Level 1 Little Zombie Doomsday Growth Diary - Chapter 33

Chapter 33

The Sky Base was responsible for harming Little Mushroom, sending hunters to hunt down Carnivorous Flower.

Even the injuries Chili Pepper sustained when Qian Hui found it in the ruins were inflicted by the Sky Base.

And… and Mimosa.

Qian Hui had never asked Carnivorous Flower about what exactly happened to Little Mushroom, fearing that revisiting the past would only deepen its pain.

He had also vowed that if they ever encountered those humans again, he would show them no mercy.

After calming the two plants beside him, Qian Hui tucked them back into his hood and followed Nan Tingjin downstairs.

The humans’ purpose for coming here remained unclear. Perhaps they were after the missing Durian.

They likely suspected something, but Qian Hui hadn’t found an opportunity to let the plants in his backpack slip away to rescue Durian. He had no choice but to leave Qi Yue behind.

Nan Tingjin had also mentioned that the humans possessed some kind of document that compelled the Black Ridge Mountain Base to grant them entry, or face severe consequences.

Originally, Nan Tingjin had intended to refuse, but Qian Hui persuaded him otherwise.

Denying them entry would immediately spark conflict, which might very well be the “strife” described in the Plot Point.

Even if they desperately wanted to avenge the plants, choosing Black Ridge Mountain, the territory of human ability users, was unwise.

Therefore, Qian Hui quickly decided to head to the Back Mountain Restricted Zone to regroup with the other plants.

There, they could take cover near the Giant Nut, whose special-grade mutated plant aura would provide camouflage.

Qian Hui and the plants hid, waiting for the Sky Base to depart before secretly tailing them, planning to ambush them along the way.

The ground floor was deserted, with no one nearby. Before the Sky Base entered the Inner Gate, a modified car sped away.

Upon reaching the Back Mountain Restricted Zone, Qian Hui checked each plant’s status to ensure they were unharmed and explained the current situation.

Carrot clenched a carrot thorn in its hand, snapping it in half with a furious woo woo. If not for the need to consider the bigger picture, it would have flown over and impaled every human right then and there!

Seeing Carrot’s rage, Durian grew angry as well, slamming its spiky body against a nearby tree trunk.

“We need to be careful,” Qian Hui cautioned. “Endure for now and wait until they’re gone before acting.”

But… cradling Sunflower in his arms, he looked up at the Giant Nut.

Nut showed no signs of waking.

When the time came, Qian Hui would have to leave again, uncertain when he could return.

He considered having two or three plants guard the Giant Nut, or staying behind himself.

But splitting the Plant Squad in half, no matter which plants were left behind, would leave him uneasy.

Nut’s massive size made it impossible to move it.

At this thought, Qian Hui’s spirits sank.

He turned and noticed Nan Tingjin still hadn’t left.

“Xiao Jin,” Qian Hui said, setting down Sunflower and hurrying over. “Aren’t you going back?”

Nan Tingjin leaned against a tree trunk, looking up. “No need.”

He seemed indifferent to whatever might happen at the base, intent only on staying by Qian Hui’s side to ensure his safety.

A thought struck Qian Hui, and he recalled the Plot Point about Nan Tingjin.

His original fate was to suddenly disappear—a far better outcome than confirmed death.

If Nan Tingjin vanished by choice, where would he go?

But now wasn’t the time for such musings. Qian Hui stepped forward and hugged Nan Tingjin. “Then… why don’t you hide with us?”

Nan Tingjin narrowed his eyes slightly. “Hide?”

Qian Hui nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

The word “hide” probably wasn’t in his vocabulary, but since Qian Hui was asking, he was willing to try.

After a moment of silence, Nan Tingjin agreed. “Alright.”

Little Cabbage retrieved its Cabbage Shell, while Carnivorous Flower searched for a suitable spot to place it nearby.

The surrounding area was thoroughly cleaned up. Nan Tingjin used his ability to move the modified car to the other side of the mountain.

As they had approached, he had restored the road to its original condition, leaving virtually no trace of their passage on the other side of the iron gate.

Then, Qian Hui pulled Nan Tingjin into the Cabbage Shell.

With an extra person inside, the Cabbage Shell felt cramped.

Qian Hui pressed close to Nan Tingjin, adjusting his posture as best he could while the other plants squeezed in one by one.

The plants with no combat abilities hid at the innermost part of the shell, while the main offensive forces—Carrot, Carnivorous Flower, and others—positioned themselves at the outer edges.

The Cabbage Shell had an invisibility function. Even if the Sky Base sent search parties to this area, the Giant Nut’s lingering scent might mask their presence, preventing discovery.

If the mutated plants couldn’t be found and Nan Tingjin remained missing, the Sky Base might leave quickly.

But if they were discovered…

They had to eliminate the humans. The plants still needed to prepare for battle.

Having weathered countless Zombie Horde assaults, the Plant Squad had accumulated considerable combat experience.

This time, however, Chili Pepper would be the key player.

Its berserk skill could neutralize the abilities of human ability users within its range for three minutes.

Three minutes wasn’t long, but it would be enough.

As for Durian, the new recruit, it could triple its size. Capable of both close-quarters combat and ranged attacks by launching sharp thorns during bursts of energy, Carrot temporarily assigned it to follow Little Bamboo Shoot.

Durian, unfamiliar with Little Bamboo Shoot, was initially reluctant.

But when Carrot glared at it sternly, Durian quickly nodded, plucking two thorns from its body and clutching them in its hands.

In the dense forest, Carnivorous Flower was most restricted. Giant Nut, however, had ample open space around it, allowing it to operate freely.

Finally, Carrot meticulously planned their escape routes, ensuring every step was flawless.

The Sky Base’s arrival was sudden, forcing the plants to conceal themselves, seemingly at a disadvantage.

But the enemy was equally unaware of the Plant Squad’s quantity and overall Combat Power.

Even if discovered, it remained uncertain which side would ultimately be besieged.

Of course, it would be best if they weren’t discovered. Once they left this place, they’d have more opportunities to ambush the humans.

The Sunflower’s warm light illuminated the Cabbage Shell. Qian Hui, cradling Little Cabbage and Apple, looked up at Nan Tingjin.

Hesitantly, he whispered, “If… you don’t have to get involved. Just say I kidnapped you!”

Unlike their encounter with the Zombie Horde, Nan Tingjin was human, and the Human Faction should have been his allies.

Qian Hui had no intention of returning to the base. If he stayed here, the plants and the Sky Base would inevitably clash…

Finding Nut, rescuing Durian, and avenging the plants were Qian Hui’s decisions. He didn’t want Nan Tingjin to be caught in the middle.

Nan Tingjin lowered his gaze, studying Qian Hui for a moment without responding. Then, he gently touched Qian Hui’s cheek.

His gesture was ambiguous, and his expression revealed nothing. Perhaps he simply found Qian Hui’s attempt to protect him, while hiding and saying such things, utterly endearing.

Meanwhile, at the base:

Zhao Xing stepped out of his vehicle and surveyed the surroundings. “Where’s Leader Nan?”

Yuan Ji was away on an assignment, leaving two other captains at the base. Only Nan Tingjin was missing.

“He’s probably busy,” one of the captains said coolly. “What, did you lose something? Our Leader?”

No one would be pleased to have their base raided with a search warrant.

Especially given their strained relationship with Sky Base due to Nan Tingjin’s actions, with only a small number of individuals secretly purchasing Sky Base’s medicinal supplies.

The surrounding Ability Users glared menacingly, but Zhao Xing remained unfazed, smiling. “Then why don’t you two lead us around?”

The search warrant only granted them entry to the base; once inside, Nan Tingjin could indeed avoid showing himself.

Zhao Xing glanced back. Wen Jue remained in the car, showing no intention of emerging.

The captain turned sideways, saying lazily, “Please.”

Zhao Xing re-entered his vehicle and led the convoy to follow the two captains, beginning their search along every road.

Each vehicle was equipped with energy detection instruments. When they encountered narrow paths impassable for the modified cars, Zhao Xing personally dismounted to investigate, leaving no corner unchecked.

As they approached the low-rise building where Nan Tingjin resided, the detection instrument’s needle flickered briefly before returning to stillness.

The plants inside had diligently suppressed their auras, and the Sunflower’s faint radiance further masked their presence. The residual energy within the building was minimal.

Yet the needle’s movement had caught Zhao Xing’s attention. He moved to enter, but the captain blocked his path.

“What exactly are you looking for?” the captain asked, his patience wearing thin. “This is the Leader’s residence. If you’re not afraid to die, I am.”

Zhao Xing frowned slightly as he stood before the low building, glancing back at Wen Jue’s position.

Wen Jue remained silent and motionless in the back seat.

Could it not be here?

“Then we won’t go in,” Zhao Xing said. “Let’s check elsewhere.”

By the end, every part of the base had been searched, including the training grounds, the underground storage rooms, and the nearly abandoned plaza park.

The Sky Base had found nothing, and Zhao Xing’s expression grew grim.

The captain crossed his arms. “That’s about it, right? Anywhere else you want to look?”

They had reached the rear of the base; beyond lay the Restricted Zone.

Zhao Xing scanned the area and pointed into the distance. “Over there.”

The captain scoffed. “That’s the Restricted Zone. No one can enter without the Leader’s permission.”

“We have a search warrant,” Zhao Xing retorted, unwavering. “If it’s part of the Black Ridge Mountain Base, why can’t we go there?”

The captain had no counterargument. Suppressing his displeasure, he turned. “Take them to the Back Mountain.”

When the group arrived at the Back Mountain Restricted Zone, the captain unlocked the iron gate.

“Go ahead,” he said with a forced smile. “There’s nothing inside anyway, so we won’t be joining you.”

Zhao Xing didn’t dwell on the remark. After consulting Wen Jue, the eight modified cars entered the iron gate together.

Beyond the gate lay a dense mountain forest. Lacking off-road capabilities, the modified cars could only advance a short distance before being blocked by the dense foliage.

Everyone disembarked and continued on foot.

Beside the iron gate, the captain gazed into the distance. “They actually went in…”

There should only be a single special-grade mutated plant slumbering there, and it had been residing in the area for a long time—certainly not something from Sky Base.

Shan Jun, who was also present, stepped forward and asked, “Is Leader Nan inside as well?”

“Leader?” the captain replied, puzzled. “Why would Leader be there?”

Meanwhile, Qian Hui received news of the intrusion into the Restricted Zone.

Even in Nan Tingjin’s absence, the captain regularly sent him transmissions, reporting on Sky Base’s movements.

Qian Hui grew anxious. “They’ve really come…”

Nan Tingjin, standing beside Qian Hui, didn’t seem surprised. He put away his communicator and murmured, “Wen Jue from Sky Base. His ability is Precognition.”

“Precognition?” Qian Hui stared blankly. “Then… does that mean he knows we’re hiding here?”

“Not necessarily,” Nan Tingjin replied. “His ability has limitations.”

Qian Hui’s anxiety deepened. If Wen Jue knew their location, the enemy would undoubtedly come prepared.

Was it really just about the stolen Durian? Or was there something else…?

Regardless, the plants doubled their vigilance, ready to face any threat.

The mountain path was treacherous, and Wen Jue’s frail condition forced the group to proceed cautiously.

Surrounded by four Ability Users assigned to protect him, Wen Jue leaned against a tree trunk to rest. He turned to Zhao Xing and said, “Take the others ahead. Don’t worry about me.”

Zhao Xing acknowledged with a curt “Yes, sir” and immediately turned to quicken his pace.

Wen Jue watched Zhao Xing’s retreating figure, his expression complex.

Once inside the base, his precognitive visions vanished completely.

The only certainties he had were that the Carnivorous Flower was hiding here and that Zhao Xing would die.

But… Wen Jue sensed an immensely important presence on this mountain, even more crucial than Nan Tingjin. He had to know what it was.

If they left now, who knew when they’d get another chance?

Before long, Zhao Xing and his team disappeared into the mountain forest.

The Ability Users accompanying him this time were all highly skilled. Moving swiftly, they soon reached the Giant Nut’s location halfway up the mountain.

Zhao Xing raised his hand in a signal, glanced down at his communicator, and ordered, “Search.”

Wen Jue had said the target should be hidden here.

The Giant Nut was a special-grade mutated plant, and its aura interfered with instrument readings, forcing them to rely on their own senses.

Perhaps it was just a trick of the mind, but since their encounter with this mutated plant two years ago, its Status seemed to have improved significantly.

Zhao Xing stared at the Giant Nut, cautiously retreated a few steps, and circled around to its rear.

The team dispersed, first conducting a preliminary sweep of the area without finding anything unusual.

Then, one member stepped forward alone, raising both hands.

His ability was nature-based, allowing him to manipulate air currents—a technique distinct from ordinary wind blades.

The moment he raised his hands, the surrounding air solidified, even fallen leaves froze mid-air.

He clenched his palms together, and layers of air currents rippled outward like expanding water rings, surging rapidly in all directions.

The dense forest provided perfect cover for mutated plants, making this method ideal for quickly locating targets.

The other team members had already taken cover. The ripples surged past the Giant Nut, closing in on the Cabbage Shell’s invisible position.

Nan Tingjin glanced up and whispered in Qian Hui’s ear, “We’re about to be discovered—”

Before he could finish, the airflow abruptly cut off, as if blocked by an invisible wall.

A team member immediately looked up. “There’s…”

He managed only one word before being violently thrown backward, crashing heavily to the ground.

The others retreated instantly. Zhao Xing scanned the empty forest. “Nan Tingjin? Where is he?”

Just then, orange raindrops began to fall from the sky.

A barrage of carrot thorns rained down, targeting every member of the squad.

Carrot, perched atop the Giant Nut, let out a cold snort.

The moment Nan Tingjin made his move, the Plant Squad sprang into action.

Carrot was the first to burst from the Cabbage Shell, launching itself skyward with its sharp thorns.

The opposing team reacted swiftly. One member possessed a defensive ability similar to the Money Tree’s skill, rapidly erecting multiple layers of defense barriers to shield the entire squad.

The first volley of carrot thorns proved ineffective. The Carnivorous Flower immediately followed up, its body swelling to several times its original size in an instant.

It slithered forward like a snake, its jaws snapping shut with tremendous force, shattering the protective shield.

A barrage of plant-based attacks rained down: potato bombs, chili pepper seeds, corn balls, and combinations of any two or three, trapping the squad in place.

Little Bamboo Shoot and Durian hid behind the Giant Nut, biding their time.

But the squad numbered thirty strong. After weathering the initial assault, Zhao Xing ordered them to retreat into the forest.

The mutated plants were likely concealed behind the Giant Nut, with another lurking overhead.

Though the Carnivorous Flower possessed immense strength, its attacks would be significantly weakened in confined spaces.

And then there was Nan Tingjin…

Confirming Nan Tingjin’s presence, Zhao Xing urged the fallen teammate to rise.

Protected by others, the fallen Ability User raised his hands and attempted to activate his ability again.

This time, the solidified air currents were denser and more resilient, invisibly countering Nan Tingjin’s control over the surrounding environment.

Even the most formidable abilities, even those rooted in the fundamental rules of reality, have their weaknesses.

Even if the countermeasure could only hold for a fleeting moment, it would be enough—

Beads of sweat the size of beans rolled down the Ability User’s forehead as he forced his palms together.

The air currents surged outward, striking the Cabbage Shell.

The Cabbage Shell’s invisibility faded, and it cracked open, splitting into two halves.

Qian Hui nearly stumbled, but Nan Tingjin caught him in his arms just in time.

Seizing the brief opening, the human ability users adjusted their state and unleashed a barrage of ranged attacks, only to be blocked by the defense barriers of the Giant Nut and Money Tree.

Zhao Xing, positioned to the side, finally spotted Nan Tingjin.

Without a moment to spare, he ignored the figure beside Nan Tingjin and pressed a device in his hand.

The device emitted nearly undetectable sound waves specifically designed to target Ability Users—a creation Wen Jue had stumbled upon while researching a cure for the Lost State.

The entire team had prepared for this, stuffing cotton balls into their ears.

Though this was the device’s first use, its effectiveness remained uncertain.

In Wen Jue’s plan, Nan Tingjin was always the most formidable opponent; the plants were secondary.

By forcing Nan Tingjin to reveal himself with their abilities, then deploying the device, they could execute their strategy in a swift, seamless sequence.

Neutralizing Nan Tingjin would buy them crucial time, giving them a chance to win.

As the device’s sound waves pulsed, Nan Tingjin’s breathing grew heavy, and a frown creased his brow.

Qian Hui, cradled in his arms, immediately sensed his distress. “What’s wrong?” he asked anxiously.

The ground tremors ceased, and the plants launched a fierce counterattack.

Only the Chili Pepper’s assault slowed, poised to erupt at any moment.

Sensing Chili Pepper’s presence, the opposing force maintained a safe distance, waiting for an opportune moment to strike.

Simultaneously, they slowly shifted their position, attempting to flank the Giant Nut.

Without the Giant Nut’s protection, the Money Tree might not have withstood the full assault.

Zhao Xing continuously pressed the device in his hand, gesturing to his team.

Several members were under attack by Carnivorous Flowers, their defense barriers pierced by an increasing number of carrot thorns. Most of the attackers were injured and taking medicine.

Three others quietly circled around the Giant Nut, attempting to close in on the plants’ hiding place.

Little Bamboo Shoot spotted them in time and, with Durian in tow, prepared to intercept.

But a fourth figure stood to the side, conjuring dozens of fireballs in a single breath. After his companion breached the Money Tree’s defense barrier, he hurled them all forward.

With no Giant Nut to block the way, the dense vegetation would ignite instantly upon contact with the fireballs.

Carrot saw the barrage of fireballs and immediately tried to redirect its carrot thorns to intercept them.

Suddenly, it felt the Nut beneath its feet shift—

Despite its massive size, the Giant Nut moved with surprising agility. It slid sideways, intercepting all the fireballs.

The fireballs slammed into the Nut’s shell, extinguishing instantly and falling to the ground.