章 18: Mutant Animal
Upon hearing Jiang Zhi's words, Shen Yize couldn't refuse, but he also didn't fully agree. After a moment of silence, Shen Yize finally expressed his opinion to Jiang Zhi.
"But we didn't promise to save him. If the situation doesn't allow it, we should leave. You know these days are tough, right? Many things can happen, good or bad."
Jiang Zhi remained silent without an immediate response. However, it was Mu Yang from the back who responded to Shen Yize's disagreement.
"Hey, I understand. Just making sure, that's enough. Thanks," Mu Yang said.
The atmosphere suddenly became awkward. Shen Yize's cold demeanor was sometimes hard for people to accept, especially those who were new to him.
"You guys sound really close," Zhang Rui lightened the mood, directing his question at Mu Yang.
"Of course, we are twin siblings, and he's my only family now."
"Yeah, that's how it is. This world changes so quickly, we can suddenly lose the people we love," Zhang Rui remarked.
Even though sometimes annoying, Zhang Rui could also be very wise and relaxed when facing a problem. Sometimes Jiang Zhi and Shen Yize were envious of Zhang Rui's ability to deal with his own thoughts so effortlessly.
"Hm, it's frustrating, but there's not much we can do about it," Mu Yang agreed with Zhang Rui's words.
The car continued to drive for a few more hours, and of course, they needed to refuel. Although there was still some supply in Jiang Zhi's space, it would be concerning if they didn't refill it as a backup. Jiang Zhi kept an eye out, hoping to spot a gas station on the road ahead. And true enough, after a while, Jiang Zhi saw a large gas station. The gas station appeared quite spacious and was surrounded by trees. Several buildings were visible in the background, serving as rest stops and toilets.
"Hey, should we stop at that gas station?" Jiang Zhi asked, pointing to the large gas station across the road.
"Yeah, it might be better. Even though it's already filled, we still need to take as much fuel as possible," Shen Yize agreed.
"Alright."
"But be cautious, there might be zombies lurking around here," Shen Yize warned, urging them not to let their guard down even though there were no signs of zombies.
"Hey Mu Yang, can you operate a firearm?" Jiang Zhi asked.
"Even if he can't, he should try. We don't have many weapons, just pistols and knives. We can't always protect him," Shen Yize pushed.
"I'm not used to it, but I'll give it a try."
"Alright, here are two pistols and a machete for you. Strap them on and take good care of them," Zhang Rui handed over the two pistols to Mu Yang.
"Thank you."
"Hey, stop with the constant thanking. Now we're a team since you joined us," Zhang Rui felt uncomfortable with Mu Yang's continuous gratitude, as he was still adjusting to being part of the group.
"Yes, but I'm really grateful."
The car stopped in a safe area around the gas station. They looked around before getting out of the car.
"Hey, I really need to pee! Jiang Zhi, can you watch over me while I go behind that tree?" Zhang Rui requested.
"Come on, buddy, just watch over me for a moment. I'll pee quickly behind that tree!"
"Alright, don't tear my arm."
After getting out and relieving himself, Zhang Rui whispered to Jiang Zhi from behind a nearby tree, not too far from where Shen Yize stood.
"What's up with Shen Yize? He doesn't seem too enthusiastic about helping."
"Is he being mean?"
"No, but sometimes I feel like he has a cold heart."
"Maybe he got hurt in the past, like betrayed or something. He's actually very kind, but there's something holding him back."
"You know him quite well." Zhang Rui asked Jiang Zhi. The sudden question surprised Jiang Zhi. Despite smiling, it was not the usual mischievous grin. It seemed like Zhang Rui was genuinely asking about this.
Ried didn't answer Zhang Rui's question and instead changed the subject.
"Are we done here? I'll head back to the car first."
"Wait, I'll come with you!"
The day was starting to turn into evening. They couldn't continue their journey as it was becoming dangerous. Zombies were more aggressive at night, and human eyesight was not as sharp during the day. Since zombies attacked using their sense of hearing, this would be a significant disadvantage for humans facing them at night.
Worried, Mu Yang asked Jiang Zhi, "Hey, where will we spend the night? Is it safe in the car?"
"Not too bad. We'll stay here and take turns keeping watch at night."
Shen Yize suddenly took a few steps forward, aiming a shot at a zombie's head. He shot accurately, hitting the target and exposing the crystal core. With a quick motion, he tossed it towards Jiang Zhi.
"Just put it in your space. Oh, and hey, before we sleep, let's clean up around here before it gets dark."
"I'll go to the left with Mu Yang," Zhang Rui said.
"Be careful, and remember to leave a sign if anything happens," Jiang Zhi reminded.
"Got it."
Jiang Zhi and Shen Yize now walked together, remaining vigilant around them. Even though it seemed safe and no zombies were in sight, the night could pose its own threatening challenges.
"Should I store some cars with fuel in my space? Our car is too full, and we're short on gas containers," Jiang Zhi asked.
"Hm, not a bad idea. By the way, do you think this big object will fit in your space?"
"No, it would be too cramped, but we're almost reaching level 2. Level 3 is still a long way off."
"I understand. You're really trying hard, aren't you?"
"Yes, it's a tough effort for me."
Jiang Zhi contacted a tanker truck, and within seconds, the vehicle disappeared. He looked around carefully and moved the tanker truck to a safe location. This unexplained phenomenon happened three times; no tanker truck was visible near the gas station.
"When do you think we'll encounter level 2 zombies?" Jiang Zhi asked Shen Yize.
"Maybe around one or two months from now. Many crystals have been carried here by the rain. Grab them quickly and upgrade your space!"
"Alright, I got it. Do zombies really eat crystals? That's kind of strange," Jiang Zhi still wasn't entirely convinced by the news he heard.
"Yes, killing zombies and these crystals will help them level up faster. It's just odd because low-level zombies usually aren't that smart," Shen Yize explained.
"Maybe he just happened to eat it? Ugh, it smells so bad."
"No, it's just an ordinary zombie that hasn't evolved yet and is slowly regaining its skin. Oh, by the way, your zombie-killing skills are improving."
"Yeah, it's been months since the apocalypse started, and I've killed a lot of zombies. I also practiced hard in my space."
Ried looked at his space with a proud gaze.
"Hey, it seems like my space has leveled up. There's already mist inside."
"Great," Shen Yize was pleased as well.
"I'll check it again later when we get back to the base."
"Yeah, let's get back to the car. It's getting dark."
The sun was starting to set, and it was only a matter of minutes until darkness blanketed the earth. They returned early and didn't find Zhang Rui and Mu Yang there. Of course, this made them worried.
"Why haven't they come back yet? Are they okay?" Ried asked anxiously.
"Don't worry, they're not kids. Although Zhang Rui can be a bit careless, Mu Yang seems wise enough to handle it. By the way, I've noticed you've been somewhat quiet in the car since we left the mall. Is everything alright?"
"Really?"
Shen Yize's expression revealed a lot even without a verbal response, making Jiang Zhi chuckle softly before looking away. They did seem quite close. Even when making decisions, their dialogues often consisted of just eye contact or other body language, and they could understand each other.
"You can freely guess, you know? I just feel that life doesn't matter much anymore."
Shen Yize sighed, feeling that the strong often trampled on the weak. He advised not to let personal emotions influence self-judgment. Even though he wanted to save many people, he had to use logic.
Shen Yize thought that their value should be based on how useful they were, not just as tools, but by considering their characters. Would they cause problems in the future or not?
Listening to this explanation, Jiang Zhi could only nod.
"I understand, that's why I want to become stronger."
Shen Yize smiled, "I believe in you, you'll become the strongest!"
"Why do you have so much faith in me? Sometimes that unwavering trust makes me feel undeserving."
"You're entirely deserving; there will be more people like me who will rely on you and fight alongside you."
"But hey, remember not to trust others too easily, especially based solely on their words!" Shen Yize added.
As they spoke, Zhang Rui's voice was heard with excitement.
"Hey, look at this! We managed to catch a big chicken! We can cook it for dinner; it's been a while since we've had meat."
"Mu Yang, kill that chicken!" Shen Yize ordered.
"Why? It's just a regular chicken, and it's still alive. I understand why it wants to live," Mu Yang hesitated to follow Shen Yize's command.
"No, this isn't normal. After all the rain and cold weather, it's strange to see a living animal. Unless it's a mutant creature!"
Zhang Rui tried to interject, "But..."
"Let it go and kill it, its eyes are glowing red!" Jiang Zhi chimed in.
"Too late, the mutant chicken has awakened!"
Indeed, as Mu Yang released the chicken, he attempted to reach for his pistol, but he was outpaced by the extremely agile chicken. Its movements were no longer like those of an ordinary chicken—it was much faster and stronger. The mutant chicken skillfully dodged Mu Yang's shots.
Gunshots rang out. "Boom! Boom!"
"Sorry, my shooting skills aren't that good."
"We have to kill it before it can bring its comrades!" Shen Yize said as he chased after the mutant chicken.
Jiang Zhi and Shen Yize immediately aimed their weapons at the fleeing mutant chicken. They fired several shots rapidly, trying to stop the chicken. However, the mutant chicken was too fast and agile, cleverly evading each shot.
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