Level 1 Little Zombie Doomsday Growth Diary - Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Qian Hui froze, turning to look at Nan Tingjin.

“Many bases should have received the news,” Qi Yue said. “I’m leading an expedition, so I don’t have more details for now.”

Gathering human ability users to attack a Human Base… such an event hadn’t occurred in a long time.

To outsiders, Sky Base had indeed suffered heavy losses. If they didn’t address the crisis, it could escalate into an even greater threat.

Nan Tingjin had been missing for days and was suspected of assisting the mutated plant attack on Sky Base’s branch. It seemed necessary to demand an explanation from Black Ridge Mountain Base.

Wen Jue’s people even suspected that Nan Tingjin was hiding within the base itself. Even if the base publicly severed ties with him, he wouldn’t escape his fate.

Black Ridge Mountain Base was unique, its members all ability users. Even if divided among several factions, they could bolster the combat power of other bases.

Moreover, the base’s location was excellent, with a large undeveloped area remaining on the Back Mountain.

As for the people in the base, even if they refused to be recruited by other bases, as long as Black Ridge Mountain was successfully captured, they could be separated and confined for a period of time. Eventually, they would be worn down.

Nan Tingjin remained silent, his cold eyes lowered, lost in thought.

Qi Yue didn’t mind his lack of response.

In truth, Qi Yue had said all this to show goodwill and to offer what he believed was a necessary warning.

At that moment, the two teams maintained their distance, bathed in the Sunflower’s indiscriminate healing light.

Seeing that Qian Hui and the plants hadn’t asked them to leave, Qi Yue stayed put.

He moved to the rear of his team, where two members with medical knowledge were examining the children.

The rest of the team remained in place, resting and adjusting, occasionally stealing glances at the mutated plants across from them.

While feeding Carrot two pills, Qian Hui called out, “Xiao Jin…”

He frowned slightly, still pondering Qi Yue’s earlier words.

That so-called “assignment list” was essentially a wanted poster. Not only Nan Tingjin, but Black Ridge Mountain itself might be in danger.

“But…” Qian Hui lowered his voice, asking softly, “Why would he tell us all this?”

He was puzzled, even suspicious of Qi Yue’s overly cooperative attitude.

While Qian Hui didn’t want to provoke conflict with the human teams from Sky Base, he hadn’t expected much more than that.

For example, Qi Yue’s promise not to reveal the Plant Squad’s location to Sky Base caught Qian Hui completely off guard.

“You saved those people, and besides…” Nan Tingjin replied quietly, “they can’t win.”

Qi Yue was a shrewd man who understood what was required in the moment.

With the significantly increased number of mutated plants surrounding Qian Hui and Nan Tingjin’s presence, the humans stood no chance.

In the Doomsday era, absolute power was the only currency of influence.

Moreover, the mutated plants hadn’t attacked them. In fact, they had even “reluctantly” cooperated under the Zombie Horde’s siege, demonstrating a degree of goodwill.

Qi Yue wouldn’t risk everything for Sky Base and Wen Jue, forcing a confrontation with these mutated plants.

Qian Hui nodded slowly, still uncertain. “Then… can we trust him?”

Qian Hui understood the difference between the Human Faction and the Zombie Faction. For example, killing a zombie in the Game earned him rewards, but killing a human yielded none.

Nan Tingjin replied, “For now, yes.”

Qian Hui hummed in agreement, still worried. “If he wasn’t lying, the Black Ridge Mountain Base…”

He felt responsible for everything. If he hadn’t gone to Black Ridge Mountain to search for special-grade mutated plants, none of this would have happened.

But Nut was there… And then, by sheer coincidence, those people came looking for him.

As the base leader, Nan Tingjin should logically return to investigate. But this might just be one of Wen Jue’s schemes to force him out into the open.

“Don’t worry,” Nan Tingjin said, taking Qian Hui’s hand and squeezing it reassuringly. “I’ll contact Yuan Ji.”

Qian Hui remembered Yuan Ji’s name. He had exchanged a few words with him at the base.

Slightly relieved, he nodded again. “Okay.”

As the two spoke quietly, Pea, nestled in Qian Hui’s arms, looked back and forth, scrutinizing Nan Tingjin for a long moment.

Hmph… After all this time, Qian Hui’s boyfriend is still this guy.

Pea shrunk itself down to about the size of a palm, tucking in its limbs until it resembled a perfectly round, green bean.

It nudged Nut beside it. “Woo?”

Nut closed its eyes, pretending not to hear. Pea then tugged at the leaf atop Carrot’s head.

Carrot, exhausted, swatted Pea’s hand away. “Woo…”

Carnivorous Flower and Cabbage were absent, and Sunflower was busy. Only Little Mushroom paid Pea any attention, leaning over from the edge of Qian Hui’s pocket to pat its head.

Pea bumped its umbrella-like cap against Little Mushroom’s. “Woo?”

Just like Cabbage had done before, Pea was eager to learn what had happened to Qian Hui and how he had met the plants.

“Hmm…” Little Mushroom had asked Sunflower about these things and relayed the gist of it to Pea.

However, it couldn’t remember its own final experiences, only that it had slept for a very long time and had only woken up these past two days.

Pea found it strange, but seeing Little Mushroom’s bewildered expression, it didn’t press further.

The other plants were resting nearby. Little Cabbage and Apple had distributed medicine to them, and as usual, they could also seek individual comfort from Qian Hui or Sunflower.

Durian stood quietly by Qian Hui’s feet when Starfruit scurried over, tilted its head, and tugged on Qian Hui’s sleeve with two soft “woo woo” sounds.

Qian Hui picked it up, cradled it in his hands, and stroked it gently.

At that moment, Qi Yue approached with two squad members.

“May we search the basement?” he asked. “Our mission is related to this place, and we need to record some information.”

Qian Hui considered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. He stepped back with the plants around him, creating ample space.

Qi Yue thanked him and instructed the two squad members to jump into the basement while he remained outside.

The basement was small. Apart from a narrow bathroom connected to one side, it contained only two tunnels dug for zombie access.

The team collected small amounts of raw rice and flour from the corner, then moved the rest outside to discard the moldy portions, hoping some might still be usable.

Stored in a basement environment like this, the supplies would soon deteriorate completely.

No wonder supply convoys had been under constant attack recently…

Most zombies lacked intelligence, simply following orders. They didn’t know how much material was needed; as long as an attack succeeded, they took everything, leaving no human survivors.

But Qi Yue still couldn’t understand why The Black-Reef Zombie King would go to such lengths just to imprison a dozen ordinary human children.

Zombies were perpetually hungry, yet they had somehow managed to resist eating them…

Qi Yue averted his gaze, unable to bear thinking about what those children had endured.

Fortunately, the rescue had been timely. Three of the youngest were in critical condition; had they been left a few more days, they likely would have died in the basement.

Just then, he noticed a peculiar zombie corpse lying on the ground to his side.

Qi Yue approached, crouched down to examine it, and, wearing gloves, grasped the zombie’s exposed bony arm.

He examined the corpse closely, about to call another team member over the comms to take a look, when a green shadow suddenly leaped closer.

Qi Yue looked up to see Chili Pepper standing before him, with Little Bamboo Shoot beside it.

Chili Pepper’s eyes were wary as it and Little Bamboo Shoot unceremoniously dragged the zombie corpse away.

Qian Hui stood nearby. “You can’t touch it… I’m going to burn it.”

Remembering the description from the Plot Point, he couldn’t shake the feeling that using zombie flesh to enhance the chances of gaining an ability… was deeply wrong.

Chili Pepper and Little Bamboo Shoot had just returned from digging up crystal cores and were available to dispose of the corpse.

Qi Yue quickly stood up. “Alright.”

The two plants dragged the zombie corpse to an open area. Little Bamboo Shoot scattered numerous bamboo blades, which Chili Pepper ignited with chili pepper seeds.

The zombie corpse immediately burst into flames, emitting a strange odor.

Qian Hui finally relaxed. Seeing Qi Yue’s compliance, his impression of him improved slightly.

He volunteered, “That was used to… cultivate high-grade zombies with abilities.”

Qian Hui naturally wouldn’t explain how he knew. If Qi Yue asked, he’d just brush it off with some vague excuses.

But Qi Yue was too preoccupied to notice. His face was etched with shock as he murmured after a long silence, “So that’s how it is…”

That explained everything… Human abilities almost always awakened after adulthood. The weaker physiques of minors couldn’t withstand the transformative power of abilities.

The Zombie King, seeking to cultivate high-grade zombies with abilities, had chosen young minors as the safest option. Their immature minds and timidity made them less likely to take their own lives to avoid becoming zombies.

If there were a way to ensure all these minors awakened abilities…

A high-grade zombie with abilities would be at least three times stronger than a regular high-grade zombie with only enhanced physical capabilities.

The Black-Reef Zombie King had gone to such lengths for this very reason.

Staring at the distant flames, Qi Yue’s emotions grew even more complex.

This incident was far more serious than anyone had anticipated.

Yet, it was Qian Hui… and the mutated plants by his side… who had successfully stopped The Black-Reef Zombie King.

Qi Yue raised his head again, sincerely saying, “Thank you.”

Qian Hui hugged the plants in his arms tightly and replied softly, “You’re welcome…”

He turned to look at the dozen or so human children, a hint of concern in his expression.

Qi Yue said gently, “Don’t worry, they’ve all taken healing medicine and will be brought back to Cloud River Base for proper protection.”

Qian Hui nodded, then heard Qi Yue continue, “This mission involves too many factors. I must report everything truthfully…”

The team had secretly investigated this area, encountered mutated plants and the Zombie King, and ultimately rescued all the trapped children.

The report would include all the mutated plants’ actions and who truly killed The Black-Reef Zombie King.

Qi Yue had no desire to claim credit; he would simply write the truth. Whether others believed it was their concern.

“But I can guarantee,” he paused, “this location will remain confidential, unknown to outsiders.”

This way, even if Sky Base learned the team had encountered mutated plants, they wouldn’t discover the exact coordinates.

Immediately afterward, Qi Yue asked, “After I organize the remaining information, should I send it to Leader Nan for review first? If there’s anything you’d prefer not to include, I can delete or modify it.”

Qian Hui looked at Nan Tingjin, who replied, “Agreed.”

Qi Yue immediately stepped forward and handed over his communicator.

Nan Tingjin accepted it, and the two communicators exchanged channel numbers before being returned.

By this time, the two squad members who had been exploring the underground shelter had finished their investigation, and the modified cars from the rear had all arrived.

The children’s condition was deteriorating, so they needed to return to the base as quickly as possible.

Qi Yue bid them farewell, saying, “If you ever need anything in the future, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Just then, the Plant Squad, which had been eliminating the remaining zombies on the perimeter, returned. It was time for Qian Hui to leave as well.

He watched Qi Yue and his squad rejoin their group, then helped the human children into the cars.

The modified cars sped away.

The plants climbed into the Giant Carnivorous Flower’s mouth one by one. Qian Hui and Nan Tingjin settled on its neck, and the flower turned in the opposite direction.

Before departing, the Carnivorous Flower circled the area. Potato, having regained some energy, tossed out several bombs to erase any traces of the plants’ presence.

The zombie corpse, already charred beyond recognition, was further obliterated by the explosions, leaving no remains.

After the final blast, Potato fed a landmine to Big Cherry and retreated inside to rest.

After leaving the city ruins, Carnivorous Flower chose to return to the familiar forest. By the time they reached the lake, it was nearly one o’clock in the afternoon.

Qian Hui fed the plants their lunch and then checked each one’s status in the Encyclopedia to ensure they were all safe and sound.

Two or three of the new plants, participating in their first battle, were still a bit frightened. After being held and comforted, they calmed down considerably.

Nut had been resting and its injuries had mostly healed, leaving only a faint scar on its belly—likely the site of its most severe wound.

Qian Hui stroked the scar tenderly. Nut nuzzled his hand to show it was fine now, then tilted its head to bite the biscuit Little Cabbage offered.

Little Cabbage was busy. After feeding Nut, it went to Cabbage and massaged its arm.

Carnivorous Flower and Carrot were tending to Little Mushroom, while Big Pea perched on a nearby tree branch, peering around curiously.

Not long ago, Qian Hui had introduced Big Pea to the current situation, explaining everything in detail. Now, Pea understood the situation better.

In short, Qian Hui had found the plants from the Little Courtyard and, along the way, had brought many new plants into their group.

So many new plants…

Big Pea chuckled softly and hopped down from the branch.

It wandered around the vicinity before quietly approaching Potato and Corn.

During the battle against the Zombie Horde, Potato had finally unleashed its charged attack. Unable to contain its excitement, it insisted on recounting the entire process to Corn in detail, barely even touching its sugar cubes.

Corn, uninterested but also mindful of having done the same thing before, lay on the grass, lost in thought.

Big Cherry, on the other hand, listened with rapt attention, occasionally clapping enthusiastically.

After Potato finished its second retelling, it grabbed its water bottle and gulped down several mouthfuls. Only then did it notice a large pea standing behind it.

The pea was a friend Qian Hui had brought back this time, a special-grade mutated plant. Potato quickly stood up and greeted it warmly, “Woo!”

Corn and Big Cherry moved closer and echoed, “Woo!”

But the Big Pea remained motionless, its round eyes staring blankly as if frozen in place.

The three plants waited anxiously for a while, but the pea still didn’t react.

Corn took a half-step back and whispered to Potato, “Do you think it’s asleep standing up? Since it doesn’t have eyelids…”

Potato felt a sudden, inexplicable fear. Gathering its courage, it reached out and poked the Big Pea.

Just as Potato touched Big Pea, the giant pea suddenly exploded like a balloon.

“Hee hee!”

Potato and Corn were startled, especially Potato, who let out a yelp and bolted away.

Corn followed close behind, the two plants fleeing in panic to Qian Hui’s side, scrambling into his arms.

Thinking something had happened, Qian Hui asked urgently, “What’s wrong?”

Potato clung tightly to his arm, its eyes wide with terror. “Woo…”

Big Pea… it exploded.

It looked like Potato had poked it…

But when Potato and Corn cautiously peeked back, Big Pea was standing behind the tree, clutching its stomach and laughing hysterically.

“Heh heh woo ha ha ha!”

Only Cherry remained, circling Big Pea.

The explosion had initially excited it, but now it was disappointed.

Big Cherry turned and hopped back to Potato’s side.

Qian Hui glanced at Big Pea, then at the terrified Potato and Corn, immediately guessing what had happened.

His face hardened. “Dou Dou!”

Big Pea stopped laughing and obediently approached Qian Hui, nudging its round head against his hand.

Having not seen it for a while and mindful of its incomplete recovery, Qian Hui couldn’t bring himself to scold it harshly. He simply patted its head and said, “Alright, stop scaring them.”

Big Pea nodded obediently and poked Potato and Corn with a paw, making a soft “woo woo” sound.

The two plants finally recovered from their shock, but feeling embarrassed by their overreaction, they voluntarily left Qian Hui’s embrace.

By this time, Little Mushroom had finished eating and was led over by Carnivorous Flower to find Qian Hui, returning to its usual spot in his pocket to nap.

After repacking his backpack, Qian Hui looked up to see several plants already playing with Pea.

On the grassy lakeside, over a dozen duplicate Big Peas were scattered about. Potato cautiously weaved through them, trying to find the real one.

Eggplant approached one of the Big Peas, scrutinizing it closely before hesitantly poking it.

Snap!

“Hehe!”

Eggplant froze for a second, then yelped and stumbled backward several steps, accidentally falling into the lake. Morning Glory and Soft Vine quickly pulled it out.

Corn and Potato, witnessing the scene, pounded the ground and burst into loud laughter.

The remaining plants, not participating in the game, rested nearby.

After watching for a while, Qian Hui approached Nan Tingjin, who was sitting under a tree. Nan Tingjin reached out, and Qian Hui leaned into his embrace, closing his eyes to rest as well.

The morning had been eventful, leaving him exhausted. He drifted off to sleep.

When he awoke, the sun was no longer harsh. To avoid disturbing Qian Hui, the plants playing by the lake had already moved elsewhere.

Qian Hui yawned, rubbed his eyes, and noticed a communicator beside Nan Tingjin.

“Did you contact Yuan Ji?” he asked.

Nan Tingjin paused before replying, “Mm.”

Sensing Nan Tingjin’s unusual mood, Qian Hui felt uneasy. “What’s wrong? Is the situation bad?”

Nan Tingjin remained silent, seemingly hesitant.

Qian Hui slowly sat up straight. After a moment’s thought, he declared resolutely, “If you want to go back… I’ll go with you.”

Nan Tingjin looked up at him. Qian Hui reached out and hugged him tightly.

“It was… it was me who took you away from the base,” he said, his thick eyelashes trembling. “So I should go back with you too.”

Qian Hui had been considering this ever since Qi Yue mentioned the potential attack on Black Ridge Mountain Base.

As the Leader, Nan Tingjin couldn’t abandon the base and his subordinates.

“Besides,” Qian Hui added, his eyes sparkling, “I’ll bring all the plants! I can protect you!”

Hearing this, Nan Tingjin’s lips curved into a smile, his usually cold expression softening considerably.

He stroked Qian Hui’s hair and leaned down to kiss him. “Alright.”

Meanwhile, at Black Ridge Mountain Base, Yuan Ji sat in his chair, his face dark with anger.

His subordinate stood beside him, reporting on the current situation: “We’ve contacted nine bases… only one has responded. The rest… remain silent.”

Yuan Ji refused to be the first to lower himself and seek help from other bases, so he had sent his subordinates to gauge their attitudes first.

Out of nine bases, only one had replied?

Did these people truly see Wen Jue as their savior?

But he would rather die here than open his base gates and let the Sky Base people in!

Yuan Ji took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

However… by the time Sky Base gathered enough Ability Users to besiege his base, he would likely meet his end here.

He sighed helplessly, when suddenly the communicator on his desk beeped.

Irritated, Yuan Ji waited a long moment before picking it up.

He glanced down at the screen and abruptly stood up from his chair.

His subordinate, confused, stammered, “C-Captain?”

Yuan Ji’s earlier frustration and despair vanished. He gripped the communicator tightly, his expression twisted with a mixture of relief and malice. “Finally… a response.”