Because of Sylas's spatial ability, everyone had been so focused on him that they completely forgot about Dudu's ability. Although Dudu had woken up the previous day, he was just a child and didn't know much. Since they couldn't ask him directly, they had decided to wait until Sylas woke up. But now that Sylas was awake, everyone had still overlooked Dudu's ability.
"Yes, how could we forget about Dudu's ability?" Dylan exclaimed, clapping his hands.
Doctor Farlo immediately turned to Sylas. "What about Dudu's ability? He's the youngest ability user we've seen so far. We're all curious!"
"I think his ability has to do with sound waves," Sylas explained. "He can use sound waves to attack others." He went on to describe the scene he had witnessed the day before yesterday. Even Sylas himself had been shocked at what Dudu could do.
"Who would've thought that such a small child was responsible for the carnage on the road yesterday," Dylan said, glancing at Dudu, who was still playing happily on Sylas's bed.
"We need to test his ability and help him control it," Major Kyle said sternly. "If he accidentally hurts someone, it'll be a major headache."
"Sylas, can you talk to him about it?" Doctor Farlo asked, looking at him expectantly.
Since Dudu was closest to Sylas, they had no choice but to rely on him.
"I'll try," Sylas said, lifting Dudu and placing him on his lap.
"Dudu, do you remember what happened yesterday? When we fell, and you cried?" Sylas asked gently.
Dudu blinked his big round eyes and shook his head. "Dudu cry... scary."
"It's not scary anymore," Sylas reassured him. "Do you remember what happened when you cried?"
Dudu shook his head again.
"He's just a child after all," Major Kyle said, sighing in disappointment.
"It's alright," Doctor Farlo interjected. "Just make sure he doesn't interact too closely with the other survivors for now. If he's not in danger or stimulated, his ability won't activate like the first time."
Everyone agreed to this plan.
"Take a good rest today," Major Kyle instructed. "Also, don't mention the existence of ability users to anyone else for the time being. Tomorrow, come to Hall No. 16—everyone with abilities will gather there. If we want to survive in this apocalypse, we need to understand your abilities better." With that, Major Kyle left the room with Doctor Farlo.
"It's lunchtime. Let's go. Sylas, you've just woken up and haven't eaten anything since yesterday—you must be starving," Dylan said, standing up.
Sylas, realizing how hungry he was, picked up Dudu, and along with Leo and Dylan, left the room.
Halfway to the dining area, Shaun suddenly stopped. "I'll catch up with you later," he said.
"Aren't you coming to lunch? Where are you going?" Sylas asked, puzzled.
Dylan and Leo chuckled, pointing toward a different path. "Ability users don't dine with the others. We have a separate dining area."
"What? Just for the four of us?" Sylas asked, surprised. After all, only Dylan, Leo, Dudu, and he had awakened abilities so far.
"For now," Dylan replied. "But who knows how many it will become inbthe future. Serena is also awakening, so soon there'll be five of us."
"Alright, alright, stop showing off," Shaun snorted, pretending to act annoyed. "Bye, Dudu!" He waved at the child before walking toward the main dining hall. Despite his act, Shaun sighed quietly. Who wouldn't want to awaken an ability in this apocalypse? It was the only way to increase one's chances of survival.
"Major Kyle set up separate living and dining areas for ability users to prevent accidents," Leo explained as they walked. "Yesterday, Dylan broke a door and some furniture."
"Hey, that was because I'm not used to my strength yet!" Dylan protested.
"Exactly why we've been separated," Leo said. "After lunch, I'll show you to your new room."
"Thanks for taking care of me," Sylas said sincerely.
---
After a satisfying lunch, Leo led them to their new rooms.
"This treatment is much better than before. Not bad at all," Sylas said, inspecting the clean, spacious room and the surroundings.
"Of course! Ability users are now considered the backbone of the safe zone," Dylan said proudly.
"We don't know how many people will awaken abilities, but one thing is certain—not everyone will. Those who do will stand at the top of the food chain in this apocalypse," Leo added.
Sylas glanced around his single room and smiled. "What about Dudu?"
"He's being taken care of by the nurses. Don't worry—he's already familiar with the one looking after him," Leo assured him.
"Should we go back to the special ward?" Dylan asked. "I want to see what Serena's ability will be."
Sylas was curious too, so the three of them headed back to the ward.
---
When they arrived, Serena was still asleep.
"By the way," Sylas said, turning to Leo, "what happened to you in the basement yesterday?"
Leo paused before answering. "I was passing medical supplies to our team when we were ordered to leave the clinic quickly. I grabbed my gun to rush out, but I accidentally cut my hand on a blade in the basement. In a panic, I covered it with my other hand, and suddenly a white glow started emanating from my palm, healing the wound instantly. Right after that, I passed out."
"No wonder you suddenly suddenly passed out," Sylas said, nodding.
"Zombies are drawn to loud noises and the smell of blood," Leo continued. "When I saw my hand bleeding, I panicked. I had this overwhelming urge to stop the bleeding immediately to avoid endangering my teammates. I think our abilities are tied to what we need most in the moment. I don't think they're random at all."
"I agree," Dylan chimed in. "When I awakened my strength ability, I desperately wanted strength in that moment. It's like the situation itself shapes the ability we receive."
Sylas nodded thoughtfully, recalling the moment of his awakening. Thinking back, the one thing he had been obsessed with was taking away the things he desired.