Withering World 1 [MCSM Fanfiction]

TRANSMISSION: Chapter 24

Lukas

It eases me when I drop the chest of nether warts in the lab stock. My arms and back can rest, and I don't have to blow up about the research team making a mistake that led to a shortage of healing potions. It's a win-win.

Somehow, Olivia finds me among all the researchers mass farming melons and warts.

"Hey Lukas!" She hollers, surrendering over a heavy tray of healing potions. "These belong in the storage chamber."

I let out a fatigued groan. "I've just traveled all the way to floor zero to collect a box of warrior loot and take it all the way up here."

"Well, fortunately for you, the storage chamber is next to Ivor's office, and that's where Petra is. You can say your final goodbye before she leaves."

The memo was never passed on that she was leaving so soon. And it was never clear who she was going to take with her, meaning there should still be an open slot.

"I know that face, Lukas. Don't try anything stupid," Olivia says. "Everyone already knows about your little clash with Ivor."

The floor makes itself an easy target to stare at. Yes, okay, I admit that I have something against Ivor, but what I'm thinking no longer correlates to his downfall. I conceal my thoughts from the engineer and bob my head down courteously, giving her a slight acknowledgment. A mischievous, lopsided smirk creeps onto my face and I can't help but to wink. "No promises, though I'll be back."

She raises a brow but eventually flaps her hand dismissively. "Whatever - go on then, get out of here."

I feel as if I'm waiting a restaurant, the contents of the tray clinking and wobbling. Despite it getting unfavorably weightier every second, I manage to hold up even through the far stretches of chambers and corridors I pass.

Setting the tray of pink and purple liquid aside, I overhear voices engaged in a deep conversation, which magnetizes me to Ivor's office door. Not minding the potential workers who could stare at me, I crouch and press my ear against the keyhole of the door.

"None of our devices will work in the Underneath. We cannot call for backup if you two are in trouble."

"Ivor, it's going to be okay. Me and Jack have done it before, we can do it again."

Like a bullet taken to the chest, I throw my head forward, convulsing in emptiness. She chose Jack? After everything I've done to look out for her?

"Are you sure you don't need anyone else? You have to be one-hundred percent certain about this, Petra."

At Ivor's question, a seed of rebellion is planted into my heart and I twist the doorknob so tight that my knuckles go pale.

"You'll need me," I say, answering for Petra.

"No, Lukas. No," she replies, repulsed.

Everyone in the room looks equally alarmed as if a murder were to take place in front of them, though Ivor seems the most phased, the color of crimson steaming up his cheeks. "What are you doing here? Get out!"

"I will. Once I leave to get the blue mycelium."

Jack is also present, vigilantly observing the unspoken tension between us. He folds his lips in, using every part of himself to conceal his inner thoughts.

"Lukas, you are not coming with." Petra's words are far from paper thin. "It's too dangerous."

"Not like I haven't done dangerous things before. Besides, I'm all in for Jesse... and the rest of the infected."