As she had said, winter was fast approaching. The winters here were much colder than in Modu, and without heating, many people would not be able to endure.
After a meeting, they finalized the selection of people for the expedition.
Zhuo Yan, along with two representatives from the research lab, three ability users, and several soldiers, would head to Central City. Their mission had two main objectives: first, to bring back mutated seeds for planting; second, to exchange research findings with the researchers in Central City.
In addition to this, Zhen Jie had an extra task for her.
"I know the commander of a military district in Lucheng very well. He doesn't have many subordinates. Before this legion, they were primarily engaged in aerial missions, mostly air force. Because there are too many ordinary people and too few ability users, they can't leave Lucheng. When you return, take a detour. If possible, bring them out."
Zhuo Yan glanced at the map. If they didn't go to Lucheng, their route would be almost a straight line. Going to Lucheng would add a detour, though it wouldn't take too much time. However...
"Bring them here?"
Zhen Jie hesitated. "We only made contact previously. He didn't state his intentions. After bringing them out, we'll see what they decide. If they want to come, bring them along."
Despite his words, Zhen Jie didn't ask Zhuo Yan to bring them out immediately, nor did he mention sending them to Central City. Clearly, he preferred those people to come to H City.
"Alright."
"Thank you for your hard work."
Before they departed, Zhao Jiao was promoted to head nurse of the infirmary. The original owner's brother, who had just awakened his abilities, was also assigned a decent position. These were all thanks to Zhuo Yan.
With jobs secured, the Zhao family would not have too difficult a life in this relatively safe base, so she left with a light heart.
They took two cars. The food and gasoline needed for the journey were stored in Chong Yan's space. The first car carried the two of them, three researchers, and two soldiers. Behind them were several ability users and other soldiers.
Due to the relocation from Kyoto previously, many of the equipment there was currently inoperable. Signal reception in the sky was also problematic. The navigation system, which had barely lasted for two months, was now gone. They could only navigate using maps.
Fortunately, Chong Yan's space was large enough. In places where the car couldn't pass, they could store the car in the space and continue on foot before resuming their journey.
As late autumn approached, the temperature dropped further the further north they went. Initially, they could still drive with the windows down, but soon everyone was bundled up in thick clothes. The soldiers drove the entire time, and no one mentioned turning on the air conditioning.
The most significant impact of the apocalypse on this world was the near cessation of all production. Oil extraction had also stopped long ago. Before recovery, all reserves would dwindle, and this was not even the coldest time of the year. To ask for air conditioning would be unreasonable.
On the first day, they traveled over 300 kilometers. The distance from H City to Central City was over 1,200 kilometers. At this rate, they should reach it in four days. However, considering the dangers they might encounter along the way, they were not so confident.
In the evening, they discussed the next day's route over dinner.
A researcher pointed to the map. "This section of the HL Expressway is an overpass, with Liang Jiang below. According to intelligence we received earlier, this area is very unsafe. So, I suggest we go directly through the city."
A soldier patted the ground. "Before the apocalypse, B City had a population of over ten million. The current number of zombies must be astonishing. Passing through the city is equally unsafe."
A debate arose among them regarding the route.
Finally, they turned their gaze to the team leader, who was aptly named for this mission.
Zhuo Yan looked at the dark night sky. "Since both options are dangerous, let's go through the city. At least the cars will consume less fuel."
There would undoubtedly be many zombies in the city, but the creatures in Liang Jiang were also terrifying. Both carried dangers. When faced with two evils, choose the lesser.
The soldier seemed to want to object.
However, Zhen Jie had instructed them before they left to follow Zhuo Yan's lead as much as possible during this mission. He obeyed orders and didn't say much more.
"Everyone tidy up and get some rest. We'll set off early tomorrow."
"Alright."
—
The next day, at the crack of dawn, the soldiers began packing up. The others were also woken up. After a simple breakfast, they set off again.
The place they had stopped for the night was located between two cities. The virus had caused vast areas of vegetation to wither, and there were few people around. Whether it was monsters or zombies, they chased after "people" as the easiest prey. This was why they had been able to spend the night peacefully.
Now, heading towards B City, it felt somewhat like sending a lamb into a tiger's den.
Before even entering the city, they were attacked by several waves of enemies, both monsters and zombies. Chong Yan took the initiative to help, while Zhuo Yan watched from the side as others bravely fought.
Initially, some felt resentful. But when they realized they couldn't die no matter what, their mindset began to change. They started to treat it not as a mission, but as a trial.
An opportunity for self-improvement with no risk of death – they should seize such an opportunity.
A zombie with its mouth agape almost bit into a soldier's throat. The soldier desperately pushed it away with his hand when he suddenly felt an intense heat. While he was stunned, the zombie's head rapidly shriveled into a dried husk.
The instant stiffening of his movements gave him a chance to react. He forcefully struck the zombie's head with his rifle butt. With a crack, the zombie's head shattered like a dry walnut.
After the crisis was resolved, the soldier looked back at the car.
He remembered that person was a water-element ability user.
But the heat he felt just now was clearly that of a raging fire.
Unfortunately, it was too chaotic, and he didn't even see any flames.
Filled with doubt, he continued to fight zombies. The others quickly cleared out these ugly monsters. Dozens of zombies were soon killed, and again, no one was seriously injured.
However, the soldier who had been driving was injured. Of everyone, only the two researchers and Zhuo Yan hadn't actively fought. So, she voluntarily took the driver's seat.
Upon seeing this, Chong Yan immediately switched seats and looked at her with some doubt. "Do you have a driver's license?"
Zhuo Yan thought for a moment and shook her head. "No."
The people in the back instantly became uneasy.
Zhuo Yan looked to be only in her late teens or early twenties. Given the usual age for girls to get their driver's licenses, it was common for her not to have one yet.
"Miss Zhao, perhaps I should drive instead."
A researcher eagerly offered. "I can do it too. Although I've never driven before, I have a license."
He said this and began to rummage through his bag.
Then he bumped into the person next to him.
"Sit properly."
The car windows were sealed shut. They thought Zhuo Yan wanted to show off her driving skills until Chong Yan shouted, "There are more zombies behind us! Damn, so many!"