Seventeen more.
I guessed it's not that hard to gather them. If all the awakeners are gathered in one big place, then it'll be a lot easier for me to acquire all the remaining characters.
The soldier who got reprimanded by the kid also has an arrow, but there's no way I'd touch his head even if he's a target. My hands are precious, I still have use of them. Behind me, the people in line gawked at my majestic appearance.
If the frowning soldier didn't push me in, I would have struck a pose for them. It's not every day you can see someone so good-looking, right?
I drove past the gates just to abruptly stop on the side of the road again. My eyes couldn't believe how the sky in that city was clear of any monsters or any red smoke. It was as if the City of Osca was hidden, wearing a veil that made it invisible from all the monsters. I wondered why. But I gave up thinking further since I couldn't think of any explanation.
I pushed the bike and proceeded to the next soldier stationed far from the gates. A small number of people were standing under a makeshift shed, doing each of their own business. Everyone seemed relaxed and unbothered by the changes in society.
Unlike the people waiting for the shuttle on the opposite side. The people on the other side were all eyeing them. They gave weird looks and some even showed fear while glancing back at the kid who tossed a man in the air earlier.
On the other hand, I waved my hand when one of the faces standing on the soldier's side was familiar.
I knew it!
Serin is an awakener as well. However, it's quite hard to believe that someone who seemed uninterested in even lifting another finger was given power.
"I didn't expect you're awakened too," Serin's nonchalant voice greeted me again.
I guess introverts initiate talks with strangers too.
I grinned and scratched the back of my head, "You beat me to it. I was just about to say that to you."
"What rank are you?" asked Serin indifferently.
"S."
She raised her brows and commented, "They said that's the weakest rank."
I didn't bother refuting her since I don't know how ranks are measured as well, though I believe my rank is the highest.
"Yeah. How about you?"
I waited for her answer with bated breath. If her rank is higher, then that means she's a supporting character too! I can just reach over her head and say there's some bug encircling her head to check her role.
Serin raised her brows and probably thought, 'Why is this guy looking excited?"
So, I wiped the grin on my face and pretended like I was not interested. I glanced at the opposite side, where the shuttle bus had already arrived. People rushed to take a seat and some were even left standing.
It's not as if the shuttle won't come back, but they looked like they were all eager to find home and rest. They are all anxious, scared, and tired. Imagine having your life turned upside down and you suddenly became a penniless and homeless person.
"E."
"Huh?" I glanced back at Serin. Did I hear her right?
"My rank is E."
The arrow above her head jumped and swirled around, sticking its tongue at me. It's mocking me. No, it's not decided yet. What if the soldier is right? Then, he'll be the weakest of all indeed.
"Hey, mister."
"What?"
Serin furrowed her brows. I widened my eyes after I realized how my tone came out. I looked at her and smiled awkwardly, then I added, "You're amazing. You're two ranks higher than me. I'm envious."
She was silent. Then, she raised her fingers and counted on them, "You mean, fourteen ranks higher. If the ranks are based on alphabets."
"Ah…ahahaha, right. Congrats."
I don't need her arrow. I can just find another one. Our conversation was interrupted when the shuttle for the awakeners arrived. However, I didn't ride with them as I didn't want to leave the bike. Having a mode of transportation in that place will be beneficial.
The soldier in charge of transporting us allowed me to ride the bike, so I followed the bus. Luckily, they didn't check the plate, or else I might be branded as a thief.
From the distance, I can see the other bus where all the ordinary refugees are. They turned into the highway leading to the outskirts of the city, while the bus for awakeners entered the business district.
Half an hour later, the bus stopped in front of a high-rise building. Guards wearing black suits and black sunglasses were posted around the entrance.
A tall woman in a white long-sleeve polo shirt tucked inside a high-waisted beige pencil-cut skirt walked towards us in high heels clicking the ground as she stepped. Her long black hair tied in a high ponytail swayed as she moved.
Everything about her looks high – her eyebrows as well.
"Are they the only awakeners who moved here?"
Even her voice is high-pitched.
The woman turned her head to me with sharp eyes. My laughter stepped on the brakes and came to a stop, fortunately, before I could let it out. I don't think a hearty laugh will be welcomed in that tense atmosphere.
"Yes, Ma'am," the soldier answered politely.
"You can go back. I'll bring them inside."
The woman, who didn't even introduce herself, whirled around and left after gesturing us to follow.
All of us obliged. Who wouldn't? Just thinking that we're going to live in that luxurious building excites me already. Even the faces of my companions looked rejoicing, except one.
"Why do you look gloomy?"
Serin threw me a glance and then whispered back, "Didn't you see the other bus take the outer route? I heard Osca received most of the funds for refugees from the government because they accepted a lot. But they're taking them out from the cities and relocating them into a place where they couldn't probably do nothing but farm."
I looked ahead and replied, "That's exactly the government's solution, kid."
Serin stopped in her tracks and glared at me, "I'm not a kid."
"How old are you?"
"Twenty."
She's seven years younger than me. She's a kid. I stopped and waited for her to reach me, and then, unintentionally, I ruffled her head without thinking. Only after I heard the familiar sound of the system notification did I realize I affectionately invaded an introvert's personal space.