"So how did you get the runes which help you?" Jayden couldn't help but ask as all of them were heading deeper into the terminal.
Li Xi and Jace couldn't help but perk their ears too. After all who doesn't want such ability in such a weird place where they might die from an unknown substance or animal?
_Sigh, I wished I could have travelled alone. All these unnecessary questions won't have been thrown at me._
"From killing a zombie."
"Is there a way for us to also gain it?" Li Xi asked.
"Maybe yes, maybe no," Morningstar replied.
Suddenly he halted, making the absent-minded Li Xi and Jace bump into him.
"Ouch! Why did you stop without giving us a head up first?" Jace grumbled with frustration.
"Look at the ground. It's slimy like a snail just past here."
With those words, the others couldn't help but squint their eyes in order to see the dim floor.
Jayden bent down and took a look before muttering, "It's like slimy mucus mixed with some blood being dragged on the floor."
"I think I kinda know them. Follow me back to the convenience store to get some vital stuff." Without waiting for them he head back to the convenience store.
"Help me find any extremely explosive or flammable drinks, perfumes or chemicals." He let out after the trio caught up to him.
While he was gathering the stuff, his mind couldn't help but wonder back to why he came back.
_Those mucus and blood marks are definitely left by a chopped-off zombie._
Morningstar could remember what they looked like. Those sorts of zombies have strong arms but have no legs so they have no choice but to drag their bodies around if they want to move which leaves mucus and blood on the floor.
Although they're slow but one thing Morningstar remember was once it catches up with its target it's highly impossible for them to survive especially low-level people.
_Tsk, isn't this overly too much for a mere starter?_
Gluglueglueglu~
Although his mind was busy thinking of those demonic beasts, his action didn't stop as he continued to empty each flammable liquid into a large bowl. The rest also did the same.
"Are you making a cocktail?"
"No, I don't think you will be clueless about this Jayden. Find some tissues and dip them into this liquid and find a lot of empty glass bottles so we can pour the liquid in it."
With their help, Morningstar was able to produce about 30 of them. After which he found 3 backpacks and loaded the Molotovs while handing some lighters to them.
"Okay now here's what we should do. One person will light the Molotovs and throw it as soon as you spot one of the beasts then the others will strike and kill it. But note the spoils from the fight will be shared unbiasedly. The one standing behind will get lesser than the two fighting at the front."
"I... I think I will stay behind."
"I will stay behind."
Both Jace and Li Xi simultaneously said.
They both knew they couldn't face it, after all, if even Morningstar who claims to have special runes which give him information can even come back to make special preparations for such a fight will be on alert how then can they even survive?
"Only one can stand in the back. Decide among yourselves." Was all Morningstar could say.
Jace saw how desperate Li Xi was. Although he hated bickering with girls but this was a life and death situation that he must thread with consciousness.
Finally unable to take it, he dropped his hand while saying, "Let's take turns."
"Okay." Li Xi replied with a relieved smile.
After seeing that they have finally come to an agreement Morningstar said, "Okay, let's go now."
****
"Ahhh! Jace throw it this way goddamit!! Throw it faster!!!"
Jayden who has been shot a paralyzing poison on his leg can barely stand as he staggers backwards with fright on his face.
How could he not be afraid?
When 4 mobs of legless Zombies were dragging themselves across the ground towards him. The sight of them only was enough to shake the souls of those teens who hadn't seen any of such things in their entire lives.
Although Morningstar had shown them how to avoid those poisons but Jayden being the proud son of heaven didn't take it to mind since he saw how slow the zombies crawled he was certain they wouldn't reach him in time but while leisurely fighting he made a slight slip up and got hit by their poison.
"Jace!!!... Throw it before these dam creatures devour me! Ahhh..."
Jace who was frightened out of his wits fumbled with the Molotov for a while before being able to barely light it up. With a shaking hand, he threw it towards the four zombies chasing Jayden. As soon as the bottle smashes into their midst it turns into a small pool of fire which causes those zombies to let out shrill screams of pain.
Kyaaaaaaa~
Taking advantage of this, Li Xi killed one while Jayden who was so annoyed and embarrassed for being in such a sorry state could only vent his anger by killing the remaining 1. Morningstar who was holding a sharp axe struck them and chopped off the remaining two's head.
Morningstar didn't even care if they died or not so long as the axe which was coated in a special poison he made was able to penetrate their skin.
After 20 minutes of tense fighting, they were able to finally finish off the rest of the chopped-off zombies.
With exhaustion both mentally and physically the four of them couldn't help but take a rest.
Huuu huuu huuu~
Morningstar couldn't help but feel his blood pumping and his heart beating from the exhilarating fight which just taken place. It felt like this was truly where he belonged to. A land of constant fighting was the only thing that could make his numb emotions come back to life.
After resting for a while, Morningstar stood up and collected the whole of the runes they all killed.
As soon as Jayden spotted him he stood up despite being tired after all he was always suspicious of Morningstar and thought he wouldn't share the runes according to the agreement.
"Here's yours Jayden."
"For you Li Xi."
"Here's yours Jace."
Morningstar gave each one theirs while he took him and absorbed immediately.
He couldn't help but sigh at the magical feeling of all his exhaustion disappeared like a puff of smoke.
"Fuckin son of a @$$#0|€ look what you've cost me!" With anger boiling in his chest, Jayden couldn't help but yell at his best friend Jace.
He couldn't help but after seeing the scared Jace causing him to fall behind. If not for that slight mistake he Jayden won't have been given such low amount of runes.
"...I... I... Sorry"
Jace let out in a low voice as he hung his head low in shame.
"I don't need your sorry! Since you turn out to be this useless give me your runes!! Only someone as brave as me can use it to its full potential."
Screaming those words with rage, Jayden marched towards Jace with the intention of collecting the runes.
Although he said those heroic words, his true intention was totally different.
_With those runes I can somehow reduce the gap between me and Morningstar._
Just then, an axe blocked his way.
"Do not go too far Jayden, that alone is what can give him a chance to survive in this Godforsaken land." Said Morningstar with a cold tone.
"Survive?! Hell, I can bet with my life this piece of shit won't live for two days!" Jayden huffed.
Morningstar could only shrug. What could he say? Even he can only rely on the knowledge impacted on him by his future self to know exactly what to do and the worst of it is the knowledge ain't complete!
"Let him be. It's not like we are military men trained for years. We will slowly adapt, what matters the most is when. I guess."
"I thought you don't talk too much?" Li Xi said with a smile as she looked at Morningstar with curious sparkling eyes.
Ever since they met he has been quiet or barely saying any word but here he is, even defending Jace.
Morningstar didn't reply her as he continued heading down, towards the final place for the bus.
****
Few Minutes Later
Huuuuu ~
"Mo... Morningstar, is that what we are gonna fight?"
Jayden who claimed to be the bravest couldn't help but take a deep breath before asking. It was obvious from his tone that whatever he saw was definitely scary.
"Yes, I guess," Morningstar replied with a hint of confusion too.
_I thought this was a beginner station. What the hell is a 3-meter-tall humanoid cat doing here?_
Indeed! A humanoid black fur cat could be seen snoring while leaning on a bus which Morningstar suspected to be the place to collect his reward.
"I don't think I can continue, I guess I will have to go back and stay with Jane. Seeing only one beast in this place I'm certain it is the final boss and that means its strength is no joke." Li Hi replied fearfully while moving back.
"Me too. I will be waiting outside." Jace replied with fear in his eyes before moving out.
Feeling conflicted, Jayden gritted his teeth and said, "Morningstar, Let us team up and kill it."
"I won't team up with you as we ain't even fluent in fighting. Either you fight and I go back or you go back and let me fight. I don't want any distraction."
"Morningstar! You taking this too far! Do you look down on me?!" Jayden let out with anger in his eyes.
"..."
"Fine! I hope you don't get devoured by the cat! Suit yourself, bastard."
_Besides, I can get to spend and deepen my relationship with Li Xi before you come back. That's only if you can._ Jayden thought as he left with anger.
Meanwhile, Morningstar stood and looked at the cat before letting out a nervous sigh.
_I can do this. I definitely can do it._ As soon as he made a step forward he mistakenly stepped on an empty can which made a rough noise in this quiet terminal waking the cat up.
Being stared at by those yellow eyes, Morningstar couldn't help but shiver. Just when he wanted to dash away, the cat which was ten meters away from him dashed towards him at an astonishing speed, blocking Morningstar's escape route.
(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)