Chapter 20 Outbound Mission
The days slipped by quietly in the dim light of the air-raid shelter and in the repetitive routine.
Ruan Ning quickly adapted to the unique rhythm of life in the safe zone, like a drop of water flowing into an undercurrent, calm on the surface but constantly vigilant and calculating inside.
Every morning, she arrives at the water treatment station of the logistics department on time.
She controlled the output of her water-based abilities perfectly—stable, continuous, and with clear water, sufficient to meet the emergency needs of the safe zone, yet never fast enough to arouse suspicion or covetousness.
She is like a sophisticated machine, silent and efficient.
Old Chen and the logistics staff became increasingly reliant on her. "It would be so much better if Xiao Ruan came!" This almost became their mantra.
Ruan Ning never took credit for anything, nor did she complain. She simply completed her work quietly, and occasionally, within her capabilities, she would gather an extra bucket of water to leave for the overwhelmed medical team.
This "just the right amount" of kindness earned her a reputation for being reliable and dependable among logistics and medical staff, and the contribution points she received were enough to ensure her basic survival, with occasional savings.
In compartment 7 of section B, four female superhumans maintain a fragile balance.
Lin Yan remained a lone wolf, leaving early and returning late, always reeking of blood. She completely ignored Ruan Ning; as long as Ruan Ning didn't infringe on her territory, she treated her like air.
Ruan Ning was happy to have some peace and quiet and never asked any questions.
Zhou Min was the most active "information hub" in the cubicle. She once tried to get information out of Ruan Ning, asking her about the details of her superpower, but Ruan Ning vaguely brushed it off with "a lucky awakening, her ability is ordinary".
Zhou Min, having been rebuffed, wasn't annoyed. Instead, she used information as leverage. "The Fire Wolf Squad lost a member yesterday, reportedly ambushed by a speed-type zombie." "Old Chen from the logistics department seems to have some valuable items on hand; we'll have to exchange them for hard currency."... Ruan Ning listened quietly, occasionally offering unimportant information she had observed in return, neither appearing aloof nor revealing her own secrets.
The most mysterious one is still the hooded woman (with unknown superpowers). She hardly speaks and her face is never visible; she's like a ghost.
Ruan Ning had keenly noticed that she would occasionally leave quietly late at night and return silently before dawn. Ruan Ning chose to remain still, simply keeping her unusual behavior in mind and becoming extra vigilant.
In her spare time, Ruan Ning devoted all her time to improving herself.
Unable to enter the space from the cubicle, she used the quiet of the night to repeatedly simulate the use of water-based superpowers in her mind, deducing various form changes and tactical combinations.
She also carefully planned how to use her contribution points, except for essential living supplies, to exchange for the military's occasional leaks of rudimentary information about zombie mutants and the basics of superpowers (although most of it was already known to her), and—most importantly—crystal cores.
Within the safe zone, the value of crystal cores is gradually recognized by a small number of high-ranking individuals and top-tier superhumans, but they are rarely circulated and are mostly strictly controlled.
With the help of the connections built up by the logistics department and careful reconnaissance, Ruan Ning was occasionally able to exchange his accumulated contribution points or saved food for one or two level 1 crystal cores from some soldiers or superhumans who were injured on the front lines and in urgent need of medicine or food.
Each crystal core was incredibly precious. In the stillness of the night, she carefully absorbed them, feeling the slow growth of the water-based energy within her body and the subtle improvement in her control over the water element.
She knew that this was her true foundation.
The safe zone is not a safe haven. Competition for resources intensifies, and friction continues between those with superpowers and ordinary people, as well as between different teams of those with superpowers. The military strives to maintain order, but unspoken rules are already emerging.
Ruan Ning paid particular attention to the list of survivors who had just entered the safe zone, and once used the excuse of familiarizing himself with the environment to briefly stop and observe near the registration area.
However, no trace of Lin Jiaojiao, Lin Wanyun, or her father Ruan Chenyang has been found to date.
"Is it not here yet... or is it already dead? Or is it hiding somewhere else?" Ruan Ning was not in a hurry.
Surviving in the apocalypse is difficult enough, but she has enough patience to wait.
After working regularly in the safe zone for nearly ten days, Ruan Ning had accumulated enough contribution points to exchange for some daily necessities, but her real goal—crystal cores—remained scarce.
The military maintains strict control over these items, and those circulating privately are extremely rare and expensive. She knows that waiting passively won't lead to a rapid increase in strength.
On a rest day morning, before the rising sun, with its blood-red halo, had completely dispelled the chill outside the air-raid shelter, Ruan Ning was already fully prepared to depart.
Instead of wearing the work clothes commonly worn by logistics personnel, she changed into her own dark gray, durable windbreaker, with a well-maintained machete on her back, a dagger hanging at her waist, and several sharpened metal pieces hidden in the straps on her calves—these were simple concealed weapons she had made herself during her breaks.
Her goal today was clear: to join a makeshift team to scavenge for supplies in a nearby abandoned industrial park, and to use the opportunity to hunt zombies and obtain crystal cores.
The team was formed by a power-type ability user named Zhao Cheng. He was burly, had a loud voice, and was quite well-known in Area B for his daring and relatively fair distribution of resources.
The team consists of six people, including Ruan Ning: Zhao Cheng (strength enhancement), a fire-type ability user named Sun Lei (the one Ruan Ning met before), a taciturn speed enhancement user codenamed Old Cat, a young girl named Xiao Wan with "weak healing" ability, Ruan Ning (water type), and a strong ordinary man named Da Niu who is responsible for carrying heavy objects and has extraordinary physical strength.
"Listen up, everyone!" Zhao Cheng stood at the assembly point, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "The industrial park has been partially cleared, but there are definitely still zombies remaining, and possibly even mutants. Our targets are the hardware warehouse and the small canteen in the park, mainly for tools and food. If you encounter zombies, avoid them if possible; if you can't avoid them, finish them off quickly! The spoils will be distributed according to contribution. Raise any objections now!"
No one spoke. In this makeshift team, strength meant power.
The squad silently left the safe zone and stepped into the perilous world outside. The blood-red sunlight shone on the barren fields and abandoned houses, creating an eerie atmosphere.
The industrial park is about 15 kilometers from the safe zone. Before the apocalypse, it would have taken about 30 minutes to drive there, but now, due to the unclear road conditions, it is estimated to take one or two hours.
Along the way, they encountered sporadic zombies, and everyone chose to conserve their superpowers and stamina, simply ramming the cars into them.
Upon arriving near the park, the group got out of the car and walked.
Ruan Ning walked in the middle of the group, her mind highly focused, sensing every rustle and movement around her.
Although her water-based abilities are not primarily about perception, she is more sensitive than the average person to subtle changes in the moisture of her environment, allowing her to detect potential dangers lurking in the shadows.
"Two in the alley on the left." The old cat, like a true feline, silently glided to the front of the line and warned in a low voice.
Zhao Cheng gave a hand signal, and the team immediately stopped and took cover behind the ruins.
Sure enough, two zombies dressed in work clothes staggered out of the alley.
"Sun Lei, the one on the left, finish it quickly! Old Cat on the right, Ruan Ning, provide support to prevent any accidents!" Zhao Cheng quickly gave the order.
Sun Lei pursed his lips, seemingly displeased with Zhao Cheng for obeying his orders, but still raised his hand and conjured a fireball, which he hurled at the zombie on the left. His aim seemed a bit better than last time; the fireball struck the zombie's chest, setting it ablaze.
Almost simultaneously, Old Cat's figure darted out like a ghost, his military dagger flashing coldly, and a bloody hole appeared in the temple of the zombie on the right, which fell down without a sound.
Ruan Ning didn't make a move, but observed silently. Sun Lei's fireball was powerful enough, but his energy control was still rough; Lao Mao, on the other hand, was decisive and efficient, a typical assassin style.
After clearing out the remaining zombies, the team arrived at the industrial park gates without further incident. The park was deathly silent, with broken glass and scattered parts everywhere, and the air filled with rust and a faint stench of decay.
As planned, they headed straight for the hardware warehouse. The warehouse door was ajar, and the interior was dimly lit.
"Be careful," Zhao Cheng growled, pushing open the door first.
Hoo—!
As soon as the door opened, three or four zombies, which had been hiding in the shadows of the shelves, roared and pounced out!
"Let's do it!"
Zhao Cheng roared and advanced instead of retreating. His large, fan-like hand grabbed the head of the first zombie that pounced on him and slammed it hard against the metal shelf next to him!
Bang! The sound of a skull shattering was sickening.
Sun Lei's fireball followed closely behind, hitting another zombie and sending flames soaring up.
The old cat, like a shadow, darted between the shelves and took care of the third one.
The fourth zombie moved a little faster, bypassing Zhao Cheng and rushing straight towards Xiao Wan, who looked a little panicked in the middle of the group!
Just as Xiao Wan closed her eyes in fright—
A condensed water arrow shot through the air! It was incredibly fast, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound!
Pfft!
The water jet pierced the zombie's eye socket with pinpoint accuracy, and the powerful impact sent it flying backward before it crashed to the ground.
It was Ruan Ning, who was standing next to Xiao Wan, who stepped in. Her expression was calm, as if she had only done something insignificant.
Xiao Wan looked at Ruan Ning, still shaken, her eyes filled with gratitude. Zhao Cheng also glanced back at Ruan Ning, his gaze now showing a hint of approval. Sun Lei, however, snorted coldly, seemingly feeling that Ruan Ning had stolen the spotlight.
"Cleanup complete, Da Niu, move things! Find useful tools, metal parts, especially cutting tools!" Zhao Cheng ordered.
The group immediately began searching the warehouse. Ruan Ning did not participate in the moving; instead, she took the initiative to stand guard at the warehouse door, while her gaze swept over the zombie corpses on the ground.
Taking advantage of the moment when everyone else was busy, she quickly crouched down and skillfully flipped open the skull with a dagger.
Lucky her, among the four zombies was a pale white crystal core! She calmly wiped it clean and put it in her inner pocket. This was her primary objective for this trip.
After acquiring a batch of tools such as wrenches, hacksaws, and cutting machines from the hardware warehouse, the team turned to their next target—the small canteen.
The situation in the canteen was even worse, with seven or eight zombies gathered there, seemingly sharing a long-decaying corpse.
This battle was more intense.
Zhao Cheng stood at the front like a tank, Sun Lei's fireballs created chaos and casualties, Lao Mao was responsible for filling in the gaps, and Ruan Ning roamed the flanks, sometimes using water arrows to kill zombies trying to bypass Zhao Cheng from a distance, and sometimes using water to slow down the zombies' movements during the gaps in Sun Lei's fire. Her water control skills became more and more proficient in actual combat, and she could always appear where she was most needed.
After the battle, Ruan Ning looted the corpse again and obtained another crystal core.
They found some unopened seasonings, a small amount of vacuum-packed rice and noodles, and several boxes of expired but still edible canned goods in the cafeteria. A fairly fruitful haul.
On the return journey, we were more cautious than on the way there. Fortunately, we did not encounter any large hordes of zombies or troublesome mutants.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com