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Kisha anticipated another potential threat lurking in the shadows: the Coltons’ spy or known as the traitor in Aston’s team.

She knew that their enemy would likely approach her under the guise of offering advantages or subtly testing their bottom line if it was possible to recruit them.

By showcasing her team’s capabilities, Kisha aimed to demonstrate their value and resilience.

Unlike other factions, they operated independently, refusing to align themselves with anyone else.

This independence only underscored their strength and unwillingness to be manipulated.

However, Kisha understood the Coltons’ arrogance well enough to anticipate their belief that they could sway her team with enticing offers.

It was a game of wits and wills, and Kisha was prepared to play her hand carefully.

Kisha suspected that the Coltons had already ordered their spy to approach her team, aiming to entice or test their loyalty.

To navigate this delicate situation, she strategically showcased her team’s abilities.

While hiding their awakened abilities, she ensured they didn’t appear overwhelmingly powerful, to avoid appearing to be a threat to the Coltons’ interests.

It was a balancing act, showcasing their strengths without triggering suspicion or alarm.

Kisha knew her plan sounded simplistic and optimistic, but she was willing to gamble on it.

If the spy indeed approached her, she was confident in her ability to identify and root out the traitor lurking like a snake in the grass.

However, even if they didn’t make a move, she anticipated they would strike in the most perilous situation, aiming to ensure her team’s demise.

This strategy mirrored how hunters lure prey out of hiding in a cave by smoking them out, letting them fall into another trap once they emerge.

Kisha had learned this tactic from Duke in her previous life, though she still considered herself less skilled than him in its execution.

Before they set out on patrol at lunch, she handed Duke a note outlining her plan.

After reading and understanding her intentions, Duke incinerated the paper with a small burst of lightning that flickered between his thumb and index finger, effectively destroying the evidence.

He also gave his nod at her plan with a proud smile accompanying his nod, with that simple answer, Kisha could tell that Duke was also all-in on the plan and supported her.

After just waiting for half an hour for Sparrow to come back while dealing with the zombies coming their way, Sparrow descended from the building opposite where he initially climbed, he was acting like a ninja from the movie, light and agile and very useful in supply runs as a scout, just seeing Sparrow’s ability to navigate was enough to entice everyone to recruit him to their fold.

He was like a walking juicy meat in their eyes.

Upon arrival, Sparrow reported his findings: just a few blocks away lay a promising spot for them to rest. It boasted a strategic vantage point that would allow their team to keep watch, ensuring they could monitor the zombie activity in the vicinity.

Kisha nodded, instructing Sparrow to drive the truck toward the designated building.

The others climbed aboard as they made their way there.

Upon reaching the structure, resembling a clock tower, situated amidst a spacious parking area or perhaps a park, Kisha directed Sparrow to lead the team inside.

Meanwhile, she and Duke positioned themselves to watch their rear.

Each member grabbed a bag of supplies from the truck to carry upstairs. Once everyone had safely entered the clock tower, Kisha waved her hand, using her ability to store the remaining supplies behind the truck in her inventory.

Once she was sure the supplies were safely stored in her inventory, Kisha and Duke began trailing behind the main team, keeping a close eye on everyone’s movements.

Despite their vigilance, the traitor proved adept at hiding and blending in, eluding Duke’s attempts to identify them.

Determined, they redoubled their efforts to catch any suspicious activity without being too obvious.

Soon, they reached the third floor of the clock tower, where there was ample space for everyone to rest. Those on guard duty would need to ascend a few more floors to reach the top, where they could gain a full view of the surrounding area.

However, halfway up the building, there was also a good vantage point, with windows in all directions providing a panoramic view of the land.

This position offered the advantage of both visibility and quick access to the truck below in case of danger.

So, after putting down the bag they all carried upstairs, Vulture and Sparrow started cooking while another person from Aston’s team presented to help out while shyly looking at them because he’s been eating like a pig and was only following them around without doing much so he was feeling a little guilty and useless, Vulture generously welcomed him to help out, Vulture assigned him to cut all the ingredients while Sparrow and Vulture are both busy in their ends.

Kisha and Duke departed, ascending the stairs to check the floors above. They soon discovered a spot with an excellent view of the surrounding area, positioned halfway up the clock tower. It offered a clear vantage point to monitor zombie activity without needing to climb all the way to the top.

They lingered there, anticipating any approaches, but no one came except for Sparrow, who eventually called them down to join the others for dinner before resting.

Kisha’s impatience may have led her to believe the traitor would fall into their trap easily, forgetting their own cunning intelligence. So, Kisha and Duke decided to set the matter aside and join the others for dinner, keeping the traitor in the back of their minds for the time being.

After Kisha and Duke ascended to the third floor, they found everyone joyfully indulging in their meal, consuming their food with voracious appetites.

Sparrow kindly served them each a bowl of piping hot rice topped with spam and sausage, generously coated in a creamy sauce.

Alongside, there were canned pickled cucumbers and a steaming bowl of soup to complete the hearty meal.

Kisha and Duke settled into a corner, joining the others in their meal without detecting any immediate threats. They too began to eat, finding Vulture’s cooking surprisingly delicious; his culinary skills shone through in each bite.

As the satisfying meal came to an end, fatigue washed over them all, a natural consequence of the day’s exertions and constant battle against the relentless zombie onslaught.

With stomachs filled and exhaustion setting in, they prepared to rest, seeking solace in the promise of sleep after the day’s trials.

Their lives perpetually teetered on the brink of danger, just a few bites away from the relentless jaws of the zombies. Recognizing the need for rest, Kisha allowed Vulture and Sparrow to postpone their watch duties momentarily, observing as they diligently tended to the aftermath of their meal.

Content with their efforts, she settled against Duke’s shoulder, feeling his gentle pull as she nestled into the comfort of his chest. Together, they sought solace in each other’s presence, hoping for a night of undisturbed rest amidst the ever-present threat outside.

Thud-

Thud-

Kisha’s eyes snapped open at the sudden, resounding thud, her senses instantly alert to the potential danger it heralded.