Based on Rin's feedback, two teams were selected for the next task. One of them was chosen to participate in the task while the other was ordered to bring back security equipment in the nearby vault.
Rin was going to accompany the second party because of one simple reason- the only way to open the safe was with his biometrics.
It had seemed like a great security idea, but now it felt like a liability. Still, since Rin had made his decision himself, he had only himself to blame.
Reina wanted to accompany him on this expedition, but Rin had turned her down. As the only medic in charge of the complex, they couldn't risk her getting hurt.
She immediately demanded for Teressa to stay behind as well, saying they couldn't trust an outsider like her.
Rin wanted to point out that the team selected for this expedition was made up of outsiders as well, but he did not want to invite trouble. If letting Teressa stay back calmed Reina down, then that was a small price to pay.
Teressa was upset with the outcome. Her hunched back and dejected expression was her way of letting Rin know. But if there was no way to keep both her and Reina happy, then he chose Reina's side for now.
After all, having a medic angry at you was much worse than someone who needed your help.
Still, Rin decided to have a quick talk with Teressa before leaving to ensure she was not too upset. He dragged her to the side and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"There is no need to be upset. I will try to come back soon. Until then, try to get along with everyone here."
Rin assured Teressa, but she suddenly looked distressed and grabbed Rin's sleeve.
"I am not sure if I will be able to get along with people here. I don't think Reina likes me much and everyone else has been here for longer than me. I…might get pushed around-"
"Teressa, no one will push you around here. There are over 250 people here, so I doubt all of them will dislike you. For now, just try and get along."
Rin was not going to fall for Teressa's manipulation.
Despite her voicing her fears so openly, her eyes had not lost their calculating look. She had also positioned herself to make it seem like there was something going on between her and Rin.
A quick glance assured him most were watching him and Teressa.
That included Reina and her rising temper.
Rin pushed Teressa away quickly before it caused a misunderstanding and spoke a little louder.
"Everyone here is really nice, Teressa. And they will embrace you as a companion if you make an effort. Who knows, maybe you will even find someone special. I will be the happiest for you if you do find someone you care about."
The smile on Teressa's face stiffened at his clear rejection. But she wiped it off and replied back just as quickly.
"Well, I think I have already found someone I cherish. But I think I need to work hard on getting my feelings across-"
"Rin, we should get going now. The team is getting anxious waiting for you. As for Teressa, I will help her out as a fellow 'girl'. Just get going."
Reina interrupted their talk and forced herself between the pair. Her interruption gave Rin the chance to leave.
He noticed the growing tension between Reina and Teressa intensifying but he was more than willing to leave it to them.
…
[Current exhaustion level: 40% (-40%)]
[Warning: Critical levels of exhaustion reached. Please rest to reduce the exhaustion level. Time left before skill expires: 4 hours]
Rin was in trouble. He had not seen his system until it beeped to remind him to rest.
Even thinking about resting stressed him out. But even getting stressed sleep was better than collapsing in front of a monster.
Rin forced himself to sleep and felt a little better when he woke up.
[Current exhaustion level: 25% (-40%)]
[User is out of critical level.]
Rin let out a sigh of relief, but the lingering pain warned him that he was not out of trouble yet.
"Sir, there are a lot of monsters here. Should we clear out this area before we enter?"
Someone had gone out to scout the area before Rin woke up and he was given an instant report. According to the scouts, there were a lot of monsters, but most of them were slow-moving, making them easier to avoid.
Their team was split into two groups- attacking unit and defensive unit. Rin moved while staying in the middle of the defense unit.
"Sir, I will be activating my power. If anything feels wrong, please tell me instantly."
A cool sensation washed over Rin and he closed his eyes. He heard others curse at the sudden shock.
"Ugh, my shoulders feel so heavy."
"But at least it is better than fighting monsters right away."
People complained around him but he barely felt the added weight. He waited for everyone to catch their breath and once they recovered, he started walking.
Their team moved carefully and reached the inner chamber. Rin scanned his hand and the door opened. There were a lot of weapons in storage, but most couldn't be moved. Rin told his team to pick up any boxes they could carry.
Due to the system, super strength was one of the most common powers. He had more than 10 who had it as a secondary skill which made transporting the equipment easier.
They filled the truck and started to drive back. The sun had started to set by now and Rin decided to check his map.
One of the sacred relics was nearby and it was tempting Rin to chase it. The system had told him not to, but he was getting a little greedy.
'Should I try to go for it anyway? What's the worst that could happen-'
"Sir, you can rest for now. We will wake you once we get home."
Rin blinked and suddenly felt guilty. He had not even considered the lives of the people with him. This wasn't a mistake he usually made.
'Ugh, maybe I am much more tired than I thought. I should go to sleep-'
"Everyone, hold tight. We are about to crash. Mina, shield—!"