Chapter 5: Come to the Hotel Quickly

Belle wasn't sure how long it would take for her teammates to arrive. Zombies were still surrounding the area outside.

With her second-tier binding ability, she couldn't escape, and she needed to gather more information about the situation here.

Thinking this through, she nodded and handed over her card. "Thank you, miss. I'll stay here for the night and wait for my team to pick me up."

After processing the card, Charlotte handed her the key to room 101.

"The room is at the back. It's the one marked 101."

Belle took the key and glanced at the door outside. Deciding to rest in her room for now, she was exhausted and sore from the day's events.

She pushed open the door to room 101, which had decor similar to the bases she was used to.

The single bed was worn out, the blanket was yellowed with age, but the floor was clean.

Given the current environment, having a bed was already quite a luxury. There wasn't much expectation for new bedding.

It seemed that this innkeeper's ability wasn't that impressive. Probably just high defense capabilities?

Belle thought to herself and soon fell asleep.

Charlotte moved a rocking chair to the entrance and lay comfortably on it. If not for the gruesome sight of zombies not far away, she could almost feel like she was on vacation.

The shop had its first customer, and she had successfully earned 37 points.

According to the system rules, even if a customer deposited 500 points, those points wouldn't count as revenue unless they were actually spent.

Charlotte found this rule quite frustrating.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly, but she was left empty-handed.

Opening the mall interface, she tried to purchase a beverage machine, only to receive a warning message.

[Note: A maximum of 3 machines can be purchased per tier. Current quantity: 3/3]

Charlotte closed her eyes in frustration.

She decided to take a nap.

But before falling asleep...

"Bear, come over here and protect me. Prevent anyone and any abilities from approaching." After setting the shop's defense system and adding a rule to expel and blacklist anyone threatening the owner's life, she said, "Alright, I'm going to sleep."

...

"Captain, it's been so long. Belle must have been eaten by zombies by now. Why are we still looking for her? It's almost dark!" Elsa stomped her foot in frustration, glaring at the tall man leading the team.

After seeing the purple distress signal, the captain had returned to the rally point to count heads. When he found Belle was missing, his face turned grim, and he kept asking where Belle had gone.

Learning that Belle had gone alone to search for supplies, the captain's expression grew even darker. He called off the rest period and ordered everyone to set out to rescue Belle.

But a lot of time had passed since the signal was sent, and they didn't even know where Belle was now. They couldn't afford to call out her name loudly.

This was infuriating. Elsa rolled her eyes in secret.

She looked at Rose, who was seriously searching, and found it amusing.

She leaned over and whispered, "Rose, do you think Belle is still alive?"

Rose ignored her, subtly moving away.

What a pretender! Didn't you also play a part in getting Belle kicked out? Now you're pretending to be a good person!

After all, Rose was a strong member of the team. Elsa didn't want to fall out with her, so she awkwardly returned to her position.

"Let's check that street," Captain Harvey said in a deep voice, pointing to the street ahead.

There was only this street left to search. He hoped Belle was still alive; otherwise, he'd have a hard time explaining things to her father.

The five-member team slowly entered the street, which had more zombies than other areas.

Harvey signaled for everyone to stay quiet.

Suddenly, Elsa screamed.

"Zombies are coming from behind! Run!!"

The whole team was startled, and Harvey tried to stop them but was too late.

The zombies in front turned around, their faces twisted in rage as they charged.

The zombies behind them also noticed, and the team was caught in the middle like a sandwich.

"Defend!" Harvey shouted.

...

Charlotte was awakened by a loud commotion.

She opened her eyes and saw layers of zombies surrounding the street. Different colored abilities were rising, causing zombies to fall in droves.

Oh, it seemed someone was surrounded by zombies again?

She wondered if they could escape. It was almost dark, so they should be able to check in here soon.

More points incoming.

Charlotte rubbed her hands excitedly, hoping their abilities were strong enough to break free from the zombies.

"What's happening...?"

Belle rubbed her eyes and ran out in panic.

It was strange how she had slept so soundly in a strange place without any sense of danger.

Was the innkeeper using some kind of ability again?

Belle cautiously observed Charlotte.

At that moment, someone in the zombie circle shouted, "Captain! There's a gap we can break through!"

"Good, run out through the gap!"

Hearing the familiar voice, Belle excitedly ran to the door and shouted, "Harvey队长! I'm Belle! Run this way!"

The group was startled by Belle's voice, with mixed reactions of surprise and anger.

"Boss, the people in the zombie circle are my teammates. Can you save them? Please!" Belle begged, clasping her hands together.

Charlotte looked at her as if she were crazy. "You're the one who should save your teammates, not rely on a stranger like me?"

Belle was stunned, unable to respond. She said weakly, "My ability is too weak... Your ability is strong. Don't worry, if you save them, I'll give you crystal nuclei! A lot of them!"

Charlotte rolled her eyes and kicked her out the door. "If you know you're weak, why don't you improve? Always relying on others—am I your long-lost mother?"

Belle hurriedly grabbed the door frame to avoid falling, keeping her mouth shut, afraid Charlotte might throw her into the zombies.

The zombies were too numerous; going there would be like seeking death.

Seeing Belle clinging to the door frame, shrinking back, Charlotte snorted coldly.

She hated moral blackmailers! Given the soon-to-be-earned points, she'd let her live for now. Improving the living environment was a priority!

The group of people ran out of the zombie circle, their eyes fixed on Belle at the shop entrance. They ran over excitedly.

Seeing them safely escape, Belle hurriedly shouted, "Come over here! This shop can protect you from zombies!"

Soon, the group, panting heavily, rushed inside and quickly moved to close the big door.

Belle glanced back at Charlotte, who frowned slightly. Her heart skipped a beat. She rushed over to stop them. "Don't close the door! The zombies can't get in!"

"What are you talking about? Do you know we almost got eaten because of you?!" Elsa, furious, pushed her hard.

Belle was usually quite bold and disliked Elsa. The push ignited her anger even more. She pushed back, "You're the one with a problem! If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have run out by myself! Want to fight? Come on!"

Seeing the escalating conflict between the two, Harvey, who had been quietly observing, had to step in.

"Enough already! It's not the time for this! Stop fighting!"

His loud shout made both women stop, glaring at each other, unwilling to back down.

The atmosphere became awkward.

Charlotte cleared her throat to draw everyone's attention.

"Welcome to the Vacation Hotel. How many rooms do you need?"