In the apocalypse, I hoarded goods and handed over my storage space to the government.

Su Ran stared at the frozen screen.

In the picture, thick purple vines intertwine and scatter, with withered cocoons hanging from the branches.

It doesn't entirely match the rumored feature of "tree trunks covered with human faces".

"I don't know him."

Su Ran shook his head, his gaze frank. "Under the catalyst of the apocalypse, the direction of species mutation is uncontrollable. Nature is a blind box."

"You don't know him either..."

Li Guodong sighed, his brows furrowing deeply.

"It seems that the level of importance attached to this species mutation event needs to be raised another notch; the Chinese Academy of Sciences will be quite busy."

In the past, Su Ran was often able to provide the most direct solutions when faced with sudden events.

To provide the greatest possible assistance in preventing the situation from deteriorating further.

But this time it's different.

"Let the research team get ready."

Su Ran straightened her cuffs and said seriously, "I'll go with them later."

"You're going yourself?"

Li Guodong turned his head sharply, his eyes filled with surprise and disapproval:

"No! How can you risk your life in an area you don't fully understand?"

"Old Li, calm down."

Su Ran patted Li Guodong on the shoulder and smiled.

"I have experience dealing with mutated plants once. When Zhang Guomeng's armored brigade was trapped, I was the one who contained that mutated fungal carpet."

Therefore, it is more appropriate for me to go this time.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the enclosed reinforced concrete walls around him, and exhaled a long breath.

"And I also want to go out for a trip."

Su Ran's tone carried a rare hint of relaxation.

"Staying in this base hundreds of meters underground every day, facing a bunch of data, any normal person would experience some psychological pressure."

Didn't you just tell me to rest? I'm just taking this opportunity to de-stress.

Li Guodong remained silent.

Want to de-stress in an unknown, mutated forest?

This kid's thought process is becoming more and more unlike that of a normal person.

However, considering combat strength, the highest level of mutated creatures in the world at this stage is no more than the third tier.

Su Ran herself is a third-tier awakened being, and she has also mastered the offensive ability developed in cooperation with the Academy of Sciences.

There is a wide world to go anywhere.

"OK."

Li Guodong finally nodded, but his expression remained serious.

"Prevention is better than cure. Call Bai Lu, Ye Xiao, and the others back. More people means more protection."

"No need. At least not now." Su Ran refused without hesitation.

"Why is that?" Li Guodong asked, puzzled.

"The competition between the Awakened Headquarters and the Crystal Core Force is not over yet."

Su Ran braced her hands on the edge of the sand table, her voice cold and ruthless.

"Because of my reasons, I pulled out some of their key players. Regardless of winning or losing, this competition will become a failed project."

In the future, some awakened individuals will inevitably gossip, believing that there are still aspects of this competition that can be debated.

He stared into Li Guodong's eyes and said, "The Awakeners Headquarters must go all the way in this arena; no one can interfere."

This was a trap he set himself.

The catfish have been introduced, and the pond water must be stirred up.

Li Guodong pondered for a moment, then sighed, "But can we wait for the mutated plants of Sichuan and Chongqing to mature?"

"We can wait."

Su Ran straightened up, pointed to the data analysis report on the screen, and resumed her calm commander demeanor:

"The situation in Sichuan and Chongqing looks alarming, but the actual threat is not urgent."

"The mutated plants have been present for three days, but so far they have not caused any large-scale casualties."

This proves that its aggression is relatively inert, and the danger level is within a controllable range.

"It won't make a difference if we take one more day."

Su Ran made the final decision: "First, let the research team collect samples on-site to analyze its genetic map and fatal weaknesses."

I'll take action once I have a definitive report. Strike the snake at its vital point—a single, fatal blow.

After listening, Li Guodong's tightly furrowed brows completely relaxed.

The logic is rigorous, and the steps are taken with care.

He really doesn't need to worry about this young man.

"Do as you say. I'll arrange for the research team to be on standby at the airport in two hours."

Li Guodong stubbed out his cigarette and immediately called over the messenger.

Su Ran sat back down in her chair.

Despite the crisis, his rhythm remained completely undisturbed.

In this apocalyptic world where human life is as cheap as grass, the worst thing you can do is be led by the nose by unexpected events.

The massive state apparatus of Great Xia must be steadily crushed along the track he has planned.

Just then.

"Buzz, buzz,"

The tactical terminal on my wrist suddenly vibrated.

Su Ran paused, looking down.

The screen flashed a high-level red private communication request.

[Request for access: Awakener Headquarters - Mo Yun]

Su Ran raised an eyebrow.

At this time?

Less than 24 hours remain until the end of the qualifying rounds?

And it just so happens that the Bashu base was attacked by mutated plants?

"Could it be that one of these Awakened Ones has developed telepathy and is specifically watching me?"

Su Ran made a joke to herself before pressing the call button.

The screen instantly expanded, splitting into more than a dozen independent small windows.

The faces of Mo Yun, Bai Lu, Ye Xiao, and other branch base leaders from various regions appeared on the screen.

"Brother Su! We need your help."

Mo Yun's slightly hoarse but excited voice came through the headphones.

"Hmm? Help?"

Su Ran found the call request very strange.

Led by Mo Yun, the group explained their purpose to Su Ran.

Mo Yun said in a serious tone, "Brother Su, according to the rules you set, we can use all available resources and seek all available help."

He paused, staring intently at Su Ran, "Brother Su, you yourself are our biggest 'resource'."

Su Ran was stunned upon hearing this.

"I can't believe you even thought of this bug."

He wasn't angry; instead, he smiled and nodded. "Unconventional thinking, but not against the rules."

"However, first of all, I must clarify that I cannot use the privileges I hold; I am currently just an ordinary Awakened One."

He shrugged and asked seriously, "So, what do you want me to do now? Go out and kill zombies? Or cooperate with your operation?"

After these words were spoken, the eyes of many awakened individuals on the screen instantly dimmed.

The gap between the Awakened Headquarters and the Sharp Sword Special Forces at this stage is no longer something that can be easily bridged by adding one or two more Awakened individuals.

Su Ran herself did not believe that her involvement would turn the tide of the battle.

"I don't care."

Just as everyone was silent, a clear and domineering voice broke the deadlock.

She stared intently at Su Ran, her eyes revealing both a girlish coquettishness and a ruthless determination.

"Advisor Su, you must have a way. We're almost 100,000 points behind, and you're one of us in the competition. If you don't come up with a solution, we're doomed to lose."

"Yeah, Brother Su! We're in this together!"

"Can you bear to watch us be mocked by those soldiers in their metal suits?"

"Brother Su, let's grab some cash!"

Seeing these arrogant and proud young people resorting to all sorts of tactics, including tantrums and moral blackmail, to win, Su Ran's smile grew wider and wider.

I'm not afraid of them making a fuss, I'm afraid of them being lifeless.

This shamelessness is also the essence of post-apocalyptic survival.

"Alright, stop howling."

He waved his hand, interrupting their spellcasting, "There is indeed a particularly urgent task at hand."

Everyone's eyes lit up.

"Brother Su, you really were keeping secrets!" Ye Xiao exclaimed excitedly.

"This mission is urgent because Sichuan and Chongqing are attacked by mutated plants, but I must be upfront about the unpleasant aspects."

Su Ran looked at the hopeful eyes on the screen, her tone remaining firm.

"This mission involves an unknown group of mutated plants, which is extremely risky."

"go."

Mo Yun spoke without hesitation.

"Brother Su, if we just keep playing like this, we're doomed to lose."

His voice was calm, yet it carried a ruthless edge: "The gap will only widen. Since we can't win by conventional means, we have no choice but to take a gamble."

"A bet?" Su Ran raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, I'm betting that this event holds the key to turning the tide."

Mo Yun looked directly into the camera and said, "If we still can't change the outcome, then we're simply not as skilled, and there's nothing to say about losing. But if we don't go, we won't even have the chance to turn things around in the end."

Su Ran paused.

He stretched out his fingers and tapped lightly on the table, making a "tap, tap" sound.

"Then let me emphasize it again."

He sat up straight, his gaze sweeping over each split-screen window.

"This mutated attack is taken very seriously and is extremely dangerous. Even if the mission is completed, according to the current points system, there may not be much reward."

It's even more worthwhile to spend the same amount of time hunting down several mutated creature clusters.

Su Ran's gaze sharpened again. "Even so, are you still going?"

A brief silence fell on the other end of the screen.

Nobody's a fool.

The gap on the current leaderboard has widened to 100,000 points.

If you abandon areas with high monster-killing efficiency at this point and instead try to tackle a tough challenge, from a utilitarian perspective, it is indeed a losing proposition.

"join!"

The answer was given almost unanimously.

"Advisor Su, the purpose of our existence as Awakened is to resolve alienation incidents that conventional forces cannot handle."

Bai Lu's chin was slightly raised, her voice crisp and powerful, carrying an undeniable determination.

"What those special forces soldiers can do, we can do. What they can't do, we must be able to do even more!"

"that is!"

Ye Xiao patted his chest and assured, "Those soldiers in their metal suits were willing to give up farming points in order to cooperate with the frontline mission."

If we back down, even if we win, it won't be honorable!

"Brother Su, stop dawdling and give the order!"

In the bottom left corner of the screen, Jiang Zunyong couldn't help but shout,

"We are awakened ones, we eat the government's food and enjoy special privileges."

"Our brothers in Sichuan and Chongqing are in trouble now. If we keep grinding for points here, we'll be a disgrace!"

"Boss Su! I'm going too!"

"I'm signing up too! My superpowers may not be great for combat, but I'm good at reconnaissance!"

In an instant, the screen erupted into a chaotic argument.

Those awakened individuals who were originally just looking to coast through life now have fire burning in their eyes.

Su Ran watched this scene and a smile appeared on her lips.

Whether it's genuine or feigned due to the atmosphere, it doesn't matter.

At least for this moment, they saw themselves as warriors, not just superheroes who could unleash superpowers.

"it is good."

Su Ran nodded, raised her hand in a gesture of quiet, signaling everyone to be still.

"Good awareness, significant progress. However..."

He then changed the subject, saying, "Although the situation in Sichuan and Chongqing is complicated, it is not so serious that the entire headquarters of the Awakened Ones needs to be mobilized."

Too many people can easily lead to chaos, and it also puts a lot of pressure on logistics.

"Those from Kunlun Base, step forward separately."

Su Ran quickly issued instructions, "Bai Lu, Ye Xiao, Mo Yun, and Jing Ye. The four of you will cooperate with me to complete this trip to Sichuan and Chongqing."

"Okay! X4"

"As for the others..."

Su Ran glanced at the other split screens. "According to the original plan, continue the regional clearing mission."

"Don't let those special forces soldiers widen the gap too much. Holding onto your core positions is the greatest support you can give us."

"yes!"

Although somewhat regrettable, the awakened individuals from the other bases still accepted the order in unison.

Communication was cut off.

Only the images of the few people at the Kunlun base remained on the screen.

The atmosphere instantly shifted from serious to much more relaxed.

"Alright, everyone's gone, stop being so serious."

Su Ran looked at the screen with a half-smile. "Tell me, who came up with this trick of exploiting loopholes in the rules and using me as a 'resource'?"

On the other side of the screen, the group looked at each other in bewilderment.

Before they could speak, Su Ran spoke first.

"Alright, let's get down to business."

He didn't pursue the matter further, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

"bite."

An encrypted file was transmitted to the tactical terminals of several people.

The four of them opened the document, glanced at it, and their expressions immediately turned serious.

The eerie purple hue covering the mountains and fields exuded an sinister aura even through the screen.

"This is detailed intelligence from the Sichuan and Chongqing region, along with a preliminary analysis report on the mutated plants. Although it's not complete, it gives you a general idea."

Su Ran suppressed her smile and said seriously, "Make the most of your time on the way."

The nearest armed helicopter has received dispatch orders and will pick you up to join me before flying directly to Sichuan.

"clear!"

The four responded in unison, and the communication was cut off.

The screen went black.

Su Ran stood up and stretched her stiff neck.

Footsteps sounded behind me.

"Everything is arranged."

Li Guodong strode over, holding a freshly printed list in his hand.

"The list of accompanying personnel has been confirmed. I have additionally assigned a special operations platoon of thirty men to be responsible for perimeter security."

"Where is the research team?" Su Ran asked.

This is also what he cares about most.

Scientists are more effective than soldiers in dealing with this unknown mutant plant.

"It's an old acquaintance of yours."

Li Guodong handed the list to Su Ran, pointing to the name at the top.

"Professor Chen is currently locked in the laboratory, working tirelessly on the awakening potion. The student leading the team this time is Zhou Jian."

"Zhou Jian?"

The image of the robust young scholar flashed through Su Ran's mind.

"Okay, that's a good match for my major."

Su Ran put the list in his pocket and casually said, "Old Li, I have something else to tell you. Bai Lu, Ye Xiao, and the others will also be traveling with me."

Li Guodong looked completely taken aback and asked, "You've figured it out?"

Su Ran's lips twitched slightly, and for a moment she didn't know how to explain.

In the blink of an eye, he changed his mind.

He didn't offer much explanation, he simply said...

"In short, the situation has changed somewhat, and they are with me now."

Li Guodong didn't delve into it further. Anyway, having more people was a good thing, as it would provide more security for Su Ran.

"Alright, I'm relieved to have Bai Lu and the others with us."

Su Ran nodded, her gaze drifting towards Sichuan and Chongqing, and muttered to herself,

"Let me see what kind of monsters and demons are in here."