"Don't worry. As long as the iodine in your EP isn't depleted, your radiation level won't exceed the threshold, so you don't need to worry about growing a third hand. Of course, when passing through high-radiation areas like nuclear power plants or former government facilities, it's still safer to wear a radiation suit." Grace Bennett rolled her eyes teasingly at Jason Carter and continued leading Jason Carter ahead.

Although they'd had a passionate night, Grace Bennett didn't show the slightest sign of discomfort, but Jason Carter's legs were a bit weak...

It's not that Jason Carter was lacking, but no matter how strong his stamina, as a pampered modern person, he couldn't possibly be physically stronger than this female warrior who had roamed the wasteland for years.

Those terrifying muscle strength stats...

Jason Carter simply couldn't imagine that this woman, who didn't look particularly muscular, could actually be stronger than him—a man who at least looked like he had some muscle.

The reason the two of them went out together was entirely Grace Bennett's idea.

...

"Since you said you want to help me, you have to learn some combat skills. Come with me tomorrow—you at least need to learn how to shoot and protect yourself."

"Uh, actually, I think I could be a logistics person or something..."

"Stop whining... Tomorrow we're going to the survivor camp in the Sixth District. You haven't even had the anti-infection vaccine yet, which is way too dangerous. You have to get that yourself."

So, Jason Carter had no choice but to brace himself, take the rifle Grace Bennett tossed him, and follow her on the road.

Along the way, the two chatted from time to time, but for some reason, Grace Bennett didn't ask about Jason Carter's secrets anymore. Since she didn't ask, Jason Carter naturally didn't bring it up. But Jason Carter could tell that the reason Grace Bennett didn't ask wasn't because she wasn't curious anymore, but because of a kind of indescribable trust.

Someday, you'll tell me...

Those unspoken words could still be sensed.

For the same reason, Jason Carter didn't ask about the "must-do thing" Grace Bennett had mentioned.

...

"Up ahead we'll pass through an area where zombies appear. The best place to hone your shooting skills is the battlefield. Get familiar with your weapon first, but don't fire at will." As Grace Bennett spoke, she also took out a streamlined rifle from behind her back.

Meeting Jason Carter's curious gaze, Grace Bennett smiled and explained.

"SK10 Sirius, a medium-short range laser rifle. For dealing with zombies, laser guns are the best choice—low noise, high accuracy. But to get you used to shooting, it's better for you to start with a kinetic weapon."

As she spoke, Grace Bennett pointed to the rifle Jason Carter was holding and continued.

"PK200 assault rifle, 7.62mm caliber. Although kinetic weapons aren't as accurate as laser weapons, their power and reliability are unmatched. Even if you use the stock to bash someone, you won't need to get it repaired. The safety is on the upper right side of the grip—make sure it's on when you're not firing."

The streamlined, short and wide gun body felt a bit futuristic to the touch. On the grip, Jason Carter saw a small emblem.

PAC (Pan-Asian Cooperative Organization).

The two walked one after the other down the deserted street. Occasionally, a waist-high giant rat would dart by and startle him, but after a while, he got used to it. These kinds of mutant creatures were everywhere. Jason Carter even saw a cockroach the size of a wolfhound, waving its meter-long antennae at them before darting into the shadows of the street. The dense bristles were truly nauseating.

"Not all creatures are aggressive. For example, rats, though huge, are still physiologically afraid of humans. Cockroaches look terrifying, but because of their diet, they won't actively attack living things..." As they got closer to the street entrance, Grace Bennett gradually raised her gun and began to stay alert. "Zombies stop moving during the day. The mutant fungus attached to the back of their heads needs a stable environment for photosynthesis. Surprising, right? That's why these zombies haven't starved to death after all these years. I heard some zombies in the city have even evolved asexual reproduction, haha."

Grace Bennett let out a couple of dry laughs, still maintaining her vigilant posture, and continued.

"What we need to watch out for are carnivorous creatures. They usually feed on zombies or other low-level mutants, but if they run into humans, they definitely won't be picky... And then there are humans. If someone aims at your head, don't hesitate—just shoot."

Grace Bennett's utterly decisive tone sent a chill down Jason Carter's spine.

While marveling at the harshness of this wasteland, Jason Carter couldn't help but feel that this city had developed a complex and unique ecosystem. Nature truly is a wondrous thing—no matter what you give it, it always finds a way to stabilize itself in a logical way—survival of the fittest.

Beneath the skyscrapers, there was no longer any trace of civilization, only savagery. Even though he held the crystallization of civilized technology in his hands, Jason Carter didn't feel the slightest sense of security at this moment.

"Shh." Grace Bennett suddenly stopped, raising her right fist to signal Jason Carter to halt.

"Don't point your gun at me, idiot. Watch my back," Grace Bennett whispered angrily to Jason Carter.