The weight of survival

The military base was quieter than Xu Lian expected. Despite housing twenty survivors, the air felt heavy with exhaustion and tension. Ma Cheng led Lian and Yu Xian deeper into the compound, past makeshift sleeping quarters and weapon caches stacked against the walls.

A few soldiers eyed them warily, hands hovering over their weapons.

"Your people don't trust outsiders," Lian observed.

"They've seen what the world has turned into," Ma Cheng replied. "Trust gets you killed."

Yu Xian crossed his arms. "If we were a threat, you wouldn't be standing here."

Ma Cheng smirked. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm waiting to see if you're worth keeping alive."

Lian didn't flinch. "Then let's not waste time. We came here because we need capable fighters. People who know how to handle chaos. We're gathering allies before everything collapses."

Ma Cheng leaned against the table. "And in return?"

Lian met his gaze evenly. "You get supplies, information, and a better chance at surviving what's coming."

Silence stretched between them. The weight of her words settled over the room.

Ma Cheng finally exhaled. "Tell me everything."

---

Chen's Gamble

Meanwhile, Chen, Jiao, and Lin Wei sat across from Jiang Hao in his warehouse. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"You say you have information," Jiang Hao said. "Prove it."

Chen smirked. "The world is about to end. Not in months, but in weeks. And when it does, people like you? The ones hoarding power? You'll be the first ones taken down if you're not prepared."

Jiang Hao raised an eyebrow. "Bold words."

"Accurate words," Jiao interjected. "The infection won't stay quiet for long. You know how fast things fall apart."

Jiang Hao tapped his fingers against the table. "Even if I believe you, why should I care? I have enough weapons to level half this city if I want."

"Bullets won't matter when you're outnumbered a hundred to one," Lin Wei said.

Jiang Hao's jaw tightened, but he didn't deny it. He wasn't a fool.

Chen leaned forward. "We don't need all your weapons. Just a deal. We work together, we survive together. Or you can take your chances alone."

Jiang Hao studied them for a long moment, then smirked. "Alright. Let's see if you're worth the risk."

---

A Hard Choice

Back at the base, Ma Cheng led Lian and Yu Xian to a locked storage room. He unlocked it and pushed the door open.

Inside were crates of ammunition, military-grade rations, and stacks of medical supplies.

"We've been rationing," Ma Cheng said. "But this won't last."

Lian stepped inside, scanning the inventory. "I can supply food and medicine. Enough to sustain your people."

Ma Cheng narrowed his eyes. "And in exchange?"

"You follow our lead," Yu Xian said. "We need discipline. Fighters who won't crumble under pressure."

One of Ma Cheng's men scoffed. "We're soldiers, not mercenaries."

Lian turned to him. "Then act like it. The war hasn't even started."

The soldier stiffened, but Ma Cheng chuckled. "You've got guts."

Yu Xian crossed his arms. "So, what's your answer?"

Ma Cheng considered for a long moment, then nodded. "We're in."

Lian exhaled, but she knew this was only the beginning.

Now, they had soldiers. But soon, they would need an army.

---

Aftermath and Preparations

After securing Ma Cheng's support, Lian and Yu Xian returned to the main hall. The atmosphere was no longer hostile, but it was far from welcoming.

A few soldiers watched them with wary eyes, their trust not yet earned. Lian expected that.

"Some of your men don't look convinced," she noted.

Ma Cheng shrugged. "They'll follow orders. Whether they like it or not."

Yu Xian wasn't satisfied with that. "Reluctant soldiers are weak soldiers. We need them committed, not just obeying orders."

Ma Cheng smirked. "Then you handle that part."

Lian sighed. "Fine. But if they turn on us when things get bad, you'll regret it."

Ma Cheng gave her a knowing look. "That's what the guns are for."

She didn't argue. There was no room for idealism in a world about to collapse.

---

Chen's Warning

At the same time, Chen and the others returned from Jiang Hao's warehouse. They carried several crates of supplies in the truck bed, but Chen's expression was grim.

Jiao noticed immediately. "What's wrong?"

"Jiang Hao isn't stupid," Chen said. "He knows something is coming. He just doesn't trust us yet."

Lin Wei frowned. "You think he'll turn on us?"

"Not yet," Chen admitted. "But when resources get scarce, he won't hesitate."

Jiao cursed. "So we just made a deal with a future enemy."

Chen shook his head. "We made a deal with someone who values power. If we stay useful,