Chapter 83: Zombie Siege (Part Five)

Chapter 83: Zombie Siege (Part Five)

The car entered the base while the sky was yet to brighten.

Nie Shuangshuang indeed ran swiftly, reaching the base first. Upon hearing the news she brought, the current highest commander at the base, Liu Shanhen, was at first incredulous.

"You encountered three level-five zombies... and you killed them all??"

Having ventured on many missions with Jie Fangcheng, Nie Shuangshuang had begun to get used to these kinds of skeptical questions.

Without hesitation, she stretched out her hand and tossed out the three level-five zombie cores.

She had personally extracted these cores.

Considering the group she was with, it was obvious that Jie Fangcheng would have been stunned if he didn't retch upon seeing Nie Shuangshuang extracting the cores, which would have been fortunate.

Wei Yuan and Tao Youyuan immediately retreated three meters, excessively yielding to her, both bowing so fervently that one might think a wedding was about to take place.

Unable to stand by, Nie Shuangshuang approached with a knife in hand and swiftly completed the extraction.

At this moment, three sparkling cores, each the size of a baby's fist, lay before them. Liu Shanhen stared blankly at them, tears suddenly streaming down his face.

It had been so many years... Since all the level-five power users perished, he hadn't seen a level-five zombie core for a long time. Humanity had been hiding, shrinking from numerous bases scattered everywhere to eventually establishing thirteen large bases, and now inhabiting underground, abandoning the surface facilities.

It had been years since they faced the zombies with such a victory.

"Ah!" Even Nie Shuangshuang found the scene overwhelming, quickly appearing and disappearing just as swiftly.

By the time Jie Fangcheng and others returned, Nie Shuangshuang was squatting at a corner by the entrance of the base.

Jie Fangcheng curiously asked, "What are you doing here? Counting ants?"

Nie Shuangshuang stood up, her expression somewhat somber.

"You wouldn't understand."

Jie Fangcheng let out a snort of laughter.

Upon entering the underground base, lights were on in every home. Countless people stood quietly at their doors, their pairs of eyes shining brighter than the lamplight under its glow.

Jie Fangcheng paused in his steps.

Having witnessed grand events before, he maintained a rather composed demeanor at this time.

When Liu Shanhen approached with tear-streaked eyes, he fixed his gaze directly onto Jie Fangcheng.

Jie Fangcheng stepped back two paces, patting Zhang Daoan on the shoulder.

"It's up to you."

With that, he turned and ran, quickly joining up with Nie Shuangshuang.

Nie Shuangshuang glanced at him, "What are you doing out here?"

Jie Fangcheng sighed, "You wouldn't understand."

The two stood like guardian deities on either side of the base entrance, waiting for nearly half an hour before Wei Yuan finally emerged from the base.

"Let's go," he said, his face bearing a peculiar expression as he glanced at Jie Fangcheng and then at Nie Shuangshuang.

Nie Shuangshuang, ever blunt, asked, "What's with that face?"

Wei Yuan shook his head, "Nothing."

Only after returning to the base did the two understand the meaning behind Wei Yuan's expression.

The underground base was bustling with activity; the hopeful gazes that were previously fixed on Jie Fangcheng had disappeared, with everyone busily preparing for something.

Qi Chanyang, one of the popular group leaders, greeted Jie Fangcheng warmly upon seeing him: "Brother Jie!"

After the greeting, Qi Chanyang did fill them in on the recent events.

Tao Youyuan and over a hundred others entered Base 13, identifying themselves as "the last survivors of a small human base."

This was not unusual. Although the thirteen large human bases essentially accommodated almost all of the surviving humans, there were still some small human bases lingering in remote mountainous areas or places far from the thirteen bases.

However, as time passed, the small bases became increasingly scarce due to the dwindling strength of humans and the growing power of zombies.

It had been many years since humans who escaped from destroyed small bases had been seen. Initially, Liu Shanhen held high hopes for these new comrades, given their impressive abilities, including Tao Youyuan who could even match a level-four zombie.

However, it didn't take long for Liu Shanhen to realize that the behaviors of these individuals were... quite distasteful.

These newcomers were too self-serving, looking down upon the original inhabitants of the base.

Furthermore, they were distinctly selfish compared to others in the base, acting in a disorganized manner, as if the dire straits humanity found itself in had nothing to do with them. They seemed indifferent to the fate of mankind, caring only for their own well-being and the risk level of the tasks assigned to them.

As for the future development of humanity? It wasn't important to them; their own lives took precedence.

This attitude greatly displeased Liu Shanhen, yet their capabilities meant he had to treat them somewhat favorably.

The liaison between the one hundred newcomers and the base management was a man named Yi Zenan, who, despite his average abilities, was quite astute.

However, Liu Shanhen disliked him the most among the newcomers.

This was because, although Yi Zenan appeared approachable, he was in fact quite arrogant. Leveraging his cleverness, he would frequently offer unsolicited advice on base affairs and kept subtly inquiring about the locations of other bases.

Liu Shanhen and other team leaders once tried to seek his insights on various issues, discussing the base's historical developments and current challenges, hoping to hear his perspectives.

But it wasn't long before Liu Shanhen ceased engaging with him to such an extent.

They genuinely don't care at all!

Yi Zer Nan is only interested in how to improve his status within the base, harboring a strong desire to become the commander of everyone.

Given this lesson from history, even when Jie Fangcheng demonstrated his capabilities, the first thought that crossed Liu Shanxing's mind wasn't "we are saved," but how to ensure that this external aid would willingly assist humanity in the current circumstances.

Indeed.

Although they all appear to be humans on the surface, Liu Shanxing hasn't considered them as allies for a long time.

At this moment, a stranger appeared, and while Liu Shanxing was contemplating how to initiate the conversation, the stranger extended a hand with a warm attitude for a handshake.

"Hello, Li Tao."

"Oh, hello." Liu Shanxing steadied his emotions, about to speak when the other party began with a serious and focused tone.

"Time is of the essence, and you have witnessed the capabilities of my companions. Do you have any plans on how to end this apocalypse?"

"Ah?" Liu Shanxing was stunned for a moment, quickly nodding thereafter, "Yes. We once attempted to devise a plan to eliminate the zombies when there were still level five ability users around. But we had to abandon it due to the rapid increase in the zombies' strength."

He hesitated before asking, "I have seen Mr. Jie's capabilities. Is he... willing to help us?"

"Absolutely."

Subsequently, a player and an NPC began a meeting, and Yi Zer Nan seemed slightly calmer upon returning to the base.

Although he no longer spoke with that sardonic tone, he couldn't help but ask after the discussion between Zhang Daoan and Liu Shanxing, "Are we just going to listen to these NPCs?"

Zhang Daoan glanced at him, "They have been battling zombies on this land for over two hundred and thirty years. Their understanding of the zombies and judgment of the situation surpass ours, the newcomers, by immeasurable extents. Even the most arrogant person wouldn't believe that a month's experience here could outweigh the efforts of so many people over two hundred years, right?"

"Efforts? Despite their efforts, they have reached this point, haven't they?"

"It can't be helped; it's an issue with the game's setting, not a problem with their intelligence. Now that there are powerful external supports, things are naturally different."

Yi Zer Nan looked sullen, "So you mean, without Jie Fangcheng and you all, other players would be unable to clear the game?"

This was a question that Tao Youyuan and Wei Yuan had also wanted to ask.

The highest clearance rate for this level three mission is 14%, meaning that fourteen players have cleared it before.

If clearance isn't possible without the terrifying strength of Jie Fangcheng, then the difficulty of this mission wouldn't be just level three.

"Of course not," Zhang Daoan answered, also giving a reminder glance at Tao Youyuan and Wei Yuan who were waiting for his explanation, "The condition to clear the mission is to survive a month, not to end the apocalypse. Surviving a month is quite simple actually."

"Simple??" Even Tao Youyuan couldn't hold back, "You don't know, but this mission is really insurmountable. At the beginning, everyone thought surviving a month was an easy task. Indeed, if the base hadn't decided to fight the zombies to the bitter end, risking mutual destruction, the mission wouldn't be considered difficult. But how can we convince the base to cancel this plan?"

Zhang Daoan's answer was quite succinct.

"The simplest method is to provide the base with hope or move to another base."

Not to mention Tao Youyuan and Wei Yuan, even Yi Ze'nan furrowed his brows, completely unable to understand.

"What do you mean?"

Zhong Dao'an looked at them.

"On your third day in the game, a new clue emerged stating that there were vaccines in the Smile Building, right?"

"Yes, but that was fake news. Many players and NPCs went there, but not only did they not find any vaccines, but there were also level five zombies in the vicinity, resulting in over half of the players dying."

"It wasn't fake news, it should be true."

"How is that possible?" Yi Ze'nan countered, "We analyzed it. After all these years, there has been no significant progress in vaccine research. Although significant clues might appear after the arrival of players, no matter how you look at it, it's incorrect. It's unscientific for the vaccine not to appear in the base but in the midst of zombies!"

"That's because many people wouldn't stay within the base." Zhong Dao'an looked at him, "To research a zombie vaccine, you need the zombie virus and zombies. But given the contagion properties of the zombie virus and the current rudimentary state of human bases, preventing the virus from spreading among normal humans is very difficult at the moment. Hence, the remaining batch of scientists moved their research facility to an underground location at a distance from the human base."

"You thought well. The sudden appearance of several level five zombies in the Zombie City indeed indicates the presence of clues nearby... perhaps, the underground laboratory was exposed, and the scent of humans attracted a lot of zombies. If it was on the third day you entered this instance, I guess, this clue was real - the zombie virus vaccine. The scientists finally developed a vaccine, but something went wrong, they only managed to place the vaccine in the Smile Building and broadcast this news. At that time, if your strength was sufficient and you were united, you might have been able to bring this vaccine out."

"You... this is all speculation!" Yi Ze'nan's face turned red.

The vaccine news was false, this speculation was what he told all the players, thereby successfully stopping nearly half of the players from going to their "dooms".

This naturally includes Tao Youyuan, the strongest player among them.

But if this news was true, if they could go to the Smile Building together in the first place...

"Whether it is speculation or not, you can ask Captain Liu yourself later, he should be willing to tell you." Zhong Dao'an only glanced at the time, seemingly having other matters to attend to, thus he only pointed out another clue, "If they weren't sure that something capable of changing the entire human destiny was there, why would the base send people there frantically?"

Yi Ze'nan was still shaking his head in disbelief, but Tao Youyuan had already believed it.

He remained silent.

Indeed, during that time the mission to search for the vaccine at the Smile Building... Liu Shanxing and his team did approach him, hoping that Tao Youyuan could take his strong companions to check it out.

But under Yi Ze'nan's analysis, Tao Youyuan refused.

The Smile Building seemed very dangerous, many players who went there died, and it was impossible to determine the truth of the vaccine news.

Shortly after Tao Youyuan's refusal, for unknown reasons, Liu Shanxing and his team gave up.

Soon after giving up, the "Seed of Fire Continuation Plan" was initiated.

They received a mission to make a final desperate fight with the zombies.

Doesn't this resemble a decision made after the loss of all hope?

"What about what you mentioned... going to another base?" Tao Youyuan asked, "Xiao... Yi Ze'nan tried, all the major bases have moved underground, to better conceal their presence, the bases are built very deep, and the entrances are extremely hidden, it is impossible to go to another base without a map, but the base leaders won't easily hand over the maps."

After he finished speaking, Zhong Dao'an handed him something.

Tao Youyuan was startled as he opened it.

"The map..."

"If your combat strength is substantial, you can venture in search of the vaccine. If not, on the third day of entering the instance, you might approach the commander and convey your willingness to seek aid from other bases, bringing experts from those locations to join the quest for the vaccine. This vaccine represents not only the hope of Base Thirteen but also the entire humanity. Isn't that easy to deduce?"

"No!" Yi Ze Nan suddenly exclaimed, "You are backcasting the rationale with the outcome! How were we to know at the beginning what would transpire later on?? Had I known, would I have chosen this path??"

Yi Ze Nan's voice echoed loudly, drawing the fleeting attention of the bustling NPCs around. However, after a brief glance, they swiftly resumed their respective duties, readying to depart or seeking a brief respite.

"The highest completion rate of the instance stands at 14%," Zhong Dao An remarked, "Didn't this alarmingly low rate alert you to brace yourselves right at the onset? Did you believe that daily mundane, hazard-free tasks would grant you passage? Don't you grasp the harsh reality of this game? Thirteen surviving human bases with Base One at the center, surrounded by the protective embrace of the other twelve - and Base Thirteen being the last to transition underground. Haven't you noticed the absence of minors here? The plethora of so-called clues should have made it evident - that there's a high possibility of a mass sacrifice here, right?"

He had grown weary of explaining what appeared evident to him, unsure what was left to elucidate in a situation he saw through at a glance.

"Setting that aside, stepping into this instance as representatives of humanity at a juncture where our very survival is at stake... It's preposterous that a group of a mere hundred individuals believes they can preserve their own selves, isn't it?"

Zhong Dao An shook his head, a gesture imbued with helplessness.

"You embody... a certain foolish arrogance, don't you?"

Having said that, Zhong Dao An turned and walked away, leaving behind an atmosphere tinged with gravity.

Indeed, he believed that the best strategy left for clearing this stage was to have Jie Fang Cheng pierce straight through the instance; however, it wasn't synonymous with a reckless onslaught.

After all, the group hadn't completely misassessed one aspect.

The enormity of this instance was indeed overwhelming.

Pursuing high-level zombies on foot across this vast expanse could take centuries.

Assistance was essential to narrow down the potential zones of the high-level zombies and to muster external forces.

A task requiring meticulous and painstaking effort.

Yes, an ally would be indispensable.

At this moment, Yi Ze Nan seemed at a loss, his face flushed in agitation, while Wei Yuan and Tao You Yuan were assigned reconnaissance tasks in the vicinity.

Nie Shuang Shuang queried, "...So, my task is to circumnavigate the thirteen human bases to scout for the presence of high-level zombies in the vicinity, preventing a massive human casualty?"

"Yes," Qi Chan Yang replied cheerfully, "Brother Li mentioned that you are the best fit for this job given your speed."

As he spoke, Qi Chan Yang handed her a walkie-talkie and a device capable of detecting nearby high-level zombies, his expression hinting at a touch of envy.

"This reconnaissance job involves extensive travel, primarily around the human bases, promising a considerable amount of points."

The game's calculation of a player's contribution to the instance wasn't confined to the number of monsters killed; it included intellectual contributions as well.

Undertaking reconnaissance missions in uncharted territories, though seemingly straightforward, might inadvertently lead to critical clues or locations.

The system wasn't that astute; unlike the players who recognized Zhong Dao An's significant contributions, the system remained oblivious.

The system only recognizes who first uncovers the vital clues.

Like the task Zhong Daoan assigned to Nie Shuangshuang now, her aimless wanderings will still count towards her contributions as long as she passes by locations with vital clues, even if she doesn't actually encounter them.

She was rather bewildered: "I constantly feel like he is targeting me; was that just a misconception?"

Regardless of whether it was a misconception, this task was indeed quite appealing. Nie Shuangshuang soon left the base, full of vim and vigor.

Xie Fangcheng was frustrated: "Everyone has tasks to do, what about me?"

As he spoke, Zhong Daoan emerged from the room. Seeing Xie Fangcheng, he walked over and retrieved a hamburger from the system backpack.

"Want some?" he asked.

Although Xie Fangcheng initially hesitated saying "I really shouldn't", he accepted it the next moment.

Zhong Daoan was quite considerate.

"Why don't you eat inside? There's water on the table."

"Sounds good," Xie Fangcheng agreed, heading inside.

Nie Shuangshuang was watching, her eyes practically popping out of her head.

Only items could be stored in the system backpack, like homemade pancake turnovers that couldn't be placed inside since the ingredients were procured by the players themselves.

Yes, with the game evolving over many years, players fully leveraged their inherent traits. Over forty years ago, they began cultivating farms and ranches in the suburbs, and soon enough, some engineering-savvy players established food processing factories.

It was precisely due to these player-procured materials and technologies that professional players could sustain themselves without exiting the game.

However, it was indeed possible to store food in the system backpack.

This was because the system's physical store in the player lobby offered various material packages, albeit at exorbitant prices.

Take this hamburger, for instance; an adventurous individual like Nie Shuangshuang had bought the ingredients and had someone make it before, spending over eight thousand credits just for the ingredients. Despite this, the hamburger had no special properties, and its taste was quite ordinary.

The worst part was that such items occupied a slot in the system backpack, providing no benefits other than being storable in the backpack.

A dungeon run could last from three days to over a hundred days, and food shortages were essentially nonexistent within the dungeon. Therefore, aside from affluent players with a peculiar mindset, few would bother preparing such items.

So how did someone as sensible as him end up preparing a hamburger?

As if reading her confusion, Zhong Daoan just offered a polite smile, saying, "I figured I should get used to being summoned suddenly, so I prepared some food."

At his words, Nie Shuangshuang's expression turned somewhat awkward.

Was he hinting at her?

Nie Shuangshuang explained, "It was all Xie's fault; he didn't pay attention and just agreed...uh, by the way, have you had your meal?"

"Not hungry," Zhong Daoan smiled, "I waited in the dining area for over an hour, anticipating that you guys might have encountered some unexpected situations, so I ordered a meal."

"Oh, oh, oh." Nie Shuangshuang expressed relief, "Good that you've eaten, good that you've eaten."

Before she could finish, Zhong Daoan continued smiling, saying, "I managed a few bites, then there was a flash of white light before my eyes, and I was summoned here."

Nie Shuangshuang: "..."

Nie Shuangshuang was in despair, "I admit my mistake, big brother! But this isn't entirely my fault, right? It was Xie who summoned you!"

Before she could finish, Xie Fangcheng, who vaguely heard someone calling him from inside the house, opened the door and peeked out: "Who called me?"

Zhong Daoan took out a can of cola from the system backpack again, "Want some?"

"Isn't this inappropriate?" While speaking, Xie Fangcheng accepted it, "Ahem, have you eaten yet?"

Zhong Daoan responded unflinchingly, "I've eaten."

"Oh, oh." Xie Fangcheng retracted his head and closed the door again.

Zhong Daoan turned his gaze towards Nie Shuangshuang.

Nie Shuangshuang, with fortune seeming to dawn upon her, proposed, "How about... after exiting the dungeon, I... I transfer the credits for your meal to you?"

Zhong Daoan nodded politely, "Thank you."

"..." Nie Shuangshuang asked, somewhat at a loss, "But why are you only charging me for the credits? Isn't Xie the instigator??"

"He doesn't have any credits," Zhong Daoan stated matter-of-factly.

.

Armed with the dashboard intercom and a belly full of unspoken grievances, Nie Shuangshuang set off.

She realized that Zhong Daoan, who seemed quite genteel and refined, was diligent in collecting credits from many players in the last run, and now from her in this run, proving to be... er, quite frugal and prudent.

Inside the base, Tao Youyuan and Wei Yuan led a group of highly capable individuals with special abilities as they embarked as well.

Zhong Daoan's plan was relatively straightforward.

All existing human bases were to unify, and from these points, expand outwards gradually, akin to a radiation pattern.

Nie Shuangshuang and others with swift speeds were designated as scouts to identify the locations of high-level zombies.

Xie Fangcheng would serve as the vanguard, progressively eliminating high-level zombies step by step.

Human NPCs and other players would be the main force, responsible for clearing the majority of low-level zombies.

There was also a solution to address Xie Fangcheng's slow speed.

"The only aircraft we have left can serve as his exclusive vehicle, although we are running low on parachutes," remarked someone.

Zhong Daoan merely nodded.

After finishing his meal and drink, and hearing the plan, Xie Fangcheng was thoroughly pleased.

No need to run, just rush directly into the fray with high-level zombies to fight, what a dream scenario!

As for the parachutes...

"Oh, I don't need a parachute."

Liu Shanhen: "Huh?"

But how could one manage without a parachute?

Although the aircraft is a fighter, due to the rapid evolution of the zombies' abilities, many have developed leaping capabilities, with the strongest known being able to leap thirty meters high. Therefore, the flight altitude must be maintained above fifty meters.

Fifty meters!

Even with the special abilities everyone possessed now, no one could jump from a height of fifty meters and survive.

But soon, Liu Shanhen witnessed the first person to leap from fifty meters.

Nie Shuangshuang identified the first level-five zombie in the instrument panel and quickly relayed the information.

"Zone 12-4, 704, there's a massive zombie here!" Nie Shuangshuang couldn't help but exclaim over the intercom, "Damn, this thing is so disgusting, it looks like a toad... okay, the toad has spotted me! I am making a run for it!"

"We'll be right there!"

Nie Shuangshuang led the zombie at a rapid pace, even gathering a few level-four zombies along the way.

She was already fast and was worried about losing the zombies she was leading, sometimes even having to stop and wait for them.

Soon, Nie Shuangshuang could hear the sound of propellers overhead.

On the plane, Liu Shanhen was continuously giving instructions, acting much like a logistics minister.

"I believe in Mr. Xie's abilities, but these zombies generally develop special abilities after reaching level five. These abilities vary greatly, so please be extremely cautious. Oh, and do you know how to use this parachute? You..."

Having been lectured all the way, Xie Fangcheng, spotting Nie Shuangshuang at this moment, immediately leaped out of the plane without a backward glance.

Liu Shanhen: "??"

"Hey! Don't be so impulsive!!"

Liu Shanhen quickly peered down through the open door.

With a thunderous crash, Xie Fangcheng slammed directly into the ground. He then drew his twin blades and charged at the level-five zombie, swiftly taking it down with two slashes, and in the same motion, slew the encroaching level-four zombies.

The "Phoenix Feather" blades he wielded had a fiery luminance flowing along their lengths, casting a lightning-fire silhouette in the dark forest night, as if a beacon amidst darkness.

His relaxed demeanor didn't resemble someone engaged in a dangerous battle with zombies, but rather someone leisurely chopping vegetables in a kitchen.

After making the cut, Xie Fangcheng habitually flicked a flourish with his sword, causing the residual liquid to splatter onto Nie Shuangshuang's face with a 'plop'.

Nie Shuangshuang: "..."

Nie Shuangshuang's furious roar could be heard loud and clear by Liu Shanxing who was on the plane.

"Are you trying to kill me?! Do you realize you splashed that stuff all over my face?! I don't even know if it'll cause pimples!!!"

Xie Fangcheng speechless: "You aren't even afraid of kissing a zombie but you're afraid of this?"

"I would only kiss in an absolute emergency! Who in their right mind would want to come into contact with zombie fluid willingly?? Wait a second! Why is there a tear in your magic robe??"

"Perhaps I accidentally..."

"I will kill you, I swear!!!"

Without another word, Xie Fangcheng forcefully propelled himself forward with both legs,

causing the ground to shatter around him in a blink, forming a deep crater at his centre.

Xie Fangcheng immediately lunged for the rope ladder dangling from the plane, swiftly climbing up and wiping the sweat from his brow once aboard.

"Let's move, hurry."

His expression was far more fearful compared to when he encountered the level-five zombie.

Liu Shanxing was breaking into a cold sweat.

This girl was terrifying in a whole new way.

Despite her furious roar, Nie Shuangshuang didn't forget her mission, seemingly moving even faster in her anger as she darted between the thirteen bases, cursing while searching for the next high-level zombie.

By the time the sun rose from the east, casting the first ray of light onto base number thirteen, all the high-level zombies surrounding the thirteen existing human bases had been annihilated.

The lone remaining plane soared higher, allowing Liu Shanxing to take in the view of the thirteen bases.

Since the inception of the "Flame Continuation Project", everyone had braced themselves for the potential sacrifice.

—Including the hub known as the Flame, base number one.

Base one was the largest human stronghold, and the first to move underground. Up until now, it had been excavated to a depth of two thousand meters, yet humans only occupied the upper thousand meters. The deepest layer housed a vast collection of books and records, chronicling thousands of years of human history, including the epic tale of the 230-year battle between humans and zombies.

Everyone was prepared, yet no one knew what the outcome of this war would be. The true essence to be preserved was never humanity itself.

It was civilization.

It was the testament to the existence of the human species, these records proving that on this land there once existed a flourishing era, a time of prosperity but also despair, inhabited by a race of intellect who had explored the heavens and dived into the seas, witnessed countless sunsets and sunrises.

The evolution of the zombies was too rapid, so swift that no one could predict the nature of the adversary that would eventually confront them. Perhaps, in the end, these zombies would develop abilities to fly and burrow, rendering all human preparations futile, akin to a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

But at the very least, they will fight until the last moment.

Liu Shanxing had always assumed that this was humanity's final fate.

But now, he lowers his eyelids to gaze at the ground below.

In the long-abandoned ground bases, only a few low-level zombies are wandering around.

Liu Shanxing knows, they will soon reclaim the first piece of land that belonged to humans on the surface.

Liu Shanxing takes a deep breath.

He takes out the walkie-talkie, issuing instructions to all the human commanders deep underground.

"All bases, this is Liu Shanxing, the current commander of Base 13, broadcasting a general announcement: Zones 1-13, all level 5 zombies and a majority of level 4 zombies have been eliminated. Please send your special forces to clear the remaining low-level zombies on the surface. Xie Fangcheng and I are patrolling the area from above and will provide support in case of emergencies."

"Please ensure your safety, may we... may humanity meet again at dawn."