Tom’s modified rocket launcher rested on Shinon’s shoulder, an unusual addition to their arsenal. The shock on Shinon’s face said everything going on inside his head.

"A rocket launcher? How the heck did you even get your hands on such a thing?" Shinon raised an eyebrow. "And you say it was from one of my blueprints? I don’t think I left any blueprint that remotely resembled a rocket launcher."

Scratching his head, Tom replied, "Yeah... but I made a change or two."

"Whatever the case might be, it is just what I was looking for."

"Give it a go, but not inside the workshop," Tom grinned, handing the rocket launcher to Shinon. "I don’t want to be picking up the pieces of flesh scattered everywhere."

"Who do you think I am?" Shinon asked, acting offended. "Don’t worry, I know better than to test explosives indoors. I know just the place to test it out."

***

The desolate landscape stretched before Shinon and Kira as they walked towards the location of the zombie nest. As usual, the air was heavy with the stench of decay.

The distant moans of zombies echoed in the silence, but they weren’t the ones Shinon sought. As for why Kira was there with him? It was because he wanted to make amends.

As Shinon left the settlement for the zombie nest, an idea struck him, and he decided to bring Kira along. After the tense exchange earlier, it was an opportunity to clear the air with her, and the desolate landscape provided a fitting backdrop to their conversation.

Kira walked alongside Shinon, her eyes reflecting a curiosity she hesitated to voice. Shinon sensed her unspoken thoughts and decided to initiate the conversation himself.

"Look, I know what I said earlier about you being a burden was harsh," he admitted. "But it was the only way I knew you would leave us for sure."

"I knew something was up with your rejection," Kira responded with a sad smile. "But still... I want to know more about why you think I’m incapable enough to join you in your so-called secret venture with Rico and Lova."

"It’s because you’re too kind," Shinon sighed, delving into the deeper reasons behind his decision. "Unlike Rico and Lova, you tend to see the best in others, even if they have hurt you before, and that attitude will be detrimental to our cause."

He continued, "In a fight against the Eclipse, it’s either kill or be killed. There is no other choice. Since I know how difficult it is for you to kill even the bitten folks, I can only imagine how hard it will be for you to kill uninfected humans. That’s why I don’t want you to come with us."

Kira opened her mouth to say something but closed it, shaking her head. She might not be willing to heed Shinon’s advice, but she knew he was correct.

While Rico never hesitated before killing someone who had the risk of succumbing to the zombie infection, the first thought in her mind was always to save the injured.

Besides, healing was her primary talent, making her combat abilities lacklustre compared to Rico, who lacked any special skills but compensated with an unyielding will to do whatever was necessary.

If that wasn’t enough, Rico had pushed himself to the limit, so having no ability wouldn’t hinder him from fighting with those with powers. His fight with Alex’s ’General’ before was one such instance.

After Shinon’s explanation, Kira fell into a thoughtful silence as she had much to think about. They walked on in companionable quiet until they reached the location of the zombie nest.

Unlike the nests Kira had visited recently, this one was smaller and lacked an Alpha, which made her surprised why Shinon wanted to be there in the first place.

Shinon had intentionally chosen a smaller nest, minimising the number of zombies to reduce the risk of being overwhelmed. Kira glanced around, waiting for Shinon to make the first move.

"Come, let’s get closer to the next first," Shinon mumbled, carefully walking ahead.

As the duo approached the nest, Kira sensed a shift in the air. Shinon, keenly aware of her unease, took the initiative. "You take the first shot. I want to see what you’re capable of."

"You want me to do what?" Kira was taken aback by the request. "What do you mean?"

"I want to see how well you can use your abilities for offence," Shinon explained, "Give it your best shot to uproot the nest. If you succeed, I’ll consider taking you on our missions."

A mixture of excitement and nervousness filled Kira. She raised her arms, and the surroundings responded to her command.

The roots of a nearby tree turned into razor-sharp blades, burrowing underground to tear through the undead hidden in the soil. Shinon observed, impressed by Kira’s control over her abilities.

"I hope you won’t regret giving me your word," Kira remarked, focusing on the task ahead.

Suddenly, unbeknownst to Kira, a zombie rushed towards her. Reacting swiftly, Shinon kicked the undead away, preventing it from reaching her. But following the noise, more zombies emerged, drawn by the commotion, their intentions clear – protect the nest and kill the intruders.

"You focus on dealing with the nest," Shinon instructed Kira, drawing the rocket launcher. "I’ll deal with the rest."

Kira nodded, her determination overriding any lingering doubts. She directed her powers towards the nest, determined to prove her capabilities. Meanwhile, Shinon took aim at the approaching horde, his finger ready to pull the trigger.

The rocket launcher unleashed its explosive payload, tearing through the air with a deafening roar. The blast engulfed the zombies in a fiery spectacle, limbs and torsos flying in all directions. Shinon’s eyes glinted with satisfaction as the undead threat was obliterated.

"Hm... it carries quite a punch, but the handling feels somewhat off," Shinon mumbled as he created an explosive round using the shadows. "Let’s see what happens now."

Amidst the chaos, Kira maintained her focus on the nest. The roots continued their relentless assault, shredding through the earth and the remaining zombies.