Common Sense Hijack System-Chapter 130

That morning, Karl opened his eyes slowly, feeling an unusual warmth amidst the freezing cold of the winter apocalypse. Jane and Layla were still fast asleep beside him, their faces serene as if the chaos of the outside world didn’t exist. For a moment, Karl let himself lie there, savoring the tranquility that had become a rare luxury in their current lives.

Jane stirred first, stretching languidly before cracking one eye open and smirking at Karl. "Well, good morning, hero. Sleep well?"

Karl chuckled softly. "Better than most nights, I guess."

Layla stirred soon after, her soft murmurs giving way to a sleepy smile as she noticed Karl watching her. "Morning," she whispered, her voice gentle.

"Morning," Karl replied, sitting up and stretching. He looked over at the small fireplace in the corner of the room, its embers still glowing faintly. The warmth it provided was minimal, but it was enough to keep the frostbite at bay.

Jane sat up, pulling the blanket tighter around her. "So, what’s the plan today, boss? More heroics? Or are we finally going to sit back and enjoy your magical storage?"

Karl smirked at her playful tone. "If by enjoy you mean restock some of our supplies, then sure. But no heroics today—just making sure everything’s in order."

Layla tilted her head curiously. "Do we even need anything? You’ve been pulling everything we need out of that... storage thing of yours. It’s like magic."

Jane leaned forward, her smirk growing. "Yeah, Karl, seriously. Spill it. What’s the deal with that bottomless storage of yours? You’ve been playing it cool, but it’s not exactly normal."

Karl sighed, running a hand through his hair. He had been careful not to draw too much attention to the Uncommon Storage, but with Jane and Layla growing closer to him, it was getting harder to keep it under wraps. He decided it was time to let them in on the secret—at least partially.

"It’s... complicated," Karl began, leaning back against the wall. "Let’s just say I have access to a storage space that isn’t exactly bound by the usual rules of reality. Think of it like a massive, invisible backpack where I can store just about anything."

Jane raised an eyebrow. "And where exactly did you get this magical storage backpack? Because I’m pretty sure that’s not something you pick up at a convenience store."

Karl hesitated. "It’s a long story. One that involves a lot of weird circumstances and a fair bit of luck."

Layla frowned slightly. "Is it dangerous? This storage... does it come with risks?"

Karl shook his head. "No risks, at least none that I’ve seen. It’s just... there. And honestly, it’s the only reason we’ve been able to stay as comfortable as we have."

Jane crossed her arms, looking unconvinced. "Comfortable? We’re still in the middle of an ice-cold apocalypse, Karl. You could have a five-star buffet in that storage of yours, and it wouldn’t change the fact that the world outside is falling apart."

Karl sighed. "You’re not wrong, but it’s better than nothing. I’ve been careful about what I take out and when. The last thing we need is for people around here to start asking questions or getting suspicious."

Jane leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "Fair enough. But don’t think this means I’m letting it go. I want to know more about this magical storage of yours eventually."

Layla, ever the peacekeeper, reached out and touched Karl’s arm lightly. "Thank you for sharing that much, Karl. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to keep all of this together, but... you’re doing great."

Karl gave her a small smile. "Thanks, Layla. That means a lot."

Jane rolled her eyes but grinned. "Alright, enough with the heartfelt stuff. Since you’ve got your magic storage, does that mean breakfast is on you, hero?"

Karl chuckled, standing up. "Yeah, I’ve got it covered. Just sit tight."

He walked over to the corner of the room where he usually accessed the Uncommon Storage. With a flick of his wrist, he pulled out a few items—a loaf of bread, some canned fruit, and even a small jar of honey. It wasn’t much by pre-apocalypse standards, but it was a feast compared to what most people were surviving on.

As Karl prepared the food, Jane and Layla watched him, their expressions a mix of curiosity and admiration. Despite the bleakness of their situation, Karl had managed to create a sense of stability and even comfort, something neither of them had thought possible when the world first fell apart.

Once the food was ready, they gathered around the small table, sharing a quiet meal. For a while, there was no talk of the apocalypse, no worries about the cold or the chaos outside. It was just the three of them, sharing a moment of peace in a world that seemed to have forgotten what peace was.

As the meal came to an end, Jane leaned back in her chair, her smirk returning. "You know, Karl, for a guy who’s always so serious, you’re pretty good at taking care of people. Maybe you missed your calling as a househusband."

Karl snorted. "Don’t push your luck, Jane."

Layla giggled softly, the sound like a melody in the otherwise quiet room. "You do take care of us, Karl. More than you realize."

Karl looked at the two women, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the fireplace. Despite everything they’d been through, despite the frozen wasteland outside, he was grateful for their presence. They weren’t just surviving together—they were living. And for the first time in a long time, Karl allowed himself to hope that they could keep it that way.

As the days passed, Karl began to notice subtle changes in Layla and Jane. It started with small things—Layla lifting a heavy chair without much effort or Jane brushing off a deep scratch like it was nothing. At first, Karl dismissed it as adrenaline or sheer resilience, but the evidence became impossible to ignore.

One morning, Karl was in the kitchenette, boiling water to make some coffee. Layla walked in, her hair slightly damp from a quick wash. She smiled at him as she reached over to grab the pot of boiling water with her bare hands.

"Layla!" Karl exclaimed, rushing to stop her. But she had already lifted it, tilting her head curiously as if she didn’t understand why he was panicking.

"What?" she asked, her voice calm.

"You just grabbed a pot of boiling water!" Karl pointed at her hands, expecting to see burns or blisters, but her skin was perfectly smooth. She didn’t even flinch.

Layla blinked, then looked down at her hand. "Oh," she said nonchalantly. "I guess... I didn’t feel it?"

Karl stared at her, his brow furrowing. "You guess? Layla, that’s not normal."

Jane walked into the room, her hair still messy from sleep, and caught the tail end of their conversation. "What’s going on?" she asked, stifling a yawn.

Karl pointed at Layla. "She just held a pot of boiling water like it was nothing."

Jane raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Really? Let me see." She stepped closer, examining Layla’s hands before smirking. "Well, maybe she’s just tougher than we thought."

"It’s not just that," Layla said softly, looking at Karl. "I’ve been feeling... different lately. Stronger. Things that used to bother me don’t anymore. Like the cold—I barely feel it now."

Karl frowned, his concern deepening. "How long has this been happening?"

Layla shrugged. "I’m not sure. A few days, maybe? I just didn’t think it was a big deal."

Jane crossed her arms, leaning against the counter. "You’re not the only one," she said casually.

Karl turned to her, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"

Jane smirked, pulling up the sleeve of her sweater to reveal a faint scar on her forearm. "This? I got it last night when I was cutting up some cans for scrap. It was deep, bled like crazy. But this morning? It’s barely there."

Karl’s jaw tightened as he processed what she was saying. "You’re healing faster?"

"Not just that," Jane said, her voice taking on a playful edge. "I don’t feel the cold anymore. I’ve been walking around in this sweater while the building’s practically freezing. Feels like spring to me."

Karl leaned against the counter, running a hand through his hair. "This... this isn’t normal. Something’s happening to both of you."

"Maybe it’s not a bad thing," Layla said, her voice soft but steady. "Whatever it is, it’s helping us survive."

Karl looked between the two women, their calm demeanor a stark contrast to his own growing unease. But as much as he wanted to figure out what was going on, a part of him felt relieved. If they were becoming stronger, it meant they had a better chance of surviving whatever this frozen apocalypse threw at them.

"Have you noticed anything else?" Karl asked, his tone more measured now.

Layla hesitated for a moment. "I feel... faster. Like, my reflexes are sharper. And I can lift things I shouldn’t be able to."

Jane grinned. "And I’m guessing I’m harder to kill. Not that I’m planning to test it, but the healing thing is pretty useful."

Karl exhaled slowly, the weight on his shoulders easing slightly. "Alright. If this is real—if this is permanent—it might actually be a good thing. You’re both stronger now, and that’s going to help us if we ever run into trouble."

Jane raised an eyebrow, her grin turning mischievous. "Look at you, Mr. Optimism. Didn’t think you had it in you."

Karl shot her a look. "Don’t get used to it."

Layla smiled, her expression gentle. "Thank you, Karl. For... everything. You’ve been looking out for us since the beginning. Maybe now we can help take some of the burden off you."

Karl’s gaze softened as he looked at her. "I’m just glad you’re both okay. That’s all that matters."

As the day went on, Karl kept an eye on both women, observing their newfound abilities. Layla carried heavy supplies effortlessly, her movements fluid and precise. Jane, meanwhile, seemed almost fearless, her injuries healing quickly and her energy unwavering even in the harshest conditions.

For the first time since the apocalypse began, Karl allowed himself to feel a small flicker of hope. Layla and Jane weren’t just surviving—they were evolving. And in a world where danger lurked around every corner, their strength was a beacon of reassurance.

If trouble came knocking, Karl thought to himself, they wouldn’t face it alone. Layla’s strength, Jane’s resilience, and his own careful planning might just be enough to keep them all alive.