The building where Shalia's friend was hidden was a shopping mall. Hiding there had been a good idea since one would be able to find many supplies. Still, when the zombies appeared, it was probably where many people met their ends, so a few zombies and corpses probably were there when they went in there. Regardless, despite the fact that they were so close to each other, it still was possible for them to feel each other's presence.
"I suppose we can't just call his name inside… the noise will attract monsters and fighting them in a confined place will be a pain," Luke said.
"I should be able to feel his presence once we are within fifty meters away from each other," Shalia said.
After hearing that, Luke entered the place but kept his guard up since there was no telling what someone chosen by a dark elf could do when they saw a stranger looking for them. Being chosen doesn't automatically mean that they are evil, but being chaotic in an apocalyptic scenario isn't also that good.
In any case, the interior of the building was quite messed up. The signs of battles were everywhere. Although any blood had already dried up, Luke could see signs that some of the monsters had entered the building a few times… or they probably did when they chase the human who was working with Shalia's friend. Staying on the first floor wasn't the smartest thing to do, so Luke decided to start from the top. Much to his surprise, he got a sign after leaving the staircase.
"He is there…" Shalia said and then sighed while pointing to a bookstore.
Luke felt like sighing as well, a bookstore wasn't exactly a stronghold and there were no signs of barricades. It seems that the dark elf's partner wasn't that bright… They felt safe just knowing that the monsters didn't climb the stairs. After approaching the bookstore, Luke sighed when he saw a kid no older than twelve sleeping on a couch while surrounded by several piles of comic books… Luke had imagined that it was the case, but he had hoped that just this once the dark elf hadn't chosen a partner of the opposite sex.
When Luke used Appraisal, he was quite surprised, the number of skills the girl had was pretty high. She also had three elemental magic arrows… she probably bought them, it would be too weird if she had been lucky enough to get all of them. In any case, Danielle had short and wavy red hair and she was pretty skinny since she was eating well. Luke could see some vestiges of cup noodles around. She also looked like someone who hadn't taken a bath in many days. Messy hair, dirty clothes and not a single piece of armor in her… it was hard to imagine that she didn't find any. Also resting on her forehead, there was another pretty unconcerned fellow… a dark elf that had tanned skin, red hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a few pieces of armor, but nothing too imposing looking. Also, he looked pretty young… it was hard to tell given his size but he probably wasn't older than Danielle.
"Oh, man… what am I going to do?" Luke asked.
"They sure are sleeping peacefully, even though you made a lot of noise earlier… as expected of kids, they have zero awareness," Rina said. "I am shocked that they manage to survive this far."
They not only survived, but the girl also reached a high level…. at the very least, she probably had the strength to face a few of the monsters at the same time. Considering that Luke couldn't see any signs of people behind, she was alone.
"Hey! Sylah! Wake up, you stupid moron!" Shalia roared.
Since she was so close to his ear, Luke almost went deaf… still, thanks to that, the two kids immediately got up, completely shocked. At first, Danielle thought that she was dreaming, but then she pointed both arms toward Luke.
"Sis… Big sister!" The dark elf shouted and then jumped to hug Shalia.
While he tried to approach, an invisible force pulled Sylah back to Danielle's shoulder. That wasn't something that Luke had seen until now, but it was safe to assume that his body now was a magnet that attracted those two.
"Who the hell are you?" Danielle asked.
"Relax, kid," Luke replied. "We are the rescue team. Your friend over there sent a sos message, so we came to help."
"... You did that, Sylah?" Danielle asked. "Without my permission?"
"Sorry… but you looked so lonely and scared when the monsters approached," Sylah replied.
"What the hell! Don't do anything Unnecessary, you moron…" Danielle said and then grabbed him with both arms. "Now I look lame like a stupid kid."
Luke wanted to say that she looked like that long before he said anything. Still, at least she had spirit enough to pretend that she didn't need help. In any case, she only let him go when his face turned blue… their relationship was quite weird.
"I am Sorry… I won't do it again…" Sylah said while gasping for air. "Anyway, thank you for coming, big sis!"
"I am not your sister… and I am already regretting coming here to help a moron like you," Shalia said. "Your partner is a stupid kid like you, but at least she has the decency to pretend that she isn't a moron."
"Who are you calling a moron, you moron?" Danielle raised her voice and then pointed both arms toward Shalia.