Alphonse was shocked awake, a feeling that someone or something… had gripped at his heart. His eyes scoured the poorly lit room, illuminated by weak candle lights. The dust swirled around. If his constitution wasn’t so high, he could imagine it being hard to breathe.

A sharp pain coursed through his head. Where am I?

A coughing interrupted him from his thoughts. The old man walked into the dingy room and pulled a leaver, a mechanical noise spun as it sucked the dust out of the room.

“Damn, it’s musty in here, you fucking reek of sweat,” the old man spat. “Anyway, how are you feeling?”

“Never better,” Alphonse groaned, sitting up as he squeezed at his temples. “Where are we?”

“In a doomsday bunker, we’ll be safe for now.” The old man said.

Alphonse nodded, but then looked at him. “And how can you be sure? Seems like the monsters knew where we were in that cave of yours.”

“I suppose you’re right. I know of a few other places. We can go to them in rotation.”

“That sounds better.” Alphonse stood up. “You got any food in here?”

The old man frowned. “You don’t even know my name yet and you want to take all of my food?”

“Huh, you’re right. What’s your name then?” Alphonse walked into the other room, eyes shifting side to side. His stomach was rumbling, urging it to be fed.

“Julian.” The old man shook his head, his crooked finger pointed to a door at the corner of the room.

Alphonse approached and swung the door open, large cardboard boxes with bold black lettering covered them. He walked over to one of them as he read the text. “Peanut butter.” Alphonse mumbled, it sounded familiar but he couldn’t remember it.

“Well, what’s your name then?”

Ignoring the old man he took out the jar and unscrewed the colourful pot, a nutty, savoury smell wafted into his nose. Dipping his finger into the jar, he scooped out a thick layer and stuck it into his mouth. His eyes widened at the taste. Sweet, salty and nutty. It was perfect.

“Alphonse.”

“Alright.” Julian grabbed the jar from his hands. “Where did you come from, Alphonse?”

Alphonse frowned. He swiftly opened up another jar, taking another mouthful. This scoop was larger than the other. “Is this why you stayed with me?” He said, behind a mouthful of peanut butter. His eyes wandered again, curious about what other goodies were in the room.

“Mostly, yes.” Julian shook his head. “I’ve also not had the chance to talk to a human being for years before you stumbled onto my doorstep.”

“I come from everywhere and nowhere.” Alphonse chuckled. It only became worse when he saw the frown on Julian’s face. “Where I'm from… probably has something to do with your planet being in ruins.”

“Ho-how can you be sure?” Julian clenched his hands into fists.

“It’s like this…” Alphonse told Julian all about how he was brought to the Garden of Eden and all about the missions.

“It’s them, I’m sure of it.” Julian’s eyes opened wide. “When are you due back from your mission?”

Alphonse thought for a second before his eyes widened. He hadn’t even asked. Technically, the system hadn't even selected him for this mission. “I don’t actually know.”

“You don’t know?” Julian's eyebrows twitched.

“Don’t look at me like an idiot, because of various reasons I was thrown into this mission last minute. To die, more than likely.” Alphonse said.

“Then we’ve got to find out. We’ll look for survivors and find out the date. Is there any way for me to come back with you?” Julian asked.

“Honestly, even if there was. They would kill you on sight. They’re not exactly understanding people.”

“I’ll think of something.” Julian said, his limbs trembled.

Alphonse shrugged. His head disappeared into another box. “Chocolate bourbons.” He said as he dug out a brown package.

“What are these?” Alphonse looked at Julian.

After a sigh, Julian opened his mouth. “Chocolate biscuits. Just fill your bag. We’ll leave in a minute.”

Alphonse nodded, filling his back with a bunch of packaged items. He couldn’t wait to taste them all.

***

It had been a few more days. They scoured the jungle from top to bottom. They were following a trail of dead monsters. Blood was splashed all over the area, covering the trees and even to the foliage above.

“What the hell could cause blood to spray so far?” Alphonse looked in wonder.

“One of your friends?” Julian asked.

“I don’t know any of their abilities really, only one, and she usually kills things painlessly and quickly.” Alphonse said. “Besides, these corpses are mangled, and the ground is undisturbed. There was no struggle.” He was determined.

Julian crouched down, looking carefully at the corpse of an oversized tiger. It had bright fluorescent scales meandering down its spine and rib area, most likely protecting its vital areas. Even with the monster being dead for who knows how long, it was hot to the touch. Almost scalding.

Alphonse whacked his cleaver down. Separating limbs from its body. Julian shook his head.

“It looks like it was blunt force trauma, no cut wounds of any sorts.” Julian said. The body was twisted and broken from all different angles. “Whoever killed it looks like they were having fun.”

Alphonse nodded at the assessment. He had no reason to refute. His eyes drifted towards the orange-sky. It was going to be dark soon. “We’ll camp here for the day.”

Julian nodded. He walked around the area while Alphonse prepared for camp.

Alphonse watched as the old man plucked various flowers and plants, mushing them up into some sort of paste before shoving it into a bottle.

“Where did you learn all of that?” Alphonse asked.

Julian groaned as he sat down on a wooden stump. “I was a botanist before all of this.”

Alphonse was confused. “What does potion making have to do with boats?”

Julian sighed. “Botanist… it’s a scientist that specialises in the study of plants and flowers. Over time, I just learned how to combine them with pieces of beasts and make them into potions with… various effects.”

“Like that strengthening potion? You got another one?”

“No. Don’t you feel no shame? Such a strong, youthful body and you want to separate me from my potions?” Julian tutted.

“You’re acting like I stepped on your tail. I was just curious.” Alphonse pouted. the steep increase in stats was always an addicting feeling.

“You have your strange monster forms. I have my potions.” Julian said. “Anyway, what’s with that? Is there a limit to what you can change into?”

“I’m not too sure,” Alphonse said. “It was only until I transformed into the titan that I realised… probably not.”

“Incredible.” Julian said in surprise.

Alphonse's eyes turned to the tiger. If he wanted to make the best use of his [ Chef’s Delight ] skill. He would need to properly cook it. His eyes turned to the old man that was a wealth of knowledge.

Alphonse flashed a grin. “You got any idea how to cook this?”

Julian nodded. He prepared various ingredients from his bag and laid them out.

Another skill here I come.