This is also making the best use of everything. If Helen can gain superpowers and is lucky enough to get a useful one, it will be a great addition to our small group. Waldo’s "Stealth" and Alanna’s "Healing" powers don’t have much offensive capability. Waldo really hopes Helen can gain an offensive superpower to compensate for that weakness. But it’s just wishful thinking for now.

Helen put the "Divine Blessing" into her backpack, with a radiant smile. It seemed that Waldo did care about her. "Thank you, Waldo."

Waldo, unaware of her thoughts, replied casually, "Thanks? Just remember to return the favor later."

"Erm," Helen was speechless. Her words were interrupted by Waldo’s remark.

Alanna sensed Helen’s awkwardness and stepped in to resolve the situation. "Waldo, since Helen hasn’t leveled up yet, how about we make use of our time and go gather resources, hunt zombies, and help Helen reach level ten to trigger the superpower extraction?"

The countdown to the meteor shower was getting closer, and everyone was madly hoarding supplies. Even the lower-level survivors were taking desperate risks. That’s just how people are – they won’t give their all until it’s the last moment.

But Waldo and his group had received advance notice and had accumulated a considerable amount of miscellaneous resources along with the S-alloy they were stockpiling for resale. So they weren’t in a rush and didn’t bother with the suburban areas; they went straight to the old city where there were enough zombies for Helen to level up quickly.

Back when Waldo and his group were leveling up around the villa area, it had taken them a tremendous effort and countless trips outside to succeed. But this time, they were well-prepared and planned to go to the old city for a quick leveling session.

After considering everything, Waldo made a decision. "Alright, we’ll head to the old city. Weren’t you always saying I don’t take you out with me? This time, we’ll go out hunting together!"

Alanna was thrilled. "Waldo, you finally decided to take us out! We’ve been practicing shooting and combat skills diligently recently. Hmph, you’ve been underestimating us and refusing to take us out."

Waldo chuckled and said, "Doesn’t that show how much I care about you? I don’t want you taking unnecessary risks outside!"

Alanna playfully nudged Helen. "Helen, did you hear that? Waldo cares about us, that’s why he’s reluctant to take us out!"

Helen blushed and didn’t know what to say.

Waldo scratched his head, wondering if he said something wrong. It didn’t seem like it. Oh well, it doesn’t matter.

He stood up, pulling Alanna and Helen along. "Let’s go, we’re setting out now! We’ll make sure Helen reaches level ten today and gains a great superpower!"

Waldo hurried out of the yard and fetched the armored vehicle. While on the road, he took the opportunity to organize the vast amount of supplies they had obtained in the past few days: salt, chili, garlic, cumin... It seemed like he was going to open a restaurant!

Waldo shook his head, somewhat speechless, as he looked at the last piece of infinite resource - a rapid expansion magazine for a rifle! This was a fantastic item that solved Waldo’s long-standing annoyance. With this magazine, he could pre-load bullets and easily switch magazines during battles, saving a lot of time.

The armored vehicle wasn’t very fast, but this time Waldo wasn’t alone, so the journey wasn’t as boring. Occasionally, they encountered a few zombies, which they ran over easily.

When the armored vehicle entered the old city, Waldo checked the time. As expected, having someone to accompany him on long drives made the journey less tedious and the time passed more quickly.

"Is this the old city? It really has a vintage feel to it," Alanna said as she walked the streets of the old city. She was fascinated by the architecture and street style of the 80s and 90s, just like Waldo had been the first time he came to the old city.

They had gotten off the armored vehicle by now and were strolling through the streets as if they were on a shopping trip.

Waldo felt more confident this time compared to his previous visit. Not only did he bring the rocket launcher, but he also had the Gatling machine gun. However, he couldn’t help but notice Helen’s composure. Since they arrived in the old city, Helen had acted as if she had been here before.

"Helen, have you been to the old city before? You don’t seem curious about the buildings and streets here at all," Waldo asked.

Helen smiled faintly and tapped on the battle suit that Waldo was wearing. "This suit was what I obtained from the old city the first time."

Waldo was astonished. Helen had been in the old city at the same time he was? At that time, he was still using a pistol!

Seeing Waldo’s surprised expression, Helen felt a little proud. "I didn’t venture deep into the old city, just stayed on the outskirts. At first, we had limited supplies, and staying in the old city was like courting death. We had to move closer to the nearest suburban area."

Waldo nodded in understanding. Indeed, staying in the old city without any weapons was extremely dangerous. If they wanted to head to the central area, they would have to pass through the old city. So, Helen didn’t have much choice and had to go to the suburban areas. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

Helen continued, "I landed near the old city when I arrived in the post-apocalyptic world. I was lucky enough to obtain this battle suit. Afterward, I met Russ. But I never wore the suit in front of him, so he didn’t know that I had such valuable equipment. Otherwise, he might have had malicious intentions towards me."

When Russ was mentioned, both Waldo and Helen fell silent. But Waldo quickly said, "It’s all in the past now. Since we’ve returned, let me take you for a stroll."

Helen smiled gently. "Of course. Now, I’m kind of like yours, right? Shouldn’t you treat me better and help me gather some high-level resources to reach level ten?"

The phrase "kind of like yours" sounded a bit strange, but Waldo didn’t refute it. Helen obviously didn’t say it unintentionally; there was a bit of her own desire mixed in. She felt a little shy about her boldness.

Alanna joined them, putting her arm around Helen’s shoulder and said to Waldo, "Lao Chen, this is what you said. Helen is kind of yours now."

Then she turned to Helen and asked, "Helen, aren’t we like a family?"

Blushing, Helen nodded.

Waldo stood by, chuckling. "Of course, we’re family. The three of us rely on each other."

Alanna was a bit exasperated. She had been so obvious in her assistance, yet Waldo still hadn’t realized it?

Whoosh!

Just then, a dark figure suddenly rushed towards Waldo at high speed!