Chapter 17: (CH16)HOMECOMING
[LUIS MENDOZA - LEVEL 3]
[GLOBAL HOST POPULATION: 965,926][LUIS MENDOZA – LEVEL 3 (0% Progress to Next Level)]
Luis had barely walked a mile from the Pillar when the brush beside the trail rustled—then came the glint of steel. A dozen spears aimed straight at him, their points catching what little sunlight remained.
"Don’t move," a voice ordered.
A man stepped out from the trees. He was clearly a Host—the faint luminescence in his eyes gave him away. "We saw that light earlier. You the one who caused it?"
Luis slowly lifted his hands. "Yeah. That was me. Activated a Pillar."
Zyx hovered in the air behind him, grinning like it was all a game. "Ooooh, getting mugged already? Want me to start drafting your farewell message?"
The leader squinted, suddenly pausing mid-step. "Wait a second... I know that face." He walked closer, eyes narrowing. "Luis? Luis Mendoza?"
Luis blinked. "Uh... how the hell do you know my name?"
The man broke into a wide grin. "No way. It’s me! Rico! We used to raid Old Man Dazo’s orchard for mangoes, remember?"
Luis stared. "Rico? You mean the Rico who lit his pants on fire showing off with firecrackers?"