CHAPTER 22

The crack of dawn marked Shao Haoran's departure from the safe zone, his resolve unwavering as he embarked on the journey back to the base. The sun's gentle caress accompanied his steps, guiding him along the familiar path.

"We're going back to the base for a short while, Baobao.", Shao Haoran caressed his dog companion's head. He was determined to complete this journey as soon as he can since he really wants to return back to the safe zone where he doesn't have to worry about zombies or even food.

Baobao whined and snuggled at Shao Haoran's hand. Baobao wasn't an ordinary dog and it understood what the man was talking about. Even though it doesn't want to leave the safe zone as well, it had no choice since it needs to follow and protect its master.

The first few hours of travel were uneventful. The world around him bathed in the soft hues of morning. But as the landscape shifted, so did the tenor of his journey.

A rustling in the nearby underbrush caught his attention. Hearing that sound, Shao Haoran stopped and raised his vigilance. Rustling noises in the forest is definitely a telltale sign that danger is lurking nearby.

As Shao Haoran thought, three zombies emerged, their vacant eyes fixed on Shao Haoran with unsettling intent.

A smirk tugged at his lips as he adjusted his stance, ready to face the challenge head-on.

"Well, well, looks like I've got some uninvited travel companions," he quipped, his voice tinged with a playful bravado.

With a calculated move, Shao Haoran lunged forward, his movements fluid and precise. The zombies, on the other hand, frantically lunged at their supposed prey, mindlessly aiming to take a bite of Shao Haoran's flesh. However, the latter's lightning coated fist met the zombies' bodies with resounding impact first. Each blow sinking deep into the zombies' decaying flesh was a testament to his formidable strength.

A swift series of strikes sent the zombies sprawling, their threat neutralized in a flurry of action. Shao Haoran's heart raced with adrenaline, the exhilaration of combat coursing through his veins. He grinned, his satisfaction palpable.

"Guess I'll have to thank these zombies for giving me a workout," he quipped.

He then took out a knife and dug out the crystal cores from the zombies' head.

"Can't waste these cores, right, Baobao? We can stay a day more if we have five crystal cores, after all."

Shao Haoran whistled softly as he worked on the zombies' heads.

As soon as he was done, Shao Haoran shifted his gaze to the horizon and resumed his journey through the forest.

Hours passed, the sun's descent casting a warm glow over the landscape. Fatigue began to seep into Shao Haoran's limbs. It was this that reminded Shao Haoran that even his superhuman endurance had its limits. With a sigh, he decided to halt his travel and rest for the night.

The forest was a different scenery at night so Shao Haoran was even more vigilant. Nightfall brought a heightened sense of awareness as the forest was transformed into a realm of shadows and whispers. Zombies, more active and sensitive in the darkness, added an extra layer of caution to Shao Haoran's journey.

"We'll need to find a safe place to spend the night, Baobao.", Shao Haoran talked to his only companion in this journey.

His gaze scanned the surroundings to look for a refuge for himself and his loyal canine companion, Baobao. His eyes settled on a towering tree with a large, sturdy branch and a thick canopy of leaves – a makeshift haven for the night.

"Looks like we've found our VIP suite for the evening, Baobao," Shao Haoran quipped, his voice pitched low as if sharing a secret with his furry friend.

As a precaution, he retrieved a cloth soaked in zombie blood, ensuring not a drop came in contact with his skin. With practiced ease, he wiped the cloth over his clothes, the action a reminder of the grim realities of survival.

"Long sleeves and pants – check. Zombie-blood fashion statement – check," Shao Haoran muttered with a wry grin, settling onto the branch alongside Baobao. He remained vigilant, his senses attuned to the distant sounds of shuffling and growling that punctuated the night.

Sleep came fitfully, Shao Haoran's eyes flickering open at the slightest disturbance. His muscles remained coiled, his readiness a shield against the unknown.

With the first light of dawn, Shao Haoran's weariness took a backseat to determination. He bid farewell to their leafy haven, a sense of accomplishment accompanying his every movement.

As the sun climbed higher, the shorter the distance to the base becomes. Right after noon, Shao Haoran approached the base's gates.

He saw a long line of survivors at the entrance gate, waiting to be granted entry into the base. Shao Haoran was both happy and melancholic at the sight - happy that there are still a lot of survivors and melancholic at the thought that these are the only people who have survived.

Shao Haoran lined up with the survivors. The gatekeeper was someone that Shao Haoran barely knew so he was met with caution and familiarity.

"I'm returning from a mission," Shao Haoran explained. He flashed his identification card and mission token.

The gatekeeper nodded with acknowledgement.

"You can come in," the gatekeepr nodded with acknowledgement upon confirming the authenticity of the identification card and mission token. "Please make sure to proceed to the isolation area. As you may already know, you need to stay there for four hours before you can enter the base."

"I know the procedure," he replied. After taking back his identification card and mission token from the gatekeeper, he then nudged his four-legged companion so they could walk forward to the isolation area.

Shao Haoran settled into the isolation area patiently. Although he was still vigilant, his tense body slowly became at ease as the clock ticked by and his journey's end was simply a mere formality away.