Chef in the Apocalypse

36  Plans

With their hearty meal finished, the members of the party felt a renewed sense of energy coursing through their veins. Bowls were set aside, and Jayce, standing tall in the makeshift shelter's main hall, headed to the center of the room. The gazes of admiration and respect from the other inhabitants made him blush slightly, but he knew he had to address them formally.

Clearing his throat, Jayce began to recount the events of their expedition, not delving into unnecessary details but giving a succinct overview. He spoke of Colin's heroic stand against five goblins, holding the back line and preventing the party from being overrun. The crowd's eyes turned to Colin, a mixture of surprise and respect evident in their expressions.

"Our stalwart Guardian, Colin, showed exceptional courage and skill, holding the line against five goblins to ensure our safety," Jayce declared, nodding in Colin's direction.

The narrative continued as Jayce shared how the party had successfully taken down the Goblin Shaman, the boss monster that had threatened them. Anticipation hung in the air as Jayce pulled out the Goblin Staff, the ominous and potent aura emanating from it casting a momentary unease over the room.

"This, my friends, is an epic item drop," Jayce explained, his voice carrying a mixture of awe and reverence. "An artifact of immense power and rarity, a testament to the strength and bravery of our party."

He went on to describe the staff's effects and value, detailing the ways it could potentially benefit their survival. Then, his voice turning more solemn, he revealed his decision.

"I have decided to entrust this staff to someone who has already proven herself in the heat of battle," Jayce announced, his gaze shifting to Jackie. "Jackie, our skilled Ice mage, you have displayed exceptional prowess and composure. This staff, I believe, will find its true potential in your hands."

Jackie's eyes widened in shock, and she stammered, "I-I can't accept such a gift, Jayce..."

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Before she could finish, Colin's hand gently rested on her shoulder, and his eyes met Jayce's with a serious intensity. "Are you sure about this?" Colin asked, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

Jayce met Colin's gaze unwaveringly and nodded, a silent understanding passing between them. With a determined nod, he handed the Goblin Staff to Jackie, who accepted it with a mix of astonishment and gratitude.

Addressing the gathered inhabitants, Jayce's voice rang out with conviction, "We are more than individuals; we are a faction, a united force striving for survival. Each of us has a role to play, and as one gains strength, so does our faction. We stand together, leaving no one behind. Our strength lies in our unity, and we will face the challenges of this new world as a united front."

The room erupted in cheers, an outpouring of agreement and determination. The speech had resonated deeply, igniting a fervor of unity and resolve among the inhabitants. Jayce smiled, happy with how his speech was received.

Amid the fervent cheers and renewed sense of purpose, Jayce took a moment to let the enthusiasm settle before addressing the group once more. Standing at the forefront of the main hall, he projected a sense of authority and determination as he outlined his plans for the future.

"We are only at the beginning of the new world. But we are not alone," Jayce's voice resonated through the room. "We are a faction, bound together for no other reason but survival for all. Together, we will face the challenges ahead, and we will emerge stronger than ever before."

He laid out a detailed strategy, explaining how they would begin alternating teams for scouting and leveling. Himself, Lianna, Colin, and Jackie would remain constants, ensuring stability and experience among the teams. Team A had already scouted today; Team B would venture out tomorrow, followed by Team C the next day. Their goal was simple yet vital: to raise everyone's level to at least 10 in the coming weeks while gathering supplies and searching for survivors.

"In time, when everyone is strong enough," Jayce continued, his gaze sweeping across the assembled faces, "you will have the opportunity to venture out in your own groups, each team composition approved by me. We will grow and adapt together, our strength united."

With his plan shared, Jayce urged everyone to rest, recover, and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. As the crowd began to disperse, he left the main area and retreated to his resting quarters. Lianna followed him, her presence both comforting and intriguing.

Seated across from him, Lianna engaged him in conversation, her deep emerald eyes locking onto his gaze. Jayce felt a flutter of nervousness under her intense scrutiny, inwardly remarking on her striking beauty. Her features were delicate yet strong, a stark contrast to the figure he had first met in the alleyway, her eyes harboring a mixture of curiosity and something he couldn't quite place.

Lianna's questions were direct, probing deeper than mere curiosity. "Jayce, I couldn't help but notice your composure during the fight with the Goblin Shaman. How did you remain so collected? And your knowledge of monsters, it's as if you've encountered them before. What are your goals, and how do you know so much?"

She rattled off rapid fire questions one after another, causing Jayce's mind to spin. He had forgotten how much teenagers liked to talk, before suddenly remembering that he was now, in fact, also a teenager.

For a brief moment, Jayce's mind raced as he tried to find the right words. He couldn't reveal the truth of his situation; it was too complicated and unsettling. Instead, he focused on a plausible explanation, one that could account for his knowledge and composure.

A smile touched his lips, his eyes meeting Lianna's as he began to speak. "I spent countless hours immersed in Cataclysm: World's End. I studied the monsters, their behaviors, their weaknesses. It became second nature to me. As for composure, it's about training your mind to stay focused, to control the chaos around you. Every battle is a dance of strategy, instinct and mostly courage."

Lianna nodded thoughtfully, seemingly satisfied with his response. "You make it sound so simple," she said with a soft chuckle. "I admire your strength and dedication, Jayce."

Jayce felt a warmth spread throughout him at these words, eliciting an embarrassed smile. He cleared his throat slightly, and spoke up "As for my goals," He paused, his eyes looking around the room to dodge her deep gaze. "I just want everyone to be strong enough to survive." his voice trailing off.

 Silence filled the room after these words, however it wasn't awkward. Lianna nodded after a while, her thoughts unknown, "Mmm, then let's get stronger together." she said, flashing a brilliant smile which lit up her cute features and stunning Jayce.

His pupils dilated, seeing the spectacular sight in front of him and all thoughts that were present in his brain disappeared, left with only her. It was then that Jayce saw Colin's massive frame ducking to enter the doorway behind Lianna.

As he raised his head, his mouth opened, however no sounds came out and he froze in place, witnessing the scene before him. In the next moment, a knowing smile crept onto his face and he sent a playful wink and a thumbs up towards Jayce before turning tail and dashing back through the door.

Jayce sighed, once again that bastard had misunderstood.