Chapter 49: All In

Chapter 49: All In

The system was shocked: "You actually stole the data!"

Qi He shook his head: "Taking data isn't stealing. When it's about the script, can you really call it theft?"

"..." The system retorted sharply: "So you're actually Qi Yiji!"

"Now you have sufficient energy reserves, enough to support running any program."

Qi He tapped his finger: "Come on, pull up the main plotline."

The system dug through the files.

The panel flashed, and soon, a brand new, never-before-revealed plotline appeared before them:

『In the year X145, a large-scale virus outbreak quietly occurred and quickly swept across the globe. The infected lost all higher brain function, retaining only basic movement and predatory instincts, with extremely high contagiousness—they were called zombies.

The remaining humans, in order to survive, awakened superpowers, collectively referred to as: Superpowered individuals.

In Country H, Yan Chuanbai quickly awakened his Ice-type abilities during the early stages of the virus outbreak, gathered his gear and resources, and prepared to head to the headquarters.』

...

Qi He’s gaze fell on the summary of the first segment. It wasn’t long, and the perspective soon shifted to Country H, where Yan Chuanbai was.

The script scrolled down, and what followed was the plot of Yan Chuanbai being forced to change course to fetch him.

The main storyline was mostly presented from a god's-eye view and Yan Chuanbai’s point of view. Qi He carefully took mental notes on every potentially useful detail, reading through it segment by segment.

Until the climax of the plot arrived:

『...F City was on the brink of collapse. At this time, Yan Chuanbai, who had already been infected and mutated, suddenly appeared. Using his mental powers, he commanded all the zombies and led them outside the base to be completely eliminated.

The human base was saved, but the fact that he had become the "Zombie King" could no longer be concealed. He left the base on his own and fought by himself.』

At this point in the plot, the system suddenly let out a "Huh?" sound: [...Qi He, there's still several more pages after this.]

Qi He’s gaze sharpened: "Keep scrolling."

The text on the panel flashed downward:

『While Yan Chuanbai left the base to deal with the zombie swarm alone, a large-scale infection also broke out within the human base.』

Qi He’s heart lurched! He held his breath.

...The human base had an outbreak?

The system seemed stunned as well, the screen stayed frozen for a long time, until Qi He took a deep breath: "Scroll on."

『The number of surviving humans drastically dropped.

Even Class S Supers were not spared. An overwhelming crisis descended upon humanity, and now all hope rested on the still-sentient Level 4S "Zombie King," Yan Chuanbai.』

—By this time, Yan Chuanbai had already evolved to Level 4S.

Qi He narrowed his eyes; there were only two pages left in the script.

『...In the end, on the 120th day after leaving F City, Yan Chuanbai wiped out all the zombies and mutated creatures along the way. Using his mental senses attuned to the same frequency, he located the source of the virus outbreak and used a 5S-level psychic power self-destruct burst, ending the disaster.』

『Humanity was finally saved, and they forever remembered this hero who ended the apocalypse.』

The last page ended.

The system spat out: "Bullshit!"

"..."

Qi He patted its shoot: "First, bookmark these sections I mentioned."

While muttering, the system did as told.

Qi He went through the key info again. Some minor details could be left for later; the two most critical pieces of information were:

First, the outbreak of the apocalypse had a "source," and it might not be a simple one, so it needed to be dealt with.

Second, the human base would suffer a large-scale infection.

The matter of the source could be tabled for now; the most urgent issue was the looming internal outbreak—

According to the plotline, it would happen when Yan Chuanbai reached Level 4S.

And it would occur much earlier than when he dealt with the "source," likely within this month.

After only a few seconds of thought, Qi He pulled out his comm and sent a mass message:

『All Class S, emergency meeting.』

-

In the third-floor meeting room, everyone was there.

This time, it was Qi He standing at the front, with Yan Chuanbai sitting to his left, slightly looking up at him. You Tianxing sat on the other side, smiling warmly as he asked:

"Calling a meeting so suddenly, is there something important to discuss?"

Qi He said calmly: "In this meeting, I have two important pieces of 'dream-talk' to share."

Everyone: "..."

You Tianxing’s smile faltered: "What?"

Yan Chuanbai’s eyes narrowed a fraction.

Xia Jiu, seemingly already used to the craziness of Base I, accepted it naturally: "Go ahead."

There was no way to explain the information from the "script."

Qi He skipped over it and got straight to the point: "The fight against the zombie virus has reached this point. I think it’s necessary to track down the origin. Do any of you know the initial outbreak location?"

You Tianxing recalled: "The zombie virus has an incubation period, and population mobility was high back then. News about 'zombie attacks' appeared simultaneously in several places, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact origin."

Moreover, it was widely believed that the "source" was a mutation and spread of some virus—the pathogen itself.

He asked Qi He: "Why do you ask?"

Qi He shook his head and only said, "Gather the news reports from those places. There’s something I want to confirm."

You Tianxing didn’t understand but had a vague sense: "Alright."

"Now for the second piece of 'dream-talk'."

"..."

Qi He was completely serious, his seemingly nonsensical words carrying a surprisingly clear logic: "I believe the mutants are still evolving. They might be invading in stealthier methods."

The entire conference room went completely silent.

Yan Chuanbai looked at him, without challenging his reasoning but simply asking, "How so?"

"At present, we all know mutants are capable of parasitic infection," Qi He said.

On the way over, he had been thinking: everyone entering the base undergoes screening, so where did the infection source come from?

Then he realized: when Yan Chuanbai brought back the parasitic organisms, he too passed the security screening without issue.

So the most likely route is parasitic infection.

The initial "parasitism" was a narrative element to allow Yan Chuanbai to retain his consciousness—it wasn’t originally an infection source.

But what if the infection method has evolved?

Just like how he develops serum outside the human body, first "activating" the antibody before introducing it into the body—

Qi He looked around the conference room, his gaze sharp: "What if the parasitic species first combines with the infection source externally, enters the body to lie dormant, and then erupts after humans return to the base—"

You Tianxing gasped quietly.

Xia Jiu glanced at Yan Chuanbai: a perfect example of parasitic species merging with the virus was right here among them.

She withdrew her gaze, her expression turning cold: "If that’s the case, then the entire base’s screening checkpoints… are practically useless."

The conference room fell into complete silence.

After a moment, You Tianxing said, "Although there’s no evidence yet, this possibility can’t be ruled out. As a precaution…" He turned to the base’s senior officer for direction: "What’s the plan?"

Yan Chuanbai only thought for two seconds before responding without hesitation: "Immediately recall all squads currently on external missions. Conduct internal rescreening. The military division will urgently improve equipment and formulate new strategic plans."

"Additionally, pass along this ‘speculation’ to other bases—let them decide their next steps independently."

With the orders given, everyone sprang into action.

You Tianxing headed to the control room; Yu Jiang returned to manage the water systems.

The base’s screening checkpoints had already been compromised.

Xia Jiu’s gaze turned cold as she placed a hand on the gun at her waist: "My Identification Superpower can screen for parasitic species. I’ll guard the base entrance."

After speaking, she turned and left quickly.

-

They all went to their assignments.

Qi He and Yan Chuanbai also stood up, preparing to head to the Superpowered residential area to notify them about the screening and testing.

The two walked side by side out of the research institute.

The setting sun shone directly into their faces. Qi He narrowed his eyes and glanced at Yan Chuanbai beside him:

The main program had been optimized. Under these circumstances, could he let Yan Chuanbai know about the "plot"?

Noticing his gaze, Yan Chuanbai turned to him: "What is it?"

Qi He stared at him, suggestively: "Is there anything you want to ask me?"

"Anything at all?"

Qi He nodded.

Yan Chuanbai studied him for a moment before speaking: "Right now, how do you feel about me?"

"..."

"..."

Qi He halted his steps, looking at him deeply.

After a moment, he took a deep breath in and out: "I feel… I don’t want to say anything."

The system exclaimed in awe: "The reason Yan Chuanbai can stay conscious is probably because the zombie virus can’t infect a lovestruck mind, right?"

Qi He shot him a lingering, intense stare, then turned and walked ahead.

Yan Chuanbai watched his departing figure, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

Then it gently fell again.

In that instant, he too had recalled the other’s past behaviors, and that somewhat suggestive "high, soup" comment… He hadn't missed it, but he knew Qi He’s bold, risk-taking nature—

It excited him, but he was also afraid of hurting him even slightly.

In the end, Yan Chuanbai said nothing and followed Qi He.

...

They walked some distance.

The system looked at Qi He’s face as if gazing at a prized cabbage in its own garden: "What are your thoughts on this?"

Qi He asked, "On what?"

Hoping against hope, the system subtly poured salt on the wound: "Yan Chuanbai didn’t even understand your hint earlier."

He just doesn’t get you, isn’t on the same wavelength!

Qi He thought for a moment, learning to change his approach: "I feel… he really does like me."

"..." The system was speechless. What’s wrong with you now?

The military division had already received the orders and entered the residential area.

Just as Qi He and Yan Chuanbai were about to go meet them, an officer suddenly hurried over urgently from another direction: "Colonel, Mr. Qi! There’s trouble at the base entrance—"

Both men immediately became alert and changed direction.

-

At the base entrance, Xia Jiu stood guard.

It was the time when most teams were returning, but several squads had been temporarily stopped at the gate.

Superpowered individuals who had just undergone screening were also held back, waiting in the open area inside the entrance.

Xia Jiu tested them one by one, and she began sweating nervously.

Her Superpower requires active triggering and is typically used only in the laboratory. When Qi He first proposed his conjecture, she only thought the situation was serious, but never expected that during testing now—

Someone was already carrying parasitic strains.

Fortunately, they had been injected with antibodies, so there were no signs of infection.

"You can go through. You, go over there first."

The Superpowered individual who was singled out looked nervous. Xia Jiu reassured him, "Don’t worry, no infection source has been detected. You’ll be placed under isolation for observation first."

After screening all the teams inside the base, she headed outside.

People outside the base were all wearing masks.

The Superpowered teams waiting in line were anxious. "What’s going on? Isn’t there a detector?"

Xia Jiu raised her voice, "Parasitic species have appeared, potentially carrying infection sources. But all of you have received the first batch of antibodies, so remain calm!"

Her words seemed to calm the crowd somewhat.

However, at the end of the line, a few people's expressions changed.

Ke Yuan’s four-person team looked uneasy: back then, they stubbornly refused to use anything developed by Meng Yan—who the hell knew it was an antibody!? They were too proud to register at first, but eventually, they couldn’t hold out and went to register.

But they were already placed in the second batch.

More importantly, someone in their team actually had a fever.

The line moved forward slowly.

Xia Jiu screened them one by one: "This team, all clear. Next."

Just as Ke Yuan’s team reached the front, her expression suddenly shifted, and she called out, "Stop."

They all jumped in alarm. Ke Yuan, putting on a tough front, glared fiercely, "What?"

Xia Jiu frowned and used her Superpower again for identification.

Then, she solemnly announced, "Your entire team is carrying parasitic strains, and none of you have been injected with antibodies—there are signs of infection. According to regulations, you are not permitted to enter Base I."

Her words fell like a hammer, striking heavily!

Ke Yuan turned pale and shouted, "You’re lying!"

Even as he said this, everyone knew.

As a Class S Superpowered, Xia Jiu’s 『Identification』 ability was more precise and detailed than any instrument.

"Your infection is the most severe—even the detector would detect it. If you don’t believe me, get tested right now."

Xia Jiu stood her ground, unwavering: "But you all know what that would mean."

The base entrance fell into dead silence.

…

Amid the commotion, Qi He and the others arrived just in time.

He stopped at the base entrance, hearing Xia Jiu’s words: once mutation is confirmed, one must accept their death.

—This was the consensus across all human bases.

Just like Yan Chuanbai back then, who, even while not fully mutated and still conscious, was prepared to face death at any moment.

Outside, Ke Yuan’s team looked pale.

Their hands trembled; Xia Jiu’s judgment was essentially a death sentence. Especially Ke Yuan—he knew his condition and was too afraid to face the detector’s results.

After holding back for a few seconds, he yelled, "What about the antibody! Give me the antibody! Didn’t they say it works within 24 hours?"

Xia Jiu pressed her lips together.

Working in the lab, she knew the progress better than anyone: "The first batch of antibodies has already been registered and distributed. The second batch isn’t ready yet—the earliest would be three days later."

Ke Yuan refused to believe it: "Bullshit! You and Meng Yan are in cahoots! You just don’t want us to live!"

The fear of death was getting to him.

His eyes reddened, and as his blood circulated faster, purple veins from infection surfaced on his face: if it weren’t for Meng Yan, would they have been too proud to register immediately?

And this damn Xia Jiu, claiming there were no antibodies!

Since these people didn’t want him to live, he wouldn’t hesitate to drag them down with him!

His Superpower suddenly activated.

With a roar, he charged at Xia Jiu, who was not from the Non-Combat Department!

Qi He stood some distance away, unmoving. Because—

Bang! The military’s bullets were faster.

Xia Jiu stood calmly ahead, her expression unshaken.

Even if she wasn’t from the Non-Combat Department, she was still a Class S Superpowered of the military, the impenetrable wall of Base I.

Standing guard outside the base, she said, "Next."

-

The scene outside was reflected at the base entrance.

The system murmured: 【Is this what you call… him relying on his past ‘connection’ with Meng Yan, persistently pestering a Class S… then coming into contact with the higher-ups of Base I, thinking that even if he died, he’d drag others down with him, ultimately meeting his demise…】

"……"

"I used to think your character was absurd, but it turns out there really are people like this!"

Qi He watched Ke Yuan and the others outside.

For a moment, it was as if he saw the "cannon fodder" ending the script had arranged for him—

His cannon fodder role seemed like the epitome of these dark, cowardly, and extreme individuals.

"So, there’s no predetermined fate. Outcomes are shaped by one’s own actions."

Qi He withdrew his gaze and said to the person beside him, "Let’s go. We’re not needed here."

Beside him, Yan Chuanbai put his communicator away.

The confirmation of "parasitic strains carrying infection sources" was confirmed. He had immediately notified You Tianxing, having him contact headquarters from the control room and synchronize the information with other bases.

The two walked back, and Yan Chuanbai spoke again: "One of your 'sleep-talking prophecies' has been confirmed. What’s the other one?"

Qi He looked straight ahead: "I suspect there is a persistent source of infection that continuously drives mutant evolution."

Yan Chuanbai glanced at him and asked simply: "If it exists, what would you do?"

The sunset's glow deepened in Qi He’s eyes.

In the storyline, Yan Chuanbai detonated his 5S-level psychic energy in self-destruction.

"If we’re facing the origin of all calamities and still hold back, that would be downright reckless. Even the slightest gap in combat power would render all prior investments wasted."

The twilight seemed to burn in his eyes, carrying his characteristic audacity.

Qi He: "If it were me, I’d bet everything."

All or nothing.

Author's Note:

Yan (Yan Chuanbai): So crazily attractive. [kiss][heart]

System:… He, literally cut from the same cloth.