Checking on the Neighbors

One… Two…

Adam swung his fist forward, the muscles in his arm tensing as it cut through the air.

Paw!

The impact sent a sharp gust outward, followed by a swift spin and a kick from his right leg.

Paw!

The sound of air splitting was even sharper this time. Adam stared at the tip of his foot, still trembling slightly in midair before he lowered it with a long exhale.

"Hah… still not stable enough."

He wiped the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand. His brown eyes flicked to the watch strapped around his left wrist.

07:56.

"Almost eight…" Adam muttered, stepping toward the thin mattress in the corner of the room, smoothing out the sheets before slipping back into his shirt and pants.

He sat down on the only chair in the room, waiting. It didn't take long before the distant chime of an elevator echoed through the air.

Ting!

The metal doors slid open, revealing Serina stepping in. This time, she wore loose-fitting pants and an oversized green T-shirt—far from the formal outfit she had worn before.

Adam let out a small sigh, slightly disappointed, though he still gave her a faint smile as she approached.

"Good morning, Boss. Did you sleep well?" Serina asked with a warm smile, her thin lips curving just right.

Adam swallowed. This woman… even in loose clothing, her presence was dangerously captivating.

"Morning, Serina," he replied, keeping his voice steady. He extended his hand for a handshake.

Serina blinked in slight surprise before her smile widened. At least, her boss wasn't as stiff as she initially thought.

"Oh, right, Serina. I've added five new plots of land. So, prepare to get busier."

Serina's eyes widened slightly before a small smile formed on her lips. "Understood, Boss. I'll handle it with everything I've got."

Adam nodded. "Take care of the Factory. If your kid wakes up, you can step out for a bit."

Serina glanced at him before nodding firmly. "I've already talked to Amel. Don't worry, Boss. Be careful out there. Come back safely."

Adam returned her gaze with a small nod, raising a hand in an 'OK' gesture. "I'll do my best."

Serina gave him a thin smile before walking toward the entrance to the land plots. She pulled an ID card from her pocket and pressed it against the scanner. A soft beep sounded, the door slid open, and she disappeared inside.

Adam stared at the door as it shut again. Today was going to be a long day.

Adam was already dressed in his combat gear—a brown cloak from the system, military boots, and black gloves. Viper Sniper and a pistol hung securely on his waist, ready for the journey.

On the floor, he and Amel crouched, packing supplies into a large backpack. Canned food, flashlights, knives, and a few essential tools took priority.

"Boss, what's the military base like?" Amel asked casually, her brows furrowed slightly.

Adam shook his head. "I don't know either."

Hearing that, Amel could only swallow her curiosity and continue packing.

A few minutes later, they were ready, each carrying a large backpack.

"I'm ready, Boss!" Amel declared, brimming with enthusiasm.

Adam raised an eyebrow. "You're not scared?"

Amel gave a small smile. "Of course I'm scared. But I'd be even more scared if something happened to my mom and little sister."

Adam paused, staring at the girl. She had changed a lot.

"Good mindset. Let's go."

They stepped out of the store, heading left, planning to check on the group that had become their neighbors. If not for Captain Rio's visit, they wouldn't have even known people were there.

As they moved along the highway, Adam kept his grip firm on Viper Sniper, ready to fire at a moment's notice. Amel, with her combat armor active, took the lead.

Through his scope, Adam scanned the windows of an old convenience store—formerly a snack shop. No suspicious movements.

Amel stopped in front of the store and shouted, "Whoever's inside, please come out!"

Her voice echoed. They waited.

After a moment, the store's door creaked open. A middle-aged man in a plain T-shirt stepped out, his expression unfriendly as he stared at Amel.

"What do you want?" he asked sharply.

"Stay where you are, don't move!" Amel raised her right hand, prepared to fire an energy orb if the man made any sudden movements.

The man's face tensed further. "What business do you have here?" His voice wavered slightly, his eyes shifting toward Adam, who was approaching with his rifle in hand.

"We just want to check," Adam said calmly, his tone cold.

The man hesitated, breathing heavily, his chest rising and falling. Then, suddenly, he shouted, "Rahel, Petrus, come out!"

Two children ran outside—a six-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl. Their eyes were filled with fear.

The man swallowed hard and spread his arms protectively in front of them as if shielding them. "These are my kids. There's no one else here. I'm not a threat," he said, his voice trembling. His eyes glistened, his face tight with worry.

Adam halted for a moment, studying the man. The caution in his heart remained, but he could see sincerity in the man's eyes. After a few seconds, he took another step forward.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Ucok," the man answered quickly, his voice hoarse.

Adam gave a small nod. "We just need to check the place. Stay put."

Ucok looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end, he only nodded. His breathing was heavy, but he didn't dare move.

"Amel, keep an eye on them. I'm going in," Adam said before stepping past Ucok and entering the store.

The interior was cramped, packed with snack wrappers, canned goods, and stacks of bottled water. The air smelled of plastic mixed with dust. Adam scanned the surroundings before moving toward a partition wall in the back.

Opening a small door there, he found a simple kitchen. An old gas stove, a few dusty pots, and peeling walls. Looking up, he saw an empty ceiling, aside from a broken fan hanging at an odd angle.

"Clear," he muttered, exhaling.

When he stepped back outside, Ucok was still in the same spot, now hugging his children. The kids stared at Adam and Amel with wide, fearful eyes, their bodies trembling slightly.

Adam's gaze sharpened. "Sir, have you evolved?"

Ucok looked confused. "Evolved? You mean this crystal?" He pulled a red crystal from his pocket.

Adam glanced at it briefly. It was an attribute-enhancing crystal, something he was familiar with. "Not that," he said. "But… have you ever seen something oval-shaped and covered in fur?"

Ucok frowned, deep in thought. A few seconds later, his eyes widened slightly. He looked at Adam, hesitation in his gaze.

"You mean… something black?"

Adam's heart pounded. His eyes narrowed, filled with scrutiny.

"Yes. Black. Have you seen it?"