Bai Shu’s little flying squirrel had awakened a psychic ability, granting it temporary flight and enhanced jumping power. Combined with its previously evolved eyesight, it was exceptionally suited for assassinating enemies.

Additionally, it had inherited a [Berserk] ability, which allowed it to temporarily enhance its physical body when facing an enemy. However, the duration was limited.

This was the signature move of the flying squirrel that had possessed a mutant core. The headquarters had spent a great deal of effort to kill it. In its final moments, it unleashed [Berserk], consuming its own energy as the price. In this frenzied state, it became terrifyingly powerful.

With a single swipe, it inflicted a deep wound on an ability user’s waist, exposing the bone.

In the end, it was subdued.

Professor Ji suggested that Bai Shu try to activate this skill point when the opportunity arose. If he could grasp the timing well, he could eliminate enemies within the duration of Berserk without any issues.

As for Wang Weihu, he had awakened an earth-based ability. The mutant Siberian tiger, from which his core originated, had crushed countless people and zombies by forming massive earth spheres. It also loved chasing people down with these earth spheres, scaring them half to death before flattening and eating them.

Mutant animals had no rationality—only the instinct to devour.

Though the move was rather gruesome.

Professor Ji thought that if Wang Weihu could inherit this ability, it would be great. Alternatively, he could modify it to create earth walls or spikes—whatever he figured out on his own.

In summary, their squad had significantly improved overall. The rest was up to their own exploration. If headquarters had the resources, they would arrange teachers for them.

“This is all so amazing! It’s only been a little over a month, and the world has changed so much,” Chen Xiaofei said with a laugh.

Wang Weihu nodded. “Feels like a dream. The Earth is starting to feel less like Earth.”

Bai Shu calmly adjusted his glasses. “Earth is still the same Earth. Whether it was the Cambrian period, the Ice Age, modern times, or now—the apocalypse—the only thing that’s changed is our living environment.”

Their job was to adapt.

The same applied to all of humanity.

Fortunately,

Human beings were highly adaptable and extremely creative.

When the apocalypse came, they built fortresses.

They saved their companions.

They worked hard to ensure that everyone could live as “normal” a life as possible, even if “normal” no longer truly applied.

They couldn’t help but laugh at the thought.

Qin Luo shrugged nonchalantly. “We survive one day at a time. Who cares about the world? Strength is the only real survival tool!”

The others agreed wholeheartedly.

“We’re all leveling up. Let’s teach the class rep too, see if we can help her learn how to use her abilities.”

“Teach her ourselves? Can we even do that?”

“Do you think it’s safe for her ability to be exposed? If someone at headquarters finds out, there are always rats in the system. What if they lock her up and monitor her?”

“That’s absolutely not happening!!”

Qin Luo made the final call. “We’ll teach her ourselves! It’s just applying what we know, how hard can it be?”

Bai Shu also promised to help by researching information, ensuring the class rep’s safety as much as possible.

Chen Xiaofei, not sure how else he could contribute, said, “I’ll buy her a mutant core. No class rep, no good food! I still count on her to get me snacks—she has to survive!”

Wang Weihu scratched his head, his tiger ears twitching. “I’m with Xiaofei on this.”

His beloved cigarettes and alcohol were all stored in the class rep’s space. If he kept them in his own storage card, headquarters would have confiscated them long ago.

The class rep was definitely the best option.

They trusted her completely, never even worrying about the possibility of her running away or dying, which would mean losing everything.

The little zombie watched as the four of them huddled together, whispering and plotting.

Her corpse felt warm.

Xu Duoduo suddenly remembered something.

Ever since her adoptive grandparents passed away, she had always been alone.

Middle school had been the easiest and happiest time of her life—three carefree years where all she had to do was focus on studying. She somehow ended up as the class rep and was well-loved by everyone. They treated her with kindness.

High school was different. That was when her grandfather fell ill. She juggled school while helping her grandmother care for him. At first, her grandmother refused to let her worry, telling her to focus on her studies. But later, after her grandfather passed, her grandmother fell ill too.

She drained their savings.

Xu Duoduo started working part-time while attending university, but in the end, her grandmother still didn’t make it.

Then their home was redeveloped, and she was forced to move to a new apartment in K City. Not long after, the apocalypse hit.

Ever since losing her grandparents, she had been lonely. She had few friends, let alone close ones—only a handful of university roommates who still kept in touch occasionally.

Living together like this, working on missions together, being tied to each other almost every moment of the day—it was a completely new experience. Their squad felt like a whole unit.

Following them gave Xu Duoduo a sense of security. Though their first meeting had been chaotic, they were all good people.

Good people remained good, no matter how many years passed.

She was lucky.

“Class rep? Class rep? Hurry up, the weather’s bad! The typhoon is coming!”

“Xu Duoduo? You spacing out?”

The little zombie’s rare moment of clarity was suddenly interrupted. She let out a confused “Huh?” What was she just thinking about?

She couldn’t remember.

What was it?

Her mind froze.

Qin Luo saw her suddenly freeze up and sighed, exasperated. He turned around, picked her up as usual, and tucked her under his arm. “Spacing out at a time like this?”

Chen Xiaofei laughed. “Why does the class rep look so grumpy?”

The little zombie was indeed angry!

She had forgotten something, and it was all their fault!

That feeling of almost remembering something but not being able to grasp it was unbearable!

The little zombie couldn’t describe it.

She could only puff up her cheeks in frustration and struggle a little. But Qin Luo held her firmly. “Tsk, stop squirming. See that plastic bag flying up there? If we waste any more time, we’ll all be meeting each other in the sky.”

Before the little zombie could react, Chen Xiaofei cluelessly asked, “Huh? Why?”

Bai Shu sighed. “Because when the typhoon hits, it could sweep us all up.”

Wang Weihu suddenly burst into laughter, for reasons unknown.

Chen Xiaofei: ……

They boarded the subway and quickly exited at their stop. The sky had darkened significantly, the oppressive clouds making it feel like the world was about to collapse. The wind howled, urging them to move faster.

Fortunately, the subway exit was close to their apartment complex. They made it inside just as the rain began to fall.

Suddenly, the lights flickered and then went out, replaced by dim emergency lighting. The base had lost power.

At the same time, the loudspeakers blared, sounding the emergency alarm.

“Super Typhoon ‘Storm Dragon’ is approaching. Please avoid staying outdoors. Do not remain outdoors.”

“Due to the typhoon, the disruptors on the city walls may be affected. The risk of mutant birds and insects attacking has increased. All civilians, please lock your doors and windows and remain silent.”

“All combat teams, prepare for immediate rescue operations. Check your assigned rescue zones in your email.”

Qin Luo groaned. “Well, guess we’re not sleeping tonight. Stay alert, everyone!”

Bai Shu and the others nodded.

Xu Duoduo raised her wooden whistle and blew a sharp note.

This time, they were fighting a defense battle.

Protect the base!