Jaxon leaned against the side of the car, glancing back at the special unit in the distance.

"What does that girl want?" Natasha asked, her tone edged with annoyance.

"She’s been staring at Jaxon the whole time," Na-rin added quietly. "Her eyes never left him."

The four women slowly turned to look at him. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Jaxon raised a brow. "What?"

None of them answered, they just kept staring.

He let out a small breath then spoke. "They wanted to recruit me and I turned it down. That’s it." He shrugged.

Natasha crossed her arms. "You should stay away from her. She’s crazy."

Na-rin glanced at her quietly. The thought crossed her mind that Natasha wasn’t much different... but she kept it to herself.

Jaxon nodded slightly. "Yeah... she’s hard to read. Feels like the type who forces things her way."

The car fell quiet after that with only the sound of the engine filled the space.

.....

Not long after, they arrived back at the gates of the safe zone.

Massive reinforced gates stood before them, towering and solid, guarded by armed soldiers positioned at both sides. As their vehicle approached, a few personnel stepped forward to receive them.

"Targets identified," one soldier reported. "C-5 runners returning from field operation."

The gates slowly opened with a heavy mechanical sound.

As they entered, a woman in a clean military uniform approached, tablet in hand. Her posture was straight, her expression composed.

"Welcome back," she said. "Congratulations on completing your assigned task. Each of you will receive your corresponding reward points."

Her eyes briefly scanned the group before continuing, "Before that, you are required to proceed to the medical wing for a standard post-mission check."

Jaxon stepped out of the vehicle. "How long will it take?"

"Approximately half a day... depending on the results." she replied without hesitation.

Jaxon gave a small nod. "Understood." He didn’t mind. If anything, the rest would be welcome.

"By the way," he added, glancing back, "the vehicle behind us and the supplies. Can they be sent to our residence?"

"Of course," the woman said, giving a slight nod. "We’ll have someone take care of it."

Then she gestured ahead. "This way, please."

Escorted by personnel, the group moved deeper into the facility, heading toward the medical area as the heavy gates closed behind them.

When they arrived, Jaxon and the group spotted a small figure near one of the facility buildings.

A little girl stood there quietly. Beside her was a tall, beautiful woman with a long blonde hair, Elaine, gently holding the girl’s tiny hand. Around them were Hannah, Claire, Hae-in, and the twins, Jannah and Hiromi, all waiting.

"Sumiko..." Isabel called softly, her face lighting up as if she were seeing her own daughter.

Sumiko looked toward them, her clear eyes blinking once before settling on Jaxon.

"Hey," Jaxon said, giving her a small smile.

Her eyes brightened for a second, but she quickly looked away, lips forming a small pout.

"Cute," Cindy said with a grin, letting out a soft laugh that only made Sumiko more embarrassed.

Isabel’s hands twitched slightly, she clearly wanted to hug her, but she held herself back. They still had to go through the checkup first.

"Jaxon!"

He turned at the call and saw Haris approaching, with Bong-gu beside him. Both were now in soldier uniforms, smiling as they walked over.

"You two..." Jaxon looked them up and down, then grinned. "That suits you."

"Hey, I always looked good," Haris shot back with a laugh. Bong-gu just chuckled beside him.

"Well, well... look who finally decided to come back."

Elena’s voice carried over as she approached, a teasing smile on her lips. She was also in uniform now, a rank insignia resting on her shoulder. Thomas followed beside her, giving Jaxon a simple nod.

"What took you so long out there?" Elena said, crossing her arms lightly. "Your dear kids here were starting to worry."

She glanced at the group behind them, amused.

Jaxon smiled and shook his head. "We scavenged some useful items." Then he turned to Thomas. "Is there anyone who can help reinforce the vehicle we brought?"

Thomas thought for a moment. "I know someone. But his service isn’t cheap, I’m not sure you’ll have enough points to cover for it." He glanced at the loaded truck behind them. "Though with what you brought, you might be able to trade."

"We’ll see," Jaxon nodded.

Elena crossed her arms, her tone softening. "Well, I’m just glad you all made it back. Head to the facilities first." She paused, then added, "Oh... and tomorrow, don’t be surprised by what’s about to happen."

Jaxon frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

"You’ll find out soon enough," Elena said with a faint smile. "For now, just rest. You’ve done more than enough."

Jaxon gave a small nod. They exchanged brief goodbyes before heading off. Isabel waved at Sumiko, and soon the group entered the medical facility.

.....

The next morning.

Far from the safe zone, Ironpoint City welcomed new visitors once again. This time, there was no attempt to stay hidden.

High above, jet fighters tore through the clouds, their engines roaring across the sky as the sound echoed through the empty streets below.

But the city remained still. No infected roamed the roads, no figures moved along rooftops, and no sound answered the thunder from above. It was as if the entire city had been abandoned.

"Recon One to Command," a pilot’s voice crackled over the comms. "No movement on ground level, no heat signatures. Area appears clear."

A brief pause followed.

Then... "Command to all units, Copy. Proceed with Operation Scorch."

"Copy that."

The jets shifted formation high above the clouds.

"Ironpoint strike in five... four... three... two... one..."

A second later, the world below erupted. Explosions tore across the city in an instant. Fire and shockwaves ripped through buildings, tearing them apart like paper. Streets split open, cars were hurled aside, and glass shattered in violent waves.

Another round followed.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

No corner was spared. Bridges collapsed, towers buckled, and entire blocks vanished under fire and smoke.