Chapter Thirty-Six: A New Talent!

Early the next morning, Thomas called everyone together, including the police officers who had been subdued the day before. They all gathered in the prison yard, where Thomas stood on a raised platform and addressed the crowd.

“First of all, I want to apologize for any distress caused by yesterday’s events,” Thomas said, bowing deeply with an earnest expression. “My actions were intense because of personal matters, but these were private grievances and have nothing to do with those present.”

The crowd remained silent, waiting patiently to see what this new leader would say. Most expected him to offer some words to win them over—after all, when a new authority takes over, gestures must be made. They cared little about who managed the place, only about whether their future treatment might improve.

But Thomas’ next words surprised them.

“Let me clarify: we are here on a mission. Our superiors have assigned our Blade Company to escort Dr. Wick to Hainan Island to establish a research base. So today, we must leave this place.”

“What? You’re leaving?” Several police officers were stunned, unable to process the news.

The crowd turned to look at the so-called Dr. Wick. Though he had once been a politician, he certainly looked the part of a scholar—his demeanor inspired trust. Of course, if he’d held a high office, someone might recognize him, but this seemed unlikely. He wasn't among the top leadership, and in the Federation, you might know the president and the first batch of cabinet ministers, but who recognizes the second batch? Who knows the Secretary of Defense or the CIA Director, let alone the deputy head of the IRS—people who never appear in the news?

Especially in a mining town like this, recognizing the mayor would already be impressive.

“Are you really leaving?” After a long silence, someone finally couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes,” Thomas replied, dead serious.

Those in police uniforms lowered their heads, joy flickering in their eyes. Yet most others weren’t so pleased. Truthfully, the soldiers had managed things far better than the police in previous days. Their professionalism and superior equipment inspired confidence, especially when survival was at stake. Supplies in the prison would eventually run out, and when that happened, someone would have to venture out for more. The dangers posed by those monsters were well known, and the police were clearly incapable of handling them—likely, they wouldn't even try, instead forcing civilians to risk their lives.

But the soldiers were different: their fighting ability seemed formidable, and they would probably organize supply runs themselves, improving everyone’s chances of survival.

“So...what will happen to us?” a woman voiced everyone’s concern.

“Right, exactly!” the civilians echoed.

Before Thomas could respond, a somewhat overweight policeman stepped forward, saying, “Rest assured, comrades in arms, I will take care of the people for you!”

Guo Lang slapped his forehead—did every country have officials who spoke like this?

Thomas didn't bother responding to him, instead clearing his throat and announcing, “We will establish a sizeable base on Hainan Island. As professional soldiers, we’ll build a secure facility and ensure its safety. We also have strong logistical support, so supplies will be ample. If anyone wishes to join us, you can register with David. We depart at noon.”

This was the plan Guo Lang and Thomas had devised yesterday—lure people with a government-backed offer, and once they’re aboard, even if the truth comes out, it won’t matter. The soldiers' credibility was considerable, especially in times of desperation, when people were less discerning.

The police officers, however, were anxious. How could this be allowed? If everyone left, what would become of them? They themselves didn’t want to join the soldiers, as it would mean a loss of status. Having tasted superiority for a few days, they were reluctant to give it up.

“This...it’s voluntary, right?” a young, chubby officer summoned the courage to ask.

Thomas gave him a cold glance. “Absolutely voluntary. No coercion.”

“Ahem.” The chubby officer coughed, clearing his throat. “You all heard it—not compulsory! Just a reminder: the soldiers are undertaking a dangerous mission to build a new base on an island. My suggestion is to stay put for now; once the base is established, the soldiers can come back and fetch everyone. That seems safer.”

This advice gave pause to those eager to sign up. His words were reasonable—despite his somewhat sleazy demeanor, he was shrewd.

After speaking, he turned and smiled, “I imagine the army won’t abandon us—they’ll come back for us, right?”

Guo Lang narrowed his eyes. This chubby fellow was quite clever—too bad he couldn’t be used. He nodded toward Thomas, who caught the signal and sneered, “That’s uncertain. Our mission isn’t just to build the base; once it’s up, we’ll be collecting research samples everywhere. Unless a vaccine is developed, there won’t be time to come back for you. The timeframe is uncertain—it could be months, half a year, or even longer. Scientific research isn’t predictable.”

Guo Lang mentally praised Thomas’ eloquence.

“But...” the chubby officer’s face darkened as he tried to say more, only to be cut off by Thomas. “As I said, it’s entirely your decision. If you choose to stay, we won’t touch your supplies. You’ll also be left a share as government assistance, but after that, you’re on your own. Personally, I wouldn’t advise remaining—the odds of survival are better with us. Now, that’s all—dismissed. We have preparations to make.”

The chubby officer was left speechless; Thomas gave him no further chance to speak. Feeling annoyed, he shook his head and began to consider his options. If the civilians left, perhaps he should go too. He glanced at his fellow officers, who were still smugly smiling, and shook his head in secret. What fools—if everyone leaves, where would your privileges be? Better to join the army, at least there's hope.

In a corner, Guo Lang handed a chocolate bar to Alice, whispering with a smile, “Find a secluded place later, dispose of that chubby guy, and hide the body well. At least keep it undiscovered until we’re gone.”

“Okay!” Alice happily bit into the chocolate, smearing her mouth with dark syrup, her cute face nodding eagerly.

Standing behind, Laura looked numb. She realized her heart was growing ever more callous; she was starting to feel accustomed to such things.

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Once the crowd dispersed, most people rushed impatiently to register with David, while a few returned to their dorms to discuss with friends or spouses. The prison guards were also hesitant; their status was higher than ordinary survivors but far lower than the police. Their attachment was weak, and rationally, they saw more promise in following the soldiers. No matter how safe the prison, supplies would run out, forcing dangerous expeditions to resupply.

The chubby officer, sharing the guards’ thoughts, declined his colleagues’ invitation to smoke, saying he needed to fetch something. He was debating whether to secretly persuade civilians to stay or join the soldiers. If everyone left, he certainly wouldn’t stay with those fools.

As he walked, he suddenly stopped, sensing a chill at his back. Turning, he saw Alice following behind and forced a laugh. “Hey, kid, what are you doing?”

“Hm?” Alice paused, her expression surprised. She was at least ten paces from the chubby man; it was the first time her stealth had been detected at this distance. In a more concealed spot, she might have acted already, but now, being called out, she wasn’t sure what to do.

Watching from afar, Guo Lang felt incredulous. Forget the ordinary people—his own basic stats were higher than Alice’s, yet even he couldn’t guarantee spotting her within ten paces if she moved stealthily. Was this chubby guy some hidden expert?

It couldn’t possibly be so absurd.

“Little girl?” The chubby officer nervously stepped back two paces. He’d witnessed her terror firsthand yesterday; among all the people here, she was the most frightening, even more so than the tall black soldier.

“I’m just wandering,” Alice replied quietly, moving two steps forward. She noticed that as she advanced, the chubby man retreated two steps, keeping the ten-pace distance.

Alice’s eyes narrowed, a purple gleam flashing. She calculated the distance: the chubby man’s back was near the prison’s corner. If she moved fast enough, a ten-pace charge could kill him instantly, and momentum would carry his body around the corner, out of sight. If she acted swiftly and silently, she could avoid being seen, though it might leave a bloodstain in a conspicuous spot, risking discovery when she disposed of the body.

Sensing Alice’s hostility, the chubby man trembled and retreated further. “Don’t—don’t you do anything rash, there are a lot of people watching.”

He spoke in a low voice, not daring to raise it. He felt that if he made the wrong move, she’d strike before he could utter a sound. For some reason, even at this distance, he believed she could do it. Where had this terrifying child come from? He silently cried for his mother.

“Stop, Alice!” At the height of tension, Guo Lang’s voice rang out like heavenly music, causing the chubby officer to collapse to the ground.

Guo Lang looked at the youngest police officer, his previous animosity completely replaced by intense interest, making the chubby man uneasy.

“What—what do you want?” The chubby officer shuddered at Guo Lang’s expression.

“Let’s talk in the room,” Guo Lang said, leading the way around the prison corner toward the officers’ dormitory.

“No way...” The chubby officer’s face turned hopeless. Had it really come to trading dignity for survival?