After stocking up at the maximum level, all the handsome men in the apocalypse are looking for suppo

Chapter 67 Danger Signal

"Abandoned factory, military research institute" Su Wanqing repeated these key words in a low voice, her eyes fell on the newly unlocked "scientific research rebate" function on the jade bracelet.

Lu Zhao walked down from the top floor of the shopping mall, his expression more serious than usual.

"The situation is not good! The zombies are moving faster! And their direction has also changed!"

Lu Zhao's voice broke the peace of everyone who was about to rest.

Su Wanqing immediately put down the items in her hands and walked quickly to Lu Zhao's side: "What's the specific situation?"

Lu Zhao pulled up the latest monitoring data and pointed at the flashing red dot on the screen. "According to the latest data, the zombie swarm is moving nearly twice as fast as we expected. What's worse is that their direction of movement has deviated and is heading northeast of the city."

"Northeastward?" Xiao Ran frowned. "Is there anything special there?"

Lu Zhao shook his head: "It's not clear yet. But if they maintain this speed and direction, they may reach the edge of the city within two days."

Lin Che walked over and looked at the data on the screen. "This doesn't fit the typical behavior pattern of zombies. Normally, they're only attracted to sound and light, not this kind of purposeful collective movement."

"Unless someone is controlling them," Su Wanqing whispered, "or there are factors we don't know about that are influencing them."

There was a brief silence in the room.

"We need more information." Su Wanqing broke the silence and walked to the map. "About the origin of the zombie virus, about its behavior patterns, and about possible control methods. And this information is likely in that military research institute."

She took out a pen and marked a location on the map: "According to Liu Zheng's confession and the system prompt, this should be the location of the secret research institute."

Everyone gathered around, looking at the location marked on the map. It was a remote spot about 30 kilometers northwest of the city, with a complex environment, mountains and water, and inconvenient transportation.

"There are three possible routes from here to the institute." Su Wanqing marked three routes on the map with a pen. "The first is the main road. It has the best road conditions, but it's also the most likely to encounter large zombie hordes. The second is a mountain road. The terrain is complex and difficult to travel, but there are relatively few zombies. The third is a small road through the suburbs. The road conditions are average, but it's more secluded."

"Taking time and safety into consideration, I recommend choosing the third route."

Xiao Ran analyzed, "The main roads are too dangerous, the mountain roads are too slow, and the suburban roads are a good compromise."

"I agree." Lu Zhao nodded. "Besides, there are several small residential areas along the suburban road where we can replenish supplies."

"Wait a minute," a member of the defense team raised his hand. He was a burly middle-aged man named Wang Gang, a retired soldier. "Do we really want to take this risk? That research institute might have already been overrun by zombies, or there's nothing left."

"Wang Gang has a point," another member of the defense team, a young woman named Li Xue, a former police officer, agreed. "We've finally established a safe zone here. Why risk going to an unknown and dangerous place?"

"Because we have no choice," Su Wanqing said calmly, "If that zombie wave really attacks, our current defenses will not be able to withstand it. We need to find a way to deal with it, and the institute may be our only hope."

"But it's too risky!" Li Xue insisted.

"So I won't ask everyone to go." Su Wanqing looked around at everyone. "I will form a capable exploration team, and the others will stay in the safe zone. This is voluntary, and no one will be forced."

The room fell silent again, and everyone looked at each other with different expressions.

"I'll go." Xiao Ran was the first to step forward. "As a former special forces soldier, I have extensive experience in wilderness survival and combat."

"I'm going too." Lu Zhao pushed up his glasses. "My mechanical manipulation skills might be useful for the institute's equipment."

"Count me in." Lin Che said with a smile, "My water-based abilities can provide support and healing."

Su Wanqing nodded: "Then, the four of us will be the core members. In addition, we also need a few agile defense team members."

After some discussion, three members of the defense team were finally selected: Wang Gang, Li Xue, and a young man named Zhao Ming, a former firefighter with agility and expertise in climbing and rescue.

"Then, the seven of us will form an exploration team and set off tomorrow morning."

Su Wanqing concluded, "Everyone, get a good rest tonight. Tomorrow will be a difficult day."

"Wait," Zhang Lin suddenly stood up, "I want to go too."

Su Wanqing shook her head: "Zhang Lin, you are our medical director, it is more important to stay in the safe zone."

"But the exploration team also needs medical support," Zhang Lin insisted. "If anyone gets injured, without professional medical personnel, the consequences could be serious."

"We have Lin Che's healing ability." Su Wanqing said.

"That's different," Zhang Lin retorted. "While Lin Che's abilities can heal, complex injuries still require specialized medical expertise. Besides, I received wilderness survival training before the apocalypse and learned some basic fighting techniques. I can take care of myself."

Su Wanqing looked at Zhang Lin's determined eyes, was silent for a moment, and finally nodded: "Okay, you can join. But remember, you must obey orders and don't take risks."

"Thank you, Su Wanqing!" Zhang Lin said gratefully.

Next, everyone began to prepare supplies and equipment. Su Wanqing exchanged several sets of light protective clothing and communication equipment through the system. These equipment could effectively block zombie attacks and maintain communication between the team.

Lu Zhao prepared a series of portable tools and improvised blasting devices: "The institute may have security doors and barriers, and these tools can help us break through."

Lin Che used his water ability to test and seal several specially made containers. "These containers can safely carry any virus samples that may be found. I've used my water ability to ensure their tightness."

Xiao Ran prepared light but effective weapons for the team, including pistols, daggers, and tactical grenades: "Remember, weapons are only the last resort. Our goal is to explore and gather information, not to confront zombies head-on."

The preparations continued until late at night, and everyone returned to the rest area.

Su Wanqing stood alone on the top floor of the shopping mall, looking at the night sky in the distance, her heart full of anticipation and worry about tomorrow.

"Are you okay?" Lin Che's voice came from behind.

Su Wanqing turned around and saw Lin Che standing not far away, holding two cups of hot tea in his hands: "I brought you some tea, it will help you sleep."

"Thank you." Su Wanqing took the teacup and took a sip. "I was thinking, if the institute really has the information we need, then we might be able to find a way to deal with the zombie wave. But if not..."

"We will find it," Lin Che said firmly, "and no matter what the outcome, we will face it together."

Su Wanqing looked at Lin Che's sincere eyes, and her worries eased slightly. "You're right. No matter what the outcome, we will face it together."

The two stood side by side on the top floor, looking at the night sky in the distance, drinking tea quietly, and enjoying this brief moment of tranquility.

The next morning, the exploration team gathered at the entrance of the shopping mall.

Everyone was wearing light protective clothing, carrying equipment and supplies, with a serious and determined expression.

"Is everyone ready?" Su Wanqing looked around at everyone.

"Ready." Everyone answered in unison.

"Then, let's go." Su Wanqing gave the order, "Target: Military Research Institute."