Nova Force Book 1

The gang consisting of Rome, Kero, John, Sarah, Celestia and two new guys from the settlement near to the river were totally outmatched. They had gone on a rescue mission to save their friends Ariel and Robert who were barely alive after a mission to extract materials to make cement. They had sacrificed themselves so that others could escape a terrifying monster that was called El Rio Croc.

It was an overgrown Lizard with unique abilities. Weak attacks did nothing to it and it could blast water that could cut a rock like knife through butter and clear a small landscape in seconds. This rescue attempt was carried out based on a mission that was given to Robert and his group to obtain materials to create cement to build stronger walls and houses. The stronger walls will be a better defense from monster attacks.

Analu had come from her mission with Janessa

They saved Atwaine from his kidnappers and immediately went after Rome and the gang. Upon arriving she couldn't do much as she had seen a foe that was beyond comprehension.

Rome was half dead Kero was in the direct range of what seemed to be a destructive attack from the beast.

The attack ripped off with insane power. Kero could have never survived that but in the nick of time he was saved by a mysterious group of four. They had abilities that haven't been seen by the group since the world changed and their strength was insane.

After the battle they introduced themselves. The insanely strong blonde-haired man, who cloaked the spear in dark blue energy bore the marks of his epic leap to finish the monster. His silhouette framed against the smoky backdrop. His presence was a testament to his bravery and power, his face reflecting a mixture of determination and satisfaction. He was Drake.

The woman who had unleashed the sound that had drained the monster of its vitality carried herself with a fearless grace. Her long spear, now at her side, gleamed ominously in the aftermath of the battle, a symbol of her prowess in combat. Her name was Chunita

The handsome but enigmatic man with the eye patch, his eyes now hidden once more, exuded an aura of mystery and intrigue. He had faced the beast head-on, meeting its gaze and defeating it with sheer willpower. His stoic expression revealed nothing, leaving us to wonder about the depths of his abilities. He was Mandro.

Lastly Dash, who didn't talk much he was capable of moving at incredible speeds. Faster than Rome and Analu.

It turns out, Mandro had ventured out to ensure the safety of his family, a quest tinged with the anxiety of uncertainty. As they made their way back, the fateful sight of the unfolding battle drew them in, prompting them to step in and intervene. Their unexpected arrival turned out to be a game-changer, providing much needed assistance to our beleaguered group. 

Tragically, Mandro's search for his family revealed that they hadn't survived the ordeal, casting a shadow over his otherwise heroic efforts. Now, as they regrouped and continued on their mission, the group's objectives extended beyond mere survival. They were on a mission to gather vital information about this strange new world they found themselves in, their origins rooted in the distant Northern region, specifically Florida. With each passing moment, the plot thickened, and the unfolding events promised an even more intriguing and unpredictable future.

ROME

I can still vividly recall the moment I slammed into the unforgiving trees, each impact sending an intense jolt of pain coursing through my body. The searing pain in my eyes was unbearable. "Was I getting sick again?" I muttered to myself, anxiety creeping in. A shadow of dread washed over me as I thought back to the time before the world changed, a period of nearly three long, torturous years. Bedridden for months, I remembered those days of relentless agony, some so unbearable that they reduced me to tears - a grown man crying like a helpless child. The pain I felt in my eyes and throughout my body was a haunting reminder of those years I desperately wished to forget. I couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy, unable to move and help my family in their time of need.

Struggling to open my eyes, I caught a glimpse of a figure, radiant as the sun and as enchanting as a blooming flower. It was a face, an angelic presence gazing down upon me. "Am I dreaming?" I whispered, my heart pounding with disbelief. The beauty before me was ethereal. I could only surmise that I had transcended to heaven, greeted by my guardian angel. As I lay there, voices reached my ears - a chorus of people conversing. And then, a flicker of recognition ignited within me.

My body jerked, the sensation akin to a car careening down an uneven dirt road with no shock absorbers. My eyes struggled open, and there she was, the exquisite vision who had graced my dreams, Analu. "You're finally awake," she murmured, her face flushed with a radiant smile. "Yeah, I'm awake, I suppose," I replied, my gaze locked onto her, my heart racing. "But where am I, and how did you get here? Wasn't I in the midst of a battle?"

This couldn't be a dream. Mixed emotions surged within me as I glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar faces and, most importantly, the familiar ones, my friends, including Robert and Ariel.

"Hey, Rushane, what about Tee? Where is he?" I inquired about our missing comrade, my voice trembling with concern. The reactions of my friends told a painful story - Tee hadn't made it. They recounted the harrowing events: the monstrous adversary had claimed Tee while they valiantly tried to allow Josh and the rest to escape. It had held Robert and Ariel hostage, a cruel act that left me questioning its motives.

We were seated in a cart, drawn by a horse, and I carefully propped myself up to observe two other carts from our village, carrying a multitude of other survivors.

They had all come to our rescue, and even Josh was here, his presence uplifting. "Hey, Josh, how are you holding up?" I inquired, trying to offer a semblance of camaraderie. His cheerful response, despite the loss of his arm, warmed my heart. Gratitude welled up within me; we had survived, and the specter of death had spared us. As we neared the village, I resolved to express my immense gratitude to those who had saved us.

We arrived back at our village. Everyone was so glad to see us. Families being reunited with smiling faces and tears of joy even though we had lost someone but more lives were saved. Kero looked a bit upset I didn't know why but after I speak to my mom and sister I'll find out. My family greatest me with open arms. My mom was embarrassing me by kissing me in front of everyone. "Hey sis, I heard how you defeated those criminals." My sister looked pleased. She had saved her son like a hero. I didn't even know she was that strong. "You holding out on us sis?" I asked. "Not at all but I have been training at least 4 times a week." She replied. That answers everything then. I'm glad she could help out in another way. 

Analu took the lead, introducing the group of newcomers to us, and they were met with an outpouring of gratitude and respect. They were the ones who had saved us, along with a few curious souls from a nearby settlement who had ventured here to witness the community that had successfully defeated the monstrous threat.

As the strangers mingled with our group, I couldn't help but study them closely. There was an air of power about them, an undeniable presence that left us in awe. Each of the four individuals exuded strength that surpassed anything we had ever encountered, but it was the man with the eyepatch who left me most intrigued. I longed to ask them questions, to learn more about their abilities and experiences, but my body was still reeling from the ordeal. Despite being healed, I couldn't shake the persistent discomfort and pain.

Amid the introductions, I noticed three horses hitched to carts laden with some of the remains of the vanquished monster. I had no idea we possessed so many carts in our village. They left a portion of the remains at the settlement, bringing the rest back with us. Mandro and his team were kind enough to provide us with the monster's core and a few scales, taking only what they needed for themselves.

I couldn't help but think about the potential uses for those scales. Crafting armor or some form of protective garment seemed like a wise idea, something that could withstand attacks as the scales had done. Such a creation would significantly enhance our chances of survival should we encounter another monstrous threat. Additionally, I noticed they had brought materials for cement, which was a much needed resource for our ongoing wall construction.

Ted had been working tirelessly, using his skills to craft bricks, and with these new materials, the process had become far more efficient. Without the need for heating and drying, he could now create ten or more bricks in a matter of minutes.

This development was especially welcome, as it came shortly after our farm was besieged by a group of monsters that had torn down the wooden walls. We managed to fend them off and rebuild the walls, but with these newly constructed brick walls fortified with cement, it would be a formidable challenge for any adversary to breach our defenses. I couldn't help but reflect on the fact that, if we were faced with monsters on a different level from that crocodile-like creature, we would be well-prepared. Perhaps a pack of spiked dogs could pose a threat, but unlike wolves, they tended to roam in smaller numbers, a fact that had not gone unnoticed by our watchful eyes.

We arrived back just in time for dinner, the savory aroma of food wafting through the air, but I wasn't quite up to the task of indulging in a meal. I hastily grabbed a piece of chicken, offering a hasty nod of thanks to our saviors before retreating to my humble abode. Although my words of gratitude were limited, I did at least manage to introduce myself to these newfound heroes. Tomorrow, when they return, I'll make sure to express my gratitude more thoroughly.

Before I could succumb to the embrace of sleep, I felt compelled to pay a visit to the village's medical facility. My mother had been tirelessly tending to the wounded, her weariness evident in her eyes. I tenderly embraced her, and my sister, who was assisting her, shared in the familial affection. Finally, I bid them both goodnight and headed to my sleeping quarters.

As I stretched out on my bed, crafted from a unique type of plant resembling the sponges of old, I couldn't help but revel in the comfort it offered. Robert had stumbled upon this remarkable plant during a hunting expedition just two weeks ago. I couldn't express enough how thrilled I was that they had found it. After months of sleeping on hard leaves and wood, the bed was a welcome luxury. I luxuriated in the softness, extending my limbs until I heard the satisfying crack of my bones, savoring the sensation.

Even though my body had been healed, traces of discomfort still lingered. It wasn't excruciating, but an overwhelming need for solitude and sleep tugged at me. A sense of nostalgia for the old world washed over me. In that world, I'd be engrossed in my phone, chatting with a close friend, listening to a podcast, a soul-soothing sermon, or a melodious song to guide me into the realm of dreams. Now, the future was shrouded in uncertainty, and the past felt like a distant memory. I contemplated the day's events, plagued by a sense of helplessness and frustration, my negative emotions slowly taking over until slumber overcame me.

In the realm of dreams, I found myself walking through our community, surrounded by an eerie silence. Every eye was fixed on me, their gazes laden with suspicion and fear, as if I were a harbinger of doom. Desperate to bridge the gap, I attempted to engage them in conversation, but no words were exchanged. The journey led me to my home, where an unsettling sight awaited me.

Inside my dwelling, a figure lay on my bed, and to my astonishment, it was me. My doppelgänger met my gaze, their eyes locking onto mine, and they wore a malevolent grin. In a chilling voice, they whispered, "Just a little more." The cryptic words hung in the air, leaving me with a sense of disquiet. Dreams, after all, had been a constant companion since my earliest memories, each one a mysterious riddle waiting to be unraveled.

Celebration

Upon their arrival at the village, Rome introduced himself to Mandro and the others, engaging in a few words after checking in with his family. However, tonight was far from ordinary. Instead of joining the lively festivities that typically followed a victorious battle, Rome quietly excused himself, collected a plate of food, and retreated to his dwelling. This was a stark departure from his usual demeanor, where he would often be found mingling with others, sharing laughter, or simply listening to the animated conversations. It was evident that something was amiss.

Kero, too, was conspicuous by his absence. He had returned from the battle, but any signs of excitement or jubilation were conspicuously absent. Had they both been plagued by a sense of worthlessness, the frustration of not being able to make a difference? These questions silently hung in the air, casting a pall over the otherwise jovial atmosphere. Rome's closest friends noticed his absence and exchanged concerned glances.

Analu, in particular, was the subject of teasing gratitude for her heroic actions. "Hey, Analu, thank you for jumping in and saving Rome today," John expressed his appreciation. Analu responded with a gracious smile, "Yeah, no problem. I'd do the same for any of you." Sarah, ever the playful one, couldn't resist teasing, "Yeah, but for your little Romie poo, you'd go the extra mile, wouldn't you?" She puckered her lips, mockingly forming a kiss, eliciting an embarrassed response from Analu, "What! No! I don't know what you're talking about!" Her cheeks flushed crimson, a conspicuous display of her embarrassment.

The conversation shifted to Mandro's enigmatic eye transformation. John and Sarah were curious and eager to know more. "Mandro, what was that thing you did, with your eyes?" John inquired, Sarah echoing the sentiment. Celestia chimed in, "It was like staring into a blue nebula." Mandro began to explain, "Well, after a few weeks in this new world, I suddenly developed this eye. It's cool, but it's a bit unstable now." The group leaned in, eager to learn more. "Unstable how?" asked Analu. Mandro continued, "I'm not in full control of it. Staring into someone's eyes can cause them incredible pain, especially if they're weaker than me."

Analu, ever the inquisitive soul, remarked with fascination, "Remarkable, things seem more and more interesting day by day." The mysterious developments in their world never ceased to intrigue her.

The questions about Rome and Kero continued to linger, prompting Celestia to wonder aloud, "What do you think's bothering those two?" John, the ever-practical one, had an idea. "Only one way to find out," he declared, prompting a perplexed look from the group. With a smirk, he suggested, "Well, you two ladies go check on the guys you like, and stop looking at me. I've got my Sarah right here with me." Analu and Celestia shared an affectionate glance, their connection evident as they both got up and made their way to the respective destinations. Upon their arrival, they discovered both Rome and Kero asleep. Instead of pressing for answers, they chose to embrace their friends, finding comfort in the closeness of their slumber, leaving their questions unanswered for the time being.