NTR Rogue in the Apocalypse-Chapter 222: Roasted Razorlin

"Any luck?" Lydia greeted John as he entered the cafeteria.

"None so far. Something must have happened for Nova to go off the radar like that."

"You think they’re openly at war already?"

"It’s possible, but from what little I spoke with Nova, she struck me as the cautious, even indecisive type."

John and Lydia sat down at a table in the far corner and John gestured for the cafeteria worker to bring him his new favourite: roasted Razorlin and mashed potatoes.

Lydia’s eyes lit up when she heard John mention the meal.

"Oh, I have to try that."

John laughed and ordered two servings.

"So, what’s our next move?" Lydia asked.

"We just need to keep expanding the base and clearing out the city centre and continue to look for her."

Lydia sighed and ran her fingers through her hair. "This is getting frustrating. Maybe we should start doing something else."

"I agree. I have an idea," John replied.

"Oh?" Lydia leaned forward, her interest piqued.

John took a bite of the roast Razorlin and nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I was thinking we should start helping other smaller settlements. Help them build a shelter and protect it to help them grow."

Lydia nodded. "I think that’s a great idea."

"Yeah, I think so, too. I’ll speak with the rest of the team and see what they think."

"Great. For now, I will go. Enjoy your food," Lydia said, leaving with a wink.

John returned his attention to his meal. After he was done, he leaned back on his chair, rubbing his full belly. He was satisfied with the progress of the day, and he had made a plan for the next day.

John was lost in thought as he pondered the possibility of helping other settlements when he felt a warm pair of thighs on his lap and arms draped around his shoulders.

"Hey, handsome," Stephanie purred, leaning against him. She pressed her face against his chest and inhaled deeply. "Mmm, you smell good."

"Hey, you," John replied, wrapping his arms around her.

John waited for her reply, but she simply kept on inhaling his scent. John chuckled and gave her tight buttocks a squeeze.

"Sorry, I just miss you. We barely get to spend any time together," Stephanie said, pressing her cheek against his.

"I know. It’s hard, isn’t it?"

"It really is. I just want to spend more time with you."

"Me too."

They stayed in each other’s embrace, basking in each other’s warmth until Stephanie finally spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I was thinking..."

"Yeah?"

"Why don’t we spend the night together?"

"You want to stay the night?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course, I’m sure," Stephanie scoffed. "What, do you have other plans?"

"Kind of. Dalia wanted to spend the night, too."

"Really? Well, I guess that’s fine. Maybe the three of us can have some fun," Stephanie murmured, her hand drifting towards his crotch.

John laughed and grabbed her hand. "You know I don’t mind, but you’ll have to convince Dalia yourself."

Stephanie smirked, a smug expression on her face. "You know I can get anyone to do what I want."

"Yeah, that’s why I’m worried. But you should probably go and get ready for tonight. I have a couple of things I need to take care of."

Stephanie pouted and climbed off his lap.

"Fine. But don’t take too long, okay?"

"Aye aye, cappy."

Stephanie gave him a peck on the lips and sashayed out of the cafeteria.

In truth, John had nothing to do, but there was someone he had been neglecting. Maria...

"Hey," John greeted.

"Hi," Maria said, looking at him shyly. "How was the supply run with Laura?"

"Eventful," John said as he thought about his confrontation with Laura and her explanation.

"So, how is this going?" John asked as he gestured towards the group of mostly women who were meditating on the courtyard’s floor.

Maria had discovered something unusual about the Energy granted by the system. Most of the time, when a Skill was used, the human body would release Energy to the environment. It was a waste that Maria did not approve of; hence, she had been teaching her group a new meditation technique.

The idea was simple. The people would meditate, and then, when they used their skills, they would absorb the energy released instead of letting it flow away.

"Good. At least for some," Maria answered.

"And those?" John asked.

"Not as much."

"What is the difference between those two?"

"Some people are more attuned to their bodies and are more aware of their state of being," Maria explained.

"And those who are not?"

"Let’s just say they’re struggling."

John’s fingers rubbed against his stubble, creating a rough scratching sound as he pondered Maria’s words. He seemed lost in thought, with occasional pauses as he considered something deeply.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Actually, there is. I would appreciate it if you could join us," Maria answered, looking hopeful.

"You know what? Sure. Why not?"

Grinning, John sat down with his eyes closed and his legs crossed, blending in with the others. He tried to concentrate, but the sound of the others’ breathing and Maria’s close proximity kept him from focusing. Her sensual curves and taut, seductive figure were all he could think about. Her little stature and tight little ass consumed his thoughts, and he came here to strengthen their bond.

Maria sat beside John, her back straight and her breathing steady. She closed her eyes and whispered her guidance close to John’s ears.

John decided to put the matter of Maria’s butt aside for the moment and cleared his thoughts. He focused his thoughts on the slight fluctuations of Energy around his body. Slowly, he focused on the use of his Quiet Steps and a bubble of Energy formed around him.

John opened his eyes and noticed the faint shimmering bubble of energy around him. It was translucent, and he could barely make it out, but it was there.

Suddenly, the bubble of Energy burst and the Energy dispersed. John sighed and closed his eyes, trying again.

It took a few tries, but he managed to create and maintain a small bubble of Energy around him and he could feel the improved efficiency of his Energy usage.

"Wow," Maria exclaimed, looking at him with awe. "You’re a natural."

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"Thank you. It wasn’t easy."

"I know. It’s really rare to get this far on the first day."

"Really?"

"Yes, it’s impressive."

"It was all thanks to your guidance."

"Oh, please, I’m just teaching you the basics," Maria said, brushing him off.

"How much longer will you be here?"

Maria pondered and looked at her A-comms, "oh, time by quickly, it’s already time."

"In that case, can I talk to you more about this?"

Maria hesitated, glancing sideways at Marco who was already burning with jealousy.

"Oh, come on, I’ll make it worth your while. I have a bottle of 1998 Grand Cru. We can have a private session after this."

Maria was conflicted. She knew Marco’s jealousy would burn, but John was the leader of the base and he had already done a lot for her.

"Okay, sure. Let’s go," Maria said, her pink hair fluttering as she stood up.

"Lead the way," John replied, gesturing towards the private section of the lounge. As he did, he turned around and his gaze locked with Marco who glared daggers at him. John’s grin widened, and allowed his palm to rest just above Maria’s lower back, and he could sense her shiver at his touch.

Marco could only grit his teeth, knowing he could not risk angering Maria with his jealousy again, but John’s cheeky smirk said it all. He felt a pit deep in his stomach, a premonition of bad things to come.