Chapter 57: Into a Post-Apocalyptic Superpower Novel, Day 9

Chapter 57: Day Nine of the Doomsday Superpower Novel

The scorching sun baked the barren land, and the air hung heavy with dust and a faint smell of blood.

That day, members of the Second Squad, having just finished a clearance mission, were leaning against broken walls or beside roughly modified off-road vehicles, catching their breath.

An Yi tilted his head back slightly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed the dry saliva in his mouth. Prolonged use of his abilities and intense concentration left him feeling slightly drained.

He shook his canteen, sensing it was empty, and was about to use his power to conjure water.

Just then, a hand with prominent knuckles and a few scrapes held out a military canteen to him.

"Have some water."

Ji Zishi's voice came from beside him. He sat next to An Yi, his tall frame blocking out part of the glaring sunlight, casting a shadow of coolness.

His gaze lingered on An Yi's sweat-dampened temples, his focus unconsciously intense.

An Yi instinctively reached out and took it, his fingertips brushing against Ji Zishi's fingers, causing the latter's arm to stiffen almost imperceptibly.

An Yi thanked him, unscrewed the cap, and let the cool water slide down his parched throat, bringing a moment of relief.

He didn't notice Ji Zishi watching him drink, his Adam's apple bobbing unconsciously before he awkwardly averted his gaze, his ears growing warm.

Just then, the commentary voices sounded in his ears:

"What? The source of the mutation is something beneath the Earth's crust?"

"The earlier description was vague. I thought it was something extraterrestrial, like aliens."

"I guessed it was foreign bioterrorism that got out of control..."

"This is too realistic. It brings back bad memories."

"MAGA!"

"...You upstairs!"

"You're in the wrong story! This doesn't fit! Throw them out!"

"Wasn't Ji Qin's ability described earlier as being able to purify this mutated energy? So, is the plot going to shift from 'pushing maps', fighting monsters, and building bases to an adventure of brave heroes fighting a boss?"

"Interesting!"

"Is it ending? No way, I haven't had enough!"

"Author, write five hundred more chapters!"

"..."

An Yi paused slightly, the water flow pausing for a moment. His thick eyelashes lowered, casting a small shadow, perfectly masking the flicker in his eyes.

His thoughts raced, but his face remained calm as he continued drinking quietly, as if he had just gulped too quickly.

So the plot has progressed to this point?

But then again, considering the timeline, it should be around here.

The original plot was progressing smoothly, and An Yi didn't plan to intervene. He only needed to work harder in the later defense battles, ensuring more people survived.

He was training his abilities diligently now; by the time that point arrived, he should be able to manage it.

Ji Zishi, sharp-eyed, caught the subtle pause. He leaned in, speaking in a low, concerned voice, "What's wrong? Not feeling well? Want to go back to the car and rest?"

Over the past few months, working closely with An Yi day in and day out, Ji Zishi found himself experiencing a baffling symptom—his heart rate would inexplicably race.

Especially when An Yi was near, or when those calm eyes occasionally swept over him, the pounding in his chest would beat louder and faster, without any pattern.

He had secretly checked himself; with his enhanced physique and the vitality of his lightning ability, he was perfectly healthy.

After thinking it over, he decided that the problem lay with An Yi. He must really admire An Yi and consider him his best brother!

An Yi was talented, smart, and good-looking, and his personality was to his liking!

This was it—finding the ultimate bro, a true kindred spirit!

Exactly! It was just that the brotherly affection was so intense it made his heart race!

He felt like belting out a song about brotherly love.

Now his best bud seemed unwell, so of course, he had to show concern!

It was only natural to care for a buddy! Just a buddy!!

An Yi put down the canteen, let out a soft breath, shook his head, and raised a faint, reassuring smile: "It's nothing, just a bit tired. Thanks, Cap."

He noticed a surge of barely noticeable excitement in Ji Zishi, the kind that said, "See! I knew it was just because my brother was tired!"—an enlightened surge of excitement.

That gaze was open, pure, even carrying a blunt pride of "Look how loyal I am."

An Yi: "..."

How could he be so clueless?

An indescribable mix of disbelief and amusement welled up inside him.

This intangible, unmistakable "straight-guy" aura was almost blinding!

Had he been wrong all along? Did Ji Zishi really have such a one-track mind?

An Yi thought about it, and felt he hadn't misread the situation. Could it be...

Ji Zishi was the kind of guy who thought he was straight, and even after hugs and kisses with a friend, he would still firmly believe they were just good friends?

That kind of person who, even after a night of arms around shoulders, sharing a bed, or even more intimate encounters, would clap the other on the shoulder the next day and say with a righteous face, "Sleep okay, buddy?"

An Yi glanced at Ji Zishi again. The latter was grinning, wearing a trustworthy expression that said, "Don't worry, brother, I've got your back." It wasn't entirely impossible.

Ji Zishi, compared to anyone he'd met in his two past lives, was simply innocent and harmless.

Except for his high combat skill and keen observation, he was a man with no guile at all.

----------

After a brief break, the Second Squad set off again.

This time, they traveled far, heading to another city a good distance from Liao Yuan Base.

The objective of this expedition was to explore an old urban ruin that hadn't been thoroughly surveyed before. According to preliminary reconnaissance, there might be an emergency supply depot from before the war there, and the energy readings showed a slight anomaly, making it worth the risk to investigate.

The convoy carefully navigated through the broken city skeleton, crunching over overgrown weeds and shattered concrete blocks.

The deeper they went, the more deathly still and eerie the surroundings became, as if the wind itself felt heavy and oppressive.

The crumbling high-rises cast large, unsettling shadows.

"Captain, three blocks ahead, signal interference is increasing. The drone feed is getting blurry."

The scout's voice came through the walkie-talkie, crackling with static.

"Roger. All units, slow down, stay alert, and advance in formation."