Doomsday Reboot: My Superpowers Absorb Everything

The cold metallic touch dug into his wrist, the pale blue energy flowing on the specially made handcuffs like fine needles, constantly piercing the energy core within Lin Ye's body. He was supported by two men in black, staggering through streets littered with zombie remains. The firelight in the direction of the library had been extinguished, leaving only a chilling darkness—the roars there had stopped, Lin Xi's cries for help had ceased, and every second of silence felt like a dull knife cutting into his nerves.

"What did you do to my family?" Lin Ye struggled violently, the handcuffs tightening further, drawing blood from his skin. "Zhao Gang! You bastard!"

Zhao Gang, who was walking ahead, turned around, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Don't worry, as long as you cooperate obediently, your family will be safe. The Special Affairs Bureau needs ability users like you, but it needs ability users who understand the 'rules' even more." He waved the detector in his hand, the red light flashing on the screen corresponding to Lin Ye's energy fluctuations. "Your 'Devouring' ability is very interesting; it can directly devour crystal core energy, which is a rare commodity in the base."

Lin Ye's heart sank even further. The other party not only knew the name of his ability, but also how it worked, clearly having done their research beforehand. He recalled the eagle with a crystal core in its beak on Zhao Gang's uniform—the pattern now seemed more like a symbol of prey falling into the eagle's claws.

The men in black forced him into a modified armored vehicle. The interior walls were lined with lead plates, isolating him from all outside air. Lin Ye was thrown onto the cold floor, his handcuffs fastened to iron rings on the roof, rendering him immobile. He could hear the sounds of machinery operating outside, seemingly clearing zombies from the road.

"Where are they taking me?" Lin Ye forced himself to calm down. Anger wouldn't solve the problem; he needed to figure out their purpose. He tried to activate his "Devouring" ability, but found that the pale blue energy was like a thin film, tightly wrapping around his energy core, and each impact only brought more intense stinging pain.

After an unknown amount of time, the armored vehicle stopped. Lin Ye was dragged out, and the blinding searchlight made him squint instinctively. After his eyes adjusted to the light, he could finally see what was in front of him—it was a base surrounded by high walls, the tops of which were covered with barbed wire and machine gun turrets. Above the gate hung a sign that read "Special Affairs Bureau, Seventh Security Zone." Several large mutant dogs were chained to the entrance, baring their teeth at him.

"This is your safe zone?" Lin Ye sneered. "It's no different from a prison."

"In chaotic times, order is more important than freedom." Zhao Gang walked over and gestured for his men to unlock his handcuffs, but handed him a black bracelet instead. "Wear this, and don't even think about taking it off. It's linked to your heartbeat. If you leave the safe zone or try to sabotage it, it will detonate."

Lin Ye stared at the flashing red dot on the bracelet, offering no resistance. To resist now would be tantamount to suicide; he needed time to observe and find an opportunity to escape.

The moment Lin Ye put on the bracelet, he felt a faint energy invading his body and forming a connection with his vital signs. He subtly tested the "Devouring" ability and found that the bracelet could only restrict him from leaving the safe zone, but could not completely suppress his ability—it could function normally as long as the energy was not used for attack or destruction.

"Follow me." Zhao Gang turned and walked into the base.

The safe zone was more "orderly" than Lin Ye had imagined. The streets were spotless, with houses made from converted shipping containers on both sides. Soldiers in uniform patrolled, their faces wary. Occasionally, a few survivors in civilian clothes could be seen, most of them pale and emaciated, with numb eyes, and they would instinctively lower their heads when they saw Zhao Gang.

"Are these people all ordinary people?" Lin Ye asked.

"Most of them are," Zhao Gang said. "Those with superpowers have a special living area in the 'Evolution Zone' to the east."

After crossing two streets, they arrived at a three-story building, where two heavily armed soldiers stood guard at the door. Zhao Gang pushed open the door and went inside. It was a spacious office with a city map hanging on the wall, marking more than a dozen areas in red.

"Sit down." Zhao Gang gestured to the chair opposite him, then sat down behind the desk, opening a file folder. "This is your information. Lin Ye, sixteen years old, a second-year high school student at No. 3 High School in the city, parents are alive, and he has a younger sister named Lin Xi. After the red mist descended, he awakened the 'Devouring' ability and has already absorbed a level three bear crystal core and a level four wild boar crystal core... We know more than you imagine."

Lin Ye clenched his fists in his sleeves. The other party even knew what crystal cores he had absorbed, clearly indicating that they had been monitoring him all along.

"What exactly do you want?"

"It's very simple." Zhao Gang pushed over an agreement. "Join the Special Affairs Bureau, become a member of the Seventh Safe Zone's superhuman squad, and be responsible for going out to clear zombies and collect crystal cores. In return, we will provide food and lodging, issue a monthly crystal core quota, and... guarantee the safety of your family."

The terms of the agreement were clearly stated: those with superpowers must absolutely obey orders, and 70% of all collected crystal cores must be handed over. Anyone who hides crystal cores without authorization will be stripped of their superpowers—the agreement did not specify how they would be stripped, but those words were chilling.

"What if I don't sign?"

"Not signing?" Zhao Gang smiled and pressed a button on the table. The office wall slowly slid open, revealing the room behind it. Lin Ye's pupils suddenly contracted—the room contained more than a dozen glass capsules, each containing a person lying on the floor, their bodies covered in tubes, their faces as pale as paper—the very people who had been "stripped of their superpowers"!

"They're still alive, but it's no different from being dead." Zhao Gang's voice was icy. "Once the energy core of an ability user is forcibly extracted, they'll end up like this, in a permanent coma. Lin Ye, I admire your abilities, but don't test my patience."

Lin Ye looked at the people in the glass capsules. He remembered one of them—a lightning-type ability user who was very active in the base in his previous life. He never expected him to end up like this in this life. He took a deep breath and picked up a pen: "I'll sign. But I have a condition: I want to see my family and confirm their safety."

"Okay," Zhao Gang nodded. "As long as you complete the first task, I'll arrange for you to meet."

The first mission was to clear a zombie hideout on the outskirts of the city. It was said that hundreds of zombies and a level-five mutated giant python had gathered there, trapping three teams of soldiers who had gone out to collect supplies.

"This is practically suicide!" Lin Ye looked at the mission briefing, which indicated an abandoned chemical plant with complex terrain, making it ideal for ambushes by mutants.

"The core of a level-five mutated python is enough to further enhance your abilities." Zhao Gang handed over a specially made military dagger, its blade gleaming with silver light. "It's forged from a mutated beast's claws mixed with an alloy, capable of breaking through the defenses of a level-five mutated creature. Don't try anything funny; the bracelet will transmit your location and vital signs in real time."

Lin Ye took the dagger; the anti-slip texture of the handle felt comfortable in his hand. He knew this was Zhao Gang's test, and also a trap—if he succeeded, he would become a "tool" of the safe zone; if he failed, he would die outside, saving the other party the trouble of making a move.

"When are we leaving?"

"Now."

The team of superhumans consisted of five people: besides Lin Ye, there was one strength-type superhuman, two speed-type superhumans, and one plant-type superhuman who could manipulate vines. The team leader was a middle-aged man named Li Wei, with a hideous scar on his face, and his eyes held obvious hostility towards Lin Ye.

"A newbie?" Li Wei spat out his cigarette butt. "Does Captain Zhao mean he wants you to be the bait?"

Lin Ye ignored him and checked the supplies in his backpack—compressed biscuits, a water bottle, a first-aid kit, and the military dagger.

"Don't play dumb," a tall, thin speed-type ability user sneered. "I heard you can swallow crystal cores directly? You're a monster."

"Shut up, Wang Hao." Li Wei frowned. "Let's go."

The team traveled to the chemical plant in an off-road vehicle. The journey was quiet; no one spoke. Lin Ye watched the receding ruins outside the window, his mind racing—how to complete the mission while simultaneously finding a way to break free from control. He could feel the bracelet on his wrist constantly emitting a faint signal, a signal that the mutants could likely detect and use as a tracking marker.

"The chemical plant is just ahead." Li Wei stopped the car and observed through binoculars. "There are a dozen or so ordinary zombies at the entrance. Be careful once you go in; the giant python might be inside the workshop."

Lin Ye didn't move. Instead, he pointed to a small building in the distance: "There's a signal tower there. The signal from the bracelet will be amplified. I'll go take it down. You guys clear out the zombies at the entrance first."

"What do you want to do?" Li Wei looked at him warily.

"Do as I say if you don't want to be chased and bitten by a giant python." Lin Ye jumped out of the SUV. "Meet me at the workshop entrance in five minutes."

Before Li Wei could object, he had already rushed out at an astonishing speed. After absorbing the level four crystal core, his speed had already surpassed that of ordinary speed-type ability users.

The signal tower was located in an open area next to the chemical plant, surrounded by several zombies. Lin Ye easily dealt with them, climbed the tower, and cut the cables with his military dagger. Just then, he felt his wristband vibrate, and the red dot began to flash—clearly an alarm triggered by the signal interruption.

"There's no time." Lin Ye quickly climbed down the signal tower and ran towards the chemical plant.

The workshop reeked of pungent chemicals, and thick layers of sewage covered the floor. Several zombies wandered aimlessly inside. Lin Ye held his breath, his palm silently activating the "Devouring" seal as he sensed the giant python's location—deep within the workshop, in a reaction vessel where the energy reaction was extremely intense, far exceeding any mutant he had encountered before.

"Lin Ye! Where the hell have you been?" Li Wei's voice came from the front, filled with anger.

Lin Ye was about to respond when he suddenly heard a hissing sound, and the ground began to tremble slightly. His expression changed drastically: "Watch out! It's coming!"

A giant python, as thick as a bucket, sprang out from behind the reactor. Its scales gleamed bluish-black in the dim light, its eyes were a murky yellow, and its forked tongue lolled out, dripping venom that immediately corroded small pits on the ground.

"Level 5 mutated python!" the plant-type ability user screamed, manipulating vines to wrap around the giant python, but it easily broke free.

Li Wei roared, his muscles bulging, and slammed his fist into the giant python's head. The python, in pain, swung its tail, sending Li Wei flying. He crashed into a wall and lost consciousness.

"Run!" Wang Hao turned to run, but was caught by the giant python's tail and instantly crushed into a bloody pulp.

Another speed-type ability user was so frightened that his legs went weak and he was swallowed whole by the giant python.

In the blink of an eye, only Lin Ye and the plant-type ability user remained in the team.

"Help...help me!" The plant-type ability user was splashed with the giant python's venom, and his arm began to fester, letting out a shrill scream.

Lin Ye gripped his military dagger tightly, not daring to advance. He knew that going forward now would be suicide; he had to find the giant python's weakness. His senses raced, and finally, at the python's vital spot, he detected a faint energy core—the location of its crystal core!

"Now!"

Lin Ye suddenly lunged at the python's tail, his dagger plunging deep into the gaps between its scales. The python, in pain, turned and pounced on him. Using the momentum, Lin Ye leaped onto the python's back, gripping its scales tightly.

"bite!"

Dark red energy surged from his palm, frantically devouring the giant python's energy. The giant python let out a deafening hiss, twisting its body wildly, trying to throw Lin Ye off. Lin Ye's body was repeatedly slammed against the wall, his bones aching as if they were falling apart, but he gritted his teeth, repeatedly thrusting his dagger towards the giant python's vital spot!

After an unknown amount of time, the python's struggles gradually weakened, and its body began to stiffen. Lin Ye used his last bit of strength to plunge the dagger into its vital spot and pulled out a fist-sized, dark green crystal core.

The moment the crystal core was in his hand, it was instantly absorbed by the "Devouring" seal. A massive surge of energy exploded within his body, more than ten times stronger than a level four wild boar crystal core! Lin Ye felt his energy core being completely expanded, his perception range increasing to a hundred meters. His "Devouring" ability could even begin to analyze the energy's properties—this giant python crystal core contained highly toxic and corrosive energy, and after being absorbed, his energy shield also gained a faint layer of toxin defense.

He slumped to the ground, panting heavily, his eyes cold as he stared at the corpses and the remains of the giant python. This was the result Zhao Gang wanted—to make him and the other superhumans kill each other, leaving only him, the "monster," in the end.

Just then, the bracelet on his wrist suddenly emitted a piercing alarm, and the red dot turned into a flashing red light. Lin Ye's heart skipped a beat—it was Zhao Gang! He must have discovered the signal tower had been damaged and come over in person!

He quickly checked Li Wei's pulse; he was still breathing. Lin Ye ignored him and instead went to the plant-type ability user corroded by the venom. The man was lifeless, but his fingers were still twitching slightly. Lin Ye hesitated for a moment, then placed his hand on the man's chest, activating the "Devouring" seal to absorb the remaining plant-type energy within him.

This was the first time he had absorbed the energy of a superhuman. The energy was purer than that of a crystal core, yet it carried a sense of despair. Lin Ye shook his head, suppressing the emotion, and turned to run towards the ventilation ducts at the back of the workshop.

He must leave before Zhao Gang arrives!

The ventilation ducts were narrow and dark, forcing Lin Ye to crawl forward, his military dagger probing ahead. He could hear the engines of armored vehicles and Zhao Gang's furious roars from outside.

"Lin Ye! You can't escape!"

Lin Ye gritted his teeth and quickened his crawling speed. He knew Zhao Gang was telling the truth; the bracelet was still on his wrist, the safe zone was limited, and he would be found sooner or later.

But he couldn't give up.

He still has family to save and grudges to avenge.

Climbing out of the ventilation duct, Lin Ye saw the chemical plant's waste disposal area, piled high with huge iron drums. Just as he was about to catch his breath, he suddenly sensed a familiar energy reaction—it was Zhao Gang! He was nearby!

"Found you!" Zhao Gang's voice came from behind, carrying a chilling killing intent.

Lin Ye turned around abruptly and saw Zhao Gang standing on an iron barrel. The light blue energy around him was more concentrated than before, indicating that he had also used his full strength.

"You think you can escape by destroying the signal tower?" Zhao Gang walked over step by step. "The bracelet can not only locate you, but it can also detonate. Lin Ye, you're too naive."

Lin Ye gripped the dagger tightly, his internal energy surging wildly. Having absorbed a level-five crystal core, he was confident he could fight Zhao Gang!

"Then let's see who dies first!"

Lin Ye's figure shot towards Zhao Gang like an arrow released from a bow! The dagger, imbued with dark green toxic energy, sliced ​​through the air and aimed for his heart!

Zhao Gang was surprised that he dared to attack first. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he sneered and his fist, carrying light blue energy, came forward to meet the attack!

The moment the fist collided with the dagger, an energy shockwave spread outwards, causing the surrounding iron barrels to fall to the ground with a deafening roar.

Lin Ye felt a tremendous force surge through him, nearly dropping the dagger and leaving his arm numb. Zhao Gang was also jolted back two steps, his gaze towards Lin Ye now filled with seriousness.

"Looks like the level five crystal core has made you quite strong." Zhao Gang cracked his knuckles. "But do you think you can beat me just like that?"

He charged forward again, his fists raining down on Lin Ye like a storm. Lin Ye dodged constantly with his agile movements, his dagger searching for an opportunity to counterattack. The two clashed in the waste disposal area, the light from their energy collision illuminating the surrounding ruins, startling the zombies in the distance who roared and gathered around.

Lin Ye gradually found himself at a disadvantage. Although Zhao Gang's energy level was not as high as his, his combat experience was extremely rich, and he always managed to avoid Lin Ye's strengths and attack his weaknesses. After several rounds, Lin Ye had several wounds on his body, and his clothes were stained with blood.

"Give up." Zhao Gang punched Lin Ye in the stomach. "You can't beat me."

Lin Ye doubled over in pain, but took the opportunity to stab Zhao Gang in the thigh with his dagger. Zhao Gang screamed and staggered back two steps, a deep wound appearing on his thigh that exposed the bone, with dark green venom corroding his skin.

"You're courting death!" Zhao Gang's eyes flashed with killing intent, and his body's pale blue energy erupted instantly, forming an energy shockwave that swept towards Lin Ye!

Lin Ye's pupils shrank sharply. The energy intensity of this attack far exceeded that of the previous ones, and his energy shield couldn't withstand it at all!

At the critical moment, he suddenly remembered the plant-based energy he had absorbed and subconsciously activated it. The weeds on the ground suddenly grew wildly, forming a wall of vines that blocked his way.

"boom!"

The energy shockwave struck the vine wall, instantly tearing the vines apart, but also weakening most of the energy. Lin Ye was thrown backward by the shockwave, crashing into an iron barrel, spitting out a mouthful of blood, but managing to survive.

"Plant-based superpowers? You even absorbed his energy?" Zhao Gang was both shocked and furious. "You really are a monster!"

He clutched his bleeding thigh and walked step by step toward Lin Ye, the murderous intent in his eyes almost tangible.

Lin Ye struggled to stand up, but found that he had almost no energy left in his body. The vine wall had almost exhausted his plant-type energy, and the "Devouring" seal had become somewhat unstable due to the rapid absorption.

Am I really going to die here?

He is not willing!

Just then, a deafening roar suddenly erupted in the distance, accompanied by a barrage of gunfire and explosions. Zhao Gang's expression changed drastically as he looked in the direction of the sound—it was coming from the direction of the safe zone!

"What happened?"

Lin Ye was also stunned. The roar was familiar, like... the sound of a mutated giant bear, but stronger than the one he had encountered!

"The base is under attack!" came the anxious shout over Zhao Gang's walkie-talkie. "Captain, come back quickly! It's a level seven mutant! So many people..."

Zhao Gang's face turned deathly pale. He glanced at Lin Ye, then looked towards the safe zone, finally gritted his teeth, turned and ran: "Lin Ye, consider yourself lucky!"

Lin Ye slumped to the ground, watching Zhao Gang's figure disappear into the ruins. He finally breathed a sigh of relief, then everything went black and he fainted.

Unbeknownst to him, the chaos in the safe zone was caused by his family and the oppressed survivors. And this chaos would become the key for him to break free from control and even overthrow this "cage."

In the darkness, the red light on Lin Ye's wristband gradually dimmed, as if it had been interfered with in some way. Meanwhile, the "Devouring" seal on his palm was unconsciously operating, greedily absorbing the dissipated energy around him, waiting for its next awakening.