Ch. 49 - New Gear
“Captain, thank you!” Yu Dachao said, his voice thick with gratitude as Professor Li and his escorts departed. “Don’t blame me for deciding for you,” Chen Liu replied, smiling. Zhang Chong slung an arm around Yu Dachao’s shoulder. “Chaozi, don’t get sappy. Train hard at the camp, and don’t forget—you owe us shooting lessons.” The trials Yu Dachao and Zhang Chong had endured together had deepened their bond.
“Let’s see what’s inside,” Zhang Chong said, eyeing the military pack eagerly. Whoa! The contents stunned them: an entrenching shovel, combat knife, binoculars, tactical axe, machete, and canteen—practical treasures. “This stuff’s awesome!” Zhang Chong exclaimed, grabbing the shovel like it was a prize. Yu Na frowned. “Zhang-ge, it’s just a shovel. Why the fuss?” She doesn’t get it, Zhang Chong thought, grinning as he launched into an explanation. “This isn’t just a shovel. Serrated edge for sawing, sharp for cutting, a bottle opener, even a hoe when bent.” He twisted the handle, revealing a hidden knife. “It’s a survival wonder tool—compass, measurements, everything.”
Yu Na chose a dagger, shovel, binoculars, and canteen, tailored to her Eagle Eye ability. A sniper rifle was ideal but unattainable—military restrictions made even standard firearms a challenge, and her crossbow sufficed for now. Zhang Chong took a shovel, canteen, and machete, its sweeping strikes matching his bold style. Yu Dachao declined, set to join the military camp where such gear was standard. Everyone understood: he was going to get his after military training. Chen Liu picked the tactical axe—39cm, stainless steel, with a sharp blade and spiked back. Made for me, he thought, retiring his notched fire axe. One swing could crush a nine-star zombie’s skull. “No combat uniforms?” Zhang Chong grumbled, his military obsession showing. Uniforms, helmets, and boots were firearm-focused, less suited for melee or apocalyptic agility. Outdoor light, ergonomic gear was better for ability users like him. Camouflage was useless against zombies’ scent-based hunting, though a bulletproof vest tempted him. The command’s keeping a clear civilian-soldier divide, Chen Liu thought, suspecting strict regulations prevented uniform distribution to maintain that boundary.
The next morning, after seeing Yu Dachao off to camp, Chen Liu, Yu Na, and Zhang Chong hit the service centre, reporting their completed mission and selecting a new one—a residential building in a different neighbourhood, avoiding riskier office buildings. Chen Liu was considerate of Yu Na, who needed time to adjust to Eagle Eye. The southern district cleanup had accelerated with more adventurers, but news of over 50 deaths the previous day cast a pall. The chilling shadow of death loomed over the district.
Challenge Goals
Challenge 1 - Reach 15 votes on NU
Reward - 3 bonus chapters
Current progress - 7 (+2) / 15