Are they going to be our enemies?

Dirk's breath caught as he quickly visualized the scenario of facing the current Arnold in a battle. Just one second later, he realized with despair that he couldn't possibly evade the speed of that punch. It was too fast. Given his physical attributes, even a near-miss from that punch would likely turn him into a puddle of mud.

On the other hand, Clark was pleasantly surprised by how well Arnold's new arm suited him. In the future, when encountering mutants, as long as they weren't too powerful, Arnold could just activate his Berserk Charge and deliver a punch to obliterate the enemy into pieces. Now, Arnold truly embodied the essence of a berserker—a battlefield conqueror capable of overwhelming destruction.

The massive billboard had fallen, and the dust it raised lingered in the air, gradually dissipating. A deep pit was left in the road.

After deactivating his Bear Transformation, Arnold stared at the destruction he had caused with wide eyes. His lips trembled with excitement. His most significant shortcomings were his speed and damage output, and now, with the addition of the Berserk Charge, he had mitigated the speed issue.

He was powerful, incredibly powerful. Too powerful! He suddenly turned around and sprinted toward Clark.

"Clark!"

His voice was filled with excitement and a hint of a choked-up feeling, and it was evident that a 6'3" bald man was expressing deep gratitude.

Clark didn't shy away from Arnold's bearhug and simply patted his back gently. He knew how much frustration and helplessness Arnold had felt during these intense battles. He was physically weaker, and he was disabled. In each skirmish, he had faced the brink of death.

Despite all that, Clark had always let him take the lead, charge in, and act as the frontline tank without a second thought. Every time, Arnold had fought with all his might, but he could only be a meat shield and endure the brutal beatings.

Arnold had never considered his weakness a burden, and he had never blamed Clark for taking him to dangerous places. After all, who didn't long for strength and the ability to protect their loved ones with their own hands?

"Alright," Clark gently pushed away Arnold, who was still brimming with excitement. He was a bit too enthusiastic in his bearhugs. "I'll say it again, trust me, you are not a burden to me. Every Awakener is not a weakling."

Clark's gaze was sincere and warm. When he was unconscious, if it hadn't been for Arnold, who had fought relentlessly and brought him back to the hotel, even with his poison resistance attribute, he probably wouldn't have made it. Arnold wiped away the tears of excitement from his eyes and nodded vigorously. Clark smiled upon seeing this. He enjoyed the feeling of helping others. Even with his rebirth, that hadn't changed. The only difference was that he would no longer help just anyone; he would only look after and assist true friends and brothers.

However, Arnold was indeed a lovable bear of a man, simple and good-hearted. In the warm sunshine, Dirk stepped up to Arnold, feeling a bit awkward. He wasn't particularly good with words.

"Arnold, I just wanted to say..."

Arnold's mood was perfect, and he wasn't one to hold grudges. He interrupted Dirk's attempted apology, saying, "What are you talking about? Just a friendly sparring between teammates. You're Clark's brother, so you're my brother too!"

He flashed a wide grin, revealing his bright teeth that were a bit challenging to look at.

Sandra silently watched the three of them, her eyes betraying a barely perceptible hint of envy. Clifford, on the other hand, stood awkwardly to the side, his expression a mix of disappointment and longing.

"Alright, everyone, get in the car,"

Clark instructed as he stood in front of the off-road vehicle, with several people behind him carrying fuel cans. Although his spatial ring could store fuel, there was still plenty of storage space in the car. After doomsday, gasoline had become a precious resource. If it weren't for the limited space in his ring, Clark wouldn't mind emptying the entire gas station.

Once the team members were in the car, he sat in the passenger seat, intending to assign each person's responsibilities.

"Although this encounter has brought back some unpleasant memories for you all, we've gained a lot," Clark began. "Our next destination is the school, and the danger will only increase from here, especially for you, Arnold. Don't think that an increase in strength means you can be as reckless as before. There are bound to be Awakeners at the school."

Arnold lowered his head, pretending to be silent. But when he heard the term "Awakeners," he suddenly looked up with a serious expression.

"Clark, are they like the Scale Beast?" Arnold asked. Clark shook his head, not wanting to explain the special nature of the Scale Beast to the group.

"The Scale Beast is somewhat unique," Clark replied. "Normal Awakeners are generally human-like, while transformations like you becoming a black bear are relatively rare. Usually, Awakeners are like me, with physical enhancements for close combat and some special abilities. Another category is similar to the mages in games, possessing various supernatural powers."

"So, we mustn't become overconfident just because our team is strong and underestimate other Awakeners," Clark continued. "Every Awakener has their unique abilities. If we get careless, even I could be caught off guard."

The team members nodded in agreement, their curiosity piqued by the concept of Awakeners. Even with Clark's formidable strength, he had emphasized the need for caution, so they naturally took it seriously.

Seeing that the group was attentive, Clark continued to speak. "Next, I'll assign specific combat roles and positions for each of you."

"Dirk, from now on, you're responsible for reconnaissance and, if necessary, covert assassinations and decapitation operations. During combat, move around the battlefield to find opportunities."

"Arnold, your role is to lead the way. If we encounter enemies, you'll be the first to charge into combat. During battles, you'll serve as the front-line steel wall, protecting the rear."

"Sandra, you'll continue to operate in the rear, and for now, refrain from using your ability to summon the undead. We'll test its effectiveness when we have a chance before deciding whether to use it."

"As for Lynn..."

When he mentioned Lynn, Clark paused. Lynn was separated from the group and not currently within the communication range.

"Lynn's combat role will be determined when we regroup."

Clifford, seated in the back, timidly asked, "Clark, what about me? Do I dig trenches?"

Clark replied, "Just don't run around aimlessly. There will be a role for you later."

Clifford listened and then lowered his head again, deep in thought.

"Clark, you've suddenly arranged all of this before heading to the school and warned us about the Awakeners inside," Dirk began, hesitating for a moment before voicing his concerns.