“How many stars now?” Chen Liu asked Yu Na, eyeing her glowing excitement. “Five stars,” she replied, barely containing her thrill. She’s outpacing me already, Zhang Chong thought, giving a thumbs-up. “Way better than my first training at four stars.” After a brief rest, the trio—minus Yu Dachao—resumed their mission. Yu Na, now with Eagle Eye, paired with Zhang Chong, boosting the Jinghu Team’s efficiency. By 5 PM, they had cleared Building 7. One day’s work, and we’re done, Chen Liu thought, impressed. Yu Na, with her share of crystals, claimed the crossbow outright. Chen Liu’s haul was substantial: one nine-star white crystal, three seven-star white crystals, and over sixty six-star white crystals after compensating the team with six seven-star crystals. A week’s worth at the sanatorium in one day, he thought, affirming their move to Liao City. Li Dong’s still scraping by in Zhaojia Village while we’re surging ahead, he mused, picturing Yu Na soon overtaking their old rival.
As the sunset painted the sky, Chen Liu drove the Wrangler back, loaded with enough food for half a month. Scavenging was easier in a big city thanks to the army’s street-clearing efforts to create a safer hunting ground. Military vehicles, adventurer convoys, and “Sweeper” logistics trucks rolled past, collecting supplies from cleared buildings. Like migrating birds, Chen Liu thought, noting the hope on survivors’ faces—no despair, just resolve. He admired their role as the base’s anchor, with troops stationed to secure newly cleared districts.
At Huacui Community, night brought darkness, with only a dim pendant lamp illuminating their dinner of rice and cured meat. There was a knock on the door ithat nterrupted their meal. Yu Na opened it, exclaiming, “Professor Li!” Accompanied by two soldiers, one carrying a military pack, Professor Li stood with Zhao Tinglong, their rooftop rescuer. “So you’re the squad that escorted Professor Li,” Zhao asked. His presence means the command values the professor highly, Chen Liu thought, intrigued by the research implications but knowing better than to pry. “Come in, sit!” he said, welcoming them. Professor Li gestured to the pack. “A little something for you all.” Military goods—rare for us, Chen Liu thought, accepting it without opening it. He earned a subtle nod from Zhao. “If you need help, I’ll do what I can,” Professor Li offered, his gratitude rooted in their shared sanatorium past and approval of the Jinghu Team name. He’s got influence now, Chen Liu thought, noting the command’s backing.
Chen Liu hesitated. I don’t like owing favors, he thought. Zhang Chong coughed, glancing at Yu Dachao, prompting Chen Liu. For him, he realised. “Professor, a shameless request,” Chen Liu said. “Can Yu Dachao get military training to become a qualified soldier?” Training’s the key to his gun idea, he thought, hoping Professor Li’s influence could secure it. Zhao raised an eyebrow, intrigued, while Yu Dachao froze, overwhelmed. No precedent, but doable, Zhao thought, nodding. “Since it’s Professor Li’s friends, we can approve it.” Zhang Chong cheered, punching Yu Dachao playfully, who managed a bittersweet smile. Training’s step one; a gun comes next, Chen Liu thought, grateful for the swift resolution. After their guests left, the team buzzed with excitement. Yu Dachao’s path forward was clearer. In the military vehicle, Zhao spoke. “Professor, you were right. Jinghu Team has potential and is worth recruiting.” Professor Li, in the front seat, stayed silent, deep in thought, weighing their future.