The monsters weren't unable to find them, but rather because they possessed consciousness and were quite intelligent, they wouldn't confront large groups head-on, thus maintaining a state of peaceful coexistence. After all, unlike zombies that only preyed on the living, these monsters consumed everything, including their own kind.
Professor Li became somewhat hesitant upon hearing there were thousands of people. Such a large group would not be easy to transport. He couldn't make this decision himself and needed to consult the opinions of the other two. His gaze drifted towards Chong Yan, who was currently munching on a packet of instant noodles, and Zhuo Lin, who sat beside him with a doting expression. Zhuo Lin showed no reaction and stated calmly, "We have no objections." In fact, having more people was a good thing. The previous numbers were too small; without a larger audience, how could they witness his great achievements, develop dependence, and aspire to emulate him? Therefore, the more people, the better.
"Alright then, you go and bring everyone over. We'll see how many there are and figure out the logistics of their departure."
One of the men immediately spoke up excitedly, "Excellent!"
"We'll go back and report to our leader right away."
"Yes, go ahead. Be careful on your way."
After the two men left, Chong Yan desperately wanted to go back to sleep. However, Zhuo Lin forcefully roused him, saying, "No more sleeping. We have to go to the military zone over there."
"But I'm sleepy."
"If you're sleepy, why did you go out so early to roast fish?"
"I was hungry too," he whined. "Don't you have that space ability? You go. I don't want to go ~ I don't want to go ~" His voice trailed off almost to the heavens.
Just as Zhuo Lin was about to pull him, a slight noise came from the doorway. She glanced up to see a woman in her twenties, a subordinate of Zhuang Peng, looking at them with surprise.
"Is there something you need?"
The woman lowered her head slightly, looking embarrassed. "Sorry, I just came to get something. Also, Professor Li asked you to hurry over."
"Understood."
The woman quickly grabbed an item and then hurried out. It was evident that Zhuo Lin's space ability could no longer be kept a secret.
"Get up quickly."
"She already knows. You go."
"No," Zhuo Lin stated firmly, "I'm not at ease."
This reason was far more effective than making him do chores. Chong Yan immediately perked up. "Not at ease about what? Not at ease about me?"
"Yes," Zhuo Lin hugged him gently. "I'm not at ease with you out of my sight. I'd worry about you."
Chong Yan, feigning reluctance but actually quite smug, said, "Alright then, I'll go and help them with it." Su Dan Novel Network.
"Okay, get up quickly."
Chong Yan tilted his head up and requested a kiss. "Kiss me, give me some motivation."
Zhuo Lin pressed him onto the sponge cushion and kissed him thoroughly and meticulously. Finally, Chong Yan emerged with a flushed face. The gazes of the others couldn't help but fall upon the two of them, filled with observation, curiosity, and envy.
Professor Li, who was showing someone that fish, put down his tools and walked over when he saw them. "Comrade Xiao Zhao, can this fish be taken with us?"
Chong Yan immediately objected, "No, it's too ugly."
Zhuo Lin said, "Those people are probably still hungry. When they arrive, let them eat it."
Professor Li's eyes widened in disbelief, but then he considered that such a solution was indeed quite reasonable. Those people were going to travel with them, and the long journey would undoubtedly present problems with food and drink. It would be best to let them have a good meal before they set off. It almost felt like a final meal before execution.
Since they had to host those people and couldn't stop, they split into two groups. Zhuo Lin would lead a group to collect useful items, while the others stayed behind. The safest place in this academy was undoubtedly the military zone, which had been cleared at the beginning of the apocalypse. Many people had hoped to return one day, so the doors and windows were locked, and the contents inside had not been damaged.
"It would be great if we could take these entire dormitory buildings with us."
"Central City has plenty of empty housing; there's no need. Let's focus on getting useful items. Forget about the buildings; the priority is weapons and energy." Central City had a population of over ten million before the apocalypse, but now there were only a little over two million, a reduction of 80%. Housing was likely the least of their worries.
Everyone unanimously agreed.
They went to the warehouse where strategic resources were stored. This military zone was crucial, so there were many strategic materials, ranging from ordinary handguns to large transport planes, and even ships and submarines. However, given the current maritime environment, it was unlikely any ship would dare to sail for many years. Therefore, anything that needed to travel on water was almost entirely abandoned.
Despite this, they still took away many weapons. In terms of destructive power, the weapons in this warehouse could obliterate every corner of the planet. But what was the point of having so many weapons if they now had to "abdicate their throne" and leave them for the monsters? It was unknown whether these items would still be around when humanity recovered and could use them.
"Stop being so melancholic," Chong Yan interjected, dampening the mood. "Are we taking all of this? Will we be able to use it when we get back?"
Someone said, "It's good to see it, at least." It was a testament to their past prosperity.
However, considering other needs, they didn't take everything in the end.
Hours later, they returned to the experimental zone. Thousands of people filled the entire area, setting up fires and pots to cook the fish. The aroma of roasted meat filled the air. The giant fish, weighing dozens of tons, was cut to pieces. Peeling away the thick, wrinkled skin revealed tender, fresh meat underneath. For these people who had been starving for so long, it was a feast. Many eagerly stuffed food into their mouths, some eating it half-cooked, then going back for more. The half of the group that had stayed behind also got a large piece of bright red fish and were cooking slices on the side.
Seeing them return, they were invited to join them. While eating, they discussed the route for their departure. At the same time, they met the leader of this group, a rather special mist-ability user. It was likely one of the powerful individuals from the original storyline.
"We plan to take the same route we came. Mister Xiao killed many things back then, so it should still be relatively safe in such a short period."
"Agreed."
The group ate from noon until night. Despite their incredible combat power, they couldn't finish the giant fish, consuming at most one-third. Everyone was already stuffed to the brim, and some even wanted to cut off and hide some for later, but Professor Li stopped them.
"We have space ability users; we can just put it away later. Everyone should take some useful items, especially warm clothing, as it will be cold on the journey."
Their leader also spoke, and only then did they stop. At night, everyone crowded into the laboratory, many sleeping on the floor. Professor Li was the most concerned, as their journey back with such a large group might take ten to fifteen days, and if they encountered any danger along the way, they could all be wiped out.
Chong Yan looked puzzled. "Can't we travel by car?"