Chapter 74: No Peace for the Strong

The helicopter took us to a town called Diablo. It was really small, located in a mountainous area relatively far from where we were. Basically, we had to head back along the route I had just taken.

Sitting back in the helicopter, relaxing, and getting snacks and drinks along the way wasn’t bad at all. I didn’t have to worry about a thing, just enjoying the ride and watching the world from above.

We bypassed Seattle, since flying straight over it would be crazy. Even from far away, I could see what was happening to the city, and it looked worse than the day before. Looks like this invasion was really serious.

As soon as we reached Rockport, which wasn’t quite Diablo but close enough, the helicopter pilot gave me my instructions.

"Zoen said for you to jump and get off the helicopter here. That way you won’t be too close to the border."

I nodded, getting up from my seat. The helicopter door opened, and the wind from the blades was so strong it felt like my hair was going to blow right off my head.

I looked at the pilot. He gave me a thumbs-up to show I was clear to jump, so I did, without any fear. Why would I be scared?

I jumped with my arms spread wide, like I was skydiving without a parachute. The feeling was amazing, indescribable. Pure freedom.

Of course, even with a powerful body, hitting the ground directly would be crazy. I wouldn’t survive a fall from this high up.

I summoned my cube, turning it into 2 wings that attached to my back. I controlled them to start flapping, giving me the ability to fly.

It was way cooler than riding that board like I was doing before. Now that my cube had evolved and could completely change its shape, the wings looked badass.

I turned them into 2 white wings, like an angel’s. It was way better than just having bluish, featherless wings that didn’t really fit.

Anyway, I flapped the wings and flew toward the town of Rockport. The situation down there was totally different from what I had been seeing across the rest of the country.

These smaller areas weren’t suffering from the invasions yet. For them, life went on as usual, mostly because a lot of information that should have been on TV or the internet was being blocked by the government.

In other words, plenty of people there didn’t even know an invasion was happening. That was the level of it. But something else was happening that started raising suspicions.

A lot of visitors. People had started leaving the worst-hit areas to hide out in smaller towns, bringing backpacks full of supplies and cash to support themselves for a while.

The locals in Rockport weren’t used to so many new faces showing up. I didn’t even bother stopping there.

I flew over the town, so high up that it was impossible for anyone below to spot me, and followed the road leading up to Diablo.

But I didn’t keep flying. The scenery there was so pretty, and I wasn’t in any rush at all. I flew down to the ground and decided to hike through the mountains.

So many things had happened over the last few days that I hadn’t even had time to stop and relax for a bit. Not to mention seeing Mike, that piece of shit, totally pissed me off. I just wanted a moment to myself, a moment of peace.

I walked along the road, enjoying the sound of the wind rustling through the trees, the animals going about their lives in the forest, and the gorgeous views as I climbed higher.

I passed through a few towns, but I didn’t stay long. I only stopped to grab a bite to eat and keep going. Even during quick stops, though, people found it strange to see someone walking around without a backpack.

I grabbed a burger at a local diner, and the cashier struck up a conversation with me.

"Here for some sightseeing? There are gorgeous lakes for kayaking, or even going for a swim if you’re feeling adventurous."

"Yeah, exactly. It’s my favorite getaway spot. You know, a great place to clear your head once in a while after a lot of stress at work," I replied.

The girl was smiling, super friendly.

"I noticed a lot of people coming here lately, but it’s totally off-season for tourists. Wonder why that is? Is everyone getting just as stressed out as you?" she said, laughing.

What was I supposed to tell her? That the world was in complete chaos and the major cities were being attacked by monsters?

I figured that wouldn’t be a good idea... so I played dumb.

"Really? I have no idea. Maybe everyone just had the same thought."

The cashier placed the can of Coke I bought on the table and said, "Yeah, maybe that’s it."

For a second she seemed lost in thought, stuck in her own head, but quickly added, "Let me know if you need anything else."

I thanked her and enjoyed my lunch. It wasn’t healthy at all, but I didn’t care. If I were a normal human, maybe I would. Actually, even then, I’d still eat it and say screw it.

I paid, left a tip, and got back on the road, getting really close to Diablo this time. It wasn’t exactly a town, the technical term was different. Honestly, I had no clue how to describe it.

Still, it was famous for its trails and Diablo Lake. In other words, I wasn’t the only stranger heading over there.

Yet, as I walked up the road leaving the town of Newhalem behind, I noticed something. Hunters.

Regular humans weren’t the only ones running to isolated spots. Hunters were too, especially the weaker ones who were terrified of ending up dead.

I could tell whether someone was a hunter or not by the amount of energy around their body. And just like I could tell, they could also tell I was one.

Of course, my power was kept well hidden. I didn’t want them knowing how strong I was.

The first group I ran into was heading there on foot too. There were 5 of them, all around the same age. I figured they were a group of friends.

Maybe they were from some hunter academy in the area that got attacked, just like mine. Or maybe classes were just suspended because of all the chaos.

Either way, as soon as we locked eyes, the mood got tense for just a second. Then they relaxed, confident because I was just 1 hunter and there were 5 of them.

"Look at that, a fellow hunter," a bearded guy in the group said. "Looks like everyone is thinking the same thing."

His first assumption was that, just like them, I was a scared hunter running away from the mess to hide in the mountains. My real goal was totally different.

"Hey," I said. "Did you guys get attacked too? The world’s going to shit."

I tried to smile and look friendly. It was the best way to get them talking and gather some information. Of course, I was ready to fight them if needed.

"Your academy was attacked directly? Seriously?" a dark-haired woman in the group asked, visibly shocked. "Ours just canceled classes, so we decided to come out here together. Which academy are you from?"

I had already changed my clothes. I was wearing warmer gear and a windbreaker to handle the harsh weather ahead, so they had no idea where I was from without my uniform.

I remembered a low-tier academy that had also been attacked and claimed I went there. It was better than telling the truth.

"I’m from Redstone Preparatory."

That academy was pretty terrible. It was basically just a prep school meant to train students so they could get into a real academy. I had no clue why Redstone Preparatory had even been targeted, but it was.

As soon as I said it, I caught a hint of disdain from them, but it lasted for only 1 second.

"Oh, I see," the woman replied with an awkward smile. "How about coming with us? We’re heading up into the mountains to set up camp and live off the grid for a while. What do you say? It’s just past Diablo, near the border."

I asked more about the place they were heading to, and it was basically the area where I planned to cross into Canada illegally. In other words, why not go with them? At least with a group, I wouldn’t stand out so much.

"Sure, sounds great," I replied, smiling.

We kept heading up the mountain together. They told me their names, and I introduced myself as Vincent.

They seemed pretty friendly overall, but that look of disdain from earlier still kept me on guard.

Anyway, the hike was peaceful up to a certain point, until a group of people stopped us. They had abilities, like we did, but these ones were villains.

"Hold it right there," one of them said. "Otherwise, I’ll have to kill you and take your stuff. If you cooperate, maybe I’ll just take your gear and have a little fun with you."

His laugh was creepy. Already stressed out from everything that had happened, I just wanted to charge in and slaughter those pieces of shit once and for all.

I couldn’t even find peace at the top of a mountain.