42

On the ground, Simon Harper's body had stopped convulsing.

His bloodied face was losing its vitality.

I felt a chill in my chest. He had done nothing wrong, yet he became the sacrificial lamb to make an example.

Over there, Lucas Westwind pulled out a handkerchief and meticulously wiped the blood off his fingers. "Now, can we continue?"

This was pure, naked intimidation.

Zenith Franklin spoke through gritted teeth, "What do you want?"

"Simple. All resources are to be prioritized for our use," Lucas said,

folding the handkerchief and putting it back into his pocket.

"Of course, in return, I will ensure the safety of this assembly point. Killing zombies is hard work, and my team is already at a disadvantage. You understand, don't you, Captain?"

Even though everyone knew they would never waste bullets on zombies, Zenith had no room to refuse.

This base had already been targeted by these parasites.

There were only two paths ahead: a deformed survival or total annihilation.

"As for the specifics, we can discuss them somewhere else," Lucas said, walking over and putting an arm around Zenith's shoulder.

His gaze swept over the crowd.

"You," he pointed at Chris, "you need to join us too."

Lucas took a step closer, and Chris stared back at him without flinching. "And you better watch your eyes. Or I might pluck them out," he said lightly.

Then he turned to the rest of the group.

"The rest can listen in if they want."

"Bro, what about me?" A young man with a bandana stepped out of the group. "Am I free now?"

"Yes," Lucas said warmly to him, "go have some fun."

"Anything I want?" The young man squinted, revealing a suggestive smile.

"After we finish our business," Lucas waved his hand.

"Leave two people here. One to guard the platform, one to come with me. The rest, follow Hudson."

"Why are they taking Chris?" I whispered to Anne. "He didn't even say anything."

"Probably because they see him as a threat," she shook her head slightly.

"What do we do now?" I asked, almost to myself. "Will they leave after the negotiation? Will they let us go?"

The more I thought about it, the more wrong Lucas's conversation with his brother seemed.

"Prepare for the worst," Anne said softly.

The person left to guard the platform was Hudson Blake, the one who had been kicked to the ground earlier.

Ethan and a few others crawled toward Simon Harper, and Hudson didn't stop them. The remaining base members huddled together, shivering.

"Some people just don't value others' lives," a voice came from behind us. I turned to see Old Grant, the whistler.

"More people will die," he said, his lips tightly pressed together, his face twitching with anger. "With Zenith's temperament, it's only a matter of time before the talks break down."

Yes.

Simon Harper's death was just the beginning.

I didn't know what Lucas Westwind had been through to kill so casually.

Zenith Franklin was in grave danger.

And so was Chris, who was also in Lucas's hands.

The temperature had dropped again without me noticing. I wasn't wearing much, and the fear and cold made me shiver.

"It's going to rain," Anne glanced at the sky.

I looked up.

The clouds had thickened, looming darkly overhead.

Suddenly, a commotion came from inside the warehouse.

Then, two gunshots rang out.

Who was shooting?

My heart clenched tightly.

No,

we had to find a way to deal with these people.

But was there really a way?

They all had guns, and the mall was filled with their people.

Stay calm.

Stay calm.

I told myself.

I stared at the sky, countless images flashing through my mind.

It was going to rain.

That was good.

But it wasn't enough.

"Take the chance to run if they haven't found the fire escape yet,"

Old Grant advised before turning to leave.

"Please wait," I hurriedly stopped him.

After a moment's thought, I steeled myself and asked, "Uncle Grant, I need your help."

He hadn't shown his softer side, but he seemed more compassionate than he appeared. He didn't speak, his frown deepening.

"If this works, everyone can survive," I said, gritting my teeth.

"How sure are you?" he asked, studying my face. "Don't do anything foolish."

"Seventy percent," I lied,

knowing I had no real certainty.

But there was no other choice. Things couldn't get worse than they were now.

"But my legs aren't good. Are you sure I can help?" he asked.

"Don't worry, this is definitely something you're best at," I reassured him.

Anne was listening but still somewhat confused. "What are you planning?"

"I'll explain later," I said, crawling toward Ethan.

I needed more helpers; Anne couldn't do it all alone.

The people in this assembly point were already scared and demoralized by Lucas's brutal display.

Ethan, being Simon Harper's best friend, was crucial. If he refused to cooperate, there was no hope for the others.

Inch by inch, I moved toward them. Simon's body was already stiff. Trembling, I closed his eyes with my hand.

"These people won't spare you. At least Zenith won't survive," I whispered to the huddled group.

They glanced at Hudson, making sure he wasn't paying attention before replying in hushed tones, "What do you mean?"

"Do you think they'll let someone as capable and influential as Zenith continue to lead here?" I said.

"Lucas wants a non-threatening big grain storage."

"Every member posing a threat will be eliminated. Even if some survive, they'll become the new bottom tier, enslaved by them. The threat of death will hang over everyone's heads daily."

Ethan stayed silent.

"Don't worry. I won't risk your lives needlessly,"

I assured them, explaining my plan. Of course, I only shared the parts they needed to know.

I spoke slowly, ensuring they understood every word.

"Is that all?" They seemed uncertain.

"Yes. When the time comes, try to get everyone into the warehouse to avoid the rain. But Ethan, you need to stay on the platform."

He was about to say something when his face suddenly changed.

The next moment, a gun barrel pressed against my back. "What are you talking about?"

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