- Let me introduce you to people - Alexandra said to me. - You will have to deal with them. Everybody! This is Peter! Peter, this is everybody!

- Wow. Thanks for that...

The introduction didn't make an impression on anybody. We both were ignored.

- Your welcome, now you should pay me. I accept fruits and veggies.

I sighed and started walking straight to the device. Since it was already in use I had to wait, and she waited with me. Eventually, people dispersed, and I could use the damn thing. I put my hand on it and closed my eyes.

All my points were gone. I had only the basic hundred. I bought some food for ten points and shared it with her.

- Thanks - she said. - Now we are square. Don't think otherwise.

- Why would I think otherwise?

She hesitated for a second.

- I had guys asking me to suck them off after they gave me food. That's not happening.

- Ok.

She hesitated again.

- You know what? - She came a little bit closer. - I tell you something because you seem like a decent guy. See this young Asian guy, over there, by the fire? That's Nori Yuuto. If he tries to gamble with you for food, don't do it, he cheats.

The guys had an old and completely ruined suit on. The black hair was messy and covering his face.

- The two over there are Su and Lin. Brother and sister. They are decent people.

The duo she pointed out was also Asian. They both were short and had more casual clothes on, but also ruined by the time and whatever else happened to them here.

- And over there you have Cloe and Mayra. They are also ok.

She moved her head a little bit, to point at two girls now sitting together under a wall, eating. Previously they were with the other people near the device, but now when they got what they needed, they kept their distance.

- Thanks. I guess with you, that is the six cowards.

- Yes - she said, and then left me.

I went to talk with the newcomers, to just have a better look at the entire situation. I was still unsure If I should stay in this place. I had this strange feeling that I could return at any moment, just because I could feel the anchors.

They were pretty much clueless, and scared. Because I was looking confident, some of them proposed to help each other when monsters come. I didn't know if I was gonna hand around for that long, but if I did, I wouldn't try to hide or run. Those days were past me. I was a hunter now.

Few hours passed on those idle talks. A bunch of people introduced themselves to me, but I no longer remember the names. They even told me many things about themselves, which I also no longer remember. They tried to bond, so we could rely on each other.

When the night approached, I found myself a nice ruin and went inside. Then I put some barriers around, to alarm me if something gets close. The cowards did the same thing, they spread around and vanished in the buildings, but it didn't look like they are actively hiding, which made me guess that the danger is not approaching.

I sat under a wall and closed my eyes. Then I felt how tired I really was. Here it was morning, but where I came from, it was the middle of the night. I slowly drifted away and found myself standing in front of a gigantic tree. It had beautiful green leaves, and an enormous crown, with branches spreading far, far away. The wind was gently caressing those leaves.

Then a ball of light appeared, or maybe I should call it jack-o'-lantern, or just a wisp?

- So we finally meet, Peter - It said to me.

It was a strange dream because I was well aware I'm dreaming.

- Who are you? - I asked.

- I'm somebody who you better know as The Great One.

My fist clenched on their own.

- You were the one behind that invasion, weren't you? What do you want from us?!

- I did. It had to be done. You would keep fighting among yourselves instead of making progress. To tell you the truth, I actually wanted to kill all of you and bring new humans. To my surprise, you managed to survive. That was unexpected.

- You killed Nadia, you fucking asshole!

I wanted to punch that thing, but I found myself unable to move.

- I didn't kill anybody and keep those insults to yourself. Isn't it obvious that I'm the one in charge of this place? Don't struggle pointlessly, and listen to what I want to tell you.

- I don't care! What do you want from us?!

- It's too early for you to find out. Now, silence.

And I could no longer speak.

- I was the one who brought you to this world. Xuvi thinks you are on earth, but It's too early for your return. Besides, I need you here. Fix this place for me, and keep the secret about my existence.

- And If I won't? - I sad, surprising even myself, as the ability to speak returned to me.historical

- Do you want your people to be invaded by another army of monsters? I think not.

I didn't answer that. I was furious, but I just couldn't do anything, and the worst part was he knew that very well. Getting all my friends killed was not an option.

- If you fix this place for me, I will never again send the monsters. Do we have a deal?

Again, I didn't answer.

- I want you to make sure all of the people in this world can hunt, and survive. I want you to put them on a path to progress. Make them stronger. Show them how to hunt. Do not disappoint me. Now, go to work.

And I woke up, in the same ruined building I fell asleep.. It was already morning, the next day.