Might as Well Check Out Your Face
"Ha... those damn mutts."
"It seems they were on high alert, as if an intruder had entered their territory. I've wrapped your bandages, Rain-nim."
"Thanks, Sora. Of all places, my hand—couldn't do it myself."
"No trouble at all. Once Hero and Hogul return, I'll make sure to discipline them properly."
Today's bunker was anything but peaceful. Feeling the sting from the wound on my hand, I was messaging OneMealADay.
Thankfully, our HumanPatak checked the message right away. Running into those hyped-up pups could get someone hurt, so I decided to relay the facts quick.
OneMealADay's messages, full of concern. Coming from a guy gourmet-touring this apocalypse world, they carried real weight. Maybe moving is the smart play? But the Red Dragon might drop by, and good spots for pupper autonomous walks aren't common. I shelved the moving idea for now and kept chatting.
Can't hide my spot anymore anyway. Might as well memorize the face of my forcibly appointed elite slave. We'd be working together long-term. But problem: I didn't know the bunker's exact coords. Just rough info from Falken-nim. Map next upgrade, mandatory. Life's inconvenient without one.
I hadn't exactly hoped for it, but the elite slave meetup was on. I hopped off the sofa, grabbed my gun, and headed to the bunker entrance. Sora followed quietly behind. As I went to open the door, the busted pet flap caught my eye. Gotta fix that later. Aiming my gun one-handed, I eased the door open slow. Didn't wanna fling it wide and chat with undead.
Creaaaak— Louder than usual, thanks to the damage. Good—nothing outside.
"Phew... Sora? If you would."
"Understood, Rain-nim. I'll use ice magic. Please step back a bit."
Sora's magic declaration. I backed off quick. She confirmed the distance, then raised her palm to the sky.
Whoa! Magic!
Wind stirred around Sora. Her eyes glowed white. Wind gathered in her palm, forming a tiny ice crystal that swelled fast.
"I'll launch it straight up and burst it at a safe height."
Minimizing collateral, huh? Clueless, I just nodded slow.
Sora nodded back, then hurled the massive ice blob skyward.
Boom! It rocketed up with a whoosh—huge size made it intimidating.
Sora watched till it peaked, then clenched her fist.
Kaboom—! Shattered into glittering shards scattering everywhere. Sunlight made it a dazzling spectacle you couldn't look away from.
"Whoa..."
Awe slipped out. Magic... maybe I should learn? Heard you need good math, half-gave up, but seeing it? I wanna try.
"Glad you liked it. Worth the extra flair."
Performance art? I shut my gaping mouth and met her eyes.
"Gorgeous. Unforgettable."
"Hehe. Once you're fully healed, I'll show even cooler stuff."
"Haha. Looking forward to it, Sora."
Sora, a bit cocky now—poker face shattered. Emotions overflowing. Her fresh side made me stifle a grin. Heading back in, I paused.
"Since we're out, wanna sunbathe while waiting for Hero and Hogul?"
Too pretty to waste. Traces of that ice still sparkled overhead. Adventurers scouting the forest? Worth the risk—and the pups wouldn't let intruders near home anyway. Odds of anyone sneaking up quiet: zero.
"Excellent idea. Might I borrow one of your sky beds, Rain-nim? I'd like to enjoy it in human form today."
Nod. Duh.
I bought another sunbed like the one in the yard, set 'em side by side. Grabbed two iced cafe mochas, handed one over, and lounged.
Peaceful moment. Sora seemed to love the sun—eyes closed, basking. I was gonna do the same but checked the gallery first, just in case.
Screen up—bam, perfect title. Clicked right in.
(PrettyButStrong) Where'd you see 'em?! Know what they are??
Ugh where was it..
Fresh post—news on my house pups.
"Haa..."
"Rain-nim, something wrong? You seem quite displeased..."
Sora trailed off mid-sentence. She'd checked the gallery too. Attention-whore galler who met Hero and Hogul. Didn't want the meetup, but it was happening. A frustrating day that made me seriously consider relocating.