- debriefing

Entering the warehouse, I was greeted by the sight of grumpy individuals grunting and pointing at a leather map splayed out on a large rectangular wood table.

Muriel moved a pyramid shaped wooden block towards the center of the map, "We should send the scouts to check out this area, it is the most likely battleground between the escaped convicts and the undead legion. Let them prioritize on collecting information on the casualties; hopefully the results will be equally catastrophic for both sides, then we can plan our counter-attack."

"I disagree..." A musclebound warrior interrupted.

I think his name is Bors? He's like the warrior general or something like that...

He took the pyramid and moved it across the map, to an area marked with a blue fish, "Rescuing the hostages takes priority, who knows what those madmen will do to them?"

Swaggering in because I am such an awesome stud, I declared my esteemed self by proclaiming, "If you're talking about the hostages in the processing stalls, your awesome daddy has saved them all! They're currently hiding in the forest near the jagged cliffs."

Muriel arched an eyebrow, "Arthur, glad you survived. Now cut the bullshit and tell us how the hostages managed to escape. I'm in no mood for your flowery story right now."

I gulped.

Wow she's never been this pissed before. I should just talk straight for now.

I then explained what really happened, that it was a fortuitous chance of the undead legion attacking the area and forcing the rebels to release the hostage in a failed effort to utilize them as meat shields. Then, I used the opportunity to add to the chaos to shoot arrows and eventually allow the hostage's escape.

Bors clapped my shoulders, causing me to stagger and almost plant my face on the ground.

Holy shit he's strong! Those muscles aren't just for show...

"Well done lad! What you have achieved deserves applaud. Muriel and Gram have fondly told me of a certain rascal but it seems they have underestimated you." Bors beamed at me.

Finally! Someone who have eyes to see mount Tai! Bwahaha!!! Yes! Admire my awesome self!

"Doesn't change the fact he has sponge for brains though..." Gram muttered, loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.

What! You're just a fish gutter yourself you old dingy bat! How dare you insult my superior intellect!?!

I chose to keep my mouth shut and just give him the stink eye though. The fact that Muriel has clenched her fist in preparation to smack my head has absolutely nothing to do with my silence.

Yep. I'm just being the better man and letting the insult slide off. Not because her fist hurt...

Bors pounded on the table with the map. "This is a good chance for us. We should sally out and try to collect back as much supplies as we can while the convicts are recovering from the undead legions' skirmish. Arthur then can use the commotion we will cause as a distraction and bring back the rescued hostages.

End of the day, we will have more manpower and resources then. Any advantage we should take until we can snowball into a decisive counter attack. And we SHOULD. DO. IT. NOW!"

Nods were shared amongst the group and Bors and most of the leaders immediately went out of the building, no doubt to gather warriors and men for this next plan.

This left me alone with Muriel. I greeted her with finger guns.

She slapped her face and gave out a tired sigh.

What do you mean by that? I just gave you guys a big heaping pile of help? Where's the gratitude???

Muriel grunted, then placed both hands on her hips, "So... You're now a beyonder?"

What do you mean now? I've always...aha...

"Yep." I decided to concoct a lie immediately. "You know that robed dude that can summon evil flames? I stumbled upon his corpse and there was this... Organ? That somehow was placed near his body..."

Fortunately, Muriel bought my lie as she slapped her head "And the first thing you do is eat it..."

To further make the story more believable, I decided to add some false details, "Er... No? I was just studying it and heard a noise. So I decided to immediately run away and put it in my mouth so I can climb easier... Then... Uh... Yeah... I ate it."

There was a couple minutes of awkward silence as Muriel just stared at me.

Uhh... Shit I hope she believes the story... It'll be bad if they think I have unique powers...

After a while, Muriel just shook her head in disbelief. Then with her hands in a shooing motion, sent me off to coordinate with the rest.

To bring back the rescued villagers.

Ah well. A heroes work is never ending...

I exited the damp, dark and musty building and headed towards a particularly youthful gathering.

Hohoho... You're quite lucky!

I smacked Don's head. "Sup loosers! Looks like team Sunshine is still standing strong! Where's our fairy princess?"

Rubbing his head, Don took a look at me and rubbed his eyes in surprise, then took a second look at me, "Holy shit you're alive! Everyone thought with your loud mouth you'd be the first to die! Guess even beyonders can't do much to our best fertilizer!"

"Fuck off!" I retorted.

Don reminisced, "The youngest of us in the meeting were lucky. When the attack happened, we were spared. And it's actually thanks to our princess. She's actually the warden's favorite niece. Can you believe that?"

Heh? Warden?

"Heh? Warden?" I voiced my thoughts aloud. "He's the cause of all this mess?"

Don sighed. "Oh yeah, he apparently went mad or got corrupted or something. Here, come to my tent, I'll tell you all about it over some cleansed coconut water..."

***