After they finished eating, he asked Cloey what her plans were.

“I hope I can stay with you for the time being.” she said shyly, avoiding eye contact with Ben.

“That is fine with me but I would like to know more about you. If that is alright.”

“I’m a Snow Elf. We are known for our beauty and our ability to manipulate ice. Because of our beauty though, we were persecuted and sold to the highest bidder as sex slaves.” a hateful expression appeared on her face as she remembered unpleasant memories.

“I’m sorry to hear that Cloey.” he tried to find some words to comfort her but couldn't, he decided to be frank with her. “I know you are only level 15 so we will need to level you up so you are able to defend yourself. Also we will be traveling north, hopefully leaving today so those men who were chasing you can't find us.”

Cloey looked at this man curiously, he didn't offer much words of support or pity her situation. For some reason she felt comfort in that.

“Fair enough, let's get going then.” she said wiping her hands on her shorts and standing up.

Ben did his best not to look at her beautiful long legs but failed miserably.

Letting out a light cough, “Not yet, we are waiting for someone.” Ben let out a wry smile. He was curious on what her reaction would be meeting Duke.

Cloey looked at him questionly, but didn't say anything when Ben didn't elaborate.

Ben checked his supplies. He had two pairs of clothes, plus the one he was wearing, and two bottles of water. He had no food but he would just hunt when he got hungry. Though it was risky, it was better than dragging around a heavy backpack.

Ben slung the pack across his back, “He’s here. Let's go.” he said to Cloey.

…

Cloey was a little apprehensive, ‘He? Ben said nothing about a he.’ Still wary of men, she followed Ben at a distance, not knowing what this new person would be like.

Exiting the cave, she almost shit her pants.

Standing there was a giant black wolf that gave off a demonic aura. The wolf’s shoulder stood at almost 2m alone!

What shocked her even more was that Ben was petting it! Like a common dog! Like it wasn't a giant beast able to tear them to shreds in seconds!

He looked back at her and laughed, “This is Duke. We have been friends for a long time. He won't hurt you, I promise.”

‘Promise? Promise my ass!’

Cloey stood there staring at Duke with her mouth wide open. She saw Ben whisper something in Duke’s ear.

Duke started walking over to her and her body froze. Unable to move a muscle, the giant wolf made his way towards her.

The wolf circled around her, sniffing her while doing it. Cloey didn't breath, let alone move. Stopping right in front of her, she closed her eyes in fear. Feeling his hot breath, Cloey thought this was the end.

She felt warmth and wetness on her face before she opened her eyes seeing that the wolf was licking her face.

She felt a little suffocated because the wolf’s tongue was almost a wide as she was but still didn't dare do anything.

She heard laughter and saw Ben holding his gut while tears ran from his eyes.

Duke gave her a final lick before trotted off and sitting next to Ben.

She finally realized this was set up by Ben.

“You bastard!” she screamed as she uncorked her waterskin and sent a blizzard of ice flying towards him.

…

Ben looked miserable as he gently touched his face. It was filled with little cuts from the ice that Cloey attacked him with.

“Talk about an overreaction.” he mumbled looking back at her. She gave a small but smug smile in return.

Both of them were sitting on Duke’s back. Ben thought it would be quicker traveling on Duke’s back for the time being as Cloey’s level was still low.

Though he wasn't going at full speed, Duke’s pace was steady and they covered many kilometers already.

Duke was 3m long so there was plenty of room for both of them. Cloey rode near the back of Duke while Ben sat on his shoulders, putting a bit of distance in between each other.

‘Must be her avoidance of men.’ Ben thought, not giving it much thought.

They had been traveling on a highway 45, abandoned cars were everywhere but no people could be found, which worried Ben.

Ben saw a sign that read, ‘Welcome to Ciudad Juárez’, seeing a large city in front of him, Ben told Duke to stop.

Getting off Duke, slowly walked forward. He had a bad feeling about this place. All the building were single story and worn down. You could find dried blood almost everywhere you looked but no bodies.

Ben turned around, “We are leaving.” he said with some panic in his voice.

A loud scream filled filled the air. Looking behind him, Ben saw five zombies. These were different from the zombies that Ben had fought before. There wasn't any rotten flesh falling off their bodies. Their skin was intact as well as well as their bodies. The only way to tell they were zombies was they white skin and pale eyes.

Three of them were almost as wide as they were tall, built like NFL linebackers. While the other two were tall and lithe, there hands had long sharp fingernails.

‘Great, I have to fight fucking Freddie Krueger.’

“Duke protect Cloey!” Ben yelled before unsheathing his swords.

Mutated Strength Zombie

Lvl 27

Mutated Strength Zombie

Lvl 25

Mutated Strength Zombie

Lvl 24

Mutated Agility Zombie

Lvl 29

Mutated Agility Zombie

Lvl 27

There statuses appeared above them, showing Ben their level.

‘... shit.’ Ben cursed.

“Okay new plan Duke! Take her somewhere safe then get back here and help me before I’m killed.” Ben said letting out a nervous laugh.

“Don't be stupid! I’m staying!” Cloey yelled at Ben.

Ben wanted to argue with her but the two Agility Zombie took off towards them.

“Fine! Use your ice to try and slow the Agility Zombies down! Duke you keep those big bastards occupied while I kill these fast bastards.” giving orders out, Duke took off towards the Strength Zombies while Cloey uncorked her wineskin.

Ben rushed towards the Agility Zombies, sending out a silent prayer, ‘To whatever god can hear this, you're a dick.’