NOVEL WEB Chapter 21: Changing Tides
Nyanko Sakura woke up, stretching her sore muscles. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft glow over the park. She looked around, ensuring there were no immediate threats. With Kuro by her side, she tidied up their campsite, packing away the tent and supplies into the improved pull basket.
"We need to keep moving," Sakura said softly to Kuro. The cat meowed in response, understanding their need for constant vigilance. As they set off, Sakura's mind wandered to new crafting ideas. She needed inspiration and materials, so she decided to explore one of the abandoned buildings nearby.
The building was locked, but Sakura wasn't deterred. With her knife, she managed to pry open a window and slip inside, Kuro following closely behind.
Kuro walked beside Sakura, observing her every move. As a cat, Kuro's instincts were sharp, and she noticed the subtle changes in Sakura's demeanor. Ever since the encounter with the bear and the wolf, Sakura had become more guarded and cold towards other creatures. However, her warmth towards Kuro remained unchanged.
Kuro could sense the conflict within Sakura, a mix of survival instinct and a desire to stay connected with her humanity. The cat stayed close, offering silent support as they navigated through the building.
Sakura carefully searched the rooms, finding various items that caught her interest. Old tools, pieces of metal, and even some books filled with diagrams. She tucked a few promising items into her bag, her mind racing with ideas for new creations.
Suddenly, a very loud sound echoed from outside, startling Sakura and Kuro. They peered out the window to see a strange sight, large vehicles and humans in uniforms setting up a temporary base. The humans appeared to be retreating from a recent battle, their movements hurried and tense.
"What is this?" Sakura wondered aloud, her red eyes narrowing as she tried to make sense of the scene. "Are they... military?" She had seen illustrations of such troops in some of the books but had never encountered them in person.
Sakura's mind raced with possibilities. These humans might have valuable supplies or knowledge, but approaching them could be dangerous. Her experiences with humans had taught her to be cautious. She decided to observe from a distance, hoping to learn more without drawing attention to herself and Kuro.
As the day wore on, Sakura watched the military troops set up their base. She noticed how they communicated, their efficient movements, and the technology they used. She felt a mix of fear and curiosity, wondering if these humans were as hostile as the ones she had encountered before.
Kuro nudged Sakura, sensing her unease. "I know, Kuro," Sakura whispered, stroking the cat's fur. "We need to be careful. Let's stay hidden and see what we can learn."
They spent the day in the shadows, gathering information and planning their next move. Sakura's coldness towards other creatures was a defense mechanism, a way to survive in this harsh world. But with Kuro by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope and determination.
"We'll find a way, Kuro," Sakura said, her voice filled with resolve. "Together, we'll survive and maybe even thrive in this world."
As night fell, Sakura and Kuro found a safe spot to rest, hidden from the prying eyes of the military troops. They settled down, Sakura's mind buzzing with new ideas and strategies. The world was dangerous, but she was learning to adapt and grow stronger with each passing day.