Chapter 20

I feel Lily's gentle shake rousing me from my sleep. Disoriented for a moment, I blink away the remnants of slumber and focus on her face, dimly lit by the first hints of dawn's light creeping through the windows. She whispers, "It's time for your shift." Her voice is low and steady, careful not to disturb the others who are still sleeping nearby.

I nod, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. The classroom is still cloaked in darkness, but the beginning of a new day is evident in the soft light starting to filter in through the windows. Feeling the stiffness from sleeping on the hard floor, I stretch my arms above my head, hearing a few quiet pops as my joints loosen up. I offer Lily a small, tired smile. "Good almost morning," I murmur, my voice still thick with sleep.

"How are you holding up?" I ask as my eyes scan her face, noting the dark circles under her eyes and the slight slump of her shoulders.

Lily shrugs, a subtle smile touching her lips. "As well as can be expected, I guess," she replies, her voice low but steady. Her eyes, though tired, remain alert and focused. "Thanks for the food last night, by the way. It really helped to have something in my stomach."

I wave off her thanks light-heartedly with an awkward laugh, "You're welcome." It feels good to know that my efforts have made a difference, however small. I watch as Lily makes her way to her chosen spot to rest, her movements careful and quiet.

As I settle into my position for the final watch, I let my gaze slowly wander over each of my sleeping companions. The classroom is quiet, the only sounds are the soft breathing of the others and the occasional rustle of someone shifting in their sleep. Sara's face looks peaceful in slumber, a stark contrast to her usual worried expression. Tim, on the other hand, seems restless even in sleep, his brow furrowed and his fists clenched.

As the stillness of the early morning settles around me, my thoughts turn to the day ahead and the decisions that lay before me. The first thing I think about is whether I should keep hunting the zombies by myself or not. This plan has worked well for me so far, giving me a steady but slowly shrinking supply of experience. I've gotten faster, stronger, and more experienced with each encounter. 

However, the weaker zombies aren't giving me as much level ups anymore. Their usefulness is going down, and I feel the need to change my plan.

Plus, the Elite Zombie Boss is still on my mind. With just five free stat points left, coming up with a good plan to face this enemy is needed. The danger is high, but beating the elite boss would finally let us get out of this dungeon, and give me a huge boost in experience as well. The thought of freedom, of escaping, is tantalizing.

I think about the options, weighing the risks and rewards. My mind races through various scenarios, discarding some and considering others more closely. A plan starts to form, centered around the Elite Zombie Boss. My recent improvements to my speed could be the key. I imagine using this advantage to lure the boss, drawing it towards a carefully chosen spot — the restroom. This place, a place where the boss can't follow, would be the perfect spot to fight it.

The idea is to get the zombie boss to chase me, and lead it as close to the restroom as possible. I visualize myself darting through the hallways, always just out of reach of the lumbering monster. Once there, I could slip inside, and use the small space to my advantage. The restroom's invisible barrier would stop the boss from entering, and let me attack from relative safety. I could just use my javelins to attack from the inside of the restroom, whittling down its health while staying out of harm's way.

However, this plan might be a bit risky, needing precise timing and luck. Any mistake could mean disaster, not just for me but for the others back in the classroom as well if it doesn't work out. I can almost hear Sara's worried voice in my head, warning me of the dangers. But this plan offers a real chance to change our situation for the better, if it works. The potential reward - our freedom - is worth the risk.

Determined, I decide to first start by hunting more zombies. If they still provide good experience, I might put off the fight with the elite boss. But if not, I would go ahead with the plan, using my speed to bait it and attacking within the safety of the restroom. My fingers tap lightly against my leg as I run through the details in my mind, making sure I haven't overlooked anything.

As I mull over the final details of my plan, Tim stirs from his restless sleep. He gives me a quick, awkward nod as he sits up and sees me. There is a faint, almost imperceptible glint of hostility in his eyes, likely a reflection of the suspicions that have been simmering beneath the surface of his thoughts. His jaw is set, his shoulders tense slightly as he stretches.

Despite the tension, Tim proceeds to wake the others. He moves quietly across the classroom, his steps measured and deliberate. He gently shakes Sara and Lily, rousing them from their sleep. They both wake up with a start, momentarily disoriented before their surroundings come into focus.

As Sara and Lily sit up, rubbing the sleep from their eyes, I take the opportunity to update them on the plan for the day. Their expressions shift from grogginess to worry as they listen. I explain my intention to hunt more zombies and potentially confront the Elite Zombie Boss. I reassure them that I will be taking all the necessary precautions, my voice calm and steady.

Sara nods, her brow furrowed and lips pressed into a thin line. "Just be careful," she says softly, her voice laced with genuine worry. Her hands fidget with the hem of her sweatshirt, a nervous habit I've noticed over the past few days. Lily, still quiet, offers a small nod of agreement, her face serious. Her eyes, however, are sharp and focused, likely already thinking about the potential outcomes of my plan.

Tim, having listened to the plan, shifts uncomfortably. His voice, when he finally speaks, carries an edge that wasn't there before. "Must be nice, huh? Getting to be the hero all the time," he mutters, almost under his breath, while looking away. The words, tinged with what sounds like jealousy, hang awkwardly in the air. His hands are clenched at his sides, his posture rigid.

I pause for a moment, considering how to respond. The tension between Tim and myself has been growing, and his comment seems to be a sign of that. However, I know that this isn't the time or place for such fights. 

Our survival is more important than any personal disagreements.

Choosing to ignore the remark for now, I give Tim a brief, non-committal nod. There is no benefit in addressing his comment directly, especially not with the day's challenges ahead.

Turning my attention back to Sara and Lily, I try to offer them a final reassuring smile. "I'll be as careful as I can," I promise, my tone firm. "Keep the fort safe while I'm gone, okay?"

Sara and Lily nod in response to my parting words, their expressions still a bit worried. "We'll hold down the fort," Sara assures me, her voice steady despite the concern in her eyes. She manages a small smile, though her hands continue to fidget nervously. Lily, maintaining a composed demeanor, adds, "We'll be waiting for you." Her words are calm, but I notice a slight tension in her shoulders.

With these final words, I grab the door handle and push it open. As I step into the hallway, I hear the soft click of the latch echoing unnaturally as I gently close the door behind me. 

It's time to hunt.

***

Author's Note:

Hi, there, my reader! While you're waiting for the next chapter, if you're interested in checking out another one of the stories I've written titled "A Peasant's Fury: A Wrathful Road to Vengeance", feel free to take a look here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CMCVX9G5

Here's a synopsis: Darian's tranquil life as a farmer in Valehart was brutally disrupted when the ruthless Blackveil Kingdom's soldiers suddenly raided his village, killing his family and the love of his life. He managed to narrowly escape with his life. Fueled by fury, he joined the ranks of Valehart Kingdom's army, his eyes set on vengeance. Will he rise as a warrior or fall as a forgotten foot soldier? Embark on a medieval saga of revenge and courage in "A Peasant's Fury: A Wrathful Road to Vengeance."