Chapter 82: Zombie Siege (Four)

Chapter 82: Zombie Siege (Four)

After pulling out the item, Yi Zenan immediately felt some regret.

Beside him, Tao Youyuan stared blankly at the music box in his hand.

"Didn't you say you didn't have any summoning items when I asked before?"

The summoning item used by Tao Youyuan was not an ordinary one; it was a group summoning circle that could bring in up to three people, ignoring the dungeon level restrictions.

Ignoring the dungeon level meant that even in a level five dungeon, it could summon people in, and up to three at once.

After the National Dungeon, there would usually be an auction organized by the three major guilds. Three years ago, an item with similar functionality to this summoning circle appeared at the auction, but it could only summon one person. That item had a starting price of five million, and was eventually sold for over thirty million.

Tao Youyuan was no ordinary individual, having once made it to the top two hundred in the score rankings. His background was quite affluent.

Despite his affluence, this summoning item was his trump card, prepared for this year's National Dungeon.

Even for a player ranked in the top one hundred, a level five dungeon was quite challenging. Like Nie Shuangshuang, who often ventured into level four dungeons, entering a level five dungeon required thorough preparation.

This year, Tao Youyuan planned to attempt a breakthrough into a level five dungeon during the National Dungeon event. Although it was difficult, the rewards for the level five dungeon were extremely generous.

This was evident from the points alone: a level one dungeon had a basic score of ten thousand points, level two had fifty thousand, level three had one hundred thousand, and level four had two hundred thousand.

But a level five dungeon offered a base reward score of one million, with a high probability of obtaining powerful rare skills and items.

Tao Youyuan had been preparing for this year's National Dungeon for a full year, and this summoning circle was one of his confidence boosters.

However, because the remaining players didn't have any summoning items, Tao Youyuan reluctantly used this item, which could have been used in a level five dungeon, to ensure the smooth completion of the current dungeon.

— It was absolutely worth it.

Despite Xie Fangcheng and his team making short work of the zombies after their arrival, as the strongest player and often being at the frontline, Tao Youyuan knew well that it wasn't because the zombies were weak, but because Xie Fangcheng appeared godly amongst them.

Only Xie Fangcheng demonstrated tremendous prowess, exhibiting the charisma of a combined harvester against the zombies.

If it weren't for the summoned assistance being powerful, they would definitely not be leisurely chatting in the city of zombies right now.

Because their plan for tonight was originally... to covertly open the base gates before the plane arrives to spray the poisonous substance.

They intended to flee while the majority of the humans NPCs in the base attracted the zombies.

This was a scheme conceived by Yi Zeran.

The kid indeed has some skills. Somehow, he managed to extract the address of base one. As long as they can successfully exit the base gate and reach near base one, using the fabricated lie "We have acquired the vaccine from Smile Building" that Yi Zeran came up with, and establishing contact with the administration of base one, they would likely be allowed into the base.

Even if the people at base one had suspicions about them, with over half the instance time already past, verifying their claims wouldn't be quick. They only needed to endure for the remaining fourteen days.

However, the first to object to this plan was Qi Chanyang.

"Are you even human? Allowing those zombies in to eat your companions???"

Having stayed in this base for sixteen days, Qi Chanyang had grown familiar with these human NPCs in the base. Being inherently soft-hearted, he naturally found it hard to agree to Yi Zeran's plan.

But Yi Zeran just glanced at him nonchalantly: "These people had initially planned to sacrifice themselves to the zombies anyway. They are all prepared for this. What reason do you, a player, have to object?"

"You!" Qi Chanyang wasn't as articulate as him and, with a face turning livid from anger, remained silent.

Tao Youyuan pondered over this plan and did not agree either.

While others might not grasp the hidden implications in Yi Zeran’s words, Tao Youyuan understood them clearly.

Of the seven players left, both Qi Chanyang and Yi Zeran were not very strong, the kind that would struggle even in a level two instance.

Among the other four players, two belonged to the Warm and Cozy Cat Climbing Frame guild and had decent strength, but the remaining two solo players weren't very powerful.

For the five members of the Warm and Cozy Cat Climbing Frame guild, at least three of them were quite strong and could lead the two weaker ones.

But adding two more burdens could pose a challenge.

In essence, Yi Zeran’s plan only included the five members from the Warm and Cozy Cat Climbing Frame guild... or to put it bluntly, possibly only included Tao Youyuan and himself.

When the "necessary time" came, Yi Zeran would certainly persuade him to abandon the remaining three individuals.

This was something Tao Youyuan couldn't accept.

As for the other human NPCs in the base, Tao Youyuan, like most players, generally regarded them as mere background.

After all, these NPCs were just data that could be revived upon death, while the death of players like them was a true demise.

Therefore, despite the reluctance, Tao Youyuan still believed that this was the moment to use the summoning item.

Moreover, up until just now, despite feeling the pinch, Tao Youyuan was very relieved, feeling that the utilization of this item was extremely worthwhile!

But now, seeing Yi Zeran nonchalantly pulling out a summoning item from his backpack, Tao Youyuan suddenly found it a bit difficult to breathe.

Yi Zeran had only cleared the levels a few times, and Tao Youyuan knew every item and skill he acquired - or so he thought.

But Yi Zeran never mentioned this summoning item to him.

Furthermore, Yi Zeran's highest completion was only a level two instance. Even if he could obtain a top-quality summoning item, it definitely wouldn't be better than the summoning circle Tao Youyuan had.

Indeed.

Jie Fangcheng had already received it and couldn't help but cluck his tongue after reviewing its attributes.

"This item of yours isn't up to par either, limited to usage in instances below level three, restricted to less than 10% of the participants, and it can only summon a single person who is a friend... So many restrictions, what, is this a limited edition?"

Nie Shuangshuang also shook her head disapprovingly after listening.

"Not even as useful as my phone, right?"

Jie Fangcheng had a strong opinion on this, "Absolutely, absolutely."

Hearing this, Tao Youyuan felt an increasing unease in his heart.

He couldn't help but turn to Yi Zeran, "You knew that my summoning circle was prepared for the mass instance, you know how precious it is, how good its attributes are, you, you..."

Yi Zeran only looked a bit awkward for a moment before quickly regaining his usual calm demeanor.

"I've already stated my plan, but you refused to listen. Since you refused, it's only natural for you to bear the consequences of your stubbornness, isn't it? Besides, isn't your item the only precious one? Mine is equally valuable. So, using your item is quite reasonable, isn't it?"

Tao Youyuan felt a darkness envelop him.

Was this the "pillar of support" he carefully chose for his guild after meticulous selection? This kind of person, even if he indeed has the capabilities, would he truly lead the guild to greater heights??

Just as Tao Youyuan was about to say something, he heard music playing from behind.

He paused, abruptly turning around.

The music box was opened, and on it, a little puppet spun around. It was dressed in a standard-issue outfit of shirt and suit trousers, wearing a pair of glasses. Shortly, a flash of white light occurred, and the puppet on the box disappeared.

A man, dressed just like the puppet, appeared before everyone.

Despite his previous anger and sorrow, at this moment, Tao Youyuan felt utterly astonished.

"… You just used it like that??" Tao Youyuan couldn't help but inquire.

Jie Fangcheng replied, "What, should I have performed a ritual purification before using it?"

After saying this, seeing that Tao Youyuan still wanted to speak, Jie Fangcheng quickly patted Nie Shuangshuang's shoulder: "Hey! Why don't you go have a chat with him? You have experience in this, after all."

Nie Shuangshuang: "..."

The typically hot-tempered Nie Shuangshuang only glanced at Zhang Dao'an at this moment, then obediently went to converse with Tao Youyuan.

As the two victims exchanged experiences, Jie Fangcheng greeted Zhang Dao'an with a nod.

Jing Daoan merely glanced at the magical robe he was wearing and the dual blades in his hand, refrained from making any remarks, and bowed his head attentively to understand the current circumstances.

Xie Fangcheng had little to elaborate on, he just tersely recounted the details of the scenario in the instance dungeon, and couldn't be bothered to mention whatever Yi Zeran had recently said or done.

However, after listening, Jing Daoan instead turned his gaze briefly towards Tao Youyuan and Yi Zeran at a distance and quickly nodded in understanding.

“I see.”

The summoning artifact is not some commonplace recovery potion that one could effortlessly redeem in the system marketplace. Even with numerous restrictions like this music box, it could at least fetch several million points on the market.

Xie Fangcheng lacks the points, and judging from Nie Shuangshuang's demeanor the last time she summoned him, it was clear she wasn't one of those wealthy Dubai residents who could casually bring out summoning artifacts to play around.

Wei Yuan, on the other hand, was curiously observing, merely spectating in faint astonishment, seemingly marveling at Xie Fangcheng's lavish display, which appeared even more extravagant than Nie Shuangshuang's, utilizing the summoning artifact with such ease.

Only two others remained.

Tao Youyuan seemed somewhat heartbroken, yet amidst his sorrow, he would occasionally cast resentful glances towards someone nearby.

The individual standing beside him managed to maintain a seemingly indifferent demeanor, yet couldn’t resist stealing glances at the used music box in Xie Fangcheng's hand, an expression mingling regret with forced generosity adorned his face.

Now rendered useless, the music box was nonchalantly stowed away into the system backpack by Xie Fangcheng, leaving Yi Zeran momentarily agape, before quickly closing his mouth again.

No matter, it was just a summoning artifact after all.

With his intellect and resourcefulness, a mere million plus points were trivial. In the future, once he allied with more powerful teammates to tackle level five dungeons, relying on his strategies, acquiring such summoning artifacts would be a breeze, wouldn't it?

And the person who was summoned—just this person?

Admittedly, he held a decent appearance, embodying grace and elegance in every gesture, but triumphing in the game wasn't about possessing a handsome face.

Keep dreaming, then.

Yi Zeran cast a fleeting glance at him, and the other person courteously nodded in his direction.

Understood.

For Jing Daoan, a single glance sufficed to grasp the current situation clearly.

Xie Fangcheng and Nie Shuangshuang had just exited the instance, and now found themselves in this dungeon that had already been active for sixteen days, evidently having been summoned.

Presumably, it was this player named Tao Youyuan who had summoned them. His heartfelt anguish seemed genuine, and seeing the music box belonging to Yi Zeran probably sparked nostalgic sentiments, reminding him of the “wasted” summoning artifact he owned.

This artifact, capable of summoning multiple people within a level three dungeon, seemed to be of significant value, undoubtedly surpassing that of the music box.

When Tao Youyuan looked at Yi Zeran... to use a slightly inappropriate analogy, it resembled a devoted wife beholding the loathsome man who abandoned her and their child after achieving success and fortune.

Tao Youyuan had probably always been considerate towards Yi Zeran, but when it came to contributing his own summoning artifact, the young lad concealed the existence of the music box, forcing Tao Youyuan to reluctantly bring out his high-level artifact that could summon multiple individuals.

Now, to clear this dungeon, it evidently required no intellectual exertion. Xie Fangcheng alone could effortlessly sweep through this survival-type dungeon. Yet, he chose to summon himself.

My strength lies in my ability to think critically. It seems that Jie Fangcheng summoned me for the purpose of... venting frustration?

It must be said that Jie Fangcheng indeed knows how to vent effectively, even using the adversary's tools to summon assistance.

However...

Zhang Daoan's gaze returned to Jie Fangcheng.

"A magical robe? Twin blades?" He pondered briefly, then understood, "Miss Nie's?"

Jie Fangcheng wasn't sure how he had deduced that, but cheerfully nodded, "Yes."

Zhang Daoan smiled, "It seems you have a close relationship with Miss Nie, Manager Jie."

Jie Fangcheng scratched his head, unclear about the meaning behind the sudden remark.

Zhang Daoan, however, didn't elaborate further. Analyzing the current situation only took him a few glances, and he then adjusted his glasses.

"So, what's the plan now?"

Jie Fangcheng gestured with his lips, "That guy suggested that we shouldn't have demolished this building. What if there were clues in it?"

The gaze of Yi Zeran also shifted over, accompanied by a cold snicker.

"If you have any brains, you'd know that with so many level-five zombies wandering around here, there must be some crucial clues nearby. Now everything's ruined, how will we find them?"

"What exactly are we looking for?" inquired Zhang Daoan.

Yi Zeran furrowed his brow, "Clues."

"Do you know what these 'clues' are?"

"We'll know once we find them!"

"Oh," Zhang Daoan looked around, "In this area, I can see four or five buildings that haven't been demolished, each with over ten floors, and an unknown number of rooms. If we account for all the buildings in the city, there could be tens of thousands. So, you mean... we should search for an unknown clue among these myriad rooms?"

Yi Zeran paused, then sneered coldly, "I didn't mean that. My point was to avoid recklessness. This is a level-three instance! It's not something they can just blitz through!"

Although he spoke thus, he felt that the composed man before him might not be so easy to deal with.

At Yi Zeran's words, Zhang Daoan only responded with a casual smile, resembling someone indulging a child who insists they have done no wrong.

Meanwhile, Wei Yuan initiated a greeting.

"Hello, I'm Wei Yuan, the current president of the Ronghua Guild, specializing in defense with the core skill [Earth's Breath]."

Zhang Daoan nodded at him, "Li Tao, just a regular player."

Quite ordinary indeed; this name, this name... somehow doesn't match this person's demeanor at all!

Wei Yuan mused internally but remembered that this individual had been summoned by Jie Fangcheng.

Jie Fangcheng, who is known for his prowess, perceives this person to be formidable. It would seem that he must have some notable attributes.

Although engaged in conversation with Tao Youyuan, Nie Shuangshuang, who has been paying attention to Zhang Daoan all along, couldn't help but feel somewhat speechless.

Why is this guy so adamant about using an alias? The system will reveal their real names once the instance is completed, won't it?

Although she didn't know why, Nie Shuangshuang chose not to expose him.

Upon hearing the name, Yi Zeran paused momentarily, feeling instantly as if he had gained an upper hand.

He couldn't help but scoff coldly again, "Li Tao, I hear you're quite capable. Do you have any advice on how to successfully complete the instance?"

Zhang Daoan merely shook his head, "I'm not that strong, there's not much I can offer."

Yi Zeran became somewhat skeptical, wondering if this person... truly possessed only this level of ability?

Jie Fangcheng seemed rather capable; the people he summoned shouldn't be this incompetent, should they, even if not as astute as himself?

——As expected, they weren't.

Zhang Daoan glanced at the car parked nearby.

The zombies in the vicinity had already been cleared out by Jie Fangcheng, leaving the car peacefully stationed there. Despite substantial modifications to its appearance, it was evidently a five-seater sedan.

"A five-seater sedan, huh." Zhang Daoan remarked, his voice low yet audible to everyone present, "There will be an extra person when we return."

Nie Shuangshuang responded somewhat blankly, "Ah? We could squeeze in the back seat..."

Zhang Daoan's focus had already shifted back onto Yi Zeran, "Or there might not be an extra person."

Yi Zeran instantly grasped his implication.

His eyes widened in disbelief, "What are you implying? You... you plan to kill me???"

"Why not?" Zhang Daoan said with a smile.

"Are you insane?" Yi Zeran retorted with an ironic laugh, "Who do you think you are?"

"Me? I am an assistant summoned by Jie Fangcheng, who is currently your greatest support in this instance. Any issues with that?"

Yi Zeran was indeed clever, almost immediately understanding Zhang Daoan's implication.

Within this instance, the initially strongest was Tao Youyuan, or perhaps it could be more accurately delineated as the group of five from the Warm Cat Climbing Frame Guild led by Tao Youyuan.

In Yi Zeran's mind, Tao Youyuan and two other veteran players offered a strength advantage, while he contributed strategic insights. As for Qi Chanyang, his good rapport facilitated smooth interactions with NPCs, garnering more information.

Without Jie Fangcheng, the five members of the Warm Cat Climbing Frame Guild would have constituted the peak force of this cohort in the instance. Even if Yi Zeran was somewhat arrogant, being a part of this pinnacle team ensured his safety, regardless of others' annoyance with him.

Things were different now. Currently, it was Jie Fangcheng who represented the zenith of combat prowess within this instance, being the guarantee of everyone's success. His opinions were now of paramount importance.

Zhang Daoan looked at his expression, nodding gently, "It seems you've understood. You'll stay behind in a bit, no objections, right?"

Let alone Yi Zeran, even Tao Youyuan seemed somewhat stunned.

Wasn't the initial plan just to bring in a brainy person for some discussion and comparison?

Why are they now directly suggesting Yi Zeran face death??

With Yi Zeran's abilities, staying here would be perilous. Not to mention encountering a level five zombie, he might not even be able to handle a regular level two one.

"This... isn't really necessary, is it?" Tao Youyuan couldn't help but intervene, trying to mediate.

"Why isn't it necessary?" Zhang Daoan asked, "The car can only accommodate five people to begin with, and he makes one too many. Besides, isn't he quite capable? With such prowess, he should surely find a way to survive, shouldn't he?"

Yi Zeran's face turned ashen.

His mind was racing frenetically, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the people in front of him.

Jie Fangcheng and Nie Shuangshuang had witnessed this elder brother's methods before; at the moment, they were merely enjoying the show.

How to put it? Zhang Daoan, purely from a teammate's perspective, was indeed a good person.

But as an opponent, his tactics were undeniably ruthless.

However cruel his methods might be, he couldn't be classified as wicked-hearted. He would offer a way out to other players unless they crossed a line, like Yu Hanfei had. Even in the case of someone as selfish as Sun Yan from the previous instance, a person whom even Nie Shuangshuang felt should just be left in the instance, Zhang Daoan would still offer a chance of survival.

But while Jie Fangcheng and Nie Shuangshuang were aware of this, Yi Zeran had no clue!

Observing their nonchalant expressions, Yi Zeran's first reaction was: Could this Li Tao be a person who derives pleasure from killing other players??

It's possible!

Zhang Daoan's calm demeanor while speaking hinted that this wasn't his first time engaging in such activities.

What to do?

Yi Zeran had not anticipated this; initially assuming that summoning anyone would simply serve to highlight his intelligence, he now found himself sweating profusely in desperation.

Quickly, he managed to devise a potential solution.

Yi Zeran turned towards Tao Youyuan.

"Brother Yuan, you're not thinking of abandoning me, are you?"

Tao Youyuan frowned slightly.

His patience with Yi Zeran had already run thin, yet having treated him as a younger brother for so long, even with the decision to expel him from the guild after exiting the instance, he couldn't help but feel a hint of compassion.

Hence, he could only start by persuading, "Brother Jie, this kid may be naïve, but he has indeed assisted me greatly in the past. Could we overlook the words he uttered earlier?"

Before Jie Fangcheng could respond, Zhang Daoan turned to ask, "Is he your friend?"

"Ah? No, not really." Jie Fangcheng said honestly, "We just met today."

"Oh." Zhang Daoan maintained his composed expression and turned to look at Tao Youyuan, "So you intend to stay here for someone like this? That's fine, four people returning is just the same."

Tao Youyuan was stunned for a moment, seemingly paralyzed.

"I... I..."

How did the conversation lead to even him having to stay back??

He couldn't help but cast a pleading look towards Wei Yuan.

Just as Wei Yuan was about to say something, Nie Shuangshuang leaped forward and covered his mouth.

"Shut up! Let me tell you, this big brother kills without batting an eye. If you speak, you'll have to stay here too!"

With her back towards everyone, Nie Shuangshuang winked at Wei Yuan.

Wei Yuan understood and nodded, indeed choosing to remain silent.

Tao Youyuan couldn't have anticipated that the conversation would lead to this point. Why was he being dragged into a mess caused by Yi Zeran?

Meanwhile, a level four zombie staggered towards them. Jie Fangcheng, absorbed in the drama unfolding, rushed forward to knock it away with a stick, then returned to his original position.

After he returned, Zhang Daoan leisurely added, "Your hopes of clearing this stage now rest on him. Manager Jie is patient and won't hold a grudge against you. But it's strange, isn't it? How can someone be so arrogant when they clearly need help from others?"

Suppressing his irritation, Tao Youyuan continued to apologize, "I'm sorry, brother, he..."

"It's not just him." Zhang Daoan looked at Tao Youyuan, "His arrogance is largely thanks to your indulgence."

Tao Youyuan froze for a moment.

"For such an inadequate player to be so arrogant within the instance, you've contributed quite a bit, haven't you?"

After Zhang Daoan finished speaking, Tao Youyuan felt a chill overtake him as he suddenly snapped back to reality.

Yi Zeran had a very arrogant personality, quite notably so, and many in the guild disliked him.

But Tao Youyuan always believed that such a brainy player would achieve great things in the future, it was just that his current abilities were lacking.

This promising seedling, this potential future powerhouse, if nurtured well, would greatly benefit the entire guild.

Hence, Tao Youyuan would repeatedly share his philosophy with everyone, depicting the future strength of the guild.

Since entering the instance, Tao Youyuan had been pampering him.

And with the support of Tao Youyuan, who could make it into the top two hundred on the leaderboard, Yi Zeran swaggered around in the lower levels, frequently ordering other players about.

Since he didn't go too far, only exhibiting a poor attitude, and considering the weaker abilities of the players in the lower levels, everyone refrained from voicing any objections out of consideration for Tao Youyuan.

It was not until this round that the young man finally met his match.

After saying that, Zhang Daoan turned away without any hesitation.

"Have you completed your tasks? It's getting quite late, are you heading back now?"

"Oh yes, we've completed them, and even exceeded the requirements!" Nie Shuangshuang replied, sneaking glances at Yi Zeran and Tao Youyuan; Tao Youyuan had a contemplative look on his face while Yi Zeran was intensely staring at him.

He was indeed intelligent, recognizing that the trio, including Jie Fangcheng, had no real connection with him, and his earlier behavior on the road had likely alienated them. They probably wouldn't show him any leniency.

But with Tao Youyuan, the more time he spent with him, the clearer it became that Tao Youyuan had a soft-hearted nature.

Besides, after teaming up for so many rounds, Tao Youyuan couldn't possibly abandon him now... could he?

Over there, Tao Youyuan seemed to have made up his mind. He cast a deep glance at Yi Zeran, then walked determinedly towards Jie Fangcheng's group without looking back, silently taking a stand beside them, indicating his stance.

The only person who might have helped him no longer stood by his side, leaving Yi Zeran's face to turn ashen in an instant.

"You... you are joking, right?" Until this moment, he still harbored illusions, "I... although my abilities are average, my strategies have helped Tao Youyuan and me achieve a maximum clearance rate of 32% in the instances!"

The exceptionally high clearance rate was also a reason why Yi Zeran held himself in such high regard.

He believed that with his outstanding performance, he should be welcomed with open arms in any group, and only fools wouldn't appreciate him.

Unexpectedly, Nie Shuangshuang extended both hands, introducing the person before him.

"The individual before you has a clearance rate of one hundred percent."

"Impossible!" Yi Zeran immediately rebutted.

The introduced Zhang Daoan remained calm, not even bothering to argue at this point, instead turning and walking towards the car parked at a distance.

Few scattered zombies lingered around, all of low level and slow speed. Nie Shuangshuang couldn't be bothered to fight them as she passed by, but to Yi Zeran, they posed a substantial threat.

Shortly, the group of five boarded the vehicle in succession.

Finally, panic engulfed Yi Zeran.

Dodging the zombies, he sprinted to the car, frantically pounding on the window.

"You can't do this! I just... said a few unpleasant words! I, I apologize! I apologize!! But I shouldn't die just for saying something unpleasant, right?"

"Why not?" Jie Fangcheng watched him quietly, "Didn't you also suggest that the five of us should abandon the mission, letting everyone else die? They didn't even utter any unpleasant words, you know."

"I..." When Yi Zeran was willing to abandon others, it seemed like a matter of course to him, considering those left behind were merely weak players.

Now, finding himself left behind, Yi Zeran finally grasped the gravity of the situation.

Why?

He wasn't just some ordinary person, after all!

Zhang Daoan looked at him: "Furthermore, your apology is not that precious."

Precious...

Yi Zeran instantly understood.

"I'll give you all my items! Please, take me with you!!"

Nie Shuangshuang looked to the heavens.

Damn! So it comes down to this in the end, huh!

Before Zhang Daoan could respond, Yi Zeran had already hastily emptied all the contents from his backpack.

He was indeed very clever.

Compared to some who begged for mercy yet still held something back, secretly hiding one or two items, Yi Zeran was fully aware that as long as he remained alive, he could acquire anything.

But playing mind games at this moment could backfire; if seen through, his life would indeed be in jeopardy.

He didn't have many items in his backpack, given his limited number of successful runs, yet at this moment, he wisely knew whom to hand over these items to.

A heap of assorted items suddenly appeared in Jie Fangcheng's arms. Without any hesitation, showing his generous nature, he stashed them all in his own backpack.

Once everything was stowed away, Jie Fangcheng turned to Zhang Daoan: "Should we let him come with us?"

Yi Zeran was completely stiffened.

What was going on? Could they actually just take his items without agreeing to help??

Zhang Daoan wasn't as excessive as he had anticipated. Hearing Jie Fangcheng's question, he finally nodded.

"Get in. It doesn't really matter if we take him along."

"Oh, it might be a bit crowded in the back then."

Currently, Nie Shuangshuang was driving, with Jie Fangcheng seated in the passenger seat, ready to respond quickly in case of any emergency.

Zhang Daoan and the others occupied the back seat, which was already filled to capacity. Adding one more would indeed make it a tight squeeze.

Nie Shuangshuang joined in with a nod: "Yes, it will indeed be too cramped. Perhaps we should have him in the trunk instead."

However, the trunk was quite small, and it was uncertain whether this guy could fit in there.

Yi Zeran was no longer arrogant. He was well aware that his life was now in others' hands and that he had no say in the matter.

Let alone being asked to stay in the trunk, even if told to cling to the underside of the car, he would have no choice but to comply.

However, Zhang Daoan simply shook his head.

"There's another way."

"What?" Nie Shuangshuang asked curiously, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.

This man has a name so similar to the president's, though their personalities are worlds apart. Yet, both seem to possess sharp minds... No, although it seems a bit insulting to compare him to the president, this Zhang Daoan seems to be even more resourceful.

Zhang Daoan caught her gaze in the rearview mirror, and Nie Shuangshuang inexplicably felt a shiver run down her spine.

The next second, she realized her intuition was indeed correct.

"I heard Miss Nie is quite the fast runner, aren't you?"

"Huh?" A sense of foreboding crept into Nie Shuangshuang's heart.

Zhang Daoan smiled, "How about this: the five of us ride in the car, and you run back?"

Nie Shuangshuang: "???"

Nie Shuangshuang bewildered, "Are you serious???"

Zhang Daoan nodded, "Yes, if you run outside, you can also help us scout the surrounding area. Don't worry, I'll keep the window open to monitor your safety at all times."

Nie Shuangshuang: "?? Why don't you run yourself??"

"I'm not as fast."

Nie Shuangshuang attempted a final resistance, "But I'm the only one who can drive!"

Zhang Daoan adjusted his glasses, "Unfortunately, one of my hobbies happens to be racing."

"..."

In the end, Yi Zeran indeed climbed into the car, leaving a bewildered Nie Shuangshuang to step out.

She truly was fast, even faster than the car.

She wasn't too fearful of the level-five zombies in this instance, while she couldn't overpower them, they certainly couldn't catch up with her given her speed.

It was just so bizarre and utterly unacceptable!

As Nie Shuangshuang ran alongside, Wei Yuan glanced out a couple of times, unable to resist asking, "Brother, what do we do once we get back?"

"What do you mean, 'what do we do?'"

"How exactly are we going to clear this instance? You... don't seriously intend to kill all the zombies, do you?"

While driving, Zhang Daoan casually responded, "Why not? This is essentially a combat instance, after all. With sufficient combat power, we can certainly fight our way through. Why bother with the question of 'how to clear it'? Honestly, I find it even more puzzling why you would assume that at this stage, we could still find some clue. A clue? If there was any significant clue capable of ending this apocalypse, humanity wouldn't choose to retreat underground, nor would they choose such a brutal form of self-sacrifice for a final strike."

"Perhaps, when you entered this instance, there indeed existed clues that could save humanity. But now, as these individuals decide to forfeit their existing lives to cast hopes into the future... don't be so arrogant. 'Abandoning the search for clues' represents the optimal choice made by countless individuals, a choice paid for with their lives."

"As it stands, forcing our way through seems to be the optimal solution. While there might be details to discuss, the general direction won't change." Zhang Daoan glanced at Jie Fangcheng through the rearview mirror, "Manager Jie, this instance is in your hands now."

Jie Fangcheng listened with a sense of gratification, "See? Now that's strategy!"