Level 1 Little Zombie Doomsday Growth Diary - Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Under the night sky, the small pink Mushroom hung suspended in mid-air, its head buried in its umbrella-like cap, eyes tightly shut.

A soft pink glow radiated from its body, pulsing like a breath.

Qian Hui, anxious, tried calling out again, “Xiao Fen?”

When the Little Mushroom had slipped out of his pocket, he hadn’t been able to stop it, watching helplessly as it floated higher and higher.

Fortunately, it ascended steadily until it came to a complete stop in mid-air.

Then… the game notification appeared: “Mutated Plant entering Berserk State.”

The other plants guarding the base gradually gathered, craning their necks to watch.

Little Bamboo Shoot tried to jump up, but Sunflower blocked its path with a leaf.

Sunflower shook its leaf, signaling there was no need to worry.

As Qian Hui opened the Encyclopedia, he saw that the Little Mushroom’s skill panel had finally returned to normal.

[ Species: Little Pink Mushroom ]

[ Grade: Special-Grade ]

[ Status: Excellent ]

[ Loyalty: 100% ]

[ Basic Skill: Happy Mushroom Powder (Instantly triggers, unlimited uses, no cost. Makes nearby creatures feel happy.) ]

[ Advanced Skill: Purifying Mushroom Powder (removes all negative emotions from the target, regardless of the source) ]

[ Berserk Skill: Super Mushroom Powder (removes all negative emotions from targets within a 5,000-meter radius, regardless of the source) ]

[ Combat Preparation Details: None ]

Purifying… Super Mushroom Powder… Negative emotions?

Qian Hui seemed to sense something, staring blankly at the pink orb floating in mid-air.

Meanwhile, chaos continued to reign within the base.

In a short span of time, over a dozen more Ability Users had fallen into the Lost State. Their conditions varied wildly—some refused to obey orders, while others were mentally dazed.

Compared to the previous incident, the discomfort they felt tonight was at least ten times more intense, leaving them no time to use any mitigating measures.

Moreover, these individuals were in a state of extreme mental agitation, constantly attempting to harm themselves or their comrades with their abilities. Even when knocked unconscious, they would quickly regain consciousness.

Perhaps the only stroke of luck was that Nan Tingjin wasn’t at the base when the incident occurred. Having arrived late, he likely hadn’t been significantly affected.

Yuan Ji, being cautious and positioned far from the entrance, managed to maintain a semblance of control with the help of a few subordinates.

He knocked both of them unconscious, intending to have his subordinates lock them in the cells. As he turned, he heard a deafening crash as the wall shattered.

Bang!

Nan Tingjin hurled an Ability User toward a nearby building. Collapsing bricks and debris rained down, burying the figure beneath, its fate uncertain.

His eyes burned with a sinister intensity, radiating an aura of critical danger.

Yuan Ji’s heart pounded with dread, his expression a mix of wariness and unease.

Even if Nan Tingjin had remained unaffected tonight, he hadn’t fully recovered from his previous episode. If this continued, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t be pushed further into a Lost State.

And if he completely lost control, no one here could survive five minutes against him.

Meanwhile, the Plant Squad watched the chaos unfold, unsure how to react.

Mutated plants differed from humans; they didn’t experience the Lost State. They couldn’t empathize with human ability users or comprehend the agony of such conditions.

The attackers outside were few in number and had long since fallen silent. Carrot parked the modified car by the roadside and spotted an Ability User kneeling on the ground, clawing at his own throat.

Carrot swiftly intervened, launching two carrot thorns that pinned the man’s hands firmly to the ground.

The hand injury seemed to momentarily restore some of his sanity, halting his self-harm.

The Carnivorous Flower carefully retracted its teeth, helping to knock unconscious the seemingly deranged man.

Chili Pepper hovered in the Flyer, debating whether to use its charged attack.

Nullifying the Ability Users’ powers might delay their Lost State, but its charged attack only lasted three minutes.

Three minutes wouldn’t be enough to resolve the situation. If it were to use it, it needed to find the perfect moment.

Time ticked by relentlessly. Within the base, casualties mounted as the stench of blood mingled with the biting cold wind.

Over a dozen people lay critically injured on the ground. Manipulated rubble from collapsed buildings rose into the air, slamming into two more Ability Users.

Nan Tingjin’s breathing grew taut, his pitch-black eyes darkening further.

The mass loss of control among the Ability Users had devolved into his one-sided domination and violent suppression.

He stepped forward, crushing the fractured wrist bone of one of the fallen.

At that moment, before dawn broke—

A faint pink glow suddenly emanated from the Plant Little Courtyard base to the side.

The faint pink glow gradually intensified, then suddenly pulsed, erupting into concentric rings of light that surged outward like a tidal wave in all directions.

These luminous rings blanketed the entire Black Ridge Mountain Base, extending beyond the gates and perimeter walls.

Everyone froze in place, their eyes clearing as clarity returned.

Yuan Ji reached out, catching a wisp of fine pink powder in the light, which vanished almost instantly from his fingertips.

For a fleeting moment, he felt as if he were dreaming.

His body was immersed in a gentle, warm current, all chaotic thoughts dissolving, leaving him with an unprecedented sense of peace and tranquility.

Carnivorous Flower tilted its head, sniffing the air, then looked toward the source of the light with joyous recognition.

Little Mushroom!

It immediately turned and raced back, Carrot and Big Pea guessing the truth as well, leading the Plant Squad in hot pursuit.

By the time the light enveloping the base completely faded, dawn was breaking, a hazy sunlight rising in the distance.

A moment of silence hung in the air before someone stirred, climbing to their feet and murmuring in a daze, “I… I’m cured?”

Yuan Ji stared down at his empty fingertips, finally recalling the crucial detail he had overlooked that day.

As the light faded, Little Mushroom descended from the air.

Little Bamboo Shoot darted up the courtyard wall, then leaped down to catch the falling Little Mushroom, landing steadily with it in its arms.

Qian Hui and the surrounding plants rushed over. Qian Hui reached out carefully to take Little Mushroom.

In the Encyclopedia, Little Mushroom’s berserk skill showed 0% energy stored, but it seemed perfectly fine, its spirit bright as it clung excitedly to Qian Hui’s fingertip.

“Mmm!” Little Mushroom exclaimed, its eyes wide as it patted its cap proudly.

Its ability had finally been used, and because it had been accumulating energy for so long, the burst was even more powerful than before.

Little Mushroom nudged Qian Hui’s hand, wanting to be praised.

All the foul odors in the vicinity had vanished, and the humans would no longer fight.

Qian Hui, immensely relieved after confirming Little Mushroom was unharmed, finally let out a breath.

Sunflower’s light illuminated the surroundings as Qian Hui stroked Little Mushroom’s cap. “Good… Xiao Fen is the best. Thank you.”

So… Little Mushroom’s ability could actually help human ability users.

And its original death had been at the hands of humans.

Qian Hui’s emotions were complex, but Little Mushroom remained utterly innocent, unburdened by such thoughts, simply delighted.

It continued nuzzling Qian Hui’s fingertip, declaring its hunger.

Little Bamboo Shoot hurriedly retrieved the shredded meat it had preserved within its bamboo sheath, while Little Cabbage and Apple twisted open their water bottles and dripped a few drops onto Tulip’s leaf.

Qian Hui had also purchased several mana medicines. Little Mushroom cradled the sizable pill in its arms and licked it clean in a few bites.

Immediately afterward, a game notification popped up:

[ You appear to have performed an extraordinary act that will have a profound impact on the Human Faction. Reward: 2000 Prestige Points, 1000 Faction Points. ]

Qian Hui’s gaze sharpened at the notification’s contents.

Such a generous reward…

He lowered his head, his eyes betraying a flicker of unease. As he fed Little Mushroom, he held it close, shielding it protectively.

If Little Mushroom could aid humans, it would inevitably become a target of their covetousness.

Regardless, he vowed to safeguard Little Mushroom, ensuring no further harm would befall it.

Just then, Carnivorous Flower and the Plant Squad returned to the Little Courtyard, spotting Qian Hui by the courtyard wall.

Perched in Qian Hui’s palm, Little Mushroom waved vigorously at the group, chirping, “Ang-uh!”

Soon after, a modified car pulled up, and Nan Tingjin returned as well.

Yuan Ji followed behind him as they entered the base together.

Little Mushroom was still buried in its task of nibbling on cookie crumbs. Qian Hui handed it to Carnivorous Flower, stood up, and positioned himself protectively in front of them, his expression wary.

He had a good impression of Yuan Ji, but apart from Nan Tingjin, he couldn’t be certain he could fully trust any other human.

It was best if no one knew Little Mushroom had saved them.

Seeing Qian Hui’s stance, Yuan Ji stopped and quickly said, “I just came to check on you. Please don’t worry…”

Nan Tingjin approached alone, having changed his coat. Yet Qian Hui still detected a faint metallic scent of blood on him.

Qian Hui immediately tensed. “Are you hurt?”

“No,” Nan Tingjin murmured. “It’s someone else’s blood.”

Even with this reassurance, Qian Hui retrieved two universal medicine pills and fed them to Nan Tingjin, then pulled him into the Sunflower’s radiant glow.

Nan Tingjin obediently swallowed the pills, his gaze lowered as he quietly watched Qian Hui. Suddenly, he pulled Qian Hui into a tight embrace.

Puzzled, Qian Hui patted Nan Tingjin’s cheek. “Are you alright?”

Compared to the past few days, Nan Tingjin’s body temperature was much more normal now. Little Mushroom’s berserk skill had an exceptionally wide range, capable of clearing his negative conditions as well.

Nan Tingjin stroked Qian Hui’s silver hair and murmured a low “Mm.”

Yuan Ji remained in place, his gaze fixed on the group of plants behind Qian Hui.

He hesitated, then couldn’t resist asking, “Was that… the pink Little Mushroom?”

Before Qian Hui could react, Yuan Ji brought up the incident from a few days prior.

“I knew there had to be a reason my headache suddenly vanished that day,” he said earnestly. “So it was you… Thank you.”

By the time Yuan Ji arrived, everyone at the base had returned to normal, the Lost State symptoms completely purged. They were now focused on cleanup and treating the injured.

Among the vehicles that had attacked the gate, three survivors were found, all of whom had regained their sanity. They were taken to the dungeon.

Without Little Mushroom, the situation at the base would have spiraled out of control… the consequences unimaginable.

Qian Hui turned to look at the Little Mushroom nestled in the Carnivorous Flower’s leaf.

The Little Mushroom let out a soft “mm,” confirming that Yuan Ji’s words were true—it had indeed used Purifying Mushroom Powder on him that day.

Qian Hui turned back to Yuan Ji, his guard rising. “But you can’t tell anyone about this.”

The others only needed to know that a mutated plant had saved them. Which specific plant it was remained a secret.

“I understand,” Yuan Ji said with a smile. “But you must give us a chance to repay you.”

Not just them, but others from the base, once they learned of Wen Jue’s actions and discovered that mutated plants could cure Ability Users of the Lost State… they would undoubtedly change their stance.

Hearing this, Qian Hui hesitated.

Repay?

In the Encyclopedia, Black Ridge Mountain Base had already been listed as an independent allied faction, but Qian Hui hadn’t yet had time to consider the true meaning of such an alliance.

He remained silent for a long time, and Yuan Ji waited patiently.

Little Mushroom, having eaten his fill, hopped off the Carnivorous Flower’s leaf and scurried over to Carrot and Big Pea, excitedly recounting his performance.

Sweet Pepper, standing nearby, scooped him up and praised him loudly, “Woo woo!”

At the same time, Qian Hui slowly approached, stopping before Yuan Ji.

“I’ll give you this chance,” he said. “To avenge Xiao Fen.”

Meanwhile, on the other side…

Lettuce was awakened by the early-rising plants. It rolled over, pulled a lettuce leaf over its head, and went back to sleep.

A moment later, Little Prickly Fruit came running over in a panic. “Woo woo!”

Leader! Zombies!

Nearby zombies gradually awoke during the day, drawn by the scent, and began wandering toward them.

Lettuce kept its eyes closed, carefully counting the sounds.

One, two, three… three zombies. One mid-grade, two low-grade.

The zombies advanced steadily, but Lettuce remained motionless. Little Prickly Fruit looked up at the tall lounge chair, momentarily at a loss.

The Leader doesn’t seem to be awake. Several attack-type plants stepped forward, working together to fend off the zombies.

Having gained considerable combat experience before leaving the forest with Lettuce, they quickly dispatched the three zombies.

Hearing the commotion, Lettuce secretly breathed a sigh of relief and continued feigning sleep.

Just then, three more zombies appeared from the side, attracted by the noise. All three were mid-grade.

Lettuce could no longer remain still. It sat up and flicked out a lettuce leaf.

With drooping eyelids, it yawned. “Woo!”

“Let’s move on… There are too many zombies here. It’s not safe.”

After dispatching a few zombies, the group of plants continued their journey.

As noon approached, Lettuce stood atop a zombie’s head, gazing ahead.

Through the layers of rubble, they could see a tall wall rising in the distance.

We’re almost there…

Lettuce turned and hopped down to the ground, saying, “Woo.”

It revealed to the plants that it wasn’t actually the Leader of the Plant Little Courtyard.

The plants were caught off guard and froze in place, stunned.

Before they could react, Lettuce leaped back onto the zombie’s back, settling into its makeshift lounge chair and resting its head on its arm.

The plants exchanged bewildered glances, still confused but instinctively following the mid-grade zombie leading the way.

Suddenly, Lettuce sprang up, its eyes darting around vigilantly.

A guttural roar echoed through the air, and over a dozen zombies emerged from the surrounding ruins.

Among them was a high-grade zombie, which nimbly scaled a low wall, baring its sharp fangs.

The high-grade zombie’s greedy gaze swept over the large group of plants, black liquid dripping from its teeth, corroding the stone bricks on contact.