Emily nodded and then said, "Before making a final decision, I think we should consider all our options. Each direction has its own challenges."
Ethan spoke up, "The east has been problematic lately. Although we've managed to defend that direction, it remains an area with pockets of resistance that could resurface if we don't keep them under control. The Lorgs in that area seem to be organizing faster than expected."
Conner Blackwood, the general, intervened, "The northwest and the north are where the strongest Lorgs come from. If we don't maintain a constant offensive there, we could face a wave of enemies that will overwhelm our defenses. Every day we don't attack in that direction, they grow stronger."
"And then there's the west," Emily continued. "While the Lorgs there aren't the strongest, it's the direction they come from in the greatest numbers. If we don't reduce their numbers, we could be overwhelmed simply by the sheer quantity."
"So, what do we do?" Leonard asked, with a mix of impatience and anticipation.
"I propose a quick debate," suggested Emily. "We need to decide what our priority is."
Ethan was the first to speak, "I think we should focus on the east. Although the number of Lorgs isn't as high as in the west, the organization they're showing could be a sign that they're smarter than the Lorgs in other directions. If we let them strengthen, we could face an organized revolt."
Conner disagreed, "The north must be our priority. The strongest Lorgs represent the greatest long-term threat. If we don't contain them now, they will eventually break through our defenses, and when they do, it will be devastating. We need to curb their growth before they become uncontrollable."
Sienna added, "I agree with Conner. If we let the strongest Lorgs accumulate, our barriers might not be enough to stop them. We must maintain pressure in the north to prevent them from growing too strong."
Gabriel offered a different perspective, "However, the west cannot be ignored. The overwhelming number of Lorgs in that direction could breach our defenses simply due to their numbers. We need to reduce their quantity to avoid being overrun. Additionally, if we control the west, we could redistribute forces to other critical areas."
Leonard, always eager for combat, opined, "I prefer to attack where we can make the most impact. If we go north, we'll face the strongest, which could significantly weaken them. But the west would give us a break by reducing the number of Lorgs we face daily."
"William, what do you think?" Emily asked, looking directly at me.
I thought for a moment before responding. "Each direction has its merits and challenges. However, I think we should attack the west. Reducing the overwhelming number of Lorgs in that direction will give us a break and allow us to reinforce our defenses in other areas. Also, once we control the west, Leonard can handle the north while I take care of the east, just as we did today."
Emily nodded, reflecting on my response. "It's a good strategy, William. Attacking the west to reduce their numbers will give us a breather. Also, before it was just Leonard handling one area, now you're here to take care of another."
Conner, though still concerned about the north, agreed. "It's a reasonable approach. If we reduce the numbers in the west, we can redistribute our forces more effectively."
"Agreed," said Ethan. "So, we focus on the west today."
"Excellent, see you in an hour," said Leonard as he stood up and left.
"Let's go, we have an hour to rest," Emily said as the rest also stood to leave.
At that moment, a man arrived with a small thermos. "Good evening, did someone order a coffee?" he asked.
"Me, thanks," I said to the man as I took the coffee.
"Come, I'll show you where we're staying," Emily said.
After that, we left the building and headed to another one next door. On the way, I noticed how the refugees and even those I deduced were Prime Users greeted and treated Emily with a lot of respect, almost as if she were their savior, something that showed me she had helped these people enough to be treated that way.
"This building was a luxury hotel before. Here, I saved a top-quality room for you on the top floor," she said while taking a key from reception and handing it to me.
After that, we went up to the top floor. "See you in an hour. You can rest or do whatever you want if you don't want to rest," she said after showing me which room was mine.
The room was surprisingly luxurious, even more than I expected. Upon entering, I was greeted by a spacious area decorated in warm and welcoming tones. The floor was covered by a thick, soft beige carpet that muffled my steps. The walls, adorned with paintings of tranquil landscapes, gave a sense of calm and serenity.
On one side of the room was a king-size bed with a carved wooden headboard and high-quality sheets. The cushions and blankets were perfectly arranged, inviting rest. In front of the bed, a large window offered an impressive view of the city, now transformed by the war against the Lorgs. The city lights flickered in the distance, reminding me of humanity's persistence despite the challenges.
To the right, I found a small living area with a comfortable sofa and a coffee table. On top of the table was a pitcher of water and glasses. In one corner, a dark wooden desk was equipped with a reading lamp and stationery, perfect for planning or writing notes.
The adjoining bathroom was equally impressive. It had a large, deep bathtub, ideal for a relaxing bath, and a separate shower with multiple water heads. The plush towels were perfectly folded on a shelf, and there was a variety of bath products neatly arranged on the marble countertop.
In the closet, I found a couple of bathrobes and slippers, which made me feel like I was in an oasis of tranquility amid the chaos. The room had air conditioning that maintained a pleasant temperature, and the soft lighting could be adjusted to create the perfect ambiance.
With a grateful smile, I left the coffee on the coffee table and approached the window. The view was a reminder of what we were fighting to protect. I took a sip of coffee, feeling the hot drink revitalizing me, and allowed myself a few moments of rest before the next battle, even if I wasn't physically tired, I was mentally exhausted.
I took out my phone and dialed our secure line number. On the third ring, I heard my mother's voice on the other end.
"William! Are you okay? We've been so worried," she said with a mix of relief and anxiety.
"Yes, mom, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound as calm as possible. "It's been a long day, but we're making progress."
"Are you sure? You've been out all day. You told us you wouldn't take unnecessary risks," my sister said, taking the phone from my mother.
"I know," I replied, "but eliminating so many Lorgs today has really helped secure the area. Besides, I'm with a well-organized group and we're all working together."
My mother intervened again, "We're grateful for what you're doing, but we can't help but worry. We don't want to lose you too."
"I understand, mom. But we have to do this to stay safe in the long run. The base needs all the help it can get to defend us and eventually end this threat," I said firmly.
My sister, trying to be the voice of reason, asked, "How much longer do you think you'll be out?"
"Probably a few more days," I replied, "but every day counts. The more Lorgs we eliminate now, the less danger there will be later."
There was a silence on the other end of the line before my mother spoke again, her voice softer. "We just want you to know that we're proud of you. But please, take care of yourself."
"I will, mom. And you stay safe too. Remember to follow the instructions and keep the doors locked," I reminded them.
"We will," my sister replied. "We love you, William. Come back soon and safe."
"I love you too," I said with a lump in my throat. "I'll be back soon. Take care."
I hung up the phone and stared at the screen for a few seconds. I knew my actions were necessary, but that didn't make leaving my family any easier. I took a deep breath and refocused on the task ahead. There were more Lorgs to eliminate.
I used that hour to relax and reduce my mental stress. Leaving my family worried wasn't easy, but I knew I had to stay strong and focused. Rest was essential.
First, I decided to take a hot bath. I filled the tub with hot water and added some of the bath products I found on the marble countertop. The relaxing aroma filled the bathroom as I submerged in the water. I felt my muscles slowly relax, releasing the accumulated tension from the day. I closed my eyes and let the hot water do its job, bringing me to a state of tranquility.
After a good while in the tub, I dried off with one of the plush towels and put on one of the bathrobes. I walked barefoot to the small living area and sat on the sofa. I turned on the reading lamp and took a notebook from the desk. I jotted down some thoughts and strategies for the next day, trying to organize my mind and release the worries that haunted me.
Since my coffee was finished, I decided to prepare a cup of tea that I found in the minibar. While waiting for the water to boil, I looked out the window at the city view. The flickering lights and the apparent calm of the night reminded me of what was at stake
. I took a deep breath, enjoying the moment of peace.
Once the tea was ready, I returned to the sofa and took small sips, feeling the warmth of the drink relax me even more. I recalled some of the good moments with my family before all this began, allowing myself a nostalgic smile.
Finally, I lay down on the bed, enjoying the softness of the sheets and the perfectly arranged cushions. I closed my eyes and let my mind wander to pleasant memories and positive thoughts. The mental fatigue began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of renewal and clarity.
I knew the rest hour was coming to an end, but I felt much more prepared to face whatever came next. I got up and prepared to meet with the others, feeling a new determination. There were more Lorgs to eliminate and a base to protect.
After that, I left the room, once again equipped with all my gear and ready to fight. I went down to the reception area and sat down to wait for Emily to arrive or call me since she never said where we would meet. I couldn't use my senses to detect her since I couldn't sense her energy, probably using some form of concealing it like my hood or my ring.
Anyway, it didn't take long as she called me and I told her I was waiting in the reception of the building. It only took a few moments for her to arrive.
"Ready to go?" she asked.
"I suppose," I replied.
After that, we headed west to the front line, where Leonard and a small group of 50 people, probably Prime Users, were waiting for us.
"The plan is the same as always. We'll split into groups of 5 and each group will head to a gate. If any group encounters problems, they'll go to support them. Leonard and William, you can handle yourselves."
I wasn't sure whether to feel flattered or excluded by the fact that I had to fight alone, but Emily was probably right, which raised a question.
"How are we going to communicate? Although phones work here, I don't know if the city's antennas still allow communication," I asked Emily.
She looked at me for a moment before answering, "... I forgot you don't have a walkie-talkie. Well, I suppose I can ask someone to bring you one."
"But won't that delay us? The longer we wait, the more Lorgs there will be at each gate," someone said.
With a sigh of annoyance, I said, "You go ahead first, I'll wait until they bring it to me."
"... Fine, sorry for not having one ready," Emily said.
And so, I watched them leave. In the meantime, I sat down to wait. It took 20 minutes before someone arrived and handed me a rather large walkie-talkie that was probably used by the military. Only then did I head out, deciding that it would be best to rely on my physical strength to run there since there likely wouldn't be many Lorgs from which I could absorb energy.
Emily nodded and then said, "Before making a final decision, I think we should consider all our options. Each direction has its own challenges."
Ethan spoke up, "The east has been problematic lately. Although we've managed to defend that direction, it remains an area with pockets of resistance that could resurface if we don't keep them under control. The Lorgs in that area seem to be organizing faster than expected."
Conner Blackwood, the general, intervened, "The northwest and the north are where the strongest Lorgs come from. If we don't maintain a constant offensive there, we could face a wave of enemies that will overwhelm our defenses. Every day we don't attack in that direction, they grow stronger."
"And then there's the west," Emily continued. "While the Lorgs there aren't the strongest, it's the direction they come from in the greatest numbers. If we don't reduce their numbers, we could be overwhelmed simply by the sheer quantity."
"So, what do we do?" Leonard asked, with a mix of impatience and anticipation.
"I propose a quick debate," suggested Emily. "We need to decide what our priority is."
Ethan was the first to speak, "I think we should focus on the east. Although the number of Lorgs isn't as high as in the west, the organization they're showing could be a sign that they're smarter than the Lorgs in other directions. If we let them strengthen, we could face an organized revolt."
Conner disagreed, "The north must be our priority. The strongest Lorgs represent the greatest long-term threat. If we don't contain them now, they will eventually break through our defenses, and when they do, it will be devastating. We need to curb their growth before they become uncontrollable."
Sienna added, "I agree with Conner. If we let the strongest Lorgs accumulate, our barriers might not be enough to stop them. We must maintain pressure in the north to prevent them from growing too strong."
Gabriel offered a different perspective, "However, the west cannot be ignored. The overwhelming number of Lorgs in that direction could breach our defenses simply due to their numbers. We need to reduce their quantity to avoid being overrun. Additionally, if we control the west, we could redistribute forces to other critical areas."
Leonard, always eager for combat, opined, "I prefer to attack where we can make the most impact. If we go north, we'll face the strongest, which could significantly weaken them. But the west would give us a break by reducing the number of Lorgs we face daily."
"William, what do you think?" Emily asked, looking directly at me.
I thought for a moment before responding. "Each direction has its merits and challenges. However, I think we should attack the west. Reducing the overwhelming number of Lorgs in that direction will give us a break and allow us to reinforce our defenses in other areas. Also, once we control the west, Leonard can handle the north while I take care of the east, just as we did today."
Emily nodded, reflecting on my response. "It's a good strategy, William. Attacking the west to reduce their numbers will give us a breather. Also, before it was just Leonard handling one area, now you're here to take care of another."
Conner, though still concerned about the north, agreed. "It's a reasonable approach. If we reduce the numbers in the west, we can redistribute our forces more effectively."
"Agreed," said Ethan. "So, we focus on the west today."
"Excellent, see you in an hour," said Leonard as he stood up and left.
"Let's go, we have an hour to rest," Emily said as the rest also stood to leave.
At that moment, a man arrived with a small thermos. "Good evening, did someone order a coffee?" he asked.
"Me, thanks," I said to the man as I took the coffee.
"Come, I'll show you where we're staying," Emily said.
After that, we left the building and headed to another one next door. On the way, I noticed how the refugees and even those I deduced were Prime Users greeted and treated Emily with a lot of respect, almost as if she were their savior, something that showed me she had helped these people enough to be treated that way.
"This building was a luxury hotel before. Here, I saved a top-quality room for you on the top floor," she said while taking a key from reception and handing it to me.
After that, we went up to the top floor. "See you in an hour. You can rest or do whatever you want if you don't want to rest," she said after showing me which room was mine.
The room was surprisingly luxurious, even more than I expected. Upon entering, I was greeted by a spacious area decorated in warm and welcoming tones. The floor was covered by a thick, soft beige carpet that muffled my steps. The walls, adorned with paintings of tranquil landscapes, gave a sense of calm and serenity.
On one side of the room was a king-size bed with a carved wooden headboard and high-quality sheets. The cushions and blankets were perfectly arranged, inviting rest. In front of the bed, a large window offered an impressive view of the city, now transformed by the war against the Lorgs. The city lights flickered in the distance, reminding me of humanity's persistence despite the challenges.
To the right, I found a small living area with a comfortable sofa and a coffee table. On top of the table was a pitcher of water and glasses. In one corner, a dark wooden desk was equipped with a reading lamp and stationery, perfect for planning or writing notes.
The adjoining bathroom was equally impressive. It had a large, deep bathtub, ideal for a relaxing bath, and a separate shower with multiple water heads. The plush towels were perfectly folded on a shelf, and there was a variety of bath products neatly arranged on the marble countertop.
In the closet, I found a couple of bathrobes and slippers, which made me feel like I was in an oasis of tranquility amid the chaos. The room had air conditioning that maintained a pleasant temperature, and the soft lighting could be adjusted to create the perfect ambiance.
With a grateful smile, I left the coffee on the coffee table and approached the window. The view was a reminder of what we were fighting to protect. I took a sip of coffee, feeling the hot drink revitalizing me, and allowed myself a few moments of rest before the next battle, even if I wasn't physically tired, I was mentally exhausted.
I took out my phone and dialed our secure line number. On the third ring, I heard my mother's voice on the other end.
"William! Are you okay? We've been so worried," she said with a mix of relief and anxiety.
"Yes, mom, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound as calm as possible. "It's been a long day, but we're making progress."
"Are you sure? You've been out all day. You told us you wouldn't take unnecessary risks," my sister said, taking the phone from my mother.
"I know," I replied, "but eliminating so many Lorgs today has really helped secure the area. Besides, I'm with a well-organized group and we're all working together."
My mother intervened again, "We're grateful for what you're doing, but we can't help but worry. We don't want to lose you too."
"I understand, mom. But we have to do this to stay safe in the long run. The base needs all the help it can get to defend us and eventually end this threat," I said firmly.
My sister, trying to be the voice of reason, asked, "How much longer do you think you'll be out?"
"Probably a few more days," I replied, "but every day counts. The more Lorgs we eliminate now, the less danger there will be later."
There was a silence on the other end of the line before my mother spoke again, her voice softer. "We just want you to know that we're proud of you. But please, take care of yourself."
"I will, mom. And you stay safe too. Remember to follow the instructions and keep the doors locked," I reminded them.
"We will," my sister replied. "We love you, William. Come back soon and safe."
"I love you too," I said with a lump in my throat. "I'll be back soon. Take care."
I hung up the phone and stared at the screen for a few seconds. I knew my actions were necessary, but that didn't make leaving my family any easier. I took a deep breath and refocused on the task ahead. There were more Lorgs to eliminate.
I used that hour to relax and reduce my mental stress. Leaving my family worried wasn't easy, but I knew I had to stay strong and focused. Rest was essential.
First, I decided to take a hot bath. I filled the tub with hot water and added some of the bath products I found on the marble countertop. The relaxing aroma filled the bathroom as I submerged in the water. I felt my muscles slowly relax, releasing the accumulated tension from the day. I closed my eyes and let the hot water do its job, bringing me to a state of tranquility.
After a good while in the tub, I dried off with one of the plush towels and put on one of the bathrobes. I walked barefoot to the small living area and sat on the sofa. I turned on the reading lamp and took a notebook from the desk. I jotted down some thoughts and strategies for the next day, trying to organize my mind and release the worries that haunted me.
Since my coffee was finished, I decided to prepare a cup of tea that I found in the minibar. While waiting for the water to boil, I looked out the window at the city view. The flickering lights and the apparent calm of the night reminded me of what was at stake
. I took a deep breath, enjoying the moment of peace.
Once the tea was ready, I returned to the sofa and took small sips, feeling the warmth of the drink relax me even more. I recalled some of the good moments with my family before all this began, allowing myself a nostalgic smile.
Finally, I lay down on the bed, enjoying the softness of the sheets and the perfectly arranged cushions. I closed my eyes and let my mind wander to pleasant memories and positive thoughts. The mental fatigue began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of renewal and clarity.
I knew the rest hour was coming to an end, but I felt much more prepared to face whatever came next. I got up and prepared to meet with the others, feeling a new determination. There were more Lorgs to eliminate and a base to protect.
After that, I left the room, once again equipped with all my gear and ready to fight. I went down to the reception area and sat down to wait for Emily to arrive or call me since she never said where we would meet. I couldn't use my senses to detect her since I couldn't sense her energy, probably using some form of concealing it like my hood or my ring.
Anyway, it didn't take long as she called me and I told her I was waiting in the reception of the building. It only took a few moments for her to arrive.
"Ready to go?" she asked.
"I suppose," I replied.
After that, we headed west to the front line, where Leonard and a small group of 50 people, probably Prime Users, were waiting for us.
"The plan is the same as always. We'll split into groups of 5 and each group will head to a gate. If any group encounters problems, they'll go to support them. Leonard and William, you can handle yourselves."
I wasn't sure whether to feel flattered or excluded by the fact that I had to fight alone, but Emily was probably right, which raised a question.
"How are we going to communicate? Although phones work here, I don't know if the city's antennas still allow communication," I asked Emily.
She looked at me for a moment before answering, "... I forgot you don't have a walkie-talkie. Well, I suppose I can ask someone to bring you one."
"But won't that delay us? The longer we wait, the more Lorgs there will be at each gate," someone said.
With a sigh of annoyance, I said, "You go ahead first, I'll wait until they bring it to me."
"... Fine, sorry for not having one ready," Emily said.
And so, I watched them leave. In the meantime, I sat down to wait. It took 20 minutes before someone arrived and handed me a rather large walkie-talkie that was probably used by the military. Only then did I head out, deciding that it would be best to rely on my physical strength to run there since there likely wouldn't be many Lorgs from which I could absorb energy.
