14: physical building unit

Zhang Long paid no attention to County Magistrate Luo's colorful expression. He quickly scanned the new troops and the existing forces, his brain working at high speed. Jiang Xin had the new units report to him with an obvious intention: to establish Zhang Long's command position within the team in the eyes of the survivors! This would save them unnecessary trouble.

"Attention everyone!" Zhang Long's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority that instantly suppressed all whispers. "New soldiers, immediately form into 4 combat squads!

"The original combat squad and the Guard Squad's organization will remain unchanged!"

"Defensive deployment adjustments are as follows:

On the first to third floors, deploy two combat squads per floor and implement rotating shifts! Ensure there are no blind spots in our vision! Do you understand?!"

The remaining combat squads will be divided into two groups: Group A and Group B! Execute rotating ambush missions! Locations: key intersections on the perimeter of the Government Building and high ground! Task: establish a perimeter security circle and provide early warnings! If large-scale enemy activity is discovered, report immediately; do not engage the enemy without authorization! Did you hear me clearly?!"

"Understood! Sir!" The uniform response echoed through the hall.

Zhang Long's deployment was clear, efficient, and airtight. His military talent was fully displayed. Jiang Xin stood a short distance away, watching Zhang Long handle everything with vigorous efficiency, feeling immensely satisfied. With such a capable general present, he could indeed skip many tedious command details.

In the dead of night, Jiang Xin sat alone in a relatively quiet office.

He closed his eyes and concentrated, his consciousness sinking into the system interface: "No. 1, I have a question. Can I directly promote the military ranks of the soldiers under my command?"

"Yes, Commander." No. 1's voice was as steady and direct as always. "Based on your current rank (Captain), you have the following appointment authorities:

- Appoint officers one rank below you (first lieutenant): 4 persons.

- Appoint officers two ranks below you (second lieutenant): 24 persons."

Jiang Xin hardly hesitated. Zhang Long's ability and loyalty had long proven him to be the undisputed first deputy. With a slight thought, the rank icon next to Zhang Long's name on the system interface instantly jumped from second lieutenant to first lieutenant! Immediately after, he selected again: Chen Hao, Li Ang, and Li Wei—these three veterans, who had performed outstandingly in battle and were capable of standing alone, also saw their rank icons promoted to second lieutenant!

"Appointments complete: Zhang Long, rank promoted to first lieutenant (Chief of Staff).

Chen Hao, Li Ang, and Li Wei, rank promoted to second lieutenant."

"No. 1," Jiang Xin continued to ask, "which physical buildings can I build now? Show me the list."

"The unlocked list of physical building units is as follows, Commander:

- Radar Station: Cost 1000 credits. Function: Provides strategic detection within a 300km radius. IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system: Red dots (Hostile), Green dots (Friendly), White dots (Red Alert units).

- Barracks: Cost 500 credits. Function: Provides standardized training grounds, resting areas, and logistical support for 600 soldiers. After construction, the combat effectiveness of garrisoned troops increases by 50%. Unlocks special units: Engineer (500 gold), Sapper/Medical Soldiers/Cook (150 gold).

- War Factory: Cost 3000 credits. Function: Unlocks and produces armored units: grizzly tank (1200 gold), rhino tank (1800 gold). Includes vehicle repair capabilities.

- Air Command Center: Cost 3500 credits. Function: Unlocks chinook armed transport helicopter (4000 gold) after construction. Provides runways, hangar maintenance, and a command hub for fixed-wing aircraft/attack helicopters.

- Power Plant: Cost 1000 credits. Function: Provides a stable and abundant power supply.

- Ore Refinery: Cost 1000 credits. Function: Automatically refines collected precious metal resources. The first construction includes a complimentary Armed Mining Vehicle x1 (Value 500 gold/unit).

- sentry gun: Cost 1000 credits/unit. Configuration: High-power searchlight, infrared/thermal imaging dual-mode scanner, built-in 50mm automatic rapid-fire infantry cannon x1, 2 operating soldiers. A sturdy automated firepower point.

- Machine Gun Pillbox: Cost 1000 credits/unit. Configuration: High-power searchlight, infrared/thermal imaging dual-mode scanner, built-in 12.7mm heavy machine guns x2, 2 operating soldiers.

Walls:

Basic Type: 1m(L) x 1m(W) x 5m(H), 50 gold/unit.

Intermediate: 1m(L) x 2m(W) x 10m(H), 100 gold/unit.

Advanced: 1m(L) x 3m(W) x 15m(H), 150 gold/unit.

Note: For every 100 cumulative meters built, a complimentary electronically controlled titanium alloy city gate x1 is provided (1 meter thick, can withstand direct hits from 150mm caliber artillery).

Note: If the Commander can provide sufficient basic construction materials such as reinforced concrete, the funds required for Wall construction can be significantly reduced."

Jiang Xin looked at this list, his brain rapidly calculating. To establish a fully functional base with preliminary defensive capabilities (not counting Walls), he would need at least a Barracks (500), Radar (1000), and War Factory (3000), plus four sentry guns (4000) and four Machine Gun Pillboxes (4000), totaling a staggering 12,500 gold! This didn't even include the massive costs of an Air Command Center and Refinery. His remaining 2000 gold was simply a drop in the bucket.

"The base location... must be chosen carefully." Jiang Xin rubbed his brow, "Moreover, Lei-ge's parents are still in the city..." He cast his gaze toward the pitch-black night sky outside the window. However, thinking of the newly produced hind helicopter, his heart settled slightly. With air power, organizing an elite squad tomorrow led by Zhang Lei himself to fly directly into the city for a rescue mission became much more feasible. This was one of the main reasons he had gritted his teeth to manufacture a second hind today.

Fatigue washed over him like a tide. Jiang Xin pulled out his phone, the screen's light illuminating his bloodshot but still sharp eyes. The network hadn't been completely cut off yet; backup power systems were still supporting the country's electricity. He swiped across the screen, clicking on several of the largest forums and social media apps. The screens were filled with cries for help and chaos.

A pinned post from a female netizen: "My pet Ragdoll cat suddenly went crazy! It bit my mother-in-law! Then... then my mother-in-law... she changed! Her eyes turned completely white! Her strength is terrifyingly high! I'm now locked in the bedroom, listening to her scratching at the door outside... someone please save me! [Location Sharing]" Below was a series of replies like "Hugs, OP," "So scary," and "Hurry and block the door!"

Another post exuded a sense of fanaticism and bloodiness: "Brothers! I personally hacked down a zombie that my dad turned into! Inside his rotten skull, I found this! [Image: An irregular polyhedral white crystal stained with foul blood]! When I held it, a voice in my head kept shouting: 'Eat it! Eat it!' I steeled my heart and actually swallowed it! Guess what happened? My chronic stomach problem of years is cured! My 8.0 myopia is as clear as if I had laser surgery! My whole body is full of strength! I feel... this is the chance God has given us ordinary people! Kill zombies! Dig out crystal cores! Evolve! Become one of the elites! Heroes emerge in troubled times!"

This post was like a spark dropped into boiling oil, instantly igniting the comment section:

"Is the person above an idiot? Killing someone (even if a zombie) and then eating something from their brain? Aren't you afraid of becoming a zombie-plus?"

"Same as above, I didn't find any crystal core. I've hacked three zombies and found nothing. OP must be hallucinating, right?"

"I didn't find one either. But... if the physical changes OP described... are real..."

"Coordinates XX Neighborhood, just took down a zombie security guard and felt around his head... Holy crap! There really is one! White! Cold to the touch! OP wasn't lying! I don't dare eat it, I've hidden it for now..."

"Requesting a team! Kill monsters, level up, and get loot! Are there any brothers nearby? DM me!"

Jiang Xin scrolled through these posts mixed with despair, madness, and some who had found opportunity, his expression solemn. It seemed some people had already discovered the secret of Superpower evolution.

He turned off the screen, leaned his head against the cold Wall, and closed his eyes tiredly. The night outside the window seemed to become even deeper and more unpredictable. But inside the Government Building, the sound of soldiers' patrolling footsteps and the faint, suppressed sobbing of survivors from downstairs reminded him that the battle was far from over; the apocalypse had only just begun.