Mana System In The Apocalypse

Little trust

This was when I got my first good look at the commander as he removed his helmet. He looked like a grizzled human in his early forties if I had to guess. Sharp jawline and short cut black hair with grey streaks along the sides and piercing green eyes. I took the chance to glance at the other soldiers I could see. They all appeared to be human. The ones with the Commander appeared to be slightly younger than him, perhaps closer to my age, although, with my minor tweaks from the system I looked to be in my mid-twenties now instead of my late thirties. I wonder what my friends would think if they could see me.

"Good, good. Before you go Frathsar, I wish to discuss something with you. If you could follow me to my office."

"Certainly Commander, Paul, I will meet up with you later."

I just nodded at the pair as they walked away and I followed the stonily silent Quinton, a man of middling height and dark brown hair that was matted in sweat from his helmet. As we walked he just pointed at certain buildings.

"Food hall."

"Washroom."

"Bunks."

I wasn't able to get another word out of the tight-lipped man. What a bore. He waved me inside at the Bunks and I was surprised to see separate rooms and not the normal military-style everybody bunks together type of layout. The building stood three stories tall with what must have been forty rooms per floor if I had to guess.

"Choose a room that has a key hanging by it. Do not enter another's room without being invited or you will be kicked from the compound. If you steal or start a fight you will be kicked from the compound," he said looking at me, daring me to ask him a question. I just nodded and walked down the hall to find a room.

I didn't choose the first room available instead I walked until I found a room that had vacant rooms all around it. I opened the door with the key and stepped inside. It was a simple room with a small dresser and a single bed with a pillow and blanket. I took off my backpack setting it next to the dresser. I set my staff down against it as well. Then I sat on the bed.

"Well, not the most comfortable accommodations but it will do," I said quietly.

I sat on the bed, hands on my knees, trying to suppress the shaking. The stress of the day finally breaking through my mental dam. How had I thought I was ready for something like this. This was nuts, I was crazy. My mind went over every mistake I made today, every time I almost died and I almost collapsed in despair.

After letting my emotions out for a while I forced my traitorous mind away from those dark thoughts. I was treating this like a game, I knew it wasn't but it had allowed me to get through the day. While this new world was dangerous, the way to survive was to continue to grow and for that to happen I would need to place myself in danger again.

I hadn't found anyone I trusted with my safety more than myself. Except maybe these Royal Guard, but they gave me an awfully chilly reception and I didn't fully trust their motives. Sure it seemed like they were doing some good by saving a few locals, and killing roaming monsters but at the end of the day they had to do what was best for them.

I also needed to figure out what I wanted from this new life. It wasn't like my old desk job would be waiting for me when I returned home. There were just so many possibilities. While I found that I was beginning to enjoy combat, I didn't really want to spend the rest of my life at it. I lay like this for a good hour unable to fall asleep before a soft knock at my door disturbed my melancholy mood.

"Just a minute," I said casting a quick Rejuvenate on myself to clear any redness from my face. The spell did make me feel better.

I stood up and straightened my bedraggled shirt wondering why I bothered because I was still sporting the hole in the center of it. I should have changed clothes, I had two sets in my bag from my camping trip. Oh well, it would have to wait. I went over and opened the door.

"Ah greetings Paul," Frathsar said in delight, "Would you care to grab some food with me? If you would like I can give you some time to clean and change?" He said, glancing down at my attire and wrinkling his nostrils.

"Sure, yeah that would be for the best. Do you want me to meet you at the food hall?"

"That would be fine, see you in 20 minutes?"

"Sounds doable, see you then."

Frathsar smiled and walked back down the hallway. I accessed my inventory grabbing my camping soaps a change of clothes and my towel.

"Never leave home without my trusty towel," I said to myself thinking of one of my favorite books.

I cleaned up in record time, having ice-cold water to wash with will do that for you and went to meet Frathsar. I found the Merchant waiting outside the food hall chatting with a few people. He looked towards me and waved as I approached.

"Take care gentlemen," I heard him say to the others, as they walked away.

"Greetings Paul, are you feeling better after your bath and a change of clothes?"

"You know what, I am feeling much better. Kind of wished for a shower but oh well, beggars can't be choosers."

"Shall we," Frathsar said, motioning me ahead. I nodded to the merchant and we headed into the food hall.