Chapter 46: Lust’s Moodswings
"I- I am... okay." Rhea whispered against Fredrinn’s chest, her tears had already stopped and her body felt slightly stiff.
But, the hug was intimate enough that she could hear the thumping sound of his heart, which was even. No fast heartbeats, no irregularities...
It just thumped in a rhythmic manner.
Rhea found herself getting slightly lost in the rhythm, before her consciousness berated her to shamelessly hug a man, especially the one that ’belonged’ to her sister.
’He approached me first. I met him first.’ Rhea countered in her mind.
’Though... reaching first to the reception doesn’t mean I am the one getting married...’ Her brain concocted a snarky reply, making Rhea argue with herself in her mind while her body was still pressed against Fredrinn’s chest.
Andrea stared at the scene, and for a few seconds she was smiling.
Her little sister was saved by Fredrinn and he had hugged her to console her.
It was normal.
But, once Rhea showed no sign of separating, Andrea’s gaze started to get colder.
There’s no way that her dorky, innocent and dumb sister was challenging her, right?
Andrea couldn’t believe that her sister would attempt to do such a thing, but she also understood that tough times change people like never before.
And hence, Andrea’s guard towards Rhea was raised subconsciously.
Of course, Jennifer and Naomi were still higher on that list.
Even Fredrinn hadn’t expected Rhea to hug him back and stay in his embrace for a while, but it was a welcomed surprise in his eyes.
He gently stroked her back, but Rhea suddenly flinched against his chest and moved away like a scared kitten.
She looked at him with blushing beet red cheeks.
"Th-Thank you, Fredrinn. For saving us over and over again... It feels like we are only taking advantage of your kindness without giving anything in return."
[ <LUST> suggests the host to ask her to pay with her body. It would be fair then. ]
’You’re right, but there’s no way I am saying that.’
[ <LUST> replies that host desperately needs a pussy since he’s turning into one himself. ]
’Shut up.’ Fredrinn’s eyelids twitched at the latest jab from Lust.
But he controlled his emotions and smiled at Rhea.
"Of course not, being in a company of three lovely and beautiful women like you is enough for me."
His reply made Rhea and Naomi blush while Andrea nodded happily at first before realizing that he was also praising the other two, which triggered her jealousy a little.
[ <LUST> calls the host a SIMP. ]
[ <LUST> questions if the host wishes to unlock the ’Bottom’ passive skill at a cheap discount of 1 LP? ]
’What’s wrong with you being snarky all of a sudden? And what’s the bottom skill?’ Fredrinn glanced at his system panel weirdly.
Was it just him or was Lust acting a little too hostile today?
Mood swings, maybe?
[ <LUST> coughs and confirms that it does not have mood swings. ]
[ <LUST> explains that the bottom skill is perfect for the host as it allows the person to have a submissive aura and makes their simping abilities skyrocket. ]
[ <LUST> guarantees the host that he will become the greatest bootlicker in the history of mankind if he takes the deal. ]
’Fuck you and keep your scam abilities to yourself, bastard.’ Fredrinn snorted and decided to ignore the hostile system in his mind.
After the girls were feeling slightly better, Andrea gently suggested they find their way towards the main gathering that Jacob was trying to call.
Barely 10 people were gathered there at the moment, and nearby, a group of 5-6 beaten up men was thrown on the floor like a sack of potatoes.
Those were the survivors from the unchosens, who were grabbed and beaten to a pulp by Aadav and other people who suffered from their schemes directly.
Many wanted them dead, but Jacob was the only one stopping that from happening.
That and the fact that Max wasn’t looking for revenge either.
If he was, even Jacob wouldn’t have been able to save those men.
"WHY, JACOB? They risked our lives in danger, nearly had us killed because of their small egos, and you’re telling us to spare their lives?!" A slim, spectacled and lanky man spoke with anger.
He was the smart doctor that Fredrinn had incentivized Jenny to save. Toby.
"I am not telling you to spare their lives, Toby. I am just saying that they could be more useful to us alive than dead–"
"Useful how? By opening more doors and luring more zombies?!" Harry bellowed in a loud tone.
He was part of the engineering trio, Tom Dickens and Harry.
The reason for that group being in the ’past’ tense was because Tom was killed in the attack, while Dickens had clearly got bitten by a zombie and he currently stood a little distance away.
Max was sitting on the floor nearby, along with Christine who stayed near him while glancing around nervously.
Jenny stood besides them, keeping a distance from Christine while chatting with her other 2 teammates who had fortunately survived.
Thanks to the firearms they carried.
The discussions and arguments were flying around, but when someone saw Fredrinn approaching the group, the voices soon started to slow down.
Many stopped arguing so passionately and even Harry curbed down his anger.
The scene of Fredrinn coldly assassinating Beanpole with a gun was still fresh in their minds.
Furthermore, they clearly witnessed his superior strength and temperament. It wasn’t a stretch to say that most of the people here were still alive thanks to Fredrinn.
Thus, they didn’t hold back from showing their gratitude and respect towards him.
Of course, Fredrinn couldn’t care less about their respectful looks. If they were beautiful girls who were primed to be taken for the voluntary thrall position, he would’ve cared a little more.
But currently, most of the people looking at him were men. Or women he had no interest in.
Seeing him appear, Jacob quickly took the opportunity and rushed towards Fredrinn.
No matter what, he wanted to steal Fredrinn’s skill. And he also wanted to retain his control over the group... as he said.
"Brother Freddy. These are some tough times but I am really glad that you are alive and uninjured."
Jacob took an intentional pause.
"Ah, and talking about injuries... there are some injuries on some people that I would like your suggestions on, brother..."