"Courtesy before force. They're still here-no shortage of opportunities. Ah Kai, spend the next couple days getting closer to them. Learn their situation. Ideally, find out whether they have any family left in Star City."
"These people must be brought under our control. To have this kind of strength so early in the apocalypse-there's definitely an extremely powerful ability user among them."
"Understood." Wang Ruikai nodded.
"This Tier-4 Crystal is from your father. Originally, we assumed you'd be the first to advance to Tier 4, given how many Tier-3 Zombies you captured here. No one expected traitors. But don't worry-those people won't escape." Wang Zhendong's voice was cold.
"If they're caught, hand them to me. I'll make sure they understand what happens when you betray me." Wang Ruikai's expression turned utterly dark.
Those people had delayed his advancement by two days. His killing intent toward them had peaked.
"By the way, how's father doing?"
"Don't worry about your father. He's already reached a cooperation agreement with Mayor Ma. It won't be long before all of Star City is ours." Wang Zhendong couldn't hide his excitement.
"I thought the military was hard to deal with?"
"Only Liu Yong is left holding things together on that side. But his rank is below Ma Zhongguo's. Ma Zhongguo will find a way to eliminate him and seize military control. Once that's done, the entire situation in Star City answers to us."
"Excellent. Looks like the Wang family is about to rise for real in this apocalypse." A gleam flashed in Wang Ruikai's eyes.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. Ma Zhongguo isn't a simple man either. We need to build our own force. It doesn't need to be large-but every member must be a top-tier evolver. If we find ability users, recruit them by any means necessary. In the future, the strongest combat power will belong to ability users."
"Right."
"What about... that Lin Yifei?"
"Your brother is already watching her. The moment Liu Yong is dealt with, he'll move to secure her immediately."
"Good."
Wang Ruikai exhaled. That woman-he would have her. No matter the angle.
"I'll leave Wang Da and Wang Er here to assist you. They've both reached Tier 4. Combined with yourself, even if all six of those people are Tier 4, you have nothing to fear."
"Thank you, uncle."
"The men I brought will stay to guard your rear. In a couple days, the reinforced iron cage should be finished-strong enough to hold a Tier-4 Zombie. It'll be delivered along with everything else. After that, we start cultivating a Tier-5 Zombie."
"Perfect. That means we can push all the way to Tier 5."
"Mm. I'm heading back. This place is yours. Don't let any more problems happen."
"Don't worry, uncle."
---
Shortly after Wang Zhendong's group departed, Yang Bin and his team drove back.
Before stepping inside, Yang Bin glanced toward the nearby villa out of habit-and frowned.
More people. And from what he could tell... not weak ones.
"So the Wang family does have some cards to play," Yang Bin noted silently.
In the living room, Old Hei dumped Zhong Yuansen onto the sofa, then raised his palm to slap him awake.
Zhong Yuansen's eyes snapped open, glaring right at him.
The air went still.
After a long beat, Old Hei sheepishly lowered his hand.
"When the hell did you wake up?!"
"J-just now." Zhong Yuansen's voice was careful.
"Good. Brother Bin's got questions. Answer honestly."
"I... I will."
Yang Bin smiled and turned to Zhong Yuansen. "What did you do before all this?"
"I was a worker at a steel mill." Zhong Yuansen answered plainly.
"Where were you the night the apocalypse hit?"
"Family problems had me in a bad mood that day. I went out drinking, kept at it until late. Was heading back to the factory but passed out drunk on the road instead." Zhong Yuansen looked a bit embarrassed.
Yang Bin nodded. The guy didn't seem to be lying.
"What was your relationship with those people from before?"
"Some were coworkers from the factory. Others were people I rescued along the way. I had an ability, so they followed me."
"How's it feel to be abandoned?"
"It was a patchwork crew from the start. This kind of thing is completely normal." Zhong Yuansen smiled bitterly.
"Alright. Last question-are you willing to join our team?"
"Yes! Yes, I'm willing!"
The answer came fast. Almost too fast.
"Buddy, I'd advise you to think before you speak." Old Hei's face was dark.
"Don't need to think. I'm in."
"Think carefully." Yang Bin's tone shifted, dead serious. "My team isn't something you join casually. Once you're in, you never leave. If you betray us-I will kill you."
"And in my team, my word is law."
"I understand." Zhong Yuansen met his gaze. "In the apocalypse, who doesn't want a strong team at their back? Only with a powerful group do you have any real chance of surviving."
"Your strength is the greatest I've ever seen. Bar none. If someone offered me a spot among you, no sane person would refuse."
"I also know the only reason I'm getting this chance is my ability. Otherwise, you wouldn't spare a second glance at a Tier-4 Evolver."
"So I understand exactly how rare this is. I'm willing to join. No more deliberation needed."
"And rest assured-I, Zhong Yuansen, despise betrayal more than anything in this life. I would never." His voice was firm.
"Man, I already had the whole dissection planned out in my head. You agreeing this quick really leaves me with nothing to do." Old Hei sounded genuinely disappointed.
"......"
"Th-that... Brother Hei, from now on you're my big brother. After Brother Bin, your word carries the most weight. Whatever you say, I do." Zhong Yuansen's tone was pure flattery. He was genuinely terrified.
"Hmm... that's not bad, actually." Old Hei stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Yang Bin studied Zhong Yuansen for a long moment.
"You've really thought this through?"
"I have." No hesitation.
"Then welcome to the squad." Yang Bin smiled and extended his hand.
Zhong Yuansen grabbed it immediately, shaking firmly.
One by one, the others stepped forward to shake his hand as well-a silent acceptance.
Not that there was any question. What Yang Bin decided, they backed without reservation.
"Oh-Brother Bin, what's our team actually called?" Zhong Yuansen asked suddenly.
"Uh..." Yang Bin paused. "We don't actually have a name yet."
"Brother Bin, now that we've got more people, we really should pick something solid. Who knows-maybe one day that name echoes across the whole world." Chen Hao grinned.
"Alright, let's pick one. What sounds good to you guys?"
"Black Panther. Badass as hell!" Old Hei declared.
"Badass my ass. Keep 'black' out of it-you'll jinx the whole team."
"......"
"How about Wolf Clan? Fierce like wolves!" Hu Wenliang offered.
"Nah. Not imposing enough."
They argued back and forth without settling on anything. Eventually, all eyes drifted to Yang Bin.
"How about... Star Fall?" Yang Bin said.
"Star Fall?" Blank stares all around.
"Stars falling from the sky-it symbolizes death. But 'Star Fall' also sounds like 'lucky' in Chinese. Hopefully it brings us some."
"Oh-that's actually good." Eyes lit up around the room.
"Haha, done. Star Fall it is. From today, we're the Star Fall Squad."
Looking for more free chapters? Visit www.skynovelvault.com to read over 5,000 free chapters and continue exploring more stories from SkyNovelVault.