Mr. Thompson's smile was enigmatic, thin, and calculating. "Ah, I'm telling you this because you were involved, but I'm getting ahead of myself," he said, his voice smooth as silk.
"First, let me ask you something." He leaned toward his desk and placed a flag at the edge of it. "Will you join our force?" he asked, his voice piercing and heavy.
"Before we proceed, there's a pivotal question I need to ask." He leaned in, a glint of determination in his eyes, and placed a small flag precariously at the edge of his desk. "Will you stand with us and join our cause?" His voice held a commanding weight that reverberated through the room.
The question lingered in the air, a mixture of challenge and invitation that sent a ripple of tension through the space. Vivian's eyes widened, her expression a blend of surprise and uncertainty. Johan, ever the stoic figure, bore an intensity in his posture, like a tightly wound spring ready to snap.
I locked eyes with Mr. Thompson, my heart racing against my ribcage. What exactly was this cause he wanted us to embrace? What did it promise? The silence stretched endlessly, and I knew I couldn't remain passive any longer.
"Is this an offer to replace Albert?" My voice cut through the stillness, sharp and unwavering. The unexpected nature of my question seemed to catch him off guard, an opportunity sparking in the air.
"Ah, no," he replied, his surprise evident. I could see the gears in his mind turning, subtly shifting the power dynamics in my favor.
"Then what's the reason? We're listening," I pressed, my tone resolute.
Mr. Thompson's smile morphed into a slow, calculated curve that hinted at hidden layers beneath his composed exterior. "Ah, I anticipated this," he intoned, satisfaction seeping into his voice.
"Very well," he continued, leaning in closer, the dim light casting shadows that emphasized the edge of his jaw, as if to draw us deeper into his enigmatic proposal.
The underlying reason is straightforward: we require individuals who have confronted the peril to enhance our morale, as conventional weaponry proves ineffective against the creature emerging from the cave. Our reactions reflected our surprise; we had encountered various threats but failed to recognize this one.
"What do you mean?" I inquired with a serious demeanor. Johan and Vivian also expressed their eagerness for clarification.
In fact, I was about to ask you how you managed to perceive this, but it appears that you are unaware as well, Mr. Thompson noted in confusion. Conventional methods of attack are futile against them.
"I understand," I replied. "In that case, we have no means to assist you." Vivian, with a smile, looked at me and seemed to grasp my intentions.
"Nonetheless, we would still require your abilities, as well as yours," he stated, smiling at both of them. "Are you willing to assist us?" he inquired.
"Willing?" I responded without hesitation. "Yes," he affirmed confidently. "You will be assigned directly to me."
We—Johan, Vivian, and I—exchanged glances of agreement. "Indeed, we shall assist," we concluded, and he proceeded to escort us from the room, retaining me alone to remain behind. An escort took both Johan and Vivian to their respective quarters.
"I recognize our mutual agreement and sincerely appreciate your assistance. What motivates your willingness to help us?" he asked. "It is of no concern," I replied, somewhat reflective. "I shall not press the issue if it runs deeper," he conceded. "Not particularly; I simply feel that this aligns with my aspirations before this calamity. It relates to my childhood ambitions."
"I understand," he responded, looking at me to provide subtle encouragement. "I would have offered encouragement just now; however, the most compelling motivation emanates from within one's heart. What do you aim to accomplish?" Mr. Thompson queried to ascertain my intentions.
"Freedom and knowledge," I replied with a serious expression. "I comprehend the concept of freedom, yet knowledge—not power? For what purpose?"
I responded with a laugh that echoed slightly. "Because knowledge is power."
His gaze met mine with intensity, and his eyes seemed to shimmer as though they were replenishing from a long period of emptiness.
The room fell silent, allowing for a deeper conversation to unfold.
The barracks
"The accommodations are as follows," the escort informed them as he gestured toward their assigned space. "You three will be residing here, and should you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask me." He emphasized the routine they were to follow as long as they remained within the group before departing.
The atmosphere was somewhat unwelcoming, as the other soldiers observed them intently upon their entrance. The room featured a designated sleeping area and a private bathroom for convenience.
Johan flopped onto the sofa, exhaling hard. "Ahh… phew, what a long day it has been," Johan remarked as he surveyed the room from the sofa. "I can finally rest my head. This is, nonetheless, the most comfortable place we have encountered since the beginning of our journey." Vivian concurred, stating, "While the hospital may have been superior, it cannot overshadow this environment," disregarding the prevailing mood. "I understand your perspective; however, there is little we can do to change it," he responded with a chuckle to lighten the somber atmosphere.
"I appreciate that," I said as I opened the door, which was composed of brown metal and resembled a basement door. I entered the room to join them in their discussion. "What are your thoughts on the atmosphere?" I inquired. "Unwelcoming," Vivian replied, her expression indicating dissatisfaction with the situation. "This facility resembles a public hostel at a university. The left side is designated for females, while the right side accommodates males," Johan observed. "Indeed, each room is intended for three soldiers," I added. "So, the fact that we have a larger room opposite theirs presents a challenge, does it not?" Vivian noted, unimpressed by the exhibited behavior.
"Not necessarily," I said. "You will likely understand the reasoning by tomorrow. You may occupy the room alone, while we will have more spacious accommodations." Johan nodded in agreement. "I am feeling fatigued; I believe I shall take a shower," I concluded.