Chapter 191: Hunt

Leo walked toward them, the dark hood of his Robe of Shroud pulled over his head and a strange wooden basket strapped across his back. Nearing the two women, he pulled back his hood.

Valentine offered a warm smile. "Hello, Leo." She glanced at the basket on his back. "Where are you going dressed like that?"

Leo gave a brief nod. "I’m going into the forest to explore a little. I thought I should inform someone before heading inside." He paused. "Originally, that was all I came here for. But now I have another reason."

Valentine and Nina exchanged curious looks before Leo continued.

"From today onward, I’ll provide the food for the children."

Valentine raised an eyebrow, and Nina’s eyes went wide. "No, we couldn’t—"

Leo cut her off, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "It’s final. I’ve already decided. You can pay me back in the future."

Nina opened her mouth to protest, but Leo was already turning his attention to Valentine, his expression growing serious. "I also heard about Atlas’s condition. Where is he?"

Nina’s face fell with worry. "He isn’t feeling well, so I let him stay inside the bus."

"Alright. Take me to him."

The three of them headed for the bus. Reaching the door, Nina gave it a light knock. "Big Brother Atlas. Big Sis Valentine and Big Brother Leo are here to see you."

A brief silence hung in the air before the door creaked open. Atlas stepped out, looking pale and clutching his stomach. Yet, seeing the two of them, he forced a polite smile.

"Hello, Big Brother. Big Sister."

Leo nodded, reaching into his robe to pull out five protein bars. "Atlas. Eat these and see if you feel better."

The young man’s eyes lit up. He snatched the bars and tore open the wrappers, swallowing them one after another. Within seconds, the food was gone.

Valentine and Nina stared in surprise, but Leo just watched Atlas closely. There was no change. Atlas still held his stomach.

"Still hungry?"

Atlas nodded.

Frowning, Leo turned his focus inward. "System. Can you identify what’s wrong with him?"

A moment passed before the voice replied in his head.

[Host, the system can only inspect the Host’s own condition. It does not possess the ability to examine other people’s conditions.]

"Is there another way?"

Another brief pause.

[Host, there is a Rare Card known as the Identification Card in the System Store. The card can be used to inspect the condition of other living beings.]

Leo’s eyes brightened. So there was a way; he just needed that card. He looked back at Atlas, who was still pressing a hand to his gut. Whatever was happening, Leo needed to figure it out before things got worse.

He turned to Valentine. "How many days are we staying here?"

She thought for a moment. "Nina just finished making the device that can test water for contamination. So if we find a suitable water source nearby, we can move out by afternoon. Even if it takes longer, we’ll leave at dawn tomorrow."

Leo looked past the camp toward the dense tree line. An idea formed in his mind. "System. Are the animals in this world edible after the apocalypse?"

The answer came without delay.

[Host, apart from animals that have been zombified, the other animals found in this world are either normal animals or mutant beasts. Both are edible. In fact, the meat of mutant beasts contains beneficial energy and can be especially useful for Superhumans.]

His eyes narrowed slightly. That was exactly what he needed to hear. He looked back at Valentine. "This is a forest. There should be animals living inside."

Valentine followed his gaze as he kept talking. "Why don’t we stay here a little longer and hunt for meat? We can solve Atlas’s food problem. And the rest of the convoy can benefit from it too. If we bring back enough meat, the other survivors will have a chance to eat something better than their usual rations." He paused. "I doubt anyone will complain about that."

Valentine’s face lit up. "Yes. That’s actually a pretty good idea." She tapped her chin. "Why didn’t I think of that before? Alright. I’ll inform the rest of the convoy." She glanced over at Atlas. "But what about him?"

"Let Atlas come with me. I’ll keep an eye on him while we hunt."

Valentine frowned. "Are you sure? Look at him. He’s barely able to stand properly. He won’t be much help in this condition."

Leo shook his head. "Don’t worry. Maybe moving around and hunting will help him. At the very least, we’ll find out whether his condition changes after eating fresh meat."

Valentine hesitated. She knew he had a point. Sitting in the bus and starving wouldn’t do the boy any good. "Alright." She looked down at Nina. "What do you think?"

Nina looked back at Leo, her eyes clear and certain. "I trust Big Brother Leo."

A faint smile touched Leo’s lips. "Then it’s settled." He walked over to the massive young man and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Alright, big man. You’re coming with me."

Atlas, his face still pale, followed Leo into the trees.

Nina watched their figures fade into the shadows, a deep crease forming between her brows. Seeing her worry, Valentine rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Don’t worry."

"Leo is a responsible person. He’ll take care of Atlas."

"Maybe he really will find out what’s wrong with him."

Nina gave a small nod. Turning away, the two women walked back toward the tents to let the rest of the camp know they would be staying longer.

Deeper in the woods, Atlas trailed a few paces behind Leo.

"Big Brother, are we going into the forest to hunt?"

Leo glanced over his shoulder.

"Well, we’re mainly here to gather herbs."

"But if we come across suitable prey, then sure, we’ll hunt."

A spark lit up Atlas’s eyes.

"If we successfully hunt something, do I get a share?"

Leo stopped and turned to face him.

"Are you really that hungry?"

Atlas shook his head hard.

"No."

"It’s not for me."

His shoulders slumped, the brief excitement fading away.

"It’s for the children."

"Yesterday, they even gave up their own food to help me."

"They probably haven’t eaten anything since yesterday."

"I want to hunt something and bring the food back for them."

Atlas kept his head bowed.

"I’m always like this..."

"Always causing trouble for the people around me."

He stayed quiet for a long moment before finally meeting Leo’s gaze.

"Big Brother Leo..."

"Will you teach me how to be smart like you?"

"So I can stop causing trouble for everyone and become useful to them."

Leo’s expression softened. He closed the distance between them and rested a hand on Atlas’s shoulder.

"Don’t worry."

"The children have already eaten their fill."

"In fact, they’re more worried about you than themselves."

Atlas blinked.

Leo went on.

"And who said you’re dumb?"

"You’re the smartest person I’ve met so far."

Atlas stared at him in pure confusion. Leo gave his shoulder a firm pat.

"I’d trust my back to you over anyone else."

Atlas’s eyes widened. A slow, foolish grin stretched across his face.

"Really?"

Leo nodded.