Dark Apocalypse

Episode 36

Without a second thought, they left without hesitation.



"Going out to scavenge for supplies?"

It seemed fate had a way of making things clear, as after Adam and Miao Yunyao entered Li Yalin's room, they were told that, as new survivors, they too were expected to contribute to the group's survival.

"Yes, although the outside world is perilous, our supplies—food and resources—are rapidly dwindling. To endure for as long as possible, we must continually gather and stockpile."

Li Yalin wore an apologetic expression, his demeanor visibly embarrassed. Behind him, his sister, Li Yolin, remained indifferent, her gaze as cold as when they first met, perhaps even colder, with a subtle trace of hostility lurking within. Or perhaps it was merely a fleeting impression...

"Everyone here must contribute to the group, or else we will all perish. There is no room for complaints or refusal. Every person has the obligation to go out and gather supplies. It's not a matter of bullying the newcomers; this is simply how things are done here."

In contrast to her brother, Li Yolin's tone was sharp, dismissive even. It felt less like a discussion and more like a command, her arrogance unmistakable.

"And if we refuse?" Adam asked casually, his expression unreadable, betraying neither rejection nor agreement—just an unnerving calm.

"This..." Li Yalin paused, glancing at his sister for guidance.

"If you refuse to follow the rules and help the group, then, I'm sorry, but you are not welcome here. Everyone is fighting for survival, protecting this place with everything they have. If you refuse, you are free to leave."

Adam had begun to understand. While it appeared that the siblings, the Li family, held the power here, the true authority seemed to lie with the younger sister, Li Yolin. Though he didn't quite grasp how a woman could command the obedience of such a varied group of survivors, it was clear she had her methods. Her brother, Li Yalin, appeared to be little more than a puppet, easily led by his more assertive sister.

"You two..." Miao Yunyao began to speak, but Adam quickly pulled her back.

"Have you decided?" Li Yolin asked coldly, her gaze fixed on Adam.

"How much supplies do you need us to bring back?" Adam's question surprised Miao Yunyao. When did he become so compliant? Meanwhile, Li Yalin and Li Yolin exchanged a brief, silent look before Li Yolin wordlessly turned and left.

"Apologies for my sister's temper... She's a bit... but please, don't take offense. She means well. It's all for the group's survival," Li Yalin said apologetically, explaining his sister's behavior, before detailing the tasks and expectations for the new arrivals.

According to Li Yalin, every morning, usually around seven or eight, two-person teams would go out to scavenge. They would search nearby areas for usable supplies, most notably the Jiaxfu supermarket, where a good portion of essential items could be found.

Other locations could be explored, but food and medicine were the highest priority, followed by fuel and other basic necessities.

Li Yalin emphasized the need for everyone to contribute—at least three kilograms of food or equivalent items—whenever they went out. Rules were strict; any slackness would result in failure to meet the group's needs.

"Three kilograms of food and equivalent items..." Adam remarked as he and Miao Yunyao stood at the elevator, waiting to descend.

According to Li Yalin, the original plan for today had been abruptly halted by the appearance of zombies, which the earlier teams had inadvertently attracted. The first floor had become an unsafe zone, and today's scavenging efforts yielded nothing. As newcomers and the cause of the disruption, Adam was expected to make amends.

"You agreed to that so easily?" Miao Yunyao asked as the elevator doors slid open.

"It was the right thing to do, wasn't it?" Adam replied with a smile, acknowledging the person who had activated the elevator for them. It turned out that the person who helped them earlier was one of those scheduled to go out this morning, and it puzzled him why there was only one person now instead of two.

"I didn't want my wife to go out on such a dangerous mission... My daughter is only three... If something happens, at least she will still have her mother," he explained. The rule was to send two people together, usually family or close friends, but one could also take both roles if necessary. In the event of an accident, as long as the supplies were brought back to the elevator, and delivered to the fifth floor, the family would have time before they needed to risk another foray.

When the elevator reached the first floor, it was clear that Miao Yunyao was nervous, while Adam remained calm. He knew the situation was safe.

Indeed, when the elevator doors opened, the lobby was littered with corpses, but there were no moving zombies in sight.

"It seems like Ling Ao really knows what he's doing," Adam mused, smiling. He was certain of the safety because Ling Ao had left half an hour before them.

"What are you thinking?" Miao Yunyao asked, puzzled by the expression on his face.

"Are you planning to stay here long?" Adam asked, continuing to walk toward the exit.

"Of course not. If Xiao Ya is fine, we'll go to the government-established survivor base!" Miao Yunyao hurriedly followed.

"Then why stay upstairs?" Adam smiled, though his face held no warmth. Miao Yunyao paused, suddenly uncertain.

"You mean..."

"Let's go, but it might not be as peaceful outside..." Adam said, not answering her directly, as he led the way out of the building.

Meanwhile, in a room on the fifth floor, filled with monitors, Li Yalin and Li Yolin observed the screen showing Adam and Miao Yunyao's figures.

"Brother, how much do you think Adam will bring back?" Li Yolin asked seductively, her body pressed against Li Yalin's, her eyes filled with an alluring gaze.

"Perhaps... they won't return at all..." Li Yalin replied, his expression now stern, his earlier uncertainty replaced by a resolute seriousness as he continued to stare at the monitor, lost in thought.