Chapter Twenty: Go! To the Epicenter of the Outbreak

The woman watched as her younger sister ate, tears streaming down her face. She hurried to comfort her gently. Kong Yangyun quietly explained to Mutou, "This woman is also Ashu's colleague, Mu Siyu. We escaped together, but she didn't bring much food. Later, she kept the three of us alive by trading her body for food. However, she always protected her sister, never allowing her to do the same. Remember what I told you last night? For a pack of biscuits, she was abused by three men... Alas!"

Hearing this, Mutou felt a kind of sacred radiance emanating from the woman. Both sisters sat in silence, tears accompanying their meal.

Mutou selected a patch of empty ground in the refugee area and opened his capsule house. The tents here were low and cramped, barely enough for two people to sleep in. Mutou's ten-square-meter house stood like a mansion among them. He took out two boxes of instant noodles and two packs of water, instructing Kong Yangyun, "I see there’s plenty of gold and jewelry in the market. Help me exchange some, then trade for computers, televisions, and antennas. Also, find someone here who’s good with computers for me."

He secretly sighed in relief that he had listened to Gu Feng and prepared ample food and water. It was perfect for exchanging gold and jewelry here, and when he returned to his own world, he could make a tidy profit. Still, he couldn't be a philanthropist—he only had five cubic meters of food and water in his bracelet, and if he gave some to every person he met, he’d starve himself.

Yet, to Kong Yangyun and his wife, Mutou’s actions seemed unbelievable. They hadn’t seen him carry anything along the journey and wondered where he got his food and water. The house’s sudden appearance was equally baffling. But all these mysteries were overshadowed by Mutou’s status as an ability user—in the eyes of ordinary people like them, ability users were nearly omnipotent.

With food and water, Kong Yangyun became the most sought-after figure in the refugee camp. All he needed was to ask for something, and soon people would bring it to him. Soon enough, dozens of gold bars and a small pile of jewelry were stacked before him. Seeing that the food supply was running low, he traded for the computers, TVs, and antennas Mutou had requested.

By the time the trading was done, it was close to noon. Kong Yangyun hurried back to Mutou’s house, only to find him with a large iron pot, directing the two women to gather firewood. Inside, he had lit a fire and was cooking preserved meats and noodles together, filling the room with an enticing aroma.

When Kong Yangyun returned, Mutou said, "Gather a few people, those who are well-informed and know about the outbreak’s origins and sites, and anyone good with computers. Tell them I’m inviting them for a meal!"

Kong Yangyun and the others hadn’t eaten like this in ages, and they were excited, rushing out to fetch acquaintances. He sought out colleagues and friends, but so many had fled or died that, after some searching, he could only gather three or five familiar faces. Among them were the Mu sisters, Siyu and Siqing, and two male mechanics, one of whom was indeed proficient with computers.

Mutou had everyone sit in a circle, eating as he asked, "When did this virus outbreak begin? Where did it originate? Is there any new information lately?"

Though surprised by Mutou’s questions, everyone shared what they knew for the promise of food. The virus had broken out three months ago, reportedly starting at a research facility in the megacity of Biao City, over a thousand kilometers away. It spread everywhere with the refugees’ flight.

The mechanic skilled with computers explained that the virus’s spread had turned many cities into wastelands, overrun with hordes of zombies. A few infected didn’t turn into zombies, but instead gained supernatural abilities, becoming what are now known as ability users. Meanwhile, the zombies themselves were evolving, especially the most ferocious animals—after mutation, they became even more formidable. Snakes from the zoo grew as enormous as legendary dragons, leopards moved with lightning speed. People might outrun zombies, but facing these mutated beasts meant certain death.

After the meal, the mechanic offered to stay and help Mutou look up more information online. However, most institutions were paralyzed, and though the network still functioned, the flow of information was dwindling. There was nothing at all about the city at the virus’s origin. Seeing the mechanic’s eager look, Mutou handed him a box of instant noodles and a bottle of water, sending him off delighted.

Mutou understood that city was the key to completing his task; he had to go there. But then he discovered something frustrating: during the trial mission, he couldn’t use the dimensional system to contact Gu Feng or Baldy. The greatest problem was that he had to replenish his food locally, which sent a cold sweat down his back. Fortunately, during the science fiction world’s mission, he hadn’t used much food and water—he still had two cubic meters left, enough for the short term.

Mutou used the computer to check routes to Biao City. Qiao’er saw he was busy and didn’t disturb him, going off to chat with Yang Xiu, Mu Siqing, and the others.

While Mutou was pondering how to complete his mission, he heard a soft knock at the door. Opening it, he found Mu Siyu standing there, her complexion improved from the midday meat meal, and she’d even applied a touch of makeup, carefully dressed.

“Mr. Mu,” Mu Siyu began, “I heard from Qiao’er that you’re an ability user. I want to ask a favor.”

“Oh?” Mutou replied, “What is it? My time is tight, so if you need me to find someone…”

As expected, Mu Siyu was asking him to find someone. Hearing Mutou’s immediate refusal, she hurriedly explained, “It’s my husband. I know where he is, but none of us can get there. I beg you to bring him back. If you agree, tonight—I’ll spend the night with you.”

Mutou considered. “That’s unnecessary. If it’s not far, I’ll bring him back as a favor.”

Mu Siyu was overjoyed, handing him a photo: a man and a woman, the woman being herself, the man handsome and likely her husband.

“He went to the city ahead two days ago to find food and hasn’t returned!” Mu Siyu pointed to the city rising not far away. “That used to be our home, now it’s overrun by zombies.”

That city was one of Mutou’s planned destinations. He intended to find a car there, resupply, and continue onward. He hesitated, then said, “I don’t want to dash your hopes, but if he’s been gone two days, he’s either dead or a zombie…”

Before he finished, Mu Siyu broke down in tears. After a while, she said, “I know, I know it’s a faint hope, but there’s always a chance. If you promise, whether you succeed or not, I’ll fulfill my promise.” She began removing her clothes. In truth, her figure and looks were first-rate, but Mutou didn’t wish to take advantage of her despair and quickly stopped her. “Don’t! I was going there anyway!” He called for Qiao’er, who hurried in. From her manner, it seemed she anticipated Mu Siyu would be inside—Mutou even suspected it was her idea.

Mutou turned to Qiao’er, speaking seriously, “I’m heading to Biao City. The dangers along the way are obvious. Will you stay here or come with me?”

Qiao’er replied quickly, “Of course I’m coming. You’re my master!”

Mutou nodded. “Alright, you know the city better than I do. Lead the way!” He called the others, packed up the capsule.

The sound of Mutou collecting the house startled Kong Yangyun and his wife, who rushed over. Hearing Mutou wa