Chapter 4 Noah's face became ghastly pale when he heard that. He whipped his head around to look at me, his eyes wide with disbelief. "W -What's going on, Skyla?" I stood at the helicopter door, meeting his gaze calmly. "This rescue was approved for only six people. The military is only taking highly skilled personnel, like me and my five teammates." I paused before adding, "I only managed to get that extra seat after pleading with the higher-ups. It looks like... One of you will have to stay behind tonight." My team members struggled to keep a straight face inside the cabin. Surrounded by heavily armed soldiers, Noah didn't dare make a scene. He turned to the side, his voice trembling. "Esme, I..." However, before he could finish, Esmeralda brazenly hurried up to the soldiers. "Let me on! I-I used to be a famous musician. I'm much more useful than that man!" As soon as her words fell, Noah's breath caught. He couldn't believe that the woman, who had just sworn to protect him with her life, was now claiming she was more valuable than him. "Esme... D-Didn't you say-" His voice cracked as he stumbled toward her, his eyes red and puffy. The very next second, she slapped him hard across the face. "What did I say? Do you even realize how dense you are, Noah? I told you I was fine, yet you still took it upon yourself to use the serum on me! "Besides, you can't even fend for yourself. If it weren't for Skyla, do you think you'd still be standing here?" Noah trembled with rage. "H-How could you?" he gritted out. However, she only became more fired up, spit flying as she continued, "Officer, you should leave this dead weight for the zombies and give the seat to me! I'm healthy and strong. I will definitely be of use in the future!" Right then, something inside Noah snapped. He let out an animalistic scream and lunged at her like a madman. "Esmeralda Greene! How could you do this to me, you bitch?" The two of them were all over each other just minutes ago, and now, they were at each other's throats. "You wretched woman! I gave you everything, and this is how you treat me?" Noah fumed, throwing punch after punch to vent his rage. "Help me!" Esmeralda shrieked, shielding her head. "Stop it, you lunatic!" By the time the soldiers pulled them apart, Esmeralda's face was already bruised and swollen. My teammates burst into laughter and clapped in delight. "This is the first time I've seen lovebirds turn into enemies this fast! What a sight! They were as sweet as honey a moment ago, and now they're going at each other without any restraint. "Say... Do you think Noah can only win against a woman?" He guffawed. "Esmeralda, I'll make sure you reach the safe zone in one piece!" One of them even mimicked Noah's grand promise from earlier in a sing-song tone. When the show had pretty much run its course, I walked up to the lead soldier with a theatrical sigh. "Having one more person on board won't hurt, officer. Why don't you make an exception and let them both on? I'll explain the situation to the higher-ups.