Unexpected

It had only been about an hour since our watch had started, everyone was already asleep. I can't believe how crazy these last few days have been, meeting the person originally behind the control of my system and another hero.

That's definitely something crazy to experience, but now we aren't far out from this second gate. I'm not even sure I'm leveled high enough for this damn gate.

"What do you think will happen when the gates are all gone?" Rika asks quietly while looking up at the stars.

"I don't know, I'm hoping that the world can start to go back to normal I guess." I answer while sitting there.

I wouldn't want to say goodbye to Rika, Kallista, or Elizabeth though. They've come to be good friends to me, maybe one day more? I mean I know a harem would be pretty damn awesome but yeah.

"I would miss you if I got sent back Sevy." Rika says while turning towards me.

"I wouldn't let that happen Rika." I reply while turning over to her as well.

I didn't realize it at first but she had started leaning in and I just felt the instincts take over. I leaned in as well as our lips connected. Having only seen such things in manga, anime, and games, this was new to me.

Her lips were soft, the night sky was the only light really shining down on us. This was a first kiss I'd always remember for sure.

"Sorry, I hope it was okay to do that." Rika says while her cheeks begin to turn red.

"It was. I think it was worth it." I reply while this strange feeling went throughout my chest.

"Don't say anything though, or I'll have to stab you." She says while looking away from me.

These moments are definitely nice to have, I didn't expect that Rika would kiss me. I have no complaints about it, this was definitely worth doing the first shift with her.

"Alright, get some sleep you two." Kallista says while taking a seat next to me.

"We can just sleep here. Thanks Kallista." Rika replies while closing her eyes.

It didn't take long to get comfy while Kallista watched over for the second shift. Everyone took turns throughout the night and then the sun finally began to rise.

That wasn't a bad night at all, it went by pretty fast for the most part.

"Morning." Kallista says while sitting next to me.

"Morning to you as well." I reply while rubbing my eyes.

Guess it's time to get going again since we need to find that second gate. Everyone seems to be awake now anyway.

"Everyone ready?" Onyx asks while stretching.

Everyone just nodded in agreement before continuing on the path forward. Onyx seemed to know the way so we followed behind him.

It was just a lot of walking for a good while, but then we reached a strange town that seemed to be abandoned as well. I didn't think a lot of people outside the city evacuated yet.

"No one seems to be around." Onyx says while walking in front of everyone.

"Seems so." Kallista adds while observing the surroundings.

They weren't wrong at all, no one seemed to be in sight at all. It's good though.

No people means they might've evacuated before it got too bad out here, but I wish it would've been like this in the beginning. Evacuations going right and lots of people making it out alive.

Sadly we can't change what's already happened. I'll make sure to save everyone else in the world.

That's the one thing I can still do before it's too late.

"We're getting closer I believe." Onyx says confidently.

"I think he's right, I can sense something." Rika says.

It seems we might actually be close to finding the second gate already, that's a good sign. But I'm not sure what to expect with this gate since the last boss told me that stuff.

I know it'll be a challenge but I believe we'll make it through regardless of what happens. I've got some strong friends, and I'm pretty damn strong myself.

So we continued following behind Onyx who seemed to know the way for the most part. It took a while but then we suddenly began to feel that same aura that we felt at the first gate.

"This is definitely the right spot." Onyx says with a bit of excitement in his voice.

At least he's excited to help take care of this issue, not everyone is going to react the way he does to these things. Actually, most people probably would have given up by now.

This whole thing is pretty damn risky, and there is no guarantee that it will actually save everyone from the enemies of the world.

"It seems to be just up ahead behind the treeline." Rika points out.

With that, we went past the treeline to be met with a surprise. Multiple watchers were there, along with what appeared to be, "The Monarch".

This definitely didn't feel right anymore, but the gate is there. Why are they all around the gate with the Monarch?

Are they planning to sabotage it or something? I can't see much of a reason to be here otherwise.

"What do we do?" Kallista asks quietly.

"Fight of course." Onyx answers proudly.

He's strong but not the brightest person here. A fight with all of them could be instant death since we lack any knowledge of the other watchers, or the Monarch himself.

What to do.

"Why not just approach with a calm peaceful manner?" Elizabeth suggests.

That's right, the Monarch has shown himself to be peaceful so far. If we don't attack, maybe it'll go in our favor for the time being.

I can't see him just killing me off here in front of everyone since he needs me for the other system users. I'm a target that he can toss around, so this could go well.

Or maybe it'll end terribly.