Chapter 2: Pilot (2)
The sandy terrain around the campfire was littered with rubble and destroyed buildings, remnants of the battles that had taken place in this once-thriving city.
The crackling of the flames and the aroma of the stew filled the air.
The boy with the blue buzz cut and purple eyes, Johnson, smiled and eagerly lifted the lid of the pot in the middle of the campfire, revealing the steaming stew.
"Let's enjoy the food, guys!"
He cheered, passing the bowls around to his fellow Nephalems.
Milly, with her pink hair and green eyes, took a deep breath, enjoying the scent.
"It smells delicious, Johnson. Thank you."
As they ate, Hana gazed up at the starry night sky, marveling at the beauty of the universe.
"It's so peaceful," she said softly.
Lando stirred his stew thoughtfully. "It's almost too quiet," he replied, his voice heavy with concern. "We need to be careful. The Vultures could be lurking anywhere."
Johnson nodded in agreement. "That's why we have to stay alert, no matter what."
Milly looked at their deactivated Nephalem, a sense of worry creeping up inside her.
"We have to make sure we're prepared for anything that comes our way," she said.
Johnson looked at her, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong, Milly?"
She looked at him, her eyes downcast. "It's nothing. Let's just enjoy this moment while we can."
Lando grinned at Johnson. "You were always the best cook among us," he said. Johnson blushed, a little embarrassed.
Milly gave Johnson a soft smile. "It's true. Your cooking is amazing."
Lando rolled his eyes playfully. "What about my compliments, Milly?" he teased.
Milly playfully punched him in the arm. "You get enough compliments already, Lando."
Johnson chuckled, taking another spoonful of stew. "Don't worry, Milly. You're just as appreciated as Lando's ego."
Milly grinned, feeling a little better. "Thanks, Johnson."
As they finished their stew, they sat in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company. The night was still young, and they knew that danger could be just around the corner, but for now, they could savour this moment of peace and camaraderie.
Johnson looked up at Milly, his heart pounding in his chest.
He had been meaning to tell her something for a long time, but he never had the courage until now. "Hey, Milly," he said, his voice shaking slightly.
Milly turned to face him, a smile on her face. Lando and Hana watched with amusement, sensing that something was about to happen.
"Yeah?" Milly asked, her eyes bright.
Before Johnson could say anything more, the sound of a gun cocking interrupted them. Johnson's eyes widened as he slowly turned around, his gaze meeting the barrel of an assault rifle.
Up the sandy hill on the right, surrounded by the old and dilapidated skyscrapers that once towered above them, stood a group of armed men. They were the enemy, and they had found them.
"GUYS! GUN!" Johnson yelled, trying to alert his friends. But it was too late. The sound of gunfire filled the air as the enemy opened fire.
A bullet slammed into Johnson's chest, knocking him off his feet. Blood spurted out of the wound as he struggled to pull out his own gun, his hands shaking with fear.
More of the enemy appeared, popping out from behind the skyscrapers and firing their weapons. Milly, Hana, and Lando scrambled to their feet, their eyes wide with terror.
They watched in horror as more bullets penetrated Johnson's body, his arms, legs, and chest riddled with holes.
He coughed up blood, and then the final bullet zoomed over, entering Johnson's head.
Brain matter and blood splattered onto the metal pot and around the campfire, the sickening sound of flesh sizzling on the hot coals.
Johnson's body fell to the ground, lifeless. Lando stared in shock, unable to believe what had just happened.
Milly ran for her Nephalem, desperately hoping to find safety inside, but as soon as she opened the hatch, rockets flew towards it, exploding it into a million pieces. Milly's body was nowhere to be seen.
"NOOO!"
Lando screamed, tears streaming down his face. Hana clung to him, her own sobs muffled by the sound of gunfire.
They were alone now, stranded in the middle of a warzone. The campfire burned on, casting an eerie glow over the destroyed buildings and the sandy terrain.
They had to find a way out, and fast, before they suffered the same fate as Johnson and Milly.
As Lando slowly opened his eyes, his senses were immediately drawn to the softness of the bed beneath him.
The sheets were crisp and cool against his skin, and the pillow provided just the right amount of support for his head.
As he looked around the room, he noticed the walls were painted a pristine white, and the ceiling was high, giving the space an airy and spacious feel.
The room was well-lit, with sunlight streaming in from a large window that looked out onto a lush green courtyard.
The window was framed by flowing white curtains that swayed gently in the breeze.
Lando also noticed a sleek and modern TV mounted on the wall, ready for any necessary announcements or communication.
As he sat up, he felt the plush carpeting underfoot, and his eyes drifted to the minimalist yet stylish furniture that adorned the room.
A sleek desk with a comfortable chair was stationed in the corner, along with a simple yet elegant dresser. The room was well-organized and tidy, giving off a feeling of serenity and calm.
Lando took a deep breath, feeling the cool air conditioning fill his lungs, and he knew he was in a safe and comfortable space.
As Lando slowly regained consciousness, he wiped the sweat off his forehead, feeling the sticky dampness on his skin.
But then, as he rubbed his eyes, he was suddenly aware of a strange wetness around his eyes. With a start, he realized that he had been crying in his sleep.
The tears had escaped from his eyes and ran down his cheeks, leaving salty trails on his skin.
The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, and he felt a sudden surge of emotion rising in his chest. He couldn't help but feel embarrassed and ashamed of himself, wondering why he was crying in the first place.
He looked around his small and barren dorm room, with its stark white walls and functional furnishings, feeling a sense of isolation and emptiness.
The tears continued to flow down his cheeks, and he buried his face in his hands, feeling the wetness seep through his fingers.
It was a strange and unfamiliar feeling for him, as he had always prided himself on his emotional control and resilience.
But now, in the privacy of his own room, he couldn't help but let his guard down and let his feelings wash over him. "I'm sorry, Johnson… Milly…"
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone