Chapter Ten: The Crystal

What is this? Zhou Yu picked up the crystal from the monster’s head and wondered.

“What is that?” Xiao Jie asked, seeing Zhou Yu holding the red crystal.

“I don’t know either. It looks like the monster’s power source or something. Whatever it is, I’ll just keep it for now.” Zhou Yu replied calmly, slipping the crystal into his jacket pocket.

“Alright, it’s over. Find a spot and rest, everyone. Come out, I want to talk.” Zhou Yu addressed the group, then spoke to Wang Kui, who was crouched in the corner.

The others were now fully awake, any trace of drowsiness gone, so they gathered together.

Wang Kui sat beside Zhou Yu in silence, unsure what Zhou Yu wanted to discuss.

“First, why didn’t you fire at the start? Second, I want to learn how to shoot. I know how to use a gun, but I’m well aware my aim is lacking. I want you to teach me.” Zhou Yu finished and waited for Wang Kui’s answer.

“I couldn’t see at first—the car was blocking my view. A sniper must strike the vital spot with the first shot, either killing or incapacitating the target. I can teach you, but we don’t have a spare sniper rifle.” Wang Kui replied concisely, explaining why he hadn’t fired and agreeing to teach Zhou Yu, though circumstances didn’t allow it now.

“I understand. I’m a bit tired, going to catch a nap. Call me if you get tired.” Zhou Yu said, then walked over to Nian Yu and, leaning against the wall beside her, fell asleep.

The night passed without incident. The next day, Zhou Yu awoke near noon, a sign that although he appeared strong these past two days, he was nearing exhaustion.

“Everyone’s up already? Sorry for sleeping in. Alright, let’s get moving and start working.” Zhou Yu said, heading inside for the welding machine.

“Uh, what are you all doing, just standing there? Come on, let’s get to work.” Zhou Yu said, holding the welding machine and looking at the group uncertainly.

“Hey, you haven’t told us what to do. How are we supposed to work?” Xiao Jie spoke up.

“Ah, that’s my fault. Let me assign tasks. The women will cook, but Xiao Jie, you’ll go on sentry duty with Wang Kui to guard against zombies. Zhao Yan, you can weld, right? It doesn’t need to look good, just be solid. The rest of you men, if you can weld, grab a welding machine; if not, help out where you can.” Zhou Yu distributed the tasks.

Everyone started moving after Zhou Yu’s instructions—some welded, some assisted, some cooked.

“Hurry up with the welding, lunch will be ready soon,” Zhou Yu called out.

Before long, the meal was finished, and Zhou Yu’s group had nearly completed their welding. “Let’s eat,” Zhou Yu announced, going off to find Wang Kui and Xiao Jie.

“You two eat as well. When you’re done, switch with me. We’ll probably have to stay here another day. After lunch, Xiao Jie, clean out a spot in the truck for sleeping tonight. You and Nian Yu can rest there.” Zhou Yu ordered, not waiting for their agreement before sending them to eat.

What exactly is this? Why do I keep feeling like I want to eat it? Zhou Yu took out the red crystal he’d retrieved from the monster’s head, staring at it.

Am I losing it? I don’t even know what this thing is, yet I want to eat it. Not to mention whatever its purpose is—if I tried, wouldn’t it just break my teeth? No, definitely not.

With that thought, Zhou Yu quickly dismissed the idea.