Level 1 Little Zombie Doomsday Growth Diary - Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Pomelo fretted alone for a while before slowly shuffling backward.

The stolen biscuit wasn’t the real problem; the important thing was the appearance of a strange plant that had slipped away unnoticed. Pomelo needed to tell Qian Hui and the others.

Pomelo moved to Qian Hui’s side and tugged on his sleeve.

Qian Hui looked down. “What is it?”

Pomelo pointed in the direction the Little Lotus Root had fled, making a series of “woo woo” sounds and gesturing wildly to describe its appearance.

The other plants were busy cleaning up the remaining food on the other side. Qian Hui strained to understand, guessing, “You… you want to go over there and check?”

Pomelo shook its head vigorously and gestured again, more emphatically.

Just then, the Flyer landed, and Carrot and Cactus returned.

Hearing Qian Hui say Pomelo seemed to have made a discovery, the group of plants quickly gathered around.

With so many plants staring at it, Pomelo nervously began its explanation: “Woo…”

Carrot’s eyes widened. “Woo?”

A water plant here?!

Wait, your biscuit was stolen?

Who would dare! Which way did it run?

Though they hadn’t seen each other in a while, Pomelo was still a special-grade mutated plant. For another plant to steal its food, Carrot immediately concluded that the culprit must be extremely dangerous.

No wonder it was hiding! It was trying to steal our food!

Big Pea flexed its arm, ready to confront the intruder.

Pomelo nervously tried to explain, “Woo…”

Carrot understood its meaning but maintained a stern expression.

Now that human activity had been detected, the squad needed to prepare for battle immediately. There was no room for error at a time like this.

And since we’re already here, let’s bring that aquatic plant back with us!

Carrot glanced around excitedly, signaling Mimosa to search the area.

Soon, Mimosa’s leaves lifted, and Carrot followed its direction, a large group of plants trailing behind.

Big Peanut clenched its fist, burning with righteous anger.

How dare it try to steal Pomelo’s food!

Qian Hui, worried, got up to investigate as well.

Pomelo, feeling uncertain, glanced anxiously at the remaining Durian, the nine Little Bitter Gourds, and Nan Tingjin sitting by the tree. After a moment’s hesitation, it stepped forward to follow Qian Hui.

Guided by Mimosa, Carrot reached the lake shore and spotted movement in the weeds behind a rock.

Gripping its carrot thorn tightly, it charged forward with a battle cry: “Woo!”

Little Lotus Root was secretly munching on a cookie, completely absorbed in its meal and oblivious to any unusual activity.

The sudden appearance of Carrot startled it so badly that it dropped the cookie. Back pressed against the stone, it looked up with wide, frightened eyes.

Big Pea also approached, joining Carrot in scrutinizing the unfamiliar plant.

It was indeed a lotus root, small in stature. The scent suggested it was mid-grade… or perhaps high-grade?

A third head, Lettuce, peeked out and noticed the markings on Little Lotus Root’s arm, letting out a curious “woo.”

Resembling either intricate patterns or clinging seaweed, the lotus root was pristine white. Yet the marks on its arm… they certainly looked intimidating.

Surrounded by three special-grade mutated plants, Little Lotus Root froze in terror.

It had lived in this forest for ages. A few days ago, it had spotted the wooden chip but dismissed it as a human trap.

Today, however, a large group of mutated plants had actually entered the forest and even tossed a wooden chip into the lake.

Little Lotus Root remained motionless, initially intending to observe from a distance. But then the aroma of food reached its nose, and it couldn’t resist…

This forest wasn’t in a great location, inhabited only by Little Lotus Root. Usually, it felt safe submerged in the water, never worrying about food.

But there were no cookies or anything like that in the forest… and the aroma was irresistible.

Moments later, more plants approached.

Hearing the chaotic footsteps, Little Lotus Root’s mind went blank with panic.

It closed its eyes, breathing rapidly. Its patterned right arm suddenly swelled several times its original size, becoming thicker than its entire body. Clenching its fist, it swung at Carrot’s face.

Carrot had been studying Little Lotus Root, considering taking it back to the artificial lake. While it had hoped to find a Water Hyacinth or Lotus Flower, a Lotus Root would do…

Seeing the arm and fist instantly balloon, Carrot froze, too stunned to dodge in time.

At the critical moment, Carrot was yanked aside, and a verdant gauntlet blocked Little Lotus Root’s attack.

Little Lotus Root remained with its eyes tightly shut, most of its body pressed motionless against the rock. Only its swollen right arm moved with agility, launching another fierce strike.

Its strength was considerable, but it was no match for Cabbage. The two plants exchanged blows until Qian Hui’s footsteps echoed through the forest.

Cabbage withdrew its hand and took a half-step back.

Little Lotus Root was exhausted. Its right arm drooped to the ground for support as it cautiously opened its eyes.

“Is that Little Lotus Root? So cute…” Qian Hui murmured, studying the unique arm with curiosity. He resisted the urge to touch it and tried greeting it, “Hello?”

Pomelo approached, its leaves now significantly fewer, revealing its rounded body.

Seeing Pomelo, Little Lotus Root immediately understood and glanced timidly at it.

“Don’t be afraid,” Qian Hui said, picking up the scattered cookies and offering a new pack. “We won’t hurt you.”

The Encyclopedia lit up, and Qian Hui promptly used his Prestige Points to purchase Little Lotus Root’s strategy guide.

[ White Lotus Root: High-grade mutated plant ]

[ Strategy Guide Purchased: High potential, timid nature, but its patterned right arm seems to have a mind of its own, often acting independently of its body. Simple and energetic personality, loves crispy and fragrant foods, and enjoys gardening. ]

Reading the guide’s description, Qian Hui pulled out a second pack of cookies and handed both to Little Lotus Root.

Still shaken from its earlier ordeal, Little Lotus Root was now overwhelmed by the unexpected kindness, pointing at itself in disbelief.

Qian Hui nodded. “They’re for you.”

Little Lotus Root glanced around at the other plants, including Pomelo, whose cookies had just been stolen right in front of it. They all seemed quite friendly.

Carrot retracted its sharp thorns, signaling Big Pea to keep its distance.

Little Lotus Root swallowed hard, its right arm returning to its original size. It reached out and accepted the biscuit.

Carrot led the plants away to continue discussing their battle plans, leaving only Qian Hui and Little Lotus Root by the lake.

Pomelo lingered at the back, glancing back every few steps.

As the plants’ presence faded, Little Lotus Root relaxed considerably. It nibbled on the biscuit, stealing furtive glances at Qian Hui.

“You saw the message on the wooden chip, right?” Qian Hui asked. “Would you like to come to our Plant Base?”

Despite its small size, Little Lotus Root had a surprisingly large appetite. In no time, it had devoured all but half of the biscuit.

It’s a bit like Potato, Qian Hui thought.

Little Lotus Root hesitated, letting out a soft “woo” that seemed to mean it needed time to consider.

Qian Hui nodded and casually pulled another packet of biscuits from his pocket, holding it in his hand.

Little Lotus Root’s eyes lit up slightly, and it slowly edged closer, hiccuping softly.

Seeing this, Qian Hui continued, “Our base has a lake even bigger than this one, stocked with fish… and flowers. You can eat these every day there.”

Little Lotus Root remained hesitant, too embarrassed to take more food from Qian Hui. But suddenly, its right arm moved on its own, swelling to twice its original size and snatching the biscuits from Qian Hui’s hand.

For a moment, Qian Hui and Little Lotus Root were both stunned.

Little Lotus Root, deeply embarrassed, lowered its head and mumbled apologetically.

“It’s okay,” Qian Hui said with a smile. “It’s for you. I have plenty more.” He patted Little Lotus Root’s head. “Come back with me? If you don’t like the base… I’ll have Carrot bring you back here.”

The humans who had been tracking them hadn’t been dealt with yet, so bringing a new plant along wasn’t ideal. But since they already had nine Little Bitter Gourds…

Besides, Little Lotus Root was high-grade, so its strength couldn’t be underestimated.

Having accepted the biscuit, Little Lotus Root found it difficult to refuse further. It nodded gently.

Soon after, Qian Hui returned to the tree, Little Lotus Root with its floral-patterned arm trailing behind him.

Nan Tingjin, accustomed to such sights, glanced at Little Lotus Root once before shifting his gaze away.

Little Lotus Root was shy, especially when it looked at Pomelo, its eyes betraying a hint of guilt.

For the time being, it was assigned to stay with the nine Little Bitter Gourds, remaining close to Qian Hui.

Upon seeing the nine identical Little Bitter Gourds, Little Lotus Root was utterly astonished.

The Little Bitter Gourds, clutching Durian’s carrot thorns, were far more lively by comparison. The one with “二” (Second) written on its forehead boldly asked if Little Lotus Root was also going to the Plant Base.

Little Lotus Root nodded. Another Little Bitter Gourd chimed in. The plants are going to fight the humans soon, but don’t worry, they’re super strong!

Nearby, the Plant Squad had mostly finalized their battle preparations and strategy.

The sole Flyer would be piloted by Carrot and Big Pea, whose long-range attacks were the most powerful.

Two modified cars with reinforced hulls were assigned to Cactus, Starfruit, and a few other plants.

Cabbage and Four-Leaf Clover, skilled in close combat, would adapt their roles based on the situation. Lettuce’s smoke screen had limited effect on humans, so it would serve as a reserve member.

Lettuce stroked its leafy crown and hummed twice, already plotting where to snatch some zombies later.

As for Pomelo, who also possessed long-range capabilities, Carrot hesitated before assigning it to stay in one of the modified cars with Cactus, operating the vehicle’s launcher.

To Carrot’s embarrassment, despite having known Pomelo for a long time, it still didn’t fully understand Pomelo’s skills and strengths. Even special-grade mutated plants had their specialties and weaknesses.

Carrot thoughtfully asked Pomelo if this arrangement suited it.

Pomelo paused for a moment, then nodded gently, indicating no objections.

Carrot nodded in satisfaction and waved its hand, letting out a “woo” sound.

Time to move out!

With no time to spare, the squad planned a direct assault, aiming to strike first before more human reinforcements arrived.

Once everything was prepared, Qian Hui led Little Lotus Root and nine Little Bitter Gourds into the back of a modified car with Nan Tingjin.

The two modified cars left the forest one after the other, with a Flyer closely following overhead.

Meanwhile, four vehicles were parked in a secluded spot.

The two captains in the lead car were conversing, while the other occasionally glanced at the Communicator in his hand. “Why haven’t they arrived yet…?”

This was the only route back. Though there seemed to be no movement from the forest, their hidden position carried the risk of discovery at any moment. It was best to act quickly.

The Potions were ready; they were just waiting for everyone to be in position before taking them simultaneously.

The vehicles were packed with people. Suddenly, an Ability User with exceptional hearing lifted his head, as if sensing something.

In the next instant, a massive carrot rain, enhanced with Electromagnetic Cannon effects, began to fall.

“Damn… we’ve been spotted!”

Before the outer captain could finish speaking, a barrage of oversized Big Peas plummeted from the sky.

The ground erupted in a series of overlapping explosions. The people outside scrambled into the vehicles, while the team members hastily activated their ability-powered protective shields.

Immediately afterward, a barrage of long-range attacks rained down from the side.

Two modified cars sped toward them, one relentlessly closing in while the other kept its distance, its pitch-black windows revealing nothing.

At first glance, the cars appeared ordinary, but weapon slots resembling cannon barrels suddenly extended from their fronts and sides, unleashing a barrage of long-range attacks.

The group scrambled to defend themselves, desperately trying to escape in their vehicles, only to notice a new anomaly.

The ground trembled slightly, and debris from the surrounding ruins began to slowly rise into the air.

The captain’s face paled at the sight.

Nan Tingjin is here too.

Without hesitation, he pulled out a Potion and drank it, his teammates following suit.

With Fourth Squad’s reinforcements arriving soon, the Potion might give them a slim chance of victory… or at least ensure their escape.

The defensive member quickly downed his Potion as well. His face flushed crimson, and the protective aura around them surged tenfold. The previously faltering shield now blocked all incoming attacks.

Seeing this, the group’s confidence soared.

Meanwhile, inside the distant modified car, Pomelo hunched over, stuffing a pile of leaves into the weapon slots.

Usually taciturn, Pomelo now wore a solemn expression, its gaze fixed intently on the unfolding situation ahead.

At the same moment, Carrot noticed the suddenly strengthened shield.

Hmm? What’s going on here?