Headquarters had specific regulations for people like them. As long as they didn’t lose their sanity, they could live like normal individuals within the survivor base.

Xu Duoduo glanced back at Qin Luo, and when she saw him nod, she finally put on the collar. The device had an electronic screen, likely designed to deliver an electric shock if the wearer became aggressive. A green light signified emotional stability, orange indicated slight emotional fluctuations, and red meant a loss of control.

At this moment, her screen was displaying green, meaning she was completely stable.

Professor Ji was very gentle. He gestured for Xu Duoduo to follow him for some medical examinations, ensuring her comfort by arranging for two female researchers to accompany her.

Xu Duoduo kept looking back at Qin Luo. In this unfamiliar environment, she instinctively sought him out. Fortunately, Professor Ji noticed and said, “Xiao Qin should come along as well. You also need to undergo a test for your abilities.”

Qin Luo obediently agreed and followed them.

Xu Duoduo felt much more at ease. As they stepped into the passage leading to the survivor base, a citywide broadcast played, looping reports on the disaster situation in nearby cities and the number of survivors rescued.

What moved her the most was the broadcaster’s firm voice saying, “We will never compromise with the apocalypse. We will never abandon a single human being.”

Hearing this, Xu Duoduo looked up at the broadcast speakers. The next segment listed the names of rescue team members who had sacrificed themselves. Each name represented a life—people who didn’t have to die, but who had charged ahead for the sake of rescuing others, ultimately perishing in the process.

Near the city walls, several individuals stood, their bodies covered in rock-like formations. They were extremely muscular, with their upper bodies encased in layers of stone-like material.

“They are Rock-Type Mutants. Their mutation has transformed them into stone-like beings, and one of their abilities is [Solidify]. These walls around us? They built them day and night. Feels pretty secure, doesn’t it?”

One of the female researchers, Miss A, explained this with a playful wink at Xu Duoduo. “Don’t worry too much. You’re not an outsider. As long as you retain human consciousness, you are still you. Our protection measures for mutants are quite comprehensive now, and most people are willing to accept you.”

Miss B chimed in, “The base will also assign you a suitable job. We use chip cards here, and our currency is based on points. It’s not much different from the old monetary system.”

Points could be used to purchase various goods. The survivor base in H City was relatively large, and many shops had been preserved, allowing for a stable life.

As for earning points, that required labor.

Combat teams could earn points by completing missions—the harder the mission, the higher the reward. Other logistical personnel could also earn points through work. For example, the Rock-Type Mutants who built the city walls earned 80 points per day.

To put that into perspective, a basic breakfast cost just 3 points, more than enough for a full meal.

Their wages were considered high.

Xu Duoduo was already feeling overwhelmed, and even Qin Luo was stunned. He took a deep breath, “Wait… When did things change so much? I’ve only been on a mission for ten days!”

Professor Ji sighed, “In the era of the apocalypse, rapid change is normal. Everyone must keep up with the pace.”

Otherwise, they would be left behind.

Young people adapted well, but many from the older generation struggled. Some had barely learned to use electronic devices before the world changed completely, leading many elders to collapse under the pressure—some even going insane.

Xu Duoduo was speechless.

As they walked through the city, she took in the surroundings. At first glance, ignoring the massive walls, the streets looked the same as before. But upon closer inspection, there were differences.

For example, some people had bizarre appearances, yet they all wore collars—just like the one around her neck.

The buses were still packed with people, but now, everyone carried weapons while chatting.

“There are new rules in the city. Anyone returning from outside must undergo quarantine and change their clothes before being allowed to move around. Last time, a squad returned covered in blood and nearly scared a bus full of kindergarten kids unconscious.”

Miss A provided this friendly reminder, then glanced at Qin Luo and Xu Duoduo, who were both covered in blood…

Awkward.

Professor Ji chuckled reassuringly, “It’s fine. Near the city walls, people are used to this.”

There were always those who didn’t have time to clean up.

However, in the city center, walking around covered in blood could get someone arrested.

Xu Duoduo followed them through a special passage, which turned out to be a subway entrance. Access required a card swipe, and there were only a few passengers inside.

Their destination was the H City Special Research Center.

Once inside, the subway looked like any other, except it moved at an astonishing speed.

Xu Duoduo felt like she had just boarded when the gentle researcher suddenly announced, “We’ve arrived.”

Already?!

It had only been a minute, yet they had traveled 20 kilometers?!

Her shock must have been too obvious because the two researchers giggled.

“You’re pretty cute. I heard your mutation is zombie-related? But little cutie, you’re much more adorable than an average zombie.”

The speaker was Xiao Qiao.

Xu Duoduo glanced at her work badge and confirmed the name was indeed “Xiao Qiao.” Probably a codename.

Beside her was Da Qiao, who seemed more composed. She kindly warned, “Stay away from Xiao Qiao. She loves dissecting strange things.”

Xu Duoduo shrank back in fear.

Qin Luo clicked his tongue, “Don’t scare her. She’s our squad’s reserve member.”

Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao were surprised.

“Seriously?”
“Your squad never recruits newbies. What changed?”

Professor Ji interrupted, reminding them, “The elevator’s here.”

The group stepped in, but Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao kept whispering.

“How does one join your squad? This kind of rare mutant should be assisting in the research center!”
“Exactly! What if she dies on the frontlines?”

Despite their different faces, their expressions and speech patterns were strangely identical.

Professor Ji simply chuckled, “That’s not my decision to make.”

Xu Duoduo glanced at Qin Luo again.

Truthfully, going outside with him didn’t seem so bad. At least she could stockpile supplies.

The early stages of the apocalypse were the perfect time to hoard. She had always had a habit of stockpiling things, and now, in this chaotic world, the urge was even stronger. It didn’t matter whether she’d actually use the items—just having them made her feel secure.

But what worried her most was the possibility of her spatial ability being discovered.

Yet, Qin Luo seemed unfazed. He was also observing the new environment, taking in the drastic changes.

Indeed, the apocalypse was evolving at an alarming rate.

He, too, had to absorb the new rules, the new world order, and all the knowledge that came with it.