The beginning and the cave

Let’s see... where is he? Theo paced around the room.

“What are we gonna do now?” People despaired, “shut up, or I will beat you up,” threatened each other, “just keep calm guys, I’m sure the army will do something about it,” held onto illusions, “have you shit for brains?” insulted, “What are we going to eat?” and worried.

The worst was still to hit. When the crisis was close enough, most could still cope, relying on survival. When the situation cooled off, humanity was hit harder. Having not only the strength but the will to keep living in such a foreign world was necessary.

All that didn’t matter right now. Theo wasn’t a white knight in shining armor like Lucas. He wanted to save humanity, but stretching himself here would only gather poor results if any. They were only a drop in the ocean.

Sitting close to the wall was a twelve years old kid. His eyes were a bit red and puffy. He seemed to have been crying but was now focusing on the info screen in front of him with determination in his eyes.

Hilda’s son, more than anyone else, I have to save him. When he got to know Hilda, it was too late. It was a shock to everyone when he mastered his blessing and discovered that Hamon started in the same place as him.

I bet you will be the happiest in this life, big girl. Thought Theo as he sat down next to the kid and eyed his info, “you should probably invest in physique early on.”

“I was thinking the same.” Hamon nodded. “Since I have no spells, I should go for a strength build.” He looked towards Theo. “But maybe some points in control or senses wouldn’t hurt… I don’t know.”

The kid treats it like a game! Theo facepalmed himself. But maybe that’s for the best.

“Good idea,” Theo nodded, “it will synergize well with your blessing manifold life.”

Hamon dismissed the info in a hurry. “You were peeking!”

Theo threw his hands up in the air. “Hey, you were showing it to everyone, not my fault.”

Hamon harrumphed but soon went back to normal. “So... stranger, since we are in a fantasy world now and I’m alone… what’s your name?”

“Theo, nice to meet you.” He offered his hand.

“Hamon.” He shook it. “Great, formed a party with the strongest guy already. I’m already ahead of others.”

Theo laughed. “What makes you think I’m the strongest.”

“Isn’t that obvious? You already leveled up with the imp.”

“Well, I didn’t level up per se, but-” Theo answered but was interrupted by three angry people.

“Here he is, the one who stole Mark’s soul.” Threatened the bald guy in the front while another by his side cracked his knuckles.

Without flinching, Theo threw a punch to the throat of the closest one and elbowed the jaw of another. Good chance that I took five physique.

With two of his friends down in an instant, the only man left stepped back and stuttered. “Hey, man... chill. We were just-”

A kick on the sternum was enough to bring the last one down. Theo was not the best brawler on his team, but anyone could do as much after surviving in the abyss.

Theo turned around, worried, expecting Hamon to be afraid of him now. For his relief, the boy was just stunned.

“Why did you hit them?” Said Hamon.

“Instincts.” Theo pondered. “They were up to no good. It was better to strike while I had a chance than risk getting beaten up later. Or worse…” he smiled, “get you beaten up.”

Theo patted Hamon’s back. “Come on, let’s go elsewhere.”

With a relaxed face, Hamon nodded. They walked a bit to find another place not dirtied with dry blood or suspicious stains.

“Did you know I am your mother’s friend?” Theo started the conversation again. “Her name’s Hilda, isn’t it?”

“Really? Do you know her? Where is she? How?” Hamon’s eyes brightened.

“Easy there, boy.” Theo smiled. “We were in the army together. She is fine don’t worry. You should be worrying about yourself.” He poked Hamon’s chest. “Don’t you think your mother would worry if something happened to her son when she was far away?”

Hamon looked down and smiled. “I see… Mom’s friend.”

“Obviously, did you think I would start a conversation with some random kid?” Theo smirked.

Hamon blinked, stunned. “Yes, maybe?”

“Didn’t Hilda teach you not to trust strangers?” Theo pinched his cheeks.

“Ouch,” he freed himself and started massaging his cheeks. “She did, but I thought that was off. Can’t you see?” He waved his arms around. “Apocalypse.”

Theo laughed. “Well, I bet your mother would love to protect you with all her life.” Theo stared at the people around them. “To tell you the truth, that’s impossible. You will have to defend yourself. The earlier I teach you, the better.”

Hamon flexed his biceps. “Count me in.” The boy had some muscles for his age. Truly Hilda’s son.

“Good, then let’s prepare.” Theo got up and started walking towards the largest group with Hamon in tow. He found some people who seemed to be leading the group in conversation and presented himself. “Excuse me, I’m Theo, I think I can help you guys.”

“What, unless you can blow that door, piss off.” One of the guys said with his back turned around.

“Oh, the one chosen by the imp. We were discussing how to get out of here.” A blonde man said.

“I presume you have all seen those blessings, right? Isn’t there anyone with strength or something to bring down the door?” Theo asked, knowing there was. He already checked before when everyone was looking at their info.

“I told you, Andre, that we should just wait for them to save us. We can hold on for a week.” An older woman said. “Will you take responsibility for the lives lost? Do you think those monsters are going to stand still?”

“I know Ana, I know…” The blonde man hesitated.

“And you are with a kid! Have some sense in your head of yours.” She continued.

Hamon seemed to want to say something, but Theo motioned for him to be quiet. Andre, the blonde leader, seemed to be hesitating. One more push. “I’m aware… it’s just, haven’t you seen the corpses from the other prisoners in the path here? Those goblins are evil creatures.”

“No... I didn’t...” Ana’s voice was mellow.

“I might have seen something,” Andre said, stuttering, and Ana looked at him incredulously. He hadn’t actually seen anything substantial, but due to the circumstances, his mind was playing games with him, making him believe what he wanted to.

All eyes were on Theo, waiting for him to continue. He eyed Hamon, and Ana gave him a look of understanding. He motioned for her to come closer and whispered horrific deeds and the corpses he had peeked on the way. Ana’s face went paler and paler until he went silent.

As he finished, Theo spoke to all. “You tell them later, but I think most of you got the gist of it. We won’t survive the week if we don’t fight back.” He looked Andre in the eye. “I’m counting on you. I came here to tell you that I memorized most of the path during the trip here. When needed, I think I can lead us out of here.”

The others nodded in understanding while Theo put a hand on Hamon’s back. “We will excuse ourselves for a while. When you come to a decision, warn me.”

“Yes, thank you. We will,” Andre said as they shook hands and parted.