Natural disasters, the Greed Aura, the Blood Moon, and the World War; as they world continued to ravage the world, Taylor and Hanz spent their days on the road, stopping in random offices in random cities, tracking information.

Hanz had placed agents all over the world and he was stopping in to take sample data personally. As they continue to travel it became apparent, the Naturalist were growing fast. There were now many at the fourth stage and even those at the fifth stage, and currently, in regards to the state of the world, they only added to the chaos. These were people who grew up normal; they grew up suppressed by law and money their whole lives, and suddenly the tribulation came and they found themselves with power. They did what many people would do in a world that had gone mad, they took every chance they could to be on top. People were being stepped on left and right, and people were rising to heights they had never imagined. The world was currently up in flames and anything could happen; as for where the ashes would settle, it was anyone’s guess.

…

…

“So, how’d it turn out with the girl?” Hanz asks casually as Taylor drove forward.

“Ah? Good.” Taylor says, a little cautious. Throughout the journey, Taylor had become more comfortable with Hanz and it was a little easier to speak casually with him. But in the end, he was an eighth stage powerhouse and even casual words sometimes risked a certain danger. “Thanks for your help back then.” He says, expressing his sincerity.

Hanz lets out a tired chuckle. “No worries. I understand what it’s like to be in love. There are certain situations in life where even the most disgusting of sins become valid. When a loved one is in danger…” Hanz says before letting his words drift away. “Anyways, I’m glad it worked out.” He says with a smile. “Speaking of love… How are things with your wife?” He asks, probing for a little information. Hanz wasn’t really curious, but it was a long drive and they had to talk about something.

“Ah, they’re good. To be honest, if it was still like how things were when we started dating, she would have left me long ago. But… It’s like we’re stuck with each other now.” Taylor says with a laugh. “Don’t get me wrong. I love her dearly. But we’re in a weird point in our relationship where I think we’re actually inseparable. I love her, and I can say that as fact by itself. But I also feel like we have no choice but to love each other.” He says as he continues to chuckle. “I probably benefit more from that than she does. I just thank god that she hasn’t left me yet.” He says with a melancholic smile.

Hanz also lets out a light smile. “That’s beautiful. It could be a blessing or a curse, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. If anything, I think you two have taken what a relationship can be to further heights than most people could think of.” He says honestly as he watches the passing scenery. “Would you… Would you change anything if you could? Do you think there was a chance you could have chosen anyone else?” He asks absentmindedly, his mind wandering and lingering on a few thoughts.

Taylor raises an eyebrow and smirks. “Change anything? I don’t operate that way, Hanz. If I’ve learned anything in life it’s to never look back. The second you look back, the world has a way of pulling you to remake decisions you’ve already made. Except the second time, the only opportunity is to see if you’ll fuck it up. The world is a cruel bitch.” Taylor says casually, letting the mood of the conversation lower his guard.

Hanz lets out a bitter smile. “You’re not wrong. The world always seems to be telling a story. For some reason, it’s only at the very end… When everything seems to fall into place, when everything becomes clear and it becomes understandable… Only then, does it seem good… But goddamn, the journey there can be cruel…” Hanz says as he suppresses a lingering fear.

“Yeah…” Taylor says with a sigh. “But damn… Some of the stories that the world tells…” He says before looking to Hanz. Hanz also looks to Taylor and smiles.

“They’re beautiful.” They both say at the same time before letting out a loud laugh.