Naturally, Chen Jianguo couldn’t overlook the two people who clearly didn’t belong to the dwarf group.

Others might have trouble identifying them, but the power struggle between the two factions of the base had gone on for too long—each side knew the other’s cards well. So, the military immediately began analyzing the Ouyang family’s motives for their actions.

They couldn’t have come just for Guo Fei. Apart from Guo Fei, the villa only had Nan Muran and Jiawu, who had just returned, as well as the retired Si Ye and Eagle.

But compared to Si Ye and Eagle, they were far more concerned about Nan Muran and Jiawu. A thorough investigation was inevitable.

As for what was happening at the base, Nan Muran was only interested in the outcome.

And clearly, this unimpressive attack ended with a result that pleased not just Nan Muran, but also Chen Jianguo, Guo Fei, and even the entire military.

While this side was smiling…

The Ouyang family stared in silence at over a dozen corpses—no external injuries, no obvious cause of death.

“There are no external wounds, but inside the skulls it’s just a mush. How was this done?” the neuroscience expert from West City stared at the bodies in disbelief.

Lin Weicheng suddenly recalled the scene he saw in the underground lab. “It’s an ability.”

“Yu Tao once said that psychic-type ability users can crush someone’s head with pure mental pressure. But these people?” Ouyang Feng frowned. This didn’t match what Yu Tao had described.

“With strong enough mental power and skillful control, it’s possible. And right now, there’s only one person capable of it.” Lin Weicheng immediately thought of Nan Muran.

Ouyang Yun looked at Lin Weicheng. “That girl?”

“Find out exactly what her relationship is with Guo Fei. Don’t make another move—leave everything to the lab from now on,” Ouyang Ying made the final decision.

“Give these corpses to Dr. Jin. He’ll be interested.” For the first time, Lin Weicheng felt a primal thirst for power in this world of survival of the fittest—not just an obsession with authority.

Meanwhile, on the second floor of the villa, Nan Muran and the others were absorbing crystal cores. After consuming the mutated fruit, all four of them smoothly advanced to the next level of their abilities.

Maybe it was because they had both absorbed crystal cores and eaten the mutated fruit. Jiawu not only reached the late stage of level 3 in the lightning ability, but also showed signs of awakening a second power.

Si Ye’s advancement was even more astonishing—his water ability jumped to early stage level 3, his fire ability reached late stage level 2, and he even awakened a metal ability.

Eagle’s wind ability hit late stage level 2, and he also awakened a strength-based power.

Nan Muran’s psychic ability went straight to level 4, and her plant ability reached mid-stage level 3. Most notably, the mysterious fog seemed to have undergone a subtle change. It was just a feeling—she couldn’t yet identify a visible difference.

The three of them were pleasantly surprised by the changes in their strength.

Only Eagle, who had always relied on speed, felt the strength ability didn’t suit him. “Miss Nan, is there any power that lets you fly? That would fit me better.”

“You can already fly,” Nan Muran teased with a smile.

As he froze from her comment, Si Ye and Jiawu burst out laughing. “Yeah, you’re Eagle, after all.”

Eagle looked at the three of them, speechless.

“Level 3, 6, and 9 are the hardest to break through. We all have to keep working,” Nan Muran said, but she was already deep in thought over their sudden progress.

It couldn’t be just the crystal cores—those weren’t enough to get them to this level.

It had to be the mutated fruit. Looks like she really needed to go to the underground lab and find out how they located the mutated fruit tree.

Downstairs, Guo Fei had just returned home at noon when Chen Jianguo followed him through the door.

“I’m here to see Miss Nan,” Chen Jianguo said from the lower floor.

Guo Fei clearly didn’t approve. He didn’t need to guess—Chen Jianguo looking for Nan Muran couldn’t be for anything good.

“It’s serious,” Chen Jianguo said. He knew Si Ye and Eagle had gone straight to Guo Fei after retiring. He didn’t know the reason, but it was still a relief.

With all of them awakening abilities, Chen Jianguo naturally had his suspicions.

Too bad the Wolf Squad guys were all tight-lipped. Even his nephew Chen Dong wouldn’t say a word.

With no other choice, he had to come find Nan Muran directly.

The military’s research facility had already been established. They had a decent understanding of ability users and their levels. But how to awaken powers in ordinary people on a large scale? That was still a mystery.

Chen Jianguo had a feeling Nan Muran might be able to help with this problem.

Nan Muran had already heard the voices downstairs. Since she had a decent impression of Chen Jianguo, she came down.

When he asked her the question, she responded directly.

The secret of the mutated fruit had already been known to the military half a year into the apocalypse. By now, they should have discovered fruit from mutated plants.

“Fruit from high-level mutated plants can help ordinary people awaken abilities.”

“Mutated fruit?” Chen Jianguo quickly pulled up a photo on his military tablet. “Look—does this match what you’re talking about?”

The image showed a giant flamegold tree.

What was strange was that the area around the tree was blanketed in snow, yet the tree itself looked like it was in full spring bloom—lush and covered in flowers. Even stranger, amidst the lantern-like blossoms, there were fruits usually seen only in autumn.

The tree perfectly represented all four seasons. The most eye-catching part was the glowing red fruits.

The little willow on Nan Muran’s wrist quietly informed her: this flamegold tree’s fruit was special. It could help awaken abilities.

“It’s the mutated fruit. But judging from this angle, the person who took the photo never got close to the tree?”

Chen Jianguo was secretly pleased. “Locals say anyone who approaches gets strangled by vines at the tree’s base. No one’s been able to get near.”

Nan Muran nodded, waiting for him to continue.

Chen Jianguo was also waiting for her to speak. An awkward silence settled between them.

Guo Fei stood on the side, watching Chen Jianguo with a snort. Still trying to act like he’s got the upper hand—he was practically radiating desperation.

“Aren’t you curious?” Chen Jianguo finally couldn’t hold back as he looked at the silent Nan Muran.

“Why don’t you tell me what you’re thinking, Colonel Chen, and I’ll see,” Nan Muran said with a smile, handing the tablet back.

Chen Jianguo sighed internally. “We want the fruit from that tree. We’ve sent several teams, but none have managed to get it. So… I’m wondering if we could cooperate?”

He figured, if Nan Muran knew the fruit’s effect, she must also know how to obtain it.

“Cooperate? Colonel Chen, you’re joking. If the military can’t get it, how could I possibly manage?” Nan Muran looked at him sincerely.

“We can offer generous compensation—and other benefits,” Chen Jianguo said firmly, throwing out a tempting offer.

Nan Muran looked at the soldier exuding killing intent and pressure. “You’re really that sure I can get the fruit?”

“Even if those four brats won’t talk, I’m not an idiot. You definitely know how,” Chen Jianguo said seriously, locking eyes with her.