Chapter Twelve: Invincible

Before Xu Nuo could respond, Gu Xingze suddenly rose and left the group.
007 anxiously asked, "Host, what are you doing now? You’ve already made him angry."
Xu Nuo mused, "Even that block of wood can get angry?"
007 replied, "Of course. According to this system's scan, he's furious right now! The kind that's hard to appease."

"Tsk." Gu Xingze, rarely losing control of his emotions, felt regret as soon as he walked away. In what capacity could he stop Xu Nuo? He had always adopted a hands-off attitude toward her, upholding the principle of mutual non-interference. He had been careful to avoid getting entangled with this enigmatic girl who had suddenly appeared, shrouded in mystery.

They were fundamentally different people, destined not to stay together for long.
He shouldn’t be troubled by this.
Yet the girl's smile kept resurfacing uncontrollably in his mind.

There was only one road leading away from the camp. At dawn, Xu Nuo boarded the car, only to find Gu Xingze sitting in the passenger seat.
"Why are you here too?" Xu Nuo was startled.
Gu Xingze looked straight ahead, tossing her a lunchbox. "Breakfast. Don’t forget to eat."
"Thank you." Xu Nuo obediently stowed the meal away, noting that Gu Xingze showed no intention of leaving. "Are you coming with me?"
Gu Xingze didn’t answer.

Awkward silence filled the car. Xu Nuo hesitated—she couldn’t leave, nor could she ask Gu Xingze to get out—so she started eating her breakfast. Gu Xingze’s cooking was exceptional; even the simplest rice and noodles took on new flavors and forms in his hands.
It was hard to imagine such a cool, icy man being so skilled in the kitchen.

"By the way, it seems we’re running low on spices," Xu Nuo said conversationally. "I’ll pick up some when I go into town. Is there anything you want?"
Gu Xingze still didn’t respond.

Xu Nuo was used to speaking ten sentences and getting none in return. She felt like a parent coaxing a child. "Wait for me at the camp. I’ll bring back something delicious for you."
Gu Xingze turned to her. "Shut up and drive."

The car wound its way out of the mountain road toward the desolate outskirts of the town below.
There were no survivors left in the town; it was so remote that even zombies were rare. Xu Nuo searched house by house, noticing that when the locals had left, the area hadn’t yet fallen—many doors and windows remained tightly locked. That meant there could still be useful supplies inside. The locals probably hoped to return someday, though now it seemed impossible.

With practiced hands, Xu Nuo cut several wires, twisted them into filaments, and used them to pick the locks, her movements deft and seamless.
007 watched in confusion. "Host, weren’t you a game streamer?"
Xu Nuo replied, "Yes, but times were tough, so I learned a few practical skills. I have lots of side jobs."
What kind of skills? Surely your side jobs aren’t all criminal, right?

Her lock-picking technique caught Gu Xingze’s attention. He stepped forward, using his wind ability. Invisible air slipped into the keyhole, and in a second, the door opened. His efficiency far surpassed hers with the wire.

The audience in the livestream couldn’t stay calm.
"How are both of them so skilled?"
"Bet they have some interesting side gigs."
"They make a good pair."

Xu Nuo entered the house. The items inside had gathered dust and mold over the years; most were ruined, but she carefully selected whatever was still usable. Salt was essential and kept well—she found plenty. She also took any appliances or furniture that seemed serviceable.

"Little Seven, guide me to the nearest gas station."

The car needed fuel. With the system’s navigation, Xu Nuo quickly arrived at the closest station.
"Wait." Just before Xu Nuo got out, Gu Xingze spoke coldly.
"Someone there?" Xu Nuo’s demeanor grew more cautious.
"Stay in the car. If there’s danger, drive away," Gu Xingze said, then vanished in a gust of wind.

Xu Nuo leaned against the window, watching as a group appeared at the station, obviously all after gasoline, arguing bitterly.
Bang—
A pained, anguished scream followed. The man hit was a strong, middle-aged fellow, now clutching his thigh, his face contorted with pain. In this lawless apocalypse, being shot was tantamount to a death sentence.

The first shot was followed by chaos—a vicious brawl, chilling gunfire, bodies falling as the group fought.
Xu Nuo saw Gu Xingze among them.
"Little Seven, can the strategy targets die?" she asked.
007 replied, "Yes, they’re not invincible. If a target dies before the mission is complete, your progress with them resets to zero."
"No protagonist’s halo?"
"You are the protagonist."

"Alright, I understand." Xu Nuo pushed open the car door and stepped out without hesitation.
"Wait, Host, where are you going?" 007 was flustered. "Just because you’re the protagonist doesn’t mean you’re invincible!"

"Hahaha..." Amidst the fierce melee, a cheerful laugh rang out.
"Take your time fighting. These are mine now."
A handsome, youthful boy leapt from the car roof, deftly grabbing the fuel cans the others were fighting for.
"Boss, someone’s stealing the gas!"
"Put it down!"
"Who’s this punk, daring to snatch our stuff?"
"Who says it’s yours?" The boy hooked a heavy can with one finger, a wicked smile curling his lips. "If I get it, it’s mine."
"Arrogant! Die!" The boss immediately pointed his gun at the boy’s chest.
The boy laughed, "Hey, you’d better be careful. This is a gas station—what if a stray bullet sets it ablaze? It’s no big deal if you’re roasted, but I spent ages finding this gas. If it’s gone, that’s a problem."
His words managed to calm the crowd somewhat. The boss still held the gun, sneering, "You think a snot-nosed brat like you can take something from us? Naive."
"Let’s see." The boy waved, turning to leave. "Not interested in playing along."
"Stop!"
Bang—
A controlled shot landed by the boy’s feet.
The boss snarled, "Didn’t you hear me? Do you really think you can walk out of this gas station alive?"

As the two sides stared each other down, someone suddenly grabbed the boss’s gun and aimed at the fuel cans, pulling the trigger.
"Hahaha... nobody gets out alive!"

It happened in a flash. In that split second, Xu Nuo saw a gust of wind—bullets froze mid-air, and suddenly there was another figure beside the boy.
The boy reacted swiftly, dodging the attack.
Bang—
The bullet grazed his face, leaving a bloody mark.