chapter 5 the arch

Fifteen minutes later

the main character's perspective:

"Damn, my head. What happened to me?" I muttered, feeling disoriented. Looking around, I found myself in a dark place with a single light above my head.

"Hey, is anyone here?" I yelled, hoping to attract someone who could help me.

group members perspective:

"Stop yelling, please. You're not in danger, but you do have a lot of debt," member two said, their voice echoing in the confined space. "If you're wondering why, it's for saving your life and giving you a biomarker, so…" member two trailed off, pondering how to explain the situation further.

"Hey, can you stop trying to scare the kid, member two?" member one asked, her voice filled with concern as she attempted to steer the situation back on track.

"Come on, let me have a little bit of fun. You know I've always wanted to do this," member two urged, their tone eager as they expressed their desire for a bit of enjoyment.

"You do know he's not even scared, right? That's why member one said, trying to scare him," member five pointed out, observing the stranger's lack of fear in the situation.

Hey, sorry to interrupt, but can you please provide an explanation of what happened to me and why I'm here?

"Um, well, you see, we think you have potential, so we want you to join us. And for that, we gave you a biomarker in the hopes you will join us," member three attempted to explain, offering a brief overview of the situation.

"So, your attempt to recruit me is to knock me out and tie me up?" the stranger questioned, their voice tinged with disbelief and a hint of sarcasm as they processed the situation.

"We didn't know your situation at the time, so it was the safest plan. But we didn't tie you up; that was all on member two for their amusement," member four explained, offering some more clarification on the situation.

the main character's perspective:

I was speechless with these people. They didn't save me just out of kindness, but because of my potential, and they keep calling me a kid.

Screw it! I need to know where I am, what the date is, and the timeline. It's the best possible thing that could happen to me, and it's definitely better than being eaten. I thought to myself.

As I cleared my mind, I turned my attention to the individuals standing in front of me, ready to engage with them and seek answers.

"Before I join, I'd like some answers. First thing, why do you guys keep calling yourselves 'members'? Second question, where am I? I don't remember anything that happened to me. Third question, what's the date?"

group members perspective:

"Hey, you don't get to ask the questions here. You're still in our hands," member two retorted, asserting their authority over the situation.

"All right, member five and four, withdraw. Member two, prevent them from coming in," member one commanded, delegating tasks to each member.

"You too, member three. I need to talk to him for a bit," member one directed, indicating to be alone.

"Okay, now that we're alone, I can answer your questions. To your first question, it's the rules of the L.T.C.," member one responded, addressing the query about the group's terminology.

Second question your in the nakt

" Third question, the date is March 7, 2025," member one replied, providing the requested information.

Some time later

"Alright, with that settled, we can go now. We still have to bring back that care package for the arch," member one confirmed.

the main character's perspective:

"That was a lot of information, but I don't have time to think about it. I should get to the arch to confirm it. All right, let's go," Alan said to member one, expressing readiness to move forward.

As we set off I couldn't help calling the system in my mind is what some of what she said true

System: Due to the THV mixed with the anti-virus, humanity has undergone an upgrade, but only ten percent of humans can undergo this process. Moreover, specific conditions are required for the upgrade, and only a small fraction of those who attempt it actually succeed.

"I see, but I don't understand why they would undergo it for just a slight increase in strength, especially considering all the side effects."

System: Despite the risks and limited success rate, some individuals may still choose to undergo the upgrade for various reasons. These reasons could include the potential benefits of enhanced strength, improved capabilities, or the desire to gain an edge in a competitive or challenging environment. Additionally, some individuals may be willing to endure the side effects in exchange for the chance to elevate themselves beyond human limitations.

Hey hey you good man

Apologies for the distraction. My mind wandered for a moment there. Anyway, could you remind me of your number?"

"It's fine with me. My number is two. By the way, what did member one talk about?"

Member one asked me not to share anything, but feel free to ask me anything else."

"Why hesitate? Just share a bit; it's okay. We're all familiar with each other, so there's no need to worry."

"Hey, member two, if you've got a moment to chat with the new guy, you might want to pick up the pace to catch up. Remember, if we're any later, you'll owe up."

"You too, member five. We're all curious about what member one said to this kid."

"But let's respect member one's wishes for now. Maybe we'll find out more as we go along."

"So hurry up and let the kid ponder it."

Some time later

"All right, we're almost there. If you have anything to do, Alan, come to our hideout. We'll come find you if there are any new missions."

See you later kid

Have a nice one

Don't die

Call if you need anything

The narrator perspective