Martin shook his head. “An alien spaceship … that’s unbelievable. Thank you for saving my life.”

“Why were you out in the first place?” Lana frowned. “Didn’t you know the monster was there?”

“Of course he knew.” Nori sighed at the girl’s naivety. “The people inside realized they couldn’t get rid of it, so I’m guessing Martin’s job was to lure it away, am I right?”

The man nodded. “Everyone was afraid. We had Warped attacking the stadium before, but they were mostly level two or three. A few gunshots were usually enough to send them running. In the last week, the sightings became scarcer, but the Warped we did spot seemed bigger and stronger. We had a level four one who almost scaled the walls. We wasted most of our ammo trying to keep it from the top. It eventually gave up and left on its own. But that thing …” he looked with apprehension at the crushed monster, “was different. We’ve emptied a shotgun magazine straight to its face through the hole and it just spat out the slugs. I’ve never seen anything like it. When we realized it was about to breach the wall, I decided to try and lure it away. I never thought it would catch up to me so fast. If it weren’t for you guys, we’d all be dead by now.”

“That’s why we’re here. To help out,” Lana declared proudly. “Now take us to your leader.” She smirked. “I always wanted to say that.”

“You’re looking at him,” Bulco grunted.

Martin nodded. “That’s why I volunteered to go outside. I am responsible for everyone’s lives.”

“Oh,” Lana deflated. “So I guess … hello?”

“So you’re that Martin,” Nori said, looking him up and down in interest. ”We’re here to help.”

“That would be great. Can you get us weapons like your gun? With a few of those, we could keep the shelter safe.”

Nori shook her head. “I only have this one, but it wouldn’t help you, either way, as you have to be level five to use it. No, we’re going to teach you how to take care of yourselves.”

“Level five?” the man exclaimed. “How on earth did you manage that?”

“Like this,” the woman said and kicked the Warped corpse. Pale light emerged from the dead monster and streamed over the five people.

Tec extraction commencing.

Extracted 0.6 Tec (10% success rate).

piTec: 700

“Holy crap!” the man’s jaw dropped. “Says here I gained twelve Tec as a first-time bonus. I’m level four!”

“Looks like the creature has more Tec for his level than the dead pilot,” Nori said. “I only got point six this time. I’m still level three, damnit.” She kicked the corpse again.

“Me too,” Bulco said.