Moon-howl Wolf King

She killed zombies?

Lucas Kane couldn't help but reevaluate Jassica Moore. Despite her delicate appearance, she had done something most other girls in the chat wouldn't even consider.

Many women were willing to barter their dignity just to survive another day. But Jassica? She faced the undead head-on and even took one down.

"You there? What's wrong?" her message came quickly, worry evident in the words. "Did something happen? Don't scare me like that. Please respond."

Lucas chuckled softly.

"No, I'm just surprised," he replied. "You actually managed to kill one. That's impressive."

"Hehe, don't underestimate me. I'm a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo. As long as I don't make noise and it's a one-on-one situation, I can handle them."

Then she added, as if just remembering, "I found something today—a [Locked Diary]. Figured you'd be into odd things like this. Maybe it's useful to you?"

Lucas tapped the item. [Locked Diary - Belongs to a former inhabitant of the old world.] No additional system notes appeared... until a hidden prompt blinked to life.

[Collecting diaries like this will help you understand mutant beasts and this world's history. Also... who still writes diaries these days?]

Useful intel on mutated monsters?

With the suppression field still in place, there was no telling what horrors roamed freely once it was lifted.

"Alright. What do you want for it?"

"Nothing," she replied sweetly. "If you want it, it's yours."

She sent over the trade, locking in the diary. Lucas hesitated, then placed a pink teddy bear blanket he'd salvaged from Building 3 into the trade window and confirmed.

"Oh my gosh! How did you know I needed this? Nights are freezing, and I keep waking up shivering. Now I can sleep warm and cozy. And it's my favorite color too~ Thank you!"

Jassica hugged the blanket close, blushing slightly at the lingering masculine scent.

"If you find anything else rare, reach out to me directly. I pay above auction rates."

"Thanks! I will~"

With a little emoji, she signed off. "I'll sleep early. Saves food and water. Nighty night!"

Lucas smiled but quickly closed the chat window. For others, conserving resources was life.

But for him?

He was a post-apocalyptic billionaire. Stockpiles of food and water sat comfortably in his storage. Luxury beyond imagination for the average survivor.

It was dinnertime.

Lucas hummed a tune while lighting the gas stove. Still working through his stock of frozen meat.

"Another meat meal... so boring~"

Elsewhere, survivors would kill just for a sniff of meat. Some stretched out a single can of spam across two days. Others gambled their health on wild berries.

Lucas? He cooked with spices.

The meat sizzled as it hit the pan. He let one side crisp to golden perfection before flipping it gently.

Cooking was an art. Flip too soon, and you lose the juiciness. Wait just long enough, and the flavors lock in, sealed by a perfect sear.

With one final sprinkle of salt and pepper, he plated the meal. The aroma filled the entire apartment.

Just as he lifted the first bite to his mouth, he froze.

Someone was watching him.

He ducked and rolled instinctively, drawing his riot shield and alloy Tang Sword in one motion.

"...Grrr... whine..."

The sound was soft. Not aggressive.

He turned to the corner of the kitchen and spotted it.

A small, snow-white pup, no more than twenty centimeters long, its fur shimmering under the LED lights. It bared tiny fangs, growling in a high-pitched whine.

[Mutated Energy Beast - Moonhowl Wolf King (Cub). Battle Aptitude: S-Rank. Tameable.]

Moonhowl Wolf King?

Lucas blinked. That name sounded cool.

A tameable S-rank pet?

His eyes gleamed.

"Hey, come here..." He stashed his weapons, knelt down, and sliced off a small piece of meat. Holding it in his hand, he offered it gently. "You want a bite? It's good."

The pup growled softly, uncertain. Still cautious.

Lucas popped the meat into his own mouth and chewed loudly, exaggeratedly.

The pup's eyes widened. Drool started to slide down from its jaw.

"Here," Lucas said, placing a fresh piece on the floor.

With trembling paws, the cub crept forward, snatched the meat, and retreated to the shadows. But it didn't growl anymore.

Lucas smiled.

Looks like he found his "little cutie."

And it might just become his most powerful ally yet.