Level 1 Little Zombie Doomsday Growth Diary - Chapter 69

Chapter 69

The leader of Cloud River Base was elderly and rarely ventured out.

As one of the base’s main captains, Qi Yue was being groomed as the next leader, entrusted with handling many critical matters.

This time, he brought three other base administrators with him, demonstrating his sincerity.

However, Qian Hui was reluctant to allow too many strangers into the Little Courtyard, so the three administrators remained at Black Ridge Mountain Base to await his return.

When Yuan Ji brought Qi Yue back and reported that he had successfully obtained the “antidote,” the three administrators were overjoyed.

Cloud River Base had secretly instructed everyone to stop taking Wen Jue’s potions and switch to conventional healing methods, but progress was slow, and many Ability Users’ symptoms had recently begun to worsen.

These two bottles, containing enough for forty people, would provide a temporary reprieve.

One of the administrators voiced his concern: “Could there be… side effects?”

In the past, everyone had trusted Wen Jue implicitly. Initially, the potions sold by Sky Base had shown no signs of addiction. It remained unclear when the secret manipulations had begun.

Now, these two bottles of liquid appeared utterly unremarkable, even crude, resembling hastily bottled tap water with a faint pink tint.

“It won’t,” Qi Yue assured them. “I can vouch for him.”

Having interacted with Qian Hui the most, Qi Yue trusted him implicitly.

Now that the mutated plants even had their own base, and with Nan Tingjin by Qian Hui’s side, their strength was far greater than before. There was no need for such elaborate schemes.

Moreover, the group that had attacked them and been released had been on the brink of death from severe symptoms, yet they had completely recovered overnight, showing no lingering signs of illness.

Previously, Wen Jue’s potions had only provided temporary relief, requiring several days of continuous use to stabilize a patient for a short period.

Another administrator asked, “Which mutated plant’s ability is this?”

“It should be…” Qi Yue hesitated, “the Carnivorous Flower.”

Yuan Ji had told him as much. Qian Hui had indeed pulled the Carnivorous Flower aside before producing several bottles of water.

“The Carnivorous Flower?” The administrator’s expression turned subtle. “I remember Wen Jue sent people to hunt it down for a while, didn’t he? Could it be…”

He even suspected that Sky Base’s ability to develop potions might have been derived from methods obtained from the Carnivorous Flower.

“I’m not sure,” Qi Yue frowned. “I also heard a few days ago that Wen Jue has been suffering from severe Lost State symptoms for quite some time.”

Sky Base had kept this matter tightly under wraps, fearing that its exposure would undermine Wen Jue’s authority.

However, recent events had driven many to seek self-preservation, gradually tearing away the facade of this “prophet.”

The informant who had revealed the information to Qi Yue also claimed that Wen Jue’s relentless pursuit of mutated plants and his experiments were all aimed at completely eradicating his Lost State Symptoms.

If this were true, his actions suggested he was unaware of the Carnivorous Flower’s capabilities.

He likely never imagined that a special-grade mutated plant he had once severely injured held the key to his salvation.

The administrator asked again, “You mean he just gave you the antidote without asking for anything in return?”

Qi Yue paused before replying, “Not exactly. Leader Qian Hui did have one request.”

The three administrators pressed him urgently, “What was it?”

Qi Yue continued, “The Mutated Plant Team will soon launch an attack on Sky Base. We must not intervene.”

Cloud River Base was located near Sky Base, so if Sky Base came under attack, it would likely seek assistance from them.

Qian Hui didn’t need Cloud River Base’s help; he simply wanted them to stand by and observe.

Inside the Plant Little Courtyard, all the plants were preparing anxiously.

After seeing Qi Yue off, Yuan Ji returned to the courtyard and joined Carrot and the others. Using the Sunflower’s radiant light for communication, they discussed their battle plan.

Qian Hui didn’t participate in these discussions, entrusting all strategic decisions to Carrot and Chili Pepper. Nan Tingjin also stayed behind, remaining by Qian Hui’s side to protect him.

The team would split into three squads for the assault on Sky Base. The Plant Squad would handle the Main Base’s northern flank and main gate—the enemy’s most heavily fortified positions.

Yuan Ji’s forces would secure the southern perimeter and two adjacent streets, intercepting any stragglers attempting to reinforce the base or escape.

To guard against Sky Base deploying its ability-suppressing devices again, Yuan Ji’s forces would maintain a slightly greater distance, allowing the Plant Squad to serve as the primary offensive force.

Potato and Big Cherry formed a special operations team. They would strike at the critical moment and simultaneously destroy the base’s pharmaceutical factory on its flank.

Yuan Ji eyed Potato and Big Cherry doubtfully. “Just… the two of you?”

Sky Base had several branches, but the Main Base was the largest and most heavily defended. The ability users guarding the pharmaceutical factory would be numerous. Could two relatively small mutated plants truly accomplish the factory’s destruction?

Potato patted Big Cherry’s belly and glared at Yuan Ji.

Who are you underestimating? Those two are formidable!

Carrot waved its hand dismissively, reassuring Yuan Ji not to worry.

To avoid complications, the Plant Squad and Human Team would operate separately, each focusing on their own objectives. Communication might be challenging, but they would adapt as needed.

Carrot had prearranged several signals: carrot rain flying downward meant “full assault,” while flying backward signaled “immediate retreat.”

Not all special-grade mutated plants would participate in this raid.

Carnivorous Flower needed to stay by Qian Hui’s side, along with Sunflower and Little Mushroom.

Cabbage and Lettuce would pilot two Flyers to scatter wooden chips in the areas where Pomelo and Timothy had been sighted.

The assault on Sky Base and the search for Pomelo and Timothy would proceed simultaneously.

Carrot had selected team members primarily skilled in ranged combat. The melee squad, including Sweet Pepper and Little Bamboo Shoot, would serve as mobile reserves, and might not even see action.

The most crucial plants in the team were Nut, Chili Pepper, and Big Cherry.

Nut could accelerate the breaching of the base’s defense barrier, Chili Pepper could temporarily nullify abilities, and as for Big Cherry…

Carrot remained mysteriously tight-lipped, refusing to reveal Big Cherry’s role to Yuan Ji, wearing an air of confident assurance.

In Carrot’s plan, Yuan Ji’s forces weren’t actually needed for assistance. Their presence was merely a precaution and a public demonstration of solidarity.

Black Ridge Mountain Base was now completely at war with Sky Base, determined to make them pay for the two attacks.

Yuan Ji, burning with curiosity, seized an opportunity to quietly stop Mango as it passed by and asked about Big Cherry’s abilities.

Mango scratched its head, its eyes clouded with confusion.

Yuan Ji sighed. “Never mind… It’s nothing. Go play.”

Mango huffed twice, tapped Yuan Ji’s finger with its fist, and turned to scamper away.

Nearby, Cabbage and Lettuce were also preparing.

The two plants would operate separately. Cabbage would head to Pomelo’s area, while Lettuce would venture further to find Timothy.

Each plant had an assistant: Cabbage brought Morning Glory, and Lettuce brought Rose. They secured thick wooden chips around their Flyers.

Using its mental map, Lettuce sketched out the area where Pomelo might be, circling it for thorough coverage.

That area wasn’t far from Sky Base, so after scattering the chips, Cabbage could join the main assault.

Qian Hui was equally busy. With ample Game credits, he stocked the Plant Squad with medicinal pills and supplies, and installed the three Three-Barrel Cannons and Ground Spikes he’d purchased earlier at strategic locations inside and outside the base.

He bought anything useful he could afford.

Little Mushroom had three extra bottles of potion, which Qian Hui gave two to Yuan Ji’s team for emergencies.

The operation was scheduled to begin in two days. After finishing their preparations, the plants hurried to rest and conserve their energy.

Late in the afternoon, another group from a different base arrived, seeking to purchase the “antidote.”

Qian Hui didn’t recognize these people and was reluctant to meet them, so he asked Nan Tingjin to handle the situation in his stead.

Nan Tingjin returned to the Black Ridge Mountain Base and was back in less than twenty minutes.

He handed the bottle of antidote back to Qian Hui, who asked curiously, “They didn’t want it?”

“They did, but I didn’t give it to them,” Nan Tingjin replied tersely. “I only forced a sip down one of their people.”

Though his explanation was brief, Qian Hui could piece together the situation from his few words.

“Let’s not worry about that for now,” Qian Hui said, putting the bottle away. He reached out to hug Nan Tingjin. “I’m a little sleepy. I want to take a nap.”

Despite Carrot’s meticulously planned operation, Qian Hui had been feeling anxious these past few days and hadn’t slept well.

Nan Tingjin nodded and led Qian Hui back to their small wooden cabin.

But even after lying down, Qian Hui remained restless, unable to fall asleep despite his exhaustion.

He worried about whether the surprise attack would go smoothly and whether Pomelo and Timothy would refuse to return.

“You probably don’t remember either,” Qian Hui murmured, burying his face in Nan Tingjin’s chest. “I even showed you Maomao’s shed tail needles once.”

Nan Tingjin stroked his silver hair, saying, “I remember.”

Qian Hui froze, then immediately looked up.

His expression was blank. “You… you remember?”

Nan Tingjin hummed in affirmation. “I remember some things.”

It was the day Little Mushroom unleashed its energy-charged attack. When the light struck Nan Tingjin, his Lost State Symptoms vanished, and fragments of his memory began to return.

Since then, pieces of his past had been surfacing intermittently.

However, these memories were sparse and disjointed.

Qian Hui was overjoyed, firing off a series of questions. As expected, Nan Tingjin recalled some things, but most remained a blur.

Still, he was recovering. Perhaps with time, he would remember everything.

Qian Hui asked anxiously, “Do you remember anything before the Little Courtyard?”

This part of his past had been completely forgotten. Even the dream about their shared history had only occurred once.

“Yes,” Nan Tingjin murmured. “You were right. I pursued you, but you refused me.”

Qian Hui wrapped his arms around Nan Tingjin. “You didn’t believe me before…”

Before he could finish, Nan Tingjin suddenly kissed him.

Nan Tingjin continued, “I asked you three times, and you rejected me three times… You said my personality was terrible, that I was domineering, unreasonable, and impossible to be with.”

He spoke calmly, his voice low and slow, suppressing his emotions as he intermittently kissed Qian Hui.

Qian Hui couldn’t push him away, growing inexplicably more nervous, the tips of his ears flushing red.

Nan Tingjin seemed to be accusing himself, questioning why Qian Hui hadn’t liked him back then, why he had said those hurtful things.

Qian Hui stammered, “Y-you must be misremembering…”

He leaned in and kissed Nan Tingjin, coaxing gently, “I definitely liked you.”

Though the memories were gone, the feelings remained.

Nan Tingjin hummed in acknowledgment, kissing Qian Hui’s forehead. “Sleep now.”

Learning that Nan Tingjin had regained his memories eased Qian Hui’s worries. After exchanging a few more words, he gradually drifted off to sleep.

At 4 a.m., the Plant Squad was fully equipped and ready to depart for Sky Base.

Yuan Ji’s team had already left ahead of them. The Plant Squad would use the remaining three Flyers to travel together, making the journey several times faster.

Cabbage and Lettuce were also departing. Before leaving, Lettuce prepared several leaf-shaped balloons filled with sleeping gas, carefully storing them in a thick bag—just in case they might come in handy.

Once everything was prepared, Qian Hui watched as the Flyers lifted off one by one.

The three Flyers were nearly overloaded. Each transparent cockpit held the pilot plus two or three plants, while the rest clung to the tail or hung beneath the craft.

The plants waved goodbye to Qian Hui. Big Cherry let out an excited “Woo!” and accidentally swallowed a mouthful of cold air, coughing twice.

Qian Hui waved back, watching the Flyers gradually disappear from sight.

Carnivorous Flower nuzzled into his palm, reassuring him not to worry.

Sky Base was located in Security Sector 4, a half-day’s drive from their current location. By flying, the Plant Squad estimated they could reach it in just over an hour.

Anxious, Qian Hui opened his Encyclopedia and repeatedly refreshed it to check on the plants’ safety.

An hour later, the Black Ridge Mountain Base team arrived at their destination first.

Yuan Ji had also arrived, ordering everyone to halt at a concealed location some distance away, awaiting the Plant Squad’s arrival.

Within the Human Team, most were unaware that the plants possessed Flyers. A subordinate asked anxiously, “When will they depart? Will they arrive on time?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Yuan Ji replied, his gaze as unwavering as Carrot’s. “Just wait.”

Finally, twenty minutes later, a faint glow silently pierced the dim horizon.

It was Little Cabbage’s light strip, illuminating the cascading carrot rain.

The carrot rain was aimed directly at Sky Base.

Yuan Ji issued the command over real-time communication: “Move out!”

Several modified cars immediately roared into action, speeding toward the distant base.

Meanwhile, inside Sky Base:

As the carrot rain approached, the base’s alarms blared, simultaneously activating a translucent defense barrier and a glowing energy grid.

A guard urgently alerted everyone: “Anomaly detected!”

Before the words had even left his mouth, the carrot rain slammed into the defense barrier, continuous explosions reverberating across the base.

Then came a deafening boom.

At the edge of the wall, even without binoculars, the Watchtower guards could see a Giant Nut crash to the ground, sending up clouds of dust and sand.

The Giant Nut nimbly bounced forward, crashing violently into the base’s perimeter wall.

The guard screamed at the top of his lungs, “Level Ten Alert! Level Ten Alert!”

Three Flyers silently materialized, and the Plant Squad members disembarked one by one, launching their assault on the base.

The pilots in the Flyers weren’t idle either. Cactus, Dragon Fruit, and several other plants had been fitted with missile heads, their originally tiny spines and black seeds instantly swelling to hundreds of times their original size.

Meanwhile, the Human Team arrived just in time. Yuan Ji glanced up briefly, hissing softly.

Good thing… we’re not the ones getting pummeled.

The mutated plants’ offensive was relentless, and the base’s southern flank was simultaneously attacked by human ability users.

But their previous plan had failed. Wen Jue had anticipated this day and reinforced the base’s defense systems in advance.

The only thing they hadn’t foreseen was the mutated plants’ ability to take to the skies, causing initial chaos and confusion.

The defense barrier nearly shattered, but thanks to the combined efforts of several Ability Users, it barely held, even attempting to retaliate.

The Nut remained unfazed, circling nimbly outside the wall and occasionally ramming it.

Under Carrot’s instructions, the Plant Squad members took cover in safe positions, minimizing their injuries while seizing every opportunity to launch counterattacks.

Two Flyers ascended into the high altitude, disappearing into the cloud cover. Ability Users attempted to summon dark clouds and lightning, but their efforts were immediately dispersed by the Cactus’s missile strikes.

Meanwhile, another Flyer quietly approached the base from the side.

Big Cherry hung beneath the Flyer, constantly scanning the surroundings.

Moments later, Carrot called out, “Woo!”

Under Nut’s cover, Chili Pepper, wearing a helmet, had stealthily moved to the base of the wall, positioning itself at close range.

Following Carrot’s command, Chili Pepper unleashed its charged attack.

A sonic wave erupted violently, its limited range still affecting several Ability Users within the wall.

These Ability Users were responsible for reinforcing the defense barrier. Their abilities were forcibly disrupted, causing the barrier and the energy grid’s glow to weaken noticeably.

Simultaneously, a barrage of long-range attacks erupted. Accompanied by Nut’s repeated ramming, Big Pea, seated inside the Flyer, frantically spat green peas from its launch pods, creating an almost continuous green line in the air.

Within minutes, the defense barrier and energy grid were shattered.

Panic gripped the base’s occupants. They immediately activated the second-layer backup electric net and accelerated repairs to the defense barrier.

Fortunately, the base was well-prepared. Within just two minutes, the backup electric net flickered to life, and the defense barrier once again enveloped the entire base.

At that moment, a carrot rain appeared on the horizon, moving outward.

Yuan Ji saw it and frowned slightly. “Retreat?”

Despite his confusion, he immediately led his team away from the Sky Base.

Inside the base, the guards sighed in relief, wiping sweat from their foreheads. “The third backup electric net is still charging. Just hold out a little longer. These plants… that’s all they’ve got…”

Before he could finish the word “ability,” a red shadow plummeted from the sky above the factory, taking advantage of the brief gap in the base’s defenses. It slipped in unimpeded.

Big Cherry closed its eyes and let out a loud “Awoo!”

Meanwhile, Cabbage, having scattered all the wooden chips, hurried toward the Sky Base to check on the progress.

As the Flyers retreated, a slender leaf hand emerged from a crack between two rocks in the ruins below.

The hand picked up a wooden chip from the ground and swiftly retracted with a whoosh.