ALL NOVEL Chapter 12: The Mysterious Store
Nyanko Sakura's legs grew heavy as she trudged through the silent streets of Kawasaki. The absence of monsters and humans alike made the city feel eerie and abandoned. "Could this be a dead area?" she wondered, her eyes scanning the empty buildings. The silence was unsettling, making her feel like the last living being in a forgotten world.
Eventually, she came across a building with a large number 7 above the entrance. Curious, she approached it, her eyes catching the glint of the morning sun reflecting off the glass walls. There were sheets of paper plastered all over the windows, their faded colors adding to the desolate atmosphere. "What is this place?" she thought, pushing the door open with some effort.
Inside, the air was stale, filled with the scent of dust and something unfamiliar. Rows of cabinets lined the walls, filled with a variety of items. Sakura's eyes widened with wonder as she began to explore. "I've never seen anything like this," she thought, her curiosity driving her forward.
She picked up a package, its surface smooth and shiny. "What is this material?" she wondered, poking it with her claws. It was unlike anything she had encountered in her world. She inspected more items, fascinated by the strange, colorful packaging. "Why is everything wrapped like this?" she thought, her mind racing with questions.
As she moved deeper into the store, she found a section filled with fruits. They were neatly arranged, their vibrant colors standing out against the dull interior. Sakura's stomach growled at the sight, but she hesitated. "Are these fruits safe?" she wondered, her nose twitching as she sniffed the air.
She picked up an apple, turning it over in her hands. It looked fresh and delicious, but she couldn't shake her doubts. "What if they're poisoned?" she thought, her mind flashing back to the human corpse she had seen earlier. "I can't afford to take any chances." She sighed, placing the apple back on the shelf.
Sakura continued to explore the store, her eyes darting from shelf to shelf. She found cans and bottles, their labels filled with strange symbols and pictures. "How do humans understand all of this?" she wondered, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Their world is so different from mine."
Her gaze fell on a shelf filled with colorful bags. She picked one up, feeling its weight. The material crinkled under her touch, and she could hear something rustling inside. "What's in here?" she thought, tearing the bag open. Inside, she found small, crunchy pieces that smelled strangely appealing. She tasted one cautiously, her eyes widening in surprise. "It's good!" she thought, munching on another piece. "But what is it?"
As she continued to snack, Sakura's thoughts drifted to the yellow area marked on the map. "Maybe this store is part of the safe zone," she mused. "But why is it so empty?" She couldn't help but feel uneasy. The silence and emptiness were unnerving, making her wonder if something had driven everyone away.
She found a corner of the store to sit down and rest, her mind filled with questions. "What happened here? Why is this area marked yellow?" She sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and curiosity. "I need to find answers," she thought, her determination growing. "If I can understand this world better, maybe I can find a way to survive."
Sakura's eyes wandered to the fruit section again. Her stomach growled, reminding her of her hunger. "I have to take a chance," she decided, standing up. She picked up an apple, her mind still filled with doubts. "I hope it's safe," she thought, taking a small bite. The sweetness burst in her mouth, bringing a smile to her face. "It's good," she thought, feeling a bit more hopeful.
As she finished the apple, Sakura felt a renewed sense of purpose. The world around her was filled with mysteries, but she was determined to uncover them. She was a survivor, and she would not give up. With a deep breath, she gathered some more food and supplies, preparing to continue her journey. The road ahead was still uncertain, but she was ready to face whatever came her way.