My Sniper System in a Zombie Apocalypse World-Chapter 148: A Quiet Kind of Acceptance

"I’m sorry... about your family..." Natasha said, her tone softening slightly, "but even if you tell me that, I still dislike you."

"I understand..." Na-rin whispered, her voice so low it was almost a sigh. She closed her eyes and pressed her face against Jaxon, savoring the warmth, knowing this moment might be fleeting.

Jaxon was about to speak when Natasha’s voice cut through again. "You’re not alone anymore. I... dislike you, but Jaxon trusts you. I hate it, but... you’ve earned that much." Her voice dropped lower, almost reluctant. "Maybe... I’ll let this slide, just this once."

Na-rin’s eyes widened, and a small, bright smile spread across her face. "Thank you, Natasha."

Natasha didn’t respond. Silence settled for a moment before Jaxon let out a soft chuckle.

"Why are you laughing?" Natasha asked.

"Nothing," Jaxon said, a smile tugging at his lips. "It’s just... you two are cute."

Natasha snorted and pinched his side. Na-rin followed, pouting but giving a gentler pinch.

For a long while, the three of them lay side by side, gazing up at the stars in silence, feeling each other’s warmth and the rare peace of the moment.

....

Moments later, Isabel called out to the three for dinner. She and Cindy raised their eyebrows in surprise when they saw them walking together, Natasha and Na-rin each holding one of Jaxon’s arms, with Natasha unusually quiet.

"You three seem to get along well. What’s going on here?" Isabel asked, glancing between Natasha and Na-rin.

"What do you mean, Mom? Nothing’s going on," Natasha replied quickly.

"Really?" Isabel said, but then shrugged it off as she prepared the broth she cooked, coupled with steak, sweet potato and few vegetables. It was good that everyone’s getting along.

Cindy looked at the Na-rin and her sister seemingly having a silent understanding.

"That’s not fair," Cindy said, pouting. "Why are you both clinging to him?"

Natasha ignored her, and the group settled around the bonfire to eat. Dinner was quiet but comfortable, punctuated by occasional small talk.

An hour later, Cindy and Isabel had retreated to the tent to sleep.

Jaxon stayed outside, gazing down at Natasha and Na-rin, who had curled up side by side on the back of the Hilux. They had insisted on watching the night with him, even though they’d both fallen asleep. He didn’t mind as he knew they were all exhausted.

A small smile tugged at Jaxon’s lips as he thought back to their earlier moments. Natasha... she was like him in many ways, but different in subtle ways.

Like him, she didn’t trust people easily. She could easily form superficial bonds and be friendly when needed, but she measured others by what they could offer, reserving genuine bonds only for those she truly cared about, her family.

’But maybe... things were changing now.’

He summoned a blanket from his storage and gently draped it over the two girls, tucking them in as they slept. At the same time, he called Na-rin’s pistol into his hand.

He hadn’t had the chance to upgrade it earlier, Natasha and Cindy’s pistols were Glock-19s, while Na-rin’s was a Glock-17. He wondered how the skill would change if he fully upgraded a different model, or if it would manifest the same way.

Focusing his mind, he issued the command. The pistol shimmered as the upgrade completed.

.....

(882 Coins spent. Glock-17 has reached MAX LEVEL. Exclusive Skill Unlocked.)

Exclusive Skill: Smart Aim Assist

Requirement: Glock-17 Equipped

Shots subtly adjust toward the nearest target within line of sight, limited to a small angle and requiring proper initial aim; does not trigger if too far off target. Each kill permanently increases Intelligence by 0.01. Effect is infinite.

.....

Jaxon smiled as he looked at the new skill. It was strong, no doubt, but he wasn’t sure if it suited Na-rin, since her aim was already excellent.

’I should ask her if she wants to swap with Cindy tomorrow,’ he thought, storing the newly upgraded pistol in his storage space. He still had plenty of coins, but he wasn’t in a rush.

’Should I get another sniper rifle... or maybe a rocket launcher?’

He decided to wait as he might be able to obtain them later at the safe zone without spending so many coins.

Shaking off the thought, he let his focus settle on the surroundings. His eyes glimmered faintly in the dark as he watched the city in the distance.

.....

Morning arrived quietly. The girls started their usual routine, washing their faces, brushing their teeth, trying to freshen up as best they could. A proper bath wasn’t an option, but they made do.

When Na-rin approached the car, Jaxon handed her pistol back. As she gripped it, she immediately noticed the difference. The weight was perfect, the balance flawless, and it fit her hands as if it had been custom-made. Handling it felt effortless, just like Natasha’s pistol.

"Does this... have the same capabilities as Natasha’s pistol?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and awe.

Jaxon nodded. "It’s similar, but there’s one difference." He explained the pistol’s exclusive skill, the Smart Aim Assist, and how each kill would slowly boost her Intelligence.

At the same time, he went over the other weapons’ exclusive skills: the Glock-19, the M16, and his DMR, highlighting how each one enhanced its user in a different way.

"So it really has... magical effects like that," Na-rin murmured, her voice soft, still amazed by Jaxon’s unusual abilities that didn’t make complete sense to her.

Jaxon tilted his head. "So, what do you think? Want to swap with Cindy?" 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Na-rin paused for a moment, considering, then nodded. "If it would help her, I’m fine with it. But... I’d like to borrow her pistol and Aunt Isabel’s M16 sometimes too."

Jaxon smiled. "Good. That’s exactly what I want, you all should balance your stats however you can. And you don’t need to ask me every time; just ask them directly."

Na-rin suddenly stretched, her toes curling in the morning warmth, and before he could react, she leaned forward and pressed her lips lightly against his cheek.

"Thank you, Jaxon..." she whispered, her eyes darting away. Then, she turned and quickened her pace, leaving him standing still.

Jaxon watched her retreating back, still feeling the warmth on his cheek. He closed his eyes and let himself savor the moment.