In the backyard helipad, zombies poured endlessly through the breach. Everyone shot at them while boarding the helicopter.

Herbert was completely excluded, pushed to the very back of the line. Everyone kept a wary eye on him, afraid that in the next second he might be shoved out.

In a time of crisis, the one who has lost all trust suffers the most.

By the time Su You arrived, the helicopter had already lifted off, and only then did they realize two people were missing.

She had a sharp memory. When she lowered her head, through the glass she saw two of Selina’s classmates had already turned. Their mangled bodies roared from within the horde at the helicopter rising higher and higher.

As living flesh escaped before their eyes, their faces twisted in grotesque rage, as if they longed to leap up and tear the living to pieces.

But as the helicopter climbed beyond their reach, the zombies eventually gave up, scattering to other parts of the island.

Soon, different screams echoed from all directions.

Following the scent of flesh, the dead crashed into homes. The weak, elderly, women, and children who were unprepared were the first to fall. Doors and windows were smashed apart by tireless, unfeeling monsters, marking the beginning of the first wave of collapse.

With the terrifying speed of infection, more and more zombies appeared. Their chilling roars filled the night.

The helicopter thundered across most of the island. The once-protected sanctuary, surrounded by a natural barrier, had completely fallen.

Inside the cabin, the rescued survivors watched the carnage below in silence. Only their trembling bodies betrayed the fear in their hearts—and the fragile relief of having escaped.

Through the windows, they saw the streets and buildings below.

Street lamps glowed dimly. Many cars had crashed, others were abandoned where they blocked the roads.

The night was silent, no signs of life—only shadowy groups of zombies wandering the dark streets.

From the buildings below, thick black smoke poured from windows.

Occasionally came a zombie’s howl, or the silhouette of stiff, infected bodies reflected against windows.

Perhaps a handful of survivors still hid inside those buildings, but on this night of the city’s fall, none would find sleep.

Those on the helicopter felt only sorrow and helplessness at the sight of such hell.

Even if they reached a safe shelter, even if they survived, the nightmare of this city—flooded with monsters—would haunt their dreams forever.

“Calling, calling! This is Snowe City Army Rescue Center! B1273, please respond! B1273, please respond!”

“Copy, copy. This is B1273. Tower, please instruct!”

“To leave Snowe City, all personnel must undergo inspection. Repeating: leaving the city requires personnel inspection. Please dock at the refugee center outside the city, or our forces will be authorized to shoot you down.”

“B1273 acknowledges, B1273 acknowledges. Preparing to land at the refugee center airstrip.”

The pilot switched off the radio, turned to Li Xiannian, and said, “Mr. Li, you heard them. We must head to the refugee camp outside the city, or the military will take extreme measures against us.”

Li Xiannian nodded. “Then we’ll follow the rules.”

Soon, the helicopter descended on the outskirts airfield.

Searchlights lit the area as bright as day.

A military unit ordered everyone off for a thorough medical check.

Only once no signs of bites or infection were confirmed did they distribute thermal blankets, food, and water, and assign them tents.

The grounds were filled with tents of all sizes.

Since Li Xiannian’s group was large, they were given a bigger one.

Exhausted and chilled from the ordeal, everyone ate a little, then quickly fell asleep under their blankets.

Su You, however, was not sleepy.

For her, such disasters no longer carried the same shock.

Amber, though, seemed dispirited. He had known the apocalypse was coming, but this was his first time facing zombies. The sight of such inhuman monsters unsettled him deeply. He woke several times in fright before finally drifting off.

The camp still had internet access, but messages could not be sent—only browsing was possible.

It was clear the authorities were controlling public discourse to prevent chaos.

Su You thought for a while, then opened the Doomsday Forum to see what was happening.

But it was still full of idle chatter—discussions about apocalypse-themed films and what food to stockpile.

It had become little more than a gathering place for doomsday enthusiasts.

Su You rubbed her forehead. “Well, I guess that works…”

Soon she came across a desperate post:

“Help! My relative lives in Snowe City, Country A. I heard there’s some rabies-like outbreak there, with many people acting strangely. I’ve lost contact with him. Does anyone know what’s going on?”

Replies came quickly:

“Snowe City? I haven’t heard of any outbreak. A local blogger I follow just updated moments ago. Stop spreading rumors.”

“Hahaha, is this because of that apocalypse prophecy? Do you really believe the end is coming, so you’re making up lies?”

“Exactly. The timeline doesn’t even match—still more than ten days away. If you’re going to fake news, at least be convincing.”

“Maybe your relative just didn’t check his phone. Could be sick in the hospital, that’s normal.”

The original poster never replied again. Clearly, they had no evidence. The thread sank into silence.

From this, it was clear the authorities had completely suppressed information about the fall. Not a single video or image had leaked out.

They must have prepared for this outbreak, even receiving early reports of infections and making contingency plans.

But the scale had exceeded their expectations, the number of infected spiraling out of control—leading to the city’s collapse.

Su You sighed for the people of Snowe City.

Then she opened the maps she had downloaded.

The entire city layout unfolded before her on the screen.

She began marking it:

Supermarkets, convenience stores, gun shops, clothing stores, libraries, and fast-food outlets were her key targets.

Medicine could be found in large chain supermarkets, so there was no need to seek out pharmacies.

As for hospitals—she preferred to avoid them. They would be swarming with the infected, too risky for the payoff.

Besides, she already controlled a private clinic, small but functional enough.

As the night deepened, Su You finished her planning and got some rest.

Tomorrow, after parting ways with Li Xiannian, she intended to head into the city center.