Vincent Fox was genuinely baffled by Autumn Summer's intervention. He knew she meant well, but accepting her help would only hinder the path he had chosen.
He had a plan. A mission. One that left no room to follow anyone else's lead.
Trying to shift the conversation, he asked, "Autumn, where did you get that compound bow? It's remarkably powerful."
Autumn furrowed her brow. "There's a shooting club just down the street. I found it there."
"Oh? Do they have knives?"
"A few," she replied.
"I need one," Vincent said without hesitation. "Can you take me there? I want a blade."
Fighting zombies barehanded was fine, but it risked damaging his gloves. A proper blade would suit his current level of strength better.
Autumn gave him a look. "You really want to fight up close? Knives mean getting in range of a bite. If you're surrounded, it's over. Ranged combat is safer."
"I know," Vincent said calmly, showing both hands. "But I can't use a bow, and firing a gun would only draw more mutants. Noise attracts attention."
Autumn thought for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. Follow me."
She led him to the shooting club. The place was a mess. Blood had dried on the floor, and broken glass littered the entrance. Signs of struggle were everywhere.
"Here." Autumn pointed to a display wall of long knives and blades. A collector's stash, now free for the taking.
Vincent stepped forward and selected a sturdy machete. He tested its weight, then took a short dagger for backup. Slinging them both across his shoulder, he turned to Autumn with a nod.
"Thanks, Autumn. I'll see you later."
Autumn's eyes widened. "What do you mean? You're going alone?"
Vincent nodded again. Autumn's brows furrowed. "Don't be reckless. Sticking with me might not earn you a top rating, but you'll be safer. We're classmates. I won't just let you get hurt."
Her voice was filled with genuine concern.
Vincent felt a flicker of warmth, but he had to decline. His mission was to save the world. That wasn't something he could explain to her right now.
He was about to speak when a strange sound from outside cut through the silence.
Scritch.
It was wet and faint, but unmistakable. Something slithered through the broken window.
A red, muscled figure emerged from the shadows.
No skin. Just exposed muscle fibers. Massive claws dragged along the floor, and a long tongue flicked lazily from its mouth.
A Licker.
Autumn went pale.
She had studied these creatures for a month. Professor Charles Joe had warned them specifically about this one. The Licker was one of the deadliest creatures in Zone Two. It could annihilate an elite team in seconds.
The creature crept forward, body pressed close to the wall as if stalking prey.
Autumn froze. Her bow was useless at this range.
"Watch out," Vincent's deep voice cut through her fear. Calm, composed. "When I say go, run. Head straight for the exit. Don't look back."
Autumn stared at him, her eyes wide and shimmering.
"Vincent, you..."
"Focus," he said sharply. "Remember what I said."
His eyes never left the Licker. He could feel its killing intent. It was waiting for an opening.
But so was he.
This was no accident. To Vincent, this was a perfect opportunity. A test for his Saitama Physique. If he could take down a Licker quickly, then he was ready for Mission Three.
Sending Autumn away wasn't about fear or sacrifice. It was a strategy. He needed her gone so he could unleash his true strength without questions or complications.
But Autumn misunderstood.
She thought he was sacrificing himself to let her escape.
Her heart trembled as Vincent raised the machete, his body tense and ready.
She took one last look at him.
Then the Licker pounced.
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