Kapitel 201: Collect prey

The next day.

The early hours of the morning unfolded over the city of Tokyo, enveloping it in a sepulchral silence. The streets and buildings stood majestically, but the absence of people created a sense of emptiness and solitude. The howling wind was the only sound that broke the stillness, like a lonely lament that got lost among the skyscrapers.

The streets, once crowded with life and movement, now lay deserted. There was no trace of daily routine or the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Traffic lights that used to change colors periodically were unlit, without anyone to provide them with electricity. Advertising billboards that once blinked silently were now turned off, their messages lost in a sea of absence.

The sun began to rise on the horizon, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink. Its rays filtered through the buildings, illuminating the empty streets with a soft and melancholic light. Parks and squares, once filled with people and laughter, lay desolate and covered in a blanket of stillness.

The wind whispered between the buildings, carrying an air of mystery and abandonment. Fallen leaves danced to its rhythm, creating a solitary choreography on the pavement. Tree branches swayed silently, as if seeking companionship in vain.

Shops and cafes remained inactive, their doors and windows open as silent witnesses of a world frozen in time. Trains and buses rested at the stations, without passengers boarding them. The bustling noise of the city had been replaced by a silence that permeated every corner.

Tokyo, a vibrant metropolis full of life, was now in a state of lethargy. Without the laughter and hurried footsteps of pedestrians, the city seemed trapped in a deep sleep. Buildings, with their empty windows and extinguished lights, patiently awaited the return of the life that once inhabited them.

Amidst this desolate atmosphere, the howling wind seemed to carry an echo of hope. It was a reminder that the city was still alive, waiting for its inhabitants to return and fill its streets with movement and vitality.

But for now, in the early hours of the morning, Tokyo remained immersed in a profound silence, like a city suspended in time. The howling of the wind continued its solitary song, while the sun continued its ascent, illuminating the deserted city with its warm glow.

...

The sun began to peek over the horizon, and Usagi prepared to start her morning exercise routine. With a determination to keep improving in her eyes, she put on her sports shoes and stretched her muscles to warm up her body. The cool morning breeze caressed her face as she headed to the nearby park, her personal sanctuary for training.

Usagi began with a series of stretches, extending her arms, legs, and back. Each movement was fluid and controlled, aware of the importance of preparing her body for the effort to come. She took deep breaths, filling her lungs with fresh air and exhaling slowly to relax.

After the stretches, Usagi moved on to a set of cardiovascular exercises. She started running around the park, feeling the accelerated rhythm of her heart and the energy flowing through her veins. Her feet pounded the pavement with force, while her muscles strengthened with each step.

Then, Usagi stopped at a designated area for strength exercises. She hung from a bar and performed several repetitions of pull-ups, feeling the strain in her arms and back. She continued with push-ups and squats, challenging her endurance and pushing her own limits.

After completing her set of strength exercises, Usagi engaged in a martial arts practice that Jacob had taught her. With graceful and precise movements, she executed kicks and punches, imagining an invisible opponent in front of her. Each movement was an expression of her inner strength and determination to surpass herself.

As the routine progressed, Usagi could feel her body becoming stronger and more agile. Sweat trickled down her forehead, and her breathing quickened, but her determination remained unwavering. She knew that each effort was a step forward in her pursuit of personal growth.

When she finally finished her exercise routine, Usagi took a moment to catch her breath. She looked around, observing the park now filled with solitude and feeling truly at peace as no one disturbed her.

However, unbeknownst to Usagi, a round object was observing her from a considerable distance under Jacob's orders, who felt his entire body stiff and sore. Perhaps some fibers in his body had torn due to the effort he had exerted the previous night.

"Has there been any noticeable change?" Jacob asked as he looked outside through the large windows.

"[Master, there have been numerous sightings of creatures such as rats, rabbits, and hares coming from the mountains. It is estimated that the increase in animal activity will continue in the following days!]"

"That's good..." Jacob nodded slightly relieved as this would provide them with the necessary food to continue surviving after their supplies ran out.

They also had to consider planting something, but since they wouldn't stay in this place for long, that would be a waste of time and energy. Considering that animal activity is increasing, they should be able to find food at any time with the help of their intelligent assistant.

"You're awake..." Usagi saw Jacob, who already had breakfast prepared, and approached him.

"It's good to have food at our disposal. Since we'll be leaving this place, there's no need to set up other traps. What we have in the car should be enough to survive for a month." Jacob started eating his meal, and the pain in his shoulder was less intense. This time, he didn't use his advanced medicine as it wasn't necessary.

...

After finishing their meal, Jacob and Usagi prepared for their next task: searching for food in the hare traps scattered throughout the city. With their weapons in hand, they ventured into the deserted streets, keeping a close watch on their surroundings.

Jacob walked a few steps ahead of Usagi, his senses alert and his gaze scrutinizing. His weapon was ready to be used in case of any threat that might arise on their path. Despite the silence enveloping the city, both of them knew not to let their guard down, as there was always the possibility of encountering other players or dangerous creatures.

As they walked through the streets, Jacob made sure to inspect every nook and cranny for any signs of movement or danger. Usagi trusted his ability to protect her, knowing that Jacob was a skilled and experienced fighter. She walked by his side, attentive to his instructions and confident in his ability to keep her safe.

As they progressed, they approached one of the hare traps they had set up earlier. Jacob carefully examined it, searching for signs of recent activity. Not finding any trace of animals, they continued their search, moving to another area of the city where they hoped to have better luck.

"Here's a rabbit." Usagi exclaimed in surprise upon seeing a rabbit caught in one of their traps. She quickly took it, reset the trap, and both of them walked towards the next point, not far from their refuge. However, at that moment, they heard something right in front of them.

Crack!

"[Master, multiple movements detected right ahead, be cautious!]"