Chapter 215: A Strange Survivor

Chapter 215: Chapter 215: A Strange Survivor

The woman set her shotguns down beside her before sitting with the group. Hae-in was the first to approach, handing her a plate of food while asking a few simple questions. Claire soon joined them, sitting nearby and quietly listening to their conversation.

Bong-gu watched Alyssa for a moment before straightening his back and puffed out his chest, gathering the courage to speak.

"We’re glad to have another beauty around," Bong-gu said with a grin. "May I know your name?"

"Alyssa."

"Just Alyssa?" He tilted his head. "That’s a beautiful name, but I was hoping to hear a beautiful surname to go with it."

Claire rolled her eyes at his obvious attempt to flirt.

A faint smile appeared on Alyssa’s lips, finding his behavior amusing. "Alyssa Kane."

"Ah, Alyssa Kane. Nice to meet you."

"Where did you come from, Alyssa?" Hae-in asked.

Bong-gu leaned slightly toward her and whispered, "Don’t interrupt, Hae-in. I’ll handle this."

Hae-in ignored him completely. "Are you from around here?"

"Hey, I was talking to you..."

Alyssa thought for a moment. "I came from somewhere far away. I don’t even know where it is anymore."

Hae-in blinked. "You don’t know?"

"I’ve been moving around for so long that I stopped keeping track."

"I guess it doesn’t really matter anymore," Bong-gu said with a shrug. "The whole world is a mess anyway." He leaned forward again, his grin returning. "Why don’t you come with us? We’re heading to Asterra Safe Zone."

Claire immediately elbowed him in the side.

"Ow! What?" Bong-gu rubbed his side. "I’m just inviting her."

Alyssa glanced between them, a faint smile returning to her face. "I appreciate the invitation, but I’d rather travel alone."

"Why?" Bong-gu asked. "Is there somewhere specific you’re going?" "I’m looking for something."

"What are you looking for? Maybe I can help."

The faint smile on Alyssa’s face faded. "Something important."

Bong-gu seemed ready to ask another question, but Jaxon spoke before he could. "You can stay here tonight."

Alyssa turned toward him.

"We have enough supplies, and you’re welcome to rest here," Jaxon continued. "You don’t have to decide where you’re going right away. Stay the night, and if you still want to travel alone, you can leave tomorrow."

Alyssa studied him for a moment before giving a small nod. "I’ll take you up on that."

...

"Brother, did you invite her because she was pretty?" Cindy stood beside Jaxon with a pout, staring at him suspiciously.

Jaxon glanced at her before chuckling. "Yeah, maybe."

Cindy’s expression immediately darkened. She reached over and pinched his arm.

"Ouch. What was that for?"

"You’re shameless," she muttered.

Jaxon looked at her, amused. When he started laughing again, Cindy frowned harder and turned her face away, irritated that he wasn’t taking her seriously.

"She’s strange," Natasha muttered as she watched them. "For someone who’s been wandering around alone, she doesn’t seem afraid at all. She didn’t ask for help, and she wasn’t even cautious around us."

Jaxon glanced toward Alyssa’s tent, his expression thoughtful. There was definitely something unusual about her.

...

By morning, most of the group was still asleep, while Jaxon had already finished preparing his equipment. Cindy stood beside him while Thomas checked their weapons and supplies.

As Jaxon was about to leave, the flap of one of the nearby tents opened. Alyssa stepped out, already dressed and carrying her weapons.

"Where are you going?"

"We’re going to look for supplies and scout the city," Jaxon answered.

Alyssa looked toward the dark passage leading out of the parking garage. "Do you mind if I come with you?"

Thomas’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent.

Jaxon studied her. "You said you were familiar with this area."

"I know a few places that might still have useful supplies."

"That would help." Jaxon adjusted the strap of his weapon. "Do you know anywhere we could find food, medicine, or other necessities?"

"I have a few places in mind."

Jaxon considered for a moment before nodding. "Then we’ll appreciate your help."

Just as they were about to move, the flap of another tent opened.

"Jaxon." Natasha stepped out, already dressed and carrying her weapon. "I’m coming with you."

"You should rest here for now. We’ll be fine."

"I can move without any problems." Natasha’s expression turned serious. "I’m coming."

Jaxon looked at her for a moment. Seeing that she had already made up her mind, he knew there was little point in arguing.

"Don’t worry, Brother. I’ll take care of her," Cindy said confidently.

Jaxon sighed before nodding. "Alright."

Just then, a loud voice came from behind them. "I’m coming too!"

Bong-gu hurried out of his tent, still adjusting his clothes as he grabbed his weapon.

Jaxon stared at him. "You were awake?"

"I was resting my eyes."

Jaxon rubbed his forehead. "Alright, alright. Let’s just go."

With their weapons ready, the group of six headed toward the parking garage’s exit.

...

The group spent more than an hour walking through the quiet streets, following Alyssa as she led them deeper into the city.

She moved at a steady pace, occasionally checking the streets and buildings around them, unbothered by the silence.

Cindy sent her drone ahead, checking the surrounding streets and buildings for any signs of danger.

"Are there really no infected around here?" Bong-gu asked, glancing at the empty road. "We haven’t seen a single one since we arrived."

"I haven’t explored the deeper parts of the city," Alyssa replied, "but I’ve occasionally encountered some strange infected wandering around."

"Strange infected?" Cindy asked, lowering her controller slightly. "What kind? Like the flying one?"

"What?" Alyssa suddenly stopped walking and turned toward her, a frown appearing on her face.

Cindy tilted her head. "So you haven’t seen them yet?"

Alyssa’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"We ran into a flying infected recently," Cindy explained. "That’s why we took shelter in the parking garage."

"Must have been a difficult opponent."

"It was!" Bong-gu added, eager to join the conversation. "It was huge and incredibly fast. If I hadn’t been there back then..."

Alyssa stared at him for a moment. "Sounds like it was a difficult opponent."

"You have no idea," Bong-gu said, puffing out his chest. "If we encounter one, you should run."