From Moving Crates to Killing Gods-Chapter 70: Before We Cross

I woke up early, my hand instinctively reached for the yo-yo beside my bed. The small object had transformed from childhood toy to deadly weapon, though its weight remained the same. Today we’d venture into the wasteland again, but this time there would be no random teleportation or waking up surrounded by Corruptors.

This time, I was going out organized and ready, with purpose and people I trusted. Still, the familiar knot of tension formed in my stomach as I slipped the yo-yo into my pocket.

The obsidian walls of my room seemed to dim the little rays of light that filtered through my window. I started dressing, choosing clothes for durability rather than comfort.

Thick pants with reinforced knees, a jacket with multiple pockets, my sturdy boots that had survived my previous wasteland adventures. Each item chosen not for style but for function, to increase the odds of making it back alive.

When I arrived at the common area, Phinyx was already there, sitting cross legged on the floor with his eyes closed. His breathing was slow and measured, almost imperceptible. Meditation before danger, he was probably charging his ability to reduce his chances of going through an unfortunate backlash.

"Morning vibes, weapon man." he said without opening his eyes. "Your footsteps sound loud and determined."

"We’re going outside the barrier." I replied, dropping my pack on the table. "Determination is a requirement to do that."

His eyes opened then, studying me with that peculiar intensity he sometimes displayed when his relaxed mask slipped. "You’re not afraid?"

"Of course I am." I admitted. "But I’ve been out there... I know what we’re facing."

"And what we’re facing is things you can kill." He said it as a statement, not a question.

I nodded, not trusting myself to elaborate further. The ease with which I’d dispatched Corruptors during my last unexpected trip to the wasteland still unsettled me. Not because I felt remorse, the creatures deserved no sympathy, but because it had been so clean. Like switching off a light.

Kira arrived next, a small bag slung over her shoulder. Her dark eyes assessed me quickly, then moved to the packs I’d prepared.

"You seem ready." she observed, setting her bag beside mine.

"As ready as we can be." I replied.

She began sorting through her own supplies, packets of seeds and small tools. Each item carefully chosen. Her hands moved with practiced efficiency, even though I could tell the nervousness she must be feeling.

"You don’t have to come." I said quietly. "You could stay here with Rolen."

She didn’t look up from her task. "And constantly worry about your survival while I blame myself for not being brave? Not likely."

Before I could respond, Coco ran into the room, his arms carried multiple canteens that were probably filled with dark liquid. His orange hair stuck out at odd angles, as if he’d run his hands through it repeatedly in agitation.

"I made as much as I could!" he announced, carefully setting the canteens on the table. "Six liters of black water. Should be enough to mask all of us."

I opened and examined one of the canteens, holding it up to the light. The liquid inside absorbed the light rather than reflect it, creating a strange void like effect that was unsettling to look at directly.

"Will this work the same way the water from the dark lake did?" I asked.

Coco nodded. "It should work the same way, as long as we stay close to the water, they won’t sense us. Unless we’re, like, screaming in terror or something. Then all bets are off."

"Let’s try not to scream in terror." Phinyx suggested mildly, rising from his meditation position. "Bad vibes attract bad things."

"Where’s Finn?" Kira asked, looking toward the door.

"He said he needed to see Mia before we leave." I explained. "He’ll probably meet us here soon."

As if summoned by his name, the door opened, revealing Rolen’s sturdy frame. Though not joining our expedition, he’d clearly come to see us off. In his arms, he carried a large, wrapped package that smelled strongly of meat.

"Thought you could use some provisions." he said, placing the bundle on the table. "The mobs have been extra productive lately."

I unwrapped a corner of the package, revealing cuts of meat preserved with salt. My enhanced sense of smell detected subtle differences between the various types of meat inside.

"This is... a lot." I said, genuinely impressed by the amount of meat.

Rolen shrugged, his dark skin reflecting the light. "You’re going outside. You’ll need the energy. Especially you, Allaran. Your metabolism burns through protein so fast that we might make a farm with your name on it."

"Thanks." I said, while smelling the meat. "We’ll put it to good use."

"Just come back alive." he replied. "All of you."

He looked at each of us in turn, his gaze lingering longest on Kira. Something passed between them, a silent communication I couldn’t interpret. Then he nodded once and left, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

"He’s worried." Kira said, staring at the closed door.

"We all are." Coco replied, fiddling with the cap of one of his canteens. "Only crazy people wouldn’t be worried about going outside."

"Then call me crazy." came Finn’s voice from the doorway. He stood there with a determined expression, his eyes flickered. "I’m ready."

"Did you see Mia?" I asked.

He nodded, stepping into the room. "She didn’t want me to go. Said it was too dangerous." A small smile formed in his face. "But she also gave me this."

He held out his palm, revealing a small woven bracelet made of colored threads. The patterns were intricate, created by hands accustomed to detailed work.

"For protection." he explained. "And to remind me what I’m fighting for."

The simple statement hung in the air, giving weight to what we were about to do.

This wasn’t just about outposts or navigation markers. It was about the next exile, about Mia and the others who would face the wasteland in just a few months.