Amias landed onto the ground and his balance was unsteady for a moment. Lightheaded, he took a moment to catch his breath. I should stop teleporting for the time being. No one knew where Lyle and you went after he was caught up in the mist, so Amias opted to teleport wherever he could until he found you. It led to a reckless and strenuous use of his abilities.

Amias summoned the holographic map and carefully observed his surroundings. He deduced that he was right on the edge of the ghost town. Normally, relief would flood him since he was one step closer to reaching the main city and completing the SF trial. But that wasn't his objective. His objective was to find you and make sure you were safe.

After all, it was his fault you got hurt.

Before Amias had the chance to reprimand himself for the fifth time, he caught a glimpse of you––was that you? A naive part of Amias hoped that by the time he had found you, you'd be back to normal. However, the moment Amias met your eyes, a sharp chill skewered that wishful thinking. Your static filled eyes, the unsettling grin on your lips; that wasn't you.

And there was Lyle as well. Amias ignored his previous thought of reducing the use of his abilities and pushed aside his fatigue to teleport right in front of Lyle.

Amias's eyes narrowed in hostility. "Was that true? Did you try to kill her?"

The disbelief he felt when he had first heard the irregular apparition say that came flooding back to Amias. If it was true, why didn't you mention it to him? Was he not trustworthy enough? In fact, why would Lyle try to kill you in the first place?

"Do you think we have time for that kind of conversation right now?"

Lyle didn't deny it.

"It's an easy question!" Amias shouted, taking a step closer to Lyle. "What did you do to her?"

"It's a damned long story, okay? We have bigger things to deal with here!"

"If you think about hurting (Y/n) to get rid of the possession––"

"And so what if I do?! What else is there, Amias? Are you that stupidly naive to think there can be a pacifist route for everything?"

Amias bit down the urge to refute. Yes, Amias cared about the wellbeing of others, he was enthusiastic when it came to being helpful, and he valued kindness. A pacifist route for everything? Lyle's words were in line with his character.

However, if it were anyone else Amias didn't think he'd care to this extent. After all, he was still realistic. In a life or death scenario, there is no perfect and happy way to resolve anything. But this was you. You were someone he cared for and you were someone he felt comfortable around. You meant so much to him, of course he didn't want you to get hurt!

Was it so wrong of him to hope for a solution that would cause you the least amount of harm?

"(Y/n)'s not the type to give up, maybe she'll come back as an apparition and you can say your final goodbye there," Lyle said.

(Y/n) an apparition...?

Amias didn't want to think about your death. He couldn't lose you. Not only was Amias incredibly thankful for the security you gave him, but you alone as an individual was someone he admired and held great reverence for. Confidence, the determination to strive forward, and had a purposeful goal. There was so much you had to live for. In Amias's eyes, you took the spotlight in his life.

You were the protagonist he'd follow till the end.

The next events were a blur. One moment Lyle was trying to converse with the apparition, the next his hand had impaled your body.

Horror struck Amias and paralysed him to the ground. What... What should I do? What could he do?

I... I can't even help her.

After all you did for him, he couldn't do anything for you.

The apparition ripped Lyle's hand out of your stomach and stumbled back. Amias rushed by your side and began taking off his blazer, ready to stop the bleeding as soon as possible. Disrupting his plans, a terrifyingly strong gust of wind knocked him back. Wind? When did the apparition possessing you have control over that?

You crouched down, hands clutching your stomach. With a sharp inhale, you mumbled something under your breath. Amias picked himself up and ran over to your side again. He paused when he noticed that the apparition was trying to stop the bleeding. In fact, that chilling feeling he initially felt from you had disappeared.

Were you back?

You stood up and slowly approached Amais with unsteady steps. Your eyes were glowing a faint red hue. Then, it clicked in his mind. The vengeful apparition. It wasn't exorcised in the first phase of the SF trial. What was it doing possessing your body?

"I did the best I could..." You took a deep breath. "You better take care of her."

You fell onto Amias and any traces of the vengeful apparition was gone. Now, you were finally back; albeit, unconscious. Your body was dangerously cold and your breaths were slow. Amias carefully laid you down to check the state of your stomach. Your suit was tainted with crimson and there was a nasty gnash on your stomach that was bleeding. However, that was significantly better than a hole that was profusely spilling out all your blood.

Amias took off his blazer and wrapped it around your stomach. Blood got onto his hands and clothes, but that was the least of his problems.

Did the vengeful apparition heal her?

Amais saw your peaceful expression and his heart softened. Well, whatever happened, he was glad you were alive. Time was ticking, though. The injuries you sustained needed to get treated as soon as possible.

"Amias! Is (Y/n) over there?"

That was Finn's voice. Close behind him was Caleb and, surprisingly, everyone else. Elias, Sara, Jade, Cecil––looks like they all found each other eventually.

"Is Miss Support alive?" Caleb glanced over Amias's shoulders. "This is the first time I've seen such a peaceful expression during a life or death situation."

"I'd ask what happened, but I'll save it for later," Elias said. "Look up ahead."

Though they were on the town's edge, the area was still infested with apparitions. And, since the previous apparition possessing you was gone, the apparitions roaming the area they were in were far more active and hostile now. A swarm was headed right towards Amias. Instinctively, he positioned himself to shield your body.

I don't have a lot of strength left, but even if it means paralysing my arms I'll––

Though Amias was more than ready to take off his gloves in order to protect you, he held the thought when a giant snake suddenly wrapped around the apparitions before unhinging its jaw and consuming them whole. At first, Amias mistaken the reptile for an apparition. But when a familiar low chuckle was heard, Amias realised that Cecil had exorcised the apparitions.

"Aw, it's a shame she's asleep." Cecil's eyes illuminated, sharp slits in them resembling a snake's. He dramatically sighed. "I was sure she would've fallen for me right then and there. Oh well, next time."

Seeing Cecil's usual flirtatious behaviour oddly comforted Amias. "Thank you."

"Of course."

The exchange was cut short. Amias focused his attention to the apparitions; never before had his vision blurred with so much silver. Some apparitions worked in unison, muddling together and forming an anfractuous maze. Others weighed the air with a searing chill and Amias desperately wished he could provide you with more warmth.

Apparitions rushed towards Sara. The brunette made no moves to dodge. With a simple clap of her hands, the sound reverberated loudly and exorcised the apparitions. Though it appeared effortless, the shaky sigh that left her pink lips hinted at the strain of her ability.

"Our efforts will be in vain if we exorcise the apparitions without a plan," Sara said, a nervous chuckle leaving her. "I'm guessing everyone's reaching their limits?"

No words were exchanged and that was enough of a confirmation.

"It's okay! It'll be weird if the SF trial isn't a struggle anyway," she assured, positivity brightening her tone. "For now, let's focus on moving in one direction. I'll take the lead since I have a decent amount of stamina left."

Elias stepped in. "I'll help out. It'll be more efficient if we work together."

The siblings nodded at each other.

"Sounds like a plan!" Caleb showed an approving thumbs up. "Nothing strict, which means I can do whatever I want."

There wasn't enough time to meticulously plan out how everyone was going to coordinate one another's abilities. They would just have to just rely on pure instinct and sheer luck to execute this well.

"Ahh, kinda annoys me that we'll be doing all the work," Caleb said, jabbing a thumb behind him. "They're just gonna sit back looking pretty while we clear the way, huh?"

Amias looked to where Caleb pointed. A few other SF candidates seemed to have made it to the city's edge alive. Maybe a little under ten? That was significantly less than what the SF trial started with. Then, everyone else... It was best to not think about it.

A dreary air of hopelessness and sorrow hung over the candidates. Many looked incredibly worn out, desperately clinging onto remnants of energy as exhaustion weighed their movements. Others were mumbling something under their breath with dilated pupils or a blank expression.

"What if we get them to help us?" Amias asked, though he was uncertain of his suggestion. "That way we're not doing all the work?"

"I bet you my midnight snacks––and that's saying something––that many here did some not-so ethical deeds to stay alive," Caleb responded. "We're better off without them."

"How about the rest? The ones who can barely move. They'll die if we leave them."

"In a perfect world, I'd love to help everyone." Finn smiled sympathetically. "But there's not much we can do."

"We're clearing the path for them. That's already a significant amount of help. It's not our responsibility to ensure their safety," Elias said curtly. "You need to protect (Y/n), right? There's no point in worrying about others."

Amias's grip on you grew a little more protective and he nodded at Elias's words. He cast one last guilty glance at the candidates. Elias was right, he needed to make sure you were safe. You were Amias's top priority.

Jade tapped Amias's shoulder and said, "Focus on keeping her safe, I'll take care of the apparitions near us."

A small part of Amias didn't want to accept her help. He wanted to be the only one protecting you, he wanted to be more reliable. But realistically, with his declining strength, that was not possible.

"Thank you, Jade."

The woman smiled. "It's no problem."

And with that, everyone went into action.

Finn's flames were perfect when it came to eliminating apparitions in one powerful move across a large space, it synchronised well with Caleb's ability. Cecil's snake was efficient if there was a specific group of apparitions that needed to be targeted; furthermore, he was sly and moved secretively and was not often a target for apparitions. Jade had pinpoint accuracy with her exorcism abilities that morphed into a blade and she diligently guarded Amias.

Elias and Sara were in perfect coordination with their similar abilities and being familiar with each other's combat style. And Lyle, though he was quiet for the entire duration of the prior discussion, still did well to support the others when needed even if it looked like he went off on his own.

Seeing everyone working so hard, Amias couldn't help but feel a little useless.

Teleportation, exorcism abilities and of the sort; Amias had learned to grow comfortable using them since it was similar to what everyone else had. Other features evoked unease, it caused discomfort. Even using the map function took some time getting used to. Because adhering to something foreign only disconnected him from the world. Adhering to the system only reminded him that because of the system his childhood was so lonely.

However...

The times where he was comfortable with the system was when you were there.

But because I was too afraid... Amias remembered how he was so close to saving you, but he faltered due to exerting too much of his energy. Because I was too afraid, I wasn't able to help her.

[ You have control, why do you refuse to use it to your advantage? ]

Amias remembered the system's words. Was he foolishly limiting his potential because of his emotions?

With one quick glance around, it was clear that everyone was reaching their limits. Amias checked the holographic map. No good, they weren't even halfway yet. And, though everyone said to not worry about the other SF candidates that couldn't take care of themselves, they were subconsciously protecting them anyway. Even Elias.

At this point, time wasn't an issue. It was stamina. There was no chance to properly think, there was no chance to consider options, and there was definitely no chance to rest. At this rate, you'd definitely be hurt in the process. In fact, at this rate not all of them will make it.

In Amias's current state he'd die within the first minute trying to exorcise the apparitions head on. Skill, experience, power; he lacked so many things. Not to mention, teleporting back to the city using a teleport point was out of the picture as it was locked for some reason.

Amias glanced at the holographic screen. In black text against the light yellow screen, it read out:

[ LEVEL: 1 ]

[ EXP: 20, 837 / 1,500 ]

[ PRESS HERE TO LEVEL UP ]

Amias had a basic understanding of what these words meant. A foreboding feeling loomed over him. He felt like the moment he 'levelled up' his connection to the system will be permanent. Amias could willingly gain strength with a press of a button? Why was he given so much power? Just what was he? As always, there was so much he didn't understand, so much uncertainty––of course he'd be hesitant to adhere to the system!

Levelling up...

However, if he levelled up, he should be strong enough to exorcise the apparitions. And even if he was uncertain, even if he felt incredible apprehension––if it meant he could protect you, he'd do it. With that firm goal cemented in his mind, Amias stopped running. Jade sent him a questioning gaze.

"Amias? If you're tired, I can carry (Y/n)." She did her best to keep her tone levelled, but there was still a sense of urgency in her voice.

Amias didn't want to let you go, but he can't let you get caught up in the exorcism.

"I'll leave her in your care."

The woman carefully held you in her arms. "Since my hands are preoccupied, can you––Amias, where are you going?"

[ PRESS HERE TO LEVEL UP ]

Amias exhaled slowly, words of affirmation reinforcing his courage to press the button. I have a feeling there will be no going back after this.

[ LEVEL UP! ]

[CURRENT LEVEL: 10 ]

Amias could feel the physical differences once he levelled up. Power was engraved into his veins, his instincts were sharper, and his stamina was replenished immediately. Sparks of electricity flickered around him. Amias looked down at his hands before clenching them into a strong fist, a final statement to truly claim the power as his. He had accepted the system in its entirety.

"I'll take care of the apparitions."

Elias sent him a disapproving look and Lyle scowled at Amias.

"A newbie like you?" Caleb laughed. It sounded cheerful, but there was a tinge of panic. "C'mon, joke around after the SF trial. Keep running unless you wanna be left behind!"

The reaction makes sense.

To dispel everyone's concerns, Amias only wanted to demonstrate a small fraction of his newfound strength. He did a simple hand gesture, assuming it'd spark bits of electricity and exorcise an apparition or two. Instead, a thunderbolt lacerated the air and exorcised an entire row of apparitions.

Silence.

"Ah..." Amias cleared his throat and sheepishly smiled at everyone. "I'll answer any questions later?"

Somehow, he felt a little like you for a moment.

Everyone understood the situation immediately and withheld their questions. It was a life or death situation, after all. Though, Amias had a feeling he'll be having a long talk with Elias later.

With a repertoire of skills at his disposal, he moved with remarkable versatility. Amias made use of his teleportation abilities; he was able to close long distances in a matter of milliseconds without growing fatigue and he was able to dodge apparitions without a second thought. Moving in such a skilled manner felt so natural to him.

[ LEVEL UP! ]

[CURRENT LEVEL: 11 ]

At this point, it wasn't even a life or death battle. Amias was just testing his abilities. It was almost comical how much the tides have turned. With one step onto the ground Amias launched himself in the air and exorcised the apparitions from above. When he landed, he took a moment to register what just happened. Since when did he have such strength in his legs?

But still, it wasn't enough.

I need more.

Amias gathered a handful of electricity in his palm before slamming it into the ground, a powerful wave vanquished the space. Some had to close their eyes from the blinding light whilst Amias's golden eyes gleamed in determination. The apparitions were swiftly rid of and everyone else remained safe from the electricity, Amias subconsciously made sure of it.

He could easily stop there. Amias did more than enough to clear the area of apparitions for everyone to head back to the city. Some SF candidates, realising that fact, began running off ahead. His friends remained in one spot, waiting for him to finish. Amias was grateful for that.

Sorry, everyone. It'll be a few minutes longer. I still need to get a little stronger so I can...

Amias glanced over his shoulder and when his gaze landed on you, a fond smile graced his lips and he whispered,

"If I get stronger, then I can stay by your side."

Amias continued to exorcise the apparitions until there wasn't any left. By the time he was done, small pants escaped him and faint flickers of electricity stirred the quiet air. Amias checked the time. Good, there was still enough to head back to the city.

[CURRENT LEVEL: 15 ]

Amias walked over to Jade and held out his hands, gesturing for her to let him hold you. He ignored the shocked looks of his friends as his attention was solely on you. The adrenaline that encouraged Amias's exorcism rampage subsided when he saw your resting expression. He would teleport far distances to ensure you get back to the city as soon and as comfortably as possible.

Amias looked up at everyone and smiled.

"Let's head back to the city."



===



You felt like you were on fire.

And by on fire, you meant that you had an incredibly high fever.

The moment you fluttered your eyes open, your mind spun and the ceiling was blurry. Trying to focus your vision became a whole sport, you could barely discern the fact that you were in your room.

Did the SF trial end?

Did you make it to the force? What happened afterwards when you were possessed? Was everyone okay? How many days have passed? Where was everyone? The onslaught of questions only worsened your sick state.

Groggily, you sat up. God, it felt like a sack of bricks was attached to your back with how heavy you felt. The moment you sat upright, a headache almost knocked you right back down. You groaned and rubbed your palm on your forehead. The chilly air urged you to wrap yourself in your blanket, but the fact that you were also sweating only made you feel suffocated at the sight of one.

The curtains were briefly parted and invited moonlight to faintly illuminate your room. You would marvel at how ethereal and serene the environment was if it weren't for the fact that you felt like death. You glanced at the digital clock on the counter besides your table. It was three in the morning.

Normally, I'd be up getting ready to train for the SF trial.

You looked down and saw that you were in a new shirt. Though, your dress pants were still the same. At how dirty and tattered it was, you winced. Guess having someone change them would be an invasion of privacy. You carefully lifted your shirt up; bandages were wrapped around your abdominal. Ah, so that's why your stomach was especially feeling like death.

I definitely need to change my sheets later. And I need a shower.

"I hate this."

Oh wow, your voice was hoarse.

You weren't surprised that you were incredibly sick. In fact, you fully expected this. Your body that only began training for a few months was exposed to constant cold temperatures, an copious amount of exercise, your abilities naturally emit a chilly air, underwent two possessions––

Possession. Wait, what happened to the irregular apparition? Heck, what did it do to you?

"Ugh... It's hard to remember."

A fit of coughs left you. Your throat burned. My god, when was the last time you were this sick? Sure when you first came into Anomalous you were a little sick here and there trying to get accustomed to being more exposed to chilling temperatures and apparitions, but nothing as terrible as this.

You were too fatigued to think coherently, so you simply laid back down on your bed. Head empty, no thoughts. You just wanted rest.

My throat is so dry. I'd kill for some water. Hopefully, closing your eyes and sleeping would mitigate the pain you're in.

It wasn't even a few minutes until you heard a knock on your door. You groaned and rolled off to the side. Maybe if you're not facing the door, you could pretend it doesn't exist. Another knock, a little more impatient this time. If it weren't for your dead throat, you would've mumbled curses under your breath.

"I know you're ignoring me, I can hear you shuffling." An irritable sigh was heard. "Do you want to recover faster or not?"

You paused at the familiar voice––nah, either your brain was playing tricks on you or your sickness made you go delirious. But either way, you grumbled,

"Lyle...?"

"Can I come in or not?"

Confusion seized your movements momentarily. "You're not gonna murder me, right?"

You could physically feel him roll his eyes from behind the door. "Three seconds or I'm leaving with the medicine."

"Do you also have water?"

"Yes."

"Come in."

Lo and behold, it was Lyle. He was wearing a tight long sleeved T-shirt and baggy sweatpants. If you didn't feel like you were on your deathbed, you would've simped a little at how the shirt fitted his abdominal and showed off his muscles.

You sat up from your bed. The SF trial ended only a few hours ago, Lyle must be completely spent and here he was holding a tray with food, medicine, water, and a cool wet towel. What was with the sudden consideration? Did you accidentally do something good when you passed out?

"Here."

Lyle handed you the cool towel and you sighed in relief after wiping the sweat off. You felt a little less gross now. Who would've thought a character from a game you played would be taking care of you when you were dead sick (and when you looked totally unappealing as well. You did not want to look into a mirror right now).

This is nice even if the company is a little grouchy.

"Eat something before you take the medicine."

A bowl of warm chicken soup with vegetables in it. There was also a drink for your sore throat. You took a careful spoonful of the soup, which quickly turned into several spoonfuls as your appetite came rushing back. Oh wow, you were hungry. Lyle's cooking wasn't as good as Caleb's, but it was still very palatable. You could feel your sickness dying down already.

"This is really good," you said awkwardly, realising for the past minute you were just stuffing your face. "Thanks."

Lyle nodded. "I was sick a lot as a child and sometimes took care of myself, so it's not hard to take care of someone else."

You blinked in surprise. Yes, you already knew this information; however, you didn't expect him to tell you so casually. But Lyle must've mistook your surprise as in 'you? Sick? The heck?'

"My health is a lot better now, but as a kid I was pretty weak. Any questions?" You shook your head. "Good. I'll update you on what happened during the SF trial as you eat."

As straight to the point as ever. Lyle began recounting the series of events that occurred after your possession as you ate. Now you look down at your stomach in horror. You'd thank Alastor later for saving you.

"Oh thank god it's healed. Waking up with a hole in my stomach would be terrifying."

"The vengeful apparition must've helped you, right?"

"Yeah––" Your heart dropped. "Uh, how did you––"

"I'm not going to tell anyone," Lyle assured. "Causing a fuss is annoying. It's not any of my business until you start causing trouble for me."

"I'm guessing you have a lot of questions?"

"I'm not that much of a dick to interrogate you while you're sick."

"I don't know about that."

"Oi."

"Hey, I'm a vulnerable and sick person. You're supposed to give me a pass on sarcastic comments."

Lyle rolled his eyes and you laughed. Well, it was more accurate to say that you wheezed. It didn't sound exactly charming and you cleared your throat in embarrassment.

"By the way, you came into the room with one hand on the tray and one hand behind your back." Time to change the topic. "Are you hiding something?"

"Why is this vulnerable and sick person suddenly so perspective?"

"It's part of my charm."

Lyle muttered something under his breath. His expression screamed 'this is a bad idea' before he begrudgingly showed you a small teddy bear plush.

"This kept me company when I was younger." Lyle awkwardly placed it on the table next to your bed. "Uh, he will keep an eye on you or something over here."

You blinked. Once. Twice. Then, you stifled a laugh.

"Pft––haha!" Okay, now you were openly laughing.

"Oi, if you keep that up I'm taking him back."

"Wait! No, no. I'll stop, I'll stop!"

Lyle huffed and leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "That's what I thought."

Silence elapsed for a few minutes. Lyle was staring at the window, a thoughtful look in his eyes. You finished your food and carefully settled the tray on the nightstand.

"Uhm, so. Not that I'm not grateful or anything, but why are you doing this for me?" you asked. "Is it out of obligation?"

Lyle was silent for a moment.

"I won't lie, initially it was to get rid of some... guilt. But I also wanted the chance to talk things through," he said. It was nice seeing his usual stern and unapproachable expression so peaceful and genuine. "I... don't want any tension between us." Then, he quickly added, "Plus, the others are either too busy or don't know how to take care of someone who is sick. I'm the best option so that you don't die."

You smiled and were tempted to refer back to the 'I don't want any tension between us' part, but you let it slide. "True. Caleb would probably feed me sweets to death. Amias would fret over me too much and I'd get no rest."

"Exactly."

Lyle did tell you about what the irregular apparition made him do to your stomach. You were so glad that you were unconscious during that. Was Lyle feeling guilty that he was the reason you were injured? There had to be more to that. What exactly was the guilt he was referring to?

"There is more to it." Lyle took note of your surprised expression. "That's what you were thinking, right? Sometimes your emotions are written all over your face. You should work on that."

You playfully rolled your eyes. "Anyways, you don't have to explain anymore if you don't want to."

Lyle looked content with your response. "I know. You're not my therapist, so I'm not going to dump a sob story on you. Just enough so you have some answers." He looked remorseful for a moment. "You deserve that at the very least."

Lyle explained how you and your support team mirrored his life prior to his parents' death. Ah, now things were making sense. You could infer what happened with the previous support leader. Maybe you'll never know the full details of Lyle's conflict, but you didn't have to. Lyle was an adult, you didn't need to offer him all your support as if he was some vulnerable child.

"So you were projecting?" You winced. "Sorry, that came out more rude than I expected."

"It's fine. Sugar coating things is a thousand times worse," Lyle said. "Yeah, I was projecting. I told myself that I've moved on from the past, but really I miss it a lot."

Lyle paused for a moment, unsure if he wanted to say his next words. "A... A part of me hoped that my parents came back as apparitions." His next words came out almost breathless. "Just so I could see them one last time."

Your heart twisted in sympathy. Lyle is a character––no. Lyle is a person who was hard to warm up to. Someone who comes off as abrasive and intimidating with harsh ideals, but he is someone with good intentions. He is someone who didn't have the chance to grieve properly. Of course, that didn't mean you were 100% on board with him almost killing you because of his emotions. However, maybe it was because you had a soft spot for him since he used to be a character you'd watch develop in a game, but you were willing to look past that as long as he took the necessary steps to grow as a person.

"I'm just going to throw this out there, but because they didn't come back you could say they trust that you can do well on your own. They were content in their final moments."

"That's a nice thought." Almost, you saw a smile on Lyle's lips. "What about you?"

"Me?"

"I want to get to know you better." Hearing him say that in such an austere manner made you confused whether to feel touched or, well, even more confused. "Obviously, if you don't want to share, then just tell me. But why are you so willing to take so many risks? You were basically invisible to me until a few months ago, but you were in the AEI long enough to be a support leader."

Oh, that's because I transmigrated here lmao.

Yeah, you can't tell him that.

"I guess... Circumstances changed? Back then, I always hoped for something fulfilling in my life," you said, trying to not accidentally spill your little isekai secret. "Ironically, I took no initiative to really change myself. I just hoped, waited. I was too afraid of failing, too afraid to hit my limit. I think it was because when I was younger no one really supported my endeavours. In a world full of apparitions, it's impossible to survive without striving for improvement. I realised that when I almost died during the apparition outbreak a few months back."

You took a deep breath. Wow, you were really talkative when you were sick. Lyle didn't seem to mind your rambling, he listened attentively.

"Yes, I can be reckless, but I am trying to build my courage. I'm trying to better myself. And sometimes it works and sometimes I make mistakes. I dunno, things happen. I just... I just want to be better."

You remembered the ending of Anomalous, the one where Amias massacres everyone.

"And... There is something I wanna do. And in order to do it successfully, I need to be stronger."

There was a moment of silence. You had never opened yourself to someone like this before, not even in your previous life. You felt light, it was nice reaffirming your purpose and beliefs. It made you determined to live up to your words.

"I... respect your goals," Lyle finally said. You stared at him blankly, sipping on the drink he made for you as you waited for him to elaborate. "I'm terrible with words, don't expect much."

You chuckled. Huh. Who would've thought you'd warm up to Lyle like this. It was nice talking to him; the atmosphere was what you'd imagine talking to a friend late at night would feel. You wouldn't really know, you were never close with anyone in your previous life.

"Thanks. And, despite everything, I respect your headstrong attitude and ability to consider things realistically. It helps in life or death situations. Like, I know we started off on the wrong foot, but your diligence and discipline is admirable. The fact that you don't take shit from anyone and would consistently train to grow stronger is super motivating as well. And also––"

Whoops, you almost spilled a lot more than you already have. Being sick really made you talkative.

Lyle looked at you in surprise. And, dare you say, he was maybe a little embarrassed at your words. He avoided your gaze for a bit and rubbed the back of his neck.

"What the hell am I supposed to say in response to that?"

It sounded irritable, but there was a hint of an appreciative smile on his lips.

"I dunno. Take it?"

"Sure, whatever."

The conversation fell into silence, but it was comfortable. Your thoughts wandered to Amias and the others. You hoped they were doing well and were getting some sufficient rest.

"Welp, guess I'll be in your care until I recover?"

"Yeah, after the week I'll be charging an hourly rate."

"You can't just take advantage of the poor like that."

"You're an SF member now. Money won't be an issue."

You blinked owlishly at him. "Wait, huh."

"You made it to the specialty force," Lyle clarified. "The team consists of: Elias, Caleb, Finn, Cecil, Jade, Sara, Amias, myself, and you. What? Didn't you want this?"

What.

"Lyle, I'm supposed to wait in thick anticipation, heart racing and anxiety gnawing away my consciousness as I wait for the result. Then, I'd cheer in absolute happiness when I find out that I made it to the SF." You dramatically groaned. "Give me back my moment of anticipation and glory."

"Surprisingly descriptive."

"Thank you."

You could tell Lyle withheld the urge to continue the banter. He moved on. "There was a commotion after the chairman announced the results."

Ah, you knew about this from playing the game. But you'll ask for the sake of asking.

"What happened?"

"Amias. He didn't start the commotion, but he was sure in the centre of it."

Okay, you didn't know about this from playing the game.

"Amias?"

Lyle nodded. "Get comfortable. I'll explain from the top."





A/n: Lyle comfy time and Amias being the OP protagonist he is. Had fun writing both for different reasons lol

I honestly like Lyle and the reader's dynamic; things starting off rocky, but then slowly there are moments of reprieve. Amias's scene was just super cool to imagine in my head whilst listening to music hehe

I was unsure if people would continue reading this book after the first few chapters because it's not your typical yandere x reader. It's more slow burn with the romance and yandere aspect. Plus, a lot of the effort is shoved into world building and plot/action which might not appeal to many. Which is why I'm so happy that people seem to enjoy this book! I placed a lot of effort into it and it makes me so happy to share this story with everyone :D

I'm considering doing a 5k special called 'waking up next to them' with scenarios featuring some of the cast 👀 👀 Take it how you will.

FINAL NOTE: Someone on discord asked for the characters' ages. I'll put down the ages for the main cast for the time being! Everyone else will be in the next chp!

Reader: 23-25 (your choice)

Lyle: 22

Amias: 23

Caleb: 24

Sara: 24

Cecil: 24

Jade: 25

Elias: 26

Finn: 26