my flawless execution of her comrades.

"A nobody and wanderer that's out to kill evil people like them, but don't worry, believe me or not you're an exemption from this group," I replied before gesturing towards the corpses of her comrades that are on the hallway.

"... I don't trust you," she asked before roughly regaining her control over her meat shield who's scared shitless.

"I understand," I replied as I raise my gun to be seen that it's ammunition is depleted, I then threw it away on the ground behind me before I raised both my hands up.

"My compromise as a sign of trust... I trust you not to be rash but deliberate and honorable," I said which convinced her enough.

After a brief moment of silence...

The woman then made her way to exit the room, once she was out in the hallway she pushed the enemy that was using as a meat shield away before she shot him at the back of his head... she aimed her suppressed pistol at me immediately after, I was unsurprisingly unfazed by this.

After a tense moment of silence as we stare at each other...

"Why are you doing this?" she asked, curious.

"To deliver these bastards to hell as soon as possible, I can't let these people promote bad influences and especially kill more people," I replied.

"... fuck it," she said before she lowered her weapon.

"... what's your backstory with these corrupt fucks?" she asked.

"I witnessed them doing horrible things to people, your group specifically," I replied.

"And you just watched?" she said.

"So did you," I retort which made her frown then aim her gun back at me.

"... I was waiting for the right opportunity to kill these bunch, getting myself killed wouldn't do justice any good... you can understand that right?" I asked.

After a brief moment of tense silence between us...

She lowered her gun as she let out a ragged breath and looked away, she looked up thoughtfully for a bit before looking back at me... I've convinced her enough to trust me which Juno sensibly gave me a thumbs up in response, the woman then spoke.

"How can we even defeat the rest of them?" she asked.

"The Rail Gun will be handy too besides me," I replied.

"... unfortunately you killed the only person who was informed and knowledgeable on where to go and get it in this place," she replied before pointing at the dead leader of her group.

"Don't you worry about it," Juno retorts before sensibly smiling.

"She isn't the only one knowledgeable," I replied as I put both my hands down.

"Is your name really Kozlov?" she asked which made me want to disagree then lie.

"... yeah," I replied, choosing to be consistent.

"Good to know, my name is Nat," she replied which I nod in response.

After a brief moment of awkward silence...

"Can I lead the way now?" I asked intended for both Nat and Juno.

"Just stay in front of me, I don't want you pulling some surprising shit like what you did to my group," Nat replied which I nod as Iris displayed a waypoint for me to follow, courtesy of Juno.

"I don't entirely trust you yet but... grab a weapon because you'll need it, especially in this place," Nat says thoughtfully before aiming her gun at me.

"No, it's good, I have my combat shovel with me, worry less," I replied which surprised her.

"... can I equip it?" I asked which made her raise a brow before she nods hence I equip my combat shovel in hand.

"We'll be heading back in the direction of where I came from," I said before I turn around to lead the way.

"Are you sure your uh, shovel, is ample considering the monsters that are in this place," she said following behind me.

"I've been through far worse, this combat shovel has proven and been tested by me as a convenient tool, a reliable menace," I replied.

"... such words, I like your confidence," she replied.

After some time, eventually...

We made it outside, although it was raining hard and was night time there weren't any undead out here meanwhile as Nat and I made our way together to the vehicle Nat's group used to get to this place, she then spoke.

"You really think that I can handle the recoil?" she asked.

"Don't worry, I'll test fire it first so you can be assured that you can," I replied.

"... aren't you afraid of the likelihood of dislocating your shoulder?" she asked as she glance at me.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be," I replied as I glance back at her.

"You just sounded resolute, that's all," she retorts.

"... well, I am kinda insane or have some screws in mind that are loose," I replied which made her chuckle.

After we reached the vehicle...

I sat at the front passenger seat beside Nat, she drove us out of the base which was surrounded by wilderness, moreover this place was on a mountainous terrain, I then spoke.

"How'd you people know this place existed?" I asked.

"The head of the Peacemakers, he apparently managed to get information about it and its likelihood of finding the gun," she replied.

"Notably it's dangerous as proven by what we had to go through just to get the gun," she continued.

"Thanks a lot by the way, without your timely helps I would've been screwed," she adds as she glances at me, referring to me saving here countable times as to not get killed and bit.

"No problem," I replied, contented.

"... how about you, how did you know this place existed?" she asked.

"I didn't, I followed your group," I replied which she doesn't fully believe like most things I've said to her, in her mind not yet anyway.

"How did you manage to keep up, let alone stay hidden from us?" she asked.

"Experience and skill... in my experience as a wanderer I fortunately learned a lot," I replied which furthered her curiosity about myself.

After a moment of silence between us...

"... why do you think they wanted the Rail Gun?" I asked.

"A survivor faction known as the Bears have been giving the Peacemakers a hard time for months," she replied.

"Are the Bears faction any better?" I asked.

"... I'm not sure, I don't know much about them... but what I am confident about is that they loathe and know how evil the Peacekeepers are," she replied, thoughtfully.

After a brief moment of silence between us...

"If your story about being recruited by somebody is made up, why were you really here?" Nat asked.

"For the kill, as for the Rail Gun's involvement it's just a bonus for me... I was also hoping for the likelihood of talking to you since I know you actually weren't like them," I replied.

"... how do you even know those things about me?" she asked as she glances at me.

"Believe me or not it's because I'm anomalous," I replied as I glance at her, she was surprised.

"That explains a lot of why's," she replied, now assured thay her suspicions about me being anomalous are correct.

"How long is this journey of ours?" I asked.

"... two days or probably more, it depends on whether we'll encounter problems along the way or not... *sigh* which is unfortunately likely," she replied which I nod.

"Once we reach our destination, you could temporarily leave her there for three days with an excuse to get some extra help from your known and trustworthy friends," Juno said.

"Three days?" I asked in mind.

"During those three days we'll be somewhere else helping about small but crucial matters, it'll expedite the improvement of the quality of living here in this apocalyptic part of the world as she waits," she replied.

"... she'll be alright when we get back, I can assure you, besides as a bonus, in the duration of you gone it'll contribute to strengthening the trust between you both... plus give her a comfortable space to get acquainted of her new circumstances," she adds.

"... if you say so," I replied in mind which made her smile.

After four days...

We made it to the place where the safehouse Juno has constructed via her anomalous means is at, also at this point, I was the one who was driving since I knew where to go... Nat meanwhile was sleeping on the passenger seat beside me still, hence I gently shook her awake on the shoulder.

"Something wrong?" Nat said groggily as she sits up straight before looking at me, tired still.

"We made it," I replied before I got out of the vehicle and onto the dirt road where we're parked at.

After a brief moment of waiting for Nat to recover enough from her tiredness...

"I'm so fucking tired," she said after stretching, meanwhile Juno smirks in response to my thoughts as I quietly admire Nat.

"Okay, I'm good, hopefully I won't pass out," she continues as she approached me.

"The safehouse is this way," I said as I led the way towards the woodland.

After a bit of silence between us...

"... I sure hope you're not leading me somewhere to-" she said following behind me before I cut her off.

"I can't blame you, I'm still a stranger whom you've acquainted, at least that's what I think... besides I approve of you not fully trusting me, it's good to be a healthy skeptic," I said.

"... I didn't mean to insult you if I did," she replied.

"No worries," I replied.

"... I agree with what you said about being skeptic, I had my ample share of unpleasant experiences about people... like I met this dude... cool, sweet, and polite... basically boyfriend potential... but he was actually an arrogant asshole branding and priding himself as a nice guy who deserves every ounce of pleasantries and special attention," she said.

"How did it end for him?" I asked intending to know if she killed him or this person is still alive.

"... if I remember correctly I think he was eaten alive by the undead," she replied.

"Anybody can be surprising, it's understandable if I have to still work more to earn your trust, rightly so, after all we are living in the apocalypse," I said.

"... so far you're genuine and upright... fingers crossed still," she replied which I didn't respond, not wanting any of my words to influence her thoughts, letting her convince herself whether she'll ultimately trust me entirely.

After a bit of silence between us...

"I also don't get why there are people who think that the likelihood of getting beaten up and rudeness is an attractive quality... a part in a relationship," she then said which made me contemplate for a bit whether I should comply with the direction of this conversation or not.

"... I would be baffled about it if at some point these people couldn't wrap their heads around as to why their relationship sucks or it failed... respect is everything," I retort which made her laugh.

"Have you ever been in a relationship before?" she asked.

"... I don't want to talk about that," I replied.

"Oh, okay," she replied, meanwhile as Juno is sensibly smirking in response which was bothering me a bit.

"... well, can I just hear your thoughts at least about-... relationships?" she asked, now walking beside me.

"... I'm not experienced in that context," I replied as I glanced at her which made her grin.

"Just talk," she said which annoyed me a bit.

"... having none or close to none, relationships, especially under such circumstances is brutal, but a test... if they stay and support you even in such status... if they aren't with you because of anything else but you, that's something worthy to be acknowledged," I replied, thoughtfully.

"... from my experience I learned a lot of things from people that way, being at your low... obviously none happy ones but beneficial to my awareness, at least in my lens... which I've ultimately learned to value... truth over unreliable connections... unless if I deemed it necessary I would confront a person, but for the most part I didn't since the truth or insight of the nature of people, a person, is what I'm after, I didn't need to convince anyone unless if I wanted to," add.

"... experiences as a result were... unsurprisingly brutal or horrific enough that listening to music was my only reliable source of relatability and being able to connect what I can't to people... the understanding and the expression it can convey speaks volumes needed by my broken soul, it soothes my heartstrings," I continued in a bit of a thoughtful trance.

"... I didn't mean to remind you of those things, I'm sorry," she replied, apologetic which I nod in response.

After a bit of silence between us...

"... if you don't mind me asking, what genre of music resonates with you?" she asked.

"For the most part Melancholy, 80's themed, and Synthwave are more than likely... but even then I'm like treasure hunting for pieces that hit... also I don't limit myself in those genres," I replied.

"Noted," she replied which made look at her to realize she's thinking of scouring for music or songs in her future expeditions, just to make her imagery about us enjoying them together happen... even if she didn't know anything about the genres I've said or mentioned.

"What?" she asked before smiling which I shrug before focusing on getting to the safehouse, ignoring this development of her about me, meanwhile as Juno sensibly grins in response which is bothering me a bit.

Eventually...

We reached the safehouse, it was a fortified cabin, Nat then spoke meanwhile as Juno effortlessly made me knowledgeable about the safehouse and this area via her anomalous means, mind-wise.

"How'd you find this?" she asked standing beside me.

"... I remember I was hunting in this area for food, I just happen to see this... the rest is history," I replied before I went towards the safehouse.

"Don't worry about predatory beasts in this area, there aren't any unless if you're intentionally searching for one or if you're out at night," I add.

"That's reassuring," she replied.

"Did you make this all by yourself?" she asked referring to the fortification and quality of the cabin.

"No, a friend of mine did, her name is Juno," I replied.

"Giving me credit huh," Juno said sensibly smiling which made me smile in response.

"Where is she?" Nat asked.

"... I don't want to talk about it... let's move on to the tour," I replied, she looked at me sadly in response before nodding, presumably assuming that Juno tragically died.

... I spend the next moments taking Nat on a tour of the safehouse and sharing information that she needs to know, also ones that'll beneficial her stay in the safehouse since I'll be gone... when she was knowledgeable I let her settle herself before I told her that I'll leaving her here alone for three days to get some needed help... surprisingly she was reluctant to let me go even if my reasons are irrefutable.

"I can handle myself just fine, in the meantime I'm trusting you to take care of yourself and the safehouse whilst I'm gone," I replied in an ongoing conversation with Nat.

"You have my permission to utilize any equipment here at your discretion, say for example the Ghillie Suit I showed to you," I said meanwhile as she looked at me intently, troubled in mind that I'll be leaving her still.

"If hunting isn't working for you just know that the truck we used to get here will remain, hence you can go on expeditions to scavenge for food," I said intended to subtly divert much of her focus on the notion about me leaving her towards something else.

"Anymore questions?" I asked.

"Since you're leaving the truck behind for me, how do you intend to journey?" she asked, displeased by the notion that I'm making it difficult for myself.

"I have a hidden workable motorcycle somewhere at a nearby province, but I have to bike myself there for a start," I replied.

"... I could join you, I don't mind," she suggest.

"No, I prefer to risk this long journey alone hence you're staying here, besides I didn't spent all that time and effort just so you'll die," I replied.

"And if I lost you because of this journey of your's, the loss would amount the same, maybe even more," she retorts, apprehensive of the thought of losing me.

"I'm not entirely human, remember," I remind which made her frown then look away.

"... doesn't mean you can't die, but If you insist then whatever," she replied before turning around to contemplate hence I walk away.

Although I failed of subtly trying to further make her feel more at ease of me leaving her here alone, I was contented enough even if I didn't like the ending of our discourse... when I was about to exit safehouse Nat then called out to me from behind hence I stop and wait for her in response.

"Don't-... you better not leave me here alone for more than three days, otherwise I'll gut you like a fish when you come back," she said as I looked back at her.

"I promise *chuckle*, especially after threatening to gut me like a fish... defeats the purpose of wanting to see me back and alright if you did that," I replied which made her smile.

She then hastily approached me before raising her hand to enact the pinky promise which made me smile then grin in response albeit surprised, as she looked at me intently she then spoke.

"Promise me?" she asked before grinning, although her mind is worried about losing me.

"I promise I'll be back, besides you know enough of me of how I operate," I said connecting my pinky finger with hers, afterwards I turn around to leave.

"Take care of yourself comrade," I add over my shoulder as I walk outside.

"Don't die!" she replied.

Eventually...

After I was really far away from the safehouse, assured that Nat could no longer see me even if she decided to follow me... I stop then got off my bicycle and parked it at a nearby tree, as I look around Juno then spoke.

"There will likely be breaks in our adventures, depending on how fast you finish the scenario or how it unfolds," she said.

"Breaks being that we'll spend our time in the space I've made within your mind as your physical body will be necessarily inactive as to not disturb what we hope to achieve as intended," she continued.

"Is our adventures a help then leave again?" I asked, hoping that it is.

"Until we've reached the end of what makes those main scenarios interesting, yes, also each will likely require a day at least for the purpose of making it convenient or the outcome will be as intended... keep in mind, just a likelihood," she replied.

"... alright, let's do this," I replied which made her sensibly grin in response.

She then teleported us somewhere hence in that neat familiar transition-

⟨Darkness⟩

Day 1: To Prevent

Pending, please wait...

Playing...

After blinking a bit because of suddenly getting hit hard on the head, it jumped on me and begin clawing my torso or body armor before deciding to bite my face or head... fortunately, my modified ushanka and H.P. mask protected my head... since it was raining hard thus the streets were in a way flooded, I was also being relatively submerged in dirty water by this creature.

... it intended to rip my head or face off by shaking mine while its jaws are firmly planted on, fortunately it was ineffective let alone in crushing it since I was tough and strong enough... I was still recovering from getting hit hard by this thing in the chest so I was breathless, Juno then spoke.

"Its breath must smell really bad don't you think? good thing you're underwater," she said.

"Not- helping!" I impulsively replied, pained and nearly passing out as a result.

Its head was then shot from the side by Kruger... I could imagine his horror to realize and see my predicament... anyway, because of the tough skin and presumably parts of carapace that's still present on its head, it only made it recoil to look to the side a bit... seeing this he fired again which dazed it before plunging the bayonet on his shotgun presumably on a soft spot on its head.

It wasn't dead yet hence Kruger shot twice in response which killed it, when the creature limply falls Kruger pulls out the bayonet of his gun that's embedded in it's head, speaking of which his firearm was the Winchester 1897 trench shotgun... I pushed its corpse off of me and away as he hastily helps me back onto my feet as he spoke.

"Holy shit bro," he impulsively comments, absolutely glad that I'm alright.

"You good!?" he then asked, concerned as he holds onto me with his free hand intended as a precaution.

"I'm alright," I replied as I steady myself before I hastily went back to where Paige is, concerned.

Paige was alright although she was slumped at an unusable decrepit car exhausted and drenched by the heavy rain... I picked her back up before I heard Kruger fire his assault rifle twice directed somewhere behind us, he then yelled.

"The cavalry is here, we need to move!" he exclaimed hence once again I began to hastily lead the way as Kruger lags behind a bit as he follows for security.

"... y-you... b-both are stubborn," Paige tiredly comments as I carry her, plus the coldness she was feeling was now beginning to affect her.

"As you said we are in this together, we're not leaving you behind... besides I can imagine they would do horrible things to you if they decide to capture you alive," I retort before I hear Kruger shoot once again, directed at our pursuers.

"I doubt the rain will remain this intense to somewhat cover the loudness of gunfire," Juno comments as bullets crackle and whizzed nearby by us.

"Keep it that way," I replied which she sensibly smiles and nod in response.

"This waypoint we'll lead you to a crashed black hawk helicopter on a street," she said before Iris provided a waypoint for me to follow via my HUD or U.I. which I unquestionably follow.

"You're not just gonna make it useable are you?" I asked.

"Nope, I have something better in mind," she replied before smirking.

"I think you'll find it fun too," she adds.

"Haunt... who are you t-talking to?" Paige asks weakly as she holds onto me more firmly which reminded me.

"Nothing... just me being impulsively insane for a bit," I replied which made her chuckle albeit weakly.

"Also slow down a bit, otherwise Kruger will likely going to lose you especially considering the state of visibility under the intensity of this rain," Juno comments which I complied.

Eventually...

We reached the downed black hawk helicopter on the road, it was there for a long time considering its state... Juno trivially or effortlessly made me aware of what I should do via her anomalous means, mind-wise... I went behind the downed helicopter then gently place Paige down to sit on the hood of a nearby decrepit and wrecked vehicle, she then spoke.

"What are you doing?" she asked, looking at me worried.

"Setting myself up to buy you guys some time," I replied which made her gasp in surprise.

"You're not planning to sacrifice yourself are you?" she asked which I shrug in response before Kruger then came to view, upon seeing us he hastily approached then spoke.

"Haunt what-" he said before I cut him off.

"I'll buy you guys some time," I said, he really wanted to protest but was speechless .

"At this point, it's clear they're too stubborn to give up," I continued which he frowns then shakes his head a bit in response before he walks past me to pick up Paige.

"Don't agree with him, w-what are you doing!?" she protests meanwhile as she's being picked up by Kruger.

"We're not leaving him here alone you cunt!" Paige continues as Kruger carries her, continuing on fleeing.

I turn back to look at the downed helicopter which was tilted on its side... I went inside it to unsurprisingly see the mounted minigun which was conveniently facing towards the street where the bandits will be... it was old and rusted, plus its ammunition was unsurprisingly gone, Juno then spoke.

"Considering their numbers, this will be a slaughter," she said as her Musou Black matter engulfed the entirety of the minigun for a second before disappearing to reveal that it's now in an immaculate condition and usable.

"Try to have fun Haunt, since they are all absolutely bad people," she remarks before sensibly grinning as I position myself to conveniently utilize the turret.

After a brief moment of quietly waiting...

I saw the bandits from afar, they were confident of their numbers thus they were reckless of their approach... I then utilize the threat vision of my H.P. mask to see the entirety of the hunting party, I then spoke.

"Noise?" I asked as I utilize the gun to spin the barrel of it in preparation to shoot.

"Suppressed," she replied before sensibly smiling.

"Just focus, more so in having fun," she adds before sensibly smiling.

"... alright, I'll spin 'em off," I replied before I begin shooting.

... she made it so that I was the only one who can hear the mounted gun firing, plus the turret had unlimited ammunition... the bandits who were unsurprisingly caught off guard were decimated... at some point I grin like a child as I kept on shooting, finding it impulsively amusing which Juno was delighted in response.

After killing every bandit in sight...

I waited for a bit until I was assured that they rather risk their lives going through buildings to retreat or flee than getting destroyed by me, this was reassured when she undoes the state of the minigun back to how I found it, old and unusable... I went outside of the helicopter intending meet with Kruger and Paige, Juno then spoke.

"I'm glad you had fun," she said before sensibly grinning, meanwhile as I hastily begin my journey.

"All thanks to you," I replied before smiling a bit which she giggles in response.

"Don't worry about your friends, they'll be waiting for you," she replied as Iris provided a waypoint for me to follow.

"How come?" I asked.

"Well unlike you they're exhausted hence they'll be stopping for breaks," she replied which made me smile.

After a while, eventually...

I caught up to Kruger and Paige who were surprised and startled to see me again but were then absolutely happy that I'm alive and alright, Kruger then spoke.

"Am I seeing things?" he asked.

"Nope, I'm real, it's me," I replied.

"You're one t-tough bastard Haunt," Paige said, impressed.

"Holy shit dude, what did you do?" Kruger meanwhile asked, perturbed.

"Can we get just out of this damned city, please?" I asked.

"Yeah, fuck this place- also fuck you Paige for convincing us to accept this task... you charming- diplomatic fuck, fuck you," Kruger said, sensibly exhausted and frustrated which made Paige laugh and me impulsively smile, amused.

After some time, eventually...

We made it back to the survivor settlement, everybody there was shocked and worried, more so to the state of Kruger and Paige who were exhausted and hurt, especially seeing that there's only three of us left... the community of the Rook faction immediately went to their aid then lead to the clinic to be treated, meanwhile as I isolate myself away from them.

After a moment of talking with Juno in solitude and being reassured that both Paige and Kruger were alright...

I went to the community leader to deliver the package which was a small case that contained samples of the cure against the virus... the community leader is an experienced and proficient doctor who intends to study the cure in hopes of recreating it to be able to produce it for the sake of the people.

"... because of me I tempted all three of you to risk your lives for something uncertain... as a result I lost four people and endangered you three, I'm sorry," he apologetically said, genuinely feeling guilty.

"We knew the risks and how uncertain it was... but like your men, we wanted to try and help, especially if it leads to the benefit of people trying to survive in this part of the world," I replied.

"Still, truly I'm sorry," he replied still disturbed by the guilt he feels.

"Apology accepted," I said which he nod in response.

"There are five samples in the case hence I'll giveaway two for the sake of you three in your future endeavors together, you all earned this invaluable reward," he said before offering two samples of the cure and three syringes.

"Thank you," I said which he shook his head a bit in response albeit smiling, I then grab all that was offered.

"No, thank you and your friends, plus the four men who died for this, truly," he replied which I nod in response.

"I'll let them know," I replied referring to Kruger and Paige which he nods whilst smiling.

"Of course, take care and stay safe, always," he replied which I nod in response.

"Likewise," I replied as I turn around and went to exit.

Once inside the clinic with Kruger and Paige...

"Our reward for endangering our lives to help people," I said as I hand over the syringes and two samples of the cure which were contained within a small glass bottle towards Paige.

"Holy shit, Kruger-... huge profit!" she said happily before looking at him which Kruger smiles in response.

"It's been wild but it's time for me to be on my way, on my own," I said which immediately made them look at me, no longer smiling.

"Leave to where?" Paige asked, frowning, displeased by the notion of me leaving them both all of a sudden.

"Somewhere I have in mind for a long time," I replied which made her raise a brow.

"You don't hate us do you?" Kruger asked, saddened by the though that I'll be gone.

"No, why would I after everything we've been through?" I asked which he shrugs in response, worried about the concept.

"I originally have some other problems I intend to solve before I decided to deviate to help you guys, especially since I was feeling generous... the world is bad but it doesn't mean I have to be to exist," I explain which made both Kruger and Paige smile a bit in response, happy that they met me.

"I'm happy that I did since we've contributed towards something big after our success today... but even if it didn't happen I would still be this content, after all my intentions were purely altruistic... it just happens that I've got tangled up more than I expected which I don't regret," I add which made their smiles widen more.

"We can help you," Paige comment which Kruger agrees in response.

"I know, but I want to do it alone," I replied which made them sad.

"... you sure?" Kruger asked which I nod.

"I'm sure, besides you both deserve a break after what we've been through," I replied referring to their condition.

"Just give us three days or so then we'll be good," he replied which Paige agrees.

"No, that's final... no need to problem yourselves further because of me," I replied.

In response it made them more sad, plus they were hurt too because of my choice words... thinking that I view myself as a burden to them which they strongly disagree... they both really wanted me to stay and be part of them which made me sad too, especially since they're genuine and that I like the chemistry we as friends have.

After a brief moment of silence between us three...

Paige then stood up off the hospital cot then limply approached me, once close she looked me straight in my eyes before hugging me, she then spoke.

"C'mon Kruger," she said which Kruger chuckles before joining in the hug.

"Just don't get yourself killed, alright," Paige says as she and Kruger pulled away from hugging me.

"Otherwise, both of us will feel like absolute shit for letting you be on your own," Kruger adds.

"We've only met for only a day," I comment.

"And its enough, we care Haunt," Paige replied which Kruger agrees.

"Here, you'll definitely need this," she said before offering a syringe and a sample of the cure.

"No need," I said as I gently push her hand back which immediately made her raise a brow as she looked at me, surprised.

"What do you mean?" Kruger meanwhile asked, genuinely confused and concerned.

"Now I'm really worried about you," Paige said as she looked at me frowning, genuinely concerned.

... obviously I was happy that I met them... hearing them say that was moving for me at the time since I never had someone say that to me genuinely, especially with that level of concern... as a result the emotional jab was enough to make me impulsively look away then down before I close my eyes-

⟨Darkness⟩

Day 2: Expedite

Pending, Please wait...

Playing...

I utilized the night vision feature of my H.P. Mask hence enabling me to see in the dark in aquamarine hue, meanwhile as Kurtz equipped his night vision goggles before he spoke, utilizing his communications device.

"Dan what's wrong? the power is down," he asked via comms which there was no response.

"Hello, can anyone respond over?" he adds.

"Pravděpodobně jsou mrtví... Nemám žádný obraz," Ashtyn responds via comms.

"Do prdele... Mám oči na skupině mířící ke vstupnímu bodu... to jsou zmije," she continued.

"Haunt, let's go," Kurtz then said as he walks past me to hastily lead the way hence I followed him from behind.

"Útočné pušky, žádné batohy a brýle pro noční vidění," Ashtyn meanwhile said.

"Přísahám, že z toho oba nevyváznete živí, V posmrtném životě vás oba uškrtím," she adds sensibly worried.

"Ještě nejsme mrtví, nebojte se," he responds.

"Mám to risknout a zastřelit je, aby se zdrželi?" she asked.

"Ne! vaše střely se prostě odrazí... Nejsi pro nás mrtvý, a navíc jsi naše jediné oči ven," he responds.

"... Budu vás informovat, pokud nějaké budou," she replied.

"... out of seven, we're down to three all of a sudden... if the undead in this abandoned base wasn't dangerous enough, we've got the Vipers now to worry about... looks like our luck has run out," he comments.

"Vipers?" I asked.

"You haven't heard of them?" he rhetorically asked confused and surprised.

"No," I replied.

"They're the notorious bandit faction in this part of the world," he said.

"Have you fought them before?" I asked.

"Only twice, both of which I got lucky in managing to flee and evade them," he replied.

"... I'm assuming you haven't encountered them yet," he adds.

"Yeah," I replied.

"What makes this faction dangerous is because they're the most experienced combatants... most of them are probably soldiers, deserters... wanting to take advantage of the apocalyptic state," he said.

"Anyway, they're a threat to the point that they hunt any military elements, especially capable survivor factions like us," he explains.

"Although sparse they're mostly founded as being armored like the military hence they're practically bulletproof, if not they have some serious firepower at their disposal," he continued.

"... in our case, I can only hope it's only infantry and that they didn't bring with them an attack helicopter or an infantry fighting vehicle," he remarks.

"We're most likely fucked that's what I'm trying to say," he adds which made me smile and shook my head a bit, impulsively amused.

"Why do you think they're here?" I asked.

"... from the description Ashtyn told us, they aren't here to loot although that's still likely... but I doubt it... it's too much of a coincidence, at least for me... especially considering this place luckily had the valuable intel," he said.

"I think, someone informed the Vipers of our mission and about the Intel, since the information and map that we have will be advantageous for us to get rid of them or if not lessen their control," he continued.

"... the Vipers are one of the malignant obstacles for the outside world to be able to help here... we the Collective Coalition understand there's a war going hence its uncertain whether there will be help... or help that's genuine without any strings attached," he adds.

"But it's a risk better than being governed by a tyrannical faction who intends to rule and control the apocalypse... we want them gone, for the sake of the people and the land here and beyond," he explains.

"I feel like I'm giving a speech or something," he comments.

After a moment of silence...

"... since I doubt we'll make it out of here alive, what makes you anomalous?" he asked.

"Am I that obvious?" I replied, thinking he's like Audrey who can tell what I am until I remembered that he isn't.

"So you are," he replied, surprised, as she stopped to look at me hence I stopped too.

"What gave it away?" I asked.

"Whenever you're close by I'm either soothed in mind... if not I'll get sad and be encouraged to introspect... reflect... but it's not only me, Ashtyn also commented about you similarly," he said before continuing to lead the way hence I follow.

"You seem more used to the anomalous," I comment.

"Back at base, we have a few who are anomalous... I even fell in love with one... do you remember the beautiful American doctor we met at the base by the medical tent?" he asked as he glances back at me which I nod.

"Is it her?" I asked.

"Yes... *sigh* now it's too late for me to confess my love for her," he replied.

"... what's your distinction by the way?" he asked referring to what makes me anomalous.

"... I specialize in combat, basically," I replied which made Juno smile, proud.

"... that explains why you only have a pistol and a shovel, confident both are enough," he replied.

"... just in case if we don't make it, thank you for volunteering to help... it is rare these days at least for me to find someone just wanting to help... hence I'm truly sorry that I brought and convinced you to this," he adds, genuinely feeling guilty.

"I knew the risks even if the Vipers being involved is unexpected, don't dispirit yourself comrade... I forgive you," I replied which he only nod in response.

"... if we die, at least we died fighting for what is right," I add which made him chuckle.

"Were you a soldier before all of this?" he asked referring to my life before the apocalypse.

"... I was," I replied.

After a while...

Juno blocked any likely alternative way for us to get out thus Kurtz and I had no choice but to backtrack to my annoyance... we were lucky we weren't immediately detected by the Vipers when we unsurprisingly encountered them since like us they had night vision goggles equipped... we were hiding nearby some furniture, a bit distant from where the Vipers are... suddenly I was entirely engulfed by Juno's Musou Black matter for a second before disappearing to reveal she equipped me my full set of H.P. armor, she then spoke.

"Boring as this will be it is necessary hence why, otherwise you're friend will likely die... besides I don't want to waste my power in reviving humans, apart from only you of course, after all you're my favourite," she remarks before sensibly smiling.

"What the fuck Haunt?" Kurtz meanwhile quietly asked, surprised.

"... don't question it," I quietly replied as I look at him before I utilized my celerity.

In a fast sequence, I stood up then dashed towards the nearby enemy hence closing the distance between us instantly... I hit the enemy at the face using the pointy edge of my combat shovel which luckily, as intended it was hard enough that it didn't penetrate his armor but it did certainly broke his skull as a result.

Immediately I transition my attack to ram him by my right shoulder which unintentionally send him back colliding with his comrade that was following him from behind... I then maneuvered to the left side immediately after as the downed enemy exclaims.

"Shit, contact-" he said genuinely afraid before I threw my combat shovel at his face which killed him.

I then utilized my telekinesis to retrieve my combat shovel back to my right hand before dashing forward as I pre-turn counterclockwise which I dodge the bullets that the enemy managed to shoot in response... maintaining my momentum, I also swung my combat shovel which as intended smacked the enemy on the side of her face which certainly either killed or knocked her out unconscious.

After I finish my turn hence facing forward in the direction of the last enemy, I dashed towards him to timely grab his firearm via my left hand then turn it away to his right, I pressed the gun on his chest before I headbutt him on the face which certainly killed him.

Suddenly in anticipation, I maneuver around the killed enemy to my left to timely throw my combat shovel towards the doorway which hit the anticipated enemy at the chest, he was knocked back to hit the wall of the hallway outside, it's only then the killed enemy beside me falls to the ground.

"Holy shit," I hear Kurtz comment from behind hence I turn around to look at him.

Suddenly in anticipation, I swiftly unholster my pistol which was the Deagle .50 AE still, and without looking aimed it towards somewhere specific in the direction of the doorway before I shot... it hit the face of the enemy who had my combat shovel embedded in his chest, he was knocked out as a result... meanwhile Kurtz who was startled, stopped in response, I then look back to the doorway surprised that the enemy survived that long... digressing, I went to retrieve my combat shovel while I hear Kurtz hastily catch up to me.

"I'm used to the anomalous but not at a level like that," he comments when he caught up to me.

"Are you even human?" he asked, curious, which I only nod.

"Let's focus on getting out of here," I replied intending to redirect the attention which he complied.

After some time, eventually...

We made it back to the base of the Coalition Collective and unsurprisingly Kurtz and Ashtyn were relieved that it wasn't under attack considering there are traitors within the ranks who are also informants for the Vipers... I was still wearing my complete H.P. armor set thus I wasn't immediately recognized... after a bit of waiting outside the base as Kurtz assures the guards that I'm the russian dude from before, I was allowed to go inside with them.

After a while of just me walking around just talking to Juno, eventually...

As planned Kurtz convinced their council who are the leaders of the community to hold a meeting purely for me to be able determine the traitors amongst them... the process was easy especially with the help of Juno and Iris making the process effortless which I greatly appreciate.

After all six of the traitors were detained for questioning, alternatively be subjected to interrogation if uncompliant... us three were acknowledged and praised of what we have manage to accomplish... since I'm me, I found all the sudden attention uncomfortable, like I'm chocking on my anxiety... especially considering what I recall.

Ashtyn and Kurtz... assumed correctly, that I wasn't liking the attention, presumably basing from how quiet I was and presumably my anomalous proximal effect as well, maybe there was this shift I just didn't notice... anyway, they both made the acknowledgement short before leading me out with them... as we walk Kurtz then spoke.

"Are you alright?" he asked as he glance at me which I nod.

"Děkuji, že jste mě odtamtud dostali, přátelé," I replied which made them both stop in surprise, I turn back to look at them in response.

"What?" I asked which both Ashtyn and Kurtz glanced at each other in response, baffled that I can speak another different language.

"... we're just surprised," Kurtz replied

"Mohl jsi s námi mluvit tímto způsobem," Ashtyn said, displeased that I kept this from them, considering also that if she knew beforehand she would've talked to me more.

"Prostě preferuji angličtinu," I replied with a shrug which she nod in response.

Eventually...

The community decided to celebrate their success... when both Ashtyn and Kurtz joined in, I took my leave without letting anyone know, not wanting to get tangled in any more attention... besides Juno said it was time for us to go which I heed without question or protest.

"... I hope you got a kick from that adventure because I really wasn't stimulated or had that much fun... though I enjoyed seeing you in action," she said as I stride in the wilderness towards nowhere in particular.

"Yeah, it felt like a job or a chore which is a feeling I don't want when I work," I replied which made her smile.

"Likewise," she replied.

"... what did you do?" I asked referring to how she kept herself entertained.

"Your memories, I immersed myself in those... played through a bunch of scenarios as if I were you," she replied.

"... like what?" I asked which immediately made her smirk.

"Is that what I think you're doing, trying to lengthen the conversation?" she asked.

"... good talk," I replied, embarrassed, which made her giggle.

"Doesn't mean I won't indulge you... to answer your question the scenarios were about warfare that you've been in before being conscripted by me... made me again reflect about a lot of things," she replied which I only nod in response.

After a brief moment of silence between us...

"I've learned a lot in my time here in this plane of existence... like discovering that some things here are also founded in where I originate from," she said.

"Say for example the AK... although equipment and technologies aren't the only things... language, concepts, and even places... like Nevada," she continued.

"Nevada here is a place right?" she asked which I nod.

"Yeah," I replied.

"In the plane of existence where I belong, it's a place there also... referring to the first reality that started it all for us there, where he the one and only, the first Auditor resides," she said.

"There are eleven of us in total, but I killed half of them to be able to access this plane of existence of yours," she continued.

"Did our adversary-" I said before I was cut off by her.

"Yes, there's no other way... maybe there is, but we aren't aware... probably even incapable unlike the one," she said.

"... there's only three of you left?" I asked.

"It depends, if he wanted to he can make more Auditors," she replied referring to their creator.

"What's the purpose of you bunch?" I asked, curious which she sensibly shrug in response.

After a moment of silence between us...

"... I believe he originated from this plane of existence, somehow becoming the first-ever Auditor and going beyond to create his own separate plane of existence," she said.

"More questions than answers," I retort which she sensibly nod in response, thoughtful.

"... why tell me this?" I asked, curious.

"... I just wanted to share my thoughts with you about something, besides it's not like it'll matter in the end for both of us... anyway," she said before giggling then teleporting us-

⟨Darkness⟩

Day 3: A Haunting

Pending, please wait...

Playing...

In that familiar flawless and neat transition, I was then able to breathe and see through the mask as if it was nothing, meanwhile I get up now pissed off at being a victim of deception as I look at the young woman who was responsible, whom I thought really needed help.

She was shocked to see me up after she kicked me hard on the chest to collide to a rock which is nearby the dirt road... she for some reason waited for me to stand up thus once I had my footing convenient, I utilized my celerity to instantly ram onto her, I hit her hard on the chest via my shoulder which knocked her back, certainly a lot of her bones are broken as a result... but since she's that kind of vampire, my retaliation only immobilized and incapacitated her.

Once I was standing nearby her without a word I equip my combat shovel in hand ready to kill her, meanwhile this woman spat at me with blood before snarling, Juno then spoke.

"There's something significant that you need to know about her," she said, intended to also remind me that I'm able to learn about people via my anomalous means.

"You just wanted me to be hit first?" I replied in mind, annoyed.

"Yes, plus I wanted you to experience one of her means to hunt," she replied before smirking.

I digress and looked back at the vampire intending to learn about her and anything else she's aware of... I was disgusted and enraged but I learned that she belongs and lives in this underground abode, home to a community of immoral people, monsters... vampires, werewolves, and other beings... I then spoke as I smother my urge to kill the vampire in the most brutal and slow means I can think of.

"You like eating people alive?" I rhetorically asked sternly which made her grin.

"Doesn't matter whether it's a family that has kids, a baby... the screams and pain of others as they die is a joyous bonus for your parasitic life," I add.

"What if that's taken away from you, able to feel again just so to suffer," I comment which Juno smirks in response with sensible mischief.

"You can't do shit!" she replied before chuckling which made me frown further until Juno intentionally coughed hence reminding me of her presence.

"I can't, but she can and it's far worse," I said before Juno revealed herself to the surprise of the vampire.

"Thank you for the introduction, this will take a moment unlike for you, you'll be wishing you'd be dead instead of being turned," Juno said looking at the vampire.

"You might as well get started Haunt or would you rather join me?" she asked as she looked at me, sensibly smiling.

"Nope," I replied which made her chuckle.

"After your comeuppance expect to see your community's arrival in hell with you," I said looking at the vampire with contempt before I hastily walked away, eager to reach the location where these monsters are inhabiting.

"Wait, please-" I hear vampire say before being cut off by presumably being teleported away to be subjected to a horrific fate by Juno.

After a moment as I quietly journey whilst deep in thought...

"You're getting cold Haunt," Juno comments already residing within me which made me impulsively cuss in surprise, startled.

"Don't do that... my fucking heart," I said stopping to recover from being surprised which made her snicker.

Suddenly there was this sensation presumably on my heart, it felt like it was being delicately caressed which didn't hurt but felt comforting somehow, immediately I impulsively touch my chest over where my heart would be as I spoke.

"What are you doing?" I asked worryingly, which made her grin.

"Hesh isn't the only one who can warm your heart with just a touch," she replied before giggling and ceasing her doing which made me let out a sigh of relief.

"I hate you both, truly," I replied as I continue on, annoyed, which made her smirk in response

"... so what did you do?" I asked referring to the fate of the vampire.

"I had fun torturing her, as a finality I just left her in a dimension immobilized to be eaten alive by this alien insect, be assured she felt all those like her unfortunate victims," she replied.

"To be honest, I'm surprised you allowed me to do such deed... thank you for letting me satiate an itch of my evil side," she said before sensibly smiling.

"You're welcome," I replied which made her smile widen.

After a while, eventually...

By this point, I've seen more than enough that I want to obliterate the existence of this massive underground abode and community... if it weren't for Juno making me imperceptible and intangible, I would've begun my violent onslaught, she then spoke.

"Alright, I've kept you waiting for long enough to witness how sickening this place is," Juno said.

"You think!? I'm losing my GODDAMN MIND! unable to do anything but watch these sick fucks!" I replied hostilely, meanwhile as Juno puts me in stasis once again so that I couldn't move as intended.

"HEY!" I then yelled, intended to get the attention of a trio of vampires feeding on a live human being in the distance who was screaming for her life.

Unfortunately since I was imperceptible and intangible, I was non-existent for anyone here currently, Juno then calmed me down once again via her anomalous means which again only temporarily defused my rage for this sickening and unholy place... she then spoke.

"Their abode has a spacious meeting room, fortunately, a convenient place to execute them all, we'll slaughter them don't worry," she said.

"... sadly as for the unfortunate people here, I agree that it's best to kill them all too, after what they've been through... it's doubtful they can live on, let alone a normal life especially since they're all used to being like cattle by these monsters," she adds.

"... It'll be instant and painless, guaranteed," she suggests reassuringly before sensibly smiling.

After a moment of quietly contemplating, deliberately...

"... thank you, on behalf of them," I replied, which she nods in response albeit smiling before she kept her word to my enemies surprise having to witness all their slaves or food simultaneously died in an instant.

"I did it for you," she remarks.

Juno then paused everything except for us before we teleported to the kill room... it was huge and as expected the people inhabiting and helping this evil place to thrive were there... she then upgraded me which didn't knock me out as a result, she then spoke.

"It's impossible to leave this room, be assured that we are their end," she said.

"Does that mean-" I said before she cut me off.

"Yes," she replied as she went out of me to stand beside me, she then spawned in her troops behind us to cover more ground for this fight.

"Also since this setup is convenient, collateral isn't a problem, I'm curious about something which I want to test it on you," she adds.

"Curious about what?" I asked as I look at her.

"There's this particular music in the plane of existence where I'm from, a sacred piece belonging to the timeline of the beginning of everything there," she replied looking at me with her glowing red eyes.

"Before we start, do you have any words of encouragement for us?" she asked.

"... we will bury them," I replied which made her giggle.

She then resumed normalcy hence the entirety of our enemies ahead was bewildered and surprised of finding themselves here all of a sudden, Iris then spoke.

"Playing The Chicken Dance by DJ Ducky Duck," she said which immediately made me raise a brow in question.

⟨Music Plays⟩

Suddenly I was stimulated... it was unlike anything I have experienced in my entire history of utilizing my boost... I wasn't happy... I was ecstatic, impulsively I grinned before I let out a laugh since I'm unable to reliably control myself, Juno then spoke.

"You look sharper than usual," she comments which made me look at her whilst maniacally grinning still.

"Are you still you Gave?" she asked before giggling, I only nod in response.

I then looked ahead at our enemies and since Juno made us perceptible they were now able to see us... unfamiliar of my current state, intending to savor it I closed my eyes-

⟨Darkness⟩

⟨End Of Recording⟩

---

Next: "Dereliction."