Upon arriving, they quickly discovered another problem.

The entrance was sealed shut.

Several thick iron chains wrapped around the doors tightly.

A massive padlock hung from the center.

Darren immediately frowned.

"Well, that’s annoying."

He grabbed one of the chains and tugged on it.

The metal barely moved.

"This thing isn’t opening anytime soon."

"Don’t worry."

Desmond stepped forward confidently.

"I can handle it."

A grin appeared on his face.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small metallic lock-picking tool.

It wasn’t particularly impressive.

Just a simple piece of metal.

However, the confidence in his expression suggested otherwise.

Darren blinked.

"You know how to pick locks?"

"A few useful survival skills never hurt anyone."

Desmond winked.

Then he crouched before the padlock and got to work.

Click.

Click.

Click.

The lock-picking tool moved carefully inside the mechanism.

Minutes passed.

Then several more.

Darren gradually became impatient.

Ivy, however, remained calm.

In truth, she found the entire scene somewhat amusing.

If she wanted, she could simply order the System to destroy the lock.

Even Desmond himself could probably tear it apart using brute force.

After all, he was a Half-Monster.

His physical abilities far exceeded those of ordinary humans.

However...

Neither option would serve his purpose.

Desmond was clearly trying to maintain the image of an ordinary survivor.

The last thing he wanted was to reveal his true nature.

And so he continued picking the lock the slow and traditional way.

Finally....

Click!

The padlock sprang open.

A victorious smile appeared on Desmond’s face.

"Done."

He stood up and proudly held up the opened lock.

"There we go."

Ivy simply rolled her eyes.

All that effort for something he could have broken in seconds.

Without warning....

Thud!

Her foot shot forward.

"Whoa!"

Before Desmond could react, Ivy kicked him straight through the entrance.

.The Half-Monster stumbled several steps into the supermarket.

Darren nearly choked.

Desmond himself looked utterly stunned.

"What was that for?!"

he shouted.

Ivy folded her arms.

"You wanted to join my team, didn’t you?"

Desmond blinked.

"Yes?"

"Then scout ahead."

Her tone was completely serious.

"You can take a few surprises better than the rest of us."

The corner of Desmond’s mouth twitched.

Although he wanted to complain, he couldn’t exactly argue.

Not without exposing certain things.

"Fine."

He sighed dramatically.

"I’ll scout ahead."

A faint smirk appeared on Ivy’s lips.

Good.

That role suits you perfectly.

In her previous life, Desmond had become famous for exactly this type of work.

His monster immunity and enhanced senses made him exceptionally effective at scouting dangerous locations.

Having him go first was both practical and convenient.

Without wasting any more time, the trio entered the supermarket.

The interior was dark.

Rows of shelves stretched into the distance.

Dust covered nearly every surface.

Scattered products littered the floor.

And hidden among the aisles were more monsters.

The moment they appeared, Ivy and Darren immediately began clearing them out.

Gunfire echoed throughout the building.

One monster after another fell.

Fortunately, most of the creatures on the first floor were low-level monsters.

None posed any real threat.

It didn’t take long before the entire floor had been secured.

Once the area was safe, the trio regrouped.

Desmond leaned against one of the shelves and folded his arms.

Then he looked toward Darren.

"Why don’t you organize the supplies outside, buddy?"

A curious expression appeared on his face.

"I’ll guide her through the supermarket."

His gaze shifted toward Ivy.

"I know this place better than anyone."

Before Darren could even open his mouth....

"Sure."

Ivy answered immediately.

The response was so quick that Darren nearly stumbled.

His eyes widened.

Shock flashed across his face.

"What?"

He stared at her.

"You agreed that fast?"

"Of course."

Ivy nodded calmly.

Then she pointed toward the entrance.

"You should stay outside, Darren."

The statement sent another wave of disbelief through him.

"Wait, what?"

He pointed at himself.

"You’re seriously leaving me outside?"

"Someone needs to organize and secure the supplies."

Ivy smiled reassuringly.

"And you’re the perfect person for the job."

Darren opened his mouth.

Then closed it.

Then opened it again.

He clearly wanted to argue.

Unfortunately, Ivy wasn’t giving him the chance.

Without waiting for a response, she turned and started walking deeper into the supermarket.

Desmond followed immediately.

Only a single Illusion Dog accompanied them.

The remaining five stayed behind with Darren.

The supernatural beasts quietly took up positions around him.

Darren watched the pair disappear between the aisles.

A deep frown formed on his face.

Meanwhile, deeper within the supermarket, Ivy walked calmly beside Desmond.

Neither spoke for several moments.

The atmosphere remained unusually quiet.

A faint smirk slowly appeared on Ivy’s face.

I’m very curious, Desmond.

Let’s see what exactly you’re planning