Chapter 17 – Old Ships
"What…?" The group stared at Jack, their eyes widening a bit at his idea. While it sounded rather simple, it was still no less terrifying.
"Bait… potentially dozens of monsters out?" Luna asked almost in a daze.
"That sounds so dangerous. We can't outrun monsters for long, not to mention there are even more undead outside on the streets waiting. We're bound to gather so much unwanted attention from those creatures if we bring a large horde into the streets," Evan said as he looked at the map. "It's too risky and could put us all in jeopardy."
"Who said we'll drag them to the streets?" Jack asked as he pointed at the map. The cafeteria was situated in a rather open area. There was more than enough space to pull those monsters out without getting more attention from the outside. "We'll simply guide them far enough away for three to sneak in, gather, and leave quickly. It's a mission that wouldn't take more than a few minutes at most."
Naturally, Jack knew the plan carried a level of danger. But what other way could be foolproof? None. This world was dangerous, and every action they took from that point on carried a risk they simply couldn't avoid.
"If you have another plan, by all means, tell me," Jack said as he stared directly at Evan.
"..." The latter was speechless, unable to come up with another plan. "Tsk…"
"If any of you have a better way of approaching this, give your suggestions. We'll discuss all the options," Jack said. While he sounded open to other ideas, he was well aware that none of them would come up with a better one.
He had already given them the best and most efficient way to go about it. So, as he expected, nobody spoke up; they simply stared at one another.
"It seems that we can all agree on this." Jack nodded.
"Yeah, it's the best and probably the only idea we have," Alex said with a faint, nervous smile. "But still, how are we going to separate the team? Who's going to pull the monsters out, and who's going in?"
That was the most important part of the plan. The task of dragging those monsters out was the most dangerous and required the most intelligence — the two chosen would have to be the best in the group.
"I'll be the first one on the team to pull the monsters out. I can control them since I have the ability for that."
Jack was already aware he would be the one handling the dangerous part. Not only did he have Mind Manipulation, but he was also the strongest in the team, able to hold his ground better. However, there was another reason why he wanted to do it specifically.
'Many monsters… potentially being able to kill many of them if I play my cards right… I can get so much stronger in a very short period of time.'
The plan worked in his favor — albeit it was far from safe if he truly wanted to engage with the monsters.
"Hm, I will be with you then," Luna spoke after a moment. "My ability to manipulate gravity should be able to help in gathering the monsters."
"What?! No, Luna! That's too dangerous." Evan barged in. "Let him and his friend take that role while we go in and get the supplies." His voice was filled with worry he couldn't hide.
"No, we need to pull them away as far as possible. Besides, Alex has the ability to increase his strength, so he can carry more things."
"Your life will be on the line!"
"All our lives will be on the line. If we don't properly drag them out, anyone who walks in will be stuck inside. So, we need to work together. I'm going to work with Jack; you, Emi, and Alex will take care of bringing out as many supplies as you can."
"..."
"Evan, is that understood?"
"Yeah…" Evan clenched his fists and nodded. He simply couldn't go against Luna's wish. He never did and never would.
"Well, it's settled then — Jack and Luna are together, and we'll be the supply carriers, hehe." Alex laughed. "Nice to work with you again, guys. Let's do this!"
"Mmm! I'm going to do my best," Emi said excitedly, while Evan simply remained silent, unsatisfied with the situation.
"We'll start moving later today; I need to rest a bit," Jack said as he looked at his shoulder, which was still injured and painful. He didn't know what he was going to do about it, but he wanted to give it some more time before they moved.
'I'll have to force my left arm to move. I can't only use my right arm,' he mused.
"Got it."
"Do you need anything, Jack?" Luna asked worriedly.
"No, I'll be fine. Just need to rest a bit." Standing up, Jack walked away and sat down in the corner. Exhaling, he started trying to move his left arm slowly, feeling sharp pain each time he tried.
However, he still swallowed that pain and focused on rehabilitating it. 'I think I can slowly get accustomed to the pain with some time.'
And Jack didn't forget that he had four extra points he could potentially put into Health if his arm didn't show any improvement in an hour or so.
"Those are a pretty interesting trio that you know, Jack," Liliana commented casually as she sat next to him.
"Hm." Jack hummed, not bothering to comment further.
"Why do you hate them?" she asked curiously.
"No reason at all," Jack replied and continued focusing on his arm.
"It's not for no reason. Hmm, judging from the tension, I can guess what it could be."
"Oh really?" Jack stopped and looked at Liliana. The mesmerizing beauty smiled back at him.
"Yes, indeed. I have a keen eye for conflicts. It runs in my blood."
"So, what is it then?" Jack asked, half-curious, half-skeptical, as the situation was rather unique.
"I can't give you the details. But it involves a romantic relationship, doesn't it?" she asked. "You and that human girl Luna… you two were involved romantically sometime in the past, weren't you?"
Jack squinted his eyes slightly as the two stared at each other in complete silence. For a few seconds that felt like minutes, the tension was palpable before Jack finally sighed and looked away.
"Was it that obvious?" he asked, a little defeated that this seductive demon had guessed it on her first attempt.
"In you, not at all. But in her? I can see hearts in her eyes, basically. She loves you… a lot, I might add," she said.
"Hm. You wouldn't be so sure if you knew." Jack scoffed.
"I know a smitten look when I see it, and that girl is well deep into you," she said. "That makes me wonder what gets those other two into the equation."
"..."
"Perhaps… a rivalry?"