The still morning air was disturbed by Zhang Chong’s wail of envy. “Heavens are unfair!!! How's a coward like Fang awakening a power?!!!” His eyes burned with jealousy. I was a fighter before this, he lamented. Chen Liu, a former pretty-boy billionaire, now outclassed him, and Fang’s awakening stung deeper. Even him? His jaw was tight with frustration.

Fang’s Body Regeneration buzz among the trainee warriors, their faces flashing with envy. They realized Chen Liu’s trio—two Espers and a strongman—was a powerhouse. Recruits begged to join, seeking protection. Zhang and Fang looked up to Chen Liu with expectation. “Each pick one,” Chen Liu said, a faint smile crossing his lips. In his mind, he had decided: a bigger squad makes sense.

Zhang chose Yu Dachao, a sanatorium parking worker and friend. Fang picked Lin Jianchi, a visitor. The new members joined instantly, drawing jealous stares. They’re lucky, Chen Liu was amused by the reactions. 

The base city announcement also stirred talk. Ordinary survivors trusted the military over Li Dong or Chen Liu, their faces hopeful yet wary. Without an Esper’s protection, Liao City was a death trap. No rush to go, Chen Liu thought, his brow furrowing. The sanatorium had food and prey, and he hated control. I’m not chaining myself yet. His face hardening with resolve.

After breakfast, fifteen marched to the main complex—three five-man teams. One died yesterday, another guarded the checkpoint. Gao Bin led the third team, while Li Dong stacked his with security guards, excluding Zhang, to bolster defense. He’s feeling the heat, Chen Liu noted.

They charged the complex, spirits high. Gao Bin’s team held the front entrance, barricading themselves against square-wandering zombies. Chen Liu and Li Dong’s squads swept the building via the emergency exit, distributing security gear to all. Buying loyalty. Chen Liu understood Li Dong’s move.

Liu Wei sneered, “Some shameless types grabbed gear easy and sold it high to teammates. Dogs ate their conscience.” Buyers shot Chen Liu’s crew sour looks. Zhang bristled, his face reddening, but Chen Liu stood with him. Li Dong’s green at strategy, he thought, amused. Selling gear was fair trade; Li Dong’s hidden exit trick was deception. They’ll see through it. He let the insult slide—clearing the complex trumped petty fights. Human nature—always messy, he thought wearily. 

The first floor held two three-star zombies, dispatched quickly. Gao Bin secured the entrance while the others climbed to the second floor. Its mirrored hallways split the squads. Chen Liu’s side faced three four-star and one three-star zombies, handled swiftly. Too quiet. He became more alert. Yesterday’s five-star trio made this calm suspicious. They’re planning something, he thought, his eyes sharp with caution.

On the third floor, a five-star appeared, confirming Chen Liu’s fears—high-level zombies were grouping upstairs. They’re getting smarter. The fourth floor was worse: Chen Liu’s team faced two five-stars and two four-stars; Li Dong’s had one less four-star. This is the real fight. Chen Liu was prepared.

Chen Liu tackled one five-star alone, Fang lured the other, and Zhang’s trio took the four-stars. Fang, now four-star with Body Regeneration, was physically stronger but green. He’ll grow, Chen Liu thought with approval. Li Dong’s bronze-skinned arms and neck gleamed. He smashed a five-star with fierce precision.

The battle was tough but manageable—until the first floor. Gao Bin’s team, barricaded with shields and furniture, seemed secure. But a six-star zombie emerged from the horde, slipping silently toward them. We missed it, Chen Liu would’ve thought if he noticed. 

thINKer: I feel your pain, having to wait till the next chapter to know who will be eaten. 😣