"You’re scamming us?!" Said one of Clyde’s friends, they all knew how hard it was to gather such supplies and Duke’s group was asking for a sack for each, which meant they would need to give 14 sacks of supplies that even they could not gather just like that.
Coming from affluent backgrounds, they were keenly aware that wealth held little significance in their current reality. What mattered now were essentials like food, medicine, and water, which were poised to become the new currency, sustaining their survival until they discovered a comparable commodity for trade in the future to become a new currency.
What Kisha was asking as her payment underscored the urgency of securing vital supplies. Clyde couldn’t discern whether Kisha was testing their resolve or simply driven by greed, leaving him to clench his jaw in frustration as he glanced at his companions who had embarked on this perilous journey with him.
Clyde and his friends exchanged uneasy glances, their reluctance and worry palpable in the air. After what felt like an eternity, Clyde finally nodded in reluctant agreement to Kisha’s proposition. "Miss, we’ll comply," he conceded, his voice laced with tension.
Drawing a deep breath to steady his violently pounding heart, he continued, "However, if you’re asking for this much, I must insist that you ensure the safety of every member of my group throughout this journey." Clyde acknowledged the reality that they were essentially seeking assistance from Kisha’s team to reach the shelter.
Despite his uncertainty, a gut feeling nudged him to trust in this alliance as their best chance for survival.
Clyde understood that his companions had reached their breaking point, particularly his steadfast bodyguards. These individuals, entrusted to him by his father, were the pinnacle of loyalty, having steadfastly accompanied them from the journey’s inception to their current juncture. Along the way, they had endured significant losses, sacrificing comrades to uphold Clyde and his friends’ safety.
Clyde couldn’t bear the thought of further casualties among his loyal protectors.
Observing Clyde prioritize the well-being of his group over his pride, Kisha smiled with satisfaction. She began to see potential in Clyde, sensing his underlying goodness and deeming him worthy of temporary trust, albeit under close scrutiny. Aware of the possibility of betrayal from Clyde and his group, Kisha remained vigilant, prepared to act swiftly if necessary.
Despite acknowledging the likelihood of Clyde’s affiliation with the Coltons, Kisha decided to take a calculated risk. She found Clyde’s gifts and talents too enticing to ignore, foreseeing their potential collaboration in the future, particularly once his latent abilities were fully awakened.
"Understood," Kisha clarified with Clyde and his group. "We’ll need to wait for the rain to cease and for one of our team members to arrive before proceeding."
Kisha’s statement sent a shockwave of complex emotions through Clyde’s group. The idea that someone from Kisha’s team was out alone in the midst of zombie-infested streets, with the expectation of returning unharmed, seemed utterly absurd. They speculated that perhaps this individual had become separated from the group, leading to a mix of worry and hope for their safe return.
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