Getting two buses to convey the students and their teachers was easy. Although the school grounds had quite a number of zombies and mutated beasts, they weren’t strong enough to pose a real threat to Marie’s group. Even Little West seemed to enjoy the place as it feasted on several mutated beasts, growing stronger in the process.

In less than an hour, Marie ensured every single person was inside the transportation vehicles, and they set off from the school.

The journey was painfully slow since the road was packed as usual. However, this was nothing new.

Less than three hours after they departed from their new base, the group returned with the survivors they had rescued.

Selene and Reymond hadn’t gone out, as they were waiting for one of the two teams to return and keep watch.

However, they were surprised when Marie and the others pulled into the compound with two school buses and tens of students.

Selene watched with a puzzled look in her eyes, while Reymond nodded like he understood.

Regardless, they had to settle in the new survivors. Thankfully, their new base was a complete apartment block with more than fifty rooms in the building.

The students were allocated specific rooms before the three chefs prepared a welcoming meal for them.

"Where did you find them? A school?" Reymond asked even though he already knew the answer.

"Obviously. They look pitiful, though. Reminds me of my high school days." Miguel clicked his tongue, watching over the young children as they clutched their rice bowls and ate quietly.

Reymond glanced at them, his gaze softening.

"Probably all of them have lost their parents now. Poor kids."

Walking over from the kitchen, Richard shook his head, "You shouldn’t say such sensitive words near them."

"Ah, my bad," Reymond’s lips twitched as he realized his mistake.

Nodding, Richard passed him a bottle of Coke.

"Wow. We still have these?" He said in surprise, taking a refreshing sip. Then, he clicked his tongue at the weird taste.

"This is why I prefer chilled Coke. This one is too warm and bland."

Miguel nodded, gobbling down the contents of his bottle in a single gulp.

"Ahhh... it’s a pity, though. Refrigerators and freezers can’t work because of the lack of electricity supply. Honestly, a lot of things are going to become harder."

Richard added, "Especially when it comes to non-renewable resources. I mean, what refinery is still operating to turn crude oil into gasoline?"

"Yeah. I’m having a headache imagining how we humans are going to take back our world." Reymond sighed, leaning his head on the table.

Selene calmly approached the trio, dressed in her silver battle-dress.

"Reymond, we’re leaving."

The brown-haired guy immediately straightened and hung his sword sheath by his waist. He was already dressed in his own combat gear, so there was nothing else that needed preparation.

Trailing after Selene, he smiled to himself.

’Northern Williamsburg, here we come!’

Meanwhile, as soon as the duo left, one of the students stood up and timidly approached Richard.

He was confused for a moment, but waited and allowed her to speak.

"Um, hi. I’m Diana." She started. "You own that mutated cat, right? I want to say thank you for saving my life. I really appreciate it, and I don’t know how to pay you back."

Richard smiled awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.

"Nah, it’s fine. I’m glad nothing happened to you. You’re a brave one too, girl."

Diana instantly blushed, her head lowered. "T-thank you!"

Saying that, she hurried back to her friends who began teasing her about something he didn’t know.

"Hey, you’re hitting on her?" Miguel asked teasingly.

Richard’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets. "What? No. Why would you even think that?"

As if he wasn’t believing him, Miguel’s eyes narrowed, and he muttered to himself.

"Hm, she’s definitely a beauty. Probably the campus queen among her mates in school. She’s definitely older than eighteen too, so I guess it’s a good match."

Richard’s eyes continued to widen. "Hey, man. What the hell? Don’t give me ideas. I prefer the mommy archetype."

"Oh?" Miguel’s brows rose, causing Richard’s heart to tighten. He immediately realized he might have said something wrong.

Grinning, Miguel leaned closer and asked, "Mommies like Marie?"

Richard froze, but before he could answer, a shadow fell over them, and a curious voice made them stiffen.

"What’s up with mommies like me?"

The two young men revealed bitter smiles and started explaining themselves.

After five minutes, Marie finally let them off with a satisfied smile.

Richard looked around, then as if something clicked in his brain, he asked, "Wait. Has anyone seen Cassie?"

Marie looked at him and chuckled.

"That crazy girl followed after the boss hours ago."

Miguel’s eyes widened in shock, reflecting Richard’s expression.

"She wasn’t with us the whole time?"

The beast tamer looked like his soul had left his body. Slumping in the chair, he revealed a frail smile.

"Damn, that girl was hard to notice whenever she’s around. Now, her absence is even harder to notice. What a weirdo."

.........

Meanwhile, in the western Williamsburg, Leon and Cassie had been searching for what could be considered as important supplies while eliminating any zombie or mutated beast that crossed their path.

"That’s a supermarket over there. Should we check it out?" Gwen asked Leon, pointing at a prominent building not far away.

He observed the building from the distance, then nodded.

"No problem, let’s check it out."

He took a step forward, then paused.

Glancing back, he saw nothing but zombie corpses, a few mutated beasts sliced in half, and abandoned cars on the road.

’Why do I feel that someone was watching me, though?’

Seeing the expression on his face, Gwen asked. "What’s wrong?"

"No, it’s nothing," He replied calmly, then began walking towards the supermarket.

Walking beside him, Thyra glanced back and giggled. "Do you want to know who’s been tailing you?"

Leon glanced at her, interested.

"Mn, if you want to know, you’ll have to promise to let me hug you later, okay?"

Instantly, Leon lost interest and started walking at a faster pace. He wasn’t going to fall into her trap. However, he didn’t think Thyra would be so shameless.

Nodding to herself, she said, "Seeing how impatient you are, I’ll take that as a yes."

Leon’s eyes widened, ’Wait, what? I didn’t agree to anything!’

Ignoring his displeased expression, Thyra continued. "It’s your devoted servant, Cassie Jane. She’s been following you like a loyal puppy. So cute~"

Leon rolled his eyes, feeling exasperated. ’That girl... what the hell is wrong with her?’