Free Web NovelChapter 19: Division of tasks
Soon Elena came downstairs and began inspecting the interior of the compartment.
Before long, she started pointing out various issues.
The food and weapons were mixed together, there were no proper sleeping arrangements for everyone, and there was no emergency equipment positioned near the entrance.
Soon Mark and William began working together to reorganize the supplies, while Elena took out a pen and notebook to make an inventory of everything.
This immediately showed her competence, and Leo felt that letting her handle the arrangements had been the right decision.
After they finished organizing everything, Leo began assigning their respective roles.
"Elena, you and Lily can share the bed together."
"I have a folding mattress here. William and I will take turns driving the truck. While one of us is driving, the other will rest."
"Even when we’re not moving, someone should always stay in the driver’s cabin and keep watch. If trouble comes knocking, we need to be able to move at a moment’s notice."
"Elena, I’d like you to handle the cooking and keep track of our supplies."
Neither William nor Elena had any objections. The division of labor seemed fair.
"Lastly, both of you can choose whatever weapons suit you best."
William immediately stepped forward and inspected the weapons. He tested the balance of the sword before picking up the machete.
After a moment, he nodded.
"For now, I’m more comfortable with the machete. I’ll use this."
Elena inspected the sniper rifle before eventually picking up the crossbow.
"I was an excellent marksman during my military service. I’ll use the crossbow for now. We should avoid wasting rifle ammunition unless absolutely necessary."
Hearing their choices, Leo picked up two Glock 17 pistols along with several magazines and handed one set to each of them.
"Take these as well. They’ll be useful in an emergency. Just try not to use them unless necessary. Gunshots attract far too much attention."
Both of them understood his reasoning, but they were still surprised by the trust Leo was showing them.
In the apocalypse, a firearm was more valuable than gold.
The fact that Leo was willing to hand them guns without hesitation touched them deeply.
Their loyalty toward him unconsciously increased.
Suddenly, Leo’s expression turned serious.
"And lastly, I want to show both of you something. I hope you can keep it a secret."
Seeing the seriousness on Leo’s face, William and Elena exchanged glances before nodding.
Leo reached into his vest pouch and took out two serums.
"This one is called the X-Gene Serum. Taking it gives you a chance to awaken a superpower."
He then raised the second vial.
"And this one is called the Anti-Viral Serum. It’s not guaranteed, but it gives a person a chance to resist infection if they are ever infected."
Silence filled the truck.
William and Elena stared at the two serums in complete shock.
Each one was more astonishing than the other.
Especially the Anti-Viral Serum.
In this apocalyptic world, it could practically be considered a second life.
More importantly, Leo was showing them these treasures despite knowing them for only a short time.
They understood immediately that these things could never be revealed to outsiders.
If news of these serums spread, not only would survivor bases come after Leo, but even the government would hunt him down with everything they had.
William’s expression became solemn.
"Leo, I understand that you trust us, but you should never show these things to anyone else."
Elena nodded in agreement.
"He’s right. If others learn about these serums, you’ll be putting yourself in tremendous danger. William and I will pretend this conversation never happened."
Seeing their reactions, Leo secretly sighed in relief.
This was exactly the response he had hoped for.
If either of them had shown even the slightest trace of greed after hearing about the serums, Leo had already decided what he would do.
Fortunately, neither had disappointed him.
At that moment, Leo finally decided that he could trust them.
A smile appeared on his face.
"William, Elena, don’t worry. I’m only showing you these because I trust both of you."
"To be honest, I also have a selfish reason."
"I wanted you to understand that if you follow me, I won’t treat you unfairly."
"Since I’ve already awakened a superpower, I have no use for the X-Gene Serum."
"I’ll leave it here. The two of you can decide who should use it."
After saying that, Leo stepped out of the truck, leaving the husband and wife alone.
Once he was gone, William looked at Elena.
"Honey, what should we do? I don’t think we can refuse something this valuable. Leo has already shown us too much kindness."
However, Elena had already made up her mind.
"Dear, you should use it."
William was slightly surprised.
Elena continued.
"Just look around you. This truck, the weapons, the serums, even that water extractor."
"I’ve visited military research facilities and highly developed survivor bases before, but I’ve never seen equipment like that extractor."
"Leo’s ability is far more extraordinary than we’re imagining."
"Our team will eventually grow."
"Leo will become stronger and stronger."
"If we remain as weak as we are now, we’ll eventually be left behind."
She glanced toward Lily.
"I don’t care about myself, but for Lily’s sake, we need to become stronger."
"Following Leo gives me hope for a better future."
"I’ve said what I needed to say. The decision is yours."
William fell silent.
After a long moment, determination appeared in his eyes.
"You’re right." fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
"For you and Lily, I can’t afford to fall behind anymore."
"I’ll use the serum."
He then looked seriously at his wife.
"But we must never forget the kindness Leo has shown us."
"I will never betray him, and neither should you."
Elena immediately narrowed her eyes.
"Oh? Do you really think I’m that kind of person?"
Before William could react, she grabbed his ear and twisted it.
"Oww! Oww! Honey! I was wrong!"
"Please forgive me! I misspoke!"
Soon William’s miserable screams echoed throughout the truck.
Standing outside, Leo heard the commotion but wisely decided to walk even farther away.
Whatever was happening in there, it definitely wasn’t his business.
