When Barry figured out that his sister and mother had joined the same group as Elaine's family, he felt relieved. Even though that also meant that he had to travel a long way to get to them, it was much better than knowing that the fate of his family would end up the same as their poor dog.
Barry and the others now have a stronger reason to go to the bunker alpha. Apart from his family and Elaine's family, the bunker was also the safest place for them. The only place they can turn to in this ruined world.
They decided to stay at Barry's house first because now they no longer needed to rush. Deciding to chase the group was also not wise because maybe they had gone too far and no one knew what they would encounter on the way.
So, everyone decided that resting and restoring their energy was the best decision to make at this time.
Time continued to pass until finally night arrived. Barry returned from touring the modest complex around his house to check things out.
He managed to kill several zombies to increase his experience so that he now rose to Level 8. Barry immediately added the points he had to his Magic Power.
[Magic Power: 17]
He returned to his house and smelled the aroma of cooking which whetted his appetite in an instant.
He ran to his house. It looks like tonight they will have a feast.
He, who had confirmed that there were no major threats around his house, also felt that it was right for them to have a little relaxing time. But not too much because they don't know what can happen when they let their guard down too much.
"I'm back."
Barry entered the house and found Danny watching through the window. Rifle faithfully accompanies him in his hand.
"You just fought something?" Danny saw blood stains on Barry's clothes and asked with concern.
"A few zombies. Not a big problem," Barry replied calmly.
Danny nodded.
"Anna is cooking?"
"Yeah. Because now we can relax a bit so she decided to cook some delicious food."
A smile appeared on Barry's face. "Nice."
Barry sat next to Danny then they started chatting to pass the time until dinner arrived.
"I don't think these firearms will be much use anymore in the near future," Barry said.
"Yeah. I noticed that too. But if I don't use this, what should I use? I don't have the skills of a martial artist like you."
Barry scratched his head, confused. "Hmm... maybe you could use a bow and arrow. Or a crossbow."
"You think its gonna work better than guns?"
"Maybe, you should try it first."
Danny, who didn't feel like he had any other choices, just shrugged. "Alright. Let's look for bow and arrow."
"Dinner's ready."
Elaine's voice came from beside them in a low tone. She is still as careful as always.
"I think we should have dinner here, don't you?" Danny said.
"Yeah. I'll help bring it here." Barry stood up then helped the others carry the food to the front room so it would be easier to monitor the situation.
They ate the food that Anna cooked with faces that showed enjoyment. Even though what Barry has in his house are not fancy ingredients, Anna's experienced hands can process it into an amazing dish.
While everyone was eating with good appetite, Victoria on the other hand continued to look at them with doubtful eyes. Even almost scared.
"What's wrong?" Barry asked.
"Uhm, n-nothing," Victoria answered.
Barry sighed. The others also realized that Victoria was adopting an excessively defensive and cautious attitude.
They all knew at least a little about the circumstances that befell the girl. She looks full of trauma even though she tries to look strong. Something feels incomplete from her, and she always tries to isolate herself from the rest even though she decides herself to come with them.
'Maybe she felt she didn't see any other choice, that's why she wanted to come with us. Not because she trust in us,' Barry thought.
Suddenly, Anna put a piece of fish on Victoria's plate. "You look too thin. You need to eat more," she said while showing her motherly smile.
Victoria's eyes looked at Anna. Her fear and wariness seemed to wavering in front of the smile and kindness that Anna showed to her.
"T-Thanks," said Victoria.
Barry watched all this from his place secretly. Luckily they have Anna here, or they would just be in an awkward position in this house.
Barry is not the type of person who can form a good relationship that quickly with a stranger or know how to comfort someone who has just left his abusive circle. And he was sure that Elaine wasn't that type of person either.
After dinner was over they all chatted for a while until finally it was time to sleep. Anna uses her Fortification skill to cover this house with a magical barrier that wards off danger.
However, Barry couldn't calm down with just that. Even though Danny said that his sister's skills had been proven to be able to protect them from various creatures while they slept, he still couldn't accept it.
So, he insisted on being on guard.
When it was late at night Barry was sitting on his old couch, looking out the window. The sword he just got is in his hand.
The sword's stats are pretty decent. Its Durability is also pretty high, at 250, so he can use it much longer than anything he held earlier.
Suddenly, a red translucent text appeared in his vision, shocking Barry.
[ The Piece of ??? that you possessed begins to react to the presence of the Shard of ??? ]
'What the fuck is going on now???'
Barry was so confused that his eyebrows furrowed sharply as if they were almost glued together. He never got an explanation about those question marks. But whatever it is, it's trying to tell him something.
He then felt it. A powerful feeling of dread from outside his house.
'Shit, what is that? A monster? But why can I feel such a strong feeling of terror?'
Barry walked towards the window, carefully and slowly. He didn't see anything in front of his house. But when he looked up… His eyes widen.
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