Loki’s Successor System

Chapter 146: Looting?

"Yeah," Miguel said, "you heard me right. I said looting."

Still slumping against the wall, I looked at him. I didn't know why he made looting sound so normal. Why would we need to loot anyway? I grimaced. "Why loot? I don't even think there are places to do such. The city isn't a placed in which different areas are vacated. If the dome was built around any place in the city, shouldn't that place be active? I don't think there are unsecured groceries and whatnot."

"Actually," Hanso said, "this place was attacked before the dome was activated. A lot of people must've lost their lives in here. So there's bound to have empty houses and storesdead owners."

I nodded my head. "Okay, that's good to know, I guess." Cold air escaped my lips as my voice trailed off.

It was cold. Really cold. And we were getting close to winter. It hadn't even started snowing yet. I could've only imagined how cold it would be when this winter arrived. I had to secure a shelter where warmth could be found.

'I don't think many will survive outside of houses this winter,' I thought to myself, seriousbrows furrowed. 'It's gonna be tougher in here than I thought. I wonder what the Government will do to help.'

I felt Miguel's eyes on me, but I neglected them. Perhaps he noticed the look on my face or saw me shivering. Seconds later, he looked away, peering up at the sky.

Miguel seemed a bit too calm about all this. It was like he experienced it before. He much reminded me of Flint; Jin's friend who had betrayed us. I felt like I knew him from somewhere. I didn't want to be mindful of him, but I guessed it started happening subconsciously. 

"Demons apparently get bored really fast," Hanso drawled, eyes kept to slits. "Ash, we really need to loot and stuff before we starve to death. We only need to seek shelter before we get attacked or, even worse, frozen. We should definitely go looting a little later," he smirked. "How about we go reclaim your weapon from those bullies right now?"

I fumbled. "I- ... uh ..." I averted my eyes, "Let's go with the latter. Let's just do the looting before it gets too dark."

Hanso raised a brow at me. "Are you avoiding the bullies? You can't be serious."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"Not."

"You are."

"Fine," I said, pushing my glasses higher up my nose bridge, "I'm just trying to avoid trouble. Dire consequences can be stemmed from deciding to somehow ambush or even ravage Nate and his gang. What's more, rule two will be broken. We're not supposed to reveal our abilities to anyone. You already know the possible outcomes of such."

"Ah come on, Ash. This demon's really bored right now!" Hanso fussed. "I'm sure that organization's  more fun than being here against this lame ... mossy wall. You know how many people must've pissed on this!"

I slowly stood. "We should go with the latter. Let's go scavenging."

Miguel stood. "That would be looting, mind you."

Hanso frowned, standing. "Whatever it is; I sure hope it's fun."

I looked at Miguel. "Where do we start ... leader?" I smiled at him.

He scoffed. "Leader? Oh please. I can't even lead my own stream of pee to the toilet."

That, apparently, was the first 'ugly' thing Miguel's said.

"And I can't even lead my eyes into somebody else's," I admitted. "You'll make a much better leader than I. It's official. Don't oppose me. You're our leader."

Miguel jammed his hands in his pockets and shrugged. "I mean, if you say so ... I wouldn't want you putting those ashy hands on me as condemnation anytime soon."

I chortled. 

Hanso frowned. "Hey! I can make a good leader too! I stand with confidence in that claim."

I simply smiled at him.

***

We were simply walking further down the dome, which was supposedly not explored much by the citizens of the new world yet. Miguel walked with his hands in his pockets. Hanso walked with his arms folded. And I walked with my back slightly hunched and my arms dangling at my sides. Not to mention a frown on my face. 

We had passed a lot of gawking citizens. Humans, Elves, Hobgoblins, goblins. There were many. There were supposed to be ten thousand of us, after all. I just didn't like the energy given off by this new world. Something felt amiss. 

The area was quiet and cold. The sky overhead, blocked by the translucent dome, was grey as if rain was about to fall. Perhaps it was about to fall. And that thought made me wonder if we'd ever feel the rain again. 

So much so, that I couldn't help but ask.

"Hey guys," I said, walking and looking up at the sky, "Will we the citizens of this new world ever feel the rain again? I know it's a stupid question, I just"

"Actually," Hanso chimed in, "that's a great question, man. Is the dome an energy force, like a forcefield, or is it a palpable object the birds can crash into? I honestly don't know the answer to that question. But it sure is a great question."

Miguel looked up as he walked. "How are we supposed to get water in this place if the rain falls on the dome? I don't even think the government cares. All the government cares about is itself. I guess there's a chance of us dying of thirst."

Hanso scoffed. "Pfft. Yeah right. Do you honestly think I'll let that happen? I'm sure this demon can cope without water for a bit."

I frowned. "I don't think it's gonna be just for 'a bit', Hanso. If it doesn't rain in here, we're looking at a potential crisis. One in which doom might be met. I don't think there are any communal wells or other water sources here either."

"And it's likely that plumbing was ruined when the first wave of creatures started to emerge from the earth," Miguel added.

I fixed my glasses. "We're basically dead if it doesn't rain."

Hanso nudged me with an elbow. "Well, I guess I'll be a zombie just like you, Ash. 'Cause no way I'm settling for death."

I couldn't smile nor laugh at what he had said. This was too serious. This situation was dire. He noticed that he hadn't gotten a reaction out of me and quelled himself, deflating. 

He pressed his lips together in a tight line. "Not funny, okay ... fine" he muttered. 

"Guys," Miguel pointed, "trouble up ahead."

Slowly, I looked in the direction he was pointing. Due north. My eyes widened. It was trouble indeed.