Opening the door, Kain could smell the food. It was time for lunch. Today, they would finally be eating the bone marrow he had been rewarded.

The smell of it was the most tantalizing aroma he had smelled in a while. He couldn’t wait until the beasts really began to evolve. Then, it’s not just the bone marrow.

He would stuff himself. Last time, he was too weak. An evolved chicken could peck him to death. This time, chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, he would have them all.

Centipedes and other insects, they are especially tasty. He swallowed subconsciously. If someone told him he would be drooling over bugs one day, he would call them crazy.

He placed Dominic in his seat and went to his. There was no rule about talking while eating, so while the food was being shared, Amelia asked, "What did they want?"

"Didn’t listen in?" Kain asked quizzically.

She shook her head, "Everyone decided to meditate. You know how they are. It’s been a week, and they are still trying to speed run to the top."

"Boss, Lady Boss," Jake said, "you can’t blame us. Who told the boss to melt people and light fires underwater? We want to do it too."

Jake’s jovial nature hasn’t been dampened in the slightest by all the activities. If nothing else, it has gotten worse.

Living with three women, he is in high spirits every day.

Kain scoffed. "Fine, but remember to sleep and relax in between. Constant tension might hinder your progress. Eat, we’ll talk when we’re done."

Turning his attention to the food on the table, he ignored everything and went directly for the marrow. The flavour touched his tongue, and he nodded.

It was savory, meaty, silky, and smooth. The burst of flavour almost made him moan. He closed his eyes, savouring the taste he had been missing for so many years.

The Source Energy in the marrow made his body tingle. It opened his pores, allowing more Source Energy to seep into his skin.

A contented sigh left his lips.

Around the table, others began to try the marrow. This was their first time. Kain had insisted they all share it. The three bone marrows were exceptionally large.

It was more than enough for eleven people to eat. Even with their increased appetite.

Unlike Kain, who shows restraint, because it was their first time, they had no idea what it would taste like. So the second the taste hit their tongues, there was a chorus of moans circling the table.

Other dishes remained uneaten. The fight for the bone marrow was intense. Even the children joined the fight.

Being at a higher level, they were able to grab quicker, even if they ate less.

The meal ended with everyone rubbing their stomach and staring at Kain. They knew the marrow came from him. Even if they weren’t sure where he got it.

Kain glanced around the table with half-lidded eyes filled with satisfaction.

"No more," he said plainly.

The unsatisfied look on their faces caused Kain’s lip to twitch.

"Forget about that for now. We have important business. Either way, you won’t see food like that for another two years. There’s no sense in pining for it."

Leisurely, he stood up, brought his plate to the sink, and went to the living room.

Hearing that it would take another two years to taste it, they could only be disappointed.

Ten minutes later, the meeting began.

"Next time something like this happens, I expect everyone to listen in on the conversation. I understand you want to get stronger, but it won’t happen overnight. We need to take things one step at a time."

Languidly, he leaned against the seat, "As for what they want. They are trying to do some kind of canteen. They don’t have enough resources, so they want to depend on ours to feel themselves.

They dressed it in the pretty bow of sharing resources to make them easier to manage and keep everyone from starving.

From the look of them, they just want what we have, and I’m inclined to give it. What I want is your opinion."

Lazily, he glanced at everyone. He wanted this to be a collective decision. His reasoning might not be theirs. He knows how much food they have; the rest of them do not.

Matthew narrowed his eyes. With Kain being willing, he had no reason to say no. He did feel uncomfortable losing the food. Yet, he knew Kain wouldn’t give food away for no reason.

Even the amount he gave would be measured. He had to admit that though the man appeared easygoing, he knew that wasn’t the case.

The issue he had was being unaware of what he wanted to do.

Jaylin and Verdana weren’t as inclined as Matthew to use the food. They had been enjoying the relaxing life they have now. If they were to give food away, could they continue to be as relaxed as they have been?

Jake was ready to agree to anything Kain did. He had known Kain longer than any of them and knew the man didn’t do things he wasn’t certain of. He must be giving the food for a reason.

So, he was relaxed enough to tease Veronica.

As for Veronica, she knew Kain was similar to Amelia. She also knew Amelia wouldn’t allow Kain to give their food away without a foolproof plan.

The only person who knew the exact numbers is Amelia. With the items in the nurturing station, they had more than enough to last for lifetimes.

She saw the spark in the man’s eyes. He was planning something. As for what, she wasn’t sure. Even so, she was willing to believe in him.

"You have a plan," Matthew stated.

"Do I?" he tilted his head, a slow smirk growing.

Matthew nodded. "Okay, I’m willing to give the food."

Jaylin and Verdana looked over at Matthew.

"Boss, you decide," Jake responded. Veronica nodded along, enjoying Jake’s ministration.

Jaylin and Verdana realized they were the only ones who weren’t in agreement. Even the children were waiting for them to decide. Resigned, they could only agree.

"Good," he smiled. "Dom. Your turn."

The little one sat up when he saw everyone shifting their attention to him.

He puffed his little chest.

’I’m the boss,’ Dominic encouraged himself.

Kain pulled up the photo from the security feed. Their neighbours were clearly visible to everyone in the room.

For the first time, Dominic was willing to open up.