"It's the damn hospital... Why did they choose to fight here?!" a patient complained.
Even though the patients were also informed about the current situation centered around [The Jay Family], some of them were annoyed and grumpy. At that hour, most patients would usually go to sleep, but because of the ruckus outside, some were still awake, watching what happened at the hospital's entrance from their windows.
There, Erik was confronting a group of other Challengers. Using his staff, he knocked out a few enemies already. Erik precisely swung his staff to hit them at their chins or temples, causing them to fold immediately. However, despite appearing unfazed, Erik's body was stinging without even having been hit once.
He, too, was technically a patient who was still recovering from a tough battle. He was ordered to rest for a few days before he could slowly resume physical activities, but now he was acting as the sole defensive line against a horde of people. Each rapid movement made the pain worse, making it feel like Erik was being hit by a bullet every single time.
"Team B and C are on their way, guys!" one of them announced.
Their numbers were already halved, and they were on the brink of despair, witnessing one comrade after another falling after just one hit of the yet untouched Erik, but hearing that news fueled their anxious bodies with newfound hope and motivation.
"Let's keep going, everyone!"
Then, they attacked Erik all at once without an actual strategy. Erik, who watched them blindly charge at him, prepared his stance to counter. However, it was at that moment that his body decided not to move like he wanted to. The pain reached a new height, actively hindering his body movements.
Standing stiffly and letting his guard down accidentally led to a Challenger landing a hit on Erik's head with their bat. Fortunately, the difference in their stats was wide; thus, Erik did not suffer that much damage, but still, it was enough to make him stumble on the spot. His head felt dizzy, and his vision blurred for a single moment. However, during that moment, another Challenger attempted to strike Erik with a sharp weapon.
Erik dodged the attack barely, but because he was still unbalanced, another one managed to sneak behind him, thrusting their elbow into his back.
"Ack...!" Erik groaned, almost falling down to one knee. His body was stinging everywhere and felt like it was about to crumble—not just physically but also mentally. Out of all people, he was at the mercy of beginners who were attacking him so sloppily. It was not that he took pride in himself or looked down on beginners. It was just that his determination took great damage.
Erik vowed to himself to complete a certain mission, no matter what would happen, or whom he had to fight. And yet, he found himself struggling at the very beginning of his long journey.
Compared to Luna, Erik did not possess the talent or skillset of a mage. He purely relied on his strength and his weapon. His exclusive ability was also one of his assets, but it was not needed against enemies he could take down with a single attack—or against the mutation whose body parts could be cut off with one swing. That skill was only usable against enemies with a body so tough that a follow-up attack was needed.
Frustrated with himself, Erik clenched his fists tightly. Fighting against the immense pain, Erik got up and straightened his back. He noticed a few other groups heading toward them from every direction. But not for a single second was Erik nervous. It was because he promised himself to keep going. Even if the start of his long mission turned out miserable, and even if he struggled against beginners, he could not allow himself to falter.
"Let's do it again!" one of the Challengers declared vigorously, feeling confident that they could take Erik down.
Once more, the group charged at Erik, their weapons ready to strike. However, in the blink of an eye, they were all sent flying.
"Once I'm done with you, I'll get some rest..." Erik muttered, both tired and fierce, after he swung his staff with all his might.
And while Erik was ready for the second round, Luna woke up. After letting out a huge yawn and stretching her limbs, Luna glanced at Jay, who was staring silently out of the window. He did not gaze at Erik and the groups of Challengers; instead, he looked at the moon.
"Did Erik already go?" Luna asked, still sounding sleepy.
"You can sleep longer if you want to. Erik is fighting already, but he will notify us when it's your turn to act." Jay replied, shifting his gaze to her.
"Nah, I'm good for now."
Luna had gotten enough rest and was now eager to join Erik's side. However, she had to stick to the plan and guard Jay, while letting Erik fight alone against a potential horde of enemies.
"The police also arrived and are now guarding the other people here."
"Great! Then, it will be harder for enemies to infiltrate the hospital now, right?" Luna said, happy that they had received reinforcements to tighten their defense.
However, Jay chuckled.
"The police won't help us, Luna. They're only here to keep the innocent people safe. They won't meddle in our personal quest."
If enemies managed to get inside and headed toward Jay's room, the police would not lift a finger, unless an innocent bystander was in danger.
"Did you call for us?" a smug-sounding woman asked after opening the door without asking for permission.
Luna immediately grabbed her spear, preparing herself for combat. However, when she looked at the person's face, she slowly lowered her spear.
"Captain Scarlet." Jay said, his gaze stern.
"No need to be so on edge. I'm not here to harm you." Scarlet huffed. Her heels were clacking as she entered the room, and her eyes were on Jay, who, in turn, had a bad feeling.
Jay signaled Luna to stay on guard, but that eye contact was not missed by Scarlet, whose sword was sheathed.
"Do I look that suspicious to you? Even though I'm from the police?" Scarlet scoffed.
"What do you want?" Jay asked with a frown. He was in a tight spot. Since he could not move like he wanted yet, he could not retaliate in case Scarlet tried anything. And due to their not-so-friendly relationship, the chances were high that it could turn ugly really quickly.
"Oh well, I tried to be friendly and make some small talk first, but it seems like you're not in the mood for it." Scarlet said, faking her disappointment.
She instantly dropped her act, resuming her usual demeanor. Her eyes were fierce, and her chest puffed out.
"Care to show me your status window?" she asked—or rather, ordered. With her arms crossed, she gave off the impression that she was looking down on Jay.
"And what if I refuse?" Jay responded, his eyes showing no signs of wavering. Both of their gazes were so sharp that it felt like sparks flew across the room.
"Then I'd have no choice but to do it forcefully."
"That would be rude, don't you think?"
"Look at me closely. Do I look like I care what others think about me?" Scarlet chuckled, a wide smug grin on her face.
"Let's see if you can repeat those words to Alice." Jay returned the gesture.
Having had enough, Scarlet quickly unsheathed her sword, swinging it at Jay and stopping the blade at his throat.
"Today is the day I reveal all your secrets. Whether you want to or not."
However, at that moment, an unexpected group of people also entered the room.