Chapter Forty-Four: Falcon Squad

Inside a house near the heart of the base, several people were gathered, their faces grave as they discussed matters in hushed tones. These individuals were none other than the famed Falcon Squad of the base.

The man bearing a scar, who was also the squad’s captain, Qian Ying, spoke with a trace of darkness in his voice, “Are you sure you saw it clearly? Was that really a crystal core in that woman’s hand?”

The thin man before him nodded with certainty. “I’m positive! She was holding a crystal core, and from the look of it, she had more than one.”

A seductive woman, Feng Meier, let out a sly, almost wicked smile. “Crystal cores? Well, well… that’s truly tempting! Those are precious things indeed.”

Qian Ying frowned. “Don’t take it so lightly. To have killed so many zombies, do you think that woman is without her own tricks?”

Feng Meier sneered, “So what if she does? My ability is already at the third tier. Aside from that rumored fourth tier who might be able to match me, who else here can stand against me? My power is nothing to be trifled with.”

Qian Ying also laughed at her words. Indeed, Feng Meier’s ability was their greatest trump card; it was thanks to her special powers that they had made it this far.

Still… it would be wise to talk to that woman. If she knows what’s good for her, we can let things be. But if not… then she can’t blame us for what happens. After all, we will have given her a chance.

Elsewhere in the base, Feng Fei was hiding, spying on Qin Yu and her companions. She had been separated from her mother during the chaos of their escape, but she hardly seemed to care. Feng Fei’s hatred grew even more intense when she realized how many zombies the group had vanquished. That wretched woman—why should she have such power?

At that moment, a lecherous man nearby watched Feng Fei with a predatory smile and signaled to his companion. With a nod, the companion approached Feng Fei.

Lost in her hatred, Feng Fei was oblivious to her surroundings until suddenly, her vision went black and she collapsed into another’s arms. The lecherous man, seeing that he had succeeded, grinned with satisfaction.

Those nearby watched in silence. They dared not provoke this man—not only was he a third-tier ability user, but his powerful connections, rumored to be with the military, made him untouchable. People who had crossed him before had a habit of disappearing without a trace. None of them wanted to risk offending him.

Meanwhile, Qin Yu and her group had gathered their things and were preparing to enter the base. Qin Yu glanced at the bodies scattered across the ground and felt a wave of relief. Among them, she did not see the figure she so desperately sought—what a blessing.

Qin Yu had never been a saint, not in her previous life and certainly not after all she had endured in this one. The only reason she fought so fiercely to protect this base was to safeguard that man who lived in her heart.

She had no idea what his abilities were—perhaps he was a powerful ability user, perhaps just an ordinary person struggling to survive in this apocalypse. She dared not imagine the latter. All she could do was try her utmost to protect everyone in the base, for she did not know if he was among them.

Until she found him, she would not allow any harm to befall the place where he might exist, right under her nose.

Qin Yu was able to conclude that he was not among the dead only by intuition. She believed that she would recognize him at a glance, just as she always had over the many years they had shared. It was a simple, unreasoned certainty, but she chose to trust it.

After entering the base, Qin Yu and her companions immediately noticed the curious stares directed at them—some incredulous, others respectful, with a touch of envy mixed in.

Qin Yu ignored their gazes, and the others busied themselves, paying no mind to the attention.

She intended to rest in her quarters before taking care of business and reporting in. She did not expect to be stopped halfway.

Qian Ying looked over Qin Yu. Her loose, dark clothing hung casually on her frame, her fringe half-shielding her eyes. Unlike other women in the apocalypse—who looked either haggard, garishly painted, or pitiful—Qin Yu wore only an indifferent expression, as if no challenge could trouble her.

Qian Ying felt himself momentarily bewitched, as if he had lost his soul to the woman before him.

Feng Meier, seeing the infatuated look on Qian Ying’s face, flashed a jealous glare. She stepped forward. “Miss, we’re from the Falcon Squad. Would you mind talking with us?”

Qin Yu, unfamiliar with the Falcon Squad’s reputation, paid it no heed even if she had heard of them. She lifted her head slightly, exposing the features hidden by her hair, and smiled. “Oh? Is this the way you invite someone to a talk?”

The faces of the Falcon Squad members stiffened. This woman clearly didn’t know what was good for her! Did she not realize their invitation was the greatest favor they could grant her?

Qian Ying, catching Qin Yu’s smile, grew even more determined. A fierce and possessive gleam flashed in his eyes.

He looked past Qin Yu to Feng Meier and barked, “Meier, fall back!”

Chastened by Qian Ying’s sharp tone and the darkness in his expression, Feng Meier turned without another word, standing behind him but shooting a resentful glare at Qin Yu.

Qin Yu ignored Feng Meier, addressing Qian Ying instead. “You must be the illustrious captain of the Falcon Squad. What is the meaning of stopping us here?”

Qian Ying let out a booming laugh, the motion pulling at his scar and making him look all the more intimidating. “This isn’t the best place to talk. Would you care to discuss matters somewhere more private?” As he finished, he mouthed the words “crystal core” to her.

Qin Yu regarded him with surprise, thought for a moment, then nodded. She turned to Wang Bing and the others. “You all go back. I’ll join you after I take care of this.”

Then she turned back to Qian Ying. “May I speak with you alone?”

Qian Ying hesitated, realizing that this group was subtly led by Qin Yu. After a moment’s thought, he nodded. “Of course.”

Wang Bing and the rest looked at Qin Yu with concern. They knew these people were up to no good, but also knew that with their current strength, they would only be a burden to her. So they nodded and watched as Qin Yu left with the others.

The commotion of gossiping voices rang in their ears, but they paid it no mind. What mattered most was improving their own strength—power was the only true asset in this apocalypse.

Qin Yu walked alongside the captain of the Falcon Squad in silence, deep in thought, planning how to secure the greatest advantage for herself.

Because of her focus, she did not notice the predatory intent in Qian Ying’s gaze as he looked her over…