The First Parasitic Effect: Chen Dafen, Keep Striving to Grow Stronger!

The boss loved the food, and the others were even more excited, their eyes shining with anticipation.

With the first meal as proof, Li Jie and the others' persuasion efforts went smoothly. More and more Little Bear residents began to gradually gravitate toward life at the community base.

Jiang Xiaoci's "slow digestion" strategy was also beginning to show results. From the beginning, she had planned to subtly influence the newcomers.

"I won't force you to be loyal to the base," she had said. "Feel it for yourselves. As time goes by, you'll be able to tell whether this life is worth protecting."

It was only when the majority of the Little Bear residents truly embraced the community that Jiang Xiaoci would begin building her new army. She had long had her eye on the combat potential of these residents.

To outsiders, these people seemed like villains, with blood on their hands. In the first month, they had committed many heinous acts. But to Jiang Xiaoci, they weren't pure evildoers—rather, they were exceptional warriors in need of guidance and training.

A warrior who has killed is the most reliable when it comes to combat.

As for Mike, he was completely unaware of the shock the Little Bear residents had felt over their first meal.

After finishing his breakfast, he didn't waste time waiting for lunch. Instead, he went downstairs to a suitable spot and summoned another ten thousand soldiers for recruitment in one go.

Jiang Xiaoci received the news immediately and rushed to take charge of the army's management. Today, she needed to complete the first round of army cuts, selecting at least 2,500 soldiers.

Though the number wasn't large, the process was tedious. Not many people could handle it; only Jiang Xiaoci herself could handle the task.

Mike understood this. It was like finding a stray penny in the financial report—it may seem small, but it's important.

Jiang Xiaoci was in a hurry and didn't have time to linger with Mike.

Mike, accustomed to his strong-willed partner's busy schedule, knew what to do: go upstairs.

What would he do upstairs?

Play, of course!

The strong woman was out there working hard, after all, to give him a better life.

And truth be told, Mike's life right now was mostly filled with games, novels, and comics. Another tedious and uneventful post-apocalyptic noon passed.

At noon, the new day's talent rewards arrived on time.

[Congratulations! You have received a B-grade survival resource reward: "Giant Bread Tree (B-grade)".]

Giant Bread Tree: A special B-grade plant, much larger than its lower-level counterpart. It bears fruit three times a day, with 3,000 pieces each time. Each fruit tastes like bread and can sustain a human's daily nutritional needs. However, it requires more space to grow and cannot be near other food-producing special plants.

"Well, looks like it's another resource-type reward," Mike chuckled, confirming his guess from yesterday.

But his luck wasn't great today—no double rewards, no grand prizes.

The Giant Bread Tree, according to detailed 3D data from the shelter, was as tall as a building and required a vast area to grow. There was no room indoors, so Mike set it up in the yard outside the main building.

That space was already home to a 200-member soldier unit guarding the back, and it was ideal for the tree's needs. It also lay within the unit's patrol range, ensuring security.

After setting it up, Mike sent the news to Jiang Xiaoci, who would make sure the soldiers harvested the fruit daily.

While the bread tree's food supply wasn't significant for the community, with 9,000 fruits produced daily, it could at least provide for 9,000 soldiers. Plus, it was easy to store, making it ideal for logistical support during marches.

With the Giant Bread Tree settled, Mike was just returning to his room when another message flashed on his screen.

[Parasite talent effect activated! You have acquired part of the target's item—the data for its physical strength.]

Due to the "Adaptive" mechanism of your body, the data has been reduced by 20%, but it is more compatible with your body and will not cause rejection.

As the information appeared before him, Mike felt a surge of strength deep within his body. He felt as if he could do anything—every cell in his body was cheering and roaring, filled with an almost invincible energy.

"Whoa! So this is what it feels like to get stronger!" Mike's eyes widened as he marveled at the change. He suddenly understood why Chen Dafeng enjoyed killing so freely—when you possess such power, anyone would feel unstoppable.

Mike checked his personal data. His physical strength, once at a normal 78 points, had skyrocketed to 3,600 points!

"Although there's some reduction, at least there's no rejection."

"This means the stuff I gain through the Parasite Talent gets automatically adjusted to fit my body."

"But... with the strength boost, do the other stats not improving have any negative effects?" Mike tilted his head, pondering.

He clenched his fist and struck the metal desk in front of him with a little force.

Bang!!

A loud crash echoed.

The robot outside the door rushed in but quickly turned to leave.

Mike looked at his fist, still intact. He glanced at the desk—it was completely caved in from the impact.

This was a high-tech alloy desk built using a vast amount of points, nearly indestructible by conventional means—ordinary knives and bullets couldn't even leave a mark.

Yet, under Mike's fist, it was completely destroyed.

"My fist doesn't hurt, and I didn't tear any muscles, but my punching speed isn't exactly fast," Mike muttered to himself. "So there's no downside, huh? This really is pure physical strength."

It was excellent news!

Though it was just a numerical boost, it was a tangible increase in his strength.

The best part? This was only the first activation of the Parasite effect.

Every day, new effects would appear!

"Chen Dafeng, I've got this now!" Mike grinned, his smile widening. "The stronger you get, the stronger I'll become! Whatever you gain, I'll get it too!"

Mike was more than satisfied with this arrangement. He didn't need to do anything—just lay back at home and enjoy the fruits of Chen Dafeng's efforts.

He was fully content.

He intended to study the benefits of his newfound strength and adapt to the overwhelming power.

But reality had no plans to give Mike enough time to rest.

At 2:00 p.m., Jiang Xiaoci rushed in, bringing new updates.

"Sir, the army cuts have been completed. The 2,500 most suitable candidates are ready."

"Additionally, the first batch of donated supplies has been sorted."

"Sir, you can proceed with the donation now."

Jiang Xiaoci gently reminded Mike, "I'm not sure where you'll rank this time, though."