24 Gerridae

"Gerridae," Liu Kai asserted.

"What!?" Jin Chow and Sergio glared at Liu Kai, still in his berserk mood, seated in front of them.

"It's an insect that can walk on water. It's sometimes called water striders, water scooters, water skippers —"

"Okay, all right. You sure know a lot about bugs. Isn't that strange?" Jin Chow lifted his eyebrows while staring at Liu Kai before answering the question.

Liu Kai stared at Jin Chow with his poker face.

"I thought being mutated gave them some sort of newly discovered abilities." Sergio shared his feelings.

Liu Kai frowned. "No, people don't know a lot about bugs. They already have powers back then. No one pays too much attention because they're gross. But if you research them, there's a lot of interesting stuff you'll learn from them." He explained while keeping eye contact with them, and they just listen like children with innocent expressions.

"I'm sorry to hear what happened." Jin Chow changed the subject when he recalled how difficult it was to lose your squadron and do nothing to save them. He felt sorry for Sergio Von Croy and tapped his back.

"I still have questions," said Liu Kai.

"Oh, Brother Liu Kai, do you have a heart?" Jin Chow raised his eyebrow at Liu Kai, but he was struck in the head in response.

Liu Kai ignored Jin Chow, since he's still was upset with Sergio about what happened yesterday, and asked, "Why —"

"Why am I threatening you, and why have I remained here, is that what you'd like to ask?" Sergio Von Croy asked confidently.

"Yeah," said Liu Kai, unhindered.

"Hahahaha, you're reasoning is so logical," Sergio Von Croy said as he chuckled.

"Even though I've already told you my story, it still doesn't matter to you because the questions in your head aren't answered. Yeah, you're right, it didn't explain why I assaulted both of you."

"Hahaha, I know people like you. You're exactly like my best friend, an insensitive rascal, but thinking too rational about every circumstance. If only the Monarchy chose him as the leader instead of me, maybe ...." Sergio Von Croy sobbed before he could finish his sentence, thinking of Mario.

"Oh, it's not your fault." Jin Chow rubbed his back to calm him down, and Liu Kai stayed quiet.

"If only I listened to them, they would still be alive." Sergio Von Croy said as he cried.

Sergio Von Croy's emotions reach Liu Kai on another scale with his momentarily enhanced perception thanks to his 'Berserk' skill, but he doesn't know what he's going to do with it. He wants to console Sergio, but he doesn't know what to do.

"I'm just going to search the place. We need to be secure first." Liu Kai declared before he left.

Jin Chow nodded to Liu Kai and proceeded to comfort Sergio.

Liu Kai left Jin Chow and Sergio Von Croy inside the building, searching for food.

"Tsk, I don't trust that man." Liu Kai whined to himself as he jumped to the top of the building.

'And I don't have any stories like that. It's better just to leave them for a bit, I guess.' Liu Kai thought to himself.

*****

Liu Kai returned to the rooftop, carrying a large grasshopper he had captured outside Fang Shi. He ignited a fire and prepared to burn the insect, and Sergio Von Croy approached him.

"Uhm… Hey…"

"Uh… look, I'm sorry I attacked you. I can answer your questions right now." Sergio Von Croy smiled at Liu Kai.

"It doesn't matter." Liu Kai replied shortly, sitting on the field, not looking at Sergio and rubbing obsidian rocks, he picked somewhere to start a fire.

It's necessary for Liu Kai, but he doesn't want to appear like a heartless man again.

"I don't think so. Your mind won't let you sleep in peace until I answer the questions in your head. And you still don't trust me despite my story, isn't it?" Sergio sat beside him.

Liu Kai's eyes almost popped out of their socket as he stopped rubbing the rocks for a moment because of Sergio's statements.

'How did he know? 'Liu Kai thought to himself.

"You're thinking, how did I know, is that right?" Sergio Von Croy laughed at Liu Kai.

Liu Kai twitched his eyebrows, didn't want to admit I

"I told you, you're just exactly like my best friend, you think the same way," said Sergio Von Croy, smiling sincerely at Liu Kai.

"I'm going to hear about it when we're dining. For now, just help cook stuff." Liu Kai replied as he turned away.

"Okay." Sergio Von Croy responded, helping Liu Kai burn the giant grasshopper.

After a while, Liu Kai returned to his usual condition, and the wound he caused on his wrist was gone.

Jin Chow is on the rooftop corner, patrolling the place while Liu Kai and Sergio Von Croy are cooking the meal.

[Your skill Berserk after effect will now commence]

4 points will be added to Power.

4 points will be deducted to Agility.

[Alter is activated]

4 points will be added to Agility instead of deducted.

[Status Window]

Agility: 34(+4)*

Power: 25(+4)*

Stamina: 26

Mentality: 28

Durability: 24

Perception: 24

*Permanently added.

Liu Kai is already waiting for a message after his skill 'Berserk' wears off while looking at his unwound wrist.

'Now it's four instead of six.' Liu Kai thought to himself, taking the meat out of the grasshopper with Sergio.

'Hmmm, why is it changing every time? It was two points when it first triggered after Jin Chow grabbed my hand. And when I battled the wasp, it was six points. Now, it's four points. Liu Kai narrowed his eyes, thinking intensely about the system.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes and figured, 'Health percentage. That's it! 'Finally, he noticed that he has two points every time his health percentage is decreased by 10. When he clashed with Jin Chow, his health was reduced to 40%, and he was given 2 points later. When battling Sergio, his health was reduced to 30%, and he was given 4 points afterward. And as he faced the wasp, his health was reduced to 20%, and he was given 6 points later.