I was getting quite hungry and was pretty sure Crystal was too. I went into the kitchen to see what I had left in my fridge to eat. With the electricity out, I wanted to use up the foods that would spoil soon. After rummaging through the fridge, I managed to gather enough for a decent meal. Crystal and I filled our stomachs and took a short 15-minute rest before it was time to get down to business.
It was time to put my Space Pendant to good use. I started by storing all my bottled drinks, clean clothes, underwear, and my collection of J***** sneakers. I also packed away all the nonperishable food I had. Not stopping there, I decided to take most of my kitchen cookware, my bedroom set, and my living room set. With the Space Pendant's incredible storage capacity, I figured it was best to take most of my things with me, just in case. Finally, I felt that I was all set for real this time.
Crystal and I made our way out of the apartment again. Locking my door behind me, we headed for the next apartment door, ready for whatever awaited us next.
Knock knock!
"Please go away because I'm not opening the door. I have a gun, so if you try to force your way in, I'll shoot," said the guy behind the door. His voice dripped with fear, reflecting the crazy things happening in the world right now.
"Be easy, dude; I was just checking if anyone needs help," I said. "He's acting like he's the only one with a gun, right, Crystal?"
"Bark bark!"
We moved on, knowing we still had a lot more ground to cover. Approaching the next apartment door, I knocked again.
Knock knock!
"Gough," came the sound from the other side of the door. Instantly, I knew I had found what I was searching for.
"Jackpot, Crystal. Just like last time, okay?"
Bang! With a forceful kick, the door flew open, slamming into the wall and knocking the zombies behind it off balance. This time was different because, unlike last time, two zombies were behind the door. Unfazed by the door hitting them, they tossed it aside and turned to us, hunger in their eyes.
As they moved in our direction, Crystal and I prepared for battle.
"Crystal, you take the one over there," I said, pointing to my left. "Time - Speed Suit." I had discovered that it's easier to apply my skills when I said them aloud.
We split up, each targeting one of the zombies. Crystal wasted no time and sprinted forward, pouncing for its neck. Just before she could reach it, though, the zombie reacted and smashed her into the wall.
Crash!
Crystal got up, growling at the zombie. One look at her, and you could tell she was pissed. Lightning began to crackle in her mouth. She sprinted forward again, slight traces of lightning sparking around her feet. Her speed increased as she moved. Crystal flew for its neck once more, but this time, the zombie couldn't react. Crystal's teeth were laced with lightning as she bit through its neck, severing it cleanly.
[ Skill acquired ]
[ Lighting Fangs ]
The other zombie lunged at me, but I was ready. I activated my Speed Suit, feeling the surge of power course through me. I dodged its clumsy swipe and countered with a precise punch to its head. The force of the blow sent it staggering back. I didn't give it a chance to recover. With a swift kick, I knocked it off its feet and drove my Katana through its skull, ensuring it wouldn't get back up.
Breathing heavily, I turned to Crystal, who was already licking her wounds. "Good job, girl," I said, patting her on the head. We had faced worse, but each encounter was a reminder of the dangers lurking in every corner.
We took a moment to catch our breath, knowing we still had a long way to go. The world had changed, and we had to be ready for whatever came next.
[ Killed Zombie Lvl - 1 Exp 20]
[ Killed Zombie Lvl - 1 Exp 20]
"I knew they were called zombies, and you tried to make me call them incompatible."
[ Host it's done in this way to make it simpler for you to understand.]
"I feel you're trying to call me stupid, but I'll let it slide this time."
"Status"
Name: Dwayne Storm
Race: Human
Bloodline: N/A
Lvl:0 Exp: 80/100
Ability: Time/Space
Str: 16
Spd: 17
Vit: 16
Int: 16
Luck: 25
Charm: 16
Hp: 160 (Vit × 10)
Mp: 160 (Int × 10)
Att: 165 (Str + Spd × 5)
Def: 160 [(Vit + Str) × 5]
Free Stat: 0
Active Skills: Time - Speed Suit, Space - Shackle
Passive Skills: Tamer
"Looking a little better. I saw Crystal use lighting in her mouth. Did she unlock a skill?"
[ Lighting Fang - with lighting coursing through the teeth, they are a devastating bite. 5% chance to paralyze for 2 seconds 10 mana per use]
"Nice Crystal"
woof woof
I decided to take what I needed from this apartment before we left for the next one. I rummaged through drawers and cabinets, grabbing canned goods, bottled water, and tools. Every bit of supply was precious in these uncertain times. With my bag a little heavier, we continued our way and cleared the rest of the rooms on this floor.
Surprisingly, there were no other survivors except for the one we found earlier. Crystal and I did, however, clear out all the other zombies. Each confrontation was tense and dangerous, but with each victory, we grew stronger. By the end of the floor, both Crystal and I had leveled up. We took a short break to eat and refill our mana before continuing to the next floor.
The search went on for the next couple of hours as we cleaned out all the known zombies in the building. Room by room, we encountered the undead, dispatching them with practiced precision. In total, Crystal and I killed 25 zombies throughout the apartment building. Along the way, we found three other survivors, but like the first, they did not want to be bothered. Fear and distrust were palpable in their voices, and they refused any help.
Despite the grim encounters, I managed to gather plenty of food and water. I even found a few guns and some ammunition, though I wasn't sure if they worked. Not that it mattered anymore with my strength growing as quickly as it does. Survival was the only rule now.
Looking outside, I saw that the sun was setting, casting a warm orange glow over the city. It must have been between 7 and 8 p.m. The fading light was a signal that it was time to hunker down for the night. The darkness brought unknown dangers, and it was better to be safe than sorry.
Crystal and I went back to our apartment and locked the door behind us. I took a quick shower with the bit of water I had left, savoring the moment since I wasn't sure when I would be able to shower again. We then had a meal, which I had to heat on the small grill in a pot with the wood and charcoal that we found. The flickering flames cast long shadows on the walls, reminding me of how much our lives had changed.
As we ate, I couldn't help but think about the journey ahead. After finding Joe, I planned to leave and find my family. The thought of reuniting with them gave me hope and determination.
Calling it a night, we went to sleep early to be ready for tomorrow. The world outside was dangerous and unpredictable, but with Crystal by my side, I felt a little more prepared to face whatever came our way.