Jenner led them to their assigned sleeping quarters, which included a rec room for the children and, the most coveted luxury, hot showers. The group instantly rushed toward the facility.
Arthur, wrapped only in a towel, entered the shower area. "Damn, man, how'd you get that kind of body?" T-Dog exclaimed, drying himself. Glenn chimed in, praising Arthur's body and his pirate-themed tattoos. "A lot of training, man," Arthur replied, accepting the compliments. His physique was a portrait of athletic perfection, lean and agile, with the Hunter's enhancement lending a coiled, ready-to-burst strength to every sculpted muscle.
The moment the hot water hit his skin, Arthur felt his tense muscles melt away. After a long, thorough scrub, he emerged fresh and energized. He went to his space, pulled on black baggy training pants and a beige long-sleeved shirt, and tied his long blonde hair into a ponytail. He secured the hidden blade bracer under his sleeve; without the familiar weight, he always felt a deep, unsettling discomfort.
Noticing the rest of the group was high-spirited and drinking, Arthur slipped past them. Consulting the floor guide, he located the general area of the armory. He wasted no time reaching the door and entering. Inside, he meticulously rummaged through every container, successfully looting three shotguns, six Glock 17s, and one M4, along with boxes of ammunition. He slowly packed everything into a large duffel bag. He also found a shoulder holster, which he quickly donned; it fit snugly under his right arm.
To be thorough, he double-checked the area. In a hidden corner, tucked behind larger crates, he spotted a smaller weapon crate. Arthur opened it, and his heart gave an excited thrum: a Smith & Wesson Model 500. He immediately inspected the massive revolver, checking its quality and the five bullets in its cylinder. After a thorough examination, he secured the S&W Model 500 in his new shoulder holster. He then added the corresponding bullet box to the duffel bag.
Picking up the heavy bag, Arthur walked back toward Zone 5. He noticed the looming countdown clock in the corner: [14:52:21]. 'I might have to ask Jenner about that,' he thought, and continued to the group's gathering.
Arthur burst into the room and dropped the duffel bag in front of them, the weapons clearly visible inside. "Damn, man, you preparing for war or something?" Daryl asked, amused, as everyone noticed the massive S&W Model 500 strapped to Arthur's chest.
"Nah, just preparing in case something unexpected happens," Arthur replied, his eyes briefly sweeping over every person. Andrea approached to look at the bag. "Can we grab some ammo? Or use some of this?" Arthur walked to the table, grabbed a bottle and a glass of wine. "Sure, I won't be able to use all of that anyway," he offered. T-Dog and Glenn immediately started sifting through the bag, though Jacqui and others reminded them not to touch the weapons while drinking.
Amy, admiring Arthur's clean appearance—devoid of blood and weapons—slowly approached him. "So... where are you heading?" she asked shyly. The others noticed her behavior, and a chorus of knowing smiles and an "Ohhh, someone's in love" broke out, making Andrea happy for her sister. Arthur offered Amy a smile. "To drink somewhere," he said.
Just as he was about to leave, the group fell silent as Shane appeared, an apology on his face. "Uhh, look, man, I'm sorry I lost my cool back then," he mumbled. Arthur stared at him, lightly tapped his shoulder, and paused at the door. "Consider that a courtesy demonstration. When I get serious, you won't hear the blade, just the clean thud of a world-class acquisition," he said playfully before walking out.
The room was silent for a while. "Well, that was badass," Glenn finally remarked, staring at the door.
"Right... I saw the way Arthur handles the walker in close distance," Jacqui agreed.
Amy, with a bright smile, said, "Yeah, he looks so cool. Do you think he'd teach me?" Andrea and the others looked at her with amusement and shook their heads.
Dale chuckled, sharing his observation. "Well, maybe, but I feel like he's more interested in Hermione." Everyone turned to Dale. Andrea inquired, "What do you mean by that, Dale?"
"Well... back at the quarry, he kept glancing at Hermione, and likewise for Hermione. But Arthur also asked about Hermione, even earlier at the entrance, out of all the people he could grab, he grabbed Hermione's hand," Dale explained. Amy's face fell slightly, but Daryl, ever direct, spoke up. "Looks like you found yourself a rival, lady," a comment that brought a round of chuckles as Andrea patted her sister's back.
Arthur, oblivious to the group's speculation, poured wine into his cup as he walked down the hallway. 'Now, where would our little reader be? Rec room or library?' He arrived at the Rec room and found Carol with the children. Not wanting to be disrespectful, he greeted them, nodding at Carol before crouching down. "You kids enjoying yourselves?" Carl and Sofia nodded, engrossed in their board games. Carol asked curiously, "Why are you walking with a gun? Is there a walker inside?" Arthur glanced at the holstered S&W Model 500. "Nah, just a new addition to my equipment. Just found this in the armory." Carl's eyes, drawn to the weapon, asked, "Do you hate Shane?"
Taken aback, Arthur smiled and ruffled Carl's hair. "Nah, kid, I don't hate him... you'll understand it in due time." Sofia chimed in, "Why can't he understand it now?" Carol and Arthur let out a small chuckle. "Some things are meant to be hidden to avoid hurting others, kids," he explained.
Lori soon walked in with a bottle of wine, stopping when she saw Arthur. Arthur stood up. "Alright, I'mma head to the library. Night, kids, you too, Carol." Carol wished him good night, and the kids waved, whispering about how cool he was.
Just as Arthur was about to pass Lori, she called out to him in a low voice. "Arthur... uhm... sorry for my action earlier. I don't know what came over me," she said. Arthur paused, sipping the wine while Lori nervously twirled the bottle. He let out a sigh.
"Listen, Lori, your conscience is your own business," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "But Rick has a claim here, and you owe him the decency of not losing the whole bounty for a cheap mistake. Keep that family—that peace—intact. Do it for the man who came back to life for you and Carl." After delivering his stark counsel, he continued walking, leaving Lori standing motionless, pondering his words.