Chapter 24: Training the Troops (Part 1)

Chapter 24: Training the Troops (Part 1)

The group went downstairs, and Xiao Hua took a quick glance around, estimating that a few hundred people were missing. She looked back at Captain Li, and seeing him nod, she began her performance.

Xiao Hua adopted the demeanor she had when she used to train military recruits, grounding her voice, "Half an hour is up, training begins."

She then swiftly pointed at a few people, "You three, come out for a demonstration first."

The three walked out, their expressions filled with some trepidation.

Bai Mu looked up and saw that the man on the left and the woman in the middle had sharp, cunning features, both appearing to be quite shrewd. The person in the middle, however, was an elderly man who looked very honest and down-to-earth.

It seemed random, but these were the ones who had previously led the trouble.

Bai Mu smiled slightly, looking forward to the show.

Sure enough, Xiao Hua led the three to the door, and without hesitation, kicked each of them out. Captain Li stood next to Xiao Hua and handed her a backpack.

Xiao Hua threw a few baseball bats at the feet of the three, her tone icy, "First lesson of training, face the undead. First trial, eight minutes."

With that, Xiao Hua quickly sealed the partially open door with ice and, without a second thought, began to watch the spectacle.

The door was half-open, and the bright noon sun shone outside. There were quite a few zombies scattered around the gym, though they moved sluggishly. Sensing human flesh, a few nearby zombies began to gather.

"Ah!"

"Ahhh!"

"Ahhhhh!"

The screams grew louder with each second. The three who were outside could only scream and retreat, with the man even falling to the ground in fright, his legs too weak to stand, as he desperately tried to push the woman next to him out to block the zombies.

Even though the zombies moved slowly and would take a while to reach them.

Even though there were weapons on the ground, and picking them up would give them a fighting chance.

Outside, the screams mingled with the approaching growls, while inside, it was eerily quiet.

The survivors barely dared to breathe, silently waiting for the verdict.

The tacit approval of Xiao Hua's actions by Xiao Zui and Captain Li made those who had hoped for leniency completely lose hope.

Xiao Hua showed them through action that she was serious.

The screams outside mingled with the approaching growls, as the three who were full of fear and panic scrambled around in disorientation, utterly disoriented.

Eight minutes passed quickly, and before most people could react, Xiao Hua had already dragged the three back.

The evidence that the event had truly occurred was probably the several zombies lying in disarray outside the door, and the three who had been scared out of their wits.

Seeing the three who were still unable to recover their senses, Xiao Hua’s sarcasm kicked in, "Trash."

Having taught them a lesson, Xiao Hua couldn't be bothered with the three anymore. She turned to face the survivors, lazily saying:

"For the next twenty minutes, find your own teammates, about ten people per group, and then listen to my commands for training. Those who can't handle it should leave now."

As soon as she finished speaking, the room erupted into chaos again. Many of those who had cars began weighing the risks and benefits, considering leaving.

The three who had just undergone the training immediately snapped back to reality, quickly packing their belongings and running away.

Some chose to leave, while others decided to stay.

There were always people who could see the situation clearly. Thanks to Xiao Hua, they had a much better shot at surviving, and after this screening, those who stayed would get stronger protection.

As a result, many people immediately sprang into action, trying to recruit others to join them.

As things calmed down, Xiao Hua moved over to Bai Mu and caught Zhao Ye winking at her. His baby face was all scrunched up like a kid trying to look tough, clearly mouthing the words: "Nice one."

Xiao Hua raised an eyebrow at him, giving a sly grin. "You know it."

She then looked at Xiao Zui and Su Mo. "I’m counting on you to keep my classmate safe. Just make sure he makes it out alive.

You guys can head out now; everything’s good on my end."

"Got it."