9 – Sign of Destructions

Ciara slashed several green dog-shaped monsters, and Bonnie shot one that pounced on the super soldier from behind.

We were in a garment shop two days after the battle at that military base.

"Holy sh*t, it's so hot today. It's like a sauna." Bonnie bent over, holding her knees. "Even the cooling system in this E.E.S. is inadequate."

I took a big thick brown cloth and gave it to Ciara. "Wear this, please."

"I don't need it, sir." She responded while wiping the sweat off her forehead. "My skin can stand the sun, and these clothes can withstand the heat. I did sweat, but it was mostly because I had been moving around a lot."

"Well, how should I put it… There might be people who won't appreciate the clothes you're wearing right now." I explained. "This is so you don't get insulted. You can take this off right away if you need to."

"Yeah, I guess some people can't appreciate the ultimate wedgie," Bonnie added.

It doesn't feel right if I let other people see her wear this skimpy bodysuit in public.

The super soldier girl displayed a smile and finally accepted the cloth. "Thank you then, my master."

I'm not used to that nickname, although I can't deny that I like it.

"So, what now?" I asked as Ciara wrapped the cloth around her body. "We can rest or look for colonies around here. From what I saw just now, the shops here have been rummaged. So, there's likely a colony not far from this place."

"Let's just keep on going," Bonnie answered. "Who knew they had an air conditioner."

"I will follow your decision, sir." Ciara nodded.

I moved out of the shop. "Let's go, then."

We continued on, past the cracked roads overgrown with roots. From a distance, I can also see skyscrapers that have been partially destroyed due to wars or attacks by monsters.

Project Axiom isn't a game with the best graphics, so it can't really show how severe the impact of those events is.

And seeing those actual buildings, I got to thinking about how scary it is to be in that chaos.

"Hey, look. There's someone with E.E.S. over there." Bonnie pointed at a tall building at the end of the road after walking for about an hour.

I observed that place. And concluded it must have been the former apartment.

"We're getting there, but be careful." I'm giving a warning. "They could have been preparing to attack us from those windows. And I'm going to hide behind Bonnie."

"Yeah, who knows? Maybe they are robot haters." Bonnie elaborates more as I move behind her back.

"Stop right there." The dark green E.E.S. user guarding the building's gate raised their rifle the moment we got close. From his voice, I was sure he was a man. "Go away. Our place is full and can't accept new people."

"Can't you guys make an exception?" "Raising her hands, Bonnie started the negotiations. "Have mercy on these two poor girls, sir."

Begging in that cute tone isn't going to work, Bonnie.

"No." The guard remained in his stance.

I then instructed Ciara through the communication device in her ear. I didn't make a sound but just sent a signal to that device, and she could hear my command.

"Then, do you guys have seeds and fertilizer?" Ciara conveyed my words. "We will not ask for it for free, of course. Maybe we will be able to help you guys? Perhaps to find what you need?"

This is the fastest way to get quests from NPCs in Project Axiom. And we also discovered that the farm shop in the shopping area was completely empty. So, most likely, the people in this place are farming for food. Maybe they do it on the rooftops.

One important thing I learned in Project Axiom is that getting crop seeds at the beginning is very important for the survival of my colonists.

The guard was silent for a moment, then said. "You are sure?"

I peek over Bonnie's shoulder. His gaze wasn't on us, so I assumed he was talking to someone else through his communication device.

"Our leader said that you guys can try it. We will provide enhanced potato and cabbage seeds that can grow fast and are not affected by the season." The guard explained to us while still raising his weapon. "Give us an EA-68 battery from an electronics equipment warehouse about 7 miles to the west. We need it to turn on the temperature control system in this place."

"Are there any monsters we should watch out for?" Ciara conveyed my words again.

If these people can't get that thing, it means that there is a significant obstacle in that place.

"There's a monster with tentacles over there." The guard's voice cracked a little. "Two of our comrades died because of that nasty creature."

"With your abilities, maybe you have a chance, Ciara," I spoke to the super soldier using the communication device in her ear again.

Ciara exchanged glances with Bonnie.

"Looks like we have no choice." The armored girl shrugged.

The super soldier looked at the guard again. "Well, we'll try it, then."

"Good luck." The guard sighed. "If you believe in god, pray for your own safety."

"You, too. Pray for us to succeed," Bonnie grumbled, probably still annoyed at not being allowed in.