Shedding the Burden

As soon as these words were spoken, Jesse laughed awkwardly.

They were indeed not suited for dealing with complicated matters.

"We've gathered here partly because of the zombie horde and partly because of the Starry Night Lab."

"Now that the zombie horde has dispersed, we each have our own tasks, and you and your people can navigate through the city. Your courage and strength are commendable."

After saying this, Jesse gave Born a thumbs up.

Born hurriedly waved his hand, seemingly understanding Jesse's implication.

They had their own tasks and couldn't take the people in the hotel with them. Was he hoping Born would stay behind and protect these people?

"Stop kidding, Born. Do you think I have the strength to protect so many people?"

Born refused outright, without any hesitation.

"Why?" Jesse asked, bewildered.

"Are you saying that we should help each other now, and since I have the strength, I should do more?" Born retorted.

Jesse was about to say something, but when their eyes met, he seemed to understand Born's thoughts.

Most people were struggling to protect themselves, how could they take care of others?

Born's refusal was understandable.

After a long silence, Jesse couldn't help but say, "The exhibition hall is indeed safer, but the people inside are very dangerous."

"This place is good enough."

After saying this, Jesse saw that Born remained unmoved, thought for a moment, and decided to leave.

However, as Jesse reached the door, Born smiled and said, "If you see Aileen and she hasn't contacted you, tell her you saw her sister, Angelica."

Jesse turned back, puzzled.

The mission of the Starry Night Lab was classified. How did Born know?

Perhaps this was why Born had brought a group of women to this place?

Jesse left.

Born observed for a while, then returned to the room and held Lane as he drifted off to sleep.

At least Jesse was right about one thing, this hotel wasn't bad.

...

On the third day of staying at the hotel, Jesse came to say goodbye.

They had prepared a convoy. There was no shortage of good cars below the hotel.

The group was divided into two parts: fifteen people escorted around thirty others out of the city, while the remaining people prepared to head to the Starry Night Lab.

As for the hotel, about fifty ordinary people were left behind, practically forced upon Born.

Reluctantly, Born noticed that as soon as the rescue team left, these fifty people began to act recklessly.

Born initially didn't want to intervene, but a few men had the audacity to target his maid corps.

Zzzz!

Electric currents crackled, leaving three charred bodies on the ground.

Born coldly surveyed the scene. This was the fifteenth floor, the hotel restaurant.

All fifty people had been gathered, and the three who were executed had attempted to assault the maid corps, even brandishing kitchen knives to threaten Born.

After the incident with the gym teacher, Born had resolved to be ruthless!

"Don't think that just because the rescue team left, I owe you anything. From today, you will move upstairs. The floors above the twenty-fifth are your territory. Except for meals, no one is allowed to come down."

"Additionally, anyone who dares to waste food, let these three be your warning."

Born said coldly.

Immediately, a man in a suit stood up, pointing at Born. "Who the hell do you think you are? You weren't this arrogant when the rescue team was here."

"This is the apocalypse. Who are you to tell us what to do?"

As soon as he finished speaking, an electric current flashed and struck the ground in front of the man.

"You said it yourself, this is the apocalypse!"

"In the apocalypse, there are no rules. It's just that I'm stronger than you."

Born said calmly.

The man was terrified.

He had previously thought Born's method of killing the three men was some high-tech trick. Now he realized the electric currents were actually coming from Born's hands!

Everyone fell silent.

Born, who could wield lightning powers, appeared godlike in their eyes.

"Additionally, I'm not entirely heartless. If anyone wants to join me, that's fine. Register your skills with Pearl. There's only one condition for joining: you must kill a zombie!"

After saying this, Born took Lane's hand and turned to leave.

Once he left, the entire restaurant began whispering among themselves.

"Who does he think he is? Just because he has powers? This is the apocalypse; he must be getting benefits from killing zombies."

"That could be true. If we kill zombies, we might gain powers too."

"I'm joining!"

"Me too!"

Most of those who wanted to join were strong men, unwilling to accept Born's authority and seeking to overthrow him.

When the rescue team was around, they were treated well. But Born didn't see himself as a savior, and he had no reason to be kind to these people.

Some chose to wait and see, while others walked up to Pearl.

The fifty survivors were split into three groups.

About ten strong men started looking for weapons, planning to kill zombies.

Seeing this, Pearl instructed two maid members beside her, "Keep an eye on them. If they get injured by zombies or if something goes wrong, kill them!"

Pearl's eyes turned cold.

If zombies broke into the building, they would have to deal with the aftermath. Moreover, since these men were against her master, Pearl wouldn't let them have it easy.

Those who approached Pearl included four women and two men, a small fraction of the group.

After registering, it turned out the four women had no special skills: two were hotel front desk clerks and two were salespeople. The two men were mechanics.

Born felt a bit helpless.

Front desk clerks and salespeople?

Previously, Born had used his detection skill and found many talented people, but unfortunately, Jesse had taken them all.

That night, in their room, Pearl was reporting the situation to Born.

"Among the four women, two worked at the hotel front desk, and two were in sales. The two men are mechanics."

Born sighed in frustration.

However, they are not entirely untrainable. If they are obedient and willing to join, spending an additional 50 points to grant them basic skills can turn them into decent fighters.

"Go ask Mia if she wants to add more people to the team. If she does, she can choose to take in these four."

Born waved his hand.

He felt a bit helpless. Lane had stayed with him for two days, but for some reason, today she suddenly said she wanted to sleep with Laura instead. Tonight, it seemed he would have to sleep alone.

Pearl looked at Born and slowly walked behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders.

"Master, it seems Lane is feeling a bit overwhelmed. We drew lots, and tonight it's my turn to accompany you."

As she spoke, Pearl's hands began to unbutton Born's shirt.

Born was taken aback.

He was used to the maids massaging his shoulders, but he didn't expect Pearl to make such a bold move tonight.

Pearl's breath was warm as she whispered softly, her hot breath brushing against Born's ear.

This woman sure knows how to play!