“There’s news about someone planning to establish a survivor base in City A.”

“I heard it over the radio. Someone broadcasted it on the public channel.”

Hearing Lin Hao say this, Sasha’s interest was piqued.

“They mentioned in the broadcast that people are gathering at the Yida Commercial Center in the outskirts of City A, organizing defenses, collecting supplies, and waiting for rescue.”

“I’ve been to that place before. There are residential apartments on the upper floors and a large shopping mall below. It should have enough supplies and living space.”

“There’s also a water reservoir and generators there. When the city’s power and water systems collapse, those will become essential.”

“If you don’t have a better place to go, maybe you could head there.”

“But with your skills, you’re free to go wherever you want.”

Lin Hao showed a look of envy. The Sasha before him possessed terrifying strength that didn’t match her delicate appearance.

If he were that strong, he wouldn’t be as helpless as he was now.

He gave a bitter smile:

“I’d like to go too, but I can’t.”

“Those people won’t accept Xiao Lu.”

“And I don’t have the confidence to take her across half the city to get there. It’s already a challenge for me to move alone.”

“So I can only stay here and keep her company.”

Sasha gave him an understanding look and quietly said:

“The supplies in this area will run out sooner or later, and the water and power will stop too.”

“You won’t last long. You’ll die here.”

The sun was setting, and its orange light poured into the living room, shining on Lin Hao’s face.

He only nodded lightly at Sasha’s words.

“I know. But Xiao Lu is sick. I have to take care of her. I can’t leave her.”

Hearing this, Sasha said no more.

She stood up, bid him farewell, and left.

Lin Hao didn’t see her out. He watched as the bedroom door closed again, bathing himself in the blood-red glow of the sunset.

This world was sick. His wife was sick. And so was he.

Just after stepping out of Lin Hao’s house, Sasha received a notification that her task was completed.

[Ding! Task: The Name of This Disease is Love Completed!]

[Rewards Granted: Mental Power +1, Charm +1]

**[Hidden Rewards: Free Attribute Point 1, Points 1000, Crimson Warblade Upgrade Conditions Unlocked]

Sasha sighed in exasperation.

Great. Random attribute points were truly random—not a single point added to her stamina.

But mental power and charm weren’t entirely useless.

For instance, this task had been triggered thanks to her charm stat.

As for the hidden reward of one free attribute point, Sasha, without hesitation, assigned it to stamina.

This body needed to grow stronger.

She immediately called up her status panel:

[Host: Sasha (♀)]

[Height: 150 cm]

[Stamina: 7]

[Mental Power: 4]

[Charm: 9]

**[Items: Titanium Alloy Wrist Crossbow (Arrows 3), Low-grade T-virus Immunity Capsule (3 Hours) 1, Crimson Warblade (Low-tier)]

[Skills: None]

[Points: 1120]

The "Enchanted" label next to the Crimson Warblade in her inventory had been updated to "Low-tier."

This indicated that the upgrade conditions had been unlocked.

This blade was surprisingly powerful—not only was it exceptionally sharp, but its enchantments also provided +1 Stamina and +1 Mental Power.

More importantly, it could continue to be upgraded, making it an incredibly worthwhile investment.

Sasha clicked on the detailed information for the Crimson Warblade:

[Crimson Warblade: Low-tier]

[Experience: 5/50]

[Enchantment (Battle Intent): Grants +1 Stamina and +1 Mental Power when equipped.]

[Unique Passive: Blood Oath. The wielder absorbs the blood of any damaged foe to strengthen themselves. Note: This enhancement temporarily affects the wielder's sanity.]

[Upgrade Conditions: Gain experience by triggering Blood Oath.]

[Description: A peerless blade forged by a master craftsman. Legend has it the craftsman ultimately fell victim to this blade.]

After unlocking the upgrade conditions, additional details had appeared.

When Sasha killed Brother Zhang earlier, the surge of frenzy and agitation she felt, along with the whispers craving blood, was caused by this passive ability, Blood Oath.

The warning about temporary sanity loss in the notes required caution.

Especially in light of the added description: “Legend has it the craftsman ultimately fell victim to this blade.”

It truly gave one pause.

She’d need to find an opportunity to test this blade, figuring out the threshold for prolonged blood absorption in combat.

Contemplating this, Sasha left Lin Hao’s neighborhood.

Carrying a backpack full of supplies, she headed home along the same route.

The sun was nearly below the horizon.

She wondered if Shen Yiyue had trained properly in her absence.

In the small backyard of the supermarket, Shen Yiyue was resting, drenched in sweat.

She fanned herself with a magazine, clearly having trained for a long time. It was hot.

Her well-developed chest was straining against her black, tight-fitting workout clothes. She unzipped it slightly to cool off.

Since Sasha hadn’t returned that afternoon, she repeated the morning’s training plan as instructed.

Now, she was utterly exhausted and her stomach was growling.

As dusk approached and Sasha hadn’t returned, worry began to creep in.

Though she knew Sasha was incredibly skilled, what if something unexpected had happened?

Should she go out to look for her?

Just as these anxious thoughts raced through her mind, a fully packed hiking backpack suddenly landed in front of her with a thud, brimming with supplies.

A moment later, a silver-haired girl landed gracefully on the ground, cheerfully calling out:

“Yue-jiejie, I’m back~!”

“You’re finally back! I’ve been training all day!”

Seeing the familiar, adorable figure, Shen Yiyue lit up with joy and rushed over, trying to hug Sasha.

Sasha froze momentarily before easily dodging the oncoming "tackle":

“What are you doing? You’re all sweaty. Gross.”

She fanned her small, pale hand near her nose with a look of distaste.

Sasha thought to herself, When did this girl get so familiar with me?

Shen Yiyue nearly stumbled.

Seeing that the little loli she had waited for so long was avoiding her, even making a disdainful face, she pouted in grievance:

“I’m not gross! You’re lying!”

She sniffed herself exaggeratedly, left and right, then declared indignantly:

“I smell nice, okay? We little fairies sweat perfume!”

Sasha’s lips twitched, showing a “get lost” expression as she dodged another one of Shen Yiyue’s attempts to pounce.

She turned and pulled a bag of supplies from her backpack, flashing a mischievous grin as she waved it at Shen Yiyue:

“We’re having this for dinner tonight!”