Chapter 25: Night at the Supermarket

"To be honest, I was doing pretty well in my original group. I know some martial arts, and with my physical enhancement talent ability, my combat strength should rank among the top survivors," Zhao Yong openly shared about his abilities, seeing no reason to hide them.

"My talent is related to mutation. If there were combat rankings, I'd probably be near the top in this entire region," Xu Min said modestly.

"Well, compared to you two, I'm not really good at fighting or using firearms. My talent is luck-based - I can see where it's safer," Li Ji admitted, not particularly fond of her ability.

She'd always had bad luck before, working hard for goals yet achieving nothing. After gaining this talent, everything reversed - she could obtain resources others struggled for without taking any risks. This contrast left her feeling lost and guilty; the ability seemed almost mocking.

"Oh? So where's safe right now?" Xu Min showed keen interest - if luck could be quantified, that was practically science.

Li Ji glanced somewhat awkwardly at Lin Ye before answering: "It's safest near Mr. Lin. If we leave this building tonight... I'll die here."

What she didn't mention was that Zhao Yong's presence also offered relative safety, while being near Xu Min carried high mortality risk.

"You can call me Brother Lin - that's what everyone in the group calls me. Your talent is powerful, but don't rely on it too much. Safety is relative - true security comes from your own strength. For example, if I wanted to kill you right now, you'd definitely die," Lin Ye said, liking this polite high schooler who reminded him of his younger self. Years of surviving society gave him a surreal sense of time passing.

"I understand. Thank you," Li Ji obediently picked up a pistol and began studying how to use it.

"Can you use your ability to get some intel now?" Xu Min asked while handling her pistol with surprising proficiency, already accurate at close range.

"Unfortunately, I already used it this morning. My ability can only be activated once daily," Lin Ye replied. Even if unused, he wouldn't risk activating it outside the shelter.

"So teams are matched by strength? Stronger teams get harder missions?" Zhao Yong sounded more eager than intimidated.

"Very likely. And I believe greater challenges mean greater rewards," Lin Ye explained while teaching Li Ji to shoot. Based on his system knowledge, this probability exceeded ninety percent.

"That's... perfect." Compared to Blue Star, Zhao Yong preferred here - at least he wouldn't die in bed.

As they talked, night fully fell.

The supermarket's generator-powered lights stood out starkly in the dark ruins, yet nearby mutation creatures didn't attack. Because the massive shadow at the ruins' center had begun moving, shaking the entire area.

Countless mutated creatures of varying forms surged from the shadow's base, spreading outward like a tide that soon flooded the entire ruins. Every living thing suffered indiscriminate attacks as this wave cleansed the ruins, carrying corpses back to the nest.

Lin Ye and Zhao Yong set up machine guns on the second floor, mowing down creatures charging the supermarket while Xu Min and Li Ji provided covering fire. Dozens fell before the building.

But the creatures seemed endless while their ammunition wasn't. Continued assault would force close-quarters combat soon.

"What now? We can't hold much longer!" Zhao Yong roared over gunfire and monster shrieks.

"Relax! The supermarket has narrow choke points. After ammo runs out, we'll funnel them in systematically. First defend the staircase. If that fails, everyone fends for themselves. Li Ji, if overwhelmed, find somewhere to hide," Lin Ye shouted back.

"Understood, don't worry about me," Li Ji responded quickly.

Soon ammunition ran out. The group retreated to the staircase with remaining guns, continuing to fire at the grotesque, half-formed creatures.

Lin Ye and Zhao Yong alternated firing while Li Ji picked off stragglers and Xu Min handled close threats. Their coordinated defense held until bullets were exhausted, keeping monsters from ascending.

The first floor now overflowed with corpses.

Observing more creatures still flooding in, Lin Ye sighed: "Everyone for themselves now."

'Should've hit more gun stores. Was hoping to bring ammo back too.' He hadn't expected to expend so much.

Despite saying "everyone for themselves," none rushed to leave, instead making a final stand at the stairs.

Lin Ye drew Red Blade, Zhao Yong hefted concrete-reinforced rebar, and Xu Min stood empty-handed. Like a dam against the tide, they held as corpses piled on the staircase, forcing creatures to climb over their dead to reach them.

Initially they handled it easily - Zhao Yong even had time to correct Lin Ye's blade technique. But humans aren't machines; stamina and focus dwindled until injuries came.

First was Xu Min. Female physiology offered less endurance, compounded by lacking weapons. Yet her mutation ability turned injuries into strength - where two punches previously killed, now one sufficed.

Next was Zhao Yong. Though tough and experienced, age reduced his stamina; reactions outran slowing movements.

Lin Ye remained unscathed thanks to the Spiritual Energy Ring's effects and Cross Necklace's perception, directing energy to fatigued body parts.

Li Ji stayed busy too, occasionally relieving injured members for minutes at a time - her "poor combat skills" clearly undersold her capability.

As Lin Ye grew more adept manipulating spiritual energy, his strikes flowed smoother. Energy circulating through his body enhanced every movement, accelerating his attacks.

Just as he honed his cutting technique on monsters, a group distinctly different from the misshapen masses charged into the supermarket.