Chapter 41: This Child and I Share a Bond

The two walked slowly toward the "Iron Tower," the landmark of Bian City.

This tower was exceptionally sturdy; it had not only withstood the artillery fire of the Japanese invaders in the past but also resisted zombie attacks during the initial stages of the apocalypse. By bolting the gate and barricading it from within, they could ensure that no zombies could breach the structure. Its only drawback was the relatively cramped space, which limited the number of people it could accommodate.

This was why Xu Wenhao’s faction remained small. Even after he grew stronger and became capable of fighting most zombies, his influence remained limited, and only his core members were permitted to reside within the Iron Tower.

At this moment, thirteen people were huddled inside the tower. They ranged from a man in his forties to a boy of only fourteen. Men and women alike, they were resting within the structure.

"Brother Xu, I heard there are three Mythical Zoan ability users here in Bian City. If we could recruit them, our team would be invincible!"

"We cannot just recruit anyone. Character is more important than ability!"

"They might not even be willing to join a small team like ours. Didn't someone in the city-wide exchange group, who called himself Brother Kun, claim to have an Ancient Zoan Tyrannosaurus rex ability? He was even boasting about ruling over Bian City!"

"Rule over Bian City? He should try killing all the zombies first!"

The group chattered away. Thanks to Xu Wenhao’s Fruit ability, they had managed to secure plenty of supplies from nearby shopping malls, so they had no immediate concerns regarding their livelihood.

"What do you think, Xiaofei?"

Suddenly, a thirty-year-old woman looked up toward the upper level of the tower, where a boy was squatting in the corner. The boy still had a youthful face, and ever since Xu Wenhao had brought him in, he had hardly spoken a word. Some thought he was naturally introverted, while others believed the tragic death of his parents had left a deep psychological scar. However, what Xu Wenhao had valued in him from the start was his lack of fear, his willingness to fight to the death, and the intelligence he displayed during combat. For a fourteen-year-old to kill zombies despite having far less physical strength than them was a feat of composure and calm that most adults could not achieve. Xu Wenhao had seen potential in him, reached out to help, and invited him to join his newly formed team.

"I actually think we could try to communicate with those people. To survive in the apocalypse, we need to help each other," someone suggested.

"But do you know how to reach them? Those three Mythical Zoan users who were exposed have never spoken in our city-wide exchange group. They probably look down on us."

"Brother Xu is an ability user too, why would they look down on us?"

"Right, Brother Xu?"

Xu Wenhao, who had been sitting on the stairs, remained silent. He had no grand ambitions; he simply wanted to survive the apocalypse. Suddenly, his expression shifted, and he gestured for silence. "Careful, someone is coming!"

Everyone immediately fell silent, eyes fixed on the gate. Suddenly, a massive blast echoed, and the iron gate was shattered! Through the dust, a figure emerged.

"Xu Wenhao, care to come out and talk?"

Ao Xin stood before the gate with Ao Chen. The entrance was too low, and he had no intention of going inside. Xu Wenhao’s heart sank; they were here for him. The fact that the stranger could traverse countless zombies to arrive here and shatter the gate with such force meant their strength was not inferior to his own.

The people inside the tower exchanged looks. Xu Wenhao stood up.

"Brother Xu, they’re here with ill intent. It’s probably those Mythical Zoan users!"

"Brother Xu, don't go out yet. If they know who you are, they must know you’re an ability user, which means they are confident they can handle you."

But the situation gave them little choice. Xu Wenhao sighed. "The gate is already broken. If I don't go out, they’ll just kill their way in, and you will all be in danger. Stay in the tower, I’m going out to meet him!"

The others chimed in. "Brother Xu, we’ll go with you!"

"That’s right! We’ll go together!"

"Brother Xu, you saved me from the zombies. I owe you my life! Today, we face them together!"

Xu Wenhao was moved. It is said that adversity reveals true feelings; it seemed there were no traitors in his team. He nodded, knowing that even if they stayed inside, they wouldn't be safe.

The group stepped out together. They were surprised to see only two people standing opposite them.

"Only two?"

"And they don't seem to be using any Fruit abilities?"

Ao Xin no longer needed his Azure Dragon ability to kill these zombies and flesh-eaters. After clearing the nearby area, Ao Chen had also deactivated her ability to conserve stamina.

"A handsome guy and a pretty girl—are they a couple?"

Good-looking people often garnered favor, and the tension among the group eased slightly; perhaps things weren't as bad as they had imagined.

"May I ask who you are? Brother Kun? Or one of those Mythical Zoan users?"

Xu Wenhao stood at the front. He studied the pair; although they looked harmless, the young man exuded a faint, oppressive aura. As they drew closer, he felt an involuntary tremor in his heart. This person was a master! His gaze fixed on the steel whip slung over Ao Xin’s shoulder, still stained with the fluids from crushing zombie skulls. The weapon looked heavy; anyone capable of wielding it must possess immense strength and was very likely one of those Mythical Zoan users.

"Ao Xin."

Ao Xin was also observing Xu Wenhao’s group. In his memories from his previous life, this faction was quite unique. They supported one another and retained a semblance of pre-apocalyptic warmth, with a level of unity far exceeding other factions. Yet, Xu Wenhao’s eventual death was also a result of this very nature. He believed he could discern everyone’s character, but how can the human heart be measured? When his faction was small, it didn't matter, but as it grew, the people joining became a mixed bag, eventually leading to his death at the hands of a betrayer. He was, in a sense, a "saint."

In the apocalypse, there are two types of saints. One type stands on the moral high ground to criticize others, bringing disaster upon them—often called "virtue signalers." The other type is genuinely kind, doing their best to help others without imposing moral demands on them. Such people often bring disaster upon themselves. As a faction leader, such behavior invited catastrophe upon his entire group.

"I have only one purpose for coming here today."

Ao Xin scanned the group behind Xu Wenhao and finally fixed his gaze on the small, thin boy.

"I want one person." He pointed at the boy. "This kid and I share a destiny."