Mercer's life was never interesting. Just like the rest of his family, he had minimal experience with technology. Home-schooled and learning only what he needs to know. That being how to run the farm, take care of the animals, the boring routine of his life that had somehow become even more boring. Monsters had taken over the world, and all he was doing was hiding in his house.
The youth didn't believe he could save the world or really impact it in any way. But he thought there would be some excitement in his life. Not being locked indoors every day or staying quiet and gathering resources. It was made even worse whenever Hunter was involved, 'stop, you're making too much noise.' 'Don't kick the ball, you never know who is around.' Why couldn't he have a little fun? He was done with the rules, he wanted a little more excitement.
Mercer counted the days until it was his turn to gather food. He would do his job, but he would also go a bit further past the boundry Hunter has set up. Just a little further to... look around. Just that, nothing else. He couldn't help but smirk as he woke up in the early hours of the morning and got prepared for his excursion, his sister sleeping in and his brother checking over their supplies.
"We're pretty good on food. Pick some vegetables and get back before the sun's up."
"I know, I know. Don't worry bro, I'll be back soon."
"Good, I'll keep watch. Don't forget the password."
"You don't need to keep reminding me."
Hunter glared at him, Mercer responding as he threw his arms into the air and shrugged. Leaving as quickly as he could to 'gather vegetables.' Picking a few crops and loading them into his bag, then stepping further from the farm. He's just going to walk for a minute, then he'll head back. Counting. 1, 2, 3... 58, 59, 60. Looking at the farm's boundaries now, and still seeing nothing exciting. Was there really monsters or was Hunter just overreacting? Maybe another minute of walking will do it...
He keeps marching, listening and watching for anyone or anything. Then hearing a familiar sound in the distance, a ball being kicked. The excited youth forgetting his brothers' instructions, breaking into a sprint to get closer to the sound. Walking up a hill, then going low to the ground. Looking down to a group of eight monsters that are invested in a game of rugby.
All of the monsters look similar. Their form humanoid, but skin a deep red. Hair pitch black and body rather fit, though their build did differ between them. Some were more athletically inclined with a smaller body and less defined muscles. Others were broader and more compact, clearly stronger than the rest of the group. But one similarity they kept besides the sharper teeth and orange eyes is their age. Even with them being unidentified monsters, they all look young. 16-21 maybe, and all involved in a friendly game of sports.
A burning desire built in Mercer. His brother told him so many rules and made his life so boring. But just venturing a bit past his boundaries showed him several monsters having fun. Why shouldn't he join them for their game? Even if they make him into a monster, at least it'll let him have some fun. Though his hatred for Hunter is offset by his care for Piper, she hasn't done anything wrong, and she wouldn't want to see him become a monster. Plus, without him, the two would have a harder time surviving.