My Sniper System in a Zombie Apocalypse World-Chapter 121: Different Worlds

Jaxon walked along the inner street, his eyes moving from one stall to another. Vendors were selling street food, small crafts, and simple goods laid neatly on wooden tables. A few open dining areas lined the road, with people quietly eating and talking.

There weren’t that many people, but the setup felt oddly familiar. Almost normal. Like a piece of the old world, quietly placed inside the safe zone.

The smell of cooked food drifted through the air. Warm steam rose from grills and pots. Compared to the cold tension outside the walls, this place felt calm.

"Follow close," Thomas said in causal tone as he walked beside him. "I know a good place. Best food in this block."

They walked a short distance before stopping in front of a small ramen shop tucked between two supply stores.

As soon as they stepped in, an old man behind the counter looked up. "Welcome... oh. It’s you, Thomas."

Thomas grinned. "Old man, give me your best dish today. I’ve got a friend with me, make two servings."

"Got it, sit down," the old man replied calmly as he turned back to the kitchen.

Jaxon took a seat, quietly looking around. The place was small, but it had a cozy feeling.

A few minutes later, two large bowls were placed in front of them. The ramen was steaming, filled with rich broth, thick noodles, meat slices, eggs, and fresh toppings.

Jaxon picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. His eyes widened slightly. "Damn, this is actually good."

Thomas let out a short laugh as he ate. "Told you, this is my favorite food stall around here."

Jaxon kept eating, then ended up ordering a few more dishes, trying different ones without hesitation, like he was making up for something he had not had in a long time.

Thomas watched him for a moment, amused, but said nothing and simply kept eating.

After they finally finished, Jaxon leaned back slightly, extremely satisfied.

Then he paused and looked at Thomas. "...How do we pay?" Jaxon asked, frowning a little. "I just realized I don’t even have money anymore."

Thomas waved his hand casually. "Don’t worry about it. My treat."

He pulled out his phone and tapped on the screen a few times before showing it briefly to the old man, who nodded in acknowledgment.

Jaxon tilted his head slightly. "What did you transfer? Money?" 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Thomas chuckled and shook his head. "No, those old currencies don’t mean much anymore. What we use now is called Zone Credits. It’s a digital credit issued by the government. Think of it like digital currency issued by the government."

He leaned back slightly. "Everyone gets credits at the end of the month, based on class, duties, and contribution. You can also use it for trading, like I just did with the old man."

Jaxon raised his eyebrows. "It’s that valuable? What else can it be used for?"

"Plenty," Thomas replied. "You can exchange it for resources, housing upgrades, services, if the safe zone offers them. And it works across other zones too, so it’s not tied to just one place."

"What about weapons? Can you trade for guns?" Jaxon asked with interest.

"Yes," Thomas said with a nod. "Anything available in a safe zone. Guns, cars, gears, you name it. But you need enough credits. Each one is valuable and not easy to come by. Even my class only gets a little over a hundred each month. It’s designed that way so the government can control resources and stop hoarding."

"I see," Jaxon said, his mind already racing. ’Maybe I could exchange some of the guns in my storage... and look for better ones.’

He paused and glanced at Thomas, who had approached him earlier that morning. "So... what did you want to talk to me about?"

Thomas shrugged lightly. "Nothing serious. I just wanted to treat the one who saved us."

Jaxon tilted his head. "Then we should’ve brought the others too."

Thomas let out a small, awkward smile. "I’d go broke quick. Don’t have that many credits on me."

Jaxon chuckled lightly and nodded. "Thanks for the treat, then. I appreciate it."

Then Thomas suddenly asked, "I assume you already know the duties and roles around here."

"I’ve heard the basics from Natasha," Jaxon replied with a nod.

Thomas leaned back slightly. "If you ever decide to enlist as a soldier, I could vouch for you, maybe even get you a higher rank."

Jaxon met his gaze, studying him carefully. "Why are you helping me?"

Thomas smiled faintly. "I’ve seen what you can do. You’re capable enough to lead a squad of your own." He stood up, brushing his hands on his pants. "But it’s your choice. I’m not forcing anything. Just trying to repay a little of what you’ve done for us."

He waved casually and headed for the door. "See you around. You should check out the stalls and facilities here. There’s a lot to see and enjoy."

Jaxon watched his back as Thomas left. Since their arrival, he had been quietly helpful, guiding them through verification, and even most of what Natasha learned came from him. He was easygoing and didn’t hesitate to help.

Jaxon’s thoughts drifted. ’Being a soldier... huh.’ There was no rush to decide. He had time to observe, plan, and figure out what role would serve him and his group best.

.....

A few hours had passed, and Jaxon had roamed through the safe zone. The area was vast, and just as Thomas had said, there were plenty of interesting facilities, massage centers, recreational areas, even a morale center. Cameras were mounted everywhere overhead, and patrols moved steadily along the streets.

He was still trying to find the gun shop but had no luck so far.

Suddenly, a voice called out from behind him. "Hey, it’s you."

Jaxon turned and saw two girls. At first, he didn’t recognize them, but then it clicked, they were the two from the special unit.

Dressed in simple civilian clothes, they were almost unrecognizable. Gone were their combat suits and battle-worn appearances, now they looked like beautiful, innocent girls.

The dark chestnut-haired girl with grey-blue eyes, Annie, exuded a quiet, calm beauty. Her simple dress only highlighted her composed, elegant presence.

Beside her stood Lina, with pale, smooth skin, long auburn-blonde hair, and hazel eyes that carried a playful glint. She radiated a playful, mischievous aura, contrasting Annie’s calm demeanor.

"You look... quite presentable now," Lina said first, eyeing him up and down as if he’d passed some unspoken test.

Jaxon glanced at them briefly, gave a short nod, and turned to walk away.

"Hey! Wait!" Annie called.

He glanced over his shoulder. "You need something?"

Annie’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Aren’t you going to say something?"

"Good to see you well," he replied simply, then started walking again.

"Pft!" Lina couldn’t hold back a laugh, nudging at her friend. "I can’t believe it, you got ignored!" she teased, giggling.

Annie glared at her friend, and Lina’s laughter immediately stopped. Without warning, Annie dashed after Jaxon and grabbed his arm.

"Do you have a problem with me?" she demanded, frowning.

Jaxon turned, his own brow furrowed, confused and annoyed. "What do you mean? You’re the one who clearly has a problem with me."

Annie didn’t like his tone and pulled harder. Jaxon felt the force, and instinctively pulled back. Annie stumbled as a result, her momentum carrying her forward, but she moved like an acrobat, her hands hit the ground, and in one smooth flip, she landed upright on her feet.

Surprised by the strength of his pull, her eyes narrowed even more. She scowled even harder and lunged again, but Lina stepped in, placing herself between them.

"Stop! What are you two doing?" Lina said, arms outstretched.

"Ask your friend that," Jaxon said, his eyes flicking between them warily.

"Annie, why are you attacking him?" Lina scolded, her voice sharp. Annie stayed silent, scowling. Then Lina turned to Jaxon. "And you... why are you acting so cold?"

"What?" Jaxon asked, caught off guard, confusion flickering across his face.

"We’re acquaintances, right? We fought alongside each other before. Shouldn’t you at least greet us properly and talk?" Lina said, her tone half-scolding.

Jaxon looked at them, as if they were just two children complaining, a far cry from the fierce soldiers he remembered. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "How are you doing...?"

"You’re asking that now?" Annie shot back, a hint of annoyance in her glare.

Lina nudged her friend. "We just wanted to say hi and talk, but you act so... unapproachable, and like you’re avoiding us, mister."

"Am I?" Jaxon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You are," Lina nodded, crossing her arms.

Jaxon paused, realization dawning. "I apologize... I guess I’m not used to this. Things were a lot different out there."

The two girls exchanged a glance, understanding dawning. Unlike them, who’d been living in the safe zone with a functioning little society, this man had been surviving outside.

"Sorry..." Annie muttered, almost under her breath.

Lina laughed lightly, stepping close. "So it was just a misunderstanding. Anyway, we want to talk with you, mister."