Zhang Chong, flush with crystals from selling gear, nearly collided with Liu Wei on his way to Chen Liu’s room. Liu Wei, Li Dong’s trusted lieutenant, fancied himself second-in-command, outranking Zhang. It was not his strength but his loyalty that earned him favor. He’s the one who pushed Zhang to test me, Chen Liu would’ve thought, his jaw tightening with irritation if he knew. Liu Wei’s eyes burned with envy at Zhang’s haul. “Climbed the ladder, huh? Don’t get cocky,” he sneered, his face twisted with spite.

Zhang didn’t flinch. Jangling the crystals in his hand, he grinned. “Cocky? So what? Thought you were capable—how’d someone die today?” Dog-headed strategist, he thought, his eyes glinting with defiance. Liu Wei’s face reddened, humiliated. He shot a jealous glare at the crystals and stormed off. Small-time schemer, Zhang thought, his mouth curving in a smug smirk.

That night, Chen Liu scrolled Weibo, stumbling on a bombshell: the military, silent since the apocalypse, announced “base cities” for each province which would serve as strongholds to reclaim lost land. Jiangchuan’s would be in Liao City, a smaller city under Hong City. Smart choice, Chen Liu thought, his eyes narrowing with cautious approval. Jiangchuan’s 50,000 troops had likely dwindled to 15,000 after losses and chaos. Hong City, with four million turned zombies, was a corpse maze—streets, buildings, sewers teeming with evolving undead. No way they clear that. Liao City, near Hong, was a practical base for future pushes.

The news sparked hope. The military’s plan to clear roads to Liao City and set up support stations was a lifeline for survivors. People need this, Chen Liu thought, his expression softening briefly. But doubt crept in, his brow furrowing with worry. Do they have the manpower? Spreading forces across a province was risky. Most survivors, untrained and untested, faced brutal odds escaping their shelters. It’ll be a bloodbath, he thought, his face darkening. Awakened like him would shine in this chaos. Troubled times breed heroes, he mused, a faint spark of resolve in his eyes.

Fang Ruoming still hadn’t woken. After his visualization routine, Chen Liu glanced at him. Fang’s skin was flushed, yet he slept deeply. Awakening? Chen Liu thought, his eyes widening with surprise. A blessing from that fight. Warmth flickered in his chest as Fang stirred, opening his eyes. “I’ve awakened. Body Regeneration,” Fang said, his face bright like that of one reborn.

Chen Liu smiled back, his expression warm. “Congrats. That’s strong.” Body Regeneration, a B-rank ability, allowed rapid healing, even limb regrowth at its peak. Perfect for a guy scared of pain, Chen Liu thought. He considered copying it but hesitated—its survivability didn’t boost combat. Not what I need now.

“Zhang sent that,” Chen Liu said, nodding at the meat broth. Fang, surprised but touched, gulped it down despite not needing it post-awakening. He’s honoring the gesture, Chen Liu thought, his eyes softening. “Your crystals,” he added, tossing Fang one five-star and three four-star whites from the gear sales. Enough for four-star status. Late awakeners like Fang leaped ranks faster, unlike Chen Liu’s slow grind. Like WoW leveling. A nostalgic pang hit him. But pioneers like him mastered skills others couldn’t match, like eating rice and other dishes together versus separately—same result, different depth.

Fang clutched the crystals, hands trembling with hunger for strength, his face alight with determination. He’s changed, Chen Liu thought, a flicker of pride in his eyes. The night passed quietly, a grueling battle looming.

thINKer: Awaken! Awaken!!! Oh regenerating coward!!!