Chapter 2: This Is Not a Wasteland (Please Subscribe and Keep Reading!)

Upon hearing this, Su Yi gasped sharply, hastily reaching out to seize the girl’s hand, temporarily restraining her.

However, the girl reacted swiftly; the moment she was restrained, she disengaged her exoskeleton, revealing a fair forearm. Like a lifelike escape artist, she took advantage of the opening to leap backward repeatedly, retreating outside the convenience store.

“Report: the exoskeleton’s power source is nearly depleted. I have no other choice now.”

Her silver hair shimmering, the girl’s body temperature soared to around 200 degrees Celsius. The snow around her melted into mist. She reached for the switch on the device strapped to her back.

Before she could act, Su Yi miraculously anticipated her move. His figure blurred as he leapt forward, delivering a swift kick to the black device, sending it flying off her back and out of the store.

The device tumbled across the snow, clattering loudly and carving a long trail.

Seeing her self-destruction attempt thwarted, the silver-haired girl drew a knife and lunged toward his throat.

Frowning deeply, Su Yi bent down and tilted his head back to dodge the attack. Seizing the moment, he grabbed her neck and slammed her into the snow, pinning her down in an instant.

“Let go of me!”

“Let go of me!”

Snow scattered as the girl fiercely struggled. Even pinned down, she kept kicking and tried to headbutt him.

Her reaction reminded Su Yi of the wasteland days. Due to the brutal wars, some nations resorted to ruthless methods to win, cultivating people infused with vast amounts of energy. They appeared normal, but once activating the device on their backs, they would explode, their power comparable to a nuclear bomb. These living weapons were known as “soldiers.”

The “nuclear bomb” she mentioned was herself.

Su Yi could never allow such a blast within the city—it would unleash a human tragedy.

“Let go...”

“Ha... ha...”

Gradually, the girl’s resistance waned. She panted heavily, her body trembling.

Su Yi sensed something was wrong. Peering beneath her worn gray cloak, he saw the pristine white snow stained bright red. The scent of rust filled the air—she was wounded.

For someone from the wasteland to bleed, the injury must be severe. Her violent struggle only worsened the wound.

Soldiers were dangerous because if they died, the nuclear explosion would still trigger.

“Calm down. This isn’t the wasteland!”

Su Yi shouted, but the girl gave no response, continuing to fight desperately.

“Could it be the helmet’s audio system is broken...” Su Yi recalled her words and felt something was amiss. He pressed his hand against the cracked visor and forcefully snapped it. The sound of shattering metal rang out.

The girl’s pale yet exquisite face appeared before him.

Her pale blue eyes were filled with fear, uncertainty, and overwhelming hostility—like a caged animal suddenly released into the wild. The moment the mask fell, despair took over her expression.

“Are we going to die from radiation? You dare go without a mask? LooksI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.