《Apocalypse King: Recruiting S-Tier Beauties With My Ruler System》


 Chapter 1: Generic Start! Generic End!

    Chapter 1 - Generic Start! Generic End!A Generic clich¨¦.


    If anything could describe my existence, it was those two words.


    Born to a beautiful but naive mother who fell for the charms of an American businessman, he was nothing more than a result of a fleeting romance. A romance that shattered the moment reality hit. Because the man was already married.


    My mother, left to fend for herself, raised me with dreams too big and resources too small.


    I could never live up to my mother''s standards.


    Maybe it''s because of my dual heritage, but apart from my looks, I seem to take after my father, which might sound good.


    A rich and successful tycoon?


    Sign me up, most people might say.


    But once I started studying, it turned out that I resembled my mother.


    Instead, I sank into mediocrity, spending most of my school days more focused on fighting in the park than studying. By the time I reached high school, the only way I could have entered college was to get a sports scholarship. But even that slipped through my grasp.


    And Now...


    I was about to lose my job.


    ¡ª


    The office cafeteria buzzed with noise¡ªsalarymen stuffing food into their mouths like prisoners on borrowed time, trying to finish before their beepers summoned them back to the grind.


    I, however, refused to rush.


    Why should I rush my food and suffer from indigestion?


    I took my time, savouring each bite of bland sweet-and-sour pork as if it were my last meal.


    "Oi, John! You hear about that weird sickness?" Yang Ping, my co-worker, asked through a mouthful of rice, his nose scrunching as he picked at a mole on his face.


    I barely spared him a glance. "Sickness? Do we get sick pay? No? Then I don''t care."


    "Ah, come on, man. This one''s serious! People are losing their minds¡ªattacking others in the streets! They say it spreads like crazy."''Yang Ping isn''t a bad guy, but the mole on the tip of his nose makes me want to grab it with scissors and slice it off.''


    My eyes rolled at this familiar scene. "Great. Another pandemic. Should I start stockpiling toilet paper?"


    Before Yang Ping could continue his rambling, the news broadcast blared from the cafeteria television.


    ¡ªBreaking News! Authorities urge citizens to remain indoors. Symptoms include fever, coughing, and extreme aggression¡ª


    My attention faded out as the voices mumbled about scientific things.


    I thought it might be another media scare¡ªjust like the flu pandemic scare a few years ago. Nothing to worry about, right?


    "Hey, John, you should really..."


    I couldn''t hear Yang Ping properly because the newscaster caught my attention, the way her tight blouse accentuated her bountiful assets.


    ''Forgive me, brother. But she has double Ds!''


    Unfortunately, before I could properly admire the view, the cafeteria grew cold.


    A heavy presence loomed over me.


    John looked up.


    Mu Qinglan.


    My boss. My Tyrant. My personal workplace nightmare.


    "Assistant Manager Wang," she said, voice clipped, arms folded. "Would you care to explain why you''ve been ignoring my messages for over thirty minutes?"


    ''What does she mean?''


    Shit.


    I instinctively reached for my beeper¡ªonly to find nothing.


    ''Where the hell is it?!''


    A sinking feeling settled in my gut as he slowly looked up at her unreadable, ice-cold expression.


    I couldn''t hold back the looming feeling of terror. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mr Wang, follow me to my office, we need to discuss your future."


    Oh shit, it''s over.


    ¡ª


    The elevator ride to Mu Qinglan''s office felt like a death march.


    I became stiff, as if to hide my presence beside her, stifling. The scent of her expensive perfume did nothing to calm my nerves. Even though she was a tyrannical boss, nobody could deny her S-Tier beauty.


    Tall, slim waist, plump hips and long legs.


    Black hair cascaded over her shoulders, with a sleek pair of glasses resting on the bridge of her delicate nose.


    If only she smiled more, maybe she wouldn''t be known as the Ice Queen of the marketing department.


    Unfortunately, I would never see that smile again.


    "Assistant Manager Wang, do you know what happens when a client loses millions in profit because of your incompetence?"


    Ah, here it is. I exhaled slowly. I knew where this was going.


    It''s not my fault the product failed," I said with a steady and calm voice. "I told them before we launched the marketing campaign that it would flop. They ignored me."


    For a moment, Mu Qinglan''s brow twitched.


    Maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªshe agreed with me.


    Before I could find out, the elevator doors slid open, revealing a group of employees standing outside, ready to kiss her behind.


    They looked at us with curiosity before immediately starting to whisper.


    "Ah, it''s this idiot again. He''s going to get fired, isn''t he?"


    "Hehe, I heard he lost the company millions."


    "What a loser."


    I clenched my teeth, biting down, curling my fingers into a fist.


    Before I became overwhelmed with anger, Mu Qinglan spoke out.


    "Enough."


    The air became sharp, slicing through the murmurs like a blade.


    "Get back to work," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I don''t pay you to gossip."


    The crowd scattered like scared mice, leaving Me staring at Mu Qinglan, shocked.


    ''Did... she just defend me?''


    I lacked the time to process everything. She was already walking ahead, with heels clicking against the marble floor.


    "Come along, Assistant Manager Wang. We need to discuss your future."


    Inside her office, Mu Qinglan sighed.


    A long, exhausted sigh.


    I had seen her angry, frustrated and even sarcastic. But this? This was new.


    "As I was saying," she continued, leaning back in her chair. "Regardless of whether you were right, the company has decided to terminate your contract." Her fingers flicked a pen between the gaps as if struggling to calm down.


    Well, I expected as much...


    But hearing it to my face still felt like a punch to my gut.


    I swallowed. "No severance?"


    "No references either," she added.


    Ah.


    So they were screwing me over completely.


    I clenched my fists under the desk, frustration boiling beneath my skin.


    All these years of hard work, of grinding away at this company despite knowing it was soul-sucking garbage¡ªall gone.


    And for what?


    Because Gu Tianhao, Mu Qinglan''s fianc¨¦, decided I was getting too close to her?


    That petty bastard.


    I forced a breath through his nose. "I see."


    Mu Qinglan tapped her fingers against her desk. Then, after a long pause, she said, "I''ve spoken to some contacts in other companies. They might consider hiring you."


    I blinked, astonished. "Wait, what?"


    She shrugged. "I can''t promise anything, but... send me your resume. I''ll forward it."


    For the first time in forever, I became speechless.


    Was this pity? Was she secretly a good person?


    Or was it just guilt?


    Either way, I wasn''t about to look a gift horse in the mouth.


    "Thank you," I said quietly.


    Mu Qinglan exhaled, rubbing her temples. "Don''t make me regret it."


    Then, in a move that almost gave me a heart attack, she grabbed my phone from the table and started tapping on the keypad. "You should change your pin... four zeros how... so foolish." Then handed it back to me.


    I looked down and saw the new contact added notification.


    [Mu Qinglan]


    She gave me her number... what a miracle!


    "Don''t overthink it," she muttered, already turning away. "Now, get out of my office."


    However... I couldn''t help but notice her slightly red cheeks.


    Dazed and confused about the sudden events, I left the office without another word.


    By the time I stepped outside of the office and the reality of being fire set in, the world had already started falling apart.


    As if to make my suffering look pathetic.


    Sirens. Screams. Chaos.


    And then¡ª


    The first government alert hit his phone.


    "Confirmed: mass infection turning violent. Authorities are unable to contain the outbreak. It''s spreading faster than predicted."


    I stared at the message, unblinking.


    Then looked up.


    People were running.


    Not away from something.


    But someone.


    A man covered in blood, his eyes milky white, charging at full speed.


    My stomach dropped.


    ''No way. This is a joke, right?''


    The first screams split the air.


    Then the first bite.


    I... John Wang witnessed it all.


    A familiar premise. A common trope.


    But this time¡ª


    It was real.

 Chapter 2: Please Help Me...

    Chapter 2 - Please Help Me...A figure lurched toward me with outstretched hands.


    Unsettling bloodshot eyes lingered in my mind, along with a sickly complexion and unnatural movement.


    The world as I knew it was collapsing.


    What was once a simple infection had become a nightmare.


    I stumbled back, trying to escape, with my heart pounding. No superpowers or sudden awakening appeared. Just me, a regular unemployed guy.


    "Shit! Get away from me!"


    The freak snarled after missing, before lunging again, crashing into the wall with a disgusting crunch. I didn''t wait. No, I couldn''t! I dashed towards the glass doors. A symbol of protection and safety.


    Thud!


    An agonising pain like touching a burning flame shot through my hands after I slammed the window several times.


    What a cruel joke.


    The door clicked shut, locking me out.


    "Let me in for fucks sake! You fuckers!" I pounded the glass, ignoring the stinging sensation of torn skin and dripping blood.


    I could see them inside. Terrified eyes watched me from safety, doing nothing.


    Not one of them moved.


    And then I heard a damning sound¡ªclick!


    I turned just in time to see an old friend... someone I had just spoken with in the canteen Yang Ping pressed the shutter switch with tears running down his face.


    "No... NO! You can''t do this to me!"


    The steel barrier slid down, sealing me out.


    And the words that fool kept repeating like a broken toy made my blood boil.


    ''You''re sorry?''


    There was no leeway for me to accept his apology, nor did I have the time to care anymore.


    "Damn it! We''re both human!"


    My voice cracked. The words felt hollow, even to me. Because deep down, there wasn''t any doubt I would have done the same.


    The same zombie appeared like an old friend and reunions, trying to remind me of how amazing their business is and to buy something from them.


    It snarled with a broken nose, crushed when it hit the wall, clawing forward and almost slicing my chest. I lashed out with all my strength, rage and anger. The blow felt heavy, and a sickening crack followed.


    Scared more would come¡ªI turned and started running.


    Yes, I ran.


    Like a child seeking his mother. Screaming. Wailing.


    I wanted this to be a dream¡ªthe city''s screams echoed back, following me with shouts, crashing noises and the wails of the dying. I whispered Forgive me. I cannot save you! To keep myself sane for each child or mother I saw and ignored.


    Shockingly, Looters were already smashing car windows, trying to escape only to be pulled from the glass and torn apart.


    "This isn''t a damn movie...!"


    My breath hitched. My lungs burned. My legs felt like lead, but I kept pushing forward.


    Survival.


    That was my focus. Get home, prepare myself and lock the doors.


    My apartment wasn''t too far, just a little more, and I could seal the first floor and hide, preparing myself for what might happen. Though I was afraid now, if the army came or we somehow gained power, then maybe...


    I deluded myself.


    The park was up ahead¡ªa shortcut.


    I sprinted across the grass, feeling like this might be a record pace for me, with my heart hammering in my ears. But I reached home! Nothing could stop me... Until something moved, and I barely had time to react before it stumbled towards me.


    Not just any shape or thing.


    "Mary?"


    The woman I used to buy fruit from. She gave me free apples or potatoes when I was low on money. Yet now, her vacant eyes glimpsed at me like prey, locked onto me and refusing to let me escape.


    "SHIT!"


    She staggered towards me. I couldn''t avoid her well and tripped over, falling onto some old boxes and rusted tools, the pavement scraping my back.


    Cold sweat trickled down my spine as I grasped at thin air, desperate for anything¡ªanything to fight back and survive.


    My fingers wrapped around something solid.


    Cold.


    Hard.


    It was a crowbar.


    I didn''t hesitate and swung.


    Crunch!


    She kept moving.


    I swung again.


    Crunch.


    Again.


    And again.


    Until only silence remained.


    A wet, sticky sensation splashed over my fingertips. Mary''s blood¡ªthe blood of the woman I just dealt with.


    Unable to accept reality, my vision became blurry.


    I dropped the wrench and almost fell. The world started to spin¡ªguilt, fear, and dread merged into one as my stomach lurched.


    Unable to hold back the urge, I vomited don''t he spot. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hrrk..."


    My breathing ragged and raspy as I wiped my mouth, staring at the lifeless body with a mangled face.


    "I... I just killed someone."


    No.


    After a moment of logical thought, my brain kicked in.


    Not someone.


    Something.


    Groans echoed in the distance, and I knew it signalled more of them, thousands, millions and eventually billions.


    Forcing myself to move, I climbed the old warehouse steps with blurred vision. My limbs felt numb, and even the burning pain in my hands faded. I barely made it inside the small garage before collapsing against a crate.


    My whole body trembled as if I were in a frozen wasteland.


    Then¡ª


    A whisper.


    A voice that sounded soft and reassuring.


    At first, I thought it might be a dream, the distant sound like a radio signal barely coming through.


    Then, words formed in my mind... and I realised it wasn''t a human language.


    [You Have Been Chosen.]


    [There is a path to survival. But you cannot walk it alone.]


    [You are the only hope.]


    I blinked, slowly recovering from my mental break.


    A blue square hovered in my vision, glitching like a half-loaded internet image... not an old 90s style role-playing game on the SNAS or Superdrive.


    My pulse spike.


    A system? No, no, no, this is insane!


    While focused on the screen, something moved in the corner of my eyes. I turned sharply with a tense body, grasping for the wrench.


    Then I noticed it was different, although she limped on one leg and staggered into the warehouse.


    She wasn''t undead.


    She was alive.


    Long black hair, a tight blazer, a pencil skirt barely clinging to her torn stockings. A baseball bat dangled from her trembling fingers.


    Blood smeared her pale skin. Her pink lips had turned pale blue.


    Mu Qinglan.


    I knew her.


    The untouchable ice queen of the office. The woman who never spoke to anyone unless necessary.


    Her eyes locked onto mine.


    "I need your help."


    The moment she spoke, something inside me snapped.


    A surge of electricity jolted through my brain. Followed by a burning sensation spread across my skin.


    And then¡ªmore text.


    [Recruitment Available.]


    [Subject: Mu Qinglan (S-Tier)]


    [Press to Confirm.]


    A glowing button floated before me.


    I hesitated.


    Then, slowly, I reached out.


    [Recruitment Complete.]


    ¨‹ Mu Qinglan''s attributes are now visible.


    + 100 Experience.


    + Leadership: Level 1


    + Random Skill from Mu Qinglan


    [Rank Up!]


    ¨‹ Rank: Loser ¡ú Partner


    + Attributes Increased | Subject Cap: 2


    A burning heat surged through my body, filling my muscles and veins like molten iron. I curled my fingers in agony, digging them into my palms while trying to endure the moment of extreme pain.


    Mu Qinglan stepped towards me, almost falling as she held her abdomen with furrowed brows.


    "What''s wrong?"


    And then¡ªher name and stats appeared above her head.


    Her level. Her condition.


    And an affection meter.


    I swallowed hard.


    "This... just became a game."

 Chapter 3: Even While dying she’s a beauty!

    Chapter 3 - Even While dying she''s a beauty!The ice queen of our office.


    Both my worst enemy and greatest benefactor.


    If Mu Qinglan hadn''t accepted my job application, I might have fallen into depression¡ªbecome a NEET out of despair. Before I entered the company, those were the worst moments of my life.


    Though her fianc¨¦ caused me to suffer and hate myself...


    ''Could I leave her to die like this?''


    A glowing bar flickered in my vision, displaying her current state.


    Despite her face being a little pale, she still looked like the Mu Qinglan I knew¡ªsharp, untouchable, and perfect.


    But that was a lie.


    She was dying.


    And I could see it.


    Until now, I had barely processed the strange screens appearing before my eyes. But now, it had fully translated into something I could understand.


    A pale blue interface with crisp, clean text.


    [STATUS]Name: Mu QinglanRole: ¡ª¡ªAffection: 62/500 (Recruitable)Health: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ð¡ð] 60%(Injured, Infected)Morale: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ð¡ð¡ð] 40%(Breaking)


    Strength | 0.7Physique | 1.2Agility | 1.1Spirit | 1.5


    [SKILLS]Leadership [Level 4]Risk Management [Level 3]Charisma [Level 4]Business Management [Level 4]Fitness & Nutrition [Level 4]Self-Defence [Level 3]Driving [Level 3]


    ¨‹ Recent Actions? ¡ª¡ª


    None of this mattered¡ªexcept for the words hovering beside her health bar.


    My stomach churned.


    ''Infected.''


    This beautiful woman...


    My secret crush.


    Mu Qinglan is going to turn into one of them.


    Biting my teeth so hard my ears started to ring, unable to breathe properly because of self-induced anger.


    "Mu Qinglan...?"


    She groggily snapped her head up.


    "W-What''s wrong, Mr.Wang?"


    Her voice wavered slightly¡ªbut I caught it.


    She clutched her side in pain while leaning against a wall with ragged breaths. Trembling with each movement or word. Beads of sweat dripped down her face and mixed with the blood on her cheeks.


    How long until she turns?


    Does a cure exist?


    Can I survive in this hellhole alone?


    [The system detects the user''s mental state declining rapidly]


    [Analysing current state: 0%... 5%... 20%...]


    The blue screen kept showing random images and words, all telling me what I could already understand and feel.


    I swallowed the rising panic, but my mouth felt dry as if I had wrapped my tongue in cotton.


    "Uh, I..."


    What the hell was I supposed to say?


    That she was infected? That she was going to die?


    That the world just went to complete shit, and I somehow had a game interface floating in my vision?!


    SMACK!


    A sharp sting exploded across my cheek.


    I staggered back.


    "Huh...?"


    Mu Qinglan''s palm lowered, her fingers trembling slightly before she parted her lips.


    "Calm down, Mr. Wang."


    I blinked.


    She slapped me.


    She actually slapped me.


    My skin burned from the impact, the sharp pain bringing clarity.


    "Ugh... Don''t hit me."


    "Forgive me."


    She looked up at me while rubbing her wrist. "You looked like you were about to faint."


    The situation felt so absurd that I began to laugh, unable to stifle the low chuckle¡ªit grew into an almost maddening fit of laughter.


    A zombie apocalypse, and my boss''s response to my panic attack was violence.


    Yet I found her nervous face when I scolded her cute.


    Classic.


    I forced a smirk.


    "Who would panic when they have a beauty with them?"


    Mu Qinglan arched her thin brows. "Beauty? Are you talking about me?"


    I scoffed. "Obviously."


    But Qinglan seemed oblivious and just gazed back at me.


    Her cheeks reddened a little when I nodded, which seemed to embarrass her further as she turned away and averted her gaze.


    But there was no time to waste on that.


    I leaned against the cold warehouse wall and thought about the situation and how to move forward.


    Getting to my apartment alone wouldn''t be difficult. But...


    I looked at Mu Qinglan again.


    Her health bar had dropped.


    Two orbs.


    Not good.


    [Analysis complete!]


    [Tutorial Mode Activated!]


    The system''s pop-ups were becoming more frequent. A little annoying, but this one seemed useful.


    But it didn''t matter.


    Because Mu Qinglan was bleeding. A dark, wet stain spread across her blazer. And now her skin looked too pale.


    "Forget it." I exhaled sharply.


    "Would you like to come to my apartment? At least we can figure out a plan."


    She stiffened.


    Qinglan seemed to understand her current state, and with her eyes becoming more bloodshot, I knew this could be a foolish action.


    Her fingers trembled before she exhaled and looked at me with an odd look.


    "...That sounds good."


    But the moment she moved, a pained gasp left her lips.


    Her knees buckled.


    I lunged forward, catching her waist.


    Soft.


    Warm.


    She winced, her breath ragged.


    "Hnnng... It hurts..."


    "Endure it," I said, lifting her slightly.


    Her weight pressed against me, her heat seeping through my shirt.


    She wasn''t heavy, but the feverish warmth rolling off her skin was alarming; this couldn''t be a normal temperature.


    Her breath hitched, sweat dripping from her temple.


    I felt her fingers curl weakly against my back.


    Mu Qinglan was strong.


    She wasn''t the type to show weakness.


    But now?


    She could barely stand.


    I needed to get her inside¡ªfast.


    We staggered toward the door.


    Then¡ªsomething changed as her fingers dug into my back.


    Hard.


    Painful.


    "Ngh... damn it."


    "Mr. Wang..."


    Her voice was passionate, sultry and wrong... this wasn''t the Mu Qinglan I knew!


    My heart palpitated the moment her grip tightened.


    A hot breath fanned my neck as she faintly touched me with her hot, juicy lips.


    Dripping with saliva.


    I turned my head¡ªand froze.


    She parted her lips slowly.


    Drool glistened on her teeth and her pupils shrank to thin slits as a red glow flickered in her irises.


    She was going to bite me.


    BANG!


    Desperate. I slammed Mu Qinglan into the wall twice, and a stifled gasp escaped her lips.


    Her health dropped again.


    One orb left. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She was about to turn.


    "Hngh... Thirsty... Hungry..."


    Her breaths became sensual and short.


    She lunged.


    [Warning! Your follower is infected!]


    [Spend 1000 ZKP to cure the infection?]


    "YES!"


    [Error! You are broke.]


    FUCK YOU.


    [Tutorial Hint: Purchase imperfect cure for 100 ZKP?]


    YES, DAMN IT!


    A syringe flashed into my hand.


    "Mu Qinglan¡ªforgive me."


    She snapped forward with a vicious bite.


    I jabbed the needle into her neck.


    Her jaws clamped shut¡ª


    ¡ªmillimetres from my throat.


    Then¡ª


    She slumped.


    Her weight collapsed against me, her ragged breaths warming my skin.


    A weak, trembling whisper left her lips.


    "John..."


    I shuddered.


    Well...


    This was way too close.

 Chapter 4: Living Dead, but Still a Beauty!

    Chapter 4 - Living Dead, but Still a Beauty!A smashed window.


    The sound of breaking glass cut through the hallway like a gunshot.


    My breath hitched.


    ''Why did I have to jinx myself?''


    I didn''t have time to panic, but my body betrayed me¡ªmy hands trembled as I drove the last dregs of the imperfect cure into Mu Qinglan''s neck.


    The warmth of her breath tickled the back of my neck, and it felt pleasant and hot. However, the reality that if she bit any harder, I might have died weighed on my mind.


    I swallowed my saliva to try and wet my dry throat.


    The hammering beat of my heart mercilessly slammed against my ribcage.


    Then¡ª


    Crk!


    A brittle crunch echoed behind me.


    Something shifted across the shattered glass, the tiny shards scraping like fractured ice beneath its weight.


    Cold sweat beaded at my temple.


    The sound caused my body to freeze, ignoring my mind completely.


    I pushed against Mu Qinglan, trying to break free from her grip. My hands sank into her curves, her soft, feminine warmth pressing against me. In any other situation, this would''ve been heaven.


    Right now?


    A nightmare.


    She grabbed me tight with hands like iron shackles. I couldn''t move.


    "Hnnng..."


    A soft, needy moan escaped her lips.


    Then¡ªwarmth brushed my neck.


    First, just a breath. Then... her tongue flicked across my skin.


    My eyes widened at the pleasurable sensation.


    ''Huh? What the¡ª?''


    At first, it was just a weird, ticklish sensation.


    Then a tingling warmth spread across my neck, almost pleasant in a way.


    But then her teeth sank into my flesh.


    The dull pressure grew sharper, a cold shiver running down my spine.


    Then she bit down harder.


    Pain lanced through my neck.


    A sharp, burning sting¡ªlike needles digging into flesh.


    "M-Mu Qinglan?! Stop!"


    She groaned with a deeper and more violent tone as her hot breath licked my skin.


    Qinglan''s grip tightened, her breathing excited.


    "Hungry..." she whispered.


    Her voice¡ªthat sultry, breathless tone which made my brain short-circuit.


    I felt it again¡ªher tongue sliding across my skin, as if tasting me, letting out a warm snort from her nose as she did.


    ''Damn it¡ªwhy does it feel so good?!''


    ''Focus, you idiot!''


    She was going to eat me alive, and her I was getting hard!


    I thrashed against her hold, my fingers digging into her waist as I tried to pry her off.


    She didn''t budge.


    The soft, supple flesh beneath my fingers didn''t match the terrifying strength holding me in place.


    Her body trembled.


    Then¡ªshe bit down again.


    Harder.


    "QINGLAN, STOP IT!" I bellowed, voice raw with pain.


    My vision flashed white.


    The sharp, tearing agony lit my nerves on fire.


    Was this how I died?


    [Vaccination Complete.]


    [Mu Qinglan gained the Role: Living Dead.]


    My breath came in rough, shallow gasps.


    Did I fail?


    Did I just... create a zombie boss instead of saving her?!


    My hands tightened around her hips as a bitter frustration swelled in my chest.


    ''What chance did I have alone?''


    ''Could I survive this hellish world without someone like Mu Qinglan?''


    ''What if the entire world was already gone...?''


    Then¡ªthe pain vanished.


    The pressure against my neck eased.


    Mu Qinglan''s fingers, once digging into my back like claws, slowly went limp, stroking my neck... a gentle caress that made me shudder.


    A heavy silence stretched between us.


    I swallowed hard before mustering up the courage and flicking my eyes toward her half-lidded gaze.


    Her swollen lips glistened, parted slightly. A thin string of drool mixed with blood trailed from her mouth.


    ''Shit, she really did bite me...''


    ''...But why does she look so erotic right now?''


    Mu Qingland seemed to be waking from a long dream.


    "Nn..."


    A low hum escaped her soft lips as she lifted her gaze to face mine, fluttering her long lashes with a curious look.


    "J-John...?"


    She slurred her words as if drunk.


    Then her gaze appeared as if lost in a dream, but why did she call my given name?


    Mu Qinglan''s eyes then snapped open, and she shook her head, seeming to have realised what she did and said with a deep red colour on her cheeks.


    My stomach clenched, hoping this was all over.


    Her voice sounded normal.


    Not guttural. Not monstrous.


    Just... Mu Qinglan.


    Relief hit me like a tidal wave, but before I could react¡ª


    ¡ªCrack.


    The sound of crushed glass echoed, and of course, the guttural moan that I was thinking of slithered through the air from behind us.


    I turned.


    A rotting corpse dragged across the floor and focused its empty gaze on me.


    The crawling zombie ignored Mu Qinglan entirely.


    ''What''s going on?!''


    [Tutorial Help: Mu Qinglan is Living Dead. Zombies don''t eat corpses!]


    ''Wait, WHAT?!''


    I risked my life to save her, and she gets a god-tier immunity buff?!


    Meanwhile, I was still one bite away from game over.


    [Tutorial Help: A Ruler grows stronger through the actions of his followers!]


    ''So I don''t get stronger by myself?''


    [Tutorial Help: You do, but this is faster. So do your best!]


    The zombie dragged itself closer, its yellowed teeth clacking together as it swiped at my ankle.


    I stepped back, almost falling as I balanced Qinglan in my arms.


    Mu Qinglan tilted her head and watched the zombie with her strange gaze.


    "Hm. It''s quite slow, isn''t it?"


    "Mu Qinglan, HELP ME!"


    Her cold gaze flickered with amusement.


    "Why should I?"


    Somehow, she started flirting with me¡ªher giggle and laugh might have been something I wanted to see before the world ended. But, now I wanted her to help me!


    "BECAUSE LOOK WHAT YOU DID TO MY NECK!"


    Her eyes traced the visible bite mark on my skin. She let out a small huff before shifting her weight, letting her lips brush against the inflamed wound as she whispered something that I didn''t quite hear and dropped to the ground.


    The zombie lunged.


    I tensed, lifting my leg to kick it away¡ª


    Bang!


    Mu Qinglan''s foot smashed its head in mid-motion, sending it rolling across the floor with a sickening crack.


    I barely had time to react before¡ª


    ¡ªThud.


    A brick.


    A huge, twenty-kilogram building block came crashing down onto the zombie''s skull.


    Squelch!


    Bones crunched.


    And blood sprayed.


    The sickening wet pop of a skull imploding filled my ears.


    I barely held in my nausea.


    ¨‹ Mu Qinglan has killed a Stage 1 Zombie!


    + 5 ZBK


    + 10 EXP


    "We... won?"


    Mu Qinglan exhaled with a long breath, looking at me with a slight smirk while brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.


    "Mm. It seems so."


    Her voice seemed to return to the usual cold, detached tone, but there was a slight playfulness and warmth to it now.


    I could feel that she didn''t look at me the same. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She studied me, her blue eyes slightly narrowed.


    "...Can you explain now?"


    "Huh?"


    "I want answers."


    I stared at her disbelievingly.


    Did she really just crush a zombie''s skull with her bare hands and then demand answers like a CEO at a meeting?!


    [Mu Qinglan is struggling to accept what happened. Comfort her at your apartment!]


    ''This system... it''s really starting to feel like a dating sim mixed with a death game.''


    I sighed, dragging a hand through my dirty hair.


    "Let''s get somewhere safe first. I think we can block off the second floor."


    "...Fine."


    Mu Qinglan huffed and walked ahead of me.


    The moment she turned, my gaze instinctively dropped lower.


    My former boss¡ªnow a living dead¡ªstrode ahead, her movements elegant despite what she just did.


    Even in a zombie apocalypse...


    She was still a goddamn S-tier beauty.

 Chapter 5: The First Day Ends

    Chapter 5 - The First Day EndsThe apartment filled with a rumbling echo of steel snapping into place, likely attracting many of those freaks downstairs. I locked the barrier door, which had been built in the past when other nations threatened to invade us.


    ''A true relic of the past.''


    "Haa..."


    My lower back ached from the running and constant action of leaving work today as I leaned against the cold steel, and let my breathing recover.


    "What are you doing, Wang?"


    ''Honestly... I am tired physically and mentally, please give me a moment princess Qinglan!''


    Without knowledge of the situation, everything felt so strange¡ªlike the first day of college in another city, when you don''t know anybody on your course and your dorm mates seem to be absent the moment you arrive.


    The atmosphere might be perfect without the distant screams.


    ''But, when did they get so loud, anyway?''


    [Tutorial Hint: Your body has been improved, all senses and abilities have surpassed the average human!]


    I really wanted to take more time, but the piercing blue gaze beside me stopped any semblance of peace.


    ''At least she forgot about me feeling her up...''


    "Let''s head to my apartment and think about what to do from here..."


    "Ah... of course." Her voice became oddly soft when she gazed at my neck.


    Maybe even the ice queen can feel guilt for her actions.


    Though I don''t mind, the pleasure and memories I got from the exchange, including system things, making it completely worth it.


    "Does it hurt...?"


    "Huh?" I turned back to find her walking behind me. Her face was strangely emotionless, yet her fingers rubbed together. "Oh, the bite?"


    "Yeah, it looks bad."


    "Well..."


    Because of the system''s mechanisms, I didn''t intend to make her feel guilty. Should her affection become zero, she might leave my side and take the benefits.


    Thus, my policy became to make her feel comfortable without bowing down to her too much.


    ''There''s no need to become a little bitch and simp for her now that the world is ending.''


    "Don''t worry about it, I enjoyed the situation."


    "Eh?"


    Her voice hitched as she stopped following, but I continued walking until I arrived at my familiar red door, with the scratches and slight marks.


    "You pervert!"


    A cold voice sounded as I placed the key in the door.


    ''Well... it seems I pushed too far.''


    Click!


    The sound of my door opening and the jingling of keys helped my mind recover, but a slight throbbing pain remained from the stress that lingered. I turned to face my boss but noticed that Mu Qinglan''s face looked a little strange.


    ''Hmmm... so even an ice beauty can blush.''


    "I know it''s nothing special, but I keep it clean, and nothing embarrassing is lying around."


    "Embarrassing, what do you mean, but you''re right, it''s surprisingly clean."


    Mu Qinglan removed her shoes, before I closed the door, and locked the three bolts shut, one lock built in and two metal shafts that I welded myself.


    ''When I first moved in it was a dangerous area, Mu Qinglan''s company didn''t exist here yet.''


    I invited her into my modest living room, which had two large sofas that I luckily found in the nearby skip when a resident moved out. I paid $400 to have them both cleaned and refilled, and now the shiny L-shaped black leather seats in each corner look great.


    ''As if it could match her standards though...''


    "These are quite good, the cushioning is firm and the view... well, it might have been beautiful in the past."


    Mu Qinglan''s reactions made me feel strange.


    She didn''t seem shocked or terrified.


    Instead of reading business documents or arranging meetings, she started looking through my apartment and checking each room.


    ''Is this because of her being a living dead?''


    "It seems you shopped well, there''s a lot of fruit, vegetables and milk, not to mention the cupboard of dried noodles and MRE''s... why do you have so many things like that?"


    ''How to explain...''


    A year ago, I got hooked on an MRE MeTuber.


    He would try the ones from the USA and other countries, so I bought as many of the modern meals as he gave amusing taste reactions to. I didn''t realise just how filling one meal could be.


    ''Not to mention they are bland!''


    "It''s just a hobby, I guess? The food might be bland, but doesn''t it mean we will be okay for a while?"


    [System Hint: You can store items that might rot or go out of date in the System Inventory, which costs 1000 ZKP to purchase!]


    ''What''s ZKP?'' I asked the system as Mu Qinglan took a can of beer from my fridge, took off her blazer and name badge, before throwing herself onto the sofa, lay looking at the sky with a dazed look.


    ''She looks like a fallen angel...''


    [ZKP ¡ª Zombie Killer Points gained through killing zombies!]


    [Tutorial Hint: You and your subjects can earn those points to purchase things from the System Shop!]


    "Wow..."


    "Hmm?"


    Pshhh!


    Mu Qinglan grunted toward me as she opened the can with one hand. Bubbles and suds spewed from the top as she placed the cold can against her lips.


    ''Why does she make drinking look so hot...''


    Her throat bobbed as she gulped down half of the drink, then put it down on the side table without a coaster.


    ''I guess that doesn''t matter anymore...''


    She leaned back again and stared at the sky.


    "Thanks for saving my life, John." Mu Qinglan''s words shocked me.


    As she turned to look at me, she curled her lips into a crescent smile.


    The madder red sky shining across her face and blue eyes made her look almost ethereal. It might have been the first time I''d ever seen her smiling like that since we met several years ago. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''I never thought I would see her like this... It''s like she''s a different person.''


    I stood there blankly for a moment, grabbing the entire pack of six beers and stepping into the room with a sigh. I couldn''t forget Mu Qinglan''s fleeting look of peace, so I threw myself on the other sofa and watched the clouds in the sky.


    "Do you think the world is done for, Qinglan?"


    Somehow, I didn''t want to call her full name, but it was still offensive... and even though she glanced at me, she seemed to accept it.


    ''Well that''s good...''


    "If it is, what did I work so hard for?"


    A cloud travelled across the window, blocking out the sunlight and sending a ray of red light across my apartment.


    "I''m sure there will be survivors, but for now, we should focus on ourselves."


    "You''re right, maybe I''ve worked too hard today, it feels like forever since I woke up."


    Mu Qinglan looked at me, her eyes narrowing as she lifted her beer and chuckled, before downing the rest with a loud burp after she finished¡ªa different side of the perfect ice beauty I knew.


    ''Perhaps this is how she is dealing with the situation?''


    While my eyes traced across the system''s tutorial screens, I noticed her moving and shuffling, before a warmth leaned against my shoulder, and the scent of alcohol and Mu Qinglan''s perfume filled my nose.


    "..."


    "You smell nice... John."


    She didn''t speak after that and just stroked my arm with her cold fingertips.


    Silently, we watched the sun setting over the city and drank the beers as the moon emerged.


    Like this, the first day of the apocalypse ended.

 Chapter 6: Nightfall - The World Transformed

    Chapter 6 - Nightfall - The World Transformed"Hnng?"


    Suddenly, I was awoken from my long sleep by a cold weight pressing on my chest. I noticed Mu Qinglan''s softness pressing against me.


    ''Is she sleeping?''


    However, the moment I showed signs of movement, her red eyes shone in the darkness, eerie lights that focused on me. She silently peered without a single word.


    "..."


    "Qinglan?"


    "..."


    The woman I called intelligent and skilled tilted her head, confusing me before her hands stretched out, and my body shuddered on reflex when the memory of her biting my neck resurfaced.


    What if the cure failed? I thought in a daze.


    Her hands cupped my cheeks, squishing and caressing my flesh... a low groan escaped her throat, causing my spine to tingle. ''This isn''t a human!'' was the message I received from my instincts and mind.


    Yet... after opening my scrunched-up eyes. I noticed the difference.


    Mu Qinglan''s eyelashes fluttered as she leaned close.


    My breathing increased and became sharp as I endured the icy sensation of her fingers brushing against my cheeks.


    ''What''s happening?''


    I thought while enjoying the beer-scented breath blowing against my face.


    The fear gradually faded as we stared at each other in the darkness, car alarms and distant gunshots echoing through the once-busy nighttime in the city.


    A dull ache throbbed through my neck¡ªbecause her fingertips poked at my neck.


    "Nnn...."


    "What''s wrong Qinglan? Ugh..." My back ached after running and sleeping in such an awkward position.


    She continued to rub against my neck, causing a whisper in the back of my mind that I ignored for now. Instead, I placed my hope in the system.


    ''Come to think of it... what do her attributes look like as a zombie?''


    My eyes flicked across the system, quietly enjoying the current state of Mu Qinglan.


    She didn''t speak or complain, but I was only a man. I never claimed to be perfect or thought that my actions would be fair or legal in normal times.


    However, the world''s current situation and the sensation of an enchanting woman rubbing against me right after I woke up created a delightful yet strange situation.


    Her meaty thighs squeezed my little brother aggressively with her firm muscles, which made it difficult to stop myself from taking advantage.


    ''Sorry... but a lowly virgin cannot resist this S-Tier fighting power.''


    "Tsk..."


    I clicked my tongue after closing her attributes page.


    Thankfully, the system had an eye-tracking feature, which allowed me to open my profile despite being pinned down by Mu Qinglan.


    Then he noticed the glowing box beside my name at the top. When I focused on it... the gift box suddenly popped up with the sound of party poppers in my mind.


    ? You can choose 1 of Mu Qinglan''s special skills


    ''Hmm... the most appealing...'' sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "S-Stop that..."


    Mu Qinglan''s silky lips, covered in drool pressed, touched my neck. Her teeth sinking gently into my throat distracted me for a moment before I browsed her skills. In truth, it scared me at how calmly I could act... despite a zombie chewing on my neck.


    ''This wasn''t because of the heavenly sensation down below!''


    I closed my eyes and chose the most useful skill for me right now, which lacked knowledge and the ability to protect myself. Because even though I spent so many years studying and training, there weren''t any skills listed.


    ''Let''s go with...''


    ? You have gained Mu Qinglan''s Self-Defence & Agility Skill!


    Immediately afterwards, my back... thighs... chest... abdomen and arms started to cramp and tighten at rapid intervals, causing me to suddenly cry out... the force and movement seemed to spook Qinglan... as she bit me¡ªwith her full force!


    "Nnngh!?"


    A mixed sensation overwhelmed me... like molten lava being poured into my limbs and muscles before the painful, sharp agony from her bite caused me to convulse the moment the cramp and tension faded.


    "Argh... S-Stop..." I tried to lift my arms, heavy like lead and push her off me... but my fingers just threaded through her silky black hair, sliding down her back... ''Damn it!''


    Her teeth sank further as I gasped for air while suffocating, drowning as the oxygen failed to reach my organs... my vision became blurry, and I clawed at Qinglan''s body... in a desperate attempt for survival.


    ''Stop...''


    The pain surpassed my limits as I called out. "Stop it, Mu Qinglan!"


    "???"


    The pain of my muscles cramping subsided¡ªbut the most important thing was that Mu Qinglan, who stared at me in silence, tilted her head.


    A living dead.


    Her glossy lips were painted crimson with my blood, yet even that carried an eerie beauty as she remained still... her shallow breathing the only sign that she lived.


    ¡ª


    [STATUS]


    Title: ¡ª¡ª


    Rank: Partner [1/2]


    ¨N S-Tier: Mu Qinglan [85/500]


    Name: John Wang


    Role: ¡ª¡ª


    Health: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ð] 80% (Bloody Neck, Tender)


    Morale: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ð¡ð] 60% (Horny, Worried)


    [Attributes]


    Strength | 1.5


    Physique | 1.8


    Agility | 1.8


    Spirit | 1.5


    [Skills]


    [Leadership: Level 1]


    [Self-Defence & Agility: Level 1] (+0.3 Agility and Physique)


    [Currency]


    Zombie Killing Points [ZKP]: 5


    Experience: 10


    ¡ª


    ''Wait... blood? Did I get infected by her?''


    [Tutorial Hint: Do not worry¡ªanyone under your control cannot infect you.]


    [Additional Hint: Mu Qinglan isn''t a zombie, but a kind of hybrid closer to a living human!]


    After the two sudden messages faded, a series of texts appeared showing the details of Mu Qinglan''s new race.


    [Living Dead]


    Someone who has touched the other side, thanks to taking the incomplete cure, has successfully avoided death and evolved with a 25% chance of failure.


    Immune to all other diseases and venom, these creatures have a unique trait.


    While in the sunlight, they are filled with energy, becoming enhanced versions of their previous self with less fear and more room for growth.


    However, in the darkness... their ''Dead'' trait becomes active.


    The person becomes a skilled hunter, able to see in the dark. Their senses are enhanced even further as they become docile and more instinctive. During their night phase, they might become a little submissive and follow basic orders.


    But the more they evolve, the more intelligent their Night phase becomes.


    A Living Dead only needs to eat minimal human food and survive mainly on the first blood type they taste. However, they do not eat flesh like a typical zombie and seem to share more in common with the fantasy vampire.


    Warning: May attack humans if provoked or starving.


    ¡ª¡ª


    ''I see...''


    My gaze slipped from the information panels.


    I observed Mu Qinglan, who remained still¡ªher eyes slowly blinking at me as if waiting.


    ''Isn''t this unfair to Qinglan... what if someone orders her to do something that would make her want to die or disgrace her?''


    The issue I faced was that...


    I didn''t trust myself to resist this kind of action. How could I deal with an apocalypse and remain the same kind and chivalrous gentleman I was before, even with the system doing something to my fear and terror levels?


    To my mental questions and worries, the gentle voice sounded again.


    ''Huh, gentle... wasn''t it mechanical before?''


    [Tutorial Message: The Living Dead remains sentient in their Night mode and cannot do anything they wouldn''t be willing to in their Day Cycle.]


    [Additional Message: Mu Qinglan can only accept orders from John Wang!]


    "I see... Qinglan, since you don''t attract the undead, will you do something for me tonight?"


    My gut wrenched, but only she could do this...


    Her eyes shone with a red light, and the movement of her pupils examined my face for a few seconds before she nodded.


    ''It seems the world has transformed...''


    I didn''t hesitate to send this woman to hunt for my benefit...


    As I felt this twang of guilt, a cold hand grabbed my hand as Mu Qinglan nodded.


    "O...K..."


    She made a sound¡ªlike a low groan¡ªbefore stepping towards the window and flipping the lower switch. In the darkness illuminated by the Ardent moonlight...


    Mu Qinglan looked like an Angel of Death.

 Chapter 7: Prowling the Night

    Chapter 7 - Prowling the Night? Mu Qinglan POV


    Clack!


    John helped me climb out the window as I hopped down onto the wooden ledge facing the city and shopping district.


    "Be careful, don''t get yourself hurt... promiseme, Qinglan."


    "..."


    My throat wouldn''t move like I wanted, but I lifted the metal baseball bat in my hand, hoping that he understood me.


    John closed the window behind me.


    His presence somehow comforted me, and although I knew it wasn''t normal, somewhere deep inside me, I welcomed the comfort his presence offered.


    ''He asked me to venture into the city and find some supplies, and practise killing zombies...''


    A strange request, or at least my mind thought so at first... yet strangely, I didn''t feel the same gripping fear and terror that almost claimed my life. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''That''s right, John might have lacked education, but he worked harder than anyone else... He didn''t complain when I asked him to stay late.'' Those long days and nights must have ruined his private life... otherwise he wouldn''t have been so hard dealing with an old woman like me.


    ''It was big... and hot... but somehow I didn''t mind him feeling that way.''


    My foot stepped off the window ledge, hopping across the wooden boards that linked the small garage where I had met John earlier.


    Thud!


    The cheap steel rattled and dented under my feet as I rolled forward to reduce the stress on my joints.


    ''Hmmm...''


    ''Today was the worst day of my life...''


    As I pulled myself from the crouched position and stepped across the roof, I realised that John''s words were true.


    After they shambled closer, hearing the noise, none of the roaming zombies paid much attention to me. But strangely, I didn''t feel any disgust towards them either¡ªnot even the ones with missing limbs or guts hanging out.


    ''Let''s see, John seems to need food, and he told me I will also need small amounts.''


    Rustle


    The massive rucksack on my back smelt a little musty, but the faint scent of John''s body helped calm me¡ªit also had another effect, but I won''t focus on that.


    "Mmm..."


    I tried to speak, but all that came out was a rather erotic moan.


    Unlike the other zombies, I seem to be an existence called Living Dead. I couldn''t tell John, but since he injected me with that serum, I could see a strange panel in the corner of my eyes.


    The information on it revealed all my skills, weight, and height, and it claimed I became John''s follower or subject.


    ''Not that I mind...''


    ''He seems to have become something special. It''s like those novels I used to read before my father died, and I had to take the reins of the company.''


    My legs tapped the ground as I jumped off the roof and fell to the ground.


    The moment I was airborne, a sense of glee filled my body. A strange feeling overwhelmed me as my stomach fluttered and felt like it lifted off the ground.


    Clack!


    I landed with a lot of noise, the zombies around me swaying and groaning as they looked at me, before turning away, likely bored. I wonder how the old me would have reacted. A woman who couldn''t reject an engagement to an annoying playboy, because of the company and my father''s wishes.


    Somehow, I felt something boiling inside me.


    My arms trembled as I started grinding my teeth.


    This uncontrollable heat couldn''t be simply anger¡ªit was surely rage¡ªa seething rage!


    The surrounding view turned red¡ªthe figures of those undead fuckers. How could they do this to me, Mu Qinglan! I did everything to help the company grow, bowed before grandfather and obeyed his every order.


    Crunch!


    A comfortable sensation travelled along my arm, the tingling sensation almost like when I rubbed myself against John before he woke up.


    ''Ah, I can''t stop myself!''


    Once again, I flicked my wrist, the metal bat cutting through the air as it smashed into another man''s face.


    Thud!


    Thud!


    I became like a crazy bitch. My bat swinging with reckless abandon as if I wanted to aim to be a professional. The crunch of their bones... the squish of their meat.


    All of it made me want to scream in delight.


    ''Have I become a pervert?''


    Thud!


    Maybe I knew them in the past, but I didn''t care... I swung my bat, crushing, mincing and beating the fire burning in my stomach, turned from rage, to pure bliss, if this is what it feels like to kill, why does everyone say it''s wrong?


    "More~ I want more."


    ''Was that my voice?''


    I asked, a little confused about how strange and sensual it sounded. My abdomen still burned, but the heat was no longer unpleasant. But why¡ªwhy does John''s face come to mind?


    While confused, the vision before me showed a small elderly lady with her head caved in.


    ''I did this?''


    When my mind became clear, I found myself kneeling in a circle of corpses, my bat dripping with blood, a soaking wet crotch and a familiar tingling afterglow.


    ''I see...''


    However, as I recovered from my massacre-induced climax, a strange white mist from the corpses penetrated my flesh, seeping into my organs and warmed my aching muscles. I instinctively knew. This mist would improve my strength.


    ''I should tell John, when we meet.''


    In the dark city, filled with silent death.


    I roamed the streets, my body now covered in the mixed scent of blood, sweat, and love juices. Hopefully, I won''t lose control like this for too long.


    ''While conflicted I found a small convenience store with the door opened.''


    At first, I thought there might be nothing left.


    At least, until I saw two zombies lingering at the counter.


    The pair gazed at me with their glassy, pale eyes. I used to buy my morning coffee from this couple before I became a CEO. Yet why couldn''t I muster any semblance of sorrow?


    One day, even these memories would fade along with any traces of my humanity, guilt, or sadness.


    To ignore the strange situation, I pretended to be shopping alone.


    ''I want to return to John...''

 Chapter 8: Survivors?

    Chapter 8 - Survivors?Mu Qinglan jumped off the roof because I had sent her to search for supplies. The moment she faded from my sight, the rain started falling with a pitter-patter, and the darkness swallowed the moonlight.


    ''Should I have gone with her?''


    Those thoughts echoed in my mind. Just because Mu Qinglan wasn''t human didn''t mean she wouldn''t suffer or be in danger.


    The world wasn''t friendly before zombies existed.


    ''Has that changed?''


    ''Would people still be the same?''


    Co-workers, friends, family.


    I didn''t have the confidence to state that they wouldn''t change.


    "No..."


    Questioning myself was a fool''s errand.


    So, I started looking through the drawers for items that might help me. I found bandages and bottles of whiskey and vodka, though I wanted to drink.


    Their usage when suffering wounds and injuries might come in handy.


    Maybe I could barter in the future.


    However, to do that, I would need to survive and meet more people, which would bring my feelings full circle.


    "What''s in here... oh? A knife!"


    I went through an embarrassing phase of collecting knives and swords from anime and other media, though it seemed useless. Thankfully, the actual craftsmanship of this hunting dagger was good.


    ''Hm?''


    A sound suddenly played in my mind.


    [Mu Qinglan has killed a Stage 1 Zombie!]


    + 5 ZBK


    + 10 EXP


    Then, the sound repeated once, twice, and three times.


    By the time it reached ten, I was irritated and tapped the mute button.


    "I should have a whetstone somewhere... ah, here!"


    While using the portable whetstone to sharpen the blade, I started sorting the items and placing important items that might go bad or rot in my inventory.


    However, when I checked, a Rank 2 could only store up to 20 items.


    ''Food can be stacked up to five times... bottles of water twice.''


    Two hours passed while I prepared, but Mu Qinglan showed no sign of returning, which made me nervous.


    The clock showed a glowing blue at 04:34 a.m.


    "Well, since I''ve collected anything useful, and made space what else can I do... maybe check the internet?"


    Shiing!


    A spark of silver flew from the whetstone, the blade of my knife now sharp enough to be classified as an illegal weapon if bought online. The weight of this large hunting blade felt comfortable, maybe because the system improved my body.


    In the past, it was a little too heavy for normal use.


    Click!


    I placed the hunting knife in its sheath and fastened it to my belt.


    ''This knife was probably the best $450 I ever spent!''


    Tap!


    Tap!


    Tap!


    Dah!


    "Haa... Haa... Haa..."


    My right fist smashed into my punching bag.


    It swayed with the chains jingling, with a deep indentation from the blow''s explosive force.


    I flicked off my gloves and grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat from my brow.


    ''I''m stronger, faster and my stamina is much better.''


    Thanks to Mu Qinglan''s [Self-Defence] detailed knowledge of basic boxing stances and form, even the shape and snap of my jabs and hooks became refined.


    "HELP~~~!"


    A scream echoed from the open window, causing me to frown.


    The voice didn''t sound familiar¡ªrather, my hearing picked it up from the distance.


    ''Who the fuck is causing so much noise?''


    Filled with curiosity, I stepped to the window and gazed outside.


    "Oh god, they''re so dead."


    I saw a group of five people rushing across the road, escaping from a small group of zombies. The situation seemed manageable, with two men holding iron bars and a woman in a police outfit using cool martial arts weapons for self-defence.


    ''Was it a tonfa?''


    However, because one of the other women screamed after she fell, the horde started to grow with zombies from different directions.


    ''Do I have a reason to save them... Otherwise, let''s leave them to die.''


    "Hurry! Towards that building!"


    The short female officer''s wavy brown hair swayed in the rain as she gazed around and noticed a place to escape.


    But the building she pointed to was mine!


    ''Don''t come here, you''ll fucking die! I sealed the second floor...''


    I didn''t recognise her face, not that I had met a lot of police in the past, but watching them struggle made me grit my teeth.


    With Mu Qinglan''s constant stream of murder, my ZKP increased quite fast, and soon it was over 200, giving me a chance to check the shop for the first time.


    [System Tutorial: Would you like help with the Shop?]


    ''Yes, but keep it brief!''


    I watched the group struggle. The two men didn''t seem bad, but they fought horribly. One wore an office suit, while the other was someone close to my age wearing a cheetah jumper and loose jogging pants.


    However, even though I could add anyone to my system when I could only recruit two people, and I was unlikely to consider them.


    "Ain''t wasting my precious slot on anyone but that hot police officer."


    [Opening Rank 2 Shop!]


    ''Tsk...''


    While my eyes left the system, the policewoman''s brown eyes locked with mine, and her mouth was agape.


    "Please help."


    She mouthed to me while hitting another zombie, breaking its skull but not enough to kill it. Honestly, because she didn''t shout, I felt a sense of appreciation, and so when I flicked my gaze to the shop, I nodded to her and headed to the other window.


    ''The things I do to get laid...''


    I hastily ripped off my dirty clothes, the suit pants that smelled like alcohol and ash, then found a pair of blue jeans and a black tank top before throwing a brown leather jacket over my shoulders and taking the knife from my desk.


    The moment I unlocked the window, the system shop flicked to the tab I needed.


    "ARGH!"


    Another scream echoed through the early morning, as the other female screamed in terror. The third male, a slightly obese man who didn''t fight and just accepted the other''s protecting, rolled on the floor as two zombies bit at his neck.


    ''I should be feeling disgusted, but I just feel that it''s a shame, nothing more.''


    The moment my feet touched the wet ledge, my shoes lost their grip, and I almost fell to the ground.


    Even with my improved body, I would have died...


    I gazed at the two skills in the system basket and nodded before I jumped out of the window and down to the metal roof below.


    Bang! S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Over here!"


    The noisy woman shouted and rushed towards me while the officer beside her staggered, and the zombies now focused on her because of the annoying blonde woman.


    "Thank you..."


    Yet the officer just thanked me for saving the other woman?


    "Huh...?"


    ''I ain''t here to save the useless woman.''


    Well, whatever...


    I tapped the purchase tab, and suddenly, a warmth flowed through my body, and my mind became clearer.

 Chapter 9: Jiang Roulan!

    Chapter 9 - Jiang Roulan!I didn''t have any notion of being a superhero, nor did I want to save these people, but there was something about this woman with a pair of tonfa. Not only that but her movements and confidence showed a capacity far beyond a normal person.


    ? You have purchased Iron Will


    ? You have purchased Dash


    The moment my feet hit the ground, the messages that echoed in my mind reinforced the sudden changes I could feel in my body.


    I felt faster, and my mind was clear.


    "Die!"


    Before the zombies could react, I gripped my blade tight and lunged forward, stabbing the zombie with an upward thrust, piercing the one about to bite her neck and penetrating its pale throat.


    Shlck!  sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Blood poured from the wound, a sharp and visceral cut severing its existence.


    [You gained 5 ZKP]


    I didn''t receive any experience as per the system''s rules, but thankfully, killing myself would grant me the Zombie Killing Points, which helped me survive.


    The sensation of cutting through a human''s flesh felt strange. I could feel the soft and springy sensation of flesh through the knife''s vibrations.


    ''Damn, I feel weird...''


    "T-Thank you! Hmph!"


    A fierce blow of her tonfa smashed another zombie''s cheek¡ªshattering its jaw as the female officer thanked me.


    Although I could see her eyes watching me with curiosity and doubt, neither of us could afford to stop fighting as several zombies were chasing the screaming blonde.


    [You gained 5 ZKP]


    [You gained 5 ZKP]


    We fought together desperately.


    Her harsh breathing became worse with each kill.


    The female officer panted as she leaned against my shoulder while trying to recover, the blood and stench of death mixed with her lightly sour sweat.


    "It''ll be fine, I''ll make sure you survive."


    My words automatically came out as I plunged my knife into another zombie''s face, slicing its nose made my stomach churn for a moment. Then, a strange feeling washed over me, a little distorting, but it washed away my disgust and dulled my fear.


    "Y-You... Haa.... Who are you?"


    "Call me John, John Wang."


    I turned back with a smile and noticed a zombie crawling on the floor behind her.


    Without thinking, my arm extended and yanked her towards me, almost trapping her with the force as she fell into my chest.


    "Ack?! What?"


    "Be careful."


    I stomped down on the crawling female zombie, crushing her cranium, causing her body to convulse and flounder like a beached fish as I destroyed the zombie''s brain.


    Crack!


    [You gained 5 ZKP]


    ''Wow! She''s packing a heavenly rack.''


    However, they looked like shit, their clothes dirty and full of blood and messy flesh, while I held the hips of the female cop, enjoying her bountiful curves.


    "T-Thank you... I can''t believe we managed to survive."


    She suddenly crouched down beside me, placing her hand on the floor while taking deep breaths.


    I observed the situation and found the fat male''s corpse torn apart a few yards from us.


    Meanwhile, the blonde woman survived using our efforts and slowly crept back after we dealt with the zombies in the area.


    The other males struggled to survive but slowly escaped the swarming undead.


    They seemed apprehensive of me and stood a distance away before one of them called out to me in a strange tone.


    "Who are you, and what are you doing with Jiang Ruolan?"


    ''Who is this little moron?''


    I couldn''t stand the short kid in a stupid animated t-shirt with a cheetah speaking to me in a strange, possessive tone as she looked at Jiang Roulan, who still leaned against my shoulder while recovering her breath.


    "Haven''t you heard of manners, tell me your name first."


    ''I don''t need to take his shit, come and move me if you''re a jealous bitch.''


    Because of the years I spent working at my previous job, I developed a sixth sense for men who disliked me.


    After being hurt several times in the past, backstabbing, insults, and the like stopped having the same effect on me. Maybe that''s why my spirit was so high at first. Yet, he looks at me with a shocked expression, as if I''ve done something wrong.


    ''He''s around 5ft 5" (1.65 metres) tall, his curly black hair looks disgusting, and he''s wearing jogging pants outside, how tragic.''


    "Ah... that''s, I am Wang Jun as another Wang... can''t we get along?"


    I hated how these cowardly fools hide behind a pretentious idea of kinship. Yet, the moment it becomes inconvenient for them, they turn their backs. What WANG clan, you''re nothing to do with me or my mother.


    ''Where was this kinship when my mother suffered from depression after losing everything?''


    My anger almost exploded, but thanks to the moment of silence, I noticed that the female officer had finally recovered.


    "I''m sorry. Please forgive this boy. He''s a little immature. I am Jiang Roulan... from the capital. It''s a pleasure to meet you..."


    "John Wang, like I said before. However, you can call me John, since I don''t want to be confused with Wang Chump over there."


    "Haha... Oh my." The blonde woman laughed at my words, which improved my opinion of her. I knew my humour was offensive or a little dry, but that''s who I was, and nothing could change that.


    ''I''ve got so many ZKP points... Qinglan must be working hard.''


    "Who are you calling a c-chump?!"


    The young male stepped forward, but because I stood properly and revealed my height, the little bastard recoiled instantly.


    ''Thanks for the amazing gene''s dad.''


    The only positive thing he ever gave me, mind you.


    "Boys... boys... we should find somewhere better to hide, no? Nice to meet you John, I am Fang Lei, feel free to call me Old Lei."


    The older male with short black hair and average looks stood between me and the crying baby, who seemed jealous of my looks, or maybe it''s because he''s fat and a coward who avoided the zombies while this older male dealt with the majority.


    "No problem, Old Lei."


    There wasn''t any reason to antagonise the old man.


    His tanned skin and hands with rough skin covered with scars and cuts, likely a hardworking man who rose from a shitty job to become a businessman.


    ''I respect this kind of man.''


    "But Old Lei... he''s being rude, and could have helped us sooner! He just watched as Qin Jie died! Don''t you agree, Yifei?" The young man called out to the blonde female, who joined their circle a few metres from my apartment.


    "Is Qin Jie the fat guy?"


    "Yes, he was too gentle for this kind of thing." Jiang Ruolan seemed to be a little sentimental about the dead male, and so I didn''t push it further.


    I glanced at the blonde, though she wasn''t helpful.


    Her pretty face and clothes, which suggested she might visit the club, made her type obvious, and I instantly removed her from potential subjects.


    However, the next moment a familiar voice sounded from behind me followed by the low thud of something hitting the ground.


    "John?"

 Chapter 10: Unwelcome Guests...

    Chapter 10 - Unwelcome Guests...The moment Qinglan returned, my heart tightened. I worried she might still be in her strange state and cause an issue with these humans because the only reason she didn''t attack me was due to me being her king...


    ''She looks different, a little less agitated.''


    "Oh, welcome back Qinglan."


    I tried to smile, but the adrenaline from fighting remained. And I could feel the edges of my lips twitch, so it might have seemed awkward.


    "I''m back, who are these people?"


    Her cold, emotionless voice wasn''t new to me, so I didn''t mind.


    But the others seemed a little offended.


    Wang Jun watched Qinglan with a lustful and disgusting gaze while Fang Lei merely narrowed his eyes and shook his head, doubting her abilities.


    I noticed that Jiang Roulan didn''t show any judgment and merely observed Qinglan.


    "Who''s this woman?"


    The blonde Shen Yifei pouted, her dress covered in dirt after she fled like a coward, but the fact she avoided death impressed me. Even the most cowardly deserve a chance to survive, right?


    ''Not that she has anything to do with me.''


    "Who is this woman, John?"


    "I dunno."


    There wasn''t much connection between the blonde and me. I observed Shen Yifei for a moment earlier and noticed her Tier wasn''t bad.


    But a B-Tier wasn''t something exciting that made me want her.


    ''Qinglan''s eyes are blue, it seems she''s back to normal.''


    "I see... then let''s go back."


    Mu Qinglan didn''t seem to have any desire to hang around with these people either, so I nodded and stepped towards her. Only to feel a soft hand grasping my wrist. Jiang Roulan asked me to stop¡ªher eyes filled with insecurity.


    "Please don''t go, can you not help us?"


    The others then joined her argument, and honestly, because I wanted to know her more, it was difficult to ignore her.


    [Unable to Recruit Jian Roulan: Affection Rating Too Low!]


    ''Huh? But the message didn''t show for Shen Yifei.''


    This made me believe Jiang Roulan might be an S-Tier.


    This message popped up each time I kept my gaze on Jian Roulan for too long. It made me a little confused. How did saving her life not increase it enough to recruit her when Mu Qinglan, someone who used to hate me, could?


    A silly thought echoed in my mind, a hopeful and foolish little dream.


    ''Maybe... I am wrong about Qinglan?''


    "W-Wait, are you just going to leave us?"


    Wang Jun directed his voice to me like a little bitch¡ªhe clearly just wanted to remain closer to Qinglan. Somehow that pissed me off, and I found myself wanting to hit him. It wasn''t like I loved her or anything...


    But because of the closeness we shared over the past twenty-four hours made me attached to her strange and terrifying antics.


    It was Fang Lei who made me want to help them¡ªhe never showed interest, and well, he seemed a bit too old to focus on those desires. The 5ft 4" old man was smaller than Wang Jun who seemed around 5ft 5" in height.


    "Sorry to be leeches, uhm, John, I appreciate your help."


    Old Lei bowed to me before he continued, his eyes wet and the dark circles under his eyes telling that there weren''t any lies in them.


    "But could you at least help us find somewhere to rest? We''ve been running all day and struggled to get any rest even now."


    I turned to Qinglan, who looked at me with her glowing azure orbs before she tilted her head and nodded.


    "I''m going back to the bedroom. Come upstairs when you''re done, John."


    The group seemed a little cautious of Mu Qinglan despite her walking with a slight limp, probably because she appeared from nowhere and without a group, covered in blood.


    Mu Qinglan hopped onto the garage roof before turning back. Her eyes became sharp as she gazed at someone. It was Jiang Roulan, not me.


    ''Did she feel some sort of danger from her?''


    I couldn''t understand my strange, living, dead partner and just shrugged my shoulders.


    It was only then that I noticed the deformed metal bat in her hands and realised that I had never asked if she was all alright.


    ''I''m a moron...''


    She was my partner¡ªin the future. I needed to be more careful.


    Somehow, Qinglan seemed strange from the moment she noticed me with other humans. Does it bother her that she''s become a living dead? Maybe there''s something I don''t realise and have been overlooking.


    "I can help you find somewhere to rest, but... you better not bother me and Qinglan, or I''ll have to kick you out."


    My words sounded colder than usual.


    I noticed Wang Jun visibly recoil while Old Lei nodded to himself¡ªJian Roulan wasn''t an issue. She just showed a smile as if relieved to find somewhere to sleep, while Shen Yifei just watched my face, quietly.


    ''Her gaze makes me skin crawl...''


    In the end, I guided them into the building but never told them how to unlock the barrier on the second floor and with a frustrated scowl of Qinglan.


    The ice queen ignored the others and lay on the sofa again, drinking a bottle of whiskey. I guided them through my room and opened two of the other empty apartments.


    ''Thank god... there are basic items in these places.''


    "Ugh, they''re so dirty and dusty."


    "It''s better than the floor, Shen Yifei."


    "Hmph, you''re used to living like a poor police officer, I am not!"


    "Well, get used to it."


    The four people started to adapt, with Old Lei being the easiest. He dropped onto the bed after dusting the room lightly and fell into a deep sleep.


    Wang Jun seemed to peek at my door, which increased my desire to kill him.


    Shen Yifei shared a room with Jian Roulan, and the two men slept at the end of the corridor, away from everyone else.


    "What''s that strange door at the end?"


    "It''s a broken barricade. The landlord seems to have locked it before they left, and now we cannot access the first floor. So zombies will struggle to get up here."


    "I see..."


    Jian Roulan seemed interested in the little things as she cleaned her room and asked to borrow some basic food and amenities, which I didn''t mind sharing.


    Though the evil glare from Quinlan made my spine shudder, I couldn''t lose my humanity in a single day. And meeting survivors taught me that I wasn''t some murder hobo like in the novels... at least, not yet.


    ''However... Trust was a completely different beast. I trusted nobody, even Mu Qinglan.''


    S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 11: Sneaking in the night!

    Chapter 11 - Sneaking in the night!The early morning sun vanished with the swish of my blackout blinds closing. However, I wanted to spend this time while the light appeared to hunt for things. Truth be told. I was exhausted and in no state to go out there.


    ''Qinglan, why do you keep staring at me?''


    Each time I gazed into the mirror, her red eyes would appear, almost scaring me to death. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m going to sleep."


    I took a quick shower because we could lose water and power at any moment.


    As the hot beads of water dripped down my body, I spent the time going through the system, checking out the shop and various rules and conditions.


    To my surprise, the usual lewd items and different things I saw in novels appeared, but those were useless to me right now.


    ''Although I am lonely, I''m not that desperate.''


    Not only that, but I found my mental state changing, becoming a little clearer compared to the day before. A lot of my chaotic and stupid thoughts faded, becoming muted and more regulated.


    [System Hint: This is a side effect of your mind adapting to the improvements in Spirit!]


    ''I see...''


    I swiped across the panel while laying on my bed with a black pair of cotton boxers.


    To my surprise, this system could access my phone''s apps, contacts and messaging service.


    With this I could probably contact my friends from college, but I felt fear, worried that they might never respond to me and that everyone vanished forever. Unable to just abandon or forget them, I sent a message to our dead group chat, something we used back in college as a method of choosing our activities and meals.


    ''Maybe, in the future, one of them might respond.''


    The news sites all reported similar articles as if they were all copied and pasted from an AI service with little to no human live streams appearing. Even the cockroach king''s broadcast, and Metube lacked any updates two hours ago when he just made a post of a blank image titled. "I am dead this time..."


    A sense of warmth melted the cold as I wrapped myself in the quilt.


    Click!


    "Hm?"


    I noticed the door handle moving to our shared apartment, which caused my stomach to sink. Reaching out for my knife, I slipped to the edge of my bed and stepped on the cold wooden flooring.


    ''Who?''


    Creak!


    Once the door opened. A loose dress flowed from a rather attractive figure with blonde hair floating on the woman''s shoulders. Shen Yifei popped her head inside. Once again, an annoying system prompt appeared in my sight.


    [System Hint: Would you like to recruit Shen Yifei?]


    Maybe because of my improvements, I could see in the darkness as I watched her search for something in the kitchen. Though she didn''t take anything, instead lifting a few items and placing them down, she finally entered the bathroom, sneakily opening the door.


    ''What''s she looking for?''


    Shen Yifei quickly left the bathroom and closed the door before turning her gaze towards my room. It seemed she couldn''t see me well in this darkness, so she quietly crept towards me with a strange smirk on her lips.


    ''Let''s see what she''s after first, then apprehend her.''


    My eyes narrowed as I accepted the system''s prompt to view her current status. That''s when I wondered if she might be useful in the future.


    ¡ª


    [STATUS]


    Name: Shen Yifei


    Role: ¡ª¡ª


    Tier: B


    Affection: 185/500 (Recruitable)


    Health: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ] 100% (Thirsty)


    Morale: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ð] 80% (Irritated, Curious, Worried)


    [STATS]


    Strength | 0.7


    Physique | 1.3


    Agility | 0.8


    Spirit | 0.6


    [SKILLS]


    [Cooking Level 4]


    [First Aid Level 5]


    [Intuition Level 2]


    ¡ª


    ''Well, isn''t that interesting...''


    It seemed that because I showed my strength and current abilities, her affection increased quite significantly, surpassing even Qinglan.


    However, that might be affected by my looks and other things. I couldn''t deny that a Tier B might not be the best woman to recruit.


    ''However, what if it takes too long to recruit Jian Roulan?''


    My current limit might be two people, but my experience is close to reaching a new Rank.


    I also noticed that I could purchase Tier Upgrades.


    The lower-tier ones are more affordable, but a single upgrade from B Tier -> A Tier would only cost me 1,000 ZKP.


    That was cheap compared to the one that instantly made someone a Tier A, which cost 10,000 ZKP, or the S-Tier one, which would cost 100,000 ZKP.


    Cooking and First Aid are expensive skills in the shop. If I made her my subject, one of those might become mine.


    Ignorant of my thoughts, Shen Yifei entered my room, slowly opening the door further before striding inside with light steps. Because she couldn''t see her arms waving in the air as she examined the room.


    I found it amusing to watch her almost kick the wooden dresser before finally falling don''t the soft bed and panicking.


    "Kya?! What''s happening!"


    ''...''


    Shen Yifei rolled and punched out while wrapping herself in my quilt more and more, causing my head to hurt as she made too much noise. If she wakes Qinglan, I''ll kick her out right now!


    [System Hint: An Upgrade Potion also improves the subject by washing blood and marrow!]


    ''Huh...?''


    ''System what does that mean?''


    [The upgrade will improve the subject''s body, muscles, skin and organs and expel all impurities; it also has a minor beautifying and dieting effect!]


    ''I see...''


    Not everyone would become a living dead like Mu Qinglan, so I needed people to be the fodder for death if something happened, forcing us to escape.


    ''The skills are tempting...''


    ''System, will my number of followers increase when I reach Rank 3?''


    [System: Error, classified!]


    [Tutorial Hint: Your number of subjects will reach 4 upon hitting Rank 3!]


    The only consideration now was the fact that he would need to hunt all night tomorrow to reach the right amount of ZKP, and convincing her to fight and kill zombies might be difficult compared to Mu Qinglan, who had become a living dead.


    [Tutorial Hint: Different Roles are available for 50 ZKP. You can assign a role to your subjects and gain experience from related tasks!]


    ''Oh? But does that mean they get nothing from killing zombies?''


    [Tutorial Hint: They would only grant you ZKP from killing zombies, not Experience.


    [However, their role would provide an experience just the same!]


    This sudden discovery made me nod and choose my next action.


    However, because I spent so long focused on the system panel and planning the future, I didn''t notice that Shen Yifei had disappeared from the room.


    With a click, the door closed.


    And silence returned.


    ''Damn...''

 Chapter 12: Red Eyes In the Night

    Chapter 12 - Red Eyes In the NightBecause of Shen Yifei''s disturbance, I needed something to drink, be it coffee or whiskey.


    The earthy scent of the machine filled the small kitchen attached to my living room the moment I flipped the switch, creating a low hum and bubbling noise.


    ''This won''t wake her up, right?''


    I turned to check the couch but noticed Mu Qinglan wasn''t sleeping on the couch, barely able to outline the two chairs with nobody on them.


    Strange...


    But my attention returned to the coffee machine as the liquid gold started bubbling into my special mug.


    Shuffle


    Step...


    A noise sounded behind me, but I remained focused as the last drips of coffee plopped into my cup before I added the creamer and sugar.


    "This might be my last coffee, so I cannot afford to rush it."


    Ignoring the movement, I couldn''t stop my yawn disguised as a sigh, and the stressful day finally hit me. Sniffing the sharp scent of the ground beans helped me recover a little. But it reminded me of how dull and depressing the future might become.


    The thought of a world without power, electricity, or my smartphone sounded like hell.


    As an introvert, it really concerned me!


    "Well, let''s enjoy every moment."


    I swiped the half-empty bottle of my favourite John''s whiskey and sat on the veranda just outside my living room with an old pack of black star cigarettes.


    [Tutorial Hint: The Host is immune to most natural and deadly diseases from before the apocalypse, so enjoy this last moment of peace.]


    Smoking wasn''t a good pastime of mine, but when things got too tough. I didn''t have anything else but this and gaming to calm myself. Though I am good-looking... thanks to past issues, I struggle to meet and speak with new people.


    ''Today was fine because I could play the part of a ''handsome saviour'' and this was how I managed to work so hard.''


    I would act out parts when leaving the house, an embarrassing but genuine issue.


    There was the work of John, who acted like an extrovert and worked hard to be noticed.


    The shy yet handsome neighbourhood boy who didn''t have a mother who shopped at the local supermarket for the best deals.


    Many of my faces were like masks... to hide my pathetic and lonely self.


    Click!


    With a snap of my fingers, the rough flint scraped my thumb and reminded me of why I hated smoking in the first place.


    An ember lit up the room, and for a moment, I thought something appeared in the reflection of the glass, but I shook my head.


    "A nostalgic scent."


    I brought the cigarette with a black shade to my lips, took a slow drag, and savoured the brief warmth that filled my lungs.


    The smoke tickled my chest, but I let the smoke out slowly, in a steady stream, curling my lips to form small circles in the air.


    "I regret this, but my mind feels so much clearer now..."


    Inside the room behind me, I heard shifting around, but Qinglan would probably not cause trouble, according to the system. She wouldn''t betray me unless her affection reached the negatives.


    ''Thank god, but... I want to become strong, too.''


    A slight jealousy towards her abilities made me suck on the cigarette harder, the tip brightly burning as it illuminated the early morning sky.


    Knock Knock!


    I watched zombies roaming around as I enjoyed drinking and smoking until the door sounded and caused me to snap out of my strange daze.


    "Who is it..."


    I muttered, annoyed that the sound caused the zombies to gaze towards this building and started to groan in a horrible tone, which annoyed me. They no longer shuffled and roamed around like people on their way to work in the morning.


    The moment I opened the door, a surprising woman stood there in light clothing and sleepy eyes wrapped with dark rings.


    "H-have you seen Yufei?"


    ''Hm?'' S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When she came to my room, that must have been at least an hour ago. Did she go somewhere else? Maybe she tried to sleep with one of the other guys. I didn''t know her well, but the system would tell me if she did.


    "Miss Jiang, I haven''t seen her, and..." He noticed the policewoman''s state and couldn''t ignore her trembling shoulders. "Do you want to come in first? It''s cold in the hallway because they don''t have heating."


    ''Since my physique increased the hot and cold started affecting me less.''


    "I don''t want to intrude on you, isn''t the other girl here?"


    Jiang Roulan made a slight rejection, but her foot remained inside the door, and maybe a slight push and offer were all she needed. I didn''t think that Qinglan would mind since we rarely spoke together before yesterday, anyway.


    "It''s not intruding, come inside. I can''t leave a woman in the cold, my mother''s ghost would beat me with a stick."


    "Haha."


    I heard Jiang Roulan''s laugh for the first time as I turned away, walked back into the living room, and picked up another cup, ready to make a second coffee.


    "Eh?"


    It was at that moment he noticed that Shen Yifei was sleeping on the couch, causing his face to twitch. He turned back to Jiang Roulan, who just smiled after seeing the naked blonde wrapped in a thin quilt with her clothes tossed across the room.


    "I couldn''t see her earlier¡ªwhen did she sneak in?"


    Jian Roulan didn''t doubt me.


    Instead, she stepped close to me, and her natural scent flowed into my nose¡ªa calmer and more soothing scent than Qinglan''s.


    ''Was it when I saw someone reflected in the glass?''


    "Don''t worry, I know you''re not that type of guy, otherwise you wouldn''t have given us the keys to the doors."


    ''You''re wrong. I just snagged them on the way back inside earlier...''


    "Can I get a cup of John''s too?"


    Jiang Roulan tapped the bottle I almost finished and smiled at me... different from the girls I met on dating apps in the past. It was a mature and rather welcoming smile. Her eyes didn''t glow with lust or obsession but a calm appreciation.


    "Then, will you join me on the balcony watching the sunrise, until we can sleep?"


    I asked while stirring the two mugs and grabbing a second bottle of Johns''s sweet honey whiskey.


    "Don''t mind if I do~ haha."


    Maybe it''s because of how tired I was, but somehow Jiang Roulan seemed so easy to get along with as she told me about her days leading up to the apocalypse, and I mentioned getting fired, which she seemed to find hilarious.


    What shocked me most was...


    I found myself smiling for the first time in a long while.


    "Hm?"


    While filling my cup with more whiskey, I could have sworn a pair of red eyes glared at me in a reflection.


    However, when I turned around, there was nothing... but a swaying blackout blind.

 Chapter 13: Affection Rating

    Chapter 13 - Affection RatingThe chat with Jiang Roulan lasted until the sun lifted above the horizon, and I noticed the sounds of people scavenging in the daylight.


    "We should try getting some rest..."


    It would be troublesome if more people noticed this building, and thanks to the damaged lower floor, most would ignore it.


    At least, that was my hope.


    Jiang Roulan turned to me, her eyes fluttering as if her eyelids were filled with sand, and nodded before slipping back into the living room.


    I don''t think she made it to her room because there was a dull thud a moment later.


    "Haa..."


    I didn''t want to sleep.


    It wasn''t because of lingering thoughts or emotions affecting me¡ªI just didn''t feel sleepy.


    ''The mental exhaustion is real, though.''


    Suddenly, as I cleared the table while watching the streets for groups of people or stragglers, a sudden voice echoed in my head.


    [System Tutorial: Would you like to activate Affection notifications?]


    "Damn it... scared me half to death!" I scolded the damn machine.


    ''What''s that?''


    Although I guessed what it meant, my mind wasn''t working at full capacity.


    [System Tutorial: The system will notify you whenever a person of interest''s affection or loyalty towards you increases or decreases to avoid troubles]


    ''I see...''


    This system would be great, as long as it wasn''t annoying... oh? The moment I tapped the plus sign beside the affection tab, it brought up options for me to mess with.


    I could make it show singular points or in the tens or hundreds.


    [You have gained 10 Affection Points with Jiang Roulan]


    This style was the format I chose in the end¡ªalthough it could show the reason for their increase. It felt a little excessive, and the voice would eventually annoy me if it kept telling me they were happy that I was considerate.


    ''Well, I still can''t recruit her, so let''s sleep and consider recruiting Shen Yifei; at least she can help build points in another way.''


    The thought of giving her a role suiting her skills, like cook or nurse appealed to me.


    I checked the room and noticed Shen Yifei and Jiang Roulan had taken both the black couches¡ªit couldn''t be helped.


    So I snapped the double locks and went into my bedroom.


    The shape of Mu Qinglan was obvious, and to avoid her anger in the morning, I climbed onto the other side of my king-sized mattress.


    "Goodnight." My voice echoed in the dark room.


    To my surprise, the moment I touched the pillow with my head...


    I fell into a deep sleep.


    Rustle!


    The rustling of sheets broke me free of the darkness.


    I tried to swallow and couldn''t help but cough.


    "Ugh..." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    My throat burned and felt like rubbing sandpaper against it. Not to mention, the prickly heat made my body damp with sweat, and I became angry.


    The summer heat could be unbearable, but this was ridiculous!


    "Damn it!"


    A shout of frustration escaped my lips, and someone seemed shocked, creating a bang.


    As I rolled out of bed, I noticed that Shen Yifei and Jiang Roulan were looking into the room while chopping things in the kitchen.


    ''Did I leave enough food to make a meal... huh, and where''s Qinglan?''


    I covered my face and headed to the kitchen.


    "Kya?! What is that... a weapon?" Shen Yifei''s face turned red, and she turned away, acting stupid, like usual.


    "Oh my."


    Jiang Roulan gazed at me with a strange glint in her eye.


    "What are you talking about?"


    She then pointed towards me with a knife¡ªat first, I tilted my head and mouthed "What?" trying to understand her, but then she lowered the knife, and I looked down.


    Then I noticed something strange...


    ''Why is my cock out?''


    I went to bed in a black pair of shorts and a T-shirt.


    Confused by the situation, I grabbed a pair of cotton boxers and quickly wore them, and only then did I notice Mu Qinglan sitting on the couch.


    She gazed at me with the most proud smirk I had ever seen. Qinglan''s eyes narrowed as she lifted her chin before turning away with a fwip.


    "It was you?"


    With the traitor found, I shook my head and gave up.


    Although I couldn''t beat her right now, the future was on my side. From this point onward, I lowered her upgrade priority in my mind.


    "Do you want something to eat, John?" Qinglan asked in a bright tone.


    "What are you cooking? I think Yifei should choose what we eat."


    Maybe shocked by my words, Shen Yifei''s head popped up from the counter, but the red colour of her cheeks remained.


    ''Is she really the type to sleep around with this level of innocence?''


    "Ah, Yifei found ingredients in the fridge about to spoil, so she''s making a hot pot... is that alright? We sent Qinglan to wake you, but you were like a dead pig!"


    Qinglan didn''t seem to mind the other two women as she stared outside at the fading sunlight, only turning to glance at me a few times.


    I''m still angry with you, zombie girl!


    "Yeah, I''ll have some if Yifei made it. Also, what about the other two?"


    "Ah!"


    Shen Yifei suddenly lifted her hand and pointed at me with her cheeks puffed out.


    "The door is locked, and we couldn''t find the key!"


    "Did you look for it properly?"


    "I searched everywhere and only found useless things!" Shen Yifei said in a sharp tone.


    "What? How is that possible? I am sure it should have been¡ª"


    I gazed at the usual place where all my keys might be, and only the spare window keys dangled. All the others vanished.


    The amount of panic I felt made my stomach drop.


    ''Hmm?''


    Then I noticed the flashing Key Ring in the top-right corner of my view¡ªall the keys to my house, the apartment and even a strange key I found as a kid were stored in there.


    ''Did I do this last night?''


    The image of me taking the keys and storing them replayed through my mind as I couldn''t help but cover my face and attempt to hide my smile.


    "Okay, I''ll go and see if they are alive."


    Thus, I pretended to enter my bedroom and grabbed the ''Front Door Key'' before opening the two bolts and putting it back in my pocket.


    "Where were they?!"


    Shen Yifei seemed really curious about the keys, or maybe she was just curious about me.


    "John Wang, don''t you ignore me, or see if I spit in your food!"


    "Haha, then why don''t you just do it directly into my mouth, idiot."


    Somehow, it was fun to antagonise Shen Yifei.


    When pushed like this, Yifei showed her true personality. She huffed and puffed out her cheeks before turning away, muttering to herself about me.


    [You have gained 10 Affection Points with Shen Yifei]


    ''What, is she a pervert?''


    My gaze narrowed, watching her cautiously as she cooked.

 Chapter 14: Second Member

    Chapter 14 - Second MemberShen Yifei finished making the hot pot and left it cooling on the table. Meanwhile, I went to the restroom, and before leaving, the door behind me suddenly closed.


    Bang!


    It wasn''t an accident because a moment later there was a shadow against the shower curtain.


    ''I see. Do you want to die or be my slave?''


    Mu Qinglan stepped forward, and the shower curtain clattered in a rapid sound, opening before me.


    The light hit her pale skin from head to toe.


    "What do you want?" She asked me while tilting her head as if meeting in the restroom was normal.


    I couldn''t help but gawk at her body because anyone would admit that her beauty was truly flawless.


    ''She really does look like a doll.''


    Her hair draped across her shoulder, with some wisps of black hair left hanging.


    The blackness contrasted her white skin and large, round chest.


    Her delicate shoulders led down to a flat stomach with a navel that made men want to kiss it.


    My eyes couldn''t help but follow her lower abdomen down to her fluffy mound... and those beautiful hips.


    The best part about her was those thick, meaty thighs, packed with muscle from her constant exercise and weight lifting.


    "If we met you under normal circumstances, would we still have this type of relationship?"


    "Impossible." She replied instantly, but I didn''t mind.


    This honesty was why I didn''t mind her scolding back at work.


    Because everything she said helped me improve, but thinking of that place now made my stomach churn with anger.


    "Have you seen enough?"


    Once again, I noticed how muted her reactions became¡ªmaybe a living dead doesn''t have the same intense emotions or shame. But she didn''t react at all.


    "Yup, thanks."


    Although I didn''t know if I should be honest or perverted, I decided to match her attitude and show her that I appreciated her beauty.


    However, this response seemed to shock her quite a bit because Qinglan''s brows twitched, and her hands lowered from her chest.


    Her cheeks became red, and it was quite an enjoyable sight until I saw her lifting before she snapped at me like a whip from an angry master, "Get out!"


    Bang!


    My back hit the door, but I only smiled, and as I left the bathroom, my eyes couldn''t help but check one last time before gazing back into the living room.


    ''We need to go out and hunt for more food, but will the others be willing?''


    To become a leader, I had to choose a path and style... would I become a tyrant, an overlord who rules with domineering charisma and power?


    Potentially, I could become worshipped as a wise lord or king who treats people well.


    However, isn''t that selfish?


    Would I become a tyrant overlord?


    No...


    It would be better to create a new style and path of my own.


    Something that takes the best parts of a tyrant and overlord and the things which make kings and emperors great.


    ''This... is the first step!''


    This world needs someone strong and capable.


    ''I cannot rely on Mu Qinglan alone!''


    What if she isn''t here? I would be dead.


    I shouldn''t become arrogant until I can back it up.


    So, only recruiting S-Tier beauties will lead to my death while still weak. I watched Shen Yifei and noticed that her affection almost tripled Mu Qinglan''s.


    [Would you like to Recruit Shen Yifei?]


    ''Yes.''


    Because she could serve as a different type of support, her cooking and first aid skills must be a help to the group.


    Once I reached the next rank, I could think about recruiting Jiang Roulan.


    [You Have Recruited: Shen Yifei (B-Tier)]


    ? Shen Yifei''s attributes are now visible


    ? You have gained 50 Experience


    ? You have shared Shen Yifei''s [First Aid] skill.


    [B-Tier Subject recruited!]


    ? You have gained 500 ZKP!


    ''Huh?''


    The moment I noticed the subtle changes in Shen Yifei''s eyes and her attributes floating above her head, part of me expected to choose a second skill.


    However, I received some ZKP instead.


    [Tutorial Hint: Because the Ranking of Shen Yifei wasn''t S-Tier, you only gained a ZKP]


    ''Are there more rewards for higher ranks?''


    Although it was understandable that an S-Tier was special, the thought of not gaining ZKP from recruiting her made him feel a little salty, but he couldn''t remain like this.


    Well, sometimes you lose.


    It''s a common fact.


    ''I can just put it towards her Rank-up Potion.''


    When he scanned her attributes, compared to Mu Qinglan, he really couldn''t see her fighting that often, but it wasn''t like he wished for her to die or anything, so he stopped and took a breath.


    ''Show me available Roles for Shen Yifei!''


    [Roles Available]


    ? Maid


    ? Chef


    ? Nurse


    ? Housewife


    ? Companion


    ? Lover


    ? Poacher


    ? Mascot


    The moment the list appeared, it almost made me spit out blood.


    I couldn''t understand why a few of the classes seemed a little wild or even completely inappropriate, like Housewife, lover, and companion.


    ''Is this some type of power fantasy, where I fuck every woman and leave none spared?''


    No...


    Until she reaches S-Tier, let''s keep my little brother safe from any infections or diseases!


    ''System, do any of these roles give her attributes a boost?''


    [System: Cannot Answer!]


    [Tutorial Hint: There are roles which give a bonus to many skills, like Maid and Housewife, which encompass several skills.]


    "What''s the matter?" Shen Yifei gazed at me with confusion.


    "Nothing, just thinking of something. Oh, and don''t spit in my food."


    "...Why the hell would I spit in your food?!"


    I watched the short blonde stomping on the floor. Today, she tied her hair into twin tails, and it suits her.


    If Mu Qinglan is a peerless beauty, like those kung fu novels.


    Jiang Roulan is the hot police sister from next door with a dynamite body.


    Then Shen Yifei is the annoying younger woman, who you can''t help but get a weird boner for at the worst moment. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmph..."


    She flicked her hair and turned away, but I couldn''t help but feel mischievous.


    ''Give her the Maid Role!''


    [Shen Yifei''s Role set to: Maid]


    ? Cooking will grant system experience.


    ? First aid will grant system experience.


    ? Amusing ''Wang John'' will grant system experience.


    The moment I changed her role, the pretty blonde shuddered, her hands grasping the counter as she turned back with a strange expression covering her lips.


    "Hnnng?!"


    A subtle moan escaped from her pink lips as she almost collapsed.


    Of course, I just watched, curious about the change.


    [Shen Yifei has become more conscious of your gaze]


    ¡ª


    [STATUS]


    Name: Shen Yifei


    Role: Maid


    Rank: B


    Affection: 192/500 (Recruitable)


    Health: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ] 100% (Healthy)


    Morale: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ] 100% (Confused, but happy)


    [STATS]


    Strength | 0.7 --> 0.8


    Physique | 1.3 --> 1.5


    Agility | 0.8 --> 0.9


    Spirit | 0.6 --> 1.2


    [SKILLS]


    Cooking: Lv.4 ¡ú Lv.5


    First Aid: Lv.5 ¡ú Lv.6


    Intuition: Lv.2 ¡ú Lv.3


    Cleaning: Level 1


    Inspect: Level 1


    Manners: Level 1


    ¡ª


    With the second member, I wondered if it was time to go outside and hunt down some zombies with the group...


    Staying at home was a little boring.


    And thanks to Qinglan, I discovered how to get stronger!

 Chapter 15: Longwan Mall

    Chapter 15 - Longwan MallLongwan.


    Known as Dragon Bay by the foreigners.


    The second-tier city that I have lived in since birth.


    Longwan was once a mid-tier trade hub, a city of industry and commerce that thrived on shipbuilding, manufacturing, and black-market trade.


    Nestled between dense forests and winding rivers, it connected the rural provinces to Xiansheng''s massive megacities, acting as both a gateway and a dumping ground for the ambitions of larger powers.


    Imagine how difficult and unfair a city ruled by the rich might be for the weak and poor.


    I could only be grateful that the Mu family carried a semblance of respect.


    However, the same couldn''t be said for clans like the Gu family, who were nothing more than a glorified mafia.


    [Shen Yifei has cooked a meal and cleaned up: Gained 50 Experience]


    ''Eh?''


    I turned to face her as she tossed the trash into the bin while acting naturally. The fact she could help me in this fashion instantly made my sour feelings vanish. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Qinglan, Miss Jiang, we should probably head out before it gets dark."


    "You''re right, we should."


    Jiang Roulan gazed out into the orange sky.


    She seemed a little reluctant to leave the apartment, but that couldn''t be helped.


    Shen Yifei didn''t speak and instead folded the cloth she used to dry the dishes and sat beside me, her delicate hand brushing along the leather cover.


    Though I wanted to discuss our plans for the future, there was something more important with a growing team.


    Not to mention, when I ranked up to a certain level, there would be huge benefits from the system.


    I could create a [Base] or [Safe Zone] that nobody I didn''t trust could enter.


    As I was distracted by the system panel, the three girls gathered before a knock came to the door. When I gazed up, Mu Qinglan looked at me with her vibrant blue eyes, seeming to ask me what to do.


    "Can you get the door, Qinglan?"


    "Sure."


    Without delay, Qinglan opened the door and greeted our *guests* who turned out to be the males from the other apartment.


    Old Lei looked quite healthy, with a bright complexion. However, the other guy, Wang Jun, looked at me with a hostile gaze while rubbing his right arm.


    I couldn''t help but feel sick looking at him.


    I knew he would become troublesome, but so soon after meeting, he seemed attached to Shen Yifei, or maybe it was Jiang Roulan. Did the kid think he was some kind of protagonist and would awaken a magical system?


    Well, not like I could say anything there...


    "Morning, Old Lei," I called out, trying to break the weird atmosphere.


    "Morning, well... I guess you could call it that. I wanted to suggest something."


    "About going out?"


    Because Old Lei didn''t cause issues, I tried to be more considerate. People who helped the group should eat, after all.


    "Yes, do you have any locations or thoughts?"


    Jiang Roulan and Shen Yifei didn''t speak and gazed at me out of the corner of their eyes. Meanwhile, Mu Qinglan remained silent and sat on the black sofa, which she filled with things at some point.


    "I was planning to take it slowly to avoid unnecessary danger, but maybe we should strike somewhere like the Dragon Mall first and get as much as we can before the gangs and thugs take over the city."


    I noticed Old Lei''s eyes shine, and something about my words made him nod and smile.


    "Good, good. Then let''s head towards the Dragon Mall today and see how it looks."


    "How about everyone else?" Old Lei asked while leaning against the kitchen table.


    "I think that''s the right choice, but we should be careful." Jiang Roulan answered while avoiding Wang Jun''s gaze.


    There seemed to be a dynamic around me and Old Lei, which made it a little difficult. However, for now, it just meant I needed to grow and improve as a leader. Old Lei didn''t look at me like competition but like a prot¨¦g¨¦.


    "We should try to find some kind of weapons too..."


    I turned to face the voice and became quite shocked.


    It was Shen Yifei!


    To hear that Shen Yifei considered this made me feel like the improvement to spirit attribute made a wonder of difference!


    Unable to resist the temptation...


    I stretched out my hand and stroked her hair.


    To my surprise, she didn''t resist me or pull away¡ªinstead, with a huff, she swayed on the spot and seemed to enjoy my touch like a tsundere cat.


    "See, I am not useless..."


    [You have gained 10 Affection Points with Shen Yifei]


    ''Eh?''


    Despite her glaring at me with puffed cheeks, her affection for me increased. Was this the class difference between a B-Tier woman and an S-Tier?


    Good looks were enough to charm them... or maybe there''s something I haven''t noticed. Let''s keep observing what helps improve affection.


    "Haa... she has a good point, so what do you think, Jiang Roulan, Old Lei?"


    Because of my past, there wasn''t much I knew about those things in this city, although I could purchase a weapon from the system store.


    ''Why would I do that in front of these people and expose myself?''


    "How about the police station?"


    Old Lei gazed at Jiang Roulan, who shuddered, returning a sharp gaze as she grasped the holster at her waist.


    "You know I cannot do that... there were hundreds of those things out there."


    "What about a sports store or a pawn shop... that one near the mall should have something interesting, right?"


    "You mean the Fallen Noble?" Old Lei responded to Wang Jun.


    I was surprised that Wang Jun could actually help us and refrained from commenting.


    The sooner we got weapons, the easier I could have Qinglan and myself farm points to make myself and Shen Yifei stronger.


    ''I wonder if Yifei can get points normally.''


    [Tutorial Hint: Shen Yifei can earn ZKP but not Experience for killing zombies!]


    "Since we''re wasting time right now, let''s grab whatever can be used as weapons here and leave. If we take too long, what happens if everything is gone?"


    I didn''t want to waste more time speaking about what we could do, so I grabbed my knife and gazed at Shen Yifei and Qinglan before rushing to the window.


    "I''m heading out¡ªthe Z''s are already crawling around."


    To the others, I might have seemed a little blunt and cold, but in my mind, was the system stored with my current points. I wanted to arm myself and Qinglan with the best possible items.


    Because I saw something about Shen Yifei in her status... I positively considered her, too.


    Though the apocalypse only started a day ago, this city fell apart more than ten years ago with the crash of our kingdom''s economy and military might...


    And was the reason for my Father leaving.

 Chapter 16: Choosing Weapons!

    Chapter 16 - Choosing Weapons!The moment I jumped out of the window and landed on the steel sheet, I rolled and slipped into the garage while the others started preparing to follow.


    I needed to get some weapons and struggled to find items that would be useful and not cause doubt.


    Qinglan seemed to like using the baseball bat, but her strength ended up destroying it...


    [Purchase - Ultra Strong Metal Bat?]


    I felt something different from the basic bat; however, I didn''t want to risk spending points on something that wasn''t useful.


    The weapons lacked any attack or damage attributes.


    However, this ultra-strong baseball bat came with an interesting note:


    "Almost indestructible."


    The cost wasn''t so bad and so I purchased it almost instantly, tapping the accept button that appeared in the centre of my vision.


    ¨‹ You have purchased an item!


    ZKP: 200


    ¨‹ Ultra Strong Metal Bat


    ? Regenerates durability to the original state once a day.


    ? Durability 200/200 S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ? Cost: 200 ZKP


    "Oh? it''s so smooth and light..."


    *Woosh!*


    The moment I gave it a swing, the air burst apart like a broken jar.


    Satisfied with the test swing, I stored the bat in my bag while browsing through the tools and items for Shen Yifei and myself.


    To avoid people''s eyes, I looked for simple-looking weapons that didn''t look special or amazing. Imagine I showed up with a super cool sword or something, and they just attacked me for that.


    It would suck and become annoying.


    At first, I considered a sword or machete, but a single bite would turn me into a zombie.


    So, I instead browsed for safer items.


    In the future, maybe Jiang Roulan will use metal or specially reinforced tonfa, so what could the maid Shen Yifei and I use?


    There wasn''t much time as I heard Mu Qinglan hop onto the roof above me and walk around; it almost sounded like she sniffed the air for a moment...


    ''Is she searching for me?''


    I swiped through the list of items.


    A gun might be cool.


    Not that I have the luxury to buy one right now, when even grenades cost 1000 ZKP! So I switched to the cheapest tab with simple and training weapons.


    [Tutorial Hint: Basic weapons have moderate durability and can be repaired using ZKP]


    [They also help in learning skills related to their weapons (Limit - Level 2)]


    ''So... if I chose a basic weapon, I would gain Sword, Spear or Weapon skill easier... but only until reaching level two.''


    ¨‹ Basic Sword


    ? Durability: 100/100


    ? Cost: 300 ZKP


    The cost to repair it fully was only 10 points... ''not bad.''


    Instead of the sword, I noticed the simple spear, not the soft type used by Eastern martial artists but an iron spear that looked more like a sharp pole sharpened at the tip with winged blades.


    Despite being a shorter spear, only 170cm long. I thought it was ideal for fighting zombies. It seemed like a good item.


    ¨‹ Basic Sharpened Pole


    ? Durability: 80/80


    ? Cost: 150 ZKP


    Although it looked crude, this could be a believable weapon, but the biggest bonus was the second feature it came with... not the basic feature but the fact it was solid iron or some strange material.


    [Training Weapon]


    ? This weapon is heavy and will slowly improve a person''s Physique and Strength!


    ? Minimum Physique 1.5


    My finger tapped the screen twice as two sharpened poles landed on the ground beside me with a loud clang. The next moment, Mu Qinglan hopped down with an icy calm face, looking at the rolling spears; she then noticed the bat in my hand.


    So I offered it to her.


    "I got it for you¡ªit won''t break forever, so keep it with you."


    Mu Qinglan tilted her head before grabbing the metal bat.


    She swung.


    A low howl of wind sounded.


    Her smile grew.


    She swung again.


    Another howl.


    After repeating this process several times, she finally nodded with a wide grin.


    Mu Qinglan seemed curious about the other items.


    "What are they for?"


    "Well, one is for me¡ªit''s something to keep me safe and train my body."


    Her face remained blank, with a slight hum.


    "The other?"


    "It''s for Shen Yifei; she''s going to be our chef and cleaner for the time being, so this weapon that can double as a mop and brush is pretty cool, right?"


    It came with a detachable mop and brush head!


    "..."


    Mu Qinglan didn''t seem to be impressed.


    To me, it was awesome.


    A weapon and training item in one. I also thought it would make Shen Yifei more disciplined.


    With these weapons, we should be good...


    I hoped.


    We left the garage and found everyone waiting on the road.


    They seemed a little tense, but their faces became more relieved when they saw me and Mu Qinglan come out of the garage.


    "Yifei, this is for you."


    *Woosh!*


    I tossed the metal bar towards her.


    Wang Jun tried to grasp it... But the moment he grabbed did.


    The weight of the pole dragged him to the ground.


    Wang Jun rolled along the floor, making a noise like a slaughtered pig, while Old Lei helped him up with an odd smile.


    "Wow, well, the kid shouldn''t try and take away someone else''s weapon, right?"


    "T-Thank you!" Shen Yifei blushed while lifting the spear.


    At first, she struggled to lift it with one hand.


    But the moment both hands grasped the pole, her atmosphere changed a little.


    *Stab!*


    With a simple thrust, she pierced the air, creating a small gust of wind.


    ''Maybe the Maid role affects things like this?'' I thought.


    The roles each had a small catchphrase, with Maids having: Always elegant.


    Wang Jun seemed upset about what happened.


    But nobody cared.


    We made our way towards the pawn shop down the eastern street, avoiding the main road and taking a back street.


    Unaware of what might await us.


    I could only hope for no humans or surprises to follow.

 Chapter 17: Reaching the Pawnshop!

    Chapter 17 - Reaching the Pawnshop!The number of zombies decreased upon leaving the main road and although we avoided them up to this point. I didn''t have confidence we could continue to have such luck. But the moment we entered the back streets. I could sense danger.


    "Be careful."


    Old Lei''s voice sounded from behind.


    Mu Qinglan stood beside me, rubbing the bat on her palm.


    I felt the weight of my spear¡ªholding it with a single hand strained my entire upper body.


    "Keep quiet. Check the side roads and alleyways."


    There won''t be any mistakes.


    Distant groans and the low shuffling of feet echoed in the silent city. A far cry from what we were all used to.


    A small cat sat on a wall, licking itself, almost like living in two worlds. As we crossed its path, my eyes lingered on the little creature.


    It jumped up with a hiss, then fled into the distance.


    "Grr..."


    A low moan sounded before something started banging on the wooden gate beside where the cat slept.


    Bang!


    Something wanted to reach us, a zombie.


    Even though I steeled myself, there was still a sense of apprehension. I mean, one bite, and it was all over right now.


    I gripped the cold black steel of my spear, a bitter cold filling my lungs with each breath, forming a small cloud of breath. The ache of my muscles throbbing from the weight of my spear kept me focused and alert.


    Crack!


    "Haa..."


    A long breath, exhaling as I lowered my body two steps from the wooden door.


    Mu Qinglan stood opposite me, while Shen Yifei stood to my right, her eyes filled with fear, yet she held her spear without being told.


    I couldn''t see Old Lei or the others from here.


    "Relax, Yifei, it will be fine."


    Machoism or bravado. I just wanted to help myself calm down.


    Bang!


    The wooden door cracked, revealing two faces... not quite rotten but deformed and caked in dried blood.


    ''Does the infection accelerate decomposition?''


    [Tutorial Hint: The effects seem random, depending on genetics and other factors!]


    Another fine answer disturbed my focus as I shifted closer, narrowing my gaze and preparing to strike my breathing rapid.


    Bang!


    With another ram, the two zombies broke half of the fence, bending the metal lock and almost fell into the alley, getting caught and flailing with their heads exposed.


    Now!


    I thrust the heavy spear.


    The tip penetrated the old zombie, with half his jaw missing.


    Qinglan''s bat swung with a howl of wind.


    And crushed the second zombie''s face with a brutal crunch.


    Smash!


    The two zombies flung back one with half its skull missing, the other with a gaping hole through its eye socket.


    A sense of adrenaline flowed through my body, excitement and a thrill causing my heart to pound.


    ¨‹ You have killed a stage one zombie


    +5 ZKP


    ¨‹ Mu Qinglan killed a stage one zombie


    +5 ZKP


    +10 EXP


    "Damn..."


    I met eyes with Qinglan and noticed the change in her expression. She must have felt that sudden rush. The moment my spear pierced the cloudy eyeball, a rush made my spine quiver and made me feel aggressive.


    "Let''s continue, they seem to be getting more active."


    My voice echoed in the empty alley.


    We needed to clear at least four hundred metres to get to the pawnshop and double that to get a visual on the mall.


    The distance always seemed so much shorter in Novels.


    A horde could easily wipe us out if one appeared.


    These tight spaces with many small paths led to dead ends, perfect for the zombies to overwhelm someone. After ten minutes of slow creeping brought us near the shop, the distant growl and groaning of zombies became unsettling.


    "Stop here."


    Old Lei stepped forward, almost jogging as he gazed to the left.


    The opposite direction from the pawnshop was a small house with old-fashioned architecture and a rather dull style. But obviously, someone maintained it well and from the nervous look on his face.


    "Old Lei?"


    I suddenly felt a sense of dread, and my stomach dropped... because I knew what was about to happen. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "...My wife and son are in that house."


    He turned to me with a nervous smile. "You guys should continue, but I need to do this."


    Old Lei''s raspy voice echoed in my mind, and I just acted before I thought.


    "I''ll go with you."


    But after saying this, I felt regret. We might take one or two more zombies, but many could have broken into a household. What if his wife and son turned, and he stopped me from killing them or insisted on joining them?


    "You... do you mean that?"


    His eyes looked at me in shock. After speaking for two days with this man, I believed Old Lei could be trusted.


    At the very least, despite wanting only women around me, it wasn''t possible.


    I needed skilled men to build a base and protect it.


    "What do you mean?"


    Mu Qinglan whispered in a voice filled with judgment, but she didn''t continue. I didn''t have time to explain the benefits of having Old Lei, who was reliable.


    "Take Shen Yifei and the others to scavenge for some items."


    She looked at me with her cold blue eyes and snorted.


    "Don''t die."


    "I will be back here within two hours."


    I noticed Shen Yifei glance at me as our groups split in two and winked at her.


    She turned away from me, puffing her cheeks. It seemed Yifei also disliked the fact I would be leaving them.


    My gaze scanned across Roulan''s face, but she smiled back at me.


    "Be careful. We will wait for you here."


    "You too. Be careful."


    I looked away from them. It wasn''t time to think about the girls. Because going into this house would be definitely be a mistake.


    Step by step, me Old Lei and separated from the group.


    The Nanchang road was famous.


    It had two shops that would be beneficial for our survival, but the back streets and mixed houses could only be called a nightmare.


    How many families live in this small area?


    How many humans or, rather...


    How many Zombies?

 Chapter 18: Goodnight, Sleep Well

    Chapter 18 - Goodnight, Sleep WellThe moment we split off, my gut became heavy with a sense of insecurity or lack of confidence after becoming alone. Although I could face anything life threw at me in the past, this wasn''t something I could face with the same confidence.


    My hands ached from the heavy steel weighing my hands down.


    Yet a sense of excitement throbbed at the back of my head, like an unwanted migraine that refused to go away. No points came through, meaning that the others were also safe. For now, I could relax.


    With each step, we grew closer to his home.


    Old Lei''s breathing became more strained as his eyes welled up with tears.


    I didn''t speak because my words wouldn''t help.


    Step.


    The gritty streets remained silent.


    Step.


    A loud noise sounded from behind us, followed by a woman shouting.


    Creak...


    We reached his back gate, the latch easily unfastened as Old Lei took a deep, lingering breath, almost choking as he sucking the surrounding air.


    "Old Lei... are you good?"


    My nerves became a little more sharp¡ªafter that shout the surroundings stirred and became more lively. I could hear them groaning as if watching us sneak through the alleyway. Stalking us with their cloudy grey eyes, just waiting for us to make a mistake.


    "I''m fine, this is the place. Come on, my wife makes the best coffee."


    He seemed to have noticed that, unlike most Asians in this country, I preferred coffee to tea.


    Quietly, we shifted through the back gate, the overgrown garden filled with the sweet and bitter scent of overturned earth and fresh flowers.


    It seemed his wife might have a habit of gardening.


    Maybe Old Lei himself?


    Squeak!


    Suddenly, the moment the gate opened, the hallway''s rusted hinges made a loud and grating sound that made me gasp. The sound was clearly something that Old Lei tried to avoid, with how slowly he pushed open the door.


    "Old Lei?"


    I called out to him in a whisper, but he just remained still, turning back to face me, his face pale as if he saw a ghost.


    "John... are we safe?"


    He seemed out of it.


    I didn''t have the time to keep dealing with this. Maybe Old Lei couldn''t hear because he hadn''t increased his physique... or maybe normal humans couldn''t. It was a question I didn''t want to waste time on.


    So I pushed him into the garden.


    The middle-aged man staggered, slipping on the dirt path.


    He looked up at me in shock, as if I was some kind of monster. So I pushed the door closed with a sense of urgency.


    Clack!


    Sealing the bolt and locking the gate, I finally released my suppressed sigh.


    A distant groan echoed through the air, and just like I thought, the zombies were now on the move, hunting. Once the sun lowered, it became dangerous.


    ¨‹ Mu Qinglan has killed a Stage 1 Zombie!


    +5 ZBK


    +10 EXP


    ¨‹ Shen Yifei has killed a Stage 1 Zombie!


    +5 ZBK


    "..."


    My body froze.


    Not only did Mu Qinglan fight, but Shen Yifei got her first true kill. Although this made me feel happy, something inexplicably made me feel wrong.


    "Old Lei we cannot waste more time, let''s go."


    However, when I turned back he was gone, the back door ajar.


    "Damn it!"


    I won''t trust humans overwhelmed by emotions again.


    Without knowing the layout, I could only lower my body and shift through the garden, the tall grass hiding my figure, but something passed the second-floor curtains, causing it to sway, though I thought it might be Old Lei...


    But something told me I was dreaming.


    Creeping through the garden of a stranger felt bizarre, as did the small trinkets and broken toys that signified family memories, a half-buried doll in the dirt, an old bike from thirty years ago covered in rust, and a missing chain.


    I felt like I learned more about Old Lei''s life with each step.


    "Haa..."


    The kitchen door swayed slightly in the breeze.


    Old, tatty curtains covered the glass window, and countless cow trinkets and small china plates stacked on a wall rack came into my view through the gap.


    I pushed my ear close to hear anything to keep myself safe, rolling the metal spear in my hand.


    ''Quietly, calmly. Don''t get bit!''


    Silence.


    ''Wait...''


    I held my breath, counting to five.


    Nothing...


    My heart pounded against my chest as I stepped into the kitchen with measured half-steps and keeping my body low, jerking my head from side to side, ready for anything.


    Like a common thief, I crept through, sliding my hand across the floor, squatting with a slight bounce to keep enough momentum to pierce forward. Thanks to the self-defence skills Mu Qinglan gave me, I could do this without pain or aches in my joints.


    Step...


    I moved towards the inner door, a cheap brown door with missing paint. My breathing was now extremely slow, and the constant messages from Mu Qinglan and Shen Yifei distracted me almost enough to miss the figure swaying ahead of me.


    Small.


    Maybe just over five feet tall.


    A woman with dark hair swayed while facing away.


    My blood suddenly surged as if it froze from the sudden terror and adrenaline that pumped through my body.


    A flight-or-fight response caused me to act before I full understood the situation.


    My heavy black spear felt comfortable in my hand.


    Thrust!


    I lunged forward, my left foot slipping as the spear''s tip pierced


    Squelch!


    Blood spurted like a terrible movie as my spear pierced the woman''s throat from behind.


    The feeling of my spear gouging her flesh... transmitted through the black steel.


    My stomach became heavy and churned.


    ''Endure it!''


    Though I wasn''t like before, the second day of the apocalypse hadn''t instantly made me immune to murdering former humans just yet.


    ''Old Lei...?''


    I checked around after seeing the notification that she was a zombie. He didn''t seem to be downstairs, but from the looks of things.


    The entire house was a mess.


    A broken glass table covered in blood, chunks torn from the sofa, with fluff and foam spread across the room. And a television locked on a static station, with a buzzing echo that made my head hurt.


    BANG!


    "Ugh... stop... Yan''er!"


    Suddenly, something happened above. I could hear shuffling, and Old Lei grunted... he seemed to grunt and struggle.


    I rushed up the stairs, ignoring the front door, the broken banister, almost sprinting up the narrow staircase, hearing a series of loud thuds and a sudden wet crunch.


    "OLD LEI!"


    Bursting into the small room at the back of the house, where I saw the curtains moving, I found Old Lei sitting on the ground. He looked haggard, pale and void of all emotions as he visibly shook, hugging a small pair of shoulders.


    I watched in silence.


    A scene that I wanted to avoid¡ªdeath was something I never managed to overcome.


    But here it was, rearing its ugly head.


    "Sorry..."


    The middle-aged man, who seemed indestructible, sounded weak.


    His breathing heavy and desperate as if gasping through a tube for oxygen, at the same time he noticed the small human in Old Lei''s arms. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Short black hair tied into pigtails, pictures across the house showing her smiling face.


    Her eyes were grey and lifeless.


    ''Old Lei...''


    I could do nothing more than stand in silence.


    He turned to me with a face pale like a zombie. The way his cheeks sagged made it look like he aged ten years in five seconds. His eyes were red and welling up.


    "My... Princess... it''s okay, I''m here. It''s your dad."


    He tried to speak as calmly as possible, but his words came out as almost a broken whimper. As he spoke, he tried to wipe away the blood from her lips with the back of his sleeve, staining the dirty white shirt.


    "Old Lei..."


    I wanted to help him... but my body felt like something glued it to the floor.


    My heart raced, my head became dizzy, and my stomach stirred.


    "Wake up now... I''m a little late, but I''m back now!"


    I couldn''t bear to watch this scene. I wanted to leave, but my legs refused to budge.


    ''He''s dead... face reality.... Kill him!''


    Words that seemed to be a stranger''s whispered in my mind.


    Yet I knew these were my true feelings, dark and dirty.


    I couldn''t understand empathy or compassion, or maybe it was just that my brain didn''t understand how to process them...


    My hand gripped the heavy steel in my hand.


    There was no need to continue this act, a shame of a loving father.


    I leaned my head back, wiping the rain from my eyes.


    The weather was a little strange right now.


    My body lowered, and I thrust my spear twice with all my might to ensure a quick and painless end.


    Turning my back...


    I left this godforsaken house.


    Today, I killed an entire family.


    "I want to see Qinglan..."

 Chapter 19: Rank 3 Unlocked!

    Chapter 19 - Rank 3 Unlocked!The moment I reached the garden, my mood started to recover. Honestly, I just wanted to thrash around, fight, and get rid of this dirty feeling.


    As luck would have it...


    The undead came to serve themselves on a platter for me.


    Groan...


    The guttural noise slithered from beyond the walls. Hoarse, wet, suffocated, as though they gargled on their own blood. Some wails held a shrill pitch¡ªlike infants whining in the dark.


    At least ten. Maybe more.


    But that didn''t matter.


    Not yet.


    With a deep breath, I felt a sense of release. I rolled my shoulders to prepare for the coming fight, and my fingers tingled while grasping the black spear.


    A clear image appeared in my mind.


    The zombies, delighted to find a new meal, start to move happily.


    Click!


    My thumb unlatched the gate, the cold steel biting against my palm.


    A destructive impulse throbbed in the back of my mind.


    A burning anger, clawing at my ribs like something feral, eager to burst free. It lingered, simmering, threatening to consume me.


    The gate squeaked open.


    And I smiled.


    The first zombie was a rotting mess with a stupid expression. It leaned to the side, swaying because of a broken leg, unaware of me. The monster''s lips peeled back in revealing sharp, broken teeth, inhuman and too jagged.


    Its breath smelled like fermented blood and wet decay.


    I didn''t give it time to react.


    Crack!


    My fist drove into its temple. Bone crunched. Its head whipped sideways, body stumbling as the force of my blow sent it staggering.


    Another one lunged.


    I pivoted, twisting my body, and slammed my knee into its gut. Something inside ruptured with a sickening pop. The impact sent it reeling, but I didn''t let up.


    A quick step forward¡ªheel raised¡ªthen I stomped down.


    Squelch.


    Its skull caved in beneath my foot, brains and fluid splattering across the dirt.


    But I wasn''t done.


    Not nearly.


    The others had noticed me now. Their vacant eyes snapped to my moving form, jaws quivering as they groaned louder, more desperate.


    "Come on." I rolled my shoulders, feeling the tension loosen. "Let''s play."


    The first wave rushed in.


    One. Two. Three.


    The closest lunged at me, arms outstretched, fingers curling like talons.


    I sidestepped, caught its wrist, and yanked. The momentum sent it spinning, and I used its own weight to slam it headfirst into the garden wall.


    Crunch!


    It slid to the ground, twitching.


    Another staggered toward me¡ªa woman, half her face missing, one eyeball dangling loosely by a cord of flesh.


    I ducked under her swipe, seized the back of her skull, and drove it down¡ªsmashing her face straight into my knee.


    Her teeth shattered like glass. A gurgled shriek escaped her broken mouth, but I twisted my grip and threw her aside, sending her lifeless body into the dirt.


    More were coming.


    Blood pounded in my ears, adrenaline surging.


    My body felt light. Too light.


    Almost as if I wasn''t even tired.


    That thought barely had time to settle before the next zombie reached me.


    This one was faster.


    It lurched forward¡ªI barely had time to react.


    A blur of movement, rotten fingers closing in¡ª S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    My fist shot out.


    Boom!


    A direct blow to its chest sent it stumbling backwards before it slammed to the ground.


    I blinked.


    ''What the hell...?''


    I''d hit people before¡ªbut never like this.


    [Tutorial Hint: The rush in your body was a side effect of ranking up!]


    [You have Reached Rank 3!]


    A grin spread across my face.


    Well.


    That explains a lot.


    "Let''s finish this."


    With my mind clearer, no longer filled with those messy emotions, I noticed everything seemed a little clearer, my hearing, sight and sadly, even my sense of smell.


    Grasping my spear, I faced the zombies rushing at me with a faint smile.


    Even though the zombies became easier to fight, I still didn''t become complacent like earlier stepping back. I used the garden gate to keep the zombies from attacking one or two at a time.


    Seven remained.


    I swallowed my thoughts and thrust my spear...


    ***


    A while passed¡ªthe fight didn''t take long, but maybe pushing myself to a constant level of concentration caused my spirit to deplete.


    I probably needed some rest.


    "Let''s head to the pawnshop..."


    To keep myself focused, I needed to speak out loud.


    The last hour I spent killing zombies until even my hands became numb.


    I needed a break, but out in the open, this would be impossible; the pawnshop wasn''t far, only a few hundred metres. If I could get there, then I might just have a place to rest. Mu Qinglan and the others would be waiting for me there.


    I gripped the black spear tightly in my hands and stroked the smooth surface.


    It felt heavier now. Not physically¡ªjust the weight of it. Of what I''d done. Of what I''d have to keep doing.


    Shaking the thought away, I tightened my grip and turned toward the street.


    The city was silent.


    Too silent.


    The occasional groans still drifted from alleyways, but something about the air felt wrong.


    Like something was watching me.


    I stepped onto the cracked pavement and scanned the surrounding abandoned cars and darkened buildings. The pawnshop was less than two hundred metres away. I could easily make it.


    A low growl rumbled from the shadows.


    Not human.


    Not undead.


    Something else.


    I stopped walking, prepared for anything.


    I saw a flicker of movement in the corner of my vision


    To my left, a narrow alley, swallowed in darkness. Something shifted. A shape. Low to the ground. Feline. But a little familiar, but before I could check...


    In a single motion¡ª


    It pounced.

 Chapter 20: The Lunar Beast!?

    Chapter 20 - The Lunar Beast!?I stepped back, the flash of white passing my eyes, before a small jingle sounded followed by something soft rubbing against me leg.


    "Prrrr... Prrrr..."


    The threat turned out to be the small cat from earlier.


    It''s dirty body covered in grime and dirt, but the little thing seemed quite happy to nudge against me...


    Somehow, its presence was quite soothing.


    Maybe it wasn''t the best idea...


    However, I reached out and brushed the whispers on its cheeks. The small cat gazed at me with its blue eyes as if thinking, deciding if I was someone it could trust.


    "Are you hungry little guy?"


    "Meow!"


    Instantly, after I offered it some food, a blue screen appeared in my eyes, stunning me completely as it started scratching against the wall. For a moment, I doubted my eyes because it was so bizarre...


    [Recruitment Available.]


    [Subject: Unnamed Ragdoll (S-Tier)]


    [Press to Confirm.]


    ''This filthy rat... is an S-Tier?''


    I almost coughed blood at this new information.


    The little guy seemed to be male, tilting its fluffy little head, mewing at me.


    ''Well, I did offer it some food...''


    To make this cat my partner, what could I expect from this cat except needing to feed and take care of its waste?


    "Meow!"


    But that lovely call caught my attention. Lost in the cat''s beady eyes. Trapped in this grey, wet and depressive world all alone.


    ''What if I leave the cat here?''


    There isn''t a kind old lady around to feed him or help take care of him. I didn''t have a pet when growing up, but I''ve always loved cats and dogs.


    "If you come we me, you have to behave..."


    [Do you want to recruit Ragdoll (S-Tier)?]


    "Ha..."


    Behind me, the low grunts of zombies echoed, likely at a further distance than I thought because, after my evolution, my hearing became much stronger.


    It wasn''t all benefits, though.


    My sense of smell also improved, and the scent of death and other foul city scents made my stomach churn with today''s breakfast...


    "Come here, do you have a name?"


    "???"


    The cat turned away, looking around, making me feel stupid, before it slowly, cautiously approached me with a sniff.


    *Sniff* *Sniff*


    "Meow..."


    The small grey cat looked a little wild¡ªhis long ears flickered as I instinctively rubbed under his chin.


    A low, groaning purr vibrated as we met eyes.


    "Wang Yin..."


    [You have successfully recruited Wang Yin (S-Tier)]


    ¨‹ Wang Yin''s attributes are now visible.


    + 200 Experience


    + 100 Bonus Experience (First S-Rank Male)


    + 5000 ZKP for reaching Maximum Friendship with Wang Yin!


    + Your Dash skill reached Level 3!


    + You can choose one bonus skill from Wang Yin''s List!


    + Title Earned: Harbinger of the Lunar Beast


    At first, I couldn''t focus on all the blue pop-ups in my vision, and Yin didn''t like it when I swiped the air and hissed. So, I started reading them in my mind and noticed something bizarre.


    His affection reached the maximum and gave me a strange title!


    Yin''s eyes seemed to flicker with a silver light as he suddenly jumped onto my shoulder... and brushed up against my face...


    Although he was a little dirty, somehow it didn''t bother me and something else took me by surprise. I couldn''t suddenly speak cat language, but I could sense his emotions, desires, and the subtle movements now contained a slight meaning.


    "You want to eat something good?"


    "Miao!"


    ''Huh¡ªwhy is it suddenly meowing in Chinese?"


    Since my newly found cat companion happily kneading my shoulder muscles. I checked my current limit and realised I couldn''t collect more animals like this.


    ¡ª


    [STATUS]


    Name: Wang Yin S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Title: Lunar Beast


    Role: ¡ª¡ª


    Affection: 500/500 (Meow!)


    Health: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ð¡ð] 60% (Dirty)


    Morale: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ] 100% (Meow!!)


    [STATS]


    Strength | 0.2


    Physique | 0.5


    Agility | 3.5


    Spirit | 1.2


    [SKILLS]


    Dash [Level 6]


    Danger Sense [Level 3]


    Agile [Level 2]


    Charisma [Level 8]


    Stealth [Level 2]


    Leap [Level 2]


    ¨‹ Recent Actions


    ? My owner died, and I am hungry.


    ? A strange human picked me up¡ªhe smelled good and offered me food. But will he die too? I hope not...


    "Damn... there are so many amazing skills!"


    I couldn''t help but drool at these skills.


    Some of them really would help me grow and survive in this hell. Yet, I could only choose one for now, and the most useful one was clearly right in front of my face.


    [You Gained Danger Sense Level 1]


    However, I wasn''t sure how it would reveal itself to me because there wasn''t any small text written besides the skill when I focused on it.


    "Let''s go, Yin."


    With all my business finished, the painful cramps in my muscles from reaching rank three and then learning all the new skills thanks to Yin made me struggle to walk...


    Though I''ve suffered thigh cramps and groin cramps before and almost cried. The cramps from the upgrades felt random, even when I tried to prepare my mind. It felt like they chose parts I couldn''t even think of...


    ''I need to work on my Kegels...''


    ***


    Not long after recruiting Yin, I started jogging to warm up my dull muscles, avoiding any combat because of the lingering aches and cramps. Through the dark and winding back streets, I finally reached the location.


    But what I found made me want to shout. A group of men held baseball bats and machete blades towards Shen Yifei and Jiang Roulan...


    And of course, the fat waste Wang Yun was their hostage.


    Jiang Roulan looked awkward.


    It seemed like she was trying to negotiate with the five men wearing black clothes that covered their entire bodies and faces.


    ''What to do...''


    I could feel a slight twang of pain in the back of my head, along with the distant groaning of zombies coming closer. At that moment, a plan came into my mind as I crouched beside a black sedan.


    "Yin... shall we lure some bait, so we can fish?"


    "Meow?!" (Fish?!)


    Before I could turn back, a sudden tingle shocked my back, and instinctively, I lifted my spear and lunged forward...


    Woosh!


    I struck the empty air while breathing faster... even my heartbeat quickened.


    Luckily, none of the humans noticed.


    That''s when I noticed that Mu Qinglan was also hiding behind a car, and she was quickly sneaking towards me. The fact they hadn''t caught her was likely because of her superior abilities.


    ''The sudden moment of instinctive fear... was it because she bit me in the past?''


    I noticed her eyes starting to turn red.


    The outer rings looked crimson from this distance, but what amazed me more was that I could see them from here. It was at least 500 metres, but I could see Qinglan as if she stood right in front of me.


    "..."


    "..."


    When she reached the car beside me, the zombies also started coming faster, in a larger group because I ran around them on purpose earlier.


    Not to test my new speed and physique but to clear the route back home.


    I curled my lips into a smirk.


    Mu Qinglan just stared at me with a confused expression, tilting her head.


    "Qinglan. I am going to lure the zombies. Can you distract those humans and get me some time to bring them closer?"


    The moment I asked, my spine filled with a cold chill.


    Because of the terrifyingly twisted smile on her face as she gazed at me with glowing red eyes and the way her cheeks blushed at this request.


    "It''s my pleasure, John."


    And with that, she shifted closer to me, sniffing my neck for a moment as her hand pressed against my chest. A sense of danger pricked the back of my mind as this predator assessed me for her next meal!


    "Don''t die."


    With a fleeting smile, she vanished from my view... a waft of her natural scent and perfume lingered in her absence.


    "Why does her zombie phase make her so flirtatious...?!"

 Chapter 21: Cat and Mouse!

    Chapter 21 - Cat and Mouse!Because Mu Qinglan doesn''t attract the attention of zombies, it forced me to finish the plan on my own. Though she might attract them... because her blood wasn''t appealing enough, it would lack the same certainty compared to this!


    Shlick!


    I used the tip of the spear to cut into my palm.


    A bloody mess started to ooze from my hand, dripping onto the ground.


    Though I could have slit my wrists to be faster, it all relied on my slowly gathering more and more zombies to kill those idiots and earn as many points as possible.


    "Yin there''s a road leading around the back, you know the way right?"


    "Meow." (Of course)


    "If any others are hiding, let me know!"


    Thanks to his speed and small size, most of the zombies only grunted when he rushed past them.


    He zigged and zagged before looking back.


    "Meow!" (Coast Clear!)


    Because I couldn''t quite understand him word for word, the sense that came through was a feeling of calm or safe.


    At least, that''s how my mind interpreted his current signals.


    I heard banging from behind me and smiled to myself.


    Mu Qinglan started her action, and now all I could do was hurry through the back streets, wrap around... and then end this game of cat and mouse.


    "What are you doing, you bitch!"


    A man''s low voice echoed... and was my signal.


    Instantly, using the dash skill. It boosted my running and jogging speed to more than double the usual.


    "Ugh..."


    However, the burden on my muscles and body increased with each step.


    It grew from a small amount of muscle ache, which became a cramp and then an agonising searing pain that spread through my sides and forced me to stop using the skill because it became harder to breathe and take in enough oxygen.


    "Haa... Haa..."


    My mind began to fog up.


    I twisted to avoid a zombie''s lung. My hips lowered as I sensed something coming from behind. The spear lashed out without grace or elegance. Only a brute force attack that used the strength of my physique to its fullest.


    Bang!


    The jaw of the zombie cracked, sending it to the ground with a thud... and increasing my points.


    "Shit... I need to buy some armour."


    I noticed Yin watching me and shook my head, focusing on the task at hand. If I arrived too slow, the others would struggle even with Qinglan fighting beside them.


    ''Because Jiang Roulan and Yifei are still too soft.''


    This event will be an excellent lesson for both of them. I just hope Wang Yun does something stupid.


    Slam!


    As if on cue, three zombies slammed over some garbage bins to rush at me.


    "Heh! Come on you undead fools!"


    I flicked the blood from my palm across their faces, and just like Qinglan, their eyes became crazed, shimmering a yellow colour instead of pale white.


    "Run!"


    And like this, I used fences and other garbage in people''s gardens to avoid, coax and tease over fifty zombies to chase me down the road, which would lead to the group threatening the girls.


    "Phew... I''m not even tired little guy!" I brushed the soft fur of Yin''s face because it was the only clean part of him.


    "Meow!" (They are fighting... danger?)


    "It''s alright... give the zombies a little time to catch me up, here have this piece of sausage."


    Taking some of the meat from my inventory, it was a little warm due to me lacking the upgrade that cost 1000 ZKP, but Yin wolfed it down like a savage beast. I could see the reason for his brutal title.


    ''I''ll get that upgrade when we return. Yin deserves a fresh snack.''


    "Grr...."


    "Arrr...."


    Here they come!


    A constant flow of adrenaline pooled in my body.


    The scent of copper, rust and rotting corpses filled my nose, which irritated me as it overpowered the last wisps of Mu Qinglan''s perfume.


    "Just give it up, woman... you''re pretty good so if you surrender we''ll let you go."


    An unfamiliar voice sounded as I crept towards them.


    My hand touched the floor as zombies followed a few dozen metres behind me. I forcefully scraped the wound against the shoddy concrete pavement to aggravate the wound, blood prints forming with each step I took.


    ''Keep coming... little kittens.''


    The thought that I might have lost a bit of my humanity in doing this crossed my mind.


    But once I saw them ganging up on Mu Qinglan and Shen Yifei with six men on two women, those kinds of thoughts vanished, replaced with pleasure.


    I wanted to watch them scream and cry.


    To hell with humanity¡ªthe world is ending!


    ***


    Clang! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One of the men''s blades struck Qinglan''s metal bat, forming sparks.


    He tried to push her down, his muscles bulging as his face turned red, with veins popping out of his neck.


    Woosh!


    She tilted her head, avoiding another metal bar, and smashed her knee into the first guy''s crotch, crushing his nuts.


    "Hah!"


    Shen Yifei''s metal bar thrust at a male with the butt end of the spear.


    Smack!


    It hit him straight in the face, but he stopped its full force with his machete and used his strength to push the spear to the side, knocking her off balance and then¡ª


    "Take this, bitch!"


    A man with a knife lunged at her exposed torso, but before I could panic.


    Jiang Roulan dashed into the fray, leaving Wang Yun alone with a bloody nose and black eye.


    She caught the blow with her wooden tonfa, twisting the blade using her natural agility and technique and smashed the man''s nose, causing a low crunch as he staggered back groaning in pain, with blood pouring from his nose.


    "Yifei stand up!"


    I grasped my spear ready to throw it at the leader who attacked Qinglan with two others. Behind me, the zombies were about ready to tear me apart...


    Taking a moment to calm myself, I started a slow run, accumulating my pace before launching the metal bar like a javelin.


    The metal bar left my hand with a low howl.


    I used the Dash Skill and sprinted after the spear.


    My body burst into an Olympic pace run.


    Past the first man, then the second and the moment it was about to pierce the leader''s thigh, I threw my left fist at his face!


    He was the one who threatened Qinglan and called her a bitch.


    So I aimed to shatter his orbital lobe.


    "Here comes the Cat¡ªRat!"

 Chapter 22: A Stange Zombie...

    Chapter 22 - A Stange Zombie...Crack!


    My knuckles crushed into his face, his skull rattling from the force¡ªbone splintering as his orbital lobe caved in. A garbled, inhuman scream tore from his throat. I felt a sense of euphoria at the sensation beneath my fist... crushed bone and flesh.


    Then¡ª


    Schlick!


    The spear followed.


    Its black tip shredded his muscles, tearing his thigh and almost severing half his leg in an instant. The male collapsed like a sack of rocks, blood gushing as the zombie horde closed in on our group.


    Drawn to the scent of fresh meat.


    "Qinglan pull back and help the others to get to a safe distance, then join me."


    Despite my tone sounding commanding, she didn''t speak back.


    Qinglan just stared at me with her luminescent crimson eyes, pulsing with desire for blood, and it made my neck throb.


    It seemed I tamed two interesting beasts...


    Step...


    I moved towards the convulsing human. He looked pale like a sheet of paper, arms tense and above his head from the sudden cranial shock. Honestly, things like this used to make me feel sick or a little nauseous.


    Now, it just made my stomach churn with butterflies.


    ''Was I becoming something else, something that wasn''t human?''


    The zombies weren''t far now...


    I couldn''t afford to mock the male who insulted Qinglan, so I ripped my spear from his thigh, which took more strength than I expected.


    A spurt of blood bubbled from his thigh as the man squealed, catching the notice of most of the zombies heading this way.


    There were at least thirty.


    "Phew..."


    Walking towards the pawnshop, I flicked my wrists and adjusted to the weight of the spear in my hands¡ªit''s cold steel, my only comfort.


    Mu Qinglan darted through the zombies, unphased, ignored.


    They really didn''t seem to care for her and instead focused on the bleeding members of the masked gang, shambling towards them.


    "P-please... help... me...!"


    "It hurts... It hurts... It hursssss! PLEASE STOP!"


    Shen Yifei and Jiang Roulan trembled on the spot, terrified. Both watched the men that attacked them, swarmed by the zombies and torn apart.


    Blood, screams, and the wails of the fallen became my background music.


    I twirled my spear faster and faster.


    The low whistle gained the attention of two zombies, who rolled their heads and noticed me with their red eyes.


    I wondered if they could still think or use their brain.


    "Qinglan, let''s fight."


    A mutter quiet enough to be called a whisper, yet she nodded and curled her lips into a smile like a psychopath as she rolled her metal bat in the air.


    "I should get started too."


    Unlike her, I needed to plan every encounter, avoid any scratch or bite.


    So, when the closest zombie approached, I stepped back and thrust upward, piercing its throat. Black blood spurted all over my hands, but I ignored the sensation and twisted my spear before kicking it down.


    "Haa..."


    There couldn''t be anything better than the sight of +5 ZKP with each kill I made.


    It also helped that I had Qinglan at my side.


    My body lunged forward, stabbing into the second zombie and piercing through its eye socket.


    More blood splashed onto my face as the corpse fell back.


    "Phew..."


    In the time I killed two, Qinglan crushed the skulls of five or six.


    However, I could feel the danger if we didn''t have some help. I flicked my gaze towards Jiang Roulan, Yifei and Wang Yun... only to find he crawled away halfway down the street now.


    ''So much for his love for Yifei or Jiang Roulan...''


    The pair noticed my gaze before a zombie lunged at me, forcing me to block its arms and throat with the pole of my spear. I could barely feel the weight of the corpse and heavy spear...


    ¨‹ Your Skill has improved!


    You Leaned: Spear Mastery [Level 1]


    Suddenly, I could feel basic movements, styles and stances forming in my mind. Instinctively, I knew what action to make as I twisted my hips and flung the zombie to the ground, and smashed the butt of my spear into its forehead.


    My foot tapped the ground as I made more distance, maintaining two metres between me and the zombies.


    This distance was my ideal range with the shorter spear.


    ''I see... I was fighting wrong.'' Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thrust!


    A sharp, more accurate and stable thrust burst through the back of another zombie''s skull. Four of them dead in a few seconds.


    Although not related to spearmanship, the term "Measure" used in fencing came to mind. Now, there was a sort of mental area ahead of me in a wide angle, which was my strike zone, with the proximity being a danger zone while using the spear, instinct, knowledge and skill.


    These benefits are what the Spear Mastery skill gave me at Level 1.


    "Phew..."


    Exhaling, I cracked my neck, preparing to take another zombie, when I noticed one twitching in the pack. Its eyes didn''t look at me. Instead, it focused on something elsewhere.


    [Tutorial Hint: Danger! Stage 2 Zombie detected!]


    ''Stage 2?!''


    The back of my neck became cold... as if an executioner stood behind me holding an axe. Able to feel the cold skin as it wobbled. It reminded me of those strange Titans from that anime I watched years ago.


    It looked emaciated, dry...


    Different from the other corpses, with white eyes, rather than creamy or cloudy.


    "QINGLAN, AVOID IT!"


    I just screamed. The tingling was something I realised to be my Danger Sense Skill, and the moment I did, as if waiting for a signal.


    The slim zombie launched at her like a jumping spider.


    Its face spread apart, revealing a huge mouth filled with hundreds of jagged teeth.


    Qinglan''s head snapped towards the zombie, her eyes bright red as she suddenly growled and swung her bat at full force, smashing into the zombie.


    "Good!"


    I hopped back, avoiding a crawling zombie''s attempt to drag me down, while celebrating.


    However!


    The most impossible sight appeared before me.


    With one hand, the zombie stopped Qinglan''s full-powered swing, and it was curiously gazing at the bat while pushing her back.


    Mu Qinglan''s face tensed, her neck and forehead veins bulging.


    ''She''s struggling...''


    Woosh!


    I crushed the frontal lobe of another zombie, sweeping my spear across the ground, crippling another...


    +15ZKP


    But I didn''t feel released because the strange zombie just kept its head tilted, stroking the bat as it trembled from the zombie''s immense strength.


    It was the first time I saw Mu Qinglan struggling since the end started, although only two days... it felt like an eternity.


    The sudden realisation that she needed help destroyed my plan.


    "Shen Yifei! Jiang Roulan, help kill these zombies now! Wang Yun get back here!"


    Whatever it is, whoever it was, I need them!


    "Eh?"


    My blood froze.


    After I shouted, the zombie''s neck snapped, gazing at something....


    "Shit..."


    And that something was me!

 Chapter 23: Stage Two - A Moment of Terror!

    Chapter 23 - Stage Two - A Moment of Terror!The danger sense skill would not only teach me of incoming danger through a prick or tingling sensation in my mind. It would also slow my sense of time for a short duration from the moment this effect started.


    To give time to think.


    I could feel Yin''s fear, his thoughts of regret flowing between our link. It seemed he noticed the strange zombie but didn''t understand its danger.


    ''How could I blame a cat?''


    Tk-Tk!


    A brittle, unsettling click scraped from its throat¡ªas if something was lodged inside, like cracked joints grinding together, wet and uneven. Its dark grey skin stretched over a deformed and emaciated body.


    The moment I blinked, a huge mouth appeared in the air... less than a metre from me.


    It jumped with a twisting motion, lashing at me with its tongue.


    "Shit!"


    I cursed and threw myself to the side, not caring if I damaged or hurt myself.


    A cold feeling ran through my body.


    Bang!


    Crack!


    My head crashed onto the pavement, but I survived with minimal damage, a slight ache and blood oozing down my cheek.


    But now the zombies were behind, and that thing ahead of me, buried in a car after smashing through its window.


    I surrounded myself like a cat caught in its own trap.


    Dragging the spear from the ground, I shifted back, trying to get to a safer position.


    The image of its pale white eyes and huge mouth filled with teeth, too realistic and unsettling, different from games and media.


    Even Mu Qinglan looked spooked¡ªand she was in her zombie phase!


    "Qinglan, that thing is dangerous!" I called out, stabbing another zombie, hearing the creak of metal as that monster stretched and bent it with ease.


    ''I need more strength. If I survive... I will pour my money intoPOWER!''


    Honestly, speed was also cool, but right now I couldn''t win in speed or strength!


    Dodging would only tire me out.


    I couldn''t abandon Qinglan.


    The others...


    ''Hah!''


    My mind raced because of nerves and fear. I thought too much, speaking to myself, trying to weaken the mental breakdown that was impending from this monster.


    But it taught me what I wanted to know.


    I was STILL human.


    Qinglan didn''t reply but lunged forward as I started moving. Her metal bat swung recklessly at zombies that moved towards me, as if in a daze.


    All of their eyes glowing with a slight yellow hue.


    She''s like a hurricane.


    A song started playing in my head at that moment.


    The system didn''t speak, and I realised that a Stage Two might be above the limit or threshold of a Tutorial.


    So I tried to cheat...


    ''System, is there anything that can boost my attributes, permanently and temporarily, with my 4000 points?''


    Mu Qinglan started steamrolling the zombies, my points and experience increasing greatly, while Shen Yifei and Jiang Roulan snapped out of their terror from seeing that Stage Two zombie.


    Crreeeeak!


    The car roof started to deform.


    Its long, deformed arms were so powerful despite being nothing but bone and atrophied muscle¡ªits lean physique likely why it moved so fast.


    With each smash, the metal dented, and I lost confidence.


    ''Tell me you shit system, or your host will die forever!''


    [Tutorial Hint: Please don''t threaten the System... I will help!]


    For a moment, it seemed to be sentient.


    Though that didn''t matter, the zombies down to roughly twenty started to wane, but within seconds, that bastard would be back.


    ¨‹ Suggested Items!


    Hero Tonic: 3000 ZKP


    Temporarily triple all Attributes and gain a temporary level boost to all skills. However, the extreme side effects will leave the host weakened for 10 hours.


    Power Elixir: 1000 ZKP


    Increases Strength permanently¡ªeach usage decreases the effects and increases the cost.


    Speed Elixir: 1000 ZKP


    Increases Agility permanently¡ªeach usage decreases the effects and increases the cost.


    [Tutorial Hint: The Hero Tonic is a Rank 5 Item and isn''t normally for use at Rank 3!]


    I see...


    The system was giving me a significant hint here.


    Because I wanted to get the inventory upgrade for one thousand, I was subconsciously limiting my money from five to four thousand... like a fool.


    ''GIVE ME THEM ALL!''


    [Purchase Complete!]


    Poof!


    Two small vials appeared in mid-air, and one can of a popular brand of energy drink.


    Red for strength,


    No, it was the same design, but the system shop stole it for their off-brand "HERO TONIC!"


    [High in caffeine, dangerous to consume more than once a month!]


    VWOOSH!


    With both its legs swinging like a hammer, the State Two Zombie kicked the entire roof off the Sedan like it was plywood.


    Pssssh!


    I opened the can and two vials and poured them into my mouth...


    The mixture of three flavours made me want to vomit. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A Spicy Cinnamon & Smoked Pepper flavour from the red Power elixir, followed by the Sharp Citrus & Cool Mint of the silver Speed Elixir and, to finish... the carbonated taste cherry and dragon fruit that tasted more like motor oil.


    Ba-Dum!!!!


    My heart screamed in agony, slamming against my chest, before all the muscles in my body felt like they bulged and doubled in size. It felt as if my veins expanded, and I could clearly feel the flow of my blood.


    Like a chemical reaction...


    Suddenly, the world turned into slow motion, but it wasn''t my Danger Sense.


    I turned to the car and saw the Tier Two once again, but its movement wasn''t slow... but normal speed. Its face twisted, pale and ghostly, with a wide smile and glowing white eyes.


    Tk-Tk!


    Once again, it made that unsettling click, but this time, I could react.


    The way it leaned to the side, almost touching the ground with its head, made me feel disgusted¡ªa very inhuman sight.


    But it wasn''t an issue for me anymore.


    The creature flicked from the ground and lunged toward me like a spring.


    A low thud echoed in my enhanced eyes as I grabbed a nearby zombie, tossing it with ease at the zombie in mid-air, unable to dodge with its vile maw wide open.


    Crunch!


    I winced.


    The stage one zombie''s torso practically evaporated as the sharp teeth and force of the stage two devoured it as it continued flying towards me.


    I lowered my hips, grasping the light black spear with a grin pasted on my lips.


    The sound of zombies around me was so detailed and accurate, I could pinpoint their locations able to avoid them with a slight step, without breaking my posture.


    Once the slow motion faded, the zombie launched at me like a bolt of lighting.


    Yet I moved faster... and I stabbed out.


    Shlick!


    My black spear pierced through the air, slicing the zombie''s chest, but its leg kicked off the concrete and pushed away from the deadly strike, able to react and counter my blow in an instant.


    Thud!


    Tk-Tk!


    "Haa..."


    With a deep breath, I could feel the slight ache from surpassing my body''s limits.


    No wonder this was for Rank 5¡ªat that level, I should be able to handle this kind of monster with little effort.


    THUNK!


    What shocked me most was that when the zombie avoided me, its body landed in range of Qinglan, who wound up her swing and slammed her metal bat into its thick skull...


    The resounding crack of the impact reverberated through the air.


    My eyes opened wide as it stumbled to the ground, bleeding from its ears and mouth.


    Before I let out a breath, Qinglan jumped on the zombie, using her bat to pin its neck to the ground, locking it between a fallen pillar and car chassis and started to pummel it with a violent, crazed assault.


    Crack!


    Crunch!


    Her lips parted, releasing a rumbling growl as her fang-like canines shone in the setting sun.


    "Qinglan...?" I whispered, astonished as the red-eyed beauty beat its head into a bloody mess, even after its flesh stopped twitching and writhing underneath her.


    THUNK!


    With a final hit, she stood up and gave me a bloodthirsty smile, her face filled with an insane expression, a wide, distorted grin like a cat that brought a mouse to its owner.


    She bounced with light steps approaching me, dragging the zombie''s corpse.


    ¨‹ Mu Qinglan has killed a Stage Two Zombie!


    +1000 ZKP First-time Bonus!


    +500 EXP


    +50 Affection for giving her the last blow!


    I wanted to thank her and tried to step forward, but a sudden burning pain shot up my throat, and a sweet yet coppery taste filled my mouth. A sudden pressure grew, and I vomited a lot of bright red blood onto Qinglan''s face.


    However, as my vision became hazy she didn''t seem to look unhappy, and instead...


    ''Was that a look of elation?'' I thought... but no answer came.


    I blacked out.

 Chapter 24: Side effect!

    Chapter 24 - Side effect![Mu Qinglan POV]


    My heart raced with a fluttering beat the moment John covered me in his blood¡ªeach day, it becomes more delicious and sweet and suits my taste perfectly. I noticed something sparkling in the disgusting zombie''s head.


    It was green and pretty.


    ''John would love this.''


    I thought... and something whispered in my mind, telling me it could be useful to me.


    Yet I wanted to give it to John like he gave me his blood.


    ''Hmm?''


    John seemed a little strange and started shaking, and then a moment later, he slumped to the ground with a loud thud. His head hit a stone block, bouncing before it began to ooze with more blood.


    Anger, something hot and sticky, grew in my chest like tar.


    I didn''t want to drink this blood... he didn''t offer this blood to me.


    But John wouldn''t get up.


    Kneeling beside him, I poked his soft cheeks¡ªthe squashy feeling was delightful.


    I could see his strange face.


    It always made me feel a little odd¡ªheat spread through my body whenever he smiled. I could see strange images and memories of the other me.


    They flashed through my mind and made me angry.


    ''Why do you make me feel this way, John?''


    ''How does my other self think?''


    The other humans were being selfish and didn''t even notice you on the ground.


    Instead, they couldn''t kill a few zombies.


    Why are they so weak?


    Even though John did most of the fighting and killed the stronger green corpse, these idiots are struggling with normal zombies.


    "Help me! I can''t fight these things!"


    I gazed at the ugly male... his name was Wang Yun? He hasn''t killed a single zombie since he invaded our home. There isn''t much he can do except cry and wet himself, but because of his screaming, more zombies might gather here.


    He complained about his injury again.


    ''I don''t trust them...''


    John fought with his body getting into this state... and none of them has helped.


    Shen Yifei started killing zombies, but she was far too slow and weak.


    I watched them quietly poking John''s face to wake him. Jiang Roulan made me feel angry, but I couldn''t deny her skill in combat.


    ''Only John.''


    Even the other me inside felt the same about this.


    However, he won''t wake up, even after poking his face several times.


    "John..."


    "...Wake up!"


    Because I couldn''t wake him up and made my decision, I grabbed the pretty green stone, the small marble rolling on my palm with a cool sensation.


    When I lifted John off the ground, his scent flowed into my nose. It was thick and strong, causing my head to become dizzy. Thoughts of biting and drinking his blood echoed like whispered screams.


    But that wasn''t right... ''I am only allowed when you say I can, right?''


    There was a bag near the wall that I had hidden before those humans appeared. To make sure nothing bad happened again, I collected the weapons of all the men that insulted me and died because of John''s attack.


    ''John was cool when he fought the green zombie.''


    While grabbing the blades and weapons, I placed them in my bag filled with "trinkets" from the pawnshop.


    The other me collected items she believed would help the group and would also impress John when he returned.


    If she looked forward to seeing him so much, ''why was she so cold?''


    Like this, I imitated my other self and acted normal and took the lead of the group in his place. I tried to act like he would and called out to the others, who seemed to be confused and lost.


    "We cannot continue. Let''s head back home."


    "Are you sure? What about John?"


    Shen Yifei finally noticed the unconscious John on my back and looked horrified. Her hand reached out, but I pulled back, not wanting her to steal my role. I don''t know why, but butterflies fluttered in my stomach when I did.


    "He''s injured, but we need to get back to help him."


    "That''s a good idea. I found some antiseptic and painkillers from the small pharmacy. So, let''s follow Mu Qinglan in John''s absence."


    "Why? I am struggling to walk here!"


    Again, the annoying flesh made noise¡ªhe seemed to feel entitled, but John tolerated him, so I decided not to kill him. Yet. Instead, I tossed a sturdy pole to him so he could lean on it to walk, but he smiled at me with a strange, creepy grin. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "T-Thank you, Qinglan."


    He used my name...


    ''I want to kill him, I want to cut his throat...


    Tear apart his insides and throw him to the zombies.


    Die. Die. Die!''


    It made my skin tingle and different from when John used it. I could see and feel the same things the other Qinglan saw. Thus, she also didn''t feel this way when it was John calling her name... I miss John''s voice.


    The feeling in my stomach faded because of that insect.


    Everything ruined.


    ***


    Two hours later, the group arrived back at our base... nobody broke inside and we all survived.


    Then I remembered that the old man who John liked seemed to have vanished.


    ''I will ask John when he wakes up.''


    I carried John to our room and flung him onto the bed, but I felt everything was a little annoying.


    No matter what I did, he wouldn''t wake up.


    "John... can I kill that pig?"


    Though I asked him, he remained sleeping... like a princess in a fairytale.


    "If you don''t speak, I will punish you."


    The hot and sticky feeling in my chest grew more active when I said that.


    My heart was pumping faster and harder with anticipation as I enacted my punishment! I tore piece by piece from his body until he lay without clothing and found that the feeling only became worse.


    The throbbing became unbearable...


    His skin felt soft like silk, but the scent was earthy and thick.


    When my nose came close to his neck, the tingling sensation that tickled my brain made me want to drink more blood.


    However, John forbade me from doing that without permission.


    But what should I do if I couldn''t resist and needed to feed...


    ''But just a little taste won''t matter, right...?''


    And so... I bit his neck, softly chomping and chewing the sweet-scented flesh and found myself feeling sleepy.


    It felt so comfortable being close to John''s warm body that I became drowsy.


    The other me would soon wake up, and I would have to wait another day to meet him.


    Tonight was so fun, John...

 Chapter 25: A Zombie Core

    Chapter 25 - A Zombie CoreA pain spread through the back of my head, disturbing my sleep. I could feel a burning pain spreading through my muscles with each little movement. When I shifted my neck, my hands covered my mouth and suppressed a groan from the sudden sharp sensation that sank into my flesh.


    "Ugh..."


    With a slow, extended breath, I shifted beneath the sheets to avoid pain.


    There was something warm pressed against my shoulder, squishy, and when I reached out, two orbs slipped into my hands.


    The moment my hands squeezed the round, plump mounds.


    A soft, ticklish breath tickled my skin before it became a faint hum that vibrated against my neck, and my eyes snapped open, realising what they were.


    "!!!"


    Mu Qinglan curled up beside me, her chest pressed against my arm, completely bare beneath the covers. Her lips pressed against my throat, parted just enough for a thin line of drool and my blood to trail down my collarbone.


    For a split second, my mind became pure white.


    I flicked the soft nubs pressing against my palms before pulling away instantly as she began to stir.


    "Nn..."


    Her breathing stopped for a moment, before her mouth opened wide, revealing her white teeth and pink tongue and releasing a long yawn as her sweet breath blew against my face and she started moving.


    Mu Qinglan''s fingers spread apart and twitched while touching my chest, her long lashes fluttering as they opened, revealing her piercing yet unfocused blue eyes still heavy from her long sleep.


    She blinked slowly, squeezing and rubbing my chest with a faint smile on her lips. Shocked, she gasped upon noticing me.


    "What...?" Her voice sounded soft and husky.


    I watched her quietly, enjoying this rare sight of a nude Mu Qinglan, the ice queen''s cut state when she woke up, caught between sleep and easily.


    No superhuman, but a normal, vulnerable human.


    "Ngh... morning!"


    With a slow stretch, trying to hide the pain from the tonic''s aftereffects, I slipped out of the bed because I was hungry, and the scent of bacon from the kitchen was too tempting.


    However, it felt cold, icy cold.


    When I rolled my shoulders, letting out a pleasant groan as the crack of my bones felt amazing, there was a moment of silence as we met gazes again.


    "W-Wait¡ªWhy are you naked!?"


    I paused about to respond, then glanced down at myself and couldn''t help but smile, ''thank god for morning wood...'' It was cold as hell!


    Then looked back at her and shrugged.


    To hell if I knew... I was still at the pawnshop last I remembered.


    "I don''t even know how I got home..."


    Mu Qinglan gazed at me with a befuddled face. Her lips parted for a moment before closing again, what she intended to say dying in her throat.


    Her face became red... deep red, before she yanked the quilt and wrapped herself up and cocooned herself in the fabric, rolling on my bed.


    "Get dressed!"


    I curled my lips and enjoyed the situation while crouching and grabbing my clothes.


    "You looked amazing, Boss."


    A cheeky response came from my lips as I stood at the window, enjoying the morning sun leaking through. Somehow, the others must have got lucky and found some fresh bacon, something I thought we used yesterday.


    I remember hearing Jiang Roulan speaking about a small convenience store beside the pawnshop on the way there...


    For now, it was enough with the serum that reduced hunger and other needs.


    But the day had only just begun, and I needed to eat.


    ***


    The cheap pans sizzled with oil, cooking with a professional''s skill. Shen Yifei swayed her waist while humming as she prepared breakfast in a good mood.


    "I hope you''re hungry... but John, are you sure you can eat?"


    "I''m starving, please give me a big service!"


    "I''ll have rice and some bacon..."


    Mu Qinglan cut in and then huffed, turning away when we met eyes. "Hmph!"


    Both Jiang Roulan and Yifei seemed a little clingy and worried about me when I reached the table, and not long after, a shy little cat named Mu Qinglan followed.


    "Meow!"


    "Yin!"


    "Who is this cat?" Jiang Roulan asked while petting its soft, fluffy head.


    It seemed to have washed since I last saw it, too.


    The moment I called his name, the cat dashed across the table and hopped onto my shoulder and gazed at me with a sad aura. His emotions seemed worried about my health and sorry he didn''t help.


    ''Yin... you saved our lives and helped these women survive.''


    I couldn''t help but think that without taking that path and having Yin''s danger sense, that stage-two zombie would have killed me.


    Thankfully, he seemed to understand my feelings to some extent and rubbed my palm with his head before curling up and flicking the back of my neck with his fluffy tail.


    Bang!


    Suddenly the door slammed open and caused the cat and Qinglan to jump, one clawing my shoulder, the other drawing a blade.


    ''Where did she get that machete?'' I wondered.


    "What are you doing?! It''s me. Don''t threaten me with a blade."


    Wang Yun just always made himself seem annoying at the worst times.


    "Didn''t I tell you not to come inside without knocking?"


    Shen Yifei mumbled while stirring a second pan without care as she tossed some rice and started making some porridge without seasoning or bacon.


    "Sit down."


    "Eh... Ah, yeah, sure."


    "So what did you come here for, there must be a reason right?"


    Despite her snapping and acting tsundere, Qinglan started to speak to Wang Yun in her cold and heartless CEO mode.


    "I..." His eyes darted around the room as if looking for something, though they lingered on the hips and chests of the three women first. Until they finally moved to the machete in Qinglan''s hand that glistened in the morning sunlight.


    "I want a weapon, since its'' dangerous... you won''t turn me down right?" He started to stutter after meeting my eyes, but didn''t give in, which was a little admirable.


    "We''re a group... right?"


    Snap!


    I opened up a bottle of whiskey before pouring some into my mouth. A deliciously hot, silky taste washed out the filth that spread from the pig''s mouth. The burning sensation comfortable as the honey and caramel taste soaked into my tongue.


    "What have you done so far to deserve one of them?"


    "Huh? I am a member of this group too!"


    Wang Yun looked at everyone but they turned away¡ªeven the breakfast was different for him, given a simple porridge while everyone else had eggs, and bacon too.


    "Don''t be selfish, we all struggled to get them..." The shameless Wang Yun added, looking at Jiang Roulan''s chest once again.


    ''Oh, she noticed...''


    BANG!


    Suddenly I almost jumped because Mu Qinglan slammed the table.


    Yin also ran away.


    "What have you done exactly?! Nothing but cower and piss yourself while shouting your self entitled bullshit!?" Her eyes glowed red for a moment before she suddenly calmed down and swallowed her breath, biting her lower lip.


    "Sorry, I''m a little..."


    She left the table and vanished into my bedroom... her breakfast hardly touched. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I didn''t like the atmosphere, and this was my group, so I let out a long sigh and then grabbed one of the cheap baseball bats lying on the sofa beside me.


    "Here, it''s better than nothing."


    "Huh?"


    I tossed the bat and shook my head.


    "Next time make sure you knock before coming to this apartment."


    Wang Yun snatched the bat, before muttering under his breath...


    "Damn sluts... dare insult me."


    I noticed that Shen Yifei''s face twisted, her eyes became sharp when gazing at Wang Yun''s back, because we both evolved, that whipser was clear as day. I shook my head with a frown and left the table.


    "I''ll see to Qinglan... today let''s vote later if we''re going out together. Oh and... I''ll also tell you both what happened yesterday... about Old Lei."


    "Mm..."


    "See you."


    I couldn''t forget that my goal was to recruit Jiang Roulan, but I couldn''t leave Qinglan in such a state, and she took priority.


    ***


    When I entered the bedroom, I found her sitting on the edge of my bed, kicking her legs while letting a small green crystal with a milky texture roll around her palm.


    [Tutorial Hint: That orb is a Zombie Core!]


    "A zombie core?"


    However, before I could learn more...


    "John!" Qinglan exclaimed with an excited voice the moment she saw me, and that''s when I noticed her eyes were red, despite it being daytime!


    [Tutorial Hint: During times of emotional instability, her persona may switch!]

 Chapter 26: The Usage of A Core...

    Chapter 26 - The Usage of A Core...I didn''t realise she could switch because of emotions. This sudden knowledge made me consider the future and how to handle this. If it were only the evening and sleep cycles, I don''t think there would be such an issue.


    "It''s for you."


    Mu Qinglan pushed the core to me with a wide smile.


    She seemed so expressive during her "zombie" mode¡ªit made the usual Mu Qinglan seem like the zombie and this form was an actual human.


    I thought it was a little ironic.


    "You are giving this to me, do you know what this does?"


    To be honest, I only heard its name, but I wondered how Mu Qinglan seemed to understand its value as she treated it like a treasure, even making a small box for it using my expensive perfume package.


    [System Hint: The Zombie core has several usages]


    I took the creamy green crystal orb from her hand¡ªthe scent was a little fruity, like kiwi.


    It rolled around my hand, cool to the touch and glistening to my eye.


    "Eat it."


    Qinglan spoke again, imitating me swallowing the orb.


    "Excuse me?"


    The thought of swallowing this small green orb made my stomach churn because this small orb felt no different to the glass in the windows. It made me doubt Qinglan for a moment before the familiar blue box appeared and taught me again.


    "Eat!"


    [Tutorial Hint: Zombie cores can be swallowed and won''t cause choking or health risks!]


    I lifted the orb, placing it against my lips.


    The slight scent of Mu Qinglan''s hand cream lingered on it... cocoa butter.


    [Tutorial Hint: Don''t eat it!]


    ''Huh?'' I thought to myself.


    Didn''t the system just tell me that this could help me and wasn''t harmful to swallow?


    ''Why?''


    [Tutorial Hint: That''s not it! The core... look at the panel to your left. I will show you!]


    Because the soft tutorial voice told me to check I did while trying to ignore how excited Mu Qinglan looked with her shining red eyes. It seemed she knew exactly what this did for people... I wondered how.


    ¨‹ Zombie Core Usage


    - Can be sold for ZKP


    - Can be swallowed by enhanced humans


    - Can Help Zombies to evolve. (Explains their instinctive hunger for them)


    - Can upgrade/make weapons.


    Then some text appeared, but the Tutorial woman''s voice read it out, which made things easier for me.


    [The reason you shouldn''t swallow this is that you have reached Rank 3! So from now on, each time one of your subjects reaches the next stage of evolution. You will also gain an increase in power!]


    ''I will gain power...?''


    [It''s not the same as a full evolution, but you gain this for all subjects that have over 100 affection for you and evolve to the next stage! Do you see now?]


    ''I see.''


    Now, this made me realise something about this system and the virus: if there were stage two zombies. Then evolution must mean that eventually stage two humans will exist... and that only right now did I have a superior strength and advantage over them.


    ''Let''s not tell Mu Qinglan about this and use it to get some points.''


    Although it seemed dirty, he needed the women and men closest to him to have an affection and loyalty that others couldn''t break. If someone else ran off with them after he strengthened them, it would be idiotic.


    I rolled the green orb between my fingers.


    Each time I moved it, the eyes of Qinglan followed it like a cat and it was super cute.


    She looked at me with confused eyes the moment I pressed it against her soft lips, the squishy sensation a little wet from her lip gloss.


    Or maybe it was her drool. I couldn''t help but roll the cold orb along her mouth before slipping it into her mouth.


    "Eat it. Qinglan, you''ve worked hard."


    I wanted to stir her hunger for the orb, letting her taste it and desire it.


    Her tongue pushed the orb, as if to resist my gift at first, but slowly her resistance faded, my left hand reaching out and stroking her hair as she parted her lips and my fingers slipped into her mouth.


    "Mmmmn."


    However, her tongue wrapped around my fingers. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A warm, sticky sensation slithered and coiled around them as she sucked the orb from my grasp with a rather loud sucking sound.


    Mu Qinglan''s eyes narrowed, and she fluttered her eyelashes seductively at me...


    Immediately, she flung her head back and slammed back onto the bed with a thud. Her body started to convulse, and I saw her muscles visibly bulging and contracting, becoming bulkier and then condensed as the dead Qinglan let out a pained gasp.


    "Argh...!"


    She started to spasm, which made me panic.


    Mu Qinglan''s eyes shone a dark red, then flickered to an azure blue as her pained groans changed to sound like something different.


    The extreme difference in her size and looks seemed almost monstrous, but instead of that...


    I noticed her hands started to move.


    Qinglan reached across her body, pulling up her shirt, slipping her pants down. I looked away, but I needed to ensure she was safe. Yet when she started rubbing and touching herself, with a low, breath sigh, I realised it was different.


    "I messed up..."


    There was a sudden flash when her gaze snapped towards me, and I felt the familiar tingle in my neck, but before I could dash out of the door, Mu Qinglan grabbed my arm and flung me onto the bed.


    "John~" She purred in my ear.


    It was hard to deny my arousal even while terrified.


    Her dull red eyes loomed near my face, as she bit my cheek... nibbled my neck and sucked on the tip of my ears, while sniffing my chest and body like a beast... She pushed her breasts against me while licking my face and grabbing my clothes.


    I struggled against her... Really... I tried.


    However, when I thought she might really start something.


    Thud!


    A weight dropped on my chest, and her sleeping face came into my view.


    "..."

 Chapter 27: Jiang Roulan asks for help...

    Chapter 27 - Jiang Roulan asks for help...I struggled to calm myself and avoided waking another beast. After taking a deep breath, I sighed and slipped Mu Qinglan off my body. She weighed a lot more than earlier and her muscles looked more toned and... well, sexy.


    "Sleep well, Qinglan."


    Though she was my trump card, immune to the virus or disease but I didn''t want to overuse her and tried my best to treat Mu Qinglan like a human.


    This time, it paid off.


    ¨‹ Mu Qinglan has reached Stage 2!


    Mu Qinglan has reached the next step


    +500 EXP


    +1000 ZKP


    Mu Qinglan is the first recorded Human to reach Stage 2!


    +500 EXP


    +2000 ZKP


    + John Wang Enhancement Bonus!


    You Fed Qinglan the first Stage Two Core!


    Mu Qinglan''s Affection +70


    ¡ª


    "Wow..."


    I couldn''t believe that finally, Qinglan had reached the level of Loyalty plus like Shen Yifei, this would enable me to relax a little more around her. But the amount of ZKP and EXP made it feel like the system planned for me to face such danger.


    That buying those items when facing Stage 2 was all part of its grand scheme.


    ''Am I being paranoid?''


    "Whatever..."


    There wasn''t enough information, and he didn''t know if the disease was from some broken lab somewhere or an alien or magical lifeform. But it wasn''t the time to be worrying about something like this... If Qinglan survived and evolved, then others could.


    ''I need to fight...''


    Since I reached my current level of spirit, I could sometimes see a faint essence that flowed from zombies when killed. This essence would float into the people that attacked or helped kill it.


    The essence must be what helped bring someone to the brink of Evolution.


    Because my stats increased when fighting the zombies near Old Lei''s house and I didn''t evolve or take any special items.


    ''Let''s find out...'' I thought.


    But I couldn''t leave Mu Qinglan alone here with Wang Yun in the building.


    We planned to hold a vote in the evening.


    To see if the women wanted to go out and kill zombies while looking for resources.


    With our current strength, the mall wasn''t an option but suicide.


    I wanted to help train both Shen Yifei and Jiang Roulan to reach the level needed to fight zombies like Mu Qinglan.


    With countless things on my mind, I decided to train before it was time for dinner, wanting to improve myself and get used to my changes before leaving.


    Also hoping that Qinglan would wake up.


    ***


    Dinner wasn''t anything special... no, it was delicious, really delicious! But you can only eat special fried rice with leftover meat or a microwave meal so many times when working till late each day.


    And Qinglan didn''t wake up.


    "Thanks for the meal."


    I let out a long sigh and looked at Jiang Roulan and Shen Yifei. It seemed they brought some food to Wang Yun to avoid him complaining. But I didn''t care so much. He wasn''t someone I planned to keep or let become one of my followers.


    ''Once Jiang Roulan enters my system...'' I thought.


    "Um... John."


    Suddenly as I thought of countless ways to make the fat man squeal before death. Jiang Roulan, holding a bottle of whiskey and two glasses, approached me. Her face looked a little complicated, and I wondered what she might have to ask.


    "What''s the matter?"


    "Its..." I noticed her resistance and pulled back.


    Don''t be too eager.


    "Well, shall we have a drink first? Yifei do you want some?"


    Shen Yifei was a strange woman that I only accepted into the group because she was pretty and the system convinced me to. Even now, she gained me experience points, though much less than killing zombies. I could reach Rank Four at any moment now.


    "D-Don''t mind about me, I''ve got something to do..."


    What could she have to do in the apocalypse and inside my house?


    I couldn''t help but wonder. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    We moved to the veranda because Shen Yifei seemed a little strange, and I couldn''t help but keep looking back.


    ''Maybe she knew the reason?''


    The cool evening wind blew across the balcony, distant shots and shouts still echoed in the red sky, while the wind chimes created a calming background sound. I enjoyed drinking there because it felt like the rest of the world didn''t matter.


    "....so, being a cop was that fun?"


    "Yeah! I loved being in power, not told to sit down or back off, with this..." She rubbed her pistol with a huge grin, different from her usual self. "Even those sexist fucks backed off when I revealed my identity, not my family, or name... but my authority!"


    Jiang Roulan wasn''t the straight-laced woman I thought¡ªshe enjoyed drinking, watching fights, but that didn''t mean she was a feminist who hated men. She also longed for romance, but with her family, it seemed she became jaded.


    "Sounds like a powerful feeling."


    "Hah, it is... but I wanted to meet a nice man before the world ended."


    "Oho, a nice man. What''s your type?"


    I was truly interested, and not having much experience myself... these conversations with women helped.


    "Someone strong... not that I want to be protected, though I do. It''s more, having someone who would kick a criminals ass beside me and cover me if there was a fight. But if either of us are sick... we''d look after each other, you get me?"


    "Ah... I get you."


    It was a little tedious because I couldn''t get drunk yet.


    The drunk cop rambled about things like this for almost an hour as she started to sober up a little.


    "Ahem! Can you forget... some of that?"


    I sipped the cold coffee that Yifei had brought out a few minutes ago. As if she could tell when I wanted a coffee or hard drink, she always offered first.


    "I''ll forget if you tell me what you wanted earlier, and don''t bullshit me."


    "..."


    She looked at me with her wet eyes, a little dazed from the alcohol, but she shook her head and nodded, as if convincing herself.


    "I need your help, please... take me to my apartment!"


    "Huh?"


    What kind of request was this?


    Because I didn''t understand the context, I felt a little irritated.


    Where did she live, and how far would I have to travel? If this woman wasn''t an S-Tier woman, would I have to endure...


    However... she then said her address and my anger faded. The location wasn''t far. It suddenly made sense because she lived on the opposite side of the business complex and the direction we were currently facing.


    "If I take you, I want a reward."


    "Eh?"


    She looked at me with a slightly troubled face, but then she tapped her lips, dragging her teeth along them before nodding.


    "As long as it''s not something... too far."


    "I see... then, is it just me and you going? Qinglan is a little injured from last night and I don''t want to leave her alone with... that guy here."


    "We can take him... at worst he could be a meat shield right?"


    "Eh?"


    This time I was shocked...


    If I had an affection meter, then it would have just increased by 50 for Jiang Roulan.

 Chapter 28: Jiang Roulan Recruited!

    Chapter 28 - Jiang Roulan Recruited!I didn''t want to accept this mission because she was a hot policewoman. At first that might have been true, but from her actions and how she observed things during the past two days. It felt she might serve the camp well in a similar role.


    Maybe something like a judge or something that could mix her previous role and a new one suited for a small group that would eventually grow.


    Eventually becoming village-sized one day.


    ''She is very perceptive.''


    Honestly, I didn''t have a grand plan or even the drive to do something that significant right now. Survival was about the only thing on my mind, though the idea of having an army of seductive S-Tier women sounded great at first.


    I needed to face reality and take what I could... at least until I gained the strength to protect them and keep them by my side.


    ''Not everyone is like Mu Qinglan...''


    So for now, I needed skilled people, no matter the gender.


    Yin didn''t count, but once I started meeting more survivors, I planned to recruit those who seemed worth it.


    Before I accepted her request, I purchased the 1,000 ZKP inventory upgrade.


    [System Hint: Your storage now stops the passage of time and maintains temperature.]


    -1000 ZKP S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Easy.''


    "Okay, let''s take him and leave Shen Yifei with Mu Qinglan and since the distance is far... we should probably prepare to stay the night in the case something fucks up."


    Jiang Roulan''s eyes widened at my words before she nodded and smiled back.


    "After all, asking you was the right call. I really needed this. Thank you."


    "Let''s leave in an hour, so get yourself ready."


    The scent of tobacco and whiskey lingered as she leaned back, gazing into the evening sky before sipping a glass of iced water. Jiang Roulan stepped inside, her uneasy steps showing she wasn''t quite sober.


    I wonder if the things she wanted are things a woman would need since she''s speaking to Shen Yifei about something.


    While looking into the sky, I quietly mused on my thoughts.


    "I''m no longer on the tutorial... but her last message."


    There was a blinking message on my system interface marked as [Important]. I knew that the tutorial benefit did this for me and opened it.


    ''The tutorial vanished after telling me about the zombie core...''


    ¨‹ You must reach Rank 4 to create a safe zone that no Zombie can penetrate.


    This warning message helped me realise that sometimes staying put isn''t quite worth it. I realised that after facing a stage-two zombie. It wouldn''t be long before stronger, mutated zombies appeared that surpassed that small concrete and glass defence.


    "Phew..."


    Sipping the last of my whiskey, I leaned against the balcony railing and wondered what might happen tonight.


    A sense of excitement and curiosity was building in the back of my mind. Even now, I felt the thumping of my heart increasing in speed and power. Or maybe that was just the amount of caffeine and alcohol I''d been drinking since the world ended.


    Woosh!


    I tossed the empty bottle into the distance.


    The force created a low whistle.


    My evolved strength was now far beyond a regular human as it smashed into a distant zombie, crushing its skull.


    Crash!


    +5 ZKP


    Amused by the easy points, I considered upgrading Shen Yifei with my current points as I returned to the apartment.


    I would bring my jacket and some items for safety and emergencies.


    Maybe some food, a blanket and bandages using my system. Oh, and I couldn''t forget the spare weapons, just in case.


    ''The twenty slots became thirty when I hit Rank Three... nice.''


    ***


    Despite my attempts to wake her, Mu Qinglan remained silent in her long sleep.


    Thankfully, the system informed me that this was just a natural occurrence and most people would sleep at least twelve hours when evolving the first time.


    ''Are there many Stage Two zombies in the city right now... I hope not.''


    [System Information: Calculating!]


    [Current number of Stage Two zombies in a thirty-minute radius: 3]


    [Current number of Stage One Zombies in a thirty-minute radius: Over 9,000]


    Even with this information helping me to focus, it didn''t mean I could earn experience alone... I focused on how to clear this hurdle.


    [System Hint: Accepting this quest unlocked Jiang Roulan''s lock!]


    ''Why didn''t you tell me sooner?''


    [System Message: You Didn''t Ask]


    This news brought a completely new set of questions because when I gazed at Jiang Roulan across the room and I realised the system wasn''t lying.


    However, her affection for me was higher than Mu Qinglan''s when I first recruited her, which made no sense.


    ¨‹ After countless betrayals, she finds it hard to trust others. Watching your actions and surveying you, she has lowered her iron guard and accepting her request might have been her last test to measure you up.


    ''I see...''


    Shaking my head, I felt this was bullshit. But couldn''t help it and opened the recruitment tab, and of course, there wasn''t any time to waste in assigning her a role.


    [Recruitment Available.]


    [Subject: Jiang Roulan (S-Tier)]


    [Press to Confirm.]


    I noticed her gaze for a moment before pressing the button and confirming everything.


    A sense of satisfaction filled me as the first goal I created finally ended.


    Though it took me two days and I already lost Old Lei.


    [You have successfully recruited Jiang Roulan (S-Tier)]


    ¨‹ Jiang Roulan''s attributes are now visible.


    + 200 Experience


    + 1000 ZKP Bonus!


    + Your Self Defence skill reached Level 3!


    Without wasting time, I checked her abilities and chose one of the stranger skills... because it sounded like something I truly needed.


    + You have learned the skill Unbreaking Will [Level 1]


    ¡ª


    [STATUS]


    Name: Jiang Roulan


    Role: ¡ª¡ª


    Tier: S


    Affection: [122/500] (Friendly)


    Health: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ] 100% (Healthy)


    Morale: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ] 100% (Relieved, self-conscious)


    [STATS]


    Strength | 1.4


    Physique | 1.5


    Agility | 1.3


    Spirit | 2.5


    [SKILLS]


    Cooking [Level 1]


    First Aid [Level 4]


    Intuition [Level 5]


    Self Defence [Level 6]


    Lie Detection [Level 2]


    Iron Guard [Level 5]


    Tonfa Specialist [Level 6]


    Unbreaking Will [Level 2]


    Devoted [Level 10]


    ¡ª


    ''Her spirit is equal to mine, that''s amazing!''


    The harsh life of a policewoman must have taken its toll on her in this country, especially when most cops were sexist and believed women didn''t deserve their posts.


    ''Well, let''s finish up and get ready...''


    But because of all her skills it made me wonder what kind of role she should be given. With a curious mind, I pressed the plus tab next to her role section.


    ***


    Devoted: Has never betrayed or lied to someone who earned her trust


    UnbreakingWill: Increases Spirit and willpower. Hardened after 8 years as a Police Officer


    IronGuard: Increases Spirit and makes it hard to make friends or suffer lasting mental damage.

 Chapter 29: Toward the Apartments.

    Chapter 29 - Toward the Apartments.There were many roles I could give to Jiang Roulan that would help me instantly, but somehow, it didn''t feel right to choose such boring and standard jobs. My gaze browsed through the system and found several interesting choices.


    "Are we ready to leave?" Jiang Roulan looked at me in a jacket and arms wrapped in bandages to protect from bites.


    I could have bought some items for her. However, I wanted to focus on myself and improving my combat power and safety¡ªI know it''s selfish.


    But without me, there wasn''t any survival, and that was the simple truth.


    "Yeah, is Wang Yun coming?"


    Despite not wanting to involve him, there wasn''t any reason to leave him here in case he tried to do something in my absence.


    "I am... is that a problem?" The arrogant Wang Yun snapped back, holding his wooden bat like it was a machine gun.


    "Not at all. Lead the way."


    Well, he didn''t have a choice, and I wouldn''t blame him for being so nervous because even Jiang Roulan mentioned using him as a shield. Although I doubt she was being honest, that was more than likely the alcohol talking.


    "Here, a gift for the hard-working officer."


    I stepped closer to Jiang Roulan and handed her something that made her eyes open wide, difference from her wooden tonfa with chipped pain and damage from the previous fights.


    When I handed her a pair of tonfa from the system, she seemed excited.


    ¨‹ Ultra Strong Tonfa


    ? Regenerates durability to the original state once a day.


    ? Durability 200/200


    ? Cost: 200 ZKP


    Because I noticed her tonfa shouldered most of the force of her enemies, I chose a similar weapon to Mu Qinglan.


    Since Jiang Roulan was S-Tier, I didn''t feel nervous about paying this extra, and she didn''t need a training weapon at such a high level of tonfa skill.


    "John, this is amazing... where did you¡ª"


    Placing a finger on her lips, I made a shushing gesture before winking and heading towards the window while browsing the different roles in the corner of my vision.


    "H-Hey... John!"


    I looked back at her with a sly grin when I noticed the job I wanted to give her because it suited her in every way.


    Honestly, it was because the system tutorial left a marking on the message and told me something about this job that caught my interest.


    Pactbound Justicar


    A class that only Jiang Roulan could take¡ªit seemed you needed at least 10 years of experience in the justice sector. No matter what, you must avoid bribes, breaking the law and tarnishing their beliefs...


    ''This is where her Iron Will and Devotion came in strong.''


    The reason I wanted this class was because of the description.


    A unique class bestowed upon those who enforce both justice and sacred bonds.


    This class could gain experience from upholding the law, maintaining order and strengthening unity in the group. It included combat, policing, leadership and acts of devotion.


    The reason it was important... I was the law.


    Giving Jiang Roulan the ability to earn experience in so many ways would help me when Mu Qinglan or Shen Yifei couldn''t.


    Combat, Camp Duties, Judging & Policing and finally... She could gain experience through intimacy as it seemed the system deemed the "Sacred bond" and "Devotion" as something akin to marriage.


    Grabbing the window, I vaulted out and landed on the steel sheeting. But I couldn''t help but wonder how long this place would remain safe to use.


    When will zombies that can jump or climb like humans appear?


    Or maybe they existed, and those 5 Stage Two zombies would have such abilities.


    Despite this, there was a downside to such a widespread role. Jiang Roulan would split her future growth between Strength, Physique and Spirit, prioritising her Spirit attribute. Compared to the Maid, which gains more Agility and Physique per stage.


    While checking her current information, it became clear Jiang Roulan''s system didn''t show her current stage on her status panels.


    "I cannot see their stage..."


    [You need to purchase that sub-module.]


    This damn system loved to do me dirty.


    Other people would have super powers, ultimate cultivation abilities and see even the size of a woman''s bra and hips!


    "Well, whatever... Jiang Roulan, hurry up¡ª"


    Thud!


    Her body zoomed past me as she slid off the garage, using the momentum to crush a zombie that was clawing at the window beside our building.


    "Damn!"


    ''She''s really wild.''


    Thanks to the improvement in the system, it didn''t show a pop-up unless I wanted to see it, and the system became more focused and reactive. Instead of taking a few seconds, the changes in my vision were instance, able to make them transparent or invisible.


    With a slight boost, I dashed and leapt off the building and slammed my spear down, crushing two zombies into meat past, the weight of the spear seeming to grow with my growth.


    However, it appeared to have a limit for when I reached a certain level.


    But right now, it felt quite good at around 30kg, and with my current strength. Maybe a little heavy, but it crushed bones and skulls like glass.


    Crack!


    "Wow, nice!"


    "Thanks!"


    Jiang Roulan gave me a thumbs up, her clothes already covered in blood. I remembered how scared she was of a Stage Two zombie and wondered why it affected her so much. Not that I could ask her¡ªthere wasn''t enough trust between us yet.


    "Wang Yun, aren''t you coming?" I called out, looking back at him.


    "Huh?"


    It seemed she completely forgot about him in the space of a few moments... but her face appeared to be beaming since I gave her that role, and it made her spirit reach a new level, making her one of the strongest mentally.


    ''Since her spirit is the same as me, she should be fine now.'' I thought.


    "Lead the way, Roulan."


    "Who let you call me like that~"


    Although her voice remained a little aggressive, her eyes fluttered while lifting the corners of her lips playfully.


    So I played along as she started to jog towards the main road.


    "Do you have a problem?"


    "It''s fine!" she said while stretching her arms. "Just be more careful."


    Her body moved like a panther, shifting through the streets using a simple taekwondo dash before slamming her tonfa''s base into the throats of the zombies. With a simple attack, she cracked their necks, instantly killing them.


    ''Two dead... in a single attack.''


    She made me want to become stronger, the way she moved her weapons as an extension of herself... I closed my eyes and focused on myself.


    I felt I could reach her level of skill soon with more training and time. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But since there weren''t many zombies, I wanted to try...


    "Guys... haa....wait... haaa.... huu...."


    ''Oh... I forgot him.''

 Chapter 30: Zombies go BOOM

    Chapter 30 - Zombies go BOOM"What should we do?" Jiang Roulan glanced my way while biting her lip and furrowing her brows. The current situation wasn''t positive¡ªnot long after leaving my apartment, we found ourselves surrounded by zombies.


    I extended my arm, motioning her to lower herself.


    "Careful, get down..."


    Wang Yun shifted behind while heaving, almost giving away our position.


    We hid behind a group of cars and a huge metal bin.


    At first, it was quite simple to fight through the zombies, kill one, kill two.


    However, once the zombies appeared in groups of twelve or more, their danger quickly increased. I felt confident in fighting them for a while, but the issue was that their numbers constantly increased with all the noise.


    Zombies shambled around the cars, dragging their legs with low groans, eating away at our collective sanity.


    Me and Roulan would be fine, but Wang Yun might not last long.


    "Why did we come here?"


    "Because Roulan needed something."


    I whispered, trying to get my point across without raising my voice.


    Roulan shifted closer to me and looked over the hood of the car. Her eyes focused on the police station to the left and the apartments in our vision. I placed a hand on her waist, ready to pull her down at a moment''s notice while observing the surrounding zombies.


    ''At least a hundred...''


    Jiang Roulan turned around with a look of uncertainty, but her lips curled into a slight grin as her eyes sparkled with a strange flicker of light.


    "Up there, can you see the beams leading to the convenience store?"


    Following her finger to the large beams connecting the buildings, I could barely make out the steel structure supporting the signs and electrical wires.


    Although it could hold our weight, I felt nervous about Wang Yun...


    Wang Yun had been acting like an entitled student from the West, shouting and complaining whenever Jiang Roulan led us to this area, telling us to go back.


    "Do you think we can do it?"


    "Let me go first..." Jiang Roulan said.


    I nodded as she crawled across the gap and then climbed on top of the garbage bin. I put my foot against the metal box to avoid creating noise that would attract zombies as she scaled up to the top.


    "Come on." Roulan excitedly waved down at me.


    "Go."


    My eyes glanced towards Wang Yun, who was looking around in a panic.


    I felt like he might be the death of us, and I felt anxious about him messing something up. He nodded, the fear on his face clear before he started to make his way up to Jiang Roulan.


    *Rattle*


    "Grr..." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Arr..."


    The zombies started to approach us, but it was too slow to matter.


    Once Wang Yun was halfway up, he suddenly slipped...


    "ARGH!"


    His cry echoed through the street.


    ''Fuck!''


    The zombies shambled closer, in a larger group, now that our position was compromised. I shifted to the back of the car, picked up the lid of the garbage bin, and tossed it into the air; my arms ached from the heavy steel before it slammed down, crushing several zombies.


    "GET UP!"


    There wasn''t any need to be quiet now.


    I started running and jumped into the air, kicking off the back wall, then pushing myself off and grabbing the ledge Wang Yun almost fell from.


    "Hah!"


    "John!"


    Jiang Roulan couldn''t help me as she was dragging Wang Yun up.


    But that didn''t matter.


    I sucked in a deep breath, then pulled myself up, the zombies now gathering at our feet.


    Groaning and clicking their jaws.


    Once on top of the beam, Jiang Roulan pointed toward the convenience store, but now it seemed dangerous to follow this path. At one point, the beam tipped close to the ground and within biting range¡ªif one of them got caught, the danger would be far too much.


    "What should we do?"


    "Not sure..."


    And despite how it might have seemed to them.


    I wasn''t some magical genius who could come up with a plan instantly, first observing the area and checking places or things I could use.


    The zombies lingered around the base of the building. Below the steel beam was a small store canopy which would stop us from falling.


    There was a path using those, but it involved a long jump to reach the convenience store outside the apartment. The thing that made me doubtful was the number of zombies near the apartment.


    ''How much were those grenades?''


    [System Message: Explosive grenades 1000 ZKP]


    ''I''ll take three!''


    POOF!


    Three grenades appeared in my hands, cold and heavy with slight rivets. But the sound of the explosion would only draw more zombies, so for the best usage, wouldn''t it be best to draw them closer first?


    "Jiang Roulan, Wang Yun... follow me!"


    I ran across the steel beam to the canopy while storing the three grenades, with Jiang Roulan following behind. Wang Yun, however, hesitated before catching up, lagging far behind.


    We stood at the place closest to the bar, where I pulled out my smartphone and flicked through the most irritating sound files and set my alarm to go off in five minutes.


    "Jiang Roulan, Wang Yun... both of you, rush across that bar now!"


    "WHAT?!"


    "NOW, FUCKING GO!" I screamed, scaring Wang Yun, who almost stumbled from the sudden shift in tone.


    Jiang Roulan looked at me before I took out a grenade, and she suddenly moved while glancing back at me several times.


    Although I didn''t know the strength of these things, I still believed they could help, even if it was only for a moment. The weaker zombies didn''t see well, but they picked up on the scent of blood and sound well.


    "Phew... they''re coming."


    Zombies from all down the street gradually shambled towards us. I could feel my chest pounding from the excitement and anxiety of this moment. I grasped the grenade and watched them amassing just below me, hammering the wall with a low thud.


    A metallic clink sounded as I pulled the pin.


    "Three..."


    "Two..."


    The zombies grouped up as I tossed the grenade into the centre of them, jumping back against the wall as I prepared for the explosion.


    "One..."


    THUD!


    Clink... clack...


    *BOOM!*

 Chapter 31: The Death of Wang Yun!?

    Chapter 31 - The Death of Wang Yun!?The blast lifted me off my feet, almost pushing me off the steel beam, my hand gripping the wall desperately. My whole body convulsed from the aftershock, and instantly I lost all sense of balance, not a trace of focus.


    "Damn it, my ears are ringing." an irritating screech echoed inside my ears, like someone ringing a loud bell.


    I staggered, slapping my head to clear the noise, but it didn''t help, and the horrible smoke filled my eyes. Jiang Roulan called out to me with a concerned expression, rushing towards me as Wang Yun grabbed her arm, yanking her back so she didn''t fall off the building. Or rather, tried to stop her ¡ª but she noticed my palm and stopped instinctively.


    "Don''t worry about me, focus yourselves."


    This was what I deserved for throwing grenades with no experience. But this wouldn''t stop me from doing it again.


    "Are you sure?" Jiang Roulan called out from my side.


    "Yeah... two more times, I''ll do this two more times," I repeated my words, so she backed off.


    "Be careful," Jiang Roulan grumbled, shuffling back, almost knocking Wang Yun off his feet, swallowing her words and watched me from the side, furrowing her brows.


    Predictably, I didn''t take her advice, and looking at the staggering zombies that shuffled towards me once again, my lips curled into a delighted smile. I quickly snapped the grenades from my inventory, brushing my thumbs along the pin while observing the zombies swaying like headless chickens. The pins dropped to the ground with a click, bouncing twice before tossing them towards the two groups. "Good night, from downtown!"


    BOOM!


    "Woah!"


    "Careful!" Jiang Roulan''s voice slightly exceeded the blast''s aftershock, but her concerned voice made me chuckle.


    After the second attack, most of the zombies located around the apartment died, leaving a smaller number of seventy or eighty roaming and most of them injured or deformed. I shook my head, now the ringing much worse, but still grabbed my spear. "It''s fine," I responded innocently, feigning ignorance. "Wanna join me?" I asked.


    "Huh, are you serious right now?" Jian Roulan''s voice echoed from above as I dropped to the ground with a low thud, slamming my shoes into the skull of a zombie, crushing it like a broken egg.


    Crack!


    A pleasant sound echoed in my mind. Although I wasted a lot of points, the feeling of killing so many zombies felt so cool. Not to mention the essence from over a hundred zombies poured into my body during the explosions, increasing my disorientation but also granting me a greater boost in strength.


    "Kyaa!" Jiang Roulan''s body landed on a pile of boxes, and rolling to her feet, she dashed forward before smashing a zombie in the jaw with a swift uppercut.


    "Good move," I complimented her before sweeping across the ground, tripping two zombies, "Hah!" following up with a rapid pair of thrusts, popping their yolk.


    The group of zombies diminished as our bodies moved through pure instinct.


    Each time Jiang Roulan moved, I caught her brutalising zombies with a cold, technical style. Meanwhile, my spears crushed and broke them like a complete brute without any sense of skill or technique.


    [Warning!]


    [You have reached Rank 4 - Evolving would be dangerous in the current situation]


    ''Halt it for now¡ªcan I resume whenever I want?'' My thoughts became disrupted the moment the system echoed in my head, causing me to almost slip when dashing towards a zombie. My heart nearly exploded as another lurched forward and bit down inches from my face. It was so close I could smell its disgusting breath!


    [You can]


    Adjusting my footing, I pushed the heavy spear against the ground, using my upper body to launch myself back out of the zombie''s range. The sound of Jiang Roulan''s metal tonfa smashing off flesh echoed as I avoided the danger and stepped forward before smashing the zombie that bit towards me with my spear.


    Crunch!


    "Damn it..." my breath became slightly heavy as I panted, the sense of excitement coming from striking the zombie''s head filling me with a rush of adrenaline.


    "John! Are you coming to join me?" Suddenly, Jiang Roulan''s excited voice echoed and caught my attention as I tried to catch my breath.


    "Wow," Jiang Roulan looked like a maiden of battle, her body covered in blood, dripping with zombie flesh and guts as she lowered her hips and smashed forward with a dual strike, hitting her target in the stomach, head and throat with a rapid, blitz attack. I couldn''t believe myself at first and bit my lower lip, frustrated that she could fight so well.


    ''I can''t lose, I''ve already ranked up!'' Filled with determination, I gripped my spear with both hands and dashed forward into the small crowd of zombies, lowering my hips before thrusting forward and penetrating two zombies, lifting them off the floor and hurling them against the concrete.


    "Are you having fun?"


    "Totally! But my arms are getting tired!"


    "Let''s hurry up then. I''ll clear the other side," my voice lower than before.


    Exhausted, I stopped trying to match her pace and instead just used brute strength and smash, crushed and pierced the zombies until most of them vanished, leaving just me and Jiang Roulan in the huge expanse outside the apartment.


    "Haa... ha... Jiang Roulan, you''re one powerful woman." My breath struggled to keep up, a mixture of the excitement, adrenaline fading, and exhaustion from almost an hour of constant fighting. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her lips curled up before I felt a damp weight against my back.


    "Really, am I that amazing?" she spoke in a cheeky tone, her voice lower than usual as she quietly huffed a shallow breath.


    I peeked back at her, but found the view extremely stimulating, the sweat from the extensive action and combat caused her chest buttons to pop open, revealing her lack of bra and the shiny skin of her cleavage, meanwhile Roulan gazed at me with a strange expression, swallowing as she reached out to my face.


    BANG!


    "What?!"


    "Oh god!" Jiang Roulan quickly pulled back when the sound of rocks collapsing and glass shattering reverberated through the air, and it also caused me to cover my ears. The moment the mist vanished, a monster appeared¡ªa true monster!


    At the demolished doors of the convenience store was a huge, plump zombie that had destroyed half the wall and support beams.


    Fat, powerful and over two metres in height and width.


    The sudden appearance of the monster caused tremors in the ground, and that''s when I noticed Wang Yun desperately holding onto the beam as it collapsed. A loud screech echoed with the beam he held onto bent, dropping him just above the fat zombie.


    "We should help him," Jiang Roulan gasped, seeing a human in a desperate state between life and death. "I don''t think it can jump with that size so we can¡ªeh?"


    I couldn''t blame Jiang Roulan''s voice for turning inside out.


    "HELP ME!" Wang Yun called out, as his body swung from the loose beam, however the monster below granted them no chance, its huge form swelling up, before it grasped both sides of its stomach, before tearing them open.


    The zombie''s stomach split apart, revealing a huge mouth, countless layers of teeth and a long, snaking tongue oozing with an acidic drool. "Aaaah!" Wang Yun''s hands slipped from the beam, dropping into the monsters'' hands and each one so large it made him look tiny.


    "Oh god, save me, please, John! John!!!" Wang Yun flailed inside the hands of the monster kicking the fleshy meat of the fat zombie.


    I noticed my legs started moving, although I hated the guy. Of course, he was annoying. It seemed I really didn''t wish for him to die, nor this kind of horrible death on another human. But with each step, my heart pounded harder, realising it was impossible... I saw his body dropping as Jiang Roulan jumped at the huge zombie with a flying kick.


    "Nooooooooo!"


    The monster crushed Wang Yun with a loud, disgusting crack.


    Then dropped him into that foul, abominable mouth.

 Chapter 32: Stage Two - Brutal Beatdown

    Chapter 32 - Stage Two - Brutal BeatdownWang Yun died. His scream hadn''t even faded when the fat zombie snapped its greasy lips shut around him with a disgusting crunch, and now all that remained was a wet slop echoing down its throat.


    I couldn''t look away or blink, almost in shock.


    The fat zombie had torn itself open and swallowed him like he was a bag of noodles.


    Snapping out of my confusion thanks to Roulan tapping my shoulder, I couldn''t let myself rest any longer. My body started moving, brain screamed orders that something dangerous was about to come and that I needed to fight. I had to fight.


    I vaulted onto the hood of a car, then rolled across to the minivan beside it, claiming onto the roof, which groaned under my weight.


    My body sank into the metal but remained balanced.


    The monster was growing again.


    Its gut split wider, bones shifting, height stretching by the second. Its breath rolled out in hot clouds that stank like melting tires and rotting pork.


    This was it.


    [Evolution to Rank 4 Available. Begin process?]


    [Warning: Subject will be paralysed for 27.3 seconds.]


    I slammed the metal "yes" so hard it felt like I got vertigo, annoyed by the specific number of seconds as if someone were playing with me.


    Immediately after, pain hit me like an electric sledgehammer.


    The taste of copper spread through my mouth, as a searing pain crept up my throat. I fell to one knee, holding the van''s roof, gasping as heat and pressure rushed through my chest, my limbs locked in place, adding meaning to the paralysis mentioned.


    I could see the fat zombie recovering ahead of me. Its tiny eyes were covered with plump fat, likely affecting the bastard''s vision, but the zombie snarled and turned¡ªsniffing the air like a dog. It was Sensing.


    "Roulan!" I shouted.


    She spun from her position near the collapsed building, eyes wide, her tonfa raised.


    "What the hell are you doing up there?!"


    "I need you to stall it!"


    Her brows lifted, furrowing before she flashed me a middle finger. "Stall it?! What do you mean, stall it? You''re not even¡ªare you Hurt?" The voice cracked into one of concern from her harsh scolding.


    "Yeah," I hissed. "Voluntarily. But trust me. My body is... adapting. I just need thirty seconds."


    "Oh yeah, you just need thirty seconds." Roulan''s jaw clenched. "You''re joking, right, right now? Are you out of your goddamn mind?!"


    "I don''t get to pick the perfect moment!"


    "You''re choosing the worst one!"


    "I know!"


    She looked like she wanted to cuff me to a wall and beat me down with her tonfa. But she didn''t.


    Instead, she exhaled sharply through her nose, took two slow steps before running forward, then turned her head slightly and shouted, "You better not die, John! You hear me?! You survive, or I''m going to kill you myself!"


    "Deal," I rasped through gritted teeth.


    Then she was off¡ªsprinting toward the mutant.


    Her legs were long and powerful, all lean muscle from years of training. The moment her tonfa struck the zombie''s side, it bellowed loud enough to shake the glass in the nearby buildings.


    And I¡ªhelpless on the van roof¡ªwatched the only woman crazy enough to fight this thing for me, throwing herself straight into its jaws with a violent super kick.


    *** Roulan ***


    "Are you out of your damn mind!?"


    My voice echoed down to him¡ªbut John didn''t move. Didn''t twitch. He just crouched there on top of the van, eyes squeezed shut, breathing rough, face frozen like he was fighting a war inside his skull.


    "John!"


    Nothing.


    The monster gave me no more time. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ground shook from the brute''s movements, its heavy feet stomping the ground with each step. With a grotesque stomach hanging open, the stench of rotten flesh and stomach acid soured the air, but I held my breath and stepped forward.


    "You better not die on me, you little shit."


    It would suck if the only handsome guy around me right now died.


    I snapped both tonfa out from my belt, the steel rods gleaming in the twilight. The Brute lurched, its enormous hands dragging along the ground like a gorilla. Not fast, but every footstep made the ground rock beneath my feet.


    I exhaled and charged.


    Clang!


    The first blow hit me like a freight truck. I managed to duck the swing, but the shockwave from its sheer strength lifted my feet. I flew back and smashed into the hood of a nearby car.


    "F¡ªck!"


    A stabbing pain exploded through my ribs.


    I could taste our meal and the whiskey.


    The impact dazed me, but I forced myself up. My arm trembled while wincing slightly from the pain, but I bit down and endured. I am an officer of the law. My job is to protect and serve! I couldn''t afford to stay down¡ªnot with him watching.


    Not when such a handsome young man depended on me!


    "You''ve grown soft, Jiang Roulan," I muttered to myself, shaking the cobwebs loose. "What happened to the woman who wrestled a meth-head with a cleaver for two hours in a stairwell?"


    The Brute charged again.


    I sidestepped and dragged it between two broken-down sedans using my tonfa, then dived through a gap in the wreckage. The thing followed¡ªbut slowly. Its bulk couldn''t navigate the tight corners. I struck from the side¡ªbam, right under the arm.


    Its skin rippled. Didn''t break.


    Goddamn apocalypse bullshit.


    I kept moving, ducking behind a scorched motorcycle and striking at the lumps'' huge legs.


    A shallow blow¡ªuseless. The thing roared and turned, flattening the bike with a backhanded swing. I rolled sideways just in time, my boot scraping against broken glass.


    My ankle throbbed with pain from the blow, and I could barely stand, my thighs screaming like doing cardio after a leg day. But I kept moving.


    He was still up there. Not even a peep, silent. Unmoving.


    Damn him.


    He saved me when I first met him, then when we were being held hostage. It was John who brought the zombies and broke the situation. Not me. He didn''t even blame us or ask for thanks even after getting hurt.


    Now he was sitting there, asking me to buy him time... time felt so slow, but he trusted me.


    I did nothing to help him, but in this crumbling world. He trusted me.


    "Idiot," I muttered, smacking the Brute in the side of the skull with a downward strike. "Why does thinking about him make me feel so irritated?"


    The Brute snarled and lunged. I leapt over the hood of a rusted taxi, then brought both tonfa down onto its wrist when it tried to reach me.


    Crunch!


    It shrieked¡ªand for a second and seemed in pain. I thought I''d broken something.


    But then it backhanded me again, and I skidded across the ground, breath knocked out of my lungs.


    I coughed. My vision was shaking and blurry, as if I needed glasses. A bittersweet copper taste filled my mouth, and my hair was now a mess.


    "John..." I looked up at the van. The faintest shimmer of steam rose from his back like a boiler about to burst.


    And somehow, even in all this noise, he looked peaceful.


    I gripped the tonfa again and rose.

 Chapter 33: Stage Two: Brute

    Chapter 33 - Stage Two: Brute*** Roulan ***


    The bastard was slowing down.


    Every breath came in rasps, its shoulders heaving. My swings were starting to register now¡ªtiny cracks along its thick wrists, bruised veins pulsing just beneath its flabby hide. Its movements weren''t as sharp anymore. I circled to its blind side, dragging one tonfa along the ground like a blade ready to gut it.


    It lunged at me like a clumsy giant.


    I ducked, rolled past its side and gathered momentum before smacking it right in the base of the spine with all my weight behind it.


    Crack!


    It staggered forward, arms windmilling.


    Yes. Yes, that was it. The spine. That was the spot.


    I pressed in, breathing hard, vision darkening at the edges. My whole body was screaming, but this was my shot. Two more hits. Maybe three.... No, that was unrealistic, but I couldn''t give up here.


    "Time to go down, you ugly fat freak."


    I sprinted for the back of its knees, both tonfa raised like clubs¡ª


    Then it stopped moving.


    Mid-lurch, it just froze¡ªback hunched, stomach rising and falling in jagged rhythms. A wet gurgle escaped its throat. Its jaw sagged open, oozing that black sludge all over its chest.


    I paused.


    What...?


    Then the tearing started.


    Ripppppppp!


    Its skin split like wet paper.


    The bloated bulk of its body sloughed off in glistening sheets, muscles underneath pulsing, shifting, thinning. What stood up was not fat. Not even close.


    Its shoulders reformed with a pop-pop-pop, jagged bones snapping into alignment. Veins like black wire stretched across a taut, glistening torso. Its limbs were lean now, tight and deadly, each finger ending in a curved claw. It reared its head back, and for the first time, it howled¡ªnot just noise.


    Mockery.


    It was smiling.


    My feet moved before my brain did.


    Back. Retreat. Find cover. Regroup. This thing wasn''t a fat zombie anymore. This was the Stage Two that John told me about, similar to that fast green zombie.


    A dangerous threat... like a raging brute


    Too strong. Too durable. Too smart.


    Terrified, unable to control my actions, I dived behind the van where John was perched. My back slammed into the side panel, lungs burning, hands trembling.


    Help...


    Help...


    Help Me!!


    "Hey¡ª" I glanced up, my voice trembling. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The horrific atmosphere of this monster numbed my mind and logic, but he didn''t move. John was still crouched and frozen in place.


    But¡ª


    His fingers were twitching now.


    His nails dug into the roof like claws. His breathing deep and powerful breaths with a long and almost feral exhalation.


    "John... whatever the hell you''re doing¡ªhurry the f¡ªck up."


    A hiss of movement to my right.


    The creature vanished from view.


    "Shit¡ª"


    I twisted left just in time as it appeared beside me, its claws raking the van. I flung a tonfa up just in time to block its swipe¡ªit threw me like a ragdoll across the pavement. My arm was torn by the sharp gravel and broken road. A rock or something tore in my shoulder before I landed in a heap by a broken dumpster.


    Blood smeared the corner of my lips.


    I coughed, tried to rise¡ªmy legs wobbled.


    The Brute sauntered toward me, elongated tongue slithering across its jagged teeth. Its hands spread open like it wanted to hug me. Embrace me.


    Rip me in two before eating my innards.


    "God... damn it." I slumped to one knee, both arms barely holding steady. "Not here... not now..."


    The Brute raised its claws.


    Then froze.


    A shadow fell across us both.


    Clang!


    John appeared in my sight, and he tossed a small object that burst into smoke, wrapping around the zombie, causing it to thrash around wildly.


    "Run to your apartment! Leave it to me!"


    I saw John''s figure flickering through the smoke, the zombie groaning like an angry cat. He stood with a straight back, eyes glowing a faint gold. Steam rose from his skin in visible coils and something deep inside me flinched just looking at him.


    My heart started pounding, and I could feel my cheeks becoming hot.


    He didn''t look human anymore.


    Not entirely.


    "Hey, beautiful," John said softly. His voice sounded deeper now¡ªgravel mixed with fire. "Run!"


    Not concerned for himself, once again he paid attention to me, his eyes watching as I fled... a cowardly police officer running for her life. Yet I couldn''t forget that irritatingly handsome smirk. It made me want to punch him.


    Clack!


    Inside the apartment doors, I watched through the door, amongst the messy envelopes and broken lights.


    Meanwhile, on top of the van, as the smoke vanished, John extended his arm to the zombie before curling his fingers.


    "Come get some, fatty."


    However, contrary to what I expected, the zombie didn''t attack.


    It just stared at him in silence before lifting both arms and slamming down onto its chest like a pair of drums. A low thud echoed with each blow before the brute started shrieking like an angry ape.


    The moment I thought it might be afraid vanished when I could hear the low groans appearing from the building behind me, and zombies started crawling through the halls as if called by the brute''s loud noise.


    "Damn it¡ª"


    John''s expression soured as the zombies appeared one by one.


    Then, as if he remembered something, he turned to me.


    "Take care." He mouthed through the glass, and behind him, I could see a swarm of zombies in the dozens rushing from every path. Despite my mind wanting to help, the zombies behind me and the terrifying brute caused my body to hesitate.


    What could I do?


    I was barely useful before.


    I could only watch as he leaped down from the van, his feet kicking up sparks that ignited the van''s roof. He attacked with a spear held tight and lunged towards the brute.


    "How can you be so fearless..."


    No, that wasn''t what I should focus on right now. I should deal with the zombies behind me so he can rest after he wins.


    ''After he wins?''


    It looked like despite the brute, causing me to feel so small and weak.


    Yet, I believed that John could win, even against the odds... his image seemed to grow whenever I looked at him.


    "There is always time to redeem myself while we both survive!"

 Chapter 34: Stage 2 vs Rank 4

    Chapter 34 - Stage 2 vs Rank 4[You have reached Rank 4: Raid Leader]


    +25 Followers allowed


    +4000 ZKP


    You can create a small safe zone!


    Unlocked Martial Arts Training


    Unlocked Physiques


    ¡ª¡ª


    The moment I faced the monster, Jiang Roulan''s body flew across the ground while covered in wounds¡ªwounds she got, buying time for me to evolve. She bought the seconds I needed with desperate actions, and even money couldn''t match her efforts because she saved our lives.


    Before I returned to my senses from the high of evolving to rank four, I''d already launched myself off the van and thrust my spear into the zombie''s throat.


    Immediately after cutting through the hardened flesh of the brute, my body tumbled to the side from the momentum. "Urgh..." The sharp gravel cut into my arm but only pricked me like pins, failing to penetrate my skin.


    I sucked in a deep breath of cold air before dragging my spear from it''s neck. The flesh bubbled with a sickening pop and healed slightly.


    "Grrr!"


    With a low, angry grumble, the brute thrashed out with multiple attacks, swinging its elongated arms towards me, trying to crush me with pure strength. I hopped back, dragging my foot against the ground behind me and lowered my hips, gathering strength in my thighs and waist.


    The sheer danger this post-bariatric surgery zombie posed was abnormal.


    I shifted my eyes to the apartment. With my enhanced sight, the movements of Jiang Roulan fighting appeared in almost 8k at 120fps, as her buttocks and curvy body swayed through the narrow hallway, crushing zombies.


    There was a stabbing pain in my neck, and I leaned to the right.


    A burst of air exploded beside my face, cutting my eyebrow with a burning rash as the brute huffed with a cloud of hot hair after tossing a huge piece of scrap metal at my head.


    ''Let''s focus!''


    After its attack missed, the brute slammed its chest in anger before dashing forward, its stride more than two metres each step creating a quake in the ground.


    I gripped my spear, the metal bar even heavier since my strength had increased, but the weight would also help me slay this beast. My left foot pushed off the ground bouncy tarmac which sent me charging forward with a rapid momentum.


    The mass of the monster was more than double mine as it sprinted at me while drooling from its mouth. The moment I reached the ideal range, I gripped my spear and thrust out with everything I had. My hands shook because I tensed my entire body the moment I stepped to the side and pierced towards the brute''s neck.


    "Bleed!"


    The beast''s clawed hands tore apart the ground, clearly aiming for me less than a second ago. Thanks to my danger sense, I sidestepped the danger, but now my right thigh felt strange¡ªit burned, and the muscles became tight and spasmed.


    My blade nicked the same spot as before, ripping the scarred flesh that hastily repaired, now a deeper and more volatile wound.


    Dirty black blood bubbled and poured from the gash in the zombie''s neck, but it didn''t heal. Although the battle wasn''t over, I gained a vital clue and learned that even a brute like this wasn''t immortal.


    However, while I focused on that, the monster retaliated with a lightning-fast reaction. It swung its left arm like a bat, which smashed into my abdomen, even after lifting my spear to absorb the damage.


    The ground and air switched places as my body rolled through the air, a low thud sounding at the brute that appeared above me, both hands held like a hammer.


    "Shi¡ª"


    Boom!


    The impact turned everything white, as my ears hummed with an annoying screech, and my eyes couldn''t see. "Damn it..." I could feel my body rolling, dragged against sharp and jagged edges, as I desperately tried to suck in oxygen to feed my starving lungs.


    Again, the monster caused the ground to shake as it lunged towards me.


    Light returned to my eyes, and I found myself embedded against a broken car with blood pouring down my left arm, which hung without power. I couldn''t feel anything, maybe adrenaline took over... I saw the huge lump stomping towards me in a bull-like rush.


    He wanted to crush me into a pulp.


    I could feel the ground bouncing from each step, its weight almost digging craters into the concrete and asphalt flooring.


    With a blank mind and throbbing body, I yanked myself from the car and activated my dash skill. A sudden surge of power and warmth filled both my legs as my muscles bulged before I darted forward like a terrified female rat.


    We rushed at each other, a train and a small human, a super heavyweight against a featherweight.


    But I didn''t stop.


    My speed was faster, allowing me to complete my gambit.


    I bit the corner of my tongue to keep focused while jumping towards the right the instant before the zombie collided with me. The cold air cut across my skin like sharp blades as the zombie smashed into the car, destroying it and continued into the destroyed convenience store.


    ''BUY FOUR GRENADES!''


    Instantly, I spent all the money I gained from the ranking and grasped the air, desperately partying as the damage and burning sensation in my lungs became stronger, like small teeth biting the soft flesh walls.


    Click!


    The first grenade almost immediately left my hand. Followed up with the second, but there wasn''t enough¡ªBOOM! Time. The first and Second grenades exploded a moment before I tossed the third. I heard and felt the zombies'' wailing roar shaking the earth.


    But now I need to deal with the shambling zombies all around me.


    "Damn it..."


    With an injured arm, I struggled to unpin the last grenade and rolled it towards the group of zombies and staggered back, taking my spear from my inventory and taking a breather with my back against an abandoned car.


    "Is it over...?"


    Of course, it wasn''t.


    The ground throbbed. Not shook. Not quaked. It throbbed like a massive artery underfoot had just constricted and spat something out.


    And then came the scent.


    Burned pork and sewage. Melted tires. Sweet rot.


    I gagged, even though I had nothing left in my stomach. My throat clenched, tight as a rope. My tongue tasted like aluminum.


    The brute stumbled out of the ruined storefront. It moved wrong¡ªdifferently. The speed was gone, but it came like a nightmare, half-crawling, dragging one leg like dead weight. The other stomped with rage. Its bulk had changed. Lopsided. Broken. Burning.


    My body screamed to move, but I just watched.


    Its face...


    The fire hadn''t just charred it. It had revealed something.


    Chunks of liquified skin clung like wet curtains, peeling off the jawline with every snarl. One eye bulged from an empty socket of cooked nerves, still twitching. No nose¡ªjust a collapsed, bubbling hole that hissed with each breath. I could see teeth through the cheek, muscle exposed, pulsing like a heart outside its cage.


    It was melting.


    And it didn''t care.


    It saw me, and it smiled. At least, it tried. The jaw shifted sideways, unhinged, revealing more black blood pooling at its throat.


    This thing wanted to kill me at any cost.


    "Grrrrrrhh¡ª"


    I tightened my grip on the spear with my good hand. My left dangled, bone-deep pain muted into an icy numbness now. My right thigh cramped again, locking mid-step. I almost crumbled to the floor. A flash of white bloomed in my skull.


    "Not now," I hissed, and dug the spear''s butt into the road to balance myself.


    The brute limped forward¡ªslower now, but not weaker. Not tamer. The fire had taken part of it, but what was left was more deranged, more willing to destroy itself if it meant taking me with it.


    I checked my inventory. Empty.


    No grenades.


    No quick fixes.


    I was going to have to kill it. No tricks. No kiting.


    Just spear and will.


    It swayed suddenly¡ªthen lurched, body folding forward unnaturally, like a marionette with cut strings. Its knee cracked sideways, and it charged, crawling now on elbows, its melted face dragging across the ground, leaving trails of blood, skin, and smoke in its wake.


    I couldn''t run.


    So I stepped forward.


    And screamed.


    "COME ON THEN, YOU OVERCOOKED DUMPLING!" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I poured all my weight on the spear and drove it like a lightning rod straight down toward the approaching mass of ruined flesh, its eye glinting with joy¡ªmad joy¡ªas it accepted the charge.

 Chapter 35: Dragged into a warm bed!?

    Chapter 35 - Dragged into a warm bed!?I didn''t aim for the monster''s heart, though I suppose it didn''t have one.


    My spear plunged into the zombie''s neck once again, the same spot from before. My right thigh screamed as it cramped and nearly gave out on my mid-lunge. The pain became sharp enough to make me groan. But I focused, locking my shoulder and the spear in place before twisting my hips and growled back.


    The spear pierced through the horror''s throat completely, a clean penetration.


    It tore through the weakened flesh, splitting it apart like grilled meat as I felt the cartilage tearing. My body sank, the blade hitting something hard momentarily before the spear plunged even deeper, after a snap echoed.


    "Die!"


    The brute released a sound that I''ll never be able to forget, something between a boiling kettle and a squealing pig. Its arms flailed in frenzy, missing my face by inches. One claw almost scraped my ribs, but the muscles tore apart and lost their strength.


    ''What... it''s not dead?''


    I grunted before yanking the spear out, spurting blood over my face.


    The zombie''s head swayed to the side as if its spine had turned into jelly. Despite this, it was still trying to crawl forward, dragging its deformed legs across the gravel, almost desperate to bite me.


    Too big to avoid easily, I staggered to the side and dragged the spear over my shoulder. I struggled to control my body, with a heavy ache in my abdomen, searing pain in my right thigh and a broken left arm. But I could keep fighting, just enough...


    I placed my foot on its back, the soft, sticky flesh still steaming, almost glueing itself to my boot as I sucked in a deep breath of cool air, trying to brace myself.


    "Haa....Haa...."


    I raised the spear over my head once again and glared at the deformed mutant. Its remaining eye slowly blinked at me, and deep inside, I saw a glimmer of intelligence, but there was no fear or emotion.


    It just observed me, an eerie and maddening stare.


    Then, with one last breath, I brought the spear down, not like a spear but a hammer, brutally penetrating the brute without care for my current state.


    Whack¡ª! The tip penetrated the zombie''s eye and pierced through the back of its skull with a low pop. A low gurgle reverberated from the monster''s stomach as its body jerked like someone suffering a seizure.


    "Grrrrraaaaaahh!" The monster howled, drawing the remaining dozen zombies closer.


    Before it collapsed and... stopped.


    No more noise.


    No longer breathing.


    Only the soft hissing from the still-burning flesh and the distant sound of zombies shambling towards me remained as I panted, dropping to my knee from exhaustion.


    ''This isn''t something I could do daily...''


    My gaze remained on the incoming zombies while I stood swaying from side to side. Unable to stay focused, I almost collapsed. Blood dripped from my left hand and down the shaft of my spear.


    "Damn it..."


    Then I collapsed, beside my kill... this time I defeated stage two alone. It smelled horrible, like trash left in the sun for too long and caused my eyes and nose to burn, but I couldn''t escape or move.


    Time almost felt slower as I gazed at the big bastard, side by side, like rivals who''d fought a duel to the death in some ancient arena.


    And I was the one still breathing.


    Barely...


    In a moment of clarity, my hand dug into the zombie''s broken skull, the milky red sphere glowing with an eerie hue.


    Something about the ball called out to me, different from the speed-type stage two zombie, which was green... this one felt like it was mine. And I felt a strange sense of hunger just looking at it.


    Hiss¡ªthe monster''s flesh was hot and made my hand sting. But the moment I touched the red orb, it became cool. It felt like a gust of cold air brushed over my body when I grasped the glass orb with throbbing red veins inside.


    At least it felt like a small crystal or glass orb. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Grrr..."


    "Arrr..."


    The zombies approached me closer than before, but my mind was dull and hazy after being thrown around by this dead lump. I struggled to recover myself, and a stupid yet strange idea seeped into my mind.


    ''Swallow the orb.''


    ''Accept the power!''


    Because I closed the system panels after my evolution during the fight and couldn''t snap out of this strange trance, and placed the orb to my lips. Somehow, it wasn''t dirty, even though I had crushed the zombie''s skull¡ªit carried the scent of strawberries and wine.


    Gulp¡ªInstantly, my throat became hot.


    A searing feeling as if I had swallowed a bowl of burning coal, causing me to grip my neck and squeeze while rapidly breathing through my nose as if the cold air might help me cool the burning sensation.


    "Ngh... damn it''s burning my insides..."


    The system mentioned that these orbs were better for zombies, but I couldn''t stop myself. I wanted to be stronger. This orb was mine, and nobody would take it from me. It was precious. Myprecious!


    Clack¡ª! The sound of something opening echoed behind me. I couldn''t turn around because the heat was blowing my mind. I could feel my veins throbbing, pulsing visibly under my flesh as if filled with glue or something sticky clogging them up.


    "John! What''s happening!?"


    A cold... comfortable pair of hands grabbed me... but the words it said were jumbled, and I could only hear the hissing and ringing of bells in my head.


    "Damn it! You''re burning up and your pupils are dilated, hey, wake up!"


    Her cold hands slapped my face twice.


    The soothing sensation dispelled the heat for a few moments before she vanished... I heard the thud of several things hitting the floor and in my hazy vision I saw long brown hair and a huge ass bouncing across the car park.


    ''Ah... it''s an angel.''


    "John... oi, what''s going on... wake up! Damn it..."


    Feeling light-headed, I let out a long, grumbling sigh as the scorching heat in my body dispersed. In a moment of complete bliss and listening to the soft voice of the angel who came to my aid, everything went black.


    ***


    [Red Orb successfully absorbed: +0.2 Physique, +0.3 Strength]


    ¨‹ Killed a Brute-Type Stage Two


    +2000 ZKP


    +500 Experience (First Time Bonus)


    +1000 ZKP (First Time Bonus)


    The sound of the system awoke me. Groggy from sleep, I rolled over on the warm bed. Wait... a comfortable bed? My brain took a moment to wake up full as I examined the room with a dull aching throb in all of my muscles.


    "It feels like I''ve done an intense full-body workout two days in a row..."


    Clack! A noise sounded in the room across from me before I heard bare feet slapping against laminate flooring. The next moment, Jiang Roulan rushed towards me while wearing an almost see-through black nightgown.


    "What..."


    ''She was hiding some huge..."


    Before I could focus, she slammed into me and grabbed my shoulders and shook me.


    "John? Are you alright? You were burning up all night... and I couldn''t find any medicine in my draws so had to break into my neighbour''s and¡ª!" Her breathing became disturbed as she stopped for a moment, huffing and panting.


    "Roulan... stop, you''re going to kill me!"


    The pain jolted through my body when she gripped my left arm, though she seemed to have treated it with the bandages and numb sensation. I didn''t think it would heal for a day or two unless I bought something from the system shop.


    "Ah, yeah... sorry. I was just a little stressed and couldn''t sleep."


    When I gazed out the window, the sun still wasn''t up, and so I shook my head. Thankfully, phones still worked right now, so I pulled out my phone to message Mu Qinglan.


    "Huh, what the hell?"


    "What''s the matter?" Jiang Roulan asked, while leaning into my phone, before "Oh my god..."


    She reacted like that because of my slightly cracked screen showing an interesting notification:


    [Mu Qinglan: 22 Missed Calls, 50 Unread Messages]

 Chapter 36: Roulan’s Sweet and Juicy Peach

    Chapter 36 - Roulan''s Sweet and Juicy Peach"She''s quite enthusiastic¡ªI didn''t realise you were so close." Jiang Roulan said before shifting her gaze from my phone. She turned away and started resting on the bed, pressing her soft body against my thigh and releasing a long sigh.


    "I didn''t either." I thought while tapping the screen.


    The messages were a little normal at first, asking, [Where are you?] or [Is something wrong?] However, her words became increasingly toxic and more threatening. However, her final message was kinda quite cute... I guess?


    [John, please come back! I''m sorry!]


    [Don''t hate me.]


    Mu Qinglan wasn''t like this in her normal state¡ªmy cold CEO boss couldn''t be this cute! The undead Qinglan sent these messages.


    I checked for news about the military or government action, but nothing appeared, so I flicked off the browser and tossed it into my inventory space. Then looked beside me and noticed that Qinglan was looking through hers and checking her family group chat.


    ''How tragic, no messages asking about her...''


    "Hmph! Damn old man, see if I care." She said while grumbling, then pushed her hips back.


    My hand squeezed, and I discovered how juicy and ripe Roulan''s Peach was.


    "Eh?"


    She gasped and released a sensual moan before covering her mouth. Then turned to face me with reddened cheeks. However, the bedroom remained silent. Though my mind told me to release her, I lost control of my right hand momentarily.


    Then squeezed her delicate buttocks again.


    "You!?"


    For a moment, it seemed the shock overwhelmed her sense of anger and shame.


    Nevertheless, I knew that this chance might not come again, so I maintained eye contact with Jiang Roulan. Then squeezed her plump meat once again and closed my eyes in delight when feeling her tensed, firm muscles beneath her soft flesh.


    ''I might be a freakish pervert, but you miss all the shots you don''t take!''


    Sadly, it seemed I pushed my luck, because Jiang Roulan''s hand gripped my hand and suddenly rolled over my body, pinning me against the warm needing. The scent of her sheets carried a pleasant smell.


    "Ahem, I gave you two chances... now. Release my ass or I will take action." Jiang Roulan''s voice sounded more nasal than usual, but... maybe she forgot what she wore, because the silky sensation of her thighs pressed against my hips.


    ''When did I get undressed?'' A passing thought lingered in my mind as she folded my arm behind my back. Although I could easily throw her off me, the sensation of her sitting on me was a dream to a virgin like me.


    "Hey, respond to me!"


    The police officer mode of Jiang Roulan awakened something deep inside me as I prepared my counterattack¡ªthough her grip felt tight, she was still a mere Stage-One human.


    [System Note: Host, so are you.] S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''Quiet, you fact-checking machine!''


    However, learning about this made my chest flutter. Even my current strength, which made me feel like I could fight in a martial arts novel as the first trash young master, was just the beginning!


    But I digress...


    "Hey, Roulan?"


    "Hmm? What''s the matter, hooligan?" She snorted with her response.


    I could almost feel the smile beaming behind me, but instead of rising to her. I just enjoyed the soft, slightly bristly sensation rubbing against my lower back.


    "Oh, nothing... it''s just¡ª"


    "Out with it or else I''ll kick you out in your boxers!"


    Despite her words, the system told me that her affection reached the level of loyalty+ during my sleep, which also brought up the question of why it increased so much.


    Jiang Roulan wouldn''t kick me out for groping her buttocks.


    However, it seemed she wanted to release some steam and forgot that she was probably in the middle of getting changed.


    That much became obvious the moment her hips shifted, just slightly, as her bare heat brushed against my skin again. A soft huff left her nose. Not quite deliberate, but not an accident either.


    "You''re awfully quiet, little hooligan," she said, tightening her thighs subtly around my waist. Her breath skimmed my ear, but her weight stayed right where it was¡ªperched perfectly along my lower back, with nothing but warmth between us.


    "Lost in thought?"


    "Trying not to think, actually," I muttered with a voice much lower than I meant to.


    She chuckled as I felt her body vibrations travelling down my spine. "Too late." Then she shifted again, and the slow movement brushed her warmth against my back.


    A motion that told me that Jiang Roulan didn''t remember she was bare... or maybe she didn''t particularly mind. Her grip on my hands softened, no longer restraint, just contact. And from behind me, her voice came softer now, more playful:


    "You''re lucky you saved my life, shameless man."


    I swallowed, struggling to focus on anything but the moist warmth touching my back ever so slightly. A few seconds passed in thick, unbearable tension. Jiang Roulan''s hair fell over my shoulder like a curtain, brushing my cheek as she leaned in just a little closer.


    "Next time," she whispered, "you should ask for permission."


    She lingered a moment longer.


    Her weight settled on me like silk over rough metal. Then, with a smooth and almost graceful movement, she gave a small sigh and pulled back.


    I felt the absence of her warmth the instant her hips lifted from my back. Her thighs unhooked from around me with a slow and elegant motion, and the mattress shifted as she moved, one knee at a time, back across the bed.


    She looked back with a wolfish smirk, knowing I was watching her shadow.


    "Mm. Well, I will leave your punishment¡ªfor now," Jiang Roulan hummed with a triumphant smile, then stretched in a way that made the hem of her nightgown ride scandalously high over her hips. It was not an accident.


    I caught just a bare flash of skin before she pivoted, hair swinging, and padded toward the bathroom with that same swaying motion that seemed designed to test a man''s willpower.


    My eyes followed her movements¡ªof course, they did. I love beautiful women.


    Her hand reached for the door, then paused before a muffled whisper came from her lips and put a smile on my face.


    "Oh my god... where are my pants?!"


    The moment she realised, her head snapped back like a stop motion movie. Her spine straightened before with her hand frozen on the handle.


    I didn''t see her face, but I felt it. A delayed jolt of embarrassment rippled through her, visible only in the slight twitch of her shoulder and the speed with which she suddenly vanished from sight and slammed the door shut behind her.


    Click.


    Silence.


    Then, muffled through the door:


    "Forget everything you saw... and felt!"


    In a daze, I stared at the ceiling while massaging my arm while shocked it wasn''t on purpose. Desperate to hold in my laugh and control the raging demon beneath my waist.


    My heart was still going like a pneumatic drill, pounding with the leftover adrenaline, heat, and other things I couldn''t help with.


    The system then pinged with Jiang Roulan''s status as if it irritated me more.


    [Affection Level: Loyalty+][Roulan''s Mood: Flustered. Irritated. ...Aroused?]


    ''...Helpful.''


    Filled with the excessive hormones like a teenager seeing a lewd video for the first time, and tried to focus my mind. I exhaled slowly.


    Don''t think about the feeling or remember the sensation¡ªjust breathe.


    But just as I tried to close my eyes and reset my thoughts, a sudden buzzing ringtone echoed directly in my head¡ªnot from my phone.


    "What the hell?"


    [SYSTEM CALL: MU QINGLAN ¨C Incoming Communication Request]


    "Huh?" I sat up. "She''s calling me... wait, I''m getting a call through the system?"


    I didn''t even touch anything. The moment I thought about answering¡ª


    [Call Accepted.]


    Mu Qinglan''s voice sliced into my head like a blade wrapped in silk to hide her killing intent.


    "Where are you? I''ve been waiting all night..."

 Chapter 37: Teaching An Immature Zombie!

    Chapter 37 - Teaching An Immature Zombie!The moment her voice echoed through the handset, the sharp and emotive voice revealed this wasn''t the usual ice queen but Zombie Qinglan. I wanted to explain myself to the calm and sensible Mu Qinglan, but that couldn''t happen right now.


    "Qinglan, did you miss me?"


    "Eh? Why would you ask that when you abandoned me here!" Her voice sounded flustered and a little shaky¡ªthanks to this. I became confident that she wasn''t so angry she couldn''t forgive me.


    Jiang Qinglan looked much better compared to her earlier embarrassment after she stepped out of the bathroom. Now wearing a cute pair of pyjama pants that suited her nightgown. Her eyes shifted to my phone with a smirk.


    Then tilted her head and asked. "Who?"


    "I didn''t abandon you¡ª"


    "You did! And you left with her too!" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Her?" I sighed, knowing that the zombie Qinglan found Jiang Roulan a threat in some fashion. On the other side of the phone, I could hear Qinglan''s heavy breathing while she paced around and then smashed something with a low grunt. "Why did you leave me?"


    "Mu Qinglan, shut your mouth for a damn second."


    "Aah¡ª!"


    I didn''t know where it came from, but my voice echoed through the room with a deep cadence, causing poor Roulan to jump with a slight squeak. Even though I knew this side of her wasn''t the Mu Qinglan that I knew.


    However, it still made me feel a pit in my stomach shouting at her, but I needed to take control of this behaviour now. To teach her and help guide the Zombie side of her into a more productive path.


    "Are you listening to me, Qinglan?"


    "¡ªI am" Her voice came in after a moment of pause, but the tone and energy of her voice became dull and more like the regular Mu Qinglan.


    But I knew better¡ªfrom the slight habits that didn''t suit the normal Qinglan, this was still Zombie Qinglan.


    This tantrum wasn''t over, not even close.


    "You''re not a child," I said in a low and controlled voice, lacking my usual softness.


    "But¡ª"


    "No. You don''t get to throw a tantrum and get angry or jealous just because I left you to work on our future survival. I left Shen Yifei, who must have told you where I went and why I left you!"


    The moment I scolded her, I heard a sharp intake of breath from the other side, but she didn''t answer back or interrupt me this time.


    "You think I left you behind? Fine. Be angry. But what you''re doing right now¡ªsmashing shit, throwing your voice around like a rabid stray¡ªit''s pathetic."


    A sudden hiss echoed from her end.


    The sound of nails dragging across something metal, maybe a fridge door or table.


    "You want me to see you as someone I can rely on?" I asked, letting the silence hang for a beat. "Then act like it. Because this... clingy, needy, feral version of you? That''s not Mu Qinglan."


    "I''m not her," she snarled back in a sharp voice before she continued in a softer, more vulnerable tone. "You don''t understand¡ª"


    "You''re both her. The one who hides everything behind that ice-cold face and the one who''s finally letting it out like a leaking pressure valve. And I''m telling you now, you don''t get to choose when to snap just because you don''t know how to deal with your damn feelings."


    "You''re being cruel..."


    "Maybe," I muttered. "But you''re being stupid. You''re smart, Qinglan. You''re terrifying when you''re focused. So use that. Stop chasing me like a kicked puppy. You want my attention? Earn it."


    I couldn''t believe my own words, but maybe it was the improvement to my spirit. But these were my feelings! And I didn''t deny she could become something beyond my imagination, immune to the virus and immensely powerful!


    The line remained silent.


    Even the static seemed to mask her breathing as Jiang Roulan watched me with an excited and fiery gaze.


    "...You''ll come back to me, right?" This time, she spoke with a small voice, like a soft kitten meowing after attacking a bigger cat and coiling up.


    "I will never abandon you," I said. "But only for someone who doesn''t waste their potential and gets angry over foolish things."


    She didn''t reply for several seconds, and I could hear her chewing her lips.


    "...Alright," she finally whispered. It was quieter than her usual voice¡ªeven the usual Qinglan didn''t speak so softly. She sounded obedient but not quite submissive. However, the sweet hum made me feel she hid something else beneath that response, something a little twisted and dark.


    Then she hung up without another word.


    Once the call ended, I gazed at the system interface and my phone for a while, able to see my reflection in the dark glass. Then turned towards Jiang Roulan, who stood with her arms crossed and a bitter smile.


    "You''re really good at breaking hearts," she said.


    I slid the phone into my pocket, pretending to have used it.


    "I''m not trying to break them," I replied. "I''m trying to make them stronger."


    I couldn''t help but feel a little tired, rubbing my face before speaking to the system, hoping for a complete fix in the future.


    A living dead wasn''t easy to tame.


    ''System will the two sides ever synchronise?'' I didn''t want to be dealing with this forever.


    [System Hint: Once she has stabilised and come to terms with her issues.]


    The system didn''t speak about them as two different people. This hint made me more confident about my words to her earlier. I used how well I knew the usual Mu Qinglan to infer that Zombie Qinglan was the same woman, just revealing her hidden emotions and suppressed desires.


    "Well, you didn''t do the best but it was a passing grade." Jiang Roulan pushed off the wall and climbed onto the bed, sitting beside me as we both looked out at the destroyed landscape.


    It hardly felt like three days had passed.


    "I cannot believe the world has fallen apart in just a few days... It was only three days ago I was being fired from my job."


    "Huh?" Jiang Roulan turned to me with a strange sound, her brows raised before she inspected my face and spoke again. "What do you mean? it''s been almost two weeks since the zombies first appeared!"


    This time, it was my turn to be confused...


    "What? That''s impossible, I saved Mu Qinglan on the first day... it''s only been two days since then! I met you on the second night."


    However, she didn''t look convinced, and her face scrunched up, a look of confusion as she grabbed her phone from the table, tapped it a few times and then showed me the calendar app with a news widget.


    My eyes scanned the various dates and cute notes... before I saw the day I was sacked, on the 1st of April 2025. But now the calendar marked it was Thursday the 17th!


    ''Is this some kind of bad April Fools...?''


    ''System why does her phone say that it''s the 17th!? You have been with me all along!''


    A moment of silence passed before the feminine voice sounded in my mind.


    [System Message]


    To fight the infection from her initial bite.


    The host was in a 14-day coma after saving Mu Qinglan.


    During this time, Mu Qinglan spent 13 days alone caring for you in her zombie form...


    And only returned to normal after you woke up.

 Chapter 38: A moment of regret and Comfort!

    Chapter 38 - A moment of regret and Comfort!The system''s words travelled around my mind several times while Jiang Roulan''s lips moved, but I couldn''t hear any sound. I felt a dull ache growing in the back of my head, as if someone had just kicked me with steel boots.


    "Roulan... are you telling me it''s really the 15th?" I could feel my vocal cords trembling in my throat, but I couldn''t accept this truth.


    She looked at me with the warmest chestnut coloured eyes, and suddenly hugged me, her arms wrapped around my back, and pulled me tight. It wasn''t strange, but warm. I felt another human''s warmth, and it soothed these fragmented feelings.


    "It''s okay, just breathe..." Her soft body enveloped me like a hugging pillow. "I don''t know what happened, but I know you aren''t the type to lie for no reason." Jiang Roulan whispered in a soft voice while stroking the back of my head.


    ''Is this the power of an older woman, someone with life experience?''


    Maybe I was still just a child, not much different from Zombie Qinglan, but thanks to Roulan, my mind became stable, and the ache in my head faded.


    Everything returned to calm.


    "Fuuu..."


    The sound of Roulan''s heartbeat was soothing and helped me focus and realise that it didn''t matter if two weeks or two months passed. If anything, this was good news because it meant the zombies took longer to evolve into Stage Twos.


    "All better, handsome?"


    "Yeah, thanks... it feels amazing."


    Maybe my choice of words could have been better after the incident earlier as she noticed where and what cushioned my face when she hugged me. I half expected her to jab me or something, but Jiang Roulan just covered her mouth and started to laugh.


    "Hahaha! I can''t believe I scolded you earlier and here I am crushing your face with my breasts..." She glanced at me with a wide grin and patted my chest with a nasal huff. "Well, I can''t even get mad at you for this one."


    "Should we get some rest?" I asked before flopping on the bed. "The sun will rise soon but I am still aching all over."


    "Yes please! But no more funny business, or else!"


    Jiang Roulan narrowed her eyes, but the smile betrayed any sense of menacing aura, and I just waved at her and closed my eyes on the soft pillow. "I can''t believe you''re sleeping in my bed... you''re lucky I am a kind older sister."


    "Hmph."


    ''Why didn''t you tell me about the delay?''


    I asked the system while enjoying the warmth of Roulan against my arm.


    She seemed like the type to move a lot while sleeping. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [You were still adjusting on the first day you woke up. It would have caused you to panic.]


    The logic seemed quite solid, and I didn''t deny that it might have caused me to overreact in the past. Was it the increased spirit or the three life-or-death situations? Maybe a mixture of everything since I became alone in this world.


    "Why didn''t I check the date?" I muttered, a little frustrated with myself. I always thought that I would face an apocalypse perfectly, at least when reading novels. However, it seemed I wasn''t that special after all.


    "It was a simple mistake, don''t blame yourself... Mn....." Jiang Roulan hummed before rolling towards me and then hugged my arm. Even in her sleepiness, the hot cop comforted me¡ªafter all, Jiang Roulan was growing on me.


    ''System... Tell me something.'' I opened my eyes, the darkness strangely bright for me since reaching rank four as I peered at the pretty face resting on my shoulder. ''Her strength isn''t high enough to fight a stage two zombie, or a horde right now is it?''


    [System Message: There is an 85% chance she will die or become infected.]


    ''Why is her survival rate so high?''


    [Reply: Because of her skills and determination over the years!]


    The system never sugar-coated things when asking about something seriously. This feature was an advantage that I had over normal humans. Because it subtly taught me that skills were just as important as reaching a higher rank.


    ''In that case, I should probably help her grow stronger, but I cannot forget myself.''


    I would check the new tabs I had unlocked once I recovered: the Martial Arts Training and Physique tabs.


    For Roulan, I would buy her the Strength and Speed Elixir.


    "Haa..."


    Although having a beautiful woman hugging me felt quite refreshing and exciting, it didn''t help with the act of falling asleep. I closed my eyes and tried to count sheep, but they all looked like Roulan and were far too bouncy.


    "Let''s go..." I slipped from her embrace and climbed off her bed before creeping into her living room. The place looked quite different to what I imagined with pictures of Jiang Roulan from her childhood to her current self.


    I noticed a glass cabinet in the corner with dozens of awards for martial arts, self defence and even police medals for her service and bravery.


    She didn''t seem that talented a cook because her kitchen was full of microwave meals and ready-to-eat packed foods in the fridge. The bin full of beer bottles also brought a smile to my face because it betrayed her usual clean and neat atmosphere.


    "Phew!" I dropped onto her sofa with a thud, my head sinking into the expensive and soft headrest as my eyes became heavy, as if someone was pouring sand into my eyelids.


    Strengthening Roulan will help protect me if Zombie Qinglan goes berserk, though I am stronger now. The violent and fearless nature she has could catch me off guard if I lowered my guard, and right now, even with her skills, Jiang Roulan would lose.


    "Nn...."


    Never had I found a sofa so comfortable. Was it Roulan''s faint scent, or the darkness without a speck of light... or maybe I just didn''t quite trust Jiang Roulan and the others to sleep so easily beside them.


    "Tomorrow, I will make a full plan and decide on where to create a safe zone..."


    And just like that, as if I never struggled.


    I drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 39: Cleaning up the Apartment...

    Chapter 39 - Cleaning up the Apartment...The scent of sizzling bacon fat filled my nose as I groggily woke up from a strange dream... I got fired, and zombies suddenly appeared. That wasn''t the weirdest thing. My boss, Mu Qinglan, started living with me, and our relationship became complicated after she became some kind of living dead...


    "Ugh..." With I grunt, I pulled myself off the sofa.


    However, it wasn''t the one I usually crashed on, nor was it my room. That''s when I started waking up and realised that it wasn''t a dream...


    This house was Jiang Roulan''s, and I was wide awake.


    ''Fuck!''


    At least the delicious scent of bacon, eggs, and fish spread through the room. It wasn''t too strong and honestly made me feel hungrier.


    I stretched my arms, and a blanket fell from my body to the floor.


    ''Roulan...''


    Because she put it on me, I picked the blanket up and folded it before calling out. "Roulan?" Since she had hugged me the night before, calling her full name felt a little strange. Even if our relationship wasn''t that close yet, maybe that''s just what I wanted.


    There wasn''t an answer, but I could hear her voice, or rather a strange humming tune.


    "Hmm... Nn... La~ Nn... Mmm~ Hah!"


    When I peeked into the kitchen, a wide and well-equipped room, and found Jiang Roulan dancing across the floor while preparing the food.


    I saved the way her seductive peach bounced to my mind''s SSD drive and quickly returned to the living room to check on the system like I promised.


    ''Since I scolded Mu Qinglan and acted like that. I should improve myself as a leader.''


    He tapped the system screen, flicking through the various skills with a low hum, copying Roulan''s sound before he tapped the button for Martial Arts. That''s when an array of three different screens and important information enveloped his vision.


    [Martial Arts Dojo]


    ¨‹ Welcome to the Martial Arts Hub: A place to buy, combine and develop your Skills!


    [Purchase Breathing Technique]


    [Purchase Physique] S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Purchase Flow Technique] (LOCKED)


    Everything below the Flow Techniques was locked, so I just tapped the Breathing Techniques option and found a huge menu of skills and things I could buy. There were even skills for women, which made me consider the future more.


    ¨‹ Elite [Purple] ¡ª 1500 ZKP


    [Titan''s Marrow Sutra]


    [Cryo-Veil Sutra]


    [Verdant Stone Sutra]


    ¨‹ Rare [Blue] ¡ª 1000 ZKP


    [Ember Veil Sutra]


    ¨‹ Refined [Green] ¡ª 500 ZKP


    [Thornshell Hide Technique]


    [Shadow Vein Circulation]


    [Bone-Locked Breathing]


    ¨‹ Common [Grey] ¡ª 100 ZKP


    [Pale Flame Inversion]


    [Iron Thread Lung Practice]


    [Steady Pulse Method]


    ¡ª¡ª


    The skills ranged from simple breathing improvements to the ones that would help improve muscle strength, disease resistance and change a person''s life.


    Sadly, it wasn''t something that would allow me to fly on a sword or attain enlightenment, but the one I chose had an interesting training style.


    "Are you finally awake?"


    Jiang Roulan called out to me with her sweet voice while stepping into the room, carrying two large plates of food with a pleased look on her face. "I didn''t burn the bacon for once, I hope you enjoy breakfast..." She looked at the ticking clock above the television and frowned. "Well, maybe it''s more of a lunch?"


    The moment I tapped the foundation technique, she placed the steaming plate on the table, and the golden yolks with fluffy whites looked delicious, with a separate bowl of rice and some small fish on the side.


    "I didn''t know if you liked western or..."


    "I can eat anything, especially when it smells this good."


    "Such a silver tongue... Hah!" Jiang Roulan pouted and huffed to the side, peeking at me from the corner of her eyes, before I took the chopsticks and cut the egg slowly, avoiding popping the yolks, before taking a mouthful of egg whites and bacon...


    ''Ah~ the taste of sweet freedom!''


    [You have purchased: Titan''s Marrow Sutra]


    [Would you like to learn it now?]


    Excited to finish this delicious meal and also try out the magical techniques that I always enjoyed reading about in the past, I accepted the system''s message while scooping rice into my mouth with the delicious soup broth that Roulan made.


    Suddenly, a pulse jolted inside my chest. At first, I thought it might be indigestion... "Ack!" I coughed, but there was a vile taste in my throat as the pulse became an aching throb that rapidly spread through my body, causing my muscles to bulk, then tighten instantly... like they were breathing.


    The pain made me groan and drop my chopsticks, as Jiang Roulan gasped, "What''s going on, are you alright?!"


    "..." I tried to speak, but my throat became swollen and tight... breath trapped inside as I fell to the ground and rolled onto my back, hitting my chest in desperation trying to recover.


    Dark veins bulged under my skin, forming strange lines along my arms and throat, and my muscles continued to convulse and cramp as my shirt became tight. My chest almost doubled in size as a burning sensation spread through my stomach.


    "Take deep breaths, lay on your side."


    Jiang Roulan started helping me, putting my body into the recovery position, while I sucked whatever air into my throat I could... as the heat in my abdomen became worse. It became like a constant, violent tremor of my abdominal muscles.


    "Urgh...!"


    I couldn''t stop myself from grabbing onto Roulan''s arm, but the muscles on my forearms shocked me. They were more defined and thicker, not like a superman or excessive western superhero, but my veins bulged slightly along my forearms like I worked out daily.


    "Ah¡ª!" She cried out in pain, but the moment I touched her, my arm suddenly filled with a cool flow of energy. Like an icy breeze, it spread from my hand down into my stomach and muscles, helping me calm myself.


    "Ngh... I think... I think it''s over?"


    There was a strange milky essence flowing in my abdomen. At first, it felt weird, but when I focused on gathering the energy from all my muscles and organs. It condensed into a small earthen sphere, the size of a quail''s egg at most.


    "Really...?"


    Her wrist looked horrible, with a dark bruise from my grip, and I felt guilty.


    "Sorry about your wrist."


    "What? Don''t be stupid! You turned blue for a moment¡ªhow can I blame you for this?" She looked at me with such a trusting smile, joking with a light chuckle despite the bruise and her trembling fingers...


    ''I will make everything up to you.'' I swore to myself and sucked in the air... before checking my current status page. "Let''s finish breakfast, and I''ll rub some ointment on that wrist of yours, alright? Can you still eat?"


    "Haha, I''m not a baby, but maybe... it might be good to have a handsome, muscular guy to feed this older sister later." She joked while stealing some of my fish, grinning as she snapped open a bottle of lightly scented beer.


    ¡ª


    [STATUS]


    Name: John Wang


    Title: Harbinger of the Lunar Beast


    Cultivation Technique: Titan''s Marrow Sutra


    Stage: 0 (Adjusting)


    Rank: Raid Leader [4/25]


    ¨N S-Tier: Mu Qinglan [232/500]


    ¨N S-Tier: Wang Yin [500/500]


    ¨N S-Tier: Jiang Roulan [200/500]


    ¨N B-Tier: Shen Yifei [215/500]


    Health: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ] 100% (I feel strong!)


    Morale: [¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ] 100% (This bacon is Great!)


    [Attributes]


    Strength | 3.8


    Physique | 4.3


    Agility | 3.7


    Spirit | 3.3


    [Skills]


    Leadership: [Level 1]


    Self-Defence: [Level 3]


    IronWill: [Level 2]


    Dash: [Level 3]


    DangerSense [Level 2]


    Spear Mastery [Level 2]


    UnbreakingWill [Level 1]


    [Currency]


    ZKP: 2050


    EXP: 800/11000


    ¡ª


    The food didn''t last long after my body recovered¡ªmy mind became clearer, and I could control my movements with more precision.


    However, there was still something important to take care of.


    "Roulan, would this place be a good place to make into a base?"


    It was time to focus on finding somewhere to use my Rank four authority and see just exactly what this ability entails.


    "Here?"


    She asked with a mouthful of rice, almost choking her cheeks turning red, likely misunderstanding my question.

 Chapter 40: The System Transformed into a Survival Game!

    Chapter 40 - The System Transformed into a Survival Game!I reached out and took Jiang Roulan''s beer and gulped half the bottle. Roulan huffed at me before swelling her cheeks like a little fish.


    However, instead of scolding me, she scrunched up her nose and rushed into the kitchen to get more. I also sent a message to Mu Qinglan, telling her my plans.


    "Are you really considering staying here, I mean it''s quite safe... but."


    She likely meant the front area.


    Thanks to my fight with the big guy, it needed a lot of work. The clearing of corpses and killing the undead that appeared because of the Brute''s shriek. This area became a hotspot for the zombies to gather.


    "Don''t you think it''s a good idea?"


    Honestly, because she was a police officer for over ten years and a rich woman, I wanted to hear her opinion. Mu Qinglan was the same, but I doubted she would help me right now after scolding her.


    Her message couldn''t help but dampen my mood.


    [Sure, sounds good.]


    ''How can she be like this, even after the world fell apart!''


    I threw away my frustration with Qinglan and focused on Jiang Roulan, who opened the two beers and dropped on the soft cushion beside me. She tidied the meals away before I noticed before snapping on the television.


    The only shows remaining were re-runs of informative animal shows narrated by a posh fellow from the empire.


    "So, do you really want to settle here?"


    Roulan leaned forward, her loose t-shirt stretching to reveal her cleavage, as she turned to face me with a faint smile. "My family owns the place, so I have the master keys." Information slipped from her mouth while I worshipped her figure in the afternoon sunlight.


    It was illegal for a woman to wear a loose jersey with a plunging neckline and training pants!


    "Really?" I gasped, maybe a little too shocked by her revelation.


    "Yeah, though there are people still here in the lower apartments. Everything from this floor and up is empty. So we have like five floors we could use."


    ''Can I recruit those normal people...''


    However, what if they were all useless ranks?


    Then building affection and loyalty with a load of annoying people would piss me off.


    "Well, right now, from here, the place that might work is the mall." Jiang Roulan tapped her chin and pressed her beer against her lips. She squished them against the rim as her breath condensed under the lid.


    ''She''s too erotic.''


    "That was the first place people set up a survivors camp, is less than a ten-minute jog. The second place people were told to gather was the old sports complex with the dormitories to the north. Then, the military base to the far south."


    I could feel my mind turning; the discovery of gathering points made me curious about why Jiang Roulan remained here alone.


    However, that could wait.


    ''System, I am curious but do lower ranked people need the same amount of Loyalty to reach a level where they won''t betray me, and will listen to my orders?''


    [System Notice: The Rank affects everything, from their potential to their difficulty to handle.]


    ¨‹ The lower the Rank, the less affection is needed to make someone reach: Loyalty+


    S-Tier - 200+


    A-Tier - 180+


    B-Tier - 150+


    C-Tier - 100+


    D-Tier - 80+


    E-Tier - 50+


    [Warning! Do not confuse followers and subjects for mindless slaves¡ªthey will deny requests that go against their inner morals even at the highest levels.]


    [But given basic food and comfort and people above this level will follow you without issue and won''t betray you and will even fight for you if required.]


    The information was helpful. It taught me that some people were special, like Jiang Roulan, who needed a higher affinity to recruit due to her skills and life. I also found that once I broke through her first guard, she became soft and very accepting.


    ''Though she might not be the same for others.''


    "Alright, do you mind if we make this place our safe house. I probably won''t listen to you much and you might get sick of me so think carefully."


    Jiang Roulan looked at me with a bemused grin, sipping her beer. She closed her eyes and threw her head back. The golden nectar guzzled down her throat as she opened her mouth, let out a loud burp, and looked at me with one eye closed.


    "If I follow you, will you put my survival before other people?"


    "I will always put myself first, then you and Qinglan will probably be second priority."


    "Instant answer, haha."


    She leaned back against the sofa and let out a long sigh. "Well, at least you didn''t come out with some dumb romantic crap, or say I am your number one. Haha. I''ll follow you, since you seem to have some secrets and can help us when it''s dangerous. I''ll give you my knowledge and skills... so help me survive, I have something I need to do."


    [Jiang Roulan has confided in you!]


    [This request isn''t a mission or quest, but if you manage to grow closer and learn what she is hiding inside, a substantial reward awaits!]


    "Understood."


    There wasn''t more I could say, and she probably had things she couldn''t tell me. I decided to wait until she was ready, and our relationship became deeper.


    After all, who was I to step into her life after a few days?


    "Hmm... that''s good."


    When I opened the special tab listed Safe Zone, my vision transformed, and the panels became small boxes with various images. Some with sticks, metal and what I think was plastic, with values at 0.


    The screen reminded me of the game Minebuild or Crust.


    Those survival games where you build a base using collected items. But what made my heart pound was that the sofa glowed when I focused on it!


    [Black Comfy Sofa]


    ¨‹ Move [100 ZKP]


    ¨‹ Dismantle


    ¨‹ Repair [10 ZKP]


    ¨‹ Upgrade (???)


    When I hovered over the dismantle with my fingertip, the option expanded to show something else.


    ¨‹ Dismantle


    +50 ZKP


    +2 WOOD


    +2 CLOTH


    +2 PLASTIC


    To close the list, I just needed to lose my focus, or will it to close.


    The moment I examined the various things in Jiang Roulan''s room I could destroy or recycle, it seemed I could also dismantle her clothes...


    This new part of the system was a little complex, and for now, I just stuck to the basics, focused on the left sidebar, which showed all the floors of the building, and with my current rank, I could make the Top three floors into a zombie-free zone.


    ''I should make the entrance safe... then the top two floors? If I can move things for ZKP wouldn''t it be smarter to do that, and conquer more floors when I rank up?''


    "What''s wrong?"


    Qinglan tapped my head with her fist because I was quiet for too long.


    "Nothing, I am just figuring out how to fulfil your request."


    "Hmm... I see, good boy."


    She seemed a little uncomfortable from her slight movements, and I decided to leave the apartment to check out my future base. Dismantling things could only be done in safe areas where there were no zombies.


    "I''m going to check upstairs. Can you lend me the keys?"


    Her face became relieved as she took them from her pocket before swirling them around her finger and tossing them to me with a jingling sound. "Don''t come back for an hour..." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I see. I''ll come back later, then."


    "Mm..."


    With that... I stepped into the hallway.


    Half-tempted to check each room and start a dismantling frenzy, but first, I blocked the front door, tapping it on the screen, as a 3-D map of the building appeared in front of me, like a glowing blue hologram.


    "Sweet."


    Then I reached for the build button...

 Chapter 41: I got carried away deleting stuff...

    Chapter 41 - I got carried away deleting stuff...I stood at the front entrance with excitement building in my chest, the rapid beating almost like a hammer against my ribs.


    "What will happen!?"


    The apocalypse vanished from my mind along with all complicated thoughts.


    I could see a huge green perimeter around the building outside and the hologram whenever focused on the system and thinking about buildings something.


    To me, the apocalypse made complicated thoughts like dust.


    There were two things I loved in life: Beautifulwomen and Games!


    Once I learned about this part of my system. I found a little John inside my head whispering for me to loot each room, dismantle them and become rich!


    Countless novels flashed through my mind, like the mansion in the last days and my military base harem.


    However, then I took a deep breath.


    Because a roaming zombie entered the perimeter and it turned RED. The selfish undead couldn''t even die properly and interrupted my moment of glory.


    "Haa..."


    The sudden rush of adrenaline faded as I watched the old woman outside¡ªher face looked mangled as she limped around in my vision. It was too annoying for me to rush out and kill her because more zombies would appear.


    ''Well, I should probably...'' S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Immediately, as I touched the door handle, she swayed, and her broken spine flopped out of the red perimeter.


    Without waiting, I pressed the confirmation button.


    I closed my eyes because the ground floor suddenly lit up with a neon blue light and hundreds of small boxes for various items, from the doors to walls, carpet and other miscellaneous objects.


    My world became magical.


    Earlier, in the safe area, I could mess with objects like clothes and the furniture, but once the ground floor became part of my safe zone. I could remodel it, change the decorations and even upgrade the door and hallway using materials.


    It reminded me of that game where you could simulate an entire life. A game where most people would just lock people in a room with fireworks until they die. Or remove the steps and ladders from the pool.


    "Phew...let''s upgrade this door. What do I need?"


    [Stage 1 Building]


    Progress: [¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð]


    Experience: 0/100


    Area: Moonlit Terrace


    [Deadbolt Entrance Door: Low Quality]


    ¨‹ Move


    ¨‹ Dismantle


    ¨‹ Repair


    ¨‹ Upgrade (5 Wood, 5 Metal, 10 Plastic, 3 Cloth)


    ''System how much do I need to pay to move things?''


    ¨‹ Survival Sub-System


    - 10 ZKP to move heavy items within a safe zone for 30 minutes


    - 5 ZKP to move light items within a safe zone for 30 minutes


    [Heavy denotes items that one person cannot move alone, like a washing machine.]


    [Light items are anything smaller than that.]


    [Extra Tip: You can use the interface in a safe zone to target multiple items. Limited to 40]


    So...


    I gazed at the various bodies and wondered if I could dismantle them. The moment I did, a light green hue highlighted all the corpses. My eyes flicked through the options and found that I could only move and dismantle the bodies.


    "I can''t upgrade or repair them..."


    It was a shame¡ªmaybe I could have made some cool zombie puppets.


    "It saves time I guess, but can I delete them outside too..." My eyes flicked through the corpses, targeting them as the system interface taught me. I could point, glance or think about the object in my mind.


    Poof¡ª! Twenty corpses from the front of the building and the fifteen inside vanished instantly, and then a delightful sound echoed in my mind!


    ¨‹ Dismantled 40 Corpses


    + 400 ZKP


    + 10 Cloth


    + 40 Experience


    ''Okay... so it seems I get roughly 10 ZKP per corpse, and maybe more for a stage two, I should try with the brute''s remains too.''


    The cloth seemed to be random, or it needed a certain amount to grant one according to the system''s rules. The moment I checked the system, my lips curled into a smirk. Because the 40 experience I gained also applied to my rank experience.


    [System Warning: This will only apply to dismantling zombies.]


    However, the evil system killed my fun and tossed a bucket of ice-cold water over my head.


    To upgrade the front door. I needed to find a lot of items.


    So, in normal gamer fashion, my eyes traced along the hallway of apartments on the ground floor and noticed I could tell if people lived in these places.


    [Apartment 001 - Vacant]


    [Apartment 002 - Vacant]


    "Okay..." With a deep breath, thanks to the new cultivation technique, my lungs felt larger... taking me a moment to reach full capacity, before I blew out slowly and started my dismantling frenzy!


    There was no limit to how much and what I could destroy or remove... beds, doors, microwaves and ovens. I ransacked and devoured everything.


    Pictures of the previous families left on the shelves? Deleted!


    Old gold and silver trophies from the war? Deleted!


    An urn full of someone''s ashes? Deleted!!


    ***


    Almost an hour later, I sat in the centre of the hallway, my back on the ground and looking at the building interface with a sense of accomplishment. I stripped everything bare¡ªthe doors and items in each apartment were gone.


    [System Complaint: The system should have created limits... how did this happen?]


    Somehow, the system was crying in sadness, but it was me who wanted to cry. The moment I reached Stage two, I stopped getting experience when dismantling things!


    ¨‹ Building Status


    Stage 2 Building


    Progress: [¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð¡ð]


    Experience: 0/200


    Area: Moonlit Terrace


    ¨‹ Resources


    [Wood: 120]


    [Metal: 125]


    [Cloth: 150]


    [Plastic: 90]


    ¨‹ Currency


    ZKP: 7450


    EXP: 840/11000


    ¡ª


    The moment I finished, I gazed at the front door and took a deep breath.


    Roulan had probably finished her business in the bathroom. So I could now head to the top floors and have more fun dismantling. Though, being honest, doing it in real life instead of a game felt strangely tiresome.


    ¨‹ Upgraded Deadbolt Entrance Door


    - 30 Wood


    - 50 Metal


    - 15 Cloth


    - 30 Plastic


    + 10 Experience


    [Deadbolt Entrance Door: High Quality]


    A door resistant to all zombies below Stage Four.


    I spent a huge amount of resources to upgrade the door twice, but what made me chuckle was that upgrading didn''t happen instantly¡ªthere was a small timer ticking down. The door didn''t change in reality, but a makeshift scaffolding image in the game interface with little men hitting it with hammers.


    "What are you doing on the floor... Eh¡ª!? What the hell happened to all the apartments?"


    Jiang Roulan''s voice suddenly woke me from the trance of watching the timer tick down, and finally, there was a sudden bang.


    "What''s going on? Is there a zombie!?" She became a little guarded, but her mouth dropped when the metal door, which she knew well, suddenly became like those thick high-tech doors you see in action movies that can endure bombs.


    ''Huh... the safety rating for the base upgraded to Extremely Safe!''


    "John, are you ever going to tell me..." Jiang Roulan seemed to be about to ask about my secret, but then she shook her head and showed a faint smile. "No, forget it. When you feel I can be trusted, I am willing to listen then."


    I climbed off the floor and wiped off the dust.


    Sadly, I couldn''t clean that without using an actual mop, so I couldn''t wait for Shen Yifei and Qinglan to arrive.


    ''Somehow, I feel Jiang Roulan would make the best girlfriend...''


    "Well... all you need to know for now, is that this floor is completely safe from all the zombies and unwanted people outside... thanks for trusting me."


    Her eyes narrowed into crescent shapes as she smiled. "I should be thanking you, right?"


    It was a little difficult to look at her with such a beaming smile, and I didn''t like the fact that it felt like she could look through me.


    So I rushed into the lift and pressed the top floor button.


    However, what did I expect?


    Her muscular leg and plump chest pushed through the door a moment before they closed as she stood beside me and leaned on the metal wall.


    Then she asked.


    "Are you running away, John?"

 Chapter 42: Jiang Roulan’s Life Lesson! - Blast Door!

    Chapter 42 - Jiang Roulan''s Life Lesson! - Blast Door![Congratulations! You have created your first territory.]


    "How trustworthy do you think those other residents might be?" I asked Jiang Roulan, ignoring her trying to tease me. Her eyes flicked towards me before she curled her lips into a smile and shifted closer.


    "Why?" I noticed that for her age, Roulan enjoyed playing around like this. "Are you really planning to play leader?" She lowered her voice and snorted¡ªmaybe she doubted me because of the past?


    She had a point I treated Wang Yun horribly, and Old Lei died. "Well, I want to give it a try."


    "Oh, really?" She moved closer, walking behind me and nudging me with her shoulder. "Then, I should help you. But... will you make it worth my while?" Roulan asked with a wink before slumping back against the elevator''s back wall as a hydraulic hiss sounded when the doors opened.


    I watched her for a moment, before stepping towards the exit, then turned to the cocky woman and performed a bow, "after you, dear lady."


    "Haha."


    She stepped out of the lift with a low snort, both hands on her hips, swaying them purposely to distract me or attract me. Either worked. I didn''t rise to it and started skipping towards the first room, preparing to dismantle.


    PAH¡ª


    "I''ll make it better than anything you''ve ever known," I said before jogging past Jiang Roulan, after slapping her ass, and since she wanted to flaunt it then why not take advantage. Her throat released a lovely sound before she shouted.


    "Come back here, John Wang! Don''t make me arrest you."


    Listening to her voice, I swept my gaze across the floors rooms, dismantling and avoiding her chase, like a predator her legs pushed off the ground. Reaching. Grasping. Aiming to capture me like a petty criminal.


    It was fun.


    I hopped over a wooden box, avoiding her sliding kick and hopped into apartment 901 while she started panting. The delightful sight of her body bouncing with each step was all mine. Huge, Round and Erotic. Though my focus was on making money.


    "Weren''t you going to arrest me, Officer Jiang?"


    ¨‹ Dismantled Apartment 901


    Wood: +20


    Metal: +10


    Cloth: +5


    Plastic: +10


    Before she could catch me, I kicked off the wall. My feet walked along the wall, and my newly found agility and dexterity shocked me. "I can walk on water," I shouted, heading into the next apartment, watching Roulan sweating and now sitting on the floor panting out of breath.


    She gave up. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    I avoided punishment.


    ***


    Thirty minutes later, I stood near the elevator, happy that my abuse of the system improved my finances. "Roulan, are you still tired?" I asked while twisting my sore muscles and pressing the elevator call button.


    "What would you care, leaving me alone, what if I got bit?" Roulan turned her nose away before sitting on the same box I used to avoid her. "I really want to know your secret," her eyes narrowed as she hugged her knees.


    "Then become my woman."


    It was supposed to be a joke, although she was hot. I didn''t speak seriously. The system and chasing each other made me a little too jovial about the situation. "Hm?" But I noticed her eyes change, looking at me with a pensive expression.


    "Really, that''s all it takes? Aren''t you being a little naive?" She leaned back, rocking on the box, to build momentum to stand up and rush toward me.


    *Ding*


    Jiang Roulan moved like a bull, her muscular thighs propelling her towards me each step boosting her speed as the second the lift door opened. Without time to react, her shoulder rammed into my gut. "Oof."


    Crashing back into the lift, she grabbed my right arm as I yanked away, pulling her onto my chest as we tumbled to the ground with a thud.


    Deng¡ª


    The elevator shook with our bodies hitting the ground, echoing through the elevator chamber several times.


    I gazed down at Jiang Roulan''s face, inches from me. Lay against my chest.


    So close I could smell her sweat and feel the subtle heat of her breath. Something streamed into my body, a warmth that made my abdomen hot. Dangerous. That''s what I thought at that moment.


    Her hands wrapped around my cheeks, her eyes narrowed with a smug smile. "See, you shouldn''t be so open with women, or we''ll devour you whole." The next moment, she blew against my lips and rolled off me, standing up and adjusting her clothes. "Tell me when you trust me, if I want to fuck you. I''ll do it for free."


    ''Wow...''


    I shook my head, feeling more disorientated than when I fought the zombies or brute... Honestly, despite her reaction, my heart was pounding.


    Every gesture she made felt so intense, and my inexperience with women showed. I lost. It was a great lesson, and I will remember it. The lift to the tenth floor remained quiet, with her leaning against the lift with a smile on her face.


    Much different from the gentle Jiang Roulan who comforted me. A more mature and aggressive one. I wanted to know more about her. Was that her goal? Watching her confidently walk out to the tenth floor, I swore to defeat her next time.


    "Haa, another floor of grinding."


    ***


    "So, what shall we do now, little criminal?" Jiang Roulan asked.


    I considered how much I could tell her, but for now, there was a subtle way to test this. Thanks to her my job would be easy. "What about the others, anyone trustworthy?"


    "You mean the ones downstairs, hmm... I haven''t really spoken to them." She tapped her chin. It seemed to be her habit when thinking. Also tapping, she liked to tap on wood and metal with her nails. Annoying.


    "What are you doing?" She asked, noticing me taking the stairs.


    "If you promise to keep it a secret, do you want to see some magic?" I looked back, curling my lips into a devious smile. "This is a freebie for the lesson." With a wink, I jumped down to the ninth floor and landed with a thud, rolling to the side.


    "H-Hey."


    "Are you coming?" I called out, looking at the stairs to the eighth floor.


    "Tsk... you never stop!"


    Jiang Roulan huffed before I heard the thud of her steps, before she jumped, floating through the air, with both her feet pushed forward and dropped beside me. Thud¡ª Her body slumped down as she grunted. "Argh... Damn it hurts like hell."


    She dropped on her ass and almost slipped down to the eighth floor. It took everything I had not to laugh at her. So I offered my hand. "Here, take it."


    "Ah... thank you, but it really hurts..." Jiang Roulan rubbed her buttocks with a contorted face. "Why are you so extreme sometimes? It''s like you''re barely human..."


    She''s figured me out. No. Looking at her, it honestly made me irritated to hide everything.


    ''How do those protagonists hide their strength for thousands of Chapters?''


    I just wanted to show off, but realised my strength might only be strong for now. So I just shrugged, pretending to reach for Roulan. "Want me to help rub it better?"


    "Oi, hands away, don''t push your luck, mister."


    "Stingy woman."


    I stepped away with a sigh and focused on the door that linked the eighth and ninth floors together. Then started shifting through the door types. Then I found it. The perfect defensive door.


    "Roulan what do you think?" I asked.


    She looked at the door with a confused expression, pointing at the blocked door and the small scaffolding.


    "W-What the hell is going on!?"


    Amused by how she reacted, I stepped closer and whispered into her ear. "A little peek at my secret. What do you think? Pretty awesome, right?" Then I copied the way she blew at my face earlier and blew on her ear, slipping up the stairs to flee.


    PAH!


    "John Wang!" She shouted, chasing me.

 Chapter 43: Mu Qinglan Arrives! - Home?

    Chapter 43 - Mu Qinglan Arrives! - Home?[8thFloor]


    ¨‹ Blast Door (Durable Defensive Fixture) - An extensive door resistant to zombies below Stage Three and humans, only allowed humans can cross.


    ? Materials: 140 Metal, 100 Plastic


    ? ExperienceGain: 100


    ? CraftTime: 1 hour sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¨‹ Upgrade: 250 Metal, 50 Wood, 30 Cloth, 200 Plastic, 10 Glass


    ? CraftTime: 24 Hours


    ¡ª¡ª


    The instant I slapped Jiang Roulan''s ass, she screamed louder than the Brute from the other night. Luckily, the elevator doors closed before she could catch me. My plan for now? To examine the brute''s corpse and then build my base. Also, avoiding Roulan''s wrath.


    "Focus..."


    Because of the near-death experience, I couldn''t calm myself. Suddenly, granted these powers, I became complacent. Rather than seriously telling Jiang Roulan it was because I could trust her not to betray me. But if she asked why, I would respond. Because of the system!. I felt wrong, empty... and bitter.


    [System Hint: You have earned that trust by saving her life¡ªhave some confidence]


    "Maybe, well let''s check that zombie."


    I stepped out of the door, snapping the thick twelve-inch bolt with both hands. It weighed a lot, and even with my improve strength, it wasn''t easy. Damn chunk of metal. The moment I stepped outside, somehow it felt like days since I fought the fat zombie.


    Squatting beside it, I poked the corpses'' meat. No, charcoal. But I could still dismantle it!


    ¨‹ Dismantled Stage Two Zombie Brute


    + 100 ZKP


    + 2 Cloth


    + 10 Experience


    Though not a huge gain. It meant all experience and rewards increased ten times, going from stage one to two. Not too shabby. My body trembled, sharp needles pricking along my back as something was watching me, something dangerous.


    I could hear a sound. Distant at first. But slowly, the noise grew louder, and the sense of danger increased rapidly. Far beyond the threat, the brute made me feel. It was immense and then. "John! I found you."


    Something jumped on my back and clung to me with sharp claws. "Miao!"


    "Hah?" The soft fur of Yin rubbed against my cheek, his eyes curled into crescent moons, before the true danger descended. "John! Haa... Haa..." Breathing heavily, Mu Qinglan appeared with flushed cheeks and a new outfit, her bat covered in blood.


    "Mu Qinglan?"


    "Mm, what''s wrong?" Mu Qinglan asked.


    Then tilted her head and watched me with calm blue eyes. However, I could have sworn they shone red for a moment. She''s dangerous. But at least she wouldn''t betray me with her current loyalty. Right?


    "Nothing, you just look good in those jeans."


    "Haha, they are a bit loose at the waist, but tight on my thighs."


    Well, of course they are¡ªthose pants were mine. I didn''t notice at first, but Shen Yifei held her spear, the tip dripping with sticky flesh. "Haha," I tried to pass the conversation with a wry laugh while clearing any zombies I missed yesterday.


    "Did anything happen while I left you?" I asked, while observing for any changes.


    "We fought all night! Qinglan dragged me out¡ªack!" Shen Yifei told me about their evening, but Mu Qinglan slammed her bat into the blonde''s abdomen, knocking her to the ground. I wondered if it was my fault. Forget it. I shook my head and accepted my choices.


    "Since you''ve been busy, I am sure you are both hungry." I looked at Qinglan while speaking, hoping she understood my hint.


    Her eyes glistened, moving closer to me while dragging Yifei with her spare hand.


    "We''ll come inside."


    "Yeah, just don''t let her get hurt." Honestly, Qinglan wasn''t sane. Somehow, I thought that the perfect ice goddess that appeared at work might never have existed. The socially awkward woman vanished. Now a mere shadow, who followed me to drink blood.


    However, unlike before, when she made me anxious. I was stronger now. A small victory, but to me, it was something significant. Precious even. Because if she went berserk. I could kill her. "Only the first and top two floors are safe."


    I didn''t tell her about Roulan''s apartment on the fifth floor. Not because of trust issues. But because I didn''t want to intrude on Jiang Roulan''s private space. Having a place for yourself is something important.


    Otherwise, even the most loving couples can turn on each other in hatred.


    "This place looks horrible. Why is everything destroyed and bare...?" Qinglan complained with a low, grumbling murmur, "It''s like homeless people have lived here for decades."


    I didn''t speak, adamant to hide it was my fault.


    ***


    "It''s the same here!" With a huff, Jiang Qinglan completed after bursting out of the elevators, while Shen Yifei stayed beside me with a sour face.


    "What are you looking at?" Although it seemed she had lost the sweet attitude she had when first meeting me, I could only wonder what Qinglan did to her. "It''s so dusty..."


    "Well, how about you use that thing in your hand to clean?" I couldn''t help myself.


    Shen Yifei rolled her eyes and raised the blood-smeared spear like she was ready to sweep with it. "Hah. Want me to mop the floor with your intestines?"


    "I''d rather keep them inside, thanks," I muttered, brushing past and walking further into the ninth floor.


    Most rooms here were trashed. Smashed drywall, snapped doors, shredded curtains. I''d cleared it earlier today when running from Roulan. Back then, I''d fused two apartments by tearing out the wall between them using the system. Though still dusty, this room seemed perfect for our first real hideout.


    "Wait here," I said to the girls, stepping over broken tile and exposed wiring as I headed toward the back corner of the floor. There it was¡ªtwo merged units, stripped bare, nothing but exposed flooring and cement pillars. But it had potential. More than that, it felt right.


    "This one," I said aloud. "We''ll stay here."


    ¨‹ Selected Room (9F, Units 901 + 902)]


    [Large Combined Space]


    [Status: Safe Zone]


    I raised my hand and pointed at the shattered window at the far end. The glass looked like a drunk giant had punched it in. Still, the frame was intact.


    ¨‹ Upgrade Window? Materials: 60 Glass, 50 Metal, 40 Plastic? Craft Time: 1 Hour


    ? Experience Gain: 20? Optional Add-on: Reinforcement.


    I had all the materials in storage. I pressed [Upgrade].


    The sound of whirring came immediately. Transparent panels slid into place as mechanical arms extended from the system''s fabrication module¡ªfaint blue holograms guiding the pieces. The old glass popped out. In five minutes, the entire wall shimmered with a reinforced window¡ªpanoramic, tinted, clean.


    Then I turned to the corner where sunlight hit the polished floor.


    [High Quality - Black Comfy Sofa]¨‹ Build? Materials: 50 Cloth, 85 Plastic, 25 Wood, 40 Metal


    ? Experience Gain: 40? ZKP: 150? Build Time: Instant


    I tapped confirm.


    The sofa appeared in a single soft hum. Matte black, oversized, in an L shape, very inviting. I collapsed onto it, sinking with a groan.


    Yin leapt into my lap immediately. Rubbing against my thighs before curling up. Then, Mu Qinglan and Shen Yifei entered and just stared.


    "...We live here now?" Shen Yifei asked.


    I tilted my head back, closing my eyes. This place was close to the three gathering points. The mall and many other useful places.


    Shen Yifei''s words somehow resonated within my chest. That small apartment never felt like home. But this, this was different... so I spoke in my sleepy state.


    "Yeah... This is home."

 Chapter 44: Clarity after a Long and Needed Sleep

    Chapter 44 - Clarity after a Long and Needed SleepThe darkness faded, thanks to the mid-afternoon sunlight peeking through the reinforced glass, waking me from my nightmare. An image from the past¡ªsuffering my father''s cold, disappointed gaze.


    A tingling feeling of pins and needles spread through my limbs as I opened my eyes, noticing a familiar aroma and weight leaning against me.


    Mu Qinglan''s head rested on my shoulder, likely the source of the dull pain in my left arm. Her face was only a few inches from mine, breathing softly. Nothing like her zombie or business self. Just a cute and pretty woman who taught me a lot over the years.


    ''She''s almost perfect when sleeping.''


    I shifted my hips, letting her slowly fall, placing her on the huge sofa¡ªbig enough for five or six people. Then stepped away toward the massive window, and watching the city from here made me realise¡ª''It''s really over...''


    The system remained minimised, with no issues or notifications.


    The clock in the corner flicked to 5:00 PM.


    "I think I am ready now."


    My hand touched the cold glass.


    "What''s the matter, Roulan?" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her pensive face reflected in the thick glass as she bit her lip.


    "Are you feeling better now, John?"


    Well, after my previous actions, I couldn''t blame her.


    Turning to face her, I didn''t avoid her or act childish like before. My eyes locked onto hers, and she returned the gaze. In my dreams, I constantly ran away¡ªavoiding responsibility and blaming everything on others.


    Scared of accountability, I avoided applying myself throughout life.


    I shifted my gaze to Mu Qinglan¡ªat least until she acknowledged me, even without qualifications.


    Returning to Roulan''s face, I noticed her gaze followed mine. Her lips twisted before she crossed both arms beneath her chest.


    "I''m much better, thanks to you."


    Neither a genius nor a fool. And though no superhero, I was never a coward. So, I should face reality. Head on.


    "Roulan..." After clearing my throat, I called out to her. My voice sounded low and heavy compared to usual... or was this how I sounded now?


    "Hmm?"


    She tilted her head while huffing through her nose. The feeling of being examined and observed was unnerving¡ªlike the managers who ignored my advice on my last project.


    Yet this time, instead of retreating, I stepped forward, offering my hand.


    "Follow me."


    Jiang Roulan looked at me for a moment, her eyes widening as she seemed to understand what I meant. From our conversation earlier in the day, I treated it as a joke¡ªunable to face her with respect and as a man.


    "I promise you will survive, eat well, and have a safe place to sleep at night.


    As for your goal, as long as you take my hand, I will help you fulfil it."


    Her eyes widened¡ªnot like before, when she treated me like a child and showed me how na?ve I was acting.


    "Can you do it?"


    There were many things I lacked, whether it was the ability to judge right and wrong, create rules and laws or manage a base.


    Before long, my limit will come.


    Mu Qinglan, Jiang Roulan and even Shen Yifei held skills that would benefit me, providing me with a chance to focus on the system, growing stronger and surviving.


    Thanks to Jiang Roulan giving the final push, somehow, I could face reality and stop letting myself escape from my own emotions and thoughts. I could have saved Old Lei and reformed Wang Yun... My system existed for that purpose.


    It wasn''t a lack of strength that held me back. Nor a lack of talent either.


    I had all the pieces¡ªbut no will to use them.


    Not until I stopped clinging to the memory of who my father was and started living for the person I could be.


    I always admired my dad secretly.


    Watching his company''s stocks soar, becoming a technological billionaire, supporting his country and rooting out corruption.


    The memories stirred a flicker of warmth in my chest¡ªhalf pride, half pain.


    ''But that admiration...


    it was holding me back.''


    For too long, I chased that towering image. The untouchable, flawless icon. A man who shaped the world with influence and intellect. But this brutal, chaotic world of blood, collapse and zombies...


    ''He might be a tycoon... a leading figure in the old world...


    But now... wasn''t it time for me to take control?


    To Lead?''


    My gaze returned to Jiang Roulan, no longer wavering, and I stared into her steady eyes.


    "Of course I can."


    She stepped forward with a precise and elegant gain¡ªher stride well-measured like a professional. Disciplined like a soldier trained to march into hell.


    Jiang Roulan stopped a foot away from me.


    She lifted her head to face to match my gaze fully¡ªonly then did I notice the difference between our figures. Up close, it became painfully clear that I could have knocked her down with a slap. There was no reason to fear her or run away from her earlier.


    I just needed to face her¡ªlike this.


    "How do you want me?" she asked. Her voice was deep and firm¡ªlike a cadet speaking to her superior, her hands neatly by her side, watching me calmly. "As an officer? An ally? A follower? A woman? A lover?"


    With each question, her voice changed, the tone and pitch causing my mind to become white, but I didn''t avert my gaze and focused. I watched her eyes, the way she moved her lips and eyes and without the system''s prompts guiding me.


    I chose my answer, reading her expression that guarded pride that lingered beneath the surface and her waning hopes.


    Maybe influenced by the handsome and charming protagonists in female lead novels, my body acted before I thought. I reached out, brushing her chin with my fingers, lifting it between my thumb and forefinger.


    Her breathing became faster.


    The beat of her heart pounded in my ears.


    However, I had no desire to dominate her will, no interest in pretending disinterest.


    She awakened me, comforted me, and reminded me that I''d been turning away from reality.


    My life wasn''t a novel or a game.


    I couldn''t just make a joke, laugh it off or run away.


    The current world was my reality.


    "I want Everything."


    Our faces came close, the woman who teased me like a little boy, now gazing up at me with pink cheeks, her nose blowing against my face as she breathed heavily.


    This approach was enough for now. Jiang Roulan will understand how serious I am.


    Without another word, I stepped back and turned away. The slight gasp from Roulan''s lips echoed in my ears as I found myself smiling. This was my current limit, though I wanted to look cool¡ªany further would reveal my gaps.


    "Yin. We''re going."


    I needed to cool my head.


    There were many things to do right now¡ªflirting wasn''t part of them. To meet the twenty people below and assess their usefulness. I needed to visit my old apartment to dismantle everything and bid farewell to the John who once believed he could remain a mere office worker in this collapsing world.


    I couldn''t remain like that anymore.


    Like dad once did in his realm¡ª


    I would walk my path,


    Not as a son.


    Not as a survivor.


    As the leader.


    The dream was simple:


    Stand at the top of the food chain.


    Master of the apocalypse.


    No longer an embarrassment.


    No longer a shadow.


    But the Apocalypse King