*Amanet's POV*
RINA wakes me with a delightful tune that gently pries me from rest. The soft melody is perfect for the morning.
Getting ready for the day, I look out the window to assess the current situation.
Zombie numbers are increasing at a steady pace. The streets now house groups of up to 10, with mutant variants getting more diverse. Mutant dogs, acid spitters, and even infected children roam around. Wildlife from the nearby woods has started roaming the edges of the neighbourhood. I can see them in the backyard since the house is so close to the forest.
"We can't stay here much longer. It won't hold."
Even if we build defences, they won't be much help against the sheer number of creatures that will attack.
With [Map] only at level 1, the range is too small to find a military safe zone. We can only rely on the emergency broadcast and hope they updated it since the first day, so I get RINA to tune into the proper frequency.
Soon, the automated message begins repeating.
"Attention survivors. A temporary safe zone has been established at the Viran Research Facility on Landshaw Mountain and rescue teams have been dispatched. Food and shelter is available for refugees."
Viran Research, owned by the famous Ali Viran. Youngest CEO to inherit a multi-million dollar company with over twelve separate research divisions. They develop cutting edge technology and medicine that has helped countless lives.
I'm not surprised the military is cooperating with him. He likely has an abundance of resources and decent defences.
The mountain is 50 km away. The trek won't be easy but it's safer than staying here. There is safety in numbers.
I head downstairs and see the men eating a bland breakfast. With the power out we have to rely on non-perishables and gas appliances. The food in the fridge is already starting to go bad and the electric stove is unusable, so I settle for a granola bar to start my day.
After I finish eating, I lay out my plan for Sawyer and Xander.
"Okay, so zombie numbers are increasing at a steady pace. Infected wildlife is sniffing around our base and mutants are becoming more common. We need to supply fast and head for the safe zone. I checked the emergency broadcast and it is set up at the Landshaw Mountain research base. The one owned by Viran Industries."
Xander gets visibly irritated when he hears the name whereas Sawyer can't hide his happiness.
"Viran tech is top notch. Their VR Gaming set and high speed processing desktops....."
Golden eyes shine as they talks with passion.
In contrast, Xander's emerald orbs are dark.
"Of course he's mixed up with the military brass. He always acted all high and mighty when we were kids so why wouldn't he act like some kind of god now. Bet you feel like royalty now, huh Ali..."
Seems the two have a past. I want to pry but decide against it. Their grudge doesn't affect ourplans.
"Okay, varied feeling on the destination. Unfortunately we don't have much choice. It's the only base currently up and running. Others will take time that we don't have. So I will send out some drones to scout for supplies in nearby houses. I'll have to expand my range which means hunting for crystals to upgrade some skills and stats."
I can tell Xander wants to say something but he holds himself back.
"I'm heading out. I have an inventory to store what I find so you two just need to get along until I get back. Make sure go bags are prepared. We need to be able to leave with no delay in case trouble comes our way."
Heading upstairs, I look out and see 11 zombies stumbling around. Using [Energy Manipulation] to move pieces of sharp, broken metal lets me slay them all within a minute. Poles going in one side of their head and emerging out the other.
It is a gruesome scene.
After they are all dead, I let the weapons fall and check my Energy before jumping down. Down from 300 to 75. Manipulating so many objects at high speeds is draining. Luckily the recovery speed for Energy is quick. As long as I only use it for short tasks I won't run low.
I send the drones out first to do recon and use the metal on the ground to create a dagger using [Weapons Expert]. More suitable than a kitchen knife. Turning on [Silent Steps], I avoid drawing attention as I sprint towards a nearby brute.
Dagger at the ready, I throw it as soon as I get within 50 meters.
The huge body stumbles as it gets stabbed and the creature lets out an aggravated roar, stimulating the nearby zombies.
I jump up, grabbing the dagger and flipping over the ugly brute, landing perfectly on my feet in front of it. Quickly turning around to reface the mutant I sprint forward and slide between its legs, scraping up my legs in the process.
I can feel the sting as gravel and dirt enter my wound, but I know it will heal soon.
Instead I focus on slashing the ankles of my opponent.
When I emerge behind the creature I see a dozen ordinary zombies closing in and a spitter leads the group. Acid drips on the concrete, leaving holes in its wake.
With my Energy now full, I pull a car to block their path. A few seconds of delay is all I need. It drains my energy again due to the heavy weight, but it does its job and buys me time.
The brute tries to turn and face me but I launch myself up, aiming the dagger so it pierces under the chin. It goes straight up and into the brain, causing the body to crash to the pavement.
I turn to focus on the others approaching but a notification interrupts me.
[Massive supply cache located]
An icon appears on my [Map] in the shape of backpack at the edge of my 1 km range. About a five minute run with my current agility. However I must get past the danger first. My best chance is to go around and lose them in the houses. Despite the risk of running into stray zombies, they will be easier to take care of than the large group in front of me.
I sprint towards the house closest house and am lucky enough that the door is already wide open.
Unluckily, there are two zombies as soon as I enter. I see one more down the hall, two or three in the kitchen, and I hear more upstairs.
Decapitating the first two, I decide to go upstairs. It takes a few strong strides and skipping some steps, but I come face to face with another when my feet him the upper floor. I throw my knife and it lodges in the skull. My [Energy Manipulation] quickly pulls it back to my hand.
Nifty trick.
I run down the hall and exit onto a balcony. From there I jump to the roof.
Running along roofs may run the risk of agile mutants, but there won't be as many.
In the distance I see a licker eyeing me and on the ground is a mutant running on all fours.
Though I note their positions, I do not get distracted from my goal and start leaping from roof to roof. The distance between the houses doesn't matter with my current stats.
The licker waits patiently as I get closer to where it is perched, it is a clever beast. It is weary, almost like it observed the earlier fight despite not having eyes. The feeling is unsettling.
When I'm two roofs away I throw the dagger, but the bastard catches it with its tongue. When I try to pull it back the resistance is too strong.
"Not ideal."
I came out without my axe and now my dagger is taken.
With the house 200 meters away, I have to make a choice. So, I jump and land in the street.
The commotion causes nearby zombies to look at me and the licker lets out a primal cry.
"That is way worse than losing my weapon."
I take off once again and any ordinary zombie that gets in my way is hit so hard their skull shattered.
The horde behind me gets louder as it grows, but from the map I can see the licker has no intention of moving so I completely ignore it. I just need to make sure I lose these guys.
I swerve and run into an open garage. One that was clearly opened when the owner tried to flee. Near the backyard exit is the button that operates it, the back door open as well. It is a straight shot.
If I can trap some of them in the garage, that would be nice.
In sequence I carry out my plan. The automatic door rolls down, the noise distracting the zombies from me. As I run out the back door, shutting it behind me, I can't help but think that it is convenient.
The backyard is clear except for a single mutant dog attached to a chain.
Jumping over the fence, I have finally reached my destination.
From the drone's information there is only one entry point so I don't hesitate to make my way to the unlocked deck door. It leads straight into the kitchen which shows signs of rushed packing. Shelves half cleared of food and heavy water cooler jugs that would be too difficult to take.
I automatically throw the leftover food supplies in my inventory and move on.
The medicine cabinets are the next hit, filled with plenty of basic pills. After that I head upstairs to look for the master bedroom.
Photos around show a young couple. Determining the woman may be my size, I think of how I don't have any changes of clothes.
The bedroom has belongings scattered everywhere, but there is no sign of blood or zombies.
"I wonder if they got away....."
A sigh escapes me as I silently hope they did despite knowing how unlikely that is. Once my thoughts clear I start grabbing some items that would fit. Leggings, jeans, t-shirts, shoes, undergarments, and sweaters take their place in my inventory.
I'm just about to leave when a feeling draws me to the back of the closet. When I get closer I see an all black combat bodysuit. There are straps and attached sheaths to place weapons. The outfit is slightly worn but very well taken care of.
Without hesitating I change into it. The fabric is comfortable and stretchy making it easy to move around in. Plus, there are two slots for pistols on my hips and two dagger sheaths on my outer thighs.
A look outside tells me noon is close so I know I still have time to explore.
But first, points.
My experience is not enough to level up but I earned 14 basic crystals and one advanced. After deducting five basic crystals to make my [Map] level 2, there are 9 left. The rest get put into stats, while the advanced one is redeemed for the skill [Assault Drone].
The increased range of 5 km helps me see the edges of the suburb and into the forest, while the [Assault Drone] will be useful for dealing with big groups. The ammo is energy so I just need to recharge it with [Energy Manipulation] when it's running low.
I open my stat panel to check my progress.
Amanet Hunt: Level 6 (1700/3200 EXP)
HP: 350/350
Stamina: 225/225
Energy: 300/300
Strength: 36
Agility: 24
Physique: 24
Intelligence: 24
Abilities: [Inventory (Lv. 3):Store things in a 1000 space inventory.]
[Appraisal (Lv. 2):View detailed information about items and people.]
[Marksmanship (Lv. 3):Increase shooting accuracy by 30%.]
[Map (Lv. 2): A digital view of the surrounding area up to 5 km. Supplies and people found by your drones will be marked. Red for enemies, green for friendlies, blue for neutral.
[Security Drone (Lv. 2):Summon 2 drones to search surroundings for materials and enemies.]
[Brawler (Lv. 3):Deal an extra 30% damage when fighting in close combat.]
[Silent Steps (Lv. 2): You move without sound. Duration: 10 minutes]
[Energy Manipulation (Lv. 3): You can sense an energy in the atmosphere inaccessible to normal people. This energy can be used freely to attack, defend, and move objects. Energy Regeneration: 30 units per second.]
[Perimeter (Lv. 1): Uses scrap materials to build a security perimeter. Types Available: Wood, Aluminum]
[Nanobots (Lv. 1): Advanced nanotechnology allows for rapid regeneration of cells at 10 HP per second.]
[Weapons Expert (Lv.1): Use materials to make weapons. Types Available: Pistols, Basic Assault Rifle, Dagger]
[Bunker (Lv.2): Create a bunker with capacity of: 5]
[Assault Drone (Lv. 1): Summon 1 assault drone equipped with energy weapons to aid in eliminating enemies. Zombies killed by drone give the appropriate experience.]
Closing the stat window, I move on.
I hit houses for the next four hours and by then the sun is setting. As I make my way back to base I mentally list my spoils. Tons of liquor, medicine, pasta, water, and canned goods to get us through a long trek. Camping supplies, courtesy of a neighbourhood outdoors-man, along with his fishing equipment just in case. There was even a cosplayer's closet filled with outfits that an otaku would die for.
Of course, as an anime lover, I had to grab them.
Seven zombies are killed on the way back and I gracefully climb in the window as the last rays of sunlight go below the horizon.
"Nice timing."
A deep voice greets me and I turn around with a smile to see Xander.
"I know I was cutting it close but you should see my gains. Food and water for months, cooking supplies with gas camping appliances, and enough booze for bombs and fun."
He rolls his eyes before walking over and grabbing me by the waist. He lifts me us and kisses me gently, putting me down only after leaving me breathless.
"Well I could certainly use a drink."
I grab a bottle of red wine out of my inventory and start walking downstairs.
When I enter the kitchen I see Sawyer snacking on dry cereal. I can't help but laugh while taking the propane stove out.
"Put down the snacks, we can at least heat up some canned soup to go with our wine."
His golden eyes shine when he hears me talk about food.
I can only guess they were waiting for me before making dinner, otherwise I don't know how to explain Sawyer's happiness at the mere mention.
The three of us spend a few hours eating, drinking, and talking until we are all drunk.
I don't remember drifting off, only my head leaning against something hard before I fall asleep.
*Sawyer's POV*
In my drunken daze, I watch the auburn haired beauty fall asleep on the shoulder of the school's Prince Charming.
When she first burst in my window I was pissed, but the moment I saw who it was that changed.
I had heard about her from all the seniors in my department, from friends in her class, and even other teachers had things to say. I couldn't help but sit in on her class once, and it was worth it. Her hair was in waves and was a shade of red that perfectly complimented her jewel like blue eyes. Her voice was calming but full of energy and she always wore a smile. Until she was mad.
A short and energetic woman who is kind until you cross her. Even injured, her feisty spirit never wavered as she snapped back at my attitude.
Xander's eyes are locked on her too, but I don't know what he is thinking. After 30 minutes of silence he speaks in a quiet tone.
"She looks so peaceful like this. So different from when she is in battle. We don't deserve her."
I chuckle at that, smiling as I take a drink.
"No one in this entire world deserves a woman like that! Smart, beautiful, strong, determined, fierce. Also let us not forget the goddess like curves. If you already hate me being an unofficial hubby then you'll hate when Ali takes an interest in her. And trust me, he will."
Xander's eyes grow dark and he suppresses a growl.
"That pretentious bastard can have whoever he wants. I dare him to try."
"Dude, he owns the research facility. Think of all the cool gadgets he's got on generators for her to play with in her little science lab. All brand new and cutting edge. I suggest at least one of us takes guard dog duty at all times when we reach there."
He looks at me skeptically but eventually nods.
With that, I lay on the couch and get some shut eye.