After several tense hours had passed, Aaron sat anxiously next to Serena, who remained in a fitful slumber. The pain etched on her face was evident even in her unconscious state.
Clara, resembling a tiny hovering fairy, was perched over Aaron's shoulder, her watchful eyes never leaving Serena's form.
In a corner of the room, Garry had found a small book, seeking solace in its pages amidst the chaotic situation unfolding around them. He was engrossed in the text, trying to find some semblance of comfort amidst the uncertainty.
Suddenly, a rustling from above drew their attention, and a voice echoed from the nearby medical store, sending shivers down their spines. "Get whatever you can find!"
Aaron and Garry snapped to alertness, standing up cautiously.
"Are those the machines?" Aaron asked Clara in a hushed tone.
"No, I don't think so," Clara replied, her voice barely audible.
Fear gripped the group as they heard footsteps and heavy stomps approaching. "There are more than two people," Clara reported quietly.
Garry's trembling voice broke the tension, "Should... we run, guys?"
"MAX! GET YOUR GODDAMN ASS HERE AND SEARCH THIS FUCKING STORE!" roared a loud, intimidating voice from the store.
"Jeez... this place looks horrible. Damn those AI," the person muttered to himself, seemingly unaware of the presence of others in the basement.
Outside the door, another voice chimed in, "Ohhh my goddd....!"
Garry clutched Aaron's leg, his knuckles turning white as he muttered in fear. Clara slowly flew towards the door.
"Don't go alone, fairy!" Garry whispered, his voice barely audible, shaking with anxiety.
Aaron was startled as a familiar voice echoed in his mind. "Aaron" It was Clara, communicating with him once again through her mind.
"I am going to project whatever I see. You can see it through your left artificial eye,"
Clara's message was conveyed, and suddenly, Aaron's vision was no longer limited to his immediate surroundings. He could now witness what Clara was peering at through the door.
Through his left's eye, Aaron saw a scene unfolding. A middle-aged man with a burly physique and a heavy suit stood before them, a gun hanging conspicuously from his side.
He took a few sips from a small beer bottle, showing signs of frustration, "Damn, this beer tastes like shit!"
As Clara continued to observe, another figure entered the scene. A young man, somewhere between 20 to 23 years old with green hairs and a saw in his hand, appeared before the older man. His clothing was worn and rugged, his body slender and seemingly undernourished. He hesitated but mustered the courage to address the man, "Chief!"
The man sitting glanced up with a scowl and immediately berated the younger one, "Cunt! I told you to take shit from the store first, didn't I!?" His anger was palpable, making the atmosphere even more charged with tension.
The young man stammered in response, trying to explain, "S-sorry, I was just looking for survivors-"
The chief cut him off brusquely, showing no interest in his excuses, "Shut up! I don't care. You really think those heartless AI will leave anyone!?" He stood up abruptly, throwing the beer bottle away in frustration, and added with a commanding tone, "Search this whole fuckin place up and take whatever you see—medicine, food, everything!"
With that, the chief stormed off, leaving the young man alone and anxious about the daunting task ahead.
"Fuck him. Bastard."
Frustration filled his voice as he muttered curses about the demanding chief. From his pocket, he produced a small round bag with a button on top. With a click of a button, the bag magically expanded in size, providing ample space to hold the loot he was about to gather. He proceeded to grab every medicine, tool, and supply he could find, sliding them into the bag without hesitation.
As he scurried about, he vented his grievances, "I wanted to get the general store so I could get some snacks for myself, but no! This guy always wants me to loot the medical store or gas station!" His annoyance was evident, and his mood grew darker with each passing moment. Clara, sensing the young man's frustration, cautiously retreated, hoping to remain unnoticed.
The tension escalated when the young man approached the basement door. Aaron's hand clenched into a fist, and Garry trembled with fear, praying silently for their safety.
"Hmm... a door? Is this to some kind of storeroom? Maybe I can find some snacks? Hehe," the young man mused with a glimmer of hope. Slowly, he attempted to open the door, but before he could do so fully, the older man returned to the store, catching him in the act.
"Hey kid," the chief's voice sounded serious, his face stern as he regarded the young man. The latter visibly shook, feeling caught and guilty.
"Y-yes, sir!" the young man stammered nervously, fearing he might have been overheard earlier when he was venting his frustrations.
The chief appeared puzzled but continued, "Ah, I was saying um... get some condoms too." With that unexpected statement, he turned away and left the young man alone once more.
"What the holy fuck! You old shit," the young man burst out in frustration, plopping down on a chair, his hand clutched against his chest. He took a moment to catch his breath and muttered, "Phew... I thought he heard me. Whatever."
Regaining his composure, he stood up again and continued his search. The shelves offered no respite, and he kept muttering to himself, "Where will they be?" He rummaged through his bag, searching every nook and cranny, and then scoured the store once more.
Growing increasingly exasperated, he finally couldn't contain his frustration any longer, "Where the hell are the condoms!" His shout echoed through the store.
To everyone's surprise, Garry, who had been hiding timidly behind Aaron, stepped forward.
He approached the door to the medical store, and spoke firmly, "Good sir, it might be on the second drawer of the counter!"
"Oh, thank you" The guy nodded going behind the corner and then he stopped the realization hit him he turned around "Wait... WHO WAS IT?!".