Dark Apocalypse

Episode 20

The night fell once more



H University, the place where Adam once gained admission. Of course, those were events of the past; the moment he was incarcerated, he ceased to be a student and became a serving criminal.

Although H University is not renowned nationwide, it holds a respectable reputation in the southern region as a comprehensive full-time undergraduate institution. The admission score was relatively high, and Adam had to exert himself to the utmost, eventually securing a spot with just a marginally acceptable score.

In truth, Adam did not spend much time at the university—less than six months, in fact. Before the first semester could conclude, he found himself imprisoned. His only lasting impression was of the university's vast expanse, almost akin to a small town.

"In fact, the military district is located just behind the small mountain adjacent to the university. Therefore, if the government intends to establish a nearby survivor base, that university would be the ideal location, seamlessly connected to the military district and surrounded by an extensive area devoid of human habitation."

As a veteran, Ling Ao possessed considerable knowledge of such matters, and he speculated that if the government were to set up a base, it would most likely be there.

"But what if...?" Shangguan Ya cast a timid glance at her mother.

"Of course, I cannot be entirely certain. After all, the broadcasts were interrupted before the government could confirm the actual location. Yet, the potential there is substantial!"

Ling Ao was arguably the most authoritative voice among the four. Miao Yun Yao and Shangguan Ya had followed him for protection, thus placing their trust in him. Adam had little else to offer in terms of insight, so he chose to align himself with their decision.

Moreover, the most significant aspect was that Adam would prefer these three individuals to accompany him, as he originally intended to go there himself.

Although Adam felt confident in his ability to navigate alone—having undergone a significant transformation and grown much bolder—he would greatly welcome the company of other living beings. After all, humans are inherently social creatures...

"Then let us heed Ling Ao's advice and head that way!" It seemed the true decision-maker among the group was the striking woman, Miao Yun Yao...

And so it began...

"The surroundings appear relatively safe; hurry up and come aboard!"

Before their fuel ran out, Ling Ao found a clearing that seemed devoid of structures and the shadows of the undead, where they could safely dock. He was the first to leap onto solid ground, taking a moment to survey the area before calling to Adam and the others still on the boat.

Adam did not rush to disembark alongside Miao Yun Yao and Shangguan Ya. It was not out of any misguided sense of chivalry but rather a recognition of the situation's safety, negating the need for a scramble. After all, the three were allies, and Adam, merely an outsider, preferred not to offend them without cause.

After being the last to step ashore, Adam took a moment to observe his surroundings. He was unfamiliar with this area, having rarely ventured out. The only notable observation was that this region appeared to be under development; the roads and surrounding vegetation were strikingly new, with freshly laid asphalt lining the streets.

In addition, there were many half-finished buildings scattered about. Judging by their structures, they appeared to be industrial facilities of some sort.

The view was desolate, devoid of human presence. However, in the distance, he could faintly discern several moving figures—likely zombies. Fortunately, their scarcity in this vicinity posed no immediate threat.

"This is an area initially intended for industrial development; from here, we can find a relatively safe and swift route to H University."

After observing the distant zombies and confirming their lack of threat, Ling Ao spread a map on the ground and pointed to their current position.

Upon examining the map, Adam noted that they were situated in the southeast corner of the city, while H University lay further east. Though slightly misaligned, the direct distance between the two locations did not exceed a few kilometers.

"Shall we take the elevated road?" Adam asked, not one to overlook the obvious.

"Yes, the elevated route is preferable. Walking the tens of kilometers on foot would be arduous. Moreover, as you can see, if we can navigate from here to there, we must find a way to avoid certain areas."

Following Ling Ao's indication, Adam and the others spotted the locations he mentioned they should steer clear of. Those areas, part of the industrial zone, were markedly different from where they currently stood.

That part had been developed over a decade ago, teeming with factories and residential buildings constructed for a large workforce. It represented a densely populated area.

In a world so fraught with peril, densely populated places were brimming with danger and swarming with the undead.

"Even if we take the elevated road, we still cannot completely bypass that section..." Adam scrutinized the map carefully.

He was unfamiliar with this area, perhaps having never set foot here before. From the map, it was evident that even if they opted for the elevated road, they would still have to traverse a small segment of the outskirts.

"Indeed, the nearest junction is right there, so we must accept a modicum of risk."

Adam did not contest this so-called "modicum of risk," which involved their quartet passing through a small town densely populated with people, as he could conceive no better alternative.

With no objections raised, Adam decided to accompany them in their endeavor. First, they needed to secure a means of transportation. A journey exceeding fifty kilometers was impractical on foot, thus necessitating the search for a vehicle.

Vehicles—this was what the four of them sought. However, embarking on this quest proved to be exceedingly challenging.

This area remained undeveloped, leading to a sparsity of human life and relative safety. While this lack of population meant fewer zombies, it also resulted in significant difficulty in locating a vehicle.

"What now?" Adam inquired as he smashed the skull of a solitary zombie with the steel rod he held, turning to Ling Ao, who approached from the right.

For the record, Adam's steel rod was a third-generation implement, salvaged from the previous boat. He found it remarkably comfortable to wield. As for his clothing, he wore the same tactical outfit he had previously claimed was purchased online.

"No luck. I've checked several places without finding anything..." Ling Ao's response was as expected.

By now, they had lingered here for over an hour, and darkness was beginning to settle...

The second night since Adam's awakening was about to descend...