Chapter 39

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By noon, Chen Liu stirred, the last to wake. The wounds from the previous night’s battle had taken their toll, and even his bodily regeneration ability had only superficially mended his left arm. Another day before it’s fully functional, he thought, flexing it gingerly. Reflecting on his choice to replicate bodily regeneration, he felt no regrets. Though it didn’t enhance his combat prowess directly, it was a rare asset that enabled his reckless, all-or-nothing fighting style. The true thrill, however, lay in mastering “Mountain Cleave,” the first form of the Axe Manual. That strike felt like splitting the heavens, he recalled, his blood still thrumming at the memory of cleaving the wild dog’s skull. The technique’s rustic name belied its devastating power, and Chen Liu knew he had only scratched its surface.

Gurgle His stomach growled. The blood loss had left him famished. “Captain, you’re awake! Have some porridge!” Yu Na called, rushing over with a bowl. Her face was adorned with adhesive bandages that lent her a comical air. The porridge, laced with slices of dog meat from the three beasts Zhang Chong’s group had slain, was a welcome sight. “Thanks,” Chen Liu said, smiling as he took the bowl. Even dog meat’s a luxury now, he thought, savoring the warmth. Yu Na’s expression shifted to guilt. “Captain, I’m sorry…” she began, her voice heavy with self-blame. After hearing Yu Dachao’s account of the fight, she felt responsible for the danger they’d faced. If I hadn’t needed to step away, he might not be hurt. Chen Liu waved it off. “It’s not your fault. The pack was stalking us already. If anything, your scream gave us a chance to fight back instead of being ambushed.” She nodded with acceptance and relief. “Your face okay?” he asked, eyeing the bandages. “It’s fine. A few days, and it’ll be good as new,” she replied.

Zhang Chong and Yu Dachao approached. Their faces brightened at the sight of Chen Liu awake. “Captain, your healing’s insane! One night, and you’re already this far along?” Zhang Chong said, envy lacing his awe. Chen Liu only smiled, keeping his thoughts private. “Let’s move this afternoon. The sooner we reach Liao City, the better,” he said, aware that their morning’s rest had cost them precious time.

By evening, the group had skirted Hong City, finding the roads noticeably clearer, likely thanks to military efforts. It seemed they had been busy and Chen Liu was grateful for the smoother path. They encountered few obstacles and even crossed paths with other convoys, all bound for Liao City. As night fell, four convoys merged, forming a defensive circle with their vehicles around a central bonfire, sharing warmth and security. Mutated beasts were too clever to strike by day, Chen Liu recalled the previous night’s ambush. The apocalypse, only a month old, hadn’t yet turned survivors against each other. Robbery and betrayal remained rare; those who escaped cities were resourceful and capable, prioritizing cooperation over conflict. Food was still plentiful enough to discourage violence.

At Chen Liu’s suggestion, Zhang Chong and Yu Dachao bartered two wild dog carcasses for biscuits, instant noodles, and a machete. Dog meat won’t last in this heat, Chen Liu thought, approving the trade. “Captain, their weapons are crazy good,” Zhang Chong said excitedly. Cities offered a wealth of gear—steel pipes, fire axes, machetes, even modern bows and crossbows. Rumors swirled that the Flame Queen’s team had raided a police station, securing guns and ammo. By comparison, Chen Liu’s group seemed ill-equipped. His own axe, notched and worn, required daily grinding. “Give the machete to Chaozi,” Chen Liu decided. Yu Dachao, who fought with a steel rod, had grown embarrassed by its simplicity. He deserves better, Chen Liu thought, noting Yu Na’s flicker of envy. She said nothing, but her silence spoke volumes. She’s earned something too, he thought, pulling a seven-star crystal from his pocket—loot from the previous night—and handing it to her. “Take this and try your luck. See if you can trade for a decent weapon.” To reach nine-star Awakened status, he needed 224 seven-star crystals, but he wasn’t rushed; crystals were the apocalypse’s currency, vital for comfort at Liao City. “Thank you, Captain!” Yu Na beamed, darting off to barter. “Captain’s playing favorites,” Yu Dachao teased, grinning. Zhang Chong smacked his head. “He just gave you the machete. Quit whining!” He’s got no shame, Zhang Chong thought, chuckling.

“You’re cheating! You promised the crossbow! I don’t want a machete!” Yu Na’s voice cut through the camp, sharp with anger. Trouble already? Chen Liu thought, striding toward the commotion with Zhang Chong and Yu Dachao in tow. They found Yu Na arguing heatedly with a bald man, both red-faced. “What’s going on?” Chen Liu asked. “Captain!” Yu Na straightened, bolstered by his presence, and explained. She’d offered her seven-star crystal for a modern crossbow the man carried—a deadly weapon, easier to wield than a compound bow, though slower to fire. He’d accepted the crystal but reneged, insisting the deal was for a machete, claiming the crossbow was his “lifesaving trump card.” Plain extortion, Chen Liu thought, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the bald man’s deceit.