Apocalypse: the Most Ruthless Person

“Fireproof materials? Let me figure it out!”

Fu Weijun agreed readily and continued, “Mr. Zhang, what did you see with 004, can you tell us?”

Zhang Su originally intended to rest, but Fu Weijun held him back. He simply handed out cigarettes to several people, lit one, and slowly said, “004 is tall and skinny like a bamboo pole, the whole body looks like it was stretched with PS software, even the teeth are longer than those of ordinary zombies…”

“It can jump over ten meters high on the spot, and it feels like it can leap twenty-plus meters; in terms of strength, it’s not weaker than 003, you can see it as a slim and agile version of 003, possessing both speed and power. Not sure about its defense attributes!”

After listening to Zhang Su’s general description, Fu Weijun fell into thought, frowning, and after finishing a cigarette, he said, “I really want to study the functions of 004, just what method was used to develop it to that extent, it’s unbelievable.”

“I hope the Cyan Dragon Corps’ laboratory wasn’t destroyed. If it still exists, there’s a chance to find out. But I’d advise against trying to modify 003 without a solid grasp, the Cyan Dragon Corps was too miserable.”

After that, Zhang Su informed the three of the madness of 004 after it caught fire.

“Oh my God, not knowing friend from foe, that’s just not okay. Good thing it died, otherwise how terrifying would that be!”

Duan Wuhu shook his head gravely.

Wang Xingui appeared a bit dazed, similarly harboring secret fears in his heart.

The backlash of an uncontrollable weapon is even more troublesome than an enemy’s attack.

“No wonder Mr. Zhang wants to put a fireproof suit on 003, it’s because of this incident, it’s a wake-up call.”

Fu Weijun knew all too well the terrors of a test subject out of control, and after glancing at the seemingly dead 003, he decided to deepen the study of zombie modification, in hopes of further improvement…

Yes, his idea was improvement, Zhang Su only said not to modify without assurance, but did not limit improvement.

That’s how cunning intellectuals can be.

That night, Celestial Horse Island had more people on duty than usual. Given the Cyan Dragon Corps’ misfortune, not one person slept deeply; even though the straight-line distance between the two places was over forty kilometers, one couldn’t help but feel uneasy due to the apocalyptic scene. Any unusual noise would stir them awake.

Excluding the shivering remnants of the Cyan Dragon Corps hiding in dark corners, the ones who found sleep even harder than those on Celestial Horse Island were the survivors of Kuanzhuang.

Xiaofeng gathered news swiftly, went quickly, and returned even faster…

No one could remain calm after seeing the zombie horde attack, and upon seeing it clearly, he just wished to sprout wings and bring this shocking news back immediately!

“Too many, just too many, hordes of zombies, tens of thousands! Fires everywhere, it’s over, the Cyan Dragon Corps is completely gone, I saw…”

Inside an unremarkable small courtyard cellar in Kuanzhuang, more than ten people sat surrounding a bean-sized light, falling silent after hearing Xiaofeng’s report.

“Youliang, do you think the zombie horde might have been led there by those guys from Celestial Horse Island?”

Moments later, a middle-aged man about forty plus frowned and broke the silence by asking.

“I don’t know.” Lei Youliang shook his head woodenly and continued, “Regardless of the process, the fact is the Cyan Dragon Corps has been destroyed.”

Yang Liehuo was puffing on his hand-rolled cigarettes, wisps of smoke almost shrouding his head, he sighed, “West Camp Village is missing, United Village is wiped out, Cyan Dragon Corps is destroyed, along this line from Qing County to Qin City, it’s just us and Celestial Horse left, right…”

After experiencing the initial catastrophe, humanity stabilized rapidly amidst the crisis, spontaneously organizing to resist zombies, forming camps. But as time progressed, some camps nearly perished due to accidents, others were captured in human conflicts, and some were peacefully merged. The scattered small safe camps are becoming fewer.

“That’s right, it’s just us and Celestial Horse left.”

Lei Youliang said heavily.

“Then we… should we have a good talk with Celestial Horse Island? If we can unite for future development, might it not be better?”

Someone spoke softly, with uncertainty in their tone.

Another person snorted lightly, saying, “That leader of Celestial Horse Island, Zhang Su, doesn’t seem to be a good person!”

“Where do you find good people nowadays, do you think you’re a good person? Am I a good person?”

Hearing his companion’s words, Lei Youliang shook his head silently, knowing that even skilled fighters speak a language that’s out of touch with current changes — good person or bad, as long as it’s a person, it can be used.

“I propose we establish contact with Celestial Horse Island as soon as possible, Xiaoya is still in their hands, and reaching an agreement early would be better!”

Yang Liehuo pinched out his cigarette butt and spoke.

Lei Youliang slowly waved his hand, saying, “Uncle Huo, this can’t be rushed, the Cyan Dragon Corps has been destroyed, some things require thorough consideration!”

“What’s there to… alright, alright, I won’t say anymore, you decide, I’ll follow the arrangements.”

Yang Liehuo also knew he wasn’t suited for decision-making, took out cigarette paper and a small bottle of tobacco from his pocket, rolled another and lit it, refraining from commenting further.

“Let me analyze a bit for you all… Although Zhang Su didn’t say it earlier, I can sense it, his intention is to annex us Kuanzhuang and integrate the southern part of Qing County, becoming the leader in this area!”

Lei Youliang spoke softly, revealing his thoughts.

Upon hearing his analysis, nobody spoke up, not displaying any strong reactions, since they had already considered this possible scenario.

Whether resisting zombies or developing a settlement, the population size is a very crucial factor, after all.

Seeing everyone remain silent, Lei Youliang continued, “If we merge into Celestial Horse Island, we will definitely become peripheral members. I guess everyone would have some resistance, right?”

Saying this, he looked at everyone with an encouraging gaze. Seeing many nod unconsciously, he continued, “At that time, we will more or less feel like we are living under someone else’s roof, and being targeted will become a commonplace occurrence. I personally don’t mind suffering, but I can’t let everyone suffer with me, so… this situation can be changed!”

“Brother Youliang, what’s the way?”

“Quickly, tell us.”

Everyone raised their eyebrows slightly and looked at Lei Youliang.

If Yuwen were here, upon hearing Lei Youliang’s speech, they would likely give a thumbs-up; Zhang Su might also detect something subtle in his mind. However, the people of Kuanzhuang didn’t see anything wrong from within and instead felt somewhat strangely inspired!

“Negotiation chips!”

Lei Youliang spoke up immediately, not needing anyone’s prompting, neither intending to give more time for thought, continuing, “For negotiations to take place, both parties must present chips. A negotiation without chips is a joke! Therefore, if we wish to avoid being bullied by Celestial Horse Island in the future, we need to increase our bargaining chips!”

“Brother Youliang…”

A young lad raised his hand, saying, “To be fair, Celestial Horse Island hasn’t bullied us, it was the Cyan Dragon Corps that bullied us, and Celestial Horse Island destroyed them.”

With these words, the atmosphere in the basement turned peculiar, while Lei Youliang’s brow twitched slightly, he pursed his lips and said, “Xiaowei, you’re only seeing the surface. Let me ask, if it were us governing Celestial Horse Island, would you have us do the hard work while they enjoy life?”

“Impossible!”

Xiaowei shook his head vigorously.

“Exactly! So, if we must cooperate and form an alliance in the future, I hope we can be the ones in charge, not those who comply, understand?”

After finishing, Lei Youliang looked at everyone. However, he found only a few responding actively, which left him feeling somewhat deflated.

In fact, some people didn’t resist as Lei Youliang described; it’s not that they lacked attachment to Kuanzhuang, but they were tired of human infighting and just wanted to find a peaceful place to live, caring little about their status within a group.

However, Lei Youliang’s words bonded everyone together, leading to defiance against possible unfair treatment.

Of course, a few people felt encouraged and found Lei Youliang’s arguments quite reasonable.

“Alright, since no one wants to be governed, our next step is to increase our bargaining chips for negotiation! And the resources left behind by the Cyan Dragon Corps are our chips, perhaps some surviving members of the Corps too, they’ll be our support!”

Lei Youliang pointed northeast, raising his voice with passionate fervor!

It was not until this point did people realize that Lei Youliang’s target was the barrack, which was quite understandable. The resources and weapons in the barrack must be extremely abundant.

“Brother Youliang, it’s not feasible…”

The previously scouting Xiaofeng waved anxiously, saying, “The barrack was overrun by a zombie horde, it’s a mess everywhere, too many zombies, extremely risky!”

“Risk and opportunity coexist. Over the past few months, we’ve handled numerous zombie hordes, building a wealth of experience. While not aiming to eliminate them all, just diverting them, I’m confident everyone can do it!”

Lei Youliang’s tone carried encouragement, making people feel particularly invigorated just by listening. He did not allow for any further doubts, promptly asking, “Xiaofeng, what’s the exact situation at the barrack, describe it in detail, everyone brainstorm, there’s always more solutions than difficulties!”

For an entire night, the people of Kuanzhuang engrossed themselves in collective brainstorming…