The Omnistore System

"You promised to hang out all day with me," Maria pouted, her eyes showing a hint of sadness, watching Kevin, who was all set with his backpack, at their doorstep.

Kevin, with a bit of regret in his tone, replied, "I really wanted to spend more time, but I have to head out. They mentioned they need to leave early for some reason, and I don't want to be the one holding them up."

Riya, with concern in her voice, asked, "Why? Can't you just not go? I've read about the place you're heading to, and it's incredibly dangerous. Do you really have to go there?"

Maria, hugging Kevin tightly, chimed in, "You heard your sister. It's dangerous. Please, don't go."

Kevin shot an angry glare at Riya, and his eyes seemed to be saying, "Look at the mess you've caused."

Riya retorted, "What are you staring at? I didn't lie."

With a sigh, Kevin gazed at his mother's teary face, buried in his chest. He gently lifted her face, watching tears flow down her crystal blue eyes, her white, soft cheeks damp, her nose slightly wet, and her glistening lips. The thought crossed his mind again, 'She's beautiful.' He planted a peck on her cheek and spoke softly, "Mom, I have to go. Cultivators have to face danger to grow. I can't just sit around and expect to become powerful."

Maria remained stubborn, replying, "Why do you have to become powerful? Can't we just live like we did before?"

It was the same question that had nagged at Kevin the previous night, and he couldn't come up with a truly convincing answer as to why he needed power. For the system, no, he don't need it for it. He was going to Chernobog's Den in the hope of finding the answer.

But now, as he gazed at Maria's worried face, he found his response, if not entirely satisfying, at least heartfelt. "To protect you," he said, then turned to Riya and added, "To protect her. I need to be powerful to protect both of you."

Maria sniffed, her nose slightly runny, and wiped away her teary eyes, looking cute and understanding of his determination. "I get it, Kevin. Just promise me you'll come back to us in one piece."

Kevin hugged her tightly and whispered, "I promise, mom."

With a final peck on her lips, he reluctantly let go of her. He then gave his still-worried sister a warm hug and headed out the door, leaving his home and family behind as he embarked on his journey to Chernobog's Den. But before leaving, he couldn't resist adding, "Keep me posted with your beautiful pictures; they'll help me miss you less if I see them daily. Of course, I'll keep you posted, too."

Both of them blushed upon hearing his comment, knowing exactly what type of pictures he was talking about. Without saying a word, they simply nodded, ready to provide him with updates that would make his journey a little less lonely and a lot more entertaining.

"Bye," he said as he walked out the door with a somewhat sad smile on his face. Surprisingly, he felt a sense of sadness at leaving, even though he initially thought he wouldn't. At least he had found some purpose in his life, not a grand one, but a meaningful one—protecting his loved ones.

As he walked further from his home, he contemplated the significance of returning to them alive. This mission wasn't just about gathering resources or unraveling the mysteries of Chernobog's Den; it was about ensuring that he would be there to watch over his family. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving them vulnerable or unprotected.

"No, I can't... I have to," he muttered to himself, reinforcing his determination to return safely.

With his resolve set, he turned away from his home and began his journey. The road ahead was uncertain, and he had no illusions about the dangers that awaited him. However, the sense of purpose he had found was powerful enough to propel him forward, even in the face of adversity.

Turning around, he spotted a boyish girl leaning on an armored car.

It was Keith, her hair now grown to about an inch in just four days, which was pretty surprising.

Kevin strolled over to her, noting her stylish look. She had her eyes on her smartwatch, sported black shades, and rocked the tomboy vibe. Like many tomboys, she donned a pair of dark, tight jeans, a black jacket, and a sports bra, leaving her chiseled abdomen exposed for Kevin to admire.

"Hey there, babe, were you waiting for me?" Kevin quipped with a playful grin as he joined her.

Keith was taken aback by the unexpected endearment, her confusion clear in her expression. However, upon seeing Kevin's smirking face through her shades, she couldn't help but crack a smile.

"Who's your babe, you bastard?" she retorted in a playful tone.

Kevin didn't mind her colorful language. He moved closer to her, seizing her waist and causing her to recoil slightly.

"What are you doing, you asshole?" she asked, the surprise evident on her face. As she tried to get away from her.

Kevin, unfazed by her attempts to distance herself, pressed his lips onto hers, taking her by surprise. After sharing a brief kiss, he pulled back, a mischievous smile on his face.

"So, tell me, did you miss me?" he inquired.

Keith blushed, finally regaining her composure after the unexpected kiss. With a mix of frustration and embarrassment, she retorted, "What were you kissing me for? Trying to get killed by my hand?" Her eyes displayed a hint of anger, but her cheeks were tinged with red from the kiss. The two friends seemed to be engaged in playful banter and mild flirtation.

Kevin chuckled, enjoying her exasperation, and remarked, "You look cute with this hairstyle."

Keith, while keeping her emotions in check, opened the car's door and replied, "Yeah, I know. Get in, we're already late."

With a smile, Kevin settled into the car and asked, "Isn't the party supposed to be at 8? Why did you ask me to come early?"

"It wasn't me. Keyana made that call. There have been some changes in the plan," Keith explained with a hint of concern in her voice, making Kevin confused and worry too.