Chapter 6

The gray concrete road was covered with cracks, and unknown plants grew tenaciously in the crevices, basking in the unhealthy-looking sunlight.

The buildings around mostly had no intact windows; the glass had long been shattered by the nuclear explosion. The streets were littered with abandoned cars, and from the cracked but unbroken car windows, it could be seen that the glass used in car windows seemed to be of slightly better quality than that in the building windows.

Occasionally, streamlined "iron boxes" could be seen on the streets. According to Sun Jiao, these were the deceleration devices used by NATO's orbital paratroopers. However, when mentioning the city's history of invasion, Sun Jiao did not show any extra emotion on her face. This might be related to her being born in a shelter and having no concept of a nation.

However, when talking about the war of the "ancestors," her face still showed undisguised annoyance.

In her view, both sides of the war were utterly stupid.

"Is it going to rain?" Jiang Chen looked up at the sky, where thick clouds were densely gathered. The sunlight seemed unnatural after passing through these clouds, carrying a yellowish-green hue that was oppressive. It was hard to imagine how these plants could grow.

"That's not a cloud, it's radioactive dust," Sun Jiao couldn't help but find it a bit amusing. Jiang Chen reminded her of herself when she first came out of Shelter 071.

"So, we are now completely exposed to radiation without any protection?" Jiang Chen smiled bitterly. His only knowledge of radiation was from the Fukushima nuclear accident, and he remembered that for a while, salt in supermarkets was hoarded.

Though it was an ignorant act, it was easy to imagine how terrifying radiation was to people in a harmonious society.

However, Sun Jiao seemed to take it for granted, not treating the sword of Damocles hanging over her head as a concern.

"Don't worry. As long as the iodine in your EP hasn't run out, the radiation level won't exceed the threshold, and you don't have to worry about growing a third hand. Of course, when crossing high-radiation areas like nuclear power plants or former government offices, it's best to wear a radiation suit for safety," Sun Jiao shot a teasing glance at Jiang Chen and continued leading him forward.

Although they had experienced a night of passion, Sun Jiao showed no signs of discomfort, while Jiang Chen's legs felt a bit weak...

This wasn't to say that Jiang Chen was incapable; it was just that no matter how strong his physical strength, as a modern person accustomed to a comfortable life, he couldn't match the physical strength of a woman who had been walking the wasteland for years.

The terrifying muscle strength data...

Jiang Chen couldn't imagine how this woman, who didn't seem to have much muscle, could be stronger than him, a man who still had some muscle.

The reason they were out together was entirely Sun Jiao's idea.

...

"Since you said you would help me, you need to learn some combat skills. Tomorrow, we'll go on a trip, and at least you need to learn how to shoot and protect yourself."

"Um, actually, I think I could be a logistics person or something..."

"Stop whining... Tomorrow we'll go to the survivor camp in the Sixth District. You haven't even been vaccinated against infection, which is very dangerous. You have to do it yourself."

So, Jiang Chen had no choice but to grit his teeth and take the rifle Sun Jiao threw him, following her on the journey.

They chatted from time to time on the way, but for some reason, Sun Jiao didn't ask about Jiang Chen's secrets. Since she didn't ask, Jiang Chen naturally didn't bring it up. However, Jiang Chen could tell that Sun Jiao's lack of questioning wasn't due to a lack of curiosity, but rather a kind of inexplicable trust.

One day, you will tell me...

The unspoken words were perceptible.

For the same reason, Jiang Chen didn't inquire about the "necessary things" Sun Jiao mentioned.

...

"We will cross an area infested with zombies. The best place to hone your shooting skills is on the battlefield. Familiarize yourself with the weapon, but don't fire randomly," Sun Jiao said, also taking out a streamlined rifle from her back.

Meeting Jiang Chen's curious gaze, Sun Jiao smiled and explained.

"SK10 Sirius, a medium-short range laser rifle. For creatures like zombies, a laser rifle is the best choice. Low noise, high accuracy. However, to get you familiar with shooting, it's better to start with a kinetic weapon."

She pointed to the rifle Jiang Chen was holding and continued.

"PK200 assault rifle, 7.62mm caliber. Although kinetic weapons are less accurate than laser weapons, their power and reliability are unmatched. Even if you use the butt to hit someone, you don't need to repair it. The safety is on the right side of the grip, and remember to keep it off when not firing."

The streamlined, short, and wide gun body felt futuristic in his hands. On the grip, Jiang Chen saw a small mark.

PAC (Pan-Asian Cooperation Organization).

The two walked down the empty street, one after the other. Occasionally, large rats about half a meter tall would dart past, startling him, but he soon got used to it. These mutated creatures were everywhere, and Jiang Chen even saw a cockroach the size of a wolf dog, waving its one-meter-long antennae and scurrying into the shadows. The dense, fine hairs were truly disgusting.

"Not all creatures are aggressive. For example, rats, though large, still retain their fear of humans physiologically. Cockroaches, though scary in appearance, won't attack living things due to their diet..." As they approached the street entrance, Sun Jiao gradually raised her rifle and became more alert. "Zombies stop moving during the day; the mutated fungi on the back of their heads need a stable environment for photosynthesis. Surprising, isn't it? This is why these zombies haven't starved to death over the years. I heard that some zombies in the city have even evolved to reproduce asexually, hehe."

Sun Jiao chuckled sarcastically, maintaining her alert posture, and continued.

"We need to be cautious of carnivorous creatures. They usually feed on zombies or other low-level mutated creatures, but if they encounter humans, they won't be picky... And humans, if someone aims at your head, don't hesitate, just fire."

Sun Jiao's decisive tone made Jiang Chen feel a chill.

While marveling at the cruelty of the wasteland, Jiang Chen couldn't help but marvel at the complex and alternative ecosystem that had formed in the city. Nature was indeed a wondrous thing; no matter what you gave it, it could stabilize it in a logical way—survival of the fittest.

Under the high-rise buildings, there was no trace of civilization, only savagery. Although he held the fruits of civilized technology, Jiang Chen felt no sense of security at all.

"Shh." Sun Jiao suddenly stopped, raising her right fist to signal Jiang Chen to stop.

"Don't point the gun at me, idiot, pay attention to my back," Sun Jiao whispered, cursing Jiang Chen.

Jiang Chen smiled bitterly, took a deep breath, and opened the safety, aiming the gun at the quiet street behind.

"Something's not right. The nearby mutated creatures have disappeared, which probably means a predator is approaching..." Sun Jiao's voice carried a hint of tension, making Jiang Chen's heart, which had just calmed down, start to race again.

"Predator?"

"Predators... hopefully not Deathclaws."

Although he didn't know what Deathclaws were, Jiang Chen could sense the unease in Sun Jiao's tone.

At that moment, a loud explosion echoed from the distance. Accompanied by a heavy and high-pitched roar, intense gunfire followed.

"Battle ahead, follow me." Sun Jiao, hearing the commotion, didn't retreat but moved toward the battlefield with her rifle at the ready.

"Hey, are you going the wrong way?"

But Sun Jiao didn't answer Jiang Chen's question. Sighing, Jiang Chen had no choice but to run after her.

"Roar..." The ugly and fierce face twisted, saliva raining from the mouth, and a broken street lamp was swung in the hand, the fat almost spilling over.

...

"Maintain fire, throw the explosives! Hurry!"

"Ammo! I need ammo!"

"Aaaah! My hand..." A car door sliced off an unlucky soldier's arm, embedding it in the wall behind.

The monster unleashed its strength, roaring as it moved toward the human defense line.

The soldiers, equipped with a mix of weapons, unleashed a fierce barrage of fire, trying to suppress the mass of fat. A few soldiers, heads down, quickly darted through the fire from their comrades, dodging the debris thrown by the monster, and desperately threw the explosives in their hands at the mass of fat.

"... It's a Fatman!" Turning the corner, Sun Jiao's face was filled with shock. "How did this thing get here..."

Jiang Chen's expression was even more vivid. His mouth was wide open, completely stunned.

What the hell is this? A butcher from the mountains? But this is way too big!

The Fatman advanced under a hail of bullets, and the situation for the soldiers looked dire.

The rain of bullets, though affecting the Fatman, was far from enough to stop it. The thick fat acted like gel, trapping the bullets that penetrated its skin, leaving the people with kinetic weapons almost helpless. Although the leader of the group decisively ordered some to approach and throw explosives at the Fatman, the thick fat clearly served more than just as a bulletproof shield...

However, although the attacks were ineffective, they were not meaningless. At least the Fatman was pinned down by the relentless barrage of fire, unable to advance toward the human position.

At that moment, a whistling sound suddenly cut through the human defense line, and a shell, trailing a yellow tracer, slammed into the Fatman.

However, the shell missed the Fatman, grazing its fat face and hitting the building behind.

Boom!

With a loud explosion, the reinforced concrete walls were shattered, leaving a terrifying hole.

Seemingly sensing the danger, the Fatman's fat body trembled violently, and the strength it unleashed became even more ferocious. Its open mouth seemed ready to unleash another angry roar.

However, the roar never came.

Another shell sliced through the battlefield, guided by the trajectory correction of the first tracer shell, and slammed into the Fatman's gaping mouth.

Without a doubt, the red blood, dark green brain matter, and yellowish-white fat splattered half the street.

The headless Fatman fell to the ground with a heavy thud amidst the victorious cheers.

After the battle, the soldiers emerged from their cover, cheering and hugging their comrades, helping the injured, everything was very organized.

"99mm anti-tank gun, I guess only something like this could take down a Fatman. The Fatman's fat is extremely thick, almost the bane of all single-person weapons, and its habit of throwing things is a nightmare," Sun Jiao said, seeming to breathe a sigh of relief.

"... What are they doing?" Jiang Chen, trying to suppress the churning in his stomach, glanced at the people busy on the Fatman's corpse and asked.

"Collecting subcrystals. Also, the Fatman's fat can be used as fertilizer or as a source of organic matter and phospholipids in nutritional supplements. Oh, and I remember its blood cells can be used as raw material for many vaccines."

Nutritional supplements? Sounds like food?

Jiang Chen shivered, vowing never to touch anything called a nutritional supplement. This was like eating the Fatman's meat, right?

Seemingly guessing what Jiang Chen found disgusting, Sun Jiao grinned and led him toward the soldiers.

Noticing their approach, a soldier walked over, rifle in hand, and professionally said,

"Welcome to the Sixth District, buddy. As a routine, I need to check your genetic code."

Genetic code, a code compiled from genetic sequences using a specific algorithm, serves as the username for the EP. Due to the widespread use of the EP and the uniqueness of the genetic code, it is often used like an ID number. After all, in the post-apocalyptic world, there is no civil affairs bureau, and to prove you are who you say you are, you can only use DNA.

Many orderly survivor camps check genetic codes before allowing entry, mainly to identify those who have violated laws in the camp before.

After showing the EP on his arm, the militiaman politely let them through.

"I always thought the wasteland was full of savagery... I didn't expect to see civilization," Jiang Chen's heart, which had been on edge, gradually relaxed, seeing that the armed soldiers did not harass them.

However, Sun Jiao just smiled playfully at Jiang Chen's comment.

"Oh? My opinion is the opposite. I think the wasteland is full of so-called 'civilization,' just in a different form."

The steel gate slowly opened, and the camp's alert was lifted as the Fatman fell. Behind the sandbags at the entrance, Jiang Chen saw the anti-tank gun that destroyed the Fatman. The menacing barrel exuded a chilling aura, and on the ground lay a metal shell as thick as a thigh.

Making way for the trucks entering the camp, Jiang Chen followed Sun Jiao into the camp's interior.

This order amidst chaos—the Sixth District—welcomed the travelers of the wasteland like a harbor. However, imagining it as a symbol of justice would be too naive.

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