"If you’re not ready to die for us, why’d I fight with you?" Alex asked. He hopped off the bunk bed, landed with a loud thud, and walked to Don Capo’s side.
Ignoring Sean’s feelings, Alex sat beside Ace and eyed the pan. The smell of boiling rations made his stomach growl.
"Can I have a portion?" he asked.
Ace chuckled. "Make one yourself. It’s for me and Mercer."
"Eh, where’d I stash my rations?" Alex muttered as he stood to search his bag.
He’s loyal and thinks straight, Ace thought with a faint smile.
Because Ace had told Sean the harsh truth—that he could die in the Gate—Alex saw that Ace was honest and fair. Ace hadn’t tried to shoulder everything alone; he had laid out reality. That made Alex even more loyal to Don Capo.
The raised voices woke the rest. Their talk hit the others like cold water, reminding everyone that yesterday was no dream. Some sided with Sean, others resolved to survive and be useful.
Though she chose the second option, Chaewon still tried to comfort Sean. "I know it’s tough—"
Ace cut her off. "Quit it, Chaewon."
"Only three of us got better. We’ve all gained passive skills from fighting monsters. Some are ahead, some behind. That’s fine as long as everyone chooses how to survive. There’s no room for comfort. Decide whether you’ll chase the top ranks or just help a bit and live," Ace said.
"I’m climbing the ranks, no question," Alex said at once.
Ace nodded. "Those behind might stumble on a life‑changing skill. Anything can happen. But a wrong mindset will drag the team down. We need to be on the same page. Pick your path before we move. You’re all part of the Don Capo Gang—my friends. Don’t forget that."
Mercer, last to wake, only caught the end. He jumped from his bed and ran to Ace. "I’ll get as strong as you! I wanna heal and fight!"
Did this talk spark your paladin dream, Mercer? Guess Sean lit that fire, but who knows what he’ll do next, Ace thought, smiling. "I know you can."
"C’mon, you guys can tell I’m a total martial‑arts nut," Chaewon said, to no one’s surprise. "I wanna push past human limits and I can’t leave Mercer alone with battle freaks like Ace and Alex—those two got no brakes."
Ace smirked. "And you? Got any brakes yourself?"
Chaewon lifted her chin. "Absolutely!"
One by one the others voiced their plans. A few were scared of dying yet still willing to help the gang. They felt ashamed, but after Ace’s speech they couldn’t lie.
Alex finished his rations and chewed. "I feel great here. We’re useless orphans back home, but here we get classes and gear. This place is fucking great."
Chaewon’s eyes cut at him—no swearing with Mercer around.
He coughed. "It’s really great! Back home, bouncing ain’t worth squat. I’m gonna guard hot actresses for the Don Capo Bodyguard Company! Ha!"
"What’s so hot about women who can’t even protect themselves? Great question, huh?" Chaewon asked as she sat by Ace and eyed his pan.
He nodded and handed her a portion. Alex sneered.
Ace elbowed Alex, then told Chaewon, "That’s subjective."
"What does ’subjective’ even mean?" Alex asked. "Godmother, hot actresses gotta stay in shape, not throw punches. Then I swoop in and save the day—maybe snag a fling. Sounds fun!"
"You saying I’m not in shape?" Chaewon asked sweetly.
Ace said, "You wouldn’t hold rank five if you weren’t."
Chaewon smirked. "Lucky you, Alex," she said, digging into breakfast.
"Yeah, I am!" Alex laughed.
After they ate, Ace knew it wasn’t the time for a big mission. He shelved the Bank Grotto and chose a simpler task. "We’ll head to the Crimson Ocean’s Shore and face the second wave of Black Umi. We might find items from the first wave and meet other rankers. Join only if you want."
Sean raised a hand. "Can we stay behind and bury Elias?"
"You can’t. If you bury him, he’ll turn undead. Best to store his corpse in a chest," Ace said.
"Yes, thank you, Don Capo."