Chapter 268 - Day CMLXIV, Part II

- H-how? - asked Alexandra, unable to take her eyes off the pile.

- Normally. You have to kill them one by one. Now grab as much as you can, and then we are returning - I replied, then with a thought made my shadows return, as they were still searching the battlefield for more, and also help with transportation.

Then I turned myself to face Slaven.

- Make sure nobody will try to steal.

He nodded and started giving out orders to people. I grabbed as many of the stones as I could, and started walking back. Overall transportation took several hours, then they also had to separate different types of crystals, and split them so everybody could not only buy food but also upgrade themselves.

The last process happened without me, as I didn't think I'm needed for that to go smoothly. Both cowards and hunters had their representatives, so I doubted they will be unfair towards one of the groups.

I spend that time eating and thinking while sitting under a wall. I was wondering if the monsters will come tonight, and also if the respawn will occur just like back in my world.

Then I started considering upgrading the device with the next hoard of crystals. Better equipment would be a huge boost for those people. I remembered the difference that Rishi's creations brought for us. I kinda missed my magic pudao, which was left back at Xuvi hideout. Also, my food was left there.

As soon as I realized that, I knew that I'm gonna throw it all away. Who knew what those aliens could do to it? Taking risk of eating it was simply stupid and unnecessary. I didn't even need it to make my way back, since I could just shadow walk to one of my anchors. I still could feel them very well by the way.

- We split everything - said Alexandra, pulling me back to the real world.

She was standing right next to me, with her arms crossed on a sweater tightly wrapped around her torso.

- Good. Thank you.

She hesitated for a moment, but then continued speaking:

- I know I was doubting your intention before, so I want to apologize. You are helping us so much, and not taking anything back for that.

I smiled at her shortly. Her facial expression told me she was really concerned about her behavior towards me in the past two days. It was so strange and completely unnecessary. She still had to be afraid of me, and uncertain what I might do next.

- Relax and enjoy things you didn't have before. There is more where it all came from. This place will change for the better - I winked at her.

She smiled.

- I'm not gonna pretend like I know why you are doing all that, but thank you.

With those words, she left, and I was left alone. Other people still gathered in the city center were peeking at me from time to time. I was a hot topic for them. Especially among slaves, now enjoying their freedom, but also among Slaven's men, because some of them were clearly unhappy about what they lost.

They were not approaching the women, as they used to, instead were hanging among themselves, and constantly at least one of them was looking in my direction. I was clearly a threat. Something they couldn't ignore. I was wondering for a moment when someone of them will try something stupid.

I already knew what I'm gonna do in such a case. I would beat them up badly, then heal, at least a bit.

Then the evening came, and we had to prepare for monsters. People positioned themselves just like a day before, and we waited. Waited. And waited some more, but nothing came. It became obvious to me that I already killed everything that could pay us a visit.

- Stand down guys. Nothing is going to happen tonight. You might go to sleep - I said while turning to face them.

- You sure? - asked Slaven.

- Yep. I killed everything that could come. I thought this will happen, but we still needed to check.

He nodded and gave a signal to his men. They all just went back to their citadel. The newcomers and slaves dispersed and vanished in the nearby buildings, to also have a rest. I waited for a bit longer, just for a good measure.

And then two girls approached me. They got close, so I could see them despite the darkness of an early night. They not too long ago belonged to somebody. They both were pretty, but the harsh environment really left a mark on them, and their appearance. Clothes were torn, and dirty, bodies malnourished.

- You are not going to rest? - one of them asked me.

- I am. Just had to confirm that the monsters really won't come.

- Do you want company? - asked the other, smiling at me, and biting her lip.

Maybe if they didn't look so bad, I would even consider it, but since they did, I just shook my head.

- I prefer to rest alone.

One of them opened her mouth to say something, but she quickly closed it.

- Let's go back - she said to her friend, grabbing her hand.

I wondered for a moment what went through her head when I declined. Did they want to get some privileges from me for offering their bodies? Or was it to just simply make sure I would let them go if I suddenly some hidden, bad intentions? I was unsure.

I left the city center and went to the building I used to sleep in. I put the barriers around, just to get alarmed in case of something or somebody getting inside. I really missed my bed, bathhouse, and the cafeteria back in the complex belonging to Wuxia.

This freaking place was so damn uncomfortable. I wanted my luxuries back.. Then I got an idea, and made myself a bed out of void essence, just slightly above the ground, in case It would disappear if I fell asleep.