Great Plan

One minute later, as the Tier-2 zombie stepped into Wang Gang's range,he loosed his grip without hesitation.

With a sharp whistle, the Explosive Arrow shot through the air.

Sensing imminent danger, the Tier-2 zombie instinctively lifted its head, its gaze locking onto the incoming arrow.

At that precise moment—bang!—the arrow struck dead center in the zombie's forehead.

It penetrated the skull, embedding itself deep in its brain, though it failed to pass through the back of its head.

This alone proved that Tier-2 zombies possessed significantly greater resilience than their lower-tier counterparts.

Moreover, Wang Gang detected a hint of intelligence within this creature.

When he had hunted Tier-1 zombies before, they showed no awareness of incoming threats whatsoever.

"Sophia, what distinguishes Tier-2 zombies from Tier-1?"

"Master, Tier-2 zombies are enhanced versions of Tier-1. Their strength, speed, and defense have undergone a significant boost, and they have also gained a fragment of intelligence."

"Then wouldn't Tier-3 zombies possess even greater intellect?"

A realization dawned upon Wang Gang—these zombies were unlike those depicted in movies and television.

In fiction, no matter how formidable zombies became, they remained mindless husks.

Yet here, they were evolving… developing intelligence.

That was truly terrifying.

"Indeed! Tier-5 zombies will possess the intelligence of a seven-year-old child, while Tier-9 zombies will rival that of a full-grown adult."

"What? If they attain the intellect of an adult, wouldn't they be capable of forming armies—perhaps even establishing nations?"

A shudder ran through Wang Gang at the thought of a Tier-9 zombie commanding a legion of the undead, waging war against humanity.

No matter how powerful he became, sheer numbers alone could eventually wear him down.

"Master, that's why you must grow stronger—quickly! Better yet, build your own force. Only with an army at your side can you stand against the coming hordes."

Wang Gang nodded in acknowledgment.

Until now, he had only focused on personal strength, intending to reunite with his family and find a secluded, zombie-free haven where they could live in peace.

But now, he saw how naïve that idea was.

If zombies truly evolved to Tier-9, gaining full-fledged intelligence, they would inevitably rise to dominate the world.

There would be nowhere left to run.

"Master, don't worry too much. The apocalypse has only just begun. Zombie evolution takes time. As long as you advance faster than they do, you'll be fine."

Sophia's gentle voice carried a reassuring certainty.

Wang Gang found himself agreeing.

His strength must grow.

He must build a following.

Zhao Yong and Zhang Jingjing seemed like excellent candidates.

Both were righteous and trustworthy—ideal for cultivating loyal subordinates.

Zhao Yong had already fought alongside him against zombies, forging a bond through shared life-and-death struggles.

Zhang Jingjing, though untested in battle and timid by nature, could likely be hardened with the right training.

As for Qi Hui and his ilk? Wang Gang didn't even consider them.

He would never entrust his back to such selfish, scheming individuals.

Those people cared only for their own survival, willing to sacrifice others without hesitation.

Wang Gang wouldn't risk becoming their next victim.

Decision made, he strode toward Zhao Yong and Zhang Jingjing.

"You two, come with me. I have something to discuss."

The three of them retreated to a secluded corner of the rooftop.

Without preamble, Wang Gang spoke.

"Would you like to follow me?"

Zhao Yong and Zhang Jingjing hesitated, caught off guard.

"As far as I can tell, the zombie plague won't subside. Worse, the creatures are evolving. If we want to survive, we must band together."

"My plan is to establish a base—a stronghold where we can gather and protect our loved ones."

"I need capable people, and I see potential in both of you. Would you consider joining me?"

In his mind, Wang Gang had already envisioned the blueprint of a vast sanctuary.

The base would consist of two sections—one above ground, one below.

The underground sector would serve as a thriving city, mirroring the metropolises of the old world—complete with hospitals, banks, transit systems, and parks.

Everything necessary for a normal life.

The surface, in contrast, would be a fortress—an ironclad military bastion.

Its perimeter would be encircled by towering, steel-reinforced concrete walls, a hundred meters high.

Wide enough for soldiers to patrol, fortified enough to mount cannons and anti-aircraft guns.

Within the walls, there would be armories, factories, and radar stations—everything required for war.

Zhao Yong nodded without hesitation.

Having witnessed Wang Gang's prowess firsthand, he had no doubts—following him could only lead to survival.

More importantly, he trusted Wang Gang's character enough to place his life in his hands.

Zhang Jingjing, too, agreed.

She saw in Wang Gang a man of integrity—someone worthy of allegiance.

Their acceptance filled Wang Gang with quiet satisfaction.

"Sophia, how can Zhao Yong and Zhang Jingjing grow stronger?"

"Master, unlike you, they cannot absorb power directly. Their only path forward is through battle—pushing themselves beyond their limits until they awaken as Tier-1 warriors."

"Understood."

Wang Gang resolved to lead them into the school building, where they could hone themselves against the undead.

Just then, a sudden scream rang out from Qi Hui's direction.

"Run! Zombie sparrows are coming!"

Wang Gang turned sharply, spotting a flock of infected birds soaring toward them.

Without hesitation, he drew his Sunpiercer Bow and loosed an Explosive Arrow.

His target was the lead sparrow—

—but in a shocking display of agility, the creature twisted midair, evading the shot.

The arrow struck the second bird instead.

Wang Gang's eyes narrowed in astonishment.

His aim was usually flawless, yet today, he had missed.

Unbelievable.

"Master, that's a Tier-2 zombie sparrow. It's more agile than a Tier-2 zombie—dodging your arrow is perfectly normal."

Sophia's explanation rang in his ears.

Wang Gang quickly understood.

Sparrows were naturally swift and nimble—so it made sense that an evolved one would be even harder to hit.

Sensing Wang Gang as the greatest threat, the Tier-2 sparrow altered course, leading the flock straight toward him.

"Hmph. You court death."

With a cold smirk, Wang Gang nocked another arrow.

One after another, Explosive Arrows streaked through the air, each one finding its mark.

Zombies fell from the sky, leaving only five or six survivors.

But the Tier-2 sparrow proved elusive, evading three consecutive arrows.

When it closed to within twenty meters, the Sunpiercer Bow's passive ability activated—an arrow split into three, simultaneously striking at different angles.

The sparrow avoided the first—

—but the second found its mark.

Boom!

In an instant, the creature was obliterated.

The remaining birds swiftly followed suit, shot down one by one.

"Wang Gang, it looks like avian creatures have also succumbed to the virus. Staying on the rooftop is too dangerous. Can you take us somewhere safer?"

Qi Hui approached with pleading eyes.

Wang Gang had been planning to train Zhao Yong and Zhang Jingjing anyway.

With a nod, he agreed.