RIACMET chapter 246

 

Upon spotting a group of zombies, Jiang Nian fired a rocket launcher without hesitation. Thunder and fire laced with purification swept outward from the center of the explosion.

The purification was lethal to zombies. Even if it didn’t kill them instantly, it slowed them down dramatically.

As long as there weren’t too many zombies with special abilities and they lacked unique attributes, they would be reduced to ashes before they could react.

Their teamwork was impeccable, and the damage they inflicted on zombie groups far surpassed that of typical rescue teams.

In just one night and one day, they wiped out twenty small zombie groups ranging from a few dozen to a few thousand.

Jiang Nian harvested so many crystal cores that his arms ached. On the way back to Z Base, he complained,

“I can’t do real field combat anymore—my back and waist are killing me.”

But at least all his pent-up anger had been burned away.

Cheng Jing raised an eyebrow.

“The environment here’s awful. I’ll find you a better place next time.”

He wasn’t one to fool around outdoors, but if the kid liked it, he would go along with it.

Jiang Nian fell silent and turned his head away, his ears turning red.

Every time Brother Jing responded earnestly to his dirty jokes, it made him want to dig a hole and hide.

Cheng Jing, knowing how to handle him, softened his voice.

“Niannian, there are still two hours left. Rest a bit. I won’t disturb you. I’ll sleep right next to you.”

“… Okay.”

Jiang Nian adjusted his posture. When he was having fun, the adrenaline kept him going. But once he stopped, sleepiness crept in. After all, he was slightly less physically fit than Brother Jing.

…

Back at Z Base, they reunited with their teammates, and the evacuation efforts continued in an orderly fashion.

The approaching swarm of zombies grew in size and became a military concern.

Once the horde reached a critical threshold, high-powered military weapons were deployed in one concentrated strike to wipe it out. This strategy minimized the waste of ammunition and the risk of collateral damage from random bombing.

At the base, Yang Kai sent daily updates to Cheng Jing on the legion’s progress.

Many new superpowered individuals had joined them, and the “Bounty Union” project was proceeding smoothly. Once the zombie wave was repelled, South City Base would undergo further expansion.

With Master Gao on site, there was no fear of zombie interference. Barring any unforeseen incidents, South City Base was poised to become the first resurgent human city—an encouraging sign for all survivors.

Despite the chaos, things were progressing well until an accident occurred on Chu Yi’s side.

While opening the underground warehouse to transfer military supplies, Tang Ji was struck by a falling object, breaking his arm.

Although the injury wasn’t severe, Tang Yi, who treated Tang Ji like a younger brother, was extremely concerned. He called Chu Yi morning and night to check on Tang Ji.

They were all close friends, and Chu Yi remained patient. Sometimes, after discussing Tang Ji’s condition, they’d chat about work or when everyone would return to South City Base.

Everything was fine until two or three days later when Tang Ji called Tang Yi in an unusual manner.

“Brother, don’t call Brother Chu so often. He’s busy all day. I’m fine. I’ll ask a healer to help when we’re back at base, and I’ll be all better soon.”

“…?”

Tang Yi, who was busy helping survivors onto a bus, was puzzled.

“Eh… Did Brother Chu say something?”

Chu Yi was a leader, after all. Even though they were friends, if he were really annoyed, he’d say so. He wasn’t the type to beat around the bush.

Realizing the misunderstanding, Tang Ji quickly tried to explain in a panic:

“No, no, it’s just me. I can see that he’s really busy… I’m just lying here in a temporary ward, not helping at all. He’s had to take care of me. I feel really bad…”

“Haha, I thought something was wrong.”

Tang Yi laughed and reassured him.

“You two know each other well. He’s in charge of this field mission, and you’re roommates, so it’s normal for him to look after you more. Don’t be so polite.”

“No, I’ve really troubled him a lot. Brother, if you have any questions, just call me. Don’t bother him anymore. Save him the trouble of coming to see me every morning and night.”

Tang Ji sounded hesitant. Tang Yi thought that was odd. He knew that if he pushed further, the other wouldn’t open up. So, he simply replied,

“Alright, got it. You rest for now. I’ll call again when I’m done here.”

“Okay, brother, bye!”

Tang Ji quickly ended the call, afraid that Tang Yi would keep pressing.

“…”

Tang Yi stared at his phone in silence for a moment, then immediately called Chu Yi.

After two rings, Chu Yi answered.

“Tang Yi, what’s up?”

“Ahem…”

Tang Yi asked carefully.

“Brother Chu, um, is Xiao Ji really okay?”

“He’s fine. Healing well. We’re just watching for infection now. Once we’re back at base, a specialist can take care of it. He’ll be as good as new.”

Chu Yi answered casually, then teased.

“You asked this morning, and now you’re asking again in the afternoon. Are you trying to level up from ‘brother’ to ‘dad’?”

“No, no…”

Tang Yi was a little embarrassed and explained sheepishly,

“I’m just worried he’s a burden to you. He called me a little while ago, and he sounded strange. Maybe he thinks his injury is causing trouble for you.”

They were family—they could say what needed to be said.

“…”

Chu Yi fell silent for a moment, then stopped joking around and answered seriously.

“No, I’m not busy. He’s probably just feeling down about the injury. I’ll check on him when I bring him dinner. It’s not a big deal.”

“Okay. Then please comfort him a little more.”

Tang Yi finally relaxed. Ever since joining them, Tang Ji had been through a lot and had always wanted to pull his weight. Of course he’d be more emotionally sensitive now that he was hurt.

Meanwhile, Chu Yi ended the call and sighed helplessly. Then, he headed back to the underground warehouse to check the progress of the transfer.

There, he saw Xiaoya hauling out the last storage compartment filled with specialized equipment and instruments from the core section of the building.

Her hair was tied in a ponytail, and she wore a blue-and-white school uniform. She looked quiet and reserved. Standing beside her was a fully armed female soldier assigned to supervise her.

“Mr. Chu, this is the last compartment that needs to be removed from the warehouse. Please inspect it.”

Xiaoya had just finished using her ability. Sweat dotted her forehead and cheeks, and her face was pale. The entire process of moving had been exhausting.

Chu Yi nodded.

“Thanks for all your hard work. You saved us from a lot of unnecessary losses. Go upstairs and get some rest. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Xiaoya wiped her face, took the supervisor’s collar, and put it back on as she said,

“All right, I’ll deliver dinner to Brother Tang Ji first.”

“Eh…”

Chu Yi hesitated, then stopped her.

“No need. I’ll bring Tang Ji his dinner today. You go rest and eat. You’ve been working hard these past few days, and we’ll be heading back in three days.”

“…Oh.”

Xiaoya twisted the hem of her shirt awkwardly, then asked.

“Then, when we return, can I see Brother Jiang Nian?”

Chu Yi smiled.

“Sure, I’ll arrange it. He’s been messaging me the past couple of days, asking about you.”

“All right, thank you, Mr. Chu.”

Xiaoya’s shy eyes lit up with happiness. After speaking, she bowed and walked out with the supervisor.