Ryan blinked his eyes several times when he heard Elaine's question. Is that the first question she need to asking when meeting another survivor? What about his condition?
"I-I have a skill called Quick Step," Ryan finally chose to answer.
"Quick Step," Elaine muttered. Then, feeling unsure, she turned to Barry. "What do you think?"
Seeing that, Ryan frowned. Why did she ask his opinion? It was as if the opinion of the weak students was important.
Barry thought for a few seconds. From the name of the skill, it seems like it can make this student named Ryan run or move quickly. He also seems to be able to survive by killing zombies.
Even though he looked a little scared, he seemed reliable. Barry doesn't know how many zombies he has killed. Based on his attitude, maybe not much. But if he can cooperate then there's no harm in inviting him.
However, Barry still maintains his suspicion.
"I think it would be a good idea to invite him," Barry said while looking at Elaine.
Hearing that, Elaine nodded. She has considered Barry a useful ally and a good traveling companion.
She doesn't know how he got the knowledge to use the weird game features she now has. But that's not that important now. The important thing is that Elaine believes that Barry still has other knowledge that is useful for their journey.
Elaine also thinks that Barry is very capable. So obviously she asked for his opinion about Ryan.
"Okay. You can come with us," said Elaine to Ryan.
On the other hand, Ryan was feeling unhappy when he saw that Elaine seemed to respect Barry's decision. Just how good is this guy that Elaine takes high regard on him?
"We better hurry," Barry said.
Elaine nodded in agreement. Ryan grabs his grass sears and walks with them. He noticed that Barry had a flat face, but his eyes looked sharp.
There was no fear in the man's eyes, making Ryan feel a strange anger in his chest.
Why can Barry be like that when he himself feels so much fear? What is really so special about him that Elaine respects his words?
There was a feeling of insecurity that suddenly appeared in Ryan's mind. Especially when that feeling of insecurity comes because someone as insignificant as Barry, it makes him even angrier.
They walked through corridors that were littered with corpses and intestines.
Strangely, even though Barry had never seen a scene like this directly, he could still control himself to remain calm. Though, in the end Barry had to frown and stop the journey because the sight was too nauseating.
However, his two companions felt more problems. Elaine vomited even though she was finally able to control herself. But Ryan... His condition is quite troublesome.
Ryan was pale after vomiting so many times. He also asked them to stop many times.
"I... I can't stand it anymore," Ryan said breathlessly as he sat leaning against the wall for the umpteenth time.
Elaine looked at him with a frown and annoyed expression. But Barry felt he could understand his situation. Nobody should be able to endure staring at a scene like that for a long time.
"You can rest first if you want. This classroom seems like a good place to hide," Barry said. "I will find the safest way out."
Elaine nodded. However, Barry knew that his condition was not much better than Ryan's.
"You should hide with him first and wait until your Magic Power recovers again," Barry said to her.
"I'm fine!" Elaine insisted.
But Barry shook his head. "You threw up a few times too, right? Just rest, okay?"
Barry looked straight into Elaine's eyes and Elaine felt like she had to give in immediately.
Elaine sighed and nodded.
"Good. I won't be long."
After that Barry walked forward with a dagger ready in his hand. He walked towards another part of the school and disappeared from Elaine and Ryan's sight in a matter of seconds.
"Where did you meet him?" Ryan asked.
"In the classroom corridor to the south," Elaine replied.
"What uhm… skills does he have?"
"He has the skill to manipulate his weight."
A sly smile briefly appeared on Ryan's face. 'What? His skill isn't even that strong. My Quick Step is definitely superior to it.'
"I think with skills like that he won't be very useful," Ryan said.
Hearing that, Elaine turned her head and looked at him with a frown. "What?"
"Listen, we have to have strong friends to survive in the world that has become like this, right? He doesn't look that strong so I think maybe he'll just be a burden in the near future," Ryan tried to explain what he meant.
"But," Ryan continued. "If it were the two of us, I'm sure our chances of survival would be higher."
Elaine stared at him closely. But didn't say anything.
"We have to leave him if things get tough," Ryan said.
---
On the other hand, Barry was walking carefully while scanning the surroundings. He didn't see any zombies along the corridor.
This corridor leads to the school gate in the north. It was the only exit closest to their current location.
So far, this way seems to be the safest because there are no zombies at all. However, that was precisely what made Barry worried.
Especially when he saw trails of blood extending towards the north as if there were several bodies at once being pulled by something very strong.
Barry looked up ahead. His instincts felt as if there was a dangerous aura coming from up ahead.
Before whatever was there got out, Barry turned and ran back towards where Elaine and Ryan were hiding.
---