Harrison stepped out to take over Lily's training duties and noticed that the group in Unit 1803 was still sweating through their workouts. Surviving was no easy feat, especially for the residents of the 18th floor, who had become a target in the eyes of everyone else. To protect their supplies, even the dog was working to improve its combat skills—so it was no surprise the people were doing the same. For a brief moment, Harrison was moved. "Do you guys want to learn crossbow shooting?" he asked. Everyone in Unit 1803 froze, stunned. Wait… Is Unit 1801 talking to us? Crossbow shooting? Did he really just offer to teach us? Excitement surged through the group. Caleb was the first to react. "Yes! Absolutely, yes!" They had been envious for a long time, watching Harrison teach Nadia infiltration techniques and conduct professional daily sparring sessions with her. They'd practically drooled over the sight. Harrison's background as a SWAT officer made him a master of both offense and defense. A single tip from him was worth more than a month of their clumsy, self-taught exercises. The results were obvious—just look at Nadia. When they were kids, Caleb and Levi used to gang up on her in fights. While she'd lost horribly back then, at least she'd been able to hold her ground for a few moves. But now? A single punch from Nadia could flatten both of them. And then there was Colby. Already a battle-hardened stray, the dog had only grown more fearsome under Harrison's high-standard police dog training. Colby's capabilities were downright monstrous now. It stung their pride. Sure, they were weak, but being outclassed by a dog? That was pure humiliation. For months, they'd been itching to ask Harrison to train them. But none of them had the courage. The man's aura was overwhelming—intimidating to the point of being paralyzing. Harrison wasn't just reserved; he was cold and distant, never wasting a single word. His entire demeanor screamed, "Not close? Don't bother me." And while Harrison clearly treated Nadia differently, that didn't mean he'd extend the same courtesy to Unit 1803. Their desire to improve was matched only by their fear of rejection, so they'd never dared to ask—even Nadia. Now, though, Harrison had made the offer himself. Caleb nearly cried. Is this the chance to cling to the strongest ally? Levi felt equally emotional. After constantly being beaten by his wife, he desperately wanted to learn a few solid self-defense moves. Maybe then he could finally hold his own and gain some dignity in front of her. Even Jasmine seemed tempted. She was confident in her skills when it came to hand-to-hand combat and was certain she could hold her own against Harrison in a sparring match. But this was the apocalypse. Fists meant little against crossbows and guns.Besides, Jasmine had a dream—to one day challenge Harrison. "Yes!" Unit 1803 responded in unison, and Harrison nodded. "Tomorrow." That night, Caleb and Levi were so excited they couldn't sleep. They huddled under their blankets, sneaking beers and whispering. "Caleb, why do you think Harrison suddenly changed his attitude?" Levi asked. "The 18th floor is a prime target now. No matter how skilled he is, he's still just one man. Plus, he has a sister to protect. If the rest of us get stronger, it makes his life easier." "We've got to work hard, Caleb." "Let's aim to be like Nadia." The best friends talked and drank, eventually overindulging and passing out in a drunken stupor. …"Ahhhh!" A blood-curdling scream echoed from below, jolting Caleb awake. He groaned and cursed, "D*mn it, another one dead!" Levi groggily sat up, rubbing his eyes. "People are dying every day. It's so annoying." "Where are you going?" "To find my wife." Caleb froze, bitterness sinking in. Yeah, sure, whatever! I don't deserve a wife! The commotion from the lower floors also woke Nadia. Recognizing the sound as coming from a few levels below, she turned over and went back to sleep. Colby, ever vigilant, stood at the door, listening carefully. Determining that no two-legged intruders were trying to break in, the dog padded back to its cozy corner, casting a satisfied glance at Nadia snoozing peacefully before curling up to rest. …Early the next morning, the sound of thudding echoed from the 17th floor. Colby, restless, stood by the door listening to the activity, its tail twitching with irritation and a growing itch to intervene. When Nadia opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of Caleb and Levi practicing crossbow shooting in the hallway. To their credit, Harrison's instructions weren't the problem—it was their lack of talent. Jasmine Evans, however, seemed to be a natural. But her impatience showed. "What's wrong with you two? How many times have I explained it? Even Colby has better aim than you!" Nadia nearly choked on her laugh. It wasn't their fault. Jasmine had an athletic background and was naturally gifted in physical activities—her strength, speed, and reflexes were leagues above ordinary people. She picked up new skills quickly. But Caleb and Levi? One was sickly, and the other was weak. Their athletic abilities were below average, to begin with, so it was already impressive that they'd made it this far. Between Harrison's cold demeanor and Jasmine's short temper, the duo certainly had it rough. "Let me give it a go," Nadia offered. Truthfully, she'd wanted to step in and help Unit 1803 with training for a while, but since she'd learned these techniques from Harrison, she couldn't teach them without his consent. Trust was scarce in this apocalyptic world, and even among allies, no one shared everything willingly. Nadia had only managed to grow closer to Harrison because of their mutual agreement to exchange skills while caring for his sister. In this harsh new world, survival geniuses like Harrison were rare. The majority were ordinary people like Caleb and Levi, who could only persevere through sheer determination. The 18th-floor alliance, along with Colby's presence, had eased much of Nadia's initial rebirth-induced anxiety. But for Jasmine and the others, the growing fear and unease of their reality were taking a toll, manifesting in frustration and irritability. Nadia stepped forward and patiently broke down each movement, guiding Caleb and Levi through the process. Her years of training experience shone as she gently corrected their mistakes, rebuilt their confidence, and helped them focus. As the training session progressed, Caleb and Levi's movements became more precise, and their aim steadily improved. Jasmine watched in relief, turning to Nadia with gratitude. "Thanks. Lately, my hair's been falling out in clumps, and I can't control my temper. Every time I lose it, I feel awful afterward, but I just can't seem to stop myself." "Why don't you ask Caleb if we have any anti-anxiety meds?" Nadia suggested. "I think we might've collected some. And in the meantime, try to stay aware of your emotions." Jasmine blinked in surprise. "You think I have anxiety?" "It's not just you," Nadia said with a nod. "A lot of people are dealing with it. I had it too, at first, but Colby helped me get through it." "That explains it," Jasmine said with a wry smile. "I've felt off for a while. Even my period's irregular. I used to get angry quickly, but I was always optimistic. Now, it's just constant negativity." Elizabeth had been hesitant to move to the 18th floor, but last night's bloody incident had terrified her family into action. By morning, they'd made the decision to leave their unit behind. The details of the incident were gruesome. A sweet, polite girl had brought the wrong people into her home, only to meet a tragic end. Her desperation and loss of sanity led her to poison the water supply with sleeping pills and attack with a kitchen knife, killing two people before she was hacked to death in retaliation. Her body was unceremoniously thrown out the window. The blood-splattered room bore witness to the chaos, with one man left standing, clutching a knife in his hand. His deranged expression and shadowed eyes suggested he'd already lost his grip on sanity.Elizabeth recognized the man. He'd lived on the 8th floor—a charming, good-looking guy with a bright smile. But he had no morals and lived off women. Now? One woman was dead, another had never returned, and he was left alone. Who would he leech off next?