The desert wind had begun to cool as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The harsh terrain softened under the fading light, though it still stretched endlessly in every direction.
Mahi walked ahead, her stride steady and purposeful. After a few steps, she glanced back at Jun, who trailed slightly behind.
"Come on," she said firmly. "We need to complete a full round of this area before nightfall. And tomorrow's plans must be set."
Jun wiped the sweat from his brow, sighing.
"Alright… but don't you think you're rushing it? We just got here."
Mahi stopped, turning to face him directly. Her eyes were calm, but her voice carried a cold edge,"If you want to die, go ahead. But I don't share that desire."
Jun fell silent. He realized she wasn't joking. On Icolis, survival meant staying alert every second. He simply nodded,"Fine. Let's move."
Their boots crunched softly against the sand. In the distance, the wind whipped spirals of dust into the air. Occasionally, faint vibrations trembled beneath their feet, as though something massive stirred below.
Hours passed as they patrolled the area. They found small caves, strange sand patterns evidence of heavy creatures passing through. Jun kept his focus on the Mimic ability's second page. The virtual interface flickered in his mind: Controlled breathing, Muscle compression, Energy flow alignment. His body was adapting, becoming sharper, smoother.
By the time they turned back toward the ruins, more than four hours had slipped away.
At the base, they found Mika and Sanju tending to an improvised cooking setup. A small fire burned, a metal plate balanced above it.
Mahi sat beside Mika. "What are you making?" she asked casually.
Mika smiled,"We found some eggs during patrol. Thought we'd cook them. Maybe they'll give us points… or even a minor ability."
Sanju carefully rotated the eggs, his expression focused. Jun opened his bag,"I almost forgot."
He pulled out a small container and set it on the ground.
"What's inside?" Sanju asked.
Jun opened it. "Desert tentacle ants," he said calmly,"They got crushed under my boots during patrol."
Sanju leaned closer, intrigued,"Nice, Could be a protein source."
Mika immediately added,"Let's cook them too."
Mahi turned to Jun,"Did you gain any ability?"
Jun hesitated for a moment, then nodded,"Yes"
Everyone's attention shifted to him.
"I gained a power that lets me either kill… or temporarily knock someone unconscious."
Sanju's eyes widened,"How?"
Jun's voice remained calm,"I have to bite them"
Sanju whistled softly,"That's… actually pretty useful."
Jun looked at Mahi,"And you? Didn't you get something when you killed that snake?"
Mahi answered directly,"Yes"
"What kind?" Sanju asked.
"Night vision," she replied,"I can see any warm-blooded creature in the dark like humans, aliens, anything that radiates heat."
Sanju looked impressed,"Not bad"
He stood, glancing at Mahi,"Come on, let's change first."
Mahi nodded, and the two walked inside.
Now only Jun and Mika remained by the fire. Mika moved closer, her eyes sharp,"Tell me the truth."
Jun raised an eyebrow,"About what?"
"What power did you really gain?" she asked directly.
Jun thought for a moment, then spoke softly,"What I said was true"
Mika stayed silent, waiting. Jun added,"There's just one more detail."
Mika leaned in, curious,"What detail?"
Jun's voice lowered,"Not only my teeth… I can use my nails or even saliva to create the same effect."
For a moment, Mika's eyes gleamed,"Seriously?"
Jun nodded. Without warning, Mika hugged him tightly, her voice bubbling with excitement,"That's really amazing!"
Jun froze, caught off guard. Mika pulled back slightly, still smiling,"Tell me one thing during the deal, they promised us powers, right?"
Jun met her gaze,"Yes"
"When will they fulfill that promise?" she asked,"Did they say anything?"
Jun shrugged lightly,"We'll see, either they keep their word… or they don't."