Chapter 19: What Became Clear

Under the Cube's urging, Zhang Xiaowen had no choice but to move between buildings. The alleyways below teemed with countless zombies - tossing down a piece of meat would trigger violent competition. Crossing these rooftops required immense mental fortitude.

Narrow gaps were leapt across; when encountering streets, they climbed along power lines. Fortunately, this wasn't a modern urban area with buried cables, otherwise they'd have to fight through hordes. With the Cube's limited ammunition and small frame, clearing the entire city of zombies would be impossible. Zhang Xiaowen, having become a long jumper earlier, now transformed into a climbing expert. Her enhanced physique made such feats effortless, except when she accidentally kicked loose a table-sized chunk of weak concrete that smashed two zombie skulls like eggs under leather shoes.

The Cube had always marked this building in red - a dangerous structure. Watching Zhang move like a special forces soldier, the Cube nodded approvingly. Finally, she was learning survival instincts.

"Speed up. We'll rest at the building near the freight station before confronting the zombies head-on. Reach the school this afternoon to regroup and plan our exit route. Also, search for survivors, especially women and children." The Cube stared at the quiet cityscape. Females and children faced particularly dire circumstances in this apocalypse.

"Will many women and children survive..."

"Few. Most became first victims when the outbreak hit. Unless in secure environments..." The Cube cut off as Zhang suddenly thanked it sincerely.

"Enough sentiment. Your survival is thanks enough. Keep moving."

The Cube leaped up, grabbing a wire to climb towards the opposite residential building. Zhang smiled wryly, adjusted her backpack, and followed.

Two hours later...

On an attic floor, the Cube froze mid-step. Its mechanical ears twitched as it aimed its transformed left arm-gun at the attic window. A young girl's scream pierced through.

Smashing through the window, they found a middle-aged man assaulting a bound 12-year-old girl. In rage, Zhang stabbed her shortsword through the man's chest. Before they could react, the traumatized girl threw herself out the window.

"..." Heavy silence fell.

Leaving the building somberly, the Cube intensified its survivor scans using its detection systems. More people meant better chances for rebuilding civilization.

During rooftop travel, the Cube crafted a high-tech visor for Zhang - solar-powered with X-ray vision and HUD functions. When she discovered it could "see through" clothing, she dramatically poured water over the Cube in mock outrage.

In the Cube's display, Zhang's profile now read: [Human Female - Physique: Excellent... (Additional Note: Illogical Emotional Fluctuations Detected)]