God Simulator: The Goddesses In The Simulation Are All Real

Linsley chuckled, leaning back as he let his gaze drift over the darkened city. "You've got big plans for someone who almost didn't want to save a frying-pan-wielding teenager."

Aurielle smirked, brushing off his teasing. "I have my moments. But seriously, we can't just sit around forever. What's next?"

Linsley took a sip of water, his expression thoughtful. "We need more supplies—ammo, food, maybe even something to rig up a generator. If we're going to turn this place into a stronghold, we'll need power."

Aurielle's eyes gleamed with excitement. "A self-sufficient fortress? Now we're talking. Let's hit the industrial district tomorrow. It'll be crawling with zombies, but the rewards should be worth it."

"Agreed," Linsley said, his tone purposeful. "But first, we rest. We've earned it."

Aurielle rolled her eyes, though her grin betrayed her agreement. "Fine. But only because you're right. Again."

…

The morning came with a dull glow, the simulated sun casting long shadows over the ruins.

The duo geared up quickly, strapping on their backpacks and checking their weapons.

The reinforced door groaned as they pushed it open, stepping once more into the hostile streets.

Aurielle spun her pistols with practiced ease. "So, industrial district first, then maybe swing by that convenience store we passed earlier? I'm still craving something sugary."

Linsley raised an eyebrow, adjusting his crowbar. "In the middle of a zombie apocalypse, and you're thinking about snacks?"

Aurielle shrugged, her grin playful. "Priorities, Emperor."

The streets were a maze of debris and danger. Zombies shuffled aimlessly through the wreckage, their guttural moans echoing off the crumbling walls.

NPC civilians darted from hiding spots, their actions eerily realistic. Some begged for help, others scavenged silently, and a few eyed Aurielle and Linsley warily, as if debating whether to approach.

Ahead, the faint sound of arguing voices broke through the ambient chaos.

As they turned a corner, they saw a group of NPC civilians—identified by the NPC tags above their heads—locked in a heated debate over a cache of supplies.

A wiry young man gripped a rusted machete, standing guard over a small pile of canned goods and bottled water.

Aurielle tilted her head, her violet eyes gleaming with amusement. "Think we should step in?"

Linsley's grip on his crowbar tightened slightly. "Let's see how this plays out."

The argument escalated quickly, the wiry man raising his machete threateningly.

A burly woman with a makeshift spear stepped forward, her tone defiant. "You don't own this. We found it together."

"Finders keepers," the man growled. "You want it? Come and take it."

Before the tension could explode, a zombie lurched out of a nearby alley, drawn by the noise. Its guttural groan silenced the argument as the group turned to face the new threat.

Aurielle sighed, raising one pistol. "Well, this is going to get messy."

She fired a single shot, the bullet tearing through the zombie's skull.

The civilians turned to Aurielle and Linsley, their expressions a mix of relief and apprehension.

The burly woman with the makeshift spear stepped forward cautiously, her gaze darting between Aurielle and Linsley.

"You saved us," she said, her grip tightening on her weapon. "Why?"

Aurielle holstered her pistol with an unapologetic smirk. "Don't read too much into it. You're lucky I was feeling generous."

"Generous?" the wiry man with the machete spat, his face twisted in anger.

He stepped closer to the small pile of supplies they had scavenged, planting himself firmly in front of it. "We didn't ask for your help. These supplies are ours, and no one's taking them."

Linsley stepped forward, his crowbar resting casually on his shoulder, though his eyes were sharp and unyielding.

"We're not here for your supplies," he said evenly. "But if you keep making noise, you'll attract every zombie in the area. Sort it out and move on before this place becomes a deathtrap."

The machete man didn't back down.

"Don't tell me what to do," he growled, his knuckles whitening as he gripped his weapon tighter. "You think just because you waltzed in here and killed a few zombies, you can boss us around?"@@novelbin@@

The burly woman turned to him, her voice firm but strained. "Knock it off, Eric. They saved us. Let's just divide the supplies and get out of here."

"Divide?" Eric barked, his machete lifting slightly. "I found this stash! If anyone's leaving with it, it's me."

Aurielle sighed dramatically, her fingers twitching near her holstered pistols. "Oh, for the love of—are we really doing this?"

Eric lunged suddenly, swinging his machete toward the burly woman.

She managed to deflect it with her spear, but the force sent her stumbling back.

The other civilians screamed and scattered, leaving the confrontation to escalate.

Linsley was already moving, his crowbar coming up in a swift arc to block Eric's next swing.

The clang of metal against metal echoed through the park.

"Bad move," Linsley said coldly, his tone devoid of humor.

Eric snarled, swinging wildly again, but Linsley sidestepped with practiced ease.

The crowbar came down hard on Eric's wrist, forcing him to drop the machete with a pained cry.

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Linsley didn't hesitate—he followed through with a devastating swing to Eric's head, the blunt force caving it in with a sickening crunch.

The park fell silent, save for the labored breathing of the survivors.

Blood pooled beneath Eric's lifeless body, the gleam of his machete now dulled by dirt and gore.

Aurielle clapped slowly, her expression one of mock admiration. "Efficient as always, Emperor."

The burly woman stared at the scene, her face pale but resolute. "He was always like that," she muttered. "Would've gotten us all killed sooner or later."

"Then you're welcome," Aurielle said, spinning one of her pistols idly. "Now grab what you can and get moving. This place won't stay quiet for long."

The woman hesitated, her eyes flicking to Linsley. "You sure you don't want any of this? After what you just did…"

"We're fine," Linsley replied, his tone firm. "But take my advice: keep your group quiet and don't linger."