Chef in the Apocalypse

Chapter 40: Setting Off

The next morning dawned with a sense of purpose and determination, as the chosen party members gathered in the shelter’s main hall. Jayce stood before them, his clear blue eyes reflecting a blend of seriousness and resolve. This was a critical moment, a step into the unknown that held the potential to shape their future.

Beside Jayce stood Lianna, her emerald eyes shining with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Colin’s massive form was a reassuring presence, his playful grin belying the strength that lay within. Jackie’s calm demeanor exuded an air of confidence, while Brad and Paul, the swordsmen, exchanged nods of camaraderie. Amber, the fire mage, stood with an air of focused readiness, her hands occasionally flickering with tiny flames as she practiced her mana manipulation. Zane, the archer, leaned nonchalantly against the wall, keeping to himself.

Before they could set off, Jayce turned to Glen, the Guardian he had entrusted with the shelter’s safety. He reiterated the instructions, his tone carrying a hint of concern. “Remember, Glen, keep an eye on everyone. Make sure no one leaves without a full team, and be cautious.”

Glen nodded solemnly, a deep sense of responsibility etched across his features. “Understood, Leader. I’ll make sure everyone stays safe.”

As if sensing the seriousness of the moment, Colin, the gentle giant, stepped forward with his signature grin. With a single swoop, he lifted Jayce up from behind, cradling him in one arm as if he were a child. Laughter rumbled through the room, a warm and hearty sound that eased the tension.

“Alright, alright, we got it,” Colin playfully teased, his voice a rumbling baritone. “No need to repeat yourself another ten times, Jayce.”

Jayce’s protests and flailing only seemed to amuse the group further, their laughter echoing through the shelter. With the door before them, Colin’s stride was confident, his burden carried with ease. As they stepped outside, the rest of the party waved back at those they were leaving behind, a farewell filled with both determination and camaraderie.

Amid the waves and nods, Jayce’s flailing took on a more exaggerated quality, his voice rising in mock complaint. “Put me down, Colin! I can walk perfectly well, you know!”

The sight of their leader being carried like a child, his protests punctuated by laughter, was a testament to the bonds that had formed among this group. With the shelter’s door closing behind them, the party set off towards the city’s outskirts, their spirits high and their resolve unshakeable.

***

The streets of the city seemed quieter today, their once menacing shadows now familiar and navigable. The party moved with a blend of caution and confidence, their synchronized footsteps echoing off the crumbling buildings. As they ventured deeper, Brad nudged Colin, inclining his head toward Jayce. Colin followed Brad’s gaze and saw the furrowed brow on their leader’s face.

With a knowing smile, Colin fell in step beside Jayce, his voice a low rumble. “Hey, don’t let those wrinkles stay too long. You were the one who said they’d be just fine without us back there, remember?”

Jayce sighed, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly. “You’re right, Colin. Maybe I am overthinking it.”

Colin clapped Jayce on the back, his grin infectious. “That’s the spirit, Leader.”

After about an hour, the group reached a bridge, its expanse stretching out before them. Their constant ventures into the city had cleared out many of the nearby monsters, leading to a relatively quiet journey. However, their luck seemed to have run out as Zane, the usually quiet archer, halted their progress.

His sharp eyesight had spotted something ahead – three imposing figures on the bridge. Zane’s description painted a vague picture – pale-skinned and hulking, with two tusks jutting from their lower jaws, and each wielding a formidable club. Jayce’s frown deepened as he realized what they were up against: trolls. These creatures were known for their territorial nature, and encountering three of them in one place was unusual.

“Those are trolls,” Jayce’s voice held a touch of concern. He had a bad feeling about this situation. Colin’s question broke the tension, “What level are they?”

Jayce’s response was succinct, “Usually around level 10 to 15.”

Colin’s scoff was a mixture of bravado and confidence. “We can take ’em.”

Lianna’s voice chimed in, her eyes determined. “With my buffs and healing, we should be able to handle it.”

The party was beginning to talk like a seasoned troop, speaking with confidence in the face of danger. However, something felt off about the whole situation, causing Jayce’s intuition to be triggered and his mind to feel uneasy.

Jayce’s mind churned, caught between the wisdom of caution and the courage his companions exuded. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this situation was different, somehow significant. Why were the trolls gathered here, and why was there more than one? His thoughts drifted back to moments in his previous life when overconfidence had led to devastating consequences. He’d seen too many pay the ultimate price for underestimating their enemies.

His gaze shifted to Colin, whose eager grin awaited his decision. He glanced over his party members, each embodying a unique strength and unwavering trust in his leadership. It was in their eyes, their unwavering camaraderie, their belief that they could overcome any obstacle. Despite his reservations, Jayce couldn’t ignore their spirit.

A reluctant sigh escaped his lips, his voice steady yet tinged with caution. “Alright, we’ll engage them.”

Colin’s fist pumped triumphantly into the air, a wide smile spreading across his face. Jayce’s words didn’t fall on deaf ears, though. As the others nodded their agreement, Jayce’s tone turned more serious, his blue eyes locking onto Colin’s.

“Just remember, trolls might be slow, but their strength is tremendous. Make sure not to get hit, even a glancing blow. That goes for everyone, Colin,” he emphasized, looking pointedly at the towering guardian. “You might be able to withstand the impact, but your shield won’t.”

Colin’s expression shifted to one of mock offense, his hand rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “Yes, boss, I’ll keep that in mind.”

The rest of the party nodded in understanding, their faces reflecting a mixture of determination and respect for Jayce’s cautionary words. With a final nod, Jayce’s gaze returned to the looming bridge ahead, his resolve firm despite the lingering uncertainty.

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