My Sniper System in a Zombie Apocalypse World-Chapter 71: Found at Last

From the side corridor, a beautiful woman with striking blue hair and icy blue eyes stepped into view, a pistol in her hands. She scanned the area cautiously, her gaze sharp and cold as she approached Bong-gu.

"T-thank..." Bong-gu stammered, still trembling.

Before he could finish, another voice echoed from the same corner as another pretty woman came out. This one had a black long hair and a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Natasha, did you find someth... Oh. What do we have here?" Elena stepped into view. Behind her, Cindy and Burgors followed, weapons ready, all of them pausing when they saw the group of survivors.

Bong-gu’s fear slowly melted into relief, though his body still trembled from the close call.

Elaine’s eyes brightened seeing another survivor, a spark of hope igniting within her. She stepped forward slightly and spoke. "Excuse m..."

She froze mid-word when Natasha swung her pistol toward her. "Stop right there."

Bong-gu and the others froze, hearts pounding. The relief they had felt moments before vanished, replaced by a renewed wave of fear.

"Natasha, wait. They’re not infected," Cindy called, stepping forward cautiously.

"We don’t know that," Natasha replied, scanning each of them with sharp, calculating eyes.

"We are not," Na-rin suddenly spoke, her voice calm despite the situation.

"And how can you prove that?" Natasha asked, her finger tight on the trigger.

"The fact that we’re speaking proves it," Na-rin replied, her eyes meeting Natasha’s without flinching. "Infected don’t have conversations."

"Yeah, she’s right, they can talk," Burgors added, stepping slightly forward, a wide grin spreading across his face as he took in the sight of the beautiful survivors.

Natasha’s sharp glare cut him off instantly. Burgors immediately shut his mouth, swallowing his words.

Her pistol never wavered. The city had already shown her enough horrors: human-like infected, infected that could use weapons. Even if these people were human, Natasha didn’t have time to get tangled up in helping strangers. She’d only intervened because the fire axe made her think that it was Jaxon who was in danger.

"Why are you still pointing your gun at us? Your companion already said we’re not infected," Na-rin spoke, her eyes seeming to be reading her intentions, seeing past her cold exterior.

Natasha narrowed her eyes at her, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. Suddenly a familiar voice rang out from behind, breaking the tense silence.

"What’s going on here?"

"Jaxon!" Hae-in, Elaine, and Cindy shouted almost together. Hae-in’s eyes lit up with relief.

Before anyone could react, Cindy and Natasha rushed forward, pulling him into a tight embrace. Tears brimmed in their eyes as they clung to him tightly, like long-lost lovers that hadn’t seen each other for long.

Elaine and the students froze, surprised by the display. Elaine and Na-rin unconsciously narrowed their eyes, watching the reunion with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Brother, I knew you’d be fine. We missed you so much," Cindy whispered, her voice trembling as she buried herself on his shoulder.

Jaxon smiled, returning the hug, holding them just as tightly. "I miss you too. I’m glad you’re all okay."

Elena’s voice cut through the moment sharply. "Hey! I know it’s your first time seeing each other again, but we need to move, now."

The agitated howls of the infected outside were still ringing, a constant reminder of the danger they were in.

Jaxon released them and turned toward Elena and Burgors. "Good to see you both okay. Where’s the others?"

"We moved to a more secure spot. They’re hiding there," Cindy explained, stepping back from the hug but still holding onto his arm. "We knew you’d come back, so we’ve been watching around the store." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Follow us," Natasha said, a small smile tugging at her lips as she nodded toward the path. "We’ll take you to them."

"Mm," Jaxon nodded, then turned to Elaine and the others. "Let’s go. We need to get out of here."

Natasha raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You know them?"

Before Jaxon could answer, Elaine’s voice rang out. "Are they your family we’re trying to find?" She asked, curiosity lacing her voice.

"Let’s get out of here first. I’ll explain later," Jaxon replied, helping Bong-gu to his feet.

Natasha hesitated for a moment, unsure about bringing the others along, but Elena nudged her shoulder. "We’ll bring them with us," she whispered.

Natasha frowned, she wasn’t the type to take orders from her. But since Jaxon was helping them, she remained quiet, suppressing her objections. She trusted his judgment, even if she didn’t understand it. They led the way, their weapons raised and ready.

Together, the two groups moved quietly under Natasha and Elena’s lead. They slipped out the apartment’s back door, pressed close to the corners of the street, and moved through the quiet, blood-streaked alleys until they arrived at a house tucked away from prying eyes.

It was an ideal location. Few buildings surrounded it, giving a clear line of sight in every direction. The house itself was large, sturdy, and well-hidden, with the kind of architecture that suggested it had been built by someone with means. Inside, a massive underground basement stretched beneath it, partitioned into multiple rooms and living spaces. A hidden bunker, secure, and perfect for a group trying to survive in a city crawling with the infected.

"Surprise, right? I’m the one who found this place," Elena said with a playful smirk, striking an exaggerated pose. "I’m really amazing, aren’t I?"

Natasha raised an eyebrow, rolling her eyes. "And who told you about this area in the first place? Did you forget who pointed you here? I spent hours tracking wealthy neighborhoods and possible hidden bunkers..."

Before the two could start arguing, a warm voice rang out.

"Jaxon!" Isabel ran forward, throwing her arms around him. Her tears fell freely as she clung to him. "I’m so glad... I’m so glad you’re okay."

"Mom, I’m fine," Jaxon said, hugging her back tightly. "I told you I’d be back."

"Mm."

He then looked at the familiar faces in front of him, who also welcomed him with smiles and nods of relief. The twins, Hiromi and Jannah, waved shyly, while Hannah and Haris stood near, their faces etched with relief.

"Big brother, you’re finally here! Everyone was so worried," Jannah said, running up to him. Jaxon gently patted both twins on the head.

Haris seemed to look fine, although the bandage was still wrapped around his chest since it had only been a few days since his injury.

"I knew you would come back. We’ve been waiting for you," Haris said, offering Jaxon a grateful smile.

Jaxon nodded, smiling lightly. "How are your wounds?"

"I’m fine, thanks to you. Thank you for saving me back then," Haris replied, his voice sincere.

"Get some rest and recover soon. We need you at full strength,"

Elena, never missing a chance to stir the mood, turned to the newcomers and tilted her head. "So, who are these puppies? Did you pick up some strays along the way?"