Chapter 283 - 150: Annihilation

Chapter 283: Chapter 150: Annihilation

The RV remained where it was, its doors and windows sealed shut, silently waiting for some "fated person" who might one day arrive. Xu Mo had also considered burning it, but after a moment’s thought, he decided against it, figuring he would leave it for some lucky soul in the future.

Xu Mo had already pieced together most of what likely happened to Messenger 027.

Judging by the relatively undamaged exterior of the SUV, Messenger 027 likely hadn’t died in a head-on assault or an intense firefight. He had probably found what he thought was a well-hidden spot to park and rest, either at dusk or dawn. And then, he was discovered.

So when these raiders, having gotten a taste of success, saw Xu Mo appear nearby in the same type of vehicle and carrying similarly abundant supplies, they didn’t hesitate to bare their fangs once more.

Only this time, they had picked the wrong prey.

There was one thing about all this that Xu Mo still couldn’t figure out. Messenger 027 had been traveling roughly the same route as him. ’So why haven’t I seen any sign of his vehicle this entire time?’

Xu Mo didn’t know the answer.

The young man he’d left in the dirt pit probably didn’t have the answer, either. As for the other six from the camp, they were now nothing but charcoal and ash, in no position to explain anything.

These questions were destined to become just another unsolved mystery on his journey.

Xu Mo stopped thinking about it.

The SUV sped on.

Because of the longer delay that afternoon, by the time the sun began to set, Xu Mo was still over forty kilometers from the outskirts of Luochuan City.

’I won’t make it to my destination tonight.’ Xu Mo calmly accepted this and began looking for a place to rest.

Soon, Xu Mo found a suitable spot: an open area about two hundred meters off the road, backed by a hillock, with a relatively clear line of sight in all directions.

After getting out of the SUV, Xu Mo began to set up a temporary camp. ℯℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

By the time he’d pitched the tent and set up a perimeter alarm, the sky had already grown dark.

Xu Mo didn’t risk a fire. He washed down two ration biscuits and a cold can of food with water from his flask. The meal was as bland as ever, but it was enough to keep him going.

After eating, Xu Mo slung his rifle over his shoulder and climbed onto the roof of the SUV, gazing toward Luochuan City.

He didn’t dwell on what he might see or encounter upon reaching the outskirts of Luochuan City tomorrow. The plan was set; all that remained was to execute it. If he needed to find a detour, he would. If he needed to fight, he would.

Whether it was Tier 1 zombies, Tier 2 zombies, Mutant Beasts, or something else entirely, he would have to face it eventually.

...

「The next day.」

Perhaps it was because summer nights were short, or perhaps because Xu Mo was used to waking at the first hint of dawn. As the first rays of light stretched across the horizon, his eyes opened.

He cultivated, washed up, and ate.

After his meal, Xu Mo was back in the SUV, driving slowly toward the road.

Xu Mo’s plan for the day was clear: continue toward the perimeter of Luochuan City, reconnoiter from a safe distance, and assess the zombie density, frequency of mutant activity, and the viability of any potential detours.

If conditions were manageable, he would find a relatively safe path through. If they were too dangerous, he would commit to a detour through the mountains or foothills.

Xu Mo stepped on the gas, and the SUV picked up speed.

Ahead of Xu Mo, the silhouette of Luochuan City loomed ever larger and more sinister in the morning light. It was like an ancient behemoth crouching on the horizon, lying in wait for any intruder who dared to draw near.