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墨書 Inktalez
The thousand-strong team set off, unaware that this integration would give rise to a powerful force, one that would carve a path through the new era of humanity, achieving remarkable military feats. At this moment, however, the team was still inexperienced; both the commanders and the soldiers believed this was merely a quest for roots, a tactical relocation with purpose. No one anticipated the profound impact it would have on their future.
"Are you planning to go to Y Base?" Qin Zhi Han asked, puzzled.
"Yes, because the direct route north has been destroyed," Su Ruolan nodded in response.
"Then let's head south," Qin Zhi Han declared decisively. "But before that, our most important task is to prepare supplies to sustain so many people."
"There’s a town about 100 kilometers ahead; we can check it out," Bai Zhen suggested.
Before moving troops, provisions must be secured. What had started as a small team could easily find food even in difficult circumstances, but transforming into such a large unit raised the pressing question of how to feed everyone.
"I think we should avoid cities as much as possible. Large cities are definitely occupied by powerful factions in this apocalypse. If we show up with so many people, they might not welcome us and could expose our whereabouts, leading to pursuit," Su Ruolan expressed her concerns.
"Exactly. We’re not just a couple of people; appearing in a town with so many could easily attract attention from B Base and lead to an encirclement. We need to preserve our strength," Cheng Xi added.
"If we can't go to the city, then we’ll have to stick to the mountain villages," Qin Zhi Han pondered. "Fortunately, we're only going to meet up with Huaxia Corps and don’t need to occupy any bases. Taking the mountain paths will help us remain hidden. We rarely get to eat wild delicacies; now everyone can have a taste."
"From here to Y Base will likely take us four days. If we move quickly, we should be able to catch up with them," Su Ruolan analyzed while pointing at the map.
"Alright then, let’s blend into the forest and play hide-and-seek with those Zombies and Government Army," Bai Zhen said.
The thousand individuals began their journey along the vast Dragon Tiger Mountain Range. Fortunately, mutated plants were scarce here, while Mutated Animals were abundant—such as Mutated Mountain Chickens, Mutated Wild Boars, and Mutated Rabbits. Everyone was initially surprised but worked together; despite some injuries, they managed to take them down. The mutation level of these animals was low—only level one—but their size was notably large. Looking at all that meat made everyone hesitant; in the past, they would have feasted without hesitation, but now there were uncertainties about whether these animals carried viruses and if they were safe to eat.
Su Ruolan stepped forward and placed her hand on one of the animals, quietly activating her Devouring Ability. She continuously purified the violent energy from the mutated beast until she could no longer sense any fluctuations before lowering her hand. Taking out a bottle of water from her spatial storage, she cleaned one of the Mutated Mountain Chickens and handed it to Qin Zhi Han. "I think we can give it a try."
Qin Zhi Han took a deep look at Su Ruolan, set up a pile of branches, and activated his fire ability. He skewered a Mutated Mountain Chicken on a stick and began to roast it. Soon, a rich aroma wafted through the air, drawing everyone closer as they swallowed hard, their eyes fixed on the chicken.
"I'll give it a try," Jackson Wang said, unable to resist the hunger gnawing at him, wishing he could devour the entire chicken in one bite.
"No, let me do it," suddenly interjected Shilei from the Original Wolf Brigade. "Deputy Wang, you can't."
As Jackson Wang and Shilei argued over who would taste the chicken first, the squad leader from the Original Wolf Brigade, Eleven, rushed forward and snatched the Mutated Mountain Chicken. He took a big bite, burning his lips in the process and causing blood to flow. Everyone was taken aback.
"It's delicious!" Eleven exclaimed between bites, carelessly wiping his lips to remove the blood while fanning himself. "It's just really hot. Whew!"
The atmosphere grew excited. Just then, another squad leader from the Original Wolf Brigade, Jiang Wei, stepped forward. He tore off a piece of chicken from Eleven's hand and popped it into his mouth with a hearty laugh. "Good brother, you can't be the only one testing it. Since we've known each other, we've faced everything together; you can't leave me out this time."
Eleven looked at Jiang Wei with gratitude in his eyes. Without saying a word, he tore off another piece of chicken and handed it to Jiang Wei. Jiang Wei accepted it without hesitation and ate it himself. Two others from the Original Huaxia Fourth Regiment also joined in, tearing off pieces of chicken to eat. "Heroes can't all be from your Wolf Brigade; we from the Fourth Regiment aren't cowards either."
Watching them laugh and share food together filled everyone with respect. This spirit of selfless sacrifice left a profound impact on each person present.
"Hey everyone," Qin Zhi Han said, "we're all part of one team now. There’s no Original Wolf Brigade or Original Huaxia Fourth Regiment anymore. Since we’ve come together for a common goal, we’re like one big family. We’re all part of the Fourth Regiment; the Wolf Brigade is just a company within it—there's no distinction between us; we are bonded by blood."
Su Ruolan observed everyone's expressions and couldn't help but furrow her brow slightly. It seemed that integrating the troops would require continuous effort; finding ways for everyone to truly come together without clinging to their original factions would take some work.
"Yes, we're all good brothers," the four soldiers sharing the chicken realized that their earlier words might have been inappropriate but appreciated each other's courage nonetheless. In that moment, they genuinely accepted one another and exchanged smiles that bridged any gaps between them.
Once they finished eating the chicken, they faced the difficult wait ahead. Everyone anxiously watched them as nearly a thousand people sat in a circle around them while the four sat in the center.
"Company Commander—oh no, I mean Captain Qin—if I mutate, please give me a quick bullet," Eleven said sincerely as he looked at Qin Zhi Han.
“Captain Qin, we feel the same way. If we mutate, please don’t hesitate. Brothers, when the time comes, you must give us a swift end,” the other three soldiers said without hesitation.
“You are all our pride, our heroes. Now please share your stories and wishes; in the future, when peace is restored, the generations to come will remember you as the pioneers of this era,” Bai Zhen said.
Both Commander Ma and Deputy Commander Zhang nodded in agreement.
Watching this heart-wrenching scene, Su Ruolan felt a deep sadness. How she wished her judgment was correct so that these four wouldn’t have to lose their lives.
“My name is Jiang Wei. I’m 20 years old and from Changsha, Hunan. My parents and relatives were lost at the beginning of the apocalypse. I’m all alone,” Jiang Wei spoke first, scratching his head. “That’s it.”
Everyone looked at his honest demeanor and wanted to laugh, but their noses felt sour.
“My name is Hong Chuan. I was the eleventh to report in, so my comrades like to call me Eleven. I’m from Jieyang, Guangdong, and I’m eighteen years old. I haven’t seen my parents or family in a long time, but it’s okay; there are many kids in my family. My parents still have four children left. If you meet them in the future, just know that I didn’t bring shame to them,” Hong Chuan said in his thick dialect, his sincerity shining through.
“My name is Zhao Ming, from Jian, Shaanxi. I’m 22 years old. I have a younger sister who got separated from me after the apocalypse. If you find her, please take care of her,” said Zhao Ming from the Original Huaxia Fourth Regiment.
“Don’t worry, Mingzi; your sister will be our sister from now on. We will definitely find her,” his squad leader Solemnly assured him.
“My name is Feng Kai, from Jinggangshan, Jiangxi. I’m 21 years old. My brother is also in this unit; his name is Feng Tang.” He gestured toward another young soldier.
“Big brother.” Feng Tang stepped forward from the group and knelt before Feng Kai, tears streaming down his face.
“A while ago, I injured my foot; now the wound has become infected and has been hurting lately. It doesn’t feel like a good sign. So rather than dying uselessly on the road, I’d rather use this body while it’s still useful to do something meaningful,” Feng Kai said with a bitter smile. “Compared to them, I’m not so pure.”
“No, each of you is very brave and great in your own right,” Su Ruolan encouraged them. “Maybe things aren’t as bad as we imagine; perhaps we will succeed!”
During the Zombie siege, Su Ruolan and Kong Xiang had once used Spatial Water to awaken many ordinary people with abilities. Although the success rate was not one hundred percent, purifying the Mutated Mountain Chicken with Spatial Water might eliminate those negative elements. While not overly confident, Su Ruolan felt a glimmer of hope that surpassed that of others.
"Yes, as long as we can hold on for another four hours, we should be fine. Let's not be too pessimistic," Bai Zhen reassured everyone.
Time slipped away minute by minute. Although they were stranded in the wilderness with high danger levels, fortunately, no Zombies had appeared, and the pursuing forces had not come after them, which was a stroke of luck amidst their misfortune.
"In just an hour, it will be four o'clock. We're almost there; hope is within reach," Jackson Wang said excitedly as he looked at the mechanical watch he had won during the uprising at H Base while playing cards with Qin Zhi Han and the officials. Since Jackson Wang particularly liked it, it was gifted to him.
Everyone looked at the four people sitting in the center with hopeful expressions.
Suddenly, Feng Kai's face contorted in pain as he clutched his chest and collapsed. Everyone's hearts sank immediately. After a moment, the other three also showed signs of distress and fell one after another.
Su Ruolan was taken aback; how could this happen? She couldn't help but feel guilty. Kong Xiang suddenly approached her and whispered, "Sister Ruo Lan, don't blame yourself or panic. Remember when the first batch of ordinary people evolved abilities? I feel this is very similar."
At that moment, Feng Tang's eyes filled with tears as he prepared to aim his gun at Feng Kai. Although this was what Feng Kai had requested—if he mutated, he would die at his younger brother's hands—everyone turned away in anguish.
Feng Tang was only eighteen years old; facing such a situation, his hand trembled uncontrollably with the gun. "I really can't do this."
"Wait a little longer. Until the last moment arrives, we must not give up," Su Ruolan said alongside Kong Xiang. Turning around, she saw Feng Tang aiming his gun at his older brother and rushed forward to seize the weapon from him. "As long as he hasn't mutated into a Zombie, we cannot act."
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