The Surplus Residents

The Phantom Census

Mike took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. He didn't rush to give orders but turned to Dongfang Zhiyuan immediately. "Is it a ghost?"

"The mechanism limits my perception. I can't say for sure," Dongfang Zhiyuan replied coolly. This time, he didn't put on airs but gave a direct answer. "But one thing is certain—this building has seen plenty of deaths. That's the only way the ghost mist could have formed so quickly."

Mike's gaze flickered toward Wang Daniu standing outside the door. Lowering his voice, he asked, "Old man, can you intervene? I don't have any ghost hunters on my side."

"You play cards, kid?" Dongfang Zhiyuan shot him a glance, unimpressed. "Do you throw down your trump card at the start of the game?"

The mist had only just emerged. Even if there had been incidents in the past few days, they wouldn't have escalated to lethal levels yet.

"My advice?" Dongfang Zhiyuan leaned back, his voice laced with indifference. "Go see for yourself. While the threat is still manageable, get a feel for it. That way, you won't make dumb decisions later."

His words were blunt, but they rang true.

A leader who remains blind to the reality on the ground is doomed to fail.

Mike had always been conscious of this in city governance, and in an apocalyptic crisis, the principle was no different. If he didn't understand the ghost mist himself, how could he lead his people through it?

"Alright."

Without hesitation, Mike nodded and stood up.

"Commander!"

Lin Yue shot to her feet, stepping forward eagerly. "Let me go instead! I have combat experience. You can see through my perspective and understand the battle firsthand."

Mike glanced at the ever-indifferent Dongfang Zhiyuan, then shook his head. "I'll go myself."

With that, he didn't wait for a response and strode out of the room, his departure swift and decisive.

"Commander! Commander!"

Lin Yue, flustered, made to follow, but Jiang Xiaoci's voice stopped her.

"Lin Yue, don't."

"Miss Jiang!" Lin Yue turned, her eyes burning with urgency. "Why are you stopping me? You should be stopping the commander! He can't face danger himself!"

"He's the leader of tens of thousands. If something happens to him, how do we explain it to the people? Who will lead us?"

"Hah."

A cold chuckle interrupted her before Jiang Xiaoci could respond.

Dongfang Zhiyuan sipped his drink leisurely. "A ruler who never walks the battlefield—how does he expect to rule over warriors?"

"You—!"

Lin Yue's anger flared. She raised a trembling finger at the old man. "I've tolerated you for long enough! The commander has treated you with nothing but respect, yet you deliberately push him into danger! If you don't want to help, fine—leave! But why must you make things harder for him?"

"Lin Yue."

Jiang Xiaoci's voice was calm but firm, her beautiful face carrying a hint of displeasure. "Mind your manners. The old master is a guest of the commander. You're out of line."

Dongfang Zhiyuan chuckled, undisturbed. "Young ones have fire in them. I understand." He set his cup down. "Fine. I'll guarantee his safety. Give it two hours—he'll be back, not a hair out of place."

With that, he returned to his meal, disinterested in further debate.

Lin Yue's glare could have burned through steel, but Jiang Xiaoci signaled her to sit.

"Miss Jiang, aren't you worried?" Lin Yue whispered, still uneasy.

Jiang Xiaoci shook her head slightly. "The old master said he'd be fine. And besides…" Her gaze drifted toward the door. "The commander left too decisively. I think, deep down, he wanted to test himself."

After all, with someone powerful backing him up, Mike finally had a chance to explore his own strength.

If he kept relying on borrowed power without real experience, wasn't he wasting his potential?

—

Outside, Mike called over Wang Daniu, the soldier standing guard.

"Daniu, we're checking the building again."

Wang Daniu, half-drowsy moments ago, instantly straightened, excitement flashing across his face.

"The commander himself is joining the patrol?"

"Did I miss something earlier?" he asked, following closely as they descended.

"No, you did well," Mike replied, eyes fixed ahead. "I just want to be sure."

"You know my abilities," he added. "I can sense things you might not see."

Wang Daniu's admiration deepened. "Yes, sir! I trust you completely."

Mike led the way down, his sharp gaze scanning the building.

"Fifth floor." He stopped, then gestured. "Knock."

Wang Daniu stepped forward and knocked firmly. "Routine inspection! Everyone, please step out."

Four rooms per floor. This wasn't just an apartment—it had been repurposed into a survival shelter. Each room housed multiple people, making population tracking crucial.

A man's voice called from inside. "Daniu? Again? What's up?"

"Commander's orders—another round of checks."

"Man, the commander really looks out for us!" The man laughed. "We've been good—haven't stepped outside at all."

The door opened, revealing the residents. They exchanged a few words before stepping out to be counted.

Daniu nodded. "Looks right. Any shortages? Any conflicts?"

"Nope! We're good, got food and water. No issues."

"You say that, but I need to check inside."

The man shrugged and let them in.

Wang Daniu inspected thoroughly, using his practiced eye to catch any signs of disturbance. He knew these people well—if something was off, he'd notice.

When he stepped out, he confirmed, "All clear."

Mike gave a subtle nod. "Next."

They continued, floor by floor, room by room. Each check was thorough, each exchange routine.

An hour later, they reached the ground floor.

The main hall had been converted into a staging area for labor crews. Some soldiers milled about, along with restless residents chatting among themselves.

Daniu wove through them, talking to each person.

Mike stood back, observing, his expression darkening.

Something was off.

Daniu returned. "Sir, everyone checks out. No issues."

Mike adjusted the glasses on his face.

[Lie Detection Glasses: Grade B – Detects falsehoods in verbal interactions. Effective on ordinary humans; ineffective against those with counter-skills.]

A useful gadget, inherited from some unlucky bastard.

Mike turned to leave, but after two steps, he halted.

"Commander?" Daniu asked.

Mike looked at him, his voice even. "Repeat your report."

Daniu blinked, then dutifully echoed, "Everyone is accounted for. No one's missing. No incidents."

Mike's eyes flickered upward. "So… if everyone upstairs is 'accounted for'—"

His gaze dropped to the ground floor, where the idle crowd lingered.

"—where did those extra people come from?"

Silence.

Daniu's face paled.

His breath caught. His head snapped back to the group in the hall.

He had checked the numbers twice. He had personally confirmed each floor.

If no one was missing…

Then those people downstairs—

They weren't supposed to exist.