Evelise pointed toward the forest beyond the cabin.

"I want to explore. Remember what you said? That if I could walk in sunlight again, you'd take me to see the Nexus Green."

Sid blinked, then groaned softly, dragging a hand down his face.

"I did say that, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did. And I'm holding you to it."

He sighed, glancing toward the trees.

"You know, most people would want to rest after all that laundry. Maybe take a nap, enjoy being alive again?"

Evelise shook her head, her green eyes gleaming with determination.

"No. I've been still for too long. I want to see what's out there again— the world I used to know. The heart of Nexus Green…"

"Heart of Nexus Green? Sounds poetic. Or dangerous. Or both."

"It's not that far. Besides, I know the way. You just have to follow me."

He folded his arms, giving her a skeptical look, then blinked twice to open his HUD overlay and check the mini map.

"You sure about that? Because I don't see it anywhere on my map. Though… yeah, you're right— this cabin's just a tiny dot on the green nexus grid. Damn, how big is this place?"

They spent the next hour preparing. Sid geared himself up first — his old jacket, weathered cargo pants, sturdy boots, and his trusted backpack filled with rations, medkits, and spare ammo. He slung his shotgun over his shoulder, the strap worn but reliable, and strapped a belt bag around his waist containing a knife, flashlight, and a few tools.

Evelise, on the other hand, stood by with only her small forager satchel and a pair of gloves. Sid blinked at her.

"That's your gear?"

"Yes,"

She replied without hesitation.

"I'm not fighting. You fight the zombies — I'll just pick my herbs and watch you smash them."

Sid groaned and palmed his face.

"Unbelievable…"

He unzipped his jacket and tossed it toward her.

"At least wear this. It might help keep you warm out there and it got some padding and better protection."

Evelise caught it, the weight surprising her.

"But— what about you?"

"I'll live,"

He said with a shrug, standing there in just his plain white shirt that clung tightly to his frame. His muscles flexed as he adjusted his shotgun strap, and Evelise found herself glancing — then quickly looking away, cheeks warming.

"Ready?"

Sid asked, tightening the straps on his pack. Evelise nodded, pulling the jacket around herself.

"Yeah. Let's go. Lead the way, miss herbalist."

Together, they stepped beyond the cabin's clearing, the sunlight filtering through the thick leaves above. Ahead, the forest stretched endlessly— a wall of green hiding secrets.

[SYSTEM MESSAGE!]

[New Task Acquired!]

[Task 6: Journey to the Heart of Nexus Green]

[Objective: Follow Evelise's lead and uncover the mystery that lies within the forest's core.]

The forest grew denser as they pushed farther from the cabin. Vines tangled over cracked paths, swallowing what had once been a park trail. Old lamp posts leaned sideways, their rusted poles wrapped in ivy, and fallen benches were half buried in moss. Sunlight streamed through the canopy in soft, golden beams. The air was warm and heavy with the scent of damp earth, and the distant hum of insects filled the silence.

Evelise moved slowly, her eyes bright with curiosity. Every few steps, she knelt to pluck a plant or break off a stem, carefully tucking it into her forager satchel. Sid followed behind, shotgun resting on his shoulder, watching her wander from tree to tree like a child in a garden. She was focused and yet, every so often, her gaze flicked toward him. His right knee still bent stiffly with each step, the old wound making his stride uneven. She slowed down a bit so he could catch up.

"That knee still giving you trouble?"

He waved her off with a grunt.

"It's fine. Just creaks a bit. Adds character."

"Character? You're going to end up with more character than bones if you keep ignoring it."

He laughed, brushing off her concern.

"Guess that's part of my charm."

As they walked, the sound of rustling leaves drew their attention. A small herd of deer emerged from the thicket ahead — cautious, graceful, their ears twitching as they stepped onto the old, overgrown playground. Evelise froze, her eyes widening.

"They're beautiful…"

The deer lifted their heads, sniffing the air, and for a brief moment, Evelise's expression softened. But then Sid's teasing voice broke the quiet.

"Careful now. Don't get too close — you might start craving venison again."

Evelise turned sharply, glaring at him. "

That was one time! I didn't even know what I was doing then!"

Sid chuckled, holding up a hand in mock surrender.

"Hey, I'm just saying — if they start running, I won't blame them. Actually, I will tell them to run: Evelise will eat you!"

"Ugh, you're impossible."

The deer stared at her for a moment longer before slowly retreating into the trees. Evelise lowered her head and murmured under her breath,

"Sorry… for before."

Her tone was soft, almost guilty, as if the animals could understand. Sid burst out laughing.

"Did you just apologize to a deer?"

"Yes,"

She said bluntly, crossing her arms.

"Because unlike someone I know, I have manners."

"Sure you do— right after eating their cousin Bambi not too long ago."

Evelise huffed and walked faster, trying to hide the embarrassed smile tugging at her lips. The forest around them grew thicker as they continued. Sid slowed down as they reached a crooked signpost, half buried under roots and grime.

A weathered map clung to the metal, its colors faded and edges torn by time. He brushed away the moss with his glove, revealing faint words etched at the top: "The Freeland Woods." A small red dot blinked faintly under the words You Are Here, marking their current spot on the upper left quadrant of the map.

"Freeland Woods,"

Sid muttered, tracing the spot with his finger.

"So that's what this place called."

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