"…Oh, I see how it is."
Eric stayed quiet for a while, using his eyes to scan the entire picnic mat.
The amount of food he saw was alarming, but it caught his attention nevertheless.
Now rubbing his hand across his face, he laughed a bit.
"Hahah—perfect, this is just perfect. While we were busy trying to stay alive, you were playing house, building a family, and gathering food."
Jayhan didn't give a response; he simply stood there, daring Eric to do something stupid.
"After we left the store, do you care to know what happened right after?" Eric asked, a crazy look on his face.
Without getting a reply, he continued, "My plan was perfect. Leave the store and find a green zone. Any smart person would understand getting stronger was the most important thing to do.
Damn bastards, their footsteps were too loud. Yes, their footsteps—that was why those monsters found us."
Jayhan raised a brow.
'Is this dude alright in the head? He's blaming footsteps for walking aimlessly around monsters?'
Eric didn't stop there.
"They were strong; it wasn't my fault. I tried my best. They could have walked more quietly!" He gripped his hair, as if trying to reach into his brain.
"…The group… they all died?" Jayhan finally spoke.
Without any warning, Eric leaned forward and grabbed Veronica by the neck.
"It was HER fault! She should have fought with us. We were outnumbered because she wanted to come looking for you like a damn puppy!"
"Let go of me! Oh my god, you're literally, like, so annoying right now!" Veronica grabbed his hand, trying to free herself. "I told you to come with me, and you refused. Gosh, you're such an ass."
Anyone could tell Veronica was feeling irritated.
Choking her even tighter, a dangerous grin played on Eric's face.
"Who gives a shit! People still died, and yet here you are, chowing down, you heartless bi—"
"Take your hands off."
Jayhan grabbed Eric by the shoulder.
Eric threw a disgusted look his way.
"Uh? You're trying to protect this whore? Are you kidding? She ran away from my group the second things got bad. What makes you think she would give two shits about you?"
"I believe I asked you to take your hands off."
Jayhan tightened his grip on Eric's shoulder, watching the visible pain on his face.
Unable to bear the aching pain, Eric pulled away, stumbling a few steps back, his hand that was once around Veronica's neck now holding his shoulder.
As soon as she was free, Veronica ran to Jayhan's back, hiding behind him while grabbing his arm.
"Isn't this perfect? She charmed you with her boobs and ass, haha! You think you're special or something? I could end all of your lives right here without breaking a sweat. Do you even know who my divine protector is?"
Jayhan's expression displayed nothing but disappointment.
Not even a day had passed, and Eric was already getting swallowed by the power.
Jayhan had seen it happen in the game: some of the lucky people who got powerful divine protectors let it get to their heads, some even claiming to be gods.
[Lord of Information has been activated.]
[CHARACTER INFO]
[Name: Eric Fuentes.
GROUP: Wilson's Group.
Abilities: Stalking Lvl 4, Survival Instinct Lvl 7, Climbing Lvl 4, Showboating Lvl 10, Molesting Lvl 3.
Unique Ability: Spikes Cutter Lvl 4.
Divine Protector: The One Who Was Hidden (Low Tier).
Divine Blessing: Shield of Spikes.
Compatibility: -91.]
'He's not even the leader of his newly formed group.'
Jayhan caught sight of Eric's divine protector.
[Low Tier.]
A neutral look played on his face.
Dealing with Eric was only going to be a waste of time.
So he turned around to look at Veronica.
"Don't worry, he is not going to be any trouble. Let's head back," he smiled.
Before Veronica could even say a word back, Eric shouted.
"Hey! You think I'm joking? Hand over the girl and your belongings. I can handle you all by myself, but I sure as hell won't pass up the opportunity for my new group mates to join in!"
Not fully turning around, Jayhan looked to the far right, close to the alleyway. He could see three individuals dressed in black. Their aura was more than suspicious.
Since it was nighttime, Jayhan couldn't see their faces, but he could still tell they were looking in his direction.
'They have low-tier divine protectors too.'
Jayhan sighed and then fully turned around.
He rolled up his sleeves and began taking slow, steady steps toward Eric.
"W-what are you d-doing? Stay right there! Or I swear I'll attack you."
"It looks like you need a reality check, and I need a way to show these people not to mess with us for as long as we are in this plaza. Killing two birds with one stone. Come, put up a fight."
Kara, taking a quick sip of her tea, placed her cup on the mat and stood up elegantly.
"You intend to join the child in battle? Perhaps I need to remind you that we haven't fully learned our abilities yet," Adonis adjusted his hat. "I suggest you think this through."
While he was still speaking, Seo Yuna also stood up.
"We are going for the backups, right?"
Kara stretched. "Yes, just buy enough time for my darling to teach that ugly baldy a lesson. The backups look weak anyway, so we can take them."
Veronica joined in. "I don't know how to fight, but I'll totally do it anyway."
Kara smiled; it had been a while since she had gotten in a fight, so she was a tad bit excited.
Meanwhile, Adonis remained seated on the mat, shocked that the girls all ignored him.
"Let's go."
Kara and the girls moved forward.
While the other three men who were hiding in the shadows were now out, heading toward Jayhan to get the jump on him.
Or at least that was what they planned to do.