Chef in the Apocalypse

The people who had gathered in the surroundings of the central square all felt a crushing pressure weigh down on them at the arrival of these two figures. While Dion seemed to be scared beyond belief, Jayce’s party had grim looks of determination on their faces.

Despite being weary from his last ditch effort to power level, Colin took his club and shield from his inventory and gripped them tightly. "Stay behind me." He shouted in a serious tone.

While the idea had floated through their minds that it could be Jayce teleporting right now, all signs seemed to be saying otherwise. They knew what level their leader was thanks to the Faction member list, therefore it did not make sense that he would have such a presence.

There was also the fact that there was already an unknown figure who had arrived first, despite him not having the same kind of aura as these two.

Everyone also readied their weapons at once, ready to jump forward and defend with everything they had if things went south.

Just as the tension in the square reached its climax, the light finally dimmed down, revealing the two figures. There was a man dressed in a double-breasted chef’s jacket and smooth black pants holding a woman tightly by the waist. His black spiky hair haphazardly poked from underneath the white cap on his head.

The woman in his arms had wavy dark hair and deep green eyes. Her pretty features were highlighted by the giant smile that was beaming from her face in their direction.

There was silence for a moment as everyone’s jaws dropped at the sight in front of them. The two experts who had come out of the array were Jayce and Lianna...

Not only that, it looked like they had become a couple? Jackie stared widely at the two who had still yet to separate, her mind in shambles. She had been coaching the teen for the past year about ways to win Jayce’s heart and affection, yet she had eventually given up hope on the awkward girl.

Yet here she was, glowing like a woman who had been asked out to the prom by the man she liked.

Colin’s grip tightened on the club, his face a mixture of emotions. ’He’s so much stronger... I’ve really fallen behind.’

Despite Colin’s usual carefree and cavalier attitude, deep down he held his position as Jayce’s right hand man with great pride. It was as if the position itself was an acknowledgment from the man he respected most in this world.

He had thought that by reaching level 60 on this trip, he would have continued to keep to the standard befitting of the vice leader. However, seeing how much stronger Jayce had become in the past month affected him deeply.

Doubts swirled around in his head, bringing all sorts of questions to the surface. Was he worthy of holding such a position? Would he be a burden to Jayce in the future?

Yet Jayce simply walked forward to the group and smiled, "I’m back."

As if those words had been the catalyst, everyone moved forward to greet each other with happy faces. Jackie, Lianna and Amber all hugged one another while the girls sent rapid-fire questions about Lianna’s relationship with Jayce.

Jayce cast his gaze over the few remaining party members, stopping when they reached Zane. "Ah you’re back! I was worried we’d have to head back over to Delhi to pick you up."

Zane smiled, "Did you really think I’d want to stay with that Agni dropkick for a month?"

"Hahaha" Jayce burst out laughing, not expecting such a quip back from the usually silent man.

Ben also laughed heartily, placing his arm around Jayce’s shoulder "It’s good to see you Leader. Although it seems we’ve missed out on some things" He commented, nodding his head in Lianna’s direction.

Jayce knew his entry with Lianna in his arms would cause a stir, but he didn’t care. It was not like they were having an affair, they were both single. Not only this, he did not want a repeat of what had happened last time.

It was also only a matter of time before everyone found out that the two were in a relationship.

"Yeah, she’s my woman now." Jayce answered simply, yet he couldn’t help but feel a smile forming on his face.

Ben let out a whistle, "Wow, so now all of Hell’s Kitchen first party are spoken for huh?" After his words, he sent an exaggerated look towards Zane, piquing Jayce’s interest.

Jayce let out a dramatic gasp, covering his mouth with his hand, "My mute Casanova has finally decided to settle down? I can hardly believe it!"

As Ben and Jayce let out muffled laughter, Zane felt a bout of irritation and mild embarrassment paint his features. "Ahem. I hate that nickname." He mumbled.

Colin saw the three talking merrily and suddenly felt a little awkward. Ben and Zane were talking to Jayce casually, yet he couldn’t help but feel a little inadequate, especially because of the now huge gap in their strength.

Jayce caught him in the corner of his eye and gestured him to come over. Letting out a little sigh, he moved his huge and weary frame over, like a giant dog who was feeling guilty about rummaging through the bin.

When he finally arrived, Jayce’s expression turned serious for a moment. With great speed and dexterity, he landed a slap in the middle of Colin’s back. The sound of the impact echoed off the buildings and throughout the central square.

It was so loud that everyone, even those in their houses at this time of night opened their windows to see what had caused it.

Colin’s body tensed from the pain and his weary body could not hold up, making him fall to the ground onto his knees. Everyone’s gaze turned to the scene, their expressions full of confusion.

Jackie watched on as her husband was forced onto his knees from the pain. However, there was no look of worry on her face, in fact she looked quite relieved, turning to Jayce with a thankful expression.