27: Chapter 27 Zombie Evolution

Three days after the debut of the Radiation Engineers, a problem arose.

That morning, while a sentry was patrolling on the perimeter wall, he discovered a strange zombie.

That zombie was different from the ordinary ones—its skin was dark gray and thicker than a normal zombie's, like a layer of armor. It was faster and more agile, leaping and weaving through the ruins like a monkey.

Most terrifyingly, it seemed to possess intelligence.

It didn't wander blindly like ordinary zombies; instead, it hid behind a piece of cover, observing the base's movements. When the sentry spotted it, it immediately pulled its head back and quickly vanished into the ruins.

The sentry immediately reported to Wang Jie.

Wang Jie climbed onto the wall and used binoculars to observe that area of ruins.

There was nothing.

However, the Radar Station showed that there was indeed a life signal there.

And that signal was much stronger than an ordinary zombie's.

"What is that thing?" Lin Waner stood beside him, also looking through a pair of binoculars.

Wang Jie shook his head. "I don't know. But it's definitely not an ordinary zombie."

He called over the Snipers and had them keep an eye on that area.

But for the entire day, that thing did not appear again.

The next day, it returned.

This time it wasn't just one; there were three.

They hid behind different pieces of cover, simultaneously observing the base. When the sentry discovered them, they immediately retreated with synchronized movements, as if they had been trained.

Wang Jie's heart sank.

These zombies had intelligence.

And they could cooperate.

That evening, the system provided a notification:

[Signs of zombie evolution detected]

[Evolution types: Intelligence enhancement, speed enhancement, defense enhancement]

[Threat Level: Medium]

[Suggestion: Strengthen research on evolved zombies and find countermeasures]

Wang Jie looked at this notification and remained silent for a long time.

The zombies were evolving.

What did this mean?

It meant that the virus was not a simple source of infection. It was constantly mutating, adapting, and growing stronger.

If things continued like this, one day, something even more terrifying than the Mutants would appear.

He needed to figure out exactly what was going on.

He needed to find Chen Jianguo.

That scientist from the Academy of Sciences might know the answer.

Early the next morning, Wang Jie assembled an elite squad: two Gene Warriorss, three Radiation Engineers, five Heavy Soldiers, and two Snipers. Including himself, there were thirteen people in total.

Two tanks led the way, followed by an infantry vehicle.

Target: The Backup Laboratory.

Before departure, Lin Waner stood in front of him, looking at him.

"Be careful," she said.

Wang Jie nodded. "Keep an eye on the base. If anything happens, sound the alarm."

Lin Waner didn't speak; she just reached out and helped him straighten his collar.

The movement was very natural, as if she had done it many times before.

Wang Jie was momentarily stunned, then he smiled.

"Wait for me to come back."

He turned and climbed into the tank.

The convoy roared as it drove off into the distance.

Lin Waner stood at the entrance, watching the steel beasts grow smaller and smaller until they disappeared at the end of the street.

She stood there for a long, long time.

The convoy drove for about two hours before reaching the location marked on the map.

It was an abandoned Industrial Park, even larger and more desolate than Jingang's. Everywhere were collapsed workshops, rusted equipment, and wildly growing weeds. The air was thick with the smell of chemicals, making one feel uncomfortable.

The Backup Laboratory was at the deepest part of the park, an unremarkable three-story building.

Wang Jie had the tanks stop in the distance and led the infantry to approach quietly.