CHAPTER 84: WEIGHT OF SOLITUDE

Not long after Liam left the office and entered the lobby, the field agents who had departed earlier that morning returned, including Team C. They had apparently completed an evacuation mission, after a faction had successfully dealt with a monster that had emerged through a breach.

The idle chatter of Team C filled the lobby as they filed in from their mission, but it was Sarah’s distinct and obvious voice that caught Liam’s attention, causing him to turn in their direction. Sarah spotted him almost immediately, and the others followed her gaze as she called out, "Hey, hotshot’s back!"

They approached Liam with the easy familiarity of teammates even though they actually weren’t. Sarah was the first to speak, her tone carrying its usual blend of sarcasm and genuine interest. "So how did your first special mission go?"

Liam offered a wry smile in response, not knowing how to approach Sarah’s sarcastic question.

"Hey," Elaine said softly, with this smile of hers that was warm and welcoming.

"Hey," Liam replied, matching her gentle tone. Amir stepped forward, backing up Sarah’s inquiry with his own curiosity. "Yeah, man, tell us how it went. Also, let me know what you think of Team A—we know the mission was with them too."

There was more than casual interest in his voice; Amir genuinely wanted to know how skilled USOV’s top team really was. Silas remained characteristically quiet, though he shared the same expectant mood as the rest of the group.

"It was a successful mission, all thanks to Quinn," Liam said simply, offering nothing more.

The others stared at him, clearly expecting additional details. Then this awkward silence stretched for another two seconds before Sarah broke it. "Wait, just that?" she asked, with that look on her face that resembled a frown.

Liam’s face flushed with embarrassment. "Is there something else I’m supposed to say after that?"

"Oh, come on, man!" Sarah exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperated resignation. She had expected so much more.

"Liam, my friend, you are no fun," Amir added, placing his hand on Liam’s shoulder with mock disappointment. He too had hoped for more details about the story as well.

Team C had never been selected for a special mission expedition, and it seemed like only Team A was enjoying that privilege so far. Elaine struggled to contain her laughter as she watched her teammates’ poor reaction to Liam’s lackluster storytelling.

Sensing the need to change the subject, Liam’s expression grew serious. "Guys, I have to tell you something. I’m going to look for Yaela."

Immediately, the laughter ceased and the entire group became somber. "Do you know where to look?" Amir asked at once.

"Yeah," Sarah added, leaning forward with concern.

"I may have some idea where," Liam replied carefully.

"Then let us come with you," Elaine said without hesitation, and the others nodded in unanimous agreement, but Liam shook his head. "I’m sorry, guys, but this is going to be a solo thing."

"What? Don’t be silly, We are coming with you, hotshot," Sarah declared, her tone brooking no argument.

"Let us help—we want to," Elaine added earnestly. "We worry about Yaela too."

The others nodded affirmatively at Elaine’s words, their expressions resolute.

However, Liam sighed deeply, and said "I know, and I appreciate that, but what I’m trying to get into is too dangerous. I can’t risk putting anyone else in harm’s way."

Then Silas, who had been silent throughout the exchange, stepped forward. "You’re always trying to take everything on alone, like when you fought all those middleweight challengers back then." He chuckled at the memory, and Liam scratched his head with a wry smile.

Silas continued, "But this is different right now. It’s not the midnight circuit, and yes, you’re powerful, but even the strongest people in this world need help sometimes."

Sarah immediately seized on this rare moment of eloquence from their usually quiet teammate. "You see? You made old man Silas speak more words than he has in the last week!"

Everyone burst into laughter, momentarily forgetting the serious nature of their conversation. "Hey! Not fair!" Silas protested, his face reddening a bit with embarrassment.

When Liam recovered from his laughter, his expression slowly grew serious again. "Look, guys, the only way you can help me here is by staying here and staying alive."

Elaine sighed, and with voice caring this quiet understanding, she said. "It’s fine, Liam, but know this, if you ever need us, we’ll be here to offer all the help we can."

"Yeah, hotshot," Sarah added, her usual bravado softened by genuine concern. Amir and Silas nodded in affirmation, their support clear even in their silence.

With a grateful smile, Liam said, "Thank you."

...

The day didn’t last much longer, and soon Liam found himself back home around 8 PM. It was finally time to inspect his growth and development. He called forth the System Player Interface, and the familiar display materialized before him.

[EVOLUTION SYSTEM – PLAYER: LIAM VELMONT]

Main Class:

Limitless

Level: 7.5

Authority: Beast Tamer

HP: 4650 | MP: 5430 | STA: 5750

[STATS]

STR: 85 AGI: 70

CS: 50 PRC: 54

Stat Points Available: 25

[Skills]:

- Regeneration Lv2

- Contract Summoning

- Contract Borrowing Lv2

- Iron Fist Lv2

- Unity Weaving Lv2

- Sovereign Hands Lv1

- Sonic Lv1

- Crit Hit Lv1

- Summon Shift Lv1

- Six Strain Lv1

[Passive Skills]:

- Aegis

[Class Skills]:

- Nega-Fusion (1)

- Limiter Removal

[Inventory]:

- Mystery Box (3)

- Stormbringer

- An Axe with Golden Patterns

- Dark Titan

[Extras]:

- Skill Upgrade Token (2)

"Well, this looks fun," Liam said, studying his player stats with obvious satisfaction. Ever since he had started evolving, this had become his favorite part of the process, discovering the new skills and enhancements the system would grant him from time to time.

The interface displayed his steady progression, each number representing hard-fought battles and carefully earned experience, and as he reviewed his interface, Liam couldn’t help but feel a surge of confidence about the next set of challenges he knew was coming.

He would need every advantage he could get in his search for Yaela, but first, let’s share these points.