The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 48: Counter (Part 1)

Chapter 48: Counter

4 months After the Fall:

"How you settling in?" Vanter asked me as I met him in the corridor outside my and Aria's room.

"It's nice having a place to sleep without worrying about Rift Walkers, bandits or monsters," I smiled to him genuinely relieved. "You didn't have to come all the way down here. I could have met you in the central district."

"It's cool," he clapped me on the shoulder. "You're my best friend. We're in this together. Sorry I couldn't get you anywhere nicer."

"This is plenty nice," I didn't want to take anything for granted. The room was bigger than my and Aria's old room, even coming with a small kitchen and dining area. There were plenty like it and corridors like the one we occupied were stacked row upon row within the Great Dungeon of Crysis.

"I'm glad you're feeling better. When I first saw you and your sister in the crowd, you looked like you went through hell."

"It wasn't hell, but close to it," my hands tightened into fists. "I had to give up on a lot of people." I laughed harshly at myself, "I'm one of the better Players and yet, I couldn't even cause a crack into those larger Rift Walkers."

"About that," Vanter began to lead me out of the corridor, "have you thought about what you want to do for work?"

"I..., whatever I do, I want to make up for the people I couldn't save. I want to be stronger than I am now."

Vanter smiled, "Then I've got the job for you. Join the Guard with me. We need good people and you're the best I know."

"Is that alright?"

"It's more than alright and besides, rumour is there's a new technique on the block. One that can break a Rift Walkers armour with ease. Plus, there's plenty of room to grow. With your smarts you'll be raised to an officer in no time."

"Thanks Vanter, let's give it a go."

"Great," he grinned.

"And umm, about Endi-."

He held up his hand, "Let's not go there yet."

"Yeah...."

**

"How did it go?" Ana asked us as we entered the living room space. Vanter and I shuffled in, hanging our jackets by the door. We had just returned from the ISPA

"Good," Vanter answered. "We got information and passed on those people we kidnapped. Though there's at least another Rift Walker somewhere, the ISPA lost some valuable members and we still don't know who exactly we're dealing with."

"That doesn't sound good," Ana raised her brow at him.

"No it doesn't." He huffed and looked to me, "You know, now that I think of it, Ardent are you getting tired of being surprised all the time?"

"A little bit," I replied. It was exhausting in its own way.

"Yeah same. Especially considering we're from the FUCKING FUTURE!" he especially enunciated his words. "Anyway, anything happen?"

Ana shook her head, "I checked on our defences. Endi is resting. Arthur and Zen haven't returned. Aria's gone to the library to study with Erin."