Chapter One Hundred

Chapter One Hundred

"Alright, let's go back," said Lin An, having easily disposed of the zombie and thoroughly checked that it was indeed dead. He prepared to return with the group.

But people who had been watching secretly nearby gathered around.

"Xu Fang and Ou Yangdong, recalling their previous experience in Bingxue City, immediately stood by Lin An's sides, wary of the crowd."

"Was it you who killed that zombie just now?"

"'My goodness, that massive zombie... I thought we were goners, and yet it was resolved so effortlessly,' someone exclaimed."

"Hello, I am the head of Bai Ze City's rescue organization. Here's my business card. If you haven't joined any organization yet, I hope you can consider us. We mainly do..."

"Ou Yangdong used his robust physique to block most people, but a few agile ones managed to slip through, presenting Lin An with business cards from seemingly nowhere. He wondered if they were salespeople before the apocalypse, given their strong sales skills."

Some people looked at Lin An with eyes filled with awe. To kill such a zombie indicated unfathomable strength.

Faced with the crowd, Lin An felt a bit nervous, but soon realized he wasn't scared. Their gazes, filled with respect, curiosity, and eagerness, were not uncomfortable.

These looks were temporary. Once they learned of his identity, they might not be so friendly. But Lin An was content. He felt himself improving, whether it was his social anxiety or his obsession with cleanliness, everything was moving in a positive direction. He no longer feared people's gazes and could go out like a normal person.

"As Lin An's own strength had grown, he was no longer the Lin An who could be easily bullied."

"Being able to leave home, to leave the safety of Chu Xi City and explore the world outside was truly wonderful."

"Shen Xiuzhe and Wu Duo, upon seeing the sudden appearance of the zombie, also hurried over. By the time they arrived, they found Lin An surrounded by a crowd."

"Shen Xiuzhe immediately made his way through the crowd towards Lin An."

"'Are you okay?' Shen Xiuzhe asked, not worried about any zombies challenging Lin An, but uncertain about these people."

"'I'm fine,' Lin An responded with a smile, appearing more relaxed than usual."

"Wu Duo and Ran Qing also made their way through the crowd, many of whom recognized Ran Qing and even made way for her."

"Ran Qing, observing the group, was relieved to see that everyone seemed unharmed."

"Just as she sighed in relief, a voice came from below: 'Zombie detected, requesting elimination.'"

"A small white robot, speaking in a calm, child-like voice, transformed its arm into a large blade, swinging it directly at Lin An."

"Xu Fang exclaimed, 'Is that Da Fu?'"

"Ou Yangdong exclaimed, 'How did it get here? Wait, stop it first!'"

"Wu Duo immediately collected the battle-ready robot into her space, but everyone had heard its words."

"The crowd, previously bustling, fell silent with bewilderment, their eyes filled with suspicion and disbelief as they turned towards Lin An."

"Lin An, with his head lowered, remained untroubled by the robot's statement and the crowd's silence. He felt calm enough to handle these situations now. A warm touch in his palm, Shen Xiuzhe stood beside him, holding his hand."

"No matter the situation, Shen Xiuzhe would always stand by Lin An's side."

"Ran Qing clapped her hands to attract attention, familiar to many there, 'This is Lin An, who arrived yesterday from Chu Xi City. As you all saw, he is indeed a zombie.'"

"Ran Qing even lifted Lin An’s bangs to show his eyes to everyone."

"Some people began to retreat. After more than a year of zombie troubles, the sight of red pupils, no matter how beautiful, was a sign of a zombie to them."

"'Though a zombie, Lin An has never harmed humans. He retains human thinking and rationality, and even protects humans from other zombies,' Ran Qing indicated the giant dried zombie nearby as irrefutable evidence of his actions."

"'His unique physiology is under study, and we are trying to understand why he maintains his sanity. Most importantly, Lin An and his companions found a meteorite on their way here.'"

"Meteorite???"

"'As everyone knows, zombies appeared after a meteor shower. That meteorite, almost coinciding with the zombie outbreak, might affect zombies and ability users. It could be the key to solving the zombie virus.'"

"The crowd began to stir with excitement. This revelation was too significant to ignore. People eagerly questioned Ran Qing for more details, momentarily forgetting their concerns about the zombie presence."

"While explaining, Ran Qing effectively minimized Lin An's perceived threat."

"Her approach worked; the crowd's focus shifted away from Lin An. A few remained uneasy, but Ran Qing's inspiring words quickly dispelled their fears."

"On the way back, Shen Xiuzhe wondered what if his mother couldn't find a cure or solution to the zombie virus. They had no results for over a year, and even with the meteorite, immediate results were unlikely. Everything was still hypothetical."

"'We've waited too long, it's time to give everyone some hope. Even if the meteorite proves useless, we'll continue our research until we find a way to counter the zombie virus,' Ran Qing mused, gazing at the scarred city, wondering how long it would take to heal, but determined never to give up."

Wu Duo, holding onto Granny Wu, felt reassured now that they had the medicine. As long as Granny Wu took it regularly, she would recover. To her, as long as Granny Wu was well, no matter the environment or challenges faced, she wouldn't be afraid.

"'How did Da Fu end up outside?' Xu Fang queried."

"Though the robot could do much, its aggressive reaction to Lin An usually kept it confined. Its unexpected appearance had inadvertently exposed Lin An’s identity."

"Wu Duo explained, 'We were downloading data at the medical building. The process was slow due to outdated equipment. Then I remembered Da Fu, who completed the download quickly. It hadn't been out for a while, so I didn't recall it immediately.'"

"Had it not been for Shen's mother's timely intervention, Lin An might have faced similar troubles as in Ice Snow City."

"Now that everyone knew Lin An's identity, there was no need for pretense."

"Upon learning of Zhang Professor's actions, Ran Qing had little to say. He was talented, and had he focused on positive research, he might have achieved greatness. His deviation towards unethical human experiments crossed a line."

"Back at the research institute, Ran Qing and the team dove into studying the materials from Lin An and the meteorite, working tirelessly."

"Wu Duo cared for her grandmother, ensuring timely medication and nutrition. Despite her good health, the long journey had taken its toll, necessitating rest."

"Ou Yangdong became a semi-staff at the institute, his ability to accelerate plant growth proving invaluable. The institute's stock of medicinal herbs, except for completely depleted ones, was now replenished."

"Xu Fang took up construction work, finding his skills more useful there. In the wake of the city's destruction, he joined others in rebuilding various structures. He easily made friends wherever he went."

"His new friends even helped track down Zhang Professor's accomplices. Xu Fang, who never forgets a grudge, was particularly irked by those who had pushed them during their escape. These individuals had also assisted Zhang Professor in committing atrocities, drawing the ire of victims' families."

"The end for that group was particularly grim."

"When Xu Fang shared their journey's stories with the people of Baize City, he highlighted the heroic moments of Shen Xiuzhe and Lin An. Many learned about Lin An through these tales, discovering the zombie's shy, cleanliness-obsessed nature and his pet dog."

"Lin An's story intrigued many. Being the only zombie with human consciousness, he drew significant attention. Some who had only heard of him feared that he might revert to his zombie instincts. But learning about his long-kept pet dog, which remained lively even now, eased their fears."

"The contrast of a fierce-looking individual caring for a cute animal softened people's perceptions of Lin An, making him seem more human."

"Lin An now resided in one of Shen Xiuzhe's family properties in Baize City. The Shens, mostly stationed at the research institute, rarely used their multiple city residences, some of which were in zombie-dense areas."

"Wu Duo's space stored all of Lin An's belongings, which finally found a new home. His bed, wardrobe, a study filled with books, a family portrait on the bedside table, and his parents' notes in a drawer made him feel at home."

"Lin An was grateful that his possessions, carrying precious childhood memories, were preserved during his confused state."

"He was content with this."

"Occasionally, Lin An ventured out to handle zombies. To his surprise, many people curiously observed him, and some even approached to greet him."

"He was astonished by the warm reception, expecting at best to be tolerated, not welcomed."

"Shen Xiuzhe, aware of Xu Fang's actions, understood the high acceptance level in Baize City. Having witnessed various bizarre cases, the people might initially fear Lin An, but his existence also represented hope. If Lin An retained his human mind post-transformation, perhaps other zombies could regain their consciousness too."

"This mindset led to an even warmer reception for Lin An, with people eagerly asking him what he did to regain his sanity."

Lin An: "He didn't know either. Maybe it was his obsession with cleanliness?"

"Two weeks later, Shen Xiuzhe's father returned from Half Moon Island. He and his companions had endured many hardships to collect the necessary medicinal herbs. Yet, upon returning to the institute, they found the storeroom overflowing with supplies."

"His wife, preoccupied with research, had little time for him."

"The only solace was the safe return of his son, whom he hadn't seen in three years. He hoped to catch up, but his son, preoccupied with his relationship, hardly had time, even tasking his father with walking the dog."

Shen Father: "..."

"Watching the reluctant Golden Retriever sadly gaze after the departing couple, Shen's father felt a sense of camaraderie in their shared neglect."

"The device Zhang Professor had developed to control zombies, originally restricted to his loyalists, was now utilized by the community. They controlled zombies to move to remote areas or assist in city reconstruction."

"Powerful zombies were cleared by Lin An, Shen Xiuzhe, and other ability users."

"The city gradually regained vitality. Everyone began rebuilding and replanting, with ability users making the tasks easier."

"Two months later, Ran Qing emerged from seclusion with a significant discovery in their research."

"The meteorite contained immense energy that could alter the physiques of ability users and zombies, making them stronger."

"Their ongoing research aimed at enhancing human physiques, potentially increasing human survival rates significantly."

"Progress was also made in the study of Lin An's unique condition."

Researchers had always wondered why some people turned into zombies while others did not. Though it seemed linked to physical constitution, elderly, sick individuals, and children who did not transform existed, as did young people in good health who became zombies.

Ultimately, research revealed that certain individuals had a higher affinity with the zombie virus, getting infected merely by air contact. This was the source of the first wave of zombies.

However, this being a matter of personal physical traits, it couldn't be intervened with later, just like some are born with double eyelids or naturally high-pitched voices – unchangeable traits.

Lin An was an anomaly; his constitution made him less susceptible to infection, yet he was physically weak, had low survival instincts, strong negative emotions, and was even malnourished. Initially, the zombie virus dominated in his body, but as his physical, mental, and willpower strengthened, the virus was suppressed.

Although he still exhibited zombie traits, they would gradually diminish over time, transforming him back into a human.

He was a unique case, impossible to replicate.

Researchers, inspired by his case, sought to develop a medication capable of suppressing the zombie virus within the body. While it couldn't revert those already transformed, its success would prevent future infections.

The primary ingredient for this medication was discovered within the meteorite.

Indeed, as Shen Xiuzhe had anticipated, Lin An and the meteorite he brought back became key to ending the apocalypse.

The current major issue was the scarcity of meteorites; they had only one piece, yet the need for it was widespread, encompassing humans, various animals, plants, and marine life.

Seeing hope, the people of Baize City became increasingly motivated. Various organizations, large and small, began to merge, jointly dividing areas to establish new living bases. Knowing the apocalypse's end was near, they redoubled efforts to restore the city to its original state.

"Since learning that he would eventually revert to being human, Lin An stopped fussing about the color of his eyes and decided to leave Bai Ze City to continue his search for meteorites."

Although Baize City was lovely and its people kind, Lin An also fulfilled a lifelong wish – finding his parents.

"However, he found himself drawn to the thrill of venturing into the wilderness. Once a homebody who feared social interactions, his forced journey had brought him immense growth."

"He had overcome his ailments, found companions, love, and significantly strengthened both his abilities and mental resilience."

"He discovered joy in his adventures."

"Now, with a need for more meteorites, he was determined to scour the wilderness for them."

"Shen Xiuzhe, naturally adventurous, chose to join him. He wouldn’t have become an explorer otherwise."

"The others decided to stay in Bai Ze City. Grandma Wu’s health had improved considerably, but her age precluded further adventures. Wu Yue, now fifteen and of schooling age, would stay to take care of her grandmother and attend the newly established schools in the city."

Originally, Ouyang Dong and Xu Fang wanted to join them, but this time, Shen Xiuzhe and Lin An were heading to an uncharted wilderness, a region not even Grandma Wu had explored in her youth. This wilderness was fraught with various dangers, unmarked on any map, and unknown to any living person.

"Post-apocalyptic mutations had exponentially increased the dangers of flora and fauna, making the duo ill-equipped for such a journey."

"Xiao Fu was left in Grandma Wu’s care, who was regaining her faculties and needed something to do in her retirement."

"However, as Shen Xiuzhe and Lin An set off, Xiao Fu unexpectedly leaped into the sea and swam towards their departing boat."

"By the time Lin An pulled the soaked dog aboard, Xiao Fu looked pitifully drenched and shivering."

"Torn, Lin An knew the outside world was too perilous for the dog, especially with their limited supplies and lack of Wu Yue’s spatial ability to conveniently access Xiao Fu's needs. The unknown climate and potential lack of food, not to mention the unidentified dangers of the wilderness, weighed heavily on him."

"Everything was an uncertainty, and taking Xiao Fu along would only bring hardship to the loyal pet."

"Shen Xiuzhe turned the boat around at Lin An's request. Lin An then tried to reason with Xiao Fu, knowing full well the dog couldn’t understand him. But like a parent to a child, Lin An had raised Xiao Fu and only wished for its well-being in Bai Ze City, the safest place for it."

"Be good, Xiao Fu. We didn't bring any dog food. If you follow us, there'll be nothing for you to eat. Go back, okay? I promise I'll be back in a year at most."

"Xiao Fu whimpered, staring at Lin An with pleading eyes. It pawed at Lin An's leg, bowing repeatedly, but this time Lin An was resolute and unmoved."

"No, you must go back. There’s no dog food, no canned food, no treats – nothing. What will you eat with us?"

"Realizing the boat was turning back, Xiao Fu stood up, anxiously pacing in circles, sensing it was being left behind."

"Lin An had never seen Xiao Fu behave like this. It didn’t seem to be playing a tail-chasing game. Was Xiao Fu scared because he was being too stern?"

"Suddenly, something hit Lin An's head. Rubbing his sore spot, he picked up the 'weapon' that had struck him."

"It was a can of dog food, Xiao Fu's favorite flavor."

"Lin An: ?"

"Then, a bunch of cans hit him on the head."

"Staring at the cans scattered on the deck, Lin An rubbed his head and looked up, puzzled. The sky was clear, with nothing in sight."

"So why were cans, particularly Xiao Fu's favorite, falling from the sky?"

"Holding a can, Lin An turned to Xiao Fu, only to find the dog gazing at him with hopeful eyes."

"Suddenly, Lin An had an epiphany. Could it be that Xiao Fu had brought these things?"

"Xiao Fu, do you have a leash?" Lin An asked, stretching out his hand. Instantly, a brand-new dog leash appeared in his grasp."

"Lin An couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. Who would have thought that Xiao Fu possessed dual abilities? It even had a spatial ability. When did dogs become this powerful?"

"He wondered when Xiao Fu had managed to accumulate these items."

"It seemed they would have to return to Bai Ze City to replan their supplies."

"Shen Xiuzhe scowled, having anticipated a romantic adventure for two. Who would have guessed that this dog had spatial abilities? Thinking about how clingy Xiao Fu usually was to Lin An, he felt a headache coming on."

"Well, having a space-abled dog was ultimately a good thing. He couldn’t possibly lose out to a dog."

"What was meant to be a duo's adventure now became a journey of two men and a dog. Perhaps this would make their journey even more interesting."

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