Free Web NovelChapter 1203: The Date and Another
Diana’s cheeks flushed with pride when Shane said, "Good work."
These were the words she’d really like to hear... It was not just praise from the Rank 1 Survivor, but recognition from her older brother.
She straightened her posture as her ferret nuzzled against her neck as if sharing in her triumph.
"Brother," she said softly, "that’s not all. Look... you can take them now."
She pointed toward the corner of the chamber where several heavy sacks were stacked neatly.
Each bulged with the faint glow of Essence Crystals, their purple‑blue sheen leaking through the seams. The miners had gathered them carefully, treating them as treasures rather than simple ore.
Shane’s eyes gleamed, but instead of rushing to inspect the haul, he turned back to Diana.
"We’ll deal with those later. First... it’s been a while since we’ve bonded, hasn’t it?"
Diana blinked, surprised by the sudden shift in tone.
Shane continued, his voice was also quieter now. "We’ve been too busy. The apocalypse, the zombies, enemy clans, food shortages, the spreading virus, the zombie lords, the Cross‑Apocalypse, expanding shelters... all of it. We’ve only spoken through chat most of the time. Not like this."
Diana’s lips curved into a gentle smile. "You’re right. It feels like forever since we’ve had a proper moment together."
Shane nodded firmly. "Then let’s fix that. Come on. Let’s have a meal together."
Her eyes lit up, and she agreed without hesitation. "Yes. I’d love that."
They returned to Blood Talon Shelter, leaving the dust and noise of the mine behind.
The first thing they did was clean themselves... the grime of the tunnels washed away in warm baths. Diana brushed her hair until it gleamed, while Shane scrubbed the dirt from his arms and face.
When they emerged, they had shed their combat gear for something simpler.
Diana wore a floral dress she had bought at a hefty price. Well, its fabric was soft and flowing, a rare luxury in these times.
Shane, on the other hand, chose comfort over formality... a polo shirt, shorts, and flip‑flops.
Diana giggled when she saw him. "Brother, you look like you’re going to the beach."
Shane smirked. "Better than walking around in armor all the time. Tonight, I’m just me."
Together, they stepped into the bustling streets of Blood Talon Shelter.
This place was visited most of the time by merchants, survivors from Neutral Shelters around, and of course, other Foreign Survivors.
The place was filled with life despite the zombies outside the shelter.
The smell of food drifting from cafes and restaurants was present and seemed normal as well.
For once, Shane wasn’t thinking about their survival, the Project Mist, the Cross Apocalypse, the ending of this Apocalypse, or the possible return to Earth...
He was simply a brother spending time with his sister.
They chose a small café tucked along a quiet street.
Its lanterns glowed warmly, and the aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the air.
The innkeeper greeted them with a smile, clearly recognizing Shane but treating him with casual respect.
They sat by the window as Diana’s dress caught the light outside...
"It’s pretty nice here." Shane muttered while leaning back comfortably. A waiter brought them steaming bowls of stew, fresh bread, and fruit juice.
Diana clasped her hands together. "It feels strange, doesn’t it? Sitting here like normal people." ƒгeewёbnovel.com
Shane chuckled. "Probably... But we deserve this anyway."
"True... We don’t get to rest most of the time. Managing a land is not easy at all."
The two then talked about various things.
At the same time, they ate slowly, savoring the flavors. freeweɓnøvel.com
Diana teased him when he tore into the bread too quickly, and Shane laughed when she tried to sip her juice daintily but ended up with a drop on her chin.
The ferret, perched on Diana’s lap, sniffed curiously at the food, earning a playful scolding from her.
As the meal ended, Diana leaned forward... "Brother, since I’ve lived here longer, let me show you around. There are places you haven’t seen yet."
Shane raised an eyebrow. "You’re taking over the date now?"
"Of course," she said proudly. "You’ll see."
She led him through the shelter’s streets, pointing out hidden gems.
They visited a small pastry shop where Diana insisted he try a fruit tart.
Shane pretended to resist, but one bite made him admit it was worth the price.
Next, she brought him to a quiet park where survivors had planted flowers and herbs.
Children played nearby, their laughter echoing against the stone walls.
Shane watched them for a moment and felt proud...
He knew this shelter wouldn’t have survived if he had not agreed to the Clan Merge before.
"It’s good to see life like this..." He muttered.
Diana understood what he meant and nodded.
"That’s why I love this shelter. It feels alive."
As the day waned, she guided him to a high terrace overlooking the valley.
The sun was setting... It was like a painting the sky in shades of orange and gold.
They stood side by side, the wind tugging at Diana’s dress while Shane’s flip‑flops tapping against the stone floor.
For a long moment, neither spoke. They simply watched the horizon as the world bathed in light.
Finally, Diana broke the silence. "Brother... thank you for coming. I know you’re busy, but this means a lot."
Shane glanced at her, his expression gentle. "You’re my sister. No matter how busy I am, I’ll always make time for you. Apocalypse or not."
Her eyes shimmered, and she leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. The ferret curled up at her neck, content.
Shane placed a hand on her back, steady and protective.
"We’ll face whatever comes next together. Zombies, clans, even the apocalypse itself. I’ll find a way to return to Earth. Trust me."
Diana smiled and nodded.
"I trust you, brother..."
Back on Earth, the two of them weren’t the best of friends, even if they were half-siblings. They would be together in family events, but they had their own groups. They barely get together.
However, after being together in this Apocalypse, there was a huge change in their relationship.
They had now gotten a lot closer and could speak with whatever they had in mind without being too sensitive about it.
Just like that, the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the valley.
The brother and sister stood there watching...
That evening, as lanterns lit the streets and the shelter settled into the night, Shane and Diana returned to the café for dessert.
They laughed over sweet rolls, teased each other about old memories, and spoke of dreams beyond the apocalypse.
For Shane, it was a rare moment of peace, while for Diana, it was proof that even in this broken world, family could still bring warmth.
***
The next day, Shane made his way to the Eclipse Domain.
This time, his destination was Anna’s Alchemy Laboratory.
The corridors had a scent of herbs and minerals. As soon as he stepped inside, Anna greeted him with a mischievous grin.
"So," she teased, folding her arms, "I heard you went on a little date with your sister yesterday."
Shane rolled his eyes, though the corner of his mouth twitched. He knew she was only teasing. Without a word, he scooped her up and carried her straight into her private chamber, closing the door behind them.
What happened inside was theirs alone, and by the time night fell, they emerged together... the air between them was warm and familiar.
Later that evening, as the laboratory quieted, Shane leaned against one of the workbenches, watching Anna adjust the flame beneath a glass vial.
"Tell me about your current project. How’s the better version of the current Modified Draconic Gene Serum coming along?"
Anna’s eyes lit up, her playful demeanor shifting into the sharp focus of a researcher. With the summoned Dragons that Shane provided, the Gene Serum she obtained was being improved for the third time!
"It’s progressing well. The serum is stable enough to merge with human physiology, but the challenge lies in controlling the draconic traits. Too much infusion, and the subject risks losing their humanity. Too little, and the enhancements fade quickly... It’s really interesting. I want them to be able to control their wings..."
She gestured toward a series of notes pinned to the wall, diagrams of gene sequences intertwined with sketches of dragon scales and skeletal structures.
Shane studied them carefully. "Sounds like balance is everything. If you can stabilize it, it could change the battlefield."
Anna nodded. "Exactly. Enhanced strength, resilience, elemental resistance, and even flight. But it’s dangerous. I won’t rush it."
Shane reached into his storage ring and withdrew a small pouch.
The faint glow of Essence Crystals shimmered through the fabric, casting purple-blue light across the room.
He placed it on the table. "What about these? Can you handle them? What could you do with Essence Crystals in your work? Will this help with your research?"
