Apocalypse: The Primordial Pearl Recognizes Its Master, Starting with Infinite Space

Lin Chen reached out and pinched Li Ya's nose, not answering directly, but changing the subject with a serious tone: "Don't think about those things now. Go wake everyone up, we have important business to attend to, it's time to get started."

Seeing this, Li Ya immediately dropped her joking expression. She knew that when Lin Chen showed this kind of expression, it meant he had an important decision or task. She nodded solemnly, "Okay, I'll go right now."

Just as she turned around to call for help, the door to the other bedroom opened softly.

Su Yun had already dressed and walked out. She had changed into a clean and neat tracksuit, her long hair tied into a neat ponytail. Although there was still a trace of blush on her face from last night, her eyes had regained their usual calmness and focus. However, when she met Lin Chen's gaze, she would unconsciously look away slightly, and her ears would turn red.

"Why don't you rest a little longer?" Lin Chen walked towards her, his tone gentle.

Su Yun's cheeks flushed slightly as she whispered, "I heard you talking. You said you had something important to announce, so I got up." Though her voice was soft, it carried an unwavering sense of execution.

Lin Chen inwardly applauded and took out a set of combat clothes and boots that fit her size and were easier to move in from his space and handed them over—she had only worn that thin nightgown last night, so she naturally needed to change.

Seeing this usually decisive and aloof businesswoman revealing a rare shyness and submissiveness, he felt a surge of warmth in his heart, but he stopped teasing her and said seriously, "Go change. We'll be assembling the team later for mission assignments."

"Okay." Su Yun took the clothes and quickly returned to her room to change.

Fifteen minutes later, in the hotel lobby on the first floor.

Led by Lin Chen, with Li Ya and Su Yun standing slightly behind on either side, followed by Jiang Yingxue, Jiang Yingyue, Zhou Xiaomin, Zhang Jing, and the other first batch of members, as well as the 162 newly awakened team members, all stood at attention.

After a night of rest and the awakening of their superpowers, most people's mental state improved significantly. Their eyes showed less fear and more anticipation for the future and a hint of eagerness to try out their newly acquired power.

Lin Chen surveyed the crowd, his gaze calm yet powerful, his voice carrying clearly throughout the room:

"After a night's rest and initial adaptation, everyone should be in good condition. Surviving in the apocalypse is like rowing against the current; if you don't move forward, you fall behind. We must take the initiative, acquire resources, hone our skills, and expand our living space."

He paused, then continued, "A snake cannot function without a head, and an army will fall into chaos without a general. Our ranks are growing, and in order to operate, manage, and survive more effectively, we must establish a clear organization and discipline."

"Effective immediately, I hereby officially appoint Li Ya and Su Yun as deputy leaders of the 'Apocalyptic Self-Salvation Army'!"

Li Ya and Su Yun straightened their backs simultaneously, their eyes sharp, accepting this heavy responsibility and trust.

"You two will each lead a team." Lin Chen's gaze swept across the crowd. "Following the method we tested at the art academy yesterday, each of you will be responsible for clearing a section of the university campus. Remember, the primary objective of this mission is not to collect ordinary supplies—take whatever you can easily find, but don't waste too much time and manpower on it, and definitely don't take any risks."

The core objectives are twofold: first, to collect as many energy cores as possible from within zombie skulls; and second, to recruit promising new team members who meet our standards, while ensuring safety and controlling risks.

He emphasized, "Pay attention to the combination of abilities when forming teams! Offensive, defensive, control, support/healing... these should be reasonably configured to form complementary combat groups, avoiding teams with overly singular abilities. The specific combinations will depend on the awakened abilities of your team members."

Li Ya and Su Yun replied in unison, "Understood!"

Once the appointment was given, the two immediately began their work. They already had a basic understanding of the new team members, and relying on their memories and simple questions, they quickly began to divide them into groups.

Lin Chen also offered crucial advice from time to time. With five years of experience in the apocalypse, he was very familiar with the characteristics, potential, and practical applications of most superpowers. Often, he could judge their general purpose and role just by hearing the name or a simple description of a superpower, which greatly improved the efficiency of grouping.

More than half an hour later, the initial grouping was completed.

Li Ya led the first team, which consisted of 88 people, including several elemental and enhancement ability users with outstanding offensive capabilities, as well as team members with protective, healing, and reconnaissance abilities.

Su Yun leads the second team, which consists of 87 people and also emphasizes a balance between offense and defense as well as complementary functions.

The two teams are basically evenly matched, and their core players are well-distributed.

The group moved to the eaves of the hotel entrance.

Lin Chen's thoughts flashed one after another, and to everyone's amazement, dozens of cars of various kinds appeared out of thin air and were neatly arranged under the eaves in front of the hotel and on the open ground next to it.

Most college students today have driver's licenses, and their driving skills may be rusty, but there are almost no other vehicles on the roads in the post-apocalyptic world, and most obstacles are stationary, so driving is not difficult.

Each team was allocated more than forty vehicles, averaging two people per vehicle, which allowed them to support each other and maximize the use of the vehicles.

Lin Chen loaded the supplies into the trunks of each vehicle: ample food and water, spare weapons, ammunition, and protective gear—everything was provided.

"Xiaoya, Sister Yun." Lin Chen called the two newly appointed deputy commanders aside to a secluded spot and solemnly instructed them in a low voice, "You will each lead your teams and set off. The destination is still those universities in the University City."

He paused, then continued, "Remember, safety is the top priority! When clearing zombies, pay attention to tactics and prioritize your own survival. When recruiting team members, be selective and focus on their character and teamwork. If you encounter danger or emergencies that you cannot handle, do not fight them head-on; contact me immediately."

"Aren't you coming with us?" Li Ya keenly caught the meaning in his words, her brows furrowing slightly, revealing a hint of worry.

"Hmm, I need to go on a solo trip." Lin Chen's gaze fell on the misty rain outside the hotel, his eyes calm yet carrying a hint of cold determination. "I need to go to the city center to settle some... old personal scores. And while I'm at it, I'll take this last chance to raid some potentially valuable supply depots."

Li Ya and Su Yun exchanged a glance, both seeing understanding and support in each other's eyes. They didn't press for details about what the "old grievances" were; that was Lin Chen's past, and if he wanted to talk about it, he would naturally tell them.

All they need to know is that he has his reasons for doing what he decides to do, and all they can do is take care of the "rear" he has entrusted to them and wait for his safe return.

The two women stepped forward almost simultaneously, gently embracing Lin Chen, one on each side, their movements restrained yet full of tenderness. They whispered in his ears, in voices only they could hear:

"careful."

"We're waiting for you to come back."

Lin Chen felt a warmth in his heart, and gently kissed each of their foreheads, reassuring them, "Don't worry, it's just some minor business to handle, it'll be very safe. You two leading the team should also be extra careful and stay in touch."

The bloodshed is about to end, and the final opportunity for revenge is at hand. He will not let any of his enemies lurking in the shadows of the city escape, nor will he give them any chance to escape or prolong their lives in the chaos.

Clean house, start today.