[Killed a normal zombie]
[Points +1]
[Killed a mutated strength-type zombie]
[Points +10]
. . .
[Killed a normal zombie]
[Points +1]
"Oh, there are other zombies that survived?"
This was truly an unexpected surprise, something he hadn't anticipated at all. He had thought no zombie could survive in a city shrouded by the green mist, but he never expected some to be so resilient.
Perhaps some zombies had a bit of an antibody, allowing them to be immune to the Contaminator's infection.
He watched the points steadily climb.
He appeared extremely calm, not overjoyed by the increase in points. It was just a string of numbers, with no real value to speak of. With his current strength, he could protect the Sunshine Shelter well, so getting stronger wasn't his goal.
A once beautiful city, now turned into a sunken pit of ruins.
"Sigh, the changes are always so drastic. If it weren't for the unknown threat lurking in the mist, I definitely wouldn't have done this."
Lam Pham shook his head and turned to leave. The work of clearing zombies still required effort, but he would never destroy a city unless it was absolutely necessary.
. . .
In the mountains.
With Luong Man's help, the cleanup of the zombie corpses was progressing quickly. They dug a deep pit, piled the bodies inside, and buried them with earth.
"Sigh."
Luong Tuan was very frustrated. The wild poultry they had worked so hard to capture had been wasted by the zombies. This was the very foundation of their group's survival. Whether they could have a sustainable supply depended on them.
Especially that wild boar that was playing poker, maybe one day it could have birthed a litter of piglets. The piglets would grow into big boars, and then continue to breed, creating a sustainable development.
What a pity... a single zombie attack had shattered it all.
The feeling was an unspeakable bitterness.
It was as painful as seeing crops you toiled to grow, just about to be harvested, being ruined by a group of unruly children.
But it was alright, being alive was what mattered.
If the three survivors hadn't appeared, the situation would have been much worse.
"Are the discussions in the illustrated handbook true?" Vuong Cuong asked. They had obtained a copy of the <
Ngo Hao said, "Yes, it's true. I met two survivors before, they came from the Sunshine Shelter. They were the ones who told me about the situation there and even gave me a satellite phone, telling me to call for help if anything happened. It's just a shame the phone was broken, so I couldn't contact them."
He was very frustrated. They had given him a weapon for survival, but he hadn't taken care of it. If the phone wasn't broken, things wouldn't have developed to this state.
Just then, Ly Cong Vinh and Luong Man, who had finished chopping some trees to repair the wooden railings, walked over.
"What are your plans now?" Ly Cong Vinh asked. "This place may seem very safe, but aside from him being an Awakened, the rest of you are ordinary people. Once you're surrounded by zombies, the chances of survival are slim."
He was speaking the truth. The situation here seemed safe.
But in the face of absolute numbers, there was no guarantee at all.
More critically, they were lucky not to have encountered any evolved-type zombies this time. If they had, hiding in the trees would have been useless.
A large tree was like tofu in front of an evolved-type zombie.
Any strength-type zombie could easily snap a tree.
Luong Tuan shook his head, looking a bit lost. "I don't know. We've been living here all this time, and for a while, we didn't face any danger. Now, after this zombie attack, I realize this place isn't as safe as I thought."
He felt completely lost. The world was vast, but it seemed there was no place for them. Although the Sunshine Shelter was very safe, the distance was great, and the dangers along the way were unimaginable. No one could guarantee they would arrive safely.
Ngo Hao said slowly, "If we want to survive, our only option is the Sunshine Shelter."
Luong Man said, "To contact the Sunshine Shelter, you need a satellite phone. There's one option now: go into the city to find an authorized satellite phone store. If we can find one, we can make contact."
Hearing this, Ngo Hao's eyes lit up. "That's right! As long as we find a satellite phone, we can solve the problem. Besides, I remember the number, and it's also in the <
Luong Man continued, "But don't get too happy just yet. The satellite phone is in the city, and you all know the situation in the cities now. It's crawling with zombies. One careless mistake, and you'll die at their hands."
Everyone understood this point. Although their country was vast and resource-rich, the population was huge. With rural demolition and migration to the cities, the place with the most zombies was undoubtedly the cities.
Even if it were Luong Man and her two companions going into the city.
It would still be a suicide mission.
Absolutely no hope.
Ngo Hao lowered his head, as if deep in thought. Then, he looked up, his face resolute, and said, "I'll give it a try."
Luong Man said, "Although you have a camouflage ability, your ability's stage isn't high. The handbook mentions that you might be able to evade normal zombies and regular evolved-types, but if you encounter a zombie with a slightly higher crystal level, you'll likely be discovered."
Ngo Hao nodded, "I know, but I want to try. I'm not trying to be a hero, but there are some things only someone with my ability can do. You've seen the situation here. There are not just adults, but also children. Their life here seems safe, but it's actually very dangerous. We can't be this lucky every time."
Everyone looked at Ngo Hao.
They hadn't expected him to have such thoughts.
In an instant, Ngo Hao's image in their hearts grew tall and heroic.
Not everyone possessed such courage.
Compared to Ngo Hao, many were much stronger.
But not everyone had such courage. No matter what, it was in the city, and the number of zombies was absolutely unimaginable.
"Brother Ngo, do you really have to do this? We could try driving to the Sunshine Shelter, it's not impossible," Luong Tuan said, somewhat reluctant to let Ngo Hao take the risk.
Ngo Hao said, "That's even more dangerous. The journey is too long. With my camouflage ability, I've run into danger many times while riding my motorcycle. Zombies piled up like mountains, blocking the road. It's not as simple as you think."
Luong Man, at the side, nodded in strong agreement.
It was exactly as Ngo Hao had said.
The long journey was filled with countless unknown variables. The first half might be relatively peaceful, but the second half could present unimaginable dangers.
"But..."
Luong Tuan's words were cut off by Ngo Hao, "No need to say more, my mind is made up. Maybe my luck will be good, and I'll find the satellite phone smoothly, you never know."
Seeing Ngo Hao's decisive expression, Luong Tuan knew that nothing he said would matter. He sincerely grasped Ngo Hao's hand, his eyes welling with tears.
"Thank you. I really don't know how to thank you."
Ngo Hao smiled, "No need to thank me. It's you all who have shown me more hope. I believe that as long as we survivors can unite, we can definitely overcome the current predicament."
"Well said," Vuong Cuong said in agreement.
"That's right, just what I was thinking. As long as we are united, there is hope for victory," Ly Cong Vinh said firmly.
Luong Man was moved by Ngo Hao's spirit of selfless risk-taking. "We will help you. Although we can't go with you, my ability can get you into the city, avoiding some unnecessary dangers."
"Great, thank you."
Ngo Hao expressed his thanks. With their help, he felt his chances of getting the satellite phone were much greater. Although it was still risky, he felt it was all worth it.
. . .
Night.
The room was filled with steam.
A delicious hot pot was often the most welcome delicacy. On the table were various vegetables, and some of Lam Pham's favorite foods like crab sticks.
Such a life in the apocalypse was considered quite decent.
"Little Nhan, Little Duong, you've worked hard today, preparing so many dishes," Co Hang said with a grateful smile. He knew this sumptuous hot pot wasn't prepared for them, but for Lam Pham by the two women.
And they were just basking in Lam Pham's light.
As long as they could eat delicious hot pot, it didn't matter whose light they were basking in.
Duong Giai Vu and Nhan Ny Ny were busy in the kitchen, turning to smile at the dining room, then chatting and laughing as they washed vegetables. These were all vegetables they had planted themselves.
"During the day, I passed by a city. That city was shrouded in green mist, and many zombies were infected, mutated, and died," Lam Pham said casually, recounting the day's events.
Co Hang, Lao Chung, and the others looked up at Lam Pham in shock.
"A green mist covering an entire city, what kind of terrifying zombie could cause such a phenomenon?"
"Yeah, it's hard to imagine."
"The evolution of zombies is truly unbelievable. It feels like it's constantly pushing us humans to a dead end."
They discussed as they ate, thinking about the current situation. Although they hadn't experienced it firsthand, they could still imagine how terrifying it was from what Lam Pham said.
"Wait for me a moment."
Lam Pham stood up and walked towards the bedroom. When he came out, he was holding the photo he had taken during the day. "Look, this is the zombie I encountered today. Its body is massive."
Everyone took the photo.
In an instant, they let out gasps of shock.
They were all stunned by the appearance of the zombie in the picture.
"My God, Brother Lam, can a human even deal with this kind of zombie?" Chuc Thanh was completely wide-eyed. "It's simply bigger than the zombie you brought back some time ago."
Everyone strongly agreed with what Chuc Thanh said.
It was true.
Could a human really deal with something like this? Of course, they knew Lam Pham definitely could, but for anyone else, it was highly unlikely.
Lam Pham said, "Yes, that's right. It's the same evolutionary type I brought back before, called the [Contaminator]."
Chuc Thanh naturally remembered this. "I remember there are three forms of further evolution. One is the [Lord of Destruction], which is a relatively perfect evolutionary path. The other two are the [Aberration] and the [Contaminator], which are flawed evolutionary paths. I didn't expect the flawed evolution [Contaminator] to be this terrifying."
The appearance of the [Contaminator] in the photo was quite off-putting, simply worlds apart from other zombies.
Co Hang said, "So what happened to that city?"
He felt that when Little Pham brought this up, he must have wanted to express some idea.
Lam Pham said, "The mist gathered and didn't dissipate. I was afraid this city would bring danger to other survivors, so I destroyed it. There is no more Dong Lang City now."
As expected, they looked at Lam Pham in shock.
Of course, they wouldn't doubt what Lam Pham said, believing he was capable of handling such matters.
"It's good that it's gone. It was indeed a hidden danger," Co Hang said.
Lam Pham said, "That's what I thought too."
Then he put the photo away, back in his room, picked up a piece of crab stick, dipped it in the sauce—the taste was wonderful. He loved hot pot the most, especially the spicy kind, the spicier the better. Although it sometimes led to painful toilet trips, he never tired of it, feeling it was a true delicacy of the human world.
Nhan Ny Ny and Duong Giai Vu came out from the kitchen with washed dishes.
Because the table wasn't big enough.
They stood behind everyone to eat.
"Let's squeeze together and make two spots," Lam Pham said.
"Alright," Co Hang smiled.
Then, Co Hang and Lao Chung, who were sitting to Lam Pham's left and right, scooted aside, immediately opening up two spots next to him. The two women sat down, one on his left and one on his right.
"You've worked hard," Lam Pham thanked them.
"It was no trouble."
"I didn't work hard either."
Co Hang and the others watched the scene, all smiling secretly. How could they not know what was going on? It was as clear as day. It all depended on the final choice.
Both of them were good girls, and they understood their feelings for Lam Pham. It was the kind of thing where they had a good impression and wanted to try getting closer to Lam Pham, but had never made a move.
"Brother Hang, how are things on your end?" Lam Pham asked.
Co Hang said, "Not much, everything is fine."
He naturally knew what Little Pham was talking about. This matter was a bit of a headache. After that incident, Co Hang had been frustrated for a few days, but fortunately, he had managed to calm Duong Tue's emotions, and everything was normal.
Vuong Khai said, "Aiya, we all know what Sister Tue means to Brother Hang. It just depends on what Brother Hang thinks."
Co Hang said, "Just eat your food. Even the hot pot can't shut your mouth."
"Hehe..." Vuong Khai chuckled.
Co Hang changed the subject, "Lao Chung, what's the situation with you and Tu Dinh? I keep hearing people say you two are making eyes at each other."
Lao Chung, who was eating, looked up, his eyes a bit bewildered. What was happening? He was just enjoying his meal, why was the topic suddenly thrown at him? You guys continue talking, what does it have to do with me?
"Haha..." Lao Chung laughed foolishly, saying nothing. When it came to matters of love, he was still quite shy and didn't want to say much.
The usually serious Captain Loi said, "In love, you must take the initiative. If you don't, that love can run away at any time."
Vuong Khai: . . .
Co Hang: . . .
Chuc Thanh: . . .
They really didn't expect Captain Loi to say something like that.
Lam Pham smiled. This is what made life interesting. Eating delicious food, chatting, even if the apocalypse weighed on them like a great mountain, they had to maintain their happiness.
They chatted freely.
From zombies to gossip, and from gossip to the current situation and the future.
Captain Loi and the others drank white liquor.
Nhan Ny Ny and the girls drank red wine, their little faces flushed red.
Duong Giai Vu had come from Duong Dao. Tonight, she wasn't planning to go back, but instead prepared to share a bed with Nhan Ny Ny.
The sky gradually darkened.
The group dispersed, each going their own way.
Originally, Lam Pham wanted to quickly clear the table, but the two women insisted on doing it, so he could only let them be. He, on the other hand, brewed some tea and rested in the living room.
At night.
Duong Giai Vu huddled under the covers and asked curiously, "You've never confessed to Brother Lam?"
"No," Nhan Ny Ny replied. In the dark room, neither could see the other, just exchanging words calmly.
"Why?" Duong Giai Vu was very puzzled. Living right across the door, with the advantage of proximity, Nhan Ny Ny could see Brother Lam every day, yet she had never made a move.
This felt a bit incredible to Duong Giai Vu.
Nhan Ny Ny said, "Because I can see that Brother Lam has no thoughts about that kind of thing. He always wakes up and goes to clear zombies, sometimes coming back very late. If you want to talk about who is the most stable in the shelter, it's Brother Lam. His routine is basically the same, it never changes."
"Oh..." Duong Giai Vu thought about it, and it seemed to be true. Then she muttered, "He's clearly so powerful, why isn't he a bit of a lecher?"
"Little Vu, what did you say?"
"Nothing, let's sleep, let's sleep."
In the next room, Lam Pham lay in bed. It wasn't that he wanted to eavesdrop, but his senses were a bit too sharp, and he could hear everything clearly.
"When two women sleep together, are their topics of discussion always related to men?"
Lam Pham shook his head, didn't think too much about it, and prepared to turn off the light and rest.
The Sunshine Shelter was becoming more and more comprehensive. There were many things he no longer needed to worry about. The only thing he needed to think about was... how to save more survivors and clear the zombies in this apocalypse more quickly.
Also, the evolution of the zombies had already surpassed imagination.
. . .
Early morning.
In the mountain forest.
"Brother Ngo, have some porridge. This is frog porridge."
Luong Tuan walked over with the porridge. Thinking about how Ngo Hao was about to risk his life to go into the city to find a satellite phone made him worried. After all, going into the city meant facing countless zombies.
Among them were normal zombies, as well as many evolved-type zombies.
He had taken to heart what Luong Man had said. Brother Ngo's ability stage wasn't high. He could evade normal zombies, but if he encountered a relatively high-stage zombie, it was not certain he wouldn't be discovered.
"Thanks."
Ngo Hao drank the porridge in big gulps without saying a word. He already considered this bowl of porridge his last breakfast. From the moment he decided to go into the city to find the satellite phone, he was already prepared to sacrifice himself at any time.
Luong Tuan stood to the side, just quietly watching Ngo Hao, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"Alright, I have to go."
He walked to the foot of the mountain.
Luong Man and the others were already waiting there.
"Brother Ngo," Luong Tuan called out.
Ngo Hao turned his head and smiled, "Don't worry, I'll come back alive with the satellite phone."