Chapter 464: The Worst Outcome

Chapter 464: The Worst Outcome

Zhang Yi understood that solving the zombie horde crisis in Tianhai City was crucial for their future peace. However, as he mulled over Bian Junwu’s parting invitation to join the Jiangnan District, he suddenly realized the unspoken message in Bian’s words.

It was a backup plan for him.

If the zombie horde in Tianhai City proved impossible to manage, the ultimate measure might be to obliterate the entire city. In such a scenario, Zhang Yi would have no choice but to leave.

He thought to himself: Although the shelter was said to be capable of withstanding an H-class attack, if the Jiangnan District’s goal was to flatten Tianhai City, the firepower they’d use would be on a completely different scale.

I can’t take that risk.

Resolving the zombie crisis would be ideal, but the question remained: how?

Zhang Yi had no clear plan in mind, and everyone’s anxious expressions only added to the tension, fearing the worst.

Seated on the sofa, Zhang Yi folded his arms, racking his brain for a solution. The group began brainstorming, openly sharing their thoughts.

Zhou Ke’er furrowed her brow and voiced her concerns:

“We know the zombies and the rat swarms are concentrated underground. Their numbers are staggering—likely occupying the entire subway system of Tianhai City.”

“With our current manpower, it’s unrealistic to face such a tidal wave head-on. Unless we find the Zombie King and execute a decapitation strike.”

As she spoke, Zhou Ke’er gently placed her hand on Zhang Yi’s shoulder and leaned against him, seeking comfort amidst the tension.

“There’s not much we can do. We can only hope the Jiangnan District provides assistance. So, Zhang Yi, don’t overthink it. Our abilities are limited.”

Zhou Ke’er wasn’t wrong.

The five major factions couldn’t afford to send large-scale forces out into the extreme cold for reconnaissance.

Whether it was Zhang Yi’s team or the other factions, they were all makeshift groups formed to survive the apocalypse. None had experience handling a situation this dire.

Zhang Yi looked up and murmured, “Fear stems from the unknown. Our biggest problem is that we know too little about the zombies.”

“What exactly is the Zombie King? Is it an intelligent mutation or a superhuman?”

Without even knowing what the Zombie King was, planning a decapitation strike was futile.

Fatty Xu interjected, “At least we can rule out the other factions as the source of the zombie crisis. They’ve suffered heavy losses themselves.”

Yang Xinxin immediately countered, “You can’t say that for sure. Even if they’ve suffered significant losses, it doesn’t mean they’re not involved.”

“Take West Hill Base, for example. They conducted extensive human experimentation. Who’s to say the other factions didn’t engage in similar activities, leading to this outbreak?”

Since the apocalypse began, Tianhai City’s factions had done everything possible to bolster their strength. West Hill Base’s cyborg program and Yangsheng Base’s military stimulants were prime examples.

Everyone shared their theories, but they were largely speculative and lacked evidence.

Their intelligence was limited, and the sudden zombie horde felt like an unforeseen force catching them off guard.

Zhang Yi propped his chin on his hands, unable to make sense of the outbreak or the Zombie King’s motives.

If the Zombie King were a superhuman seeking to use the horde to eliminate the other factions and become Tianhai City’s ruler, human intelligence should have already overcome the factions’ defenses. ꞦÂΝỌ฿ЕȘ

Yet the zombies they had encountered showed limited intelligence, akin to that of a five-year-old child, learning as they went.

But if the Zombie King were a mutated corpse with newfound intelligence, why had it targeted all five factions across Tianhai City?

The contradictory logic painted a peculiar picture in Zhang Yi’s mind.

It seemed both like a tool under human control and unlike something a rational person would orchestrate.

Hmm... Could it be a mentally impaired superhuman?

Zhang Yi chuckled at his own absurd thought.

“We should wait and see for now. At the very least, let’s see what the Jiangnan District team is capable of.”

“They have more experience in team operations, stronger superhumans, and advanced technology. They should achieve some results.”

“If they can’t handle the situation, then we’ll step in.”

Zhang Yi decided on a temporary plan.

Thanks to his Dimensional Gate abilities, he could guarantee an escape if needed during underground operations.

For now, he was content to let Bian Junwu take the lead.

...

At the headquarters of the Followers of the Snow God, St. John’s Cathedral, Zheng Yixian returned and pushed open the heavy doors.

Yuan Kongye was, as always, praying devoutly in front of the crucifix.

Zheng Yixian stood three meters behind her. Yuan Kongye slowly opened her eyes and turned to face him.

Her delicate, pale hands folded in front of her as a rare softness appeared in her gaze.

“What did you see on this trip?”

Zheng Yixian’s expression was grave.

“The Jiangnan District sent a terrifying team,” he replied, recounting what he had witnessed.

When Yuan Kongye heard about the team’s power, especially Bian Junwu’s ability to annihilate thousands of zombies in one strike, her perpetually frosty demeanor faltered.

“Jiangnan District...” she murmured.

“Will they interfere with us?” she asked.

Zheng Yixian wasn’t certain. “The situation in Tianhai City is already affecting the surrounding areas. If the Jiangnan District intervenes militarily, it could stifle the development of our Followers of the Snow God.”

“Moreover, Bian Junwu warned us. If the zombie crisis remains unresolved, the Jiangnan District might resort to a final solution.”

Yuan Kongye’s eyes wavered.

“The final solution...”

Zheng Yixian declared firmly, “We can’t let that happen!”

Yuan Kongye nodded.

“It’s likely that Zhang Yi, Xiao Honglian, Wei Dinghai, and Xing Tian share the same concern,” she said.

As Yuan Kongye predicted, Bian Junwu’s warning had left everyone deeply worried.

For that reason, they all resolved to assist Bian Junwu to the best of their abilities in resolving the zombie crisis.

Helping him, after all, was helping themselves.

Author's Note