The Absolute Favorite in the Apocalyptic Rebirth

When they arrived at Lei Hongming's office, it was bustling with activity. Several captains of the base's Esper teams were discussing matters with him.

A momentary silence fell over the office when the three entered. Then, the Espers, who had been clamoring for benefits, politely greeted them with broad, ingratiating smiles.

Lou Ling smiled inwardly. Lei Xianyun and the others couldn't help but chuckle, knowing the reason for this sudden change in demeanor. During the zombie siege, Lou Dian's performance had been witnessed by everyone in the base, making him the most popular hero. In the eyes of these Espers, Lou Dian was unfathomable and someone they dared not provoke.

Therefore, they showed him the utmost respect, and as a side effect, their usual petty squabbles had decreased, making things easier for Lei Hongming and the others.

Lou Dian smiled gently, his expression somewhat aloof, as was his usual style.

Seeing Lou Dian's arrival, Lei Hongming immediately dismissed the Espers. Although their objectives for the meeting hadn't been met, they didn't dare complain. Instead, they left with apologetic smiles, a stark contrast to their usual persistent attitude. This surprised Lei Xianyun.

After they left, Lei Hongming invited the two to sit down. Lei Xianyun closed the door and served tea.

After exchanging pleasantries, Lei Hongming pointed to a metal box beside him. "You were resting yesterday, so I didn't want to disturb you. These are for you."

Lou Ling curiously opened the box to find it filled with Tier 3 and 4 esper cores, nearly dazzling her. She was certain that this box contained at least a third of the spoils from the recent battle—a generous share.

The two didn't fuss. Since it was offered, they accepted. Four years into the apocalypse, technology and Esper abilities had developed in tandem. Driven by necessity, technology had advanced rapidly, leading to the discovery of multiple uses for esper cores. Whether in weaponry, energy sources, or Esper cultivation, esper cores were indispensable.

After presenting the esper cores, Lei Hongming unconsciously tapped the back of his chair. After the two had drunk half a cup of tea, he suddenly said, "This morning, I received a telegram from the Capital Base. The situation is dire."

Hearing this, the two quickly put down their teacups and listened attentively.

Lei Xianyun sat down beside them with a stack of documents and continued, "The mutated plants and animals have evolved further. Many forests have become no-go zones for humans. Rivers, lakes, and oceans are even more perilous. You must have witnessed this on your journey here."

Lou Dian leaned back against the sofa without speaking.

Lou Ling politely nodded.

"Throughout last year, many small bases vanished without a trace. According to scientists, the number of survivor deaths last year was more than double that of the first two years of the apocalypse. Of course, we attributed this to the zombie sieges. Given zombies' nature, they are attracted by the presence of humans in bases and attack them, which isn't surprising." Lei Xianyun's expression turned grim. "However, we previously found it strange that some small bases, located far from cities and with few zombies nearby, were also overrun, despite regular clearing of the surrounding areas. This recent zombie siege, however, has made it clear that the zombies are acting with intent."

After Lei Xianyun finished his seemingly pointless words, Lei Hongming continued, "I have some bad news. The Capital Base Research Institute has informed us that a powerful Zombie King has emerged among the zombies. It is intentionally leading the zombies to destroy human bases. They initially targeted small bases, which didn't attract much attention. However, by spring, many medium-sized bases like C County had fallen, confirming that the zombies were carrying out organized attacks. Sentient zombies… truly terrifying!"

Lou Dian remained silent. Lou Ling, having learned about the Zombie King from Lou Dian earlier, wasn't surprised and listened quietly.

"Currently, many bases are still under siege. C County was fortunate to have you; otherwise, it would have fallen." Lei Hongming, rarely so talkative, expressed his gratitude.

Lou Ling curiously asked, "Did the Capital Base mention the Zombie King's tier?"

Lei Xianyun and Lei Hongming looked at her. Lei Hongming said gravely, "Tier 7!"

Lou Ling gasped. She knew the Zombie King was the strongest, but she hadn't expected a Tier 7 zombie to appear just four years into the apocalypse.

Lou Dian's eyes flickered, but he remained silent.

In the silence, Lei Hongming continued, "Furthermore, orders have been issued from above to eliminate the Zombie King." He looked at Lou Dian. "Every base should have received the telegram by now. The order is to dispatch all Tier 6 Espers to join forces and eliminate the Zombie King!"

This was his purpose in calling them here today; no further explanation was needed.

Silence fell over the office. After finishing his tea, Lou Dian asked, "Have they located the Zombie King? How many Tier 6 Espers are there currently? What's the plan of action?"

Lou Dian's questions went straight to the heart of the matter, bringing a smile to Lei Hongming's face. "I heard the Capital Base Research Institute is developing a detection device. Once completed, it can detect the energy signatures of zombies, allowing us to pinpoint the Zombie King's location. As for Tier 6 Espers, there are only two known so far. However, the Capital Base Research Institute is reportedly working tirelessly with Espers to help them increase their strength. There's still about a year. Mr. Lou, you can start preparing."

After leaving the office, it was nearing evening. The two went to the base's small market, bought some fresh mutated beast meat, and returned to their rented house.

Lou Dian rolled up his sleeves to prepare dinner. After washing the rice and putting it in the pot, he started processing the mutated beast meat, while Lou Ling effortlessly grew a cauliflower.

After preparing a meal of three dishes and a soup, the two sat at the table, eating and chatting.

"In a year's time, the Zombie King's power will likely increase, right? Are you really going to be alright?" Lou Ling asked, her eyes filled with worry.

Lou Dian's smile faded. "That's why I need to strive for advancement."

"Go for it! I have faith in you." Lou Ling clenched her fist and punched the air, cheering him on. Although today brought another shock, there was still hope.

Lou Dian chuckled and changed the subject. "C County might not survive."

Lou Ling's heart skipped a beat, then she understood his words. They couldn't stay here forever. Once they left, if C County faced another zombie siege, it would likely fall. Lei Hongming was only a Tier 4 Esper. Although considered high-tier, it was still too low against sentient zombies.

Sure enough, a few days later, they were summoned by Lei Hongming again, who inquired about the Northwest and Central China bases. After the numerous attacks on small and medium-sized bases, the central government had recommended that survivors from these bases merge into larger ones to minimize casualties.

Currently, China had five major bases: the Capital Base, Southeast Base, Northwest Base, Central China Base, and Southwest Base. The Northwest and Southwest bases were located on the inland plateau, sparsely populated with few zombies, though the climate was harsh. They were good options, but the journey was too long. For these eastern bases, the best choices were the Southeast and Central China bases.

Lei Hongming, however, favored the Northwest Base. If he had to choose, he would prefer it, despite the distance. It was more suitable for human survival, and with its smaller population and simpler power structure, survivors were less likely to perish there. Humanity couldn't afford further losses.

"You want us to escort you to the Northwest Base?" Lou Ling asked in surprise.

Lei Hongming's ears reddened, and he remained silent. Lei Xianyun, his adjutant, had to step up. "Yes, our commander wishes to invite you both to travel together and lend a hand. Of course, you will be handsomely rewarded."

Lou Ling glanced at Lou Dian and remained silent.

After a moment, Lou Dian nodded. "Alright."

"…"

Seeing their incredulous expressions, Lou Dian curled his lips. "Because we also plan to return to the Northwest Base this year." The Northwest Base's population was indeed too small; a few more wouldn't hurt. Moreover, Lei Hongming was a talented individual who could be recruited into the Northwest Base. This way, the Northwest Base's future development would surely surpass the Capital Base, which was what he desired.

Lei Hongming and Lei Xianyun noticed the word "return" and, recalling the current Marshal Lou of the Northwest Base, understood. It seemed Lou Dian was related to Marshal Lou. This reassured Lei Hongming that his choice was correct. After experiencing so much, although Lou Dian still appeared somewhat dark, he now had restraints, and Lei Hongming trusted him relatively. Even if he didn't trust him completely, he trusted Lou Ling's ability to keep him in check.

Lou Ling: =_= ! A leash? Is that how you describe it?

Thus, a significant shift occurred in China, finally forming the five major bases familiar to Lou Dian from his past life. Humans and zombies entered a state of perpetual conflict.

The departure date was set for half a month later. In the following days, the entire base bustled with preparations for the journey to the Northwest Base. Lei Hongming and the others were especially busy. After issuing the orders, there was still much follow-up work. Dealing with the base's Esper teams alone was enough to drive them crazy. Fortunately, the Espers knew Lou Dian was still at the base and had a good relationship with the Lei family, which served as a deterrent, preventing them from causing too much trouble.

Compared to everyone else at the base, Lou Ling and Lou Dian were relatively free. During this time, they returned to the city, to their former Rose Garden. The complex and their house, weathered and eroded by time, no longer held their former beauty and elegance. Lou Ling felt an indescribable sadness, as if the mementos connecting her to her father and mother had been eroded by the passage of time and the elements.

Lou Dian didn't share her sentiment. As long as she was by his side, nothing else mattered, so he couldn't truly feel sad. For him, his father and stepmother were already memories. He had grieved years ago and decided not to grieve for them again.

After visiting their former home, Lou Dian took her around the city, killing zombies and collecting usable supplies. Food was out of the question, having long expired, but they could still salvage some useful items from warehouses.

Finally, the day of departure arrived.

Author's Note:

Today's goals:

Lou Ling's goal: Keep the weirdo on a tight leash!

Lou Dian's goal: Be with my little sister!

URGENT: Our Google Ads account was blocked due to violations. We'd deeply appreciate your support through donations to help us continue our work. Or we won't be able to continue the translations.

ʕ•́ᴥ•̀ʔっ

Love what you read?