Dark Apocalypse

Episode 23

Enter the town



Gasoline and diesel are both derived from petroleum and classified as fuels. However, can they be interchangeably used?

"Fool! Gasoline cannot start a diesel engine!" Adam finally spoke up, unable to bear witnessing the foolish antics of the mother-daughter pair any longer.

"Who are you calling an i***t?" Upon hearing Adam's words, Shangguan Ya nearly leapt up, likely having never been insulted in such a manner before; it was evident she was a spoiled young lady.

Miao Yun Yao furrowed her brow, casting a displeased look at Adam, while Ling Ao also regarded him with a cold expression. With a single remark, Adam had offended them all. He merely shrugged his shoulders...

"Do as you wish. Brother Ling Ao, I believe in this environment, indulging certain individuals is not a wise choice... Of course, this is just my suggestion..."

After speaking, Adam ignored them and walked over to the nearby private vehicles, beginning to assess which one would be most suitable for their journey. He paid no heed to the offense he had caused the mother and daughter; if necessary, he could always venture forth alone.

Now that vehicles had been found, he could reach the university on his own. He had already memorized the route in his mind, and he was capable of driving without needing to rely on anyone else's judgment.

As Adam examined the cars, Ling Ao's expression changed several times after Adam finished speaking. Ultimately, he did not assert himself as Adam had anticipated; however, he at least took the time to explain the situation to the ignorant mother and daughter.

Though both types of fuel were classified as such, the differing engines required specific fuel types. While a gasoline engine could run on diesel in a pinch, regular use would inevitably damage the engine.

Conversely, a diesel engine could not start using gasoline as fuel. Ling Ao understood the underlying principles well, and Adam had only a superficial grasp. The mother and daughter, on the other hand, were completely uninformed.

After the explanation, the two women realized they had to abandon the seemingly safe construction vehicle and opt for a private car with adequate fuel—this was their only viable option.

Even after the explanation, Shangguan Ya still wore a sour expression when looking at Adam. Meanwhile, Miao Yun Yao and Ling Ao seemed to have moved past their anger.

What surprised Adam even more was that Miao Yun Yao, the beautiful woman, had become notably more amicable, frequently engaging Adam in conversation, devoid of the subtle arrogance she had previously displayed.

Adam was indifferent to this change; he understood that their interactions would eventually be limited. For now, they were merely traveling together along the same route. He had no intention of trusting anyone...

Especially not in an environment rife with death...

Ultimately, the four of them set off in a Mitsubishi SUV that appeared to be in good condition. The journey was largely uneventful; apart from occasionally spotting a lone zombie, they faced no dangers as they traveled through the desolate landscape.

"It's quite peaceful..." Adam remarked from the passenger seat, while Ling Ao was at the wheel, and the mother-daughter duo occupied the back seat.

Hearing the gentle conversation between the two women, Adam smiled, noticing how the calmness since their arrival had allowed them to gradually relax.

Indeed, they had encountered few zombies, and with a smooth road ahead, Ling Ao accelerated the vehicle, relieved that there was no concern about speeding fines.

However, Adam understood that this tranquility was temporary. Upon reaching the small town before the elevated highway, danger would undoubtedly await them. To be honest, Adam had some reservations about Ling Ao's plan.

No one knew the true state of that small town or how many zombies lurked within. To proceed so recklessly posed significant risks. Adam had initially preferred to take a longer route, circumventing the town through smaller roads, but he knew his opinion would go unheeded.

"Indeed, but we'll need to stay vigilant soon. In about ten minutes, we'll enter the heart of that small town. Although we have a vehicle to shield us from the zombies, we must be prepared in case we encounter a large horde!"

Ling Ao's expression was grave; he likely understood that this was a high-stakes gamble. He reassured the mother and daughter that they would only face dozens or hundreds of zombies, insisting it would be manageable.

But what was the reality?

How many people resided in that small town? Especially considering they would have to pass through the busiest area, Adam had already mentally prepared himself for the worst—being forced to disembark and fight for his life.

Yesterday, he had found numerous usable melee weapons in the factory, including shovels and other tools. However, Adam preferred the lightweight steel pipes, which were easier to wield.

At that moment, he carried two carefully selected steel pipes, ready for immediate combat should the need arise.

"Points held: 366. Health status: healthy. Intelligence: average. Endurance: below average. Strength: average. Speed: slightly above average. Agility: average. Reaction time: average. Personality: introverted."

This was the information Adam had reviewed during his night watch, clearly indicating that his physical attributes had improved by at least one tier! Though not exceptionally powerful, this represented significant progress for someone who had been in poor health.

What accounted for this sudden enhancement? Adam speculated that it was a consequence of the time he had spent in a state of confusion, which had forcibly boosted his constitution by 400%. Another possibility was that his previous imprisonment, combined with inadequate exercise and nutrition, had weakened his physique.

Now, he had begun to recover somewhat...

An improvement in physical condition was certainly welcome news. Additionally, the 366 points accumulated from several days of hunting bolstered Adam's confidence in facing any unforeseen dangers.

As for how to allocate this newfound wealth, he had yet to decide. The only thing he desired was the realistic replica of the Muramasa katana, which required 100 points and could be used indefinitely.

However, considering the presence of others around him, Adam refrained from making any exchanges for now. For the time being, he had his trusty steel pipes, and these points might yet prove to be life-saving currency in a critical situation.

While Adam was deep in thought, Ling Ao had already driven into the danger zone. This area was markedly different from where they had previously traveled; it had been developed for over a decade and had formed a living community.

"Attention! The next stretch of road is not safe!" Ling Ao's timely warning rang out.

Looking out the window, Adam could indeed see that the number of zombies was beginning to increase, drawn by the sound of the vehicle. This was merely the outer perimeter of the town, and as the zombie count surged, Adam's expression grew increasingly serious, his grip on the steel pipe tightening...