12 Arc 1: Chapter 10

Bastian felt choked. He knew that time was running low and he needed to move and find a way to stop the impending danger. It was just although no matter how simple it was for him to stop one thing, he couldn't be at another place at the same time. He glanced at Martin's receding back, finding his calmness again after a moment of pondering before he shrugged his shoulder before following behind with large strides. It doesn't matter. He'll deal with it when the time comes.

System: The host seemed lacking. Compared to the other system's host. Its host seemed to be a man who likes to go with the flow. All his actions will depend on what the actual situation is. It doesn't know whether it was a good or bad thing. Thus it remained silent. It's just a trial world. Failing will result to a very light punishment. But since its host is quite sure he can complete his mission, then the system wouldn't nag for nothing. He simply learned that when dealing with its unmotivated host, it needs to be patient. With its data stabilizing even more, the system simply turned itself into a stone, unaffected and worry free.

Reaching the meeting room, Bastian stood at the center of the room. The tables were formed in a large semi circle. A small podium at the front and a white screen behind it. It was like any normal conference room, however, the people seated behind the table seemed so serious as they looked on with solemn expressions. Rod, Bunny, Grid and Anderson were already seated as well. Besides them, there's another three unfamiliar faces. He glanced at them. The only seat not taken is at the very left side of the semi circle. He walked calmly then took a sit, face calm and cold, no emotion can be seen at those mismatched eyes.

"Now, before we start, I'll introduce our new comrade for those who hadn't met him. His name is Bastian and he'd be with us in every team mission, thus get along well." Martin simply stated, his tone casual but there was a hint of firmness in his voice as he uttered those last sentence. He glanced at everyone inside the room, lingering a little at Grid who just huff in annoyance.

One of the unfamiliar men suddenly grinned. Eyes filled with mirth at Grid's reaction. He couldn't helped but tease the latter. "Oh. Boss, it seemed that there's an inside story, I want to hear it." His light voice penetrated the silent room.

"F*** O**! Steven!" Grid growled angrily, face turning red. "Why are you such busybody? Always the first one to sniff some gossips. Are you a dog or something ?!"

The man, called Steven, laughed merrily. His demeanor and attitude seemed to lighten the atmosphere of the room.

Bastian couldn't helped looking at him, curious as to how that kind of man ended with Martin's Team.

The man has dark brown hair, hazel green eyes and dark skin. His exotic look seemed to attract attention, just like how Allen's look attract both male and females. However, they seemed unaware of their 'Attractiveness' making it all the more seemed natural and endearing.

Bastian clicked his tongue, shaking his head inside his mind.

He really hate these kind of people. The kind of hate where he gets irritated but still he won't say anything rude if they stay away from him. Bastian thought that it was a simple feeling of annoyance to those who looks better than you.

He nod his head, kindly accepting this explanation for his sudden Irritation, completely forgetting that he himself is one of the kind he hates. Alas, he too has no self awareness.

Martin seeing the two banter gave the two a stink eye making them shut their mouths completely. He cough, gaining the attention of everyone again. "Introduce yourselves." He gestured at the three.

The bubbly man, Steven happily stood up, acting like a very energetic student at the first day of school. "Steven. I specialized in sniping. Don't worry about anything when I'm with you, I'll take care of it-

"You gotta worry more if he's the one sniping. Sometimes, he's bullet never missed his ally." the man seated beside Steven cut off his words, voice steady but there's a hint of annoyance, making Bastian raise a brow.

His brown eyes stared at Bastian, then looked at Steven before staring at Bastian. "I'm Carlos."

"So rude. Cutting off peoples words. You're learning too much from Grid. I'll start to hate you, Carl." Steven grumbled, taking a sit again, lips slightly puckered. However, the man just chuckled while Grid snorted.

Bastian blinked, such a weird combinations,despite that,he can see that they're closer and harmonious compared to the other teams he observed on the way.

"Don't mind them too much. I'm Dione. Welcome to our team." The man seated at Steven's left side said, gaze lingering at Bastian before nodding his head at Martin. He seemed to be the oldest one in the team. He looks simple and his face seemed to be a very common one, however, his aura screamed otherwise. There's a thick like bloodlust surrounding him, showing the man's capability to take lives without so much a blink of an eye. Again, Bastian felt incredulous. How the hell does Martin managed to recruit these weirdos?

"Let's proceed with today's agenda. I called all of you here to discus your thought on something." Martin pulled his phone, connected it with the projector he pulled at the podium's compartment.

Bastian sigh. This team is so capable it makes people completely stunned, unable to make any retort. Who'd have the idea of preserving a projector and white screen when you're living in an apocalyptic world?

Bastian glanced at the screen, eyes focused at the combination of numbers with degree and latituted. He was quite confused. However, once he realized what it was, his eyes narrowed dangerously.

Because the information at the screen held two combinations, and he was quite sure that these were the exact location of what he was seeking for.

It was the exact location of the Meteor of Nullah and the exact location of the King.

"Boss, where did you get that from?" Bastian gravely ask, the two locations is where there are high risks of death. Each occupied by a very powerful foe, a normal superhuman couldn't compare. Thus, whichever they choose from, it will end up costing them lives. Even if he's not the one who actually died, that data was deeply imprinted at this body he currently occupies. It left an imprint to the original body, thus it affects his mood, unable to fully control and reel it in.

His sudden question turned the room silent again. His voice filled with his repressed emotion seemed distant to Martin and the others seated inside the meeting room.

" Who was it from? " Bastian drawled, his mismatched eyes flickering with intense desire to strangle whoever dares to push them in harms way. Still, he can't admit what he knew, thus, with the excuse of an instinctual reaction due to possible danger, Bastian gritted his teeth and gazed at Martin, asking in a cold stoic voice-

"I feel an intense revulsion just by staring at it."