As they waited for Kai to reveal more about his unique Talent, they suddenly heard a low rumble.
Wallace clutched his stomach, feeling a bit embarrassed.
A moment later, Claire's belly growled too. Soon, Ralph and Victor followed, each of them realizing the same thing… they were starving.
None of them had chosen the Food Gift Pack or the Water Gift Pack. Now, the consequences of that decision distressed them. They glanced toward the area where food was distributed, but Russel had already explained it was only given at certain times.
Worse, the "meal" was nothing more than bitter nuts grown underground and some others that weren't really that appetizing.
Their condition was terrible.
Kai noticed their pitiful gazes and gave a wry smile.
He then gestured for them to move closer. Then, he whispered so only they could hear. "Listen carefully. I can't produce many Gift Packs, even with payment. It's limited to three per day. Don't reveal this to anyone else. If they learn about my Talent, they'll take advantage of me. And if that happens, you won't get anything from me. Remember… we're all just Level 1. They can easily overpower us."
The four immediately nodded. There was no benefit in betraying Kai.
Even if they told Russel or the leaders, what would they gain? One of the three Gift Packs? Impossible. The three command leaders would seize everything for themselves.
But if they cooperated, if they kept Kai's secret, then those three Gift Packs could be shared among them. Together, they could survive. In exchange, they would protect Kai when it came time to scavenge or fight outside.
Wallace clenched his fist. "We'll guard your secret. No matter what."
Claire added softly, "Yes… We'll keep this secret. I promise. If you need my super strength, I will work for you!"
Victor also agreed. "If we work together, we'll get stronger… I will give you all free repairs with any of your equipment in the future with my Mechanic Talent."
Then, Ralph also promised that he'd be the best marksman with his talent and protect Kai.
Kai studied their faces, then finally nodded. "Good. In that case… I have a Food Gift Pack with me right now."
Their eyes lit up instantly. They didn't know how they should pay him, but since Kai revealed it, he must have something in mind.
"I paid them with my Stat Points for now, so we can have it. I won't explain further, but you don't have to pay me for this time."
As he said this, he looked at everyone, and they all nodded at him.
Well, Kai decided to lie about the number of Gift Packs he could produce for a reason. He even decided to be vague about the payment process, so he could change it if needed.
Of course, another reason why he lied was that he still couldn't protect himself, so he needed their assistance. Furthermore, it would also deter them from betraying him.
"Alright… Let's do this."
Kai checked the inventory and recalled the contents of the Gift Pack.
[ Food Gift Pack (Basic) ]
[ Contents: canned goods, instant noodles, granola bars, tea bags, and mayonnaise. ]
He then silently produced one, careful not to draw attention. As he opened it, the items materialized in front of them.
Ten canned goods, ten packs of instant noodles, five granola bars, twenty tea bags, and one jar of mayonnaise!
The moment the cans and packets appeared, the four of them almost forgot where they were. Wallace's eyes widened, Ralph's jaw dropped, and Claire pressed her hand against her stomach as if the sight alone eased her hunger.
Victor also licked his lips upon seeing it.
It hadn't been long since they entered this Apocalypse, but the sight of food had already made him like this.
They celebrated quietly, whispering their relief, but quickly forced themselves to shut their mouths.
The shelter was too crowded, too dangerous. If anyone else noticed, the Gift Pack would be gone in seconds.
Kai lowered his voice. "Perfect… We can divide them easily. Don't waste anything. And remember… this stays between us."
Wallace nodded eagerly.
Soon, he was already clutching a can of meatloaf, a granola bar, an instant noodle pack, and four tea bags like they were treasure. "Don't worry. We won't let those bastard leaders take this from us."
Claire chuckled at Wallace's words. Ralph smiled as he took his share. They didn't have access to hot water right now, so the instant noodles and tea bags couldn't be used yet. However, that was fine.
Of course, they didn't touch the jar of mayonnaise and allowed Kai to keep it for himself.
Kai was satisfied with the contents of the pack and also with their reaction. This was actually the first time he had literally seen the contents. The system's description had only listed the items, not the quantities.
Growl~
Claire's stomach growled again, louder this time. She flushed, embarrassed, but quickly opened a granola bar from her share.
"Eat slowly. Don't finish it all at once," Kai reminded her.
Just like that, the group settled into their miserable quarters. There was no water yet, but at the very least, Russel had said they could get drinkable water for free…
Then, after three hours, when everyone started feeling sleepy, Russel finally returned, carrying a platter filled with the scent of roasted nuts.