In the twilight of existence, embodying the role of an antagonist demands more than merely amassing power and confronting the hero. It also necessitates learning to derive pleasure amidst turmoil, such as spending moments with a slumbering heroine.
Lu Yu, who had been drained the previous night, found himself invigorated the following day. Yan Yun, a stunning girl untouched by love, became the center of his attention.
He understood that once his power was adequate, he could afford to invest time in cultivating a profound emotional bond with her.
Yan Yun, who had been unconscious the prior night, was oblivious to the commonplace nature of the object in Lu Yu's possession. However, Lu Yu's unambiguous explanation left no room for misunderstanding. If she still failed to comprehend, she would be deemed naive.
On the second day post-apocalypse, in the afternoon, Lu Yu, entranced by Yan Yun's distinctive body fragrance, took it upon himself to enlighten her about the dynamics between males and females.
Although Lu Yu had previously depleted his physical energy in his pursuit of power, his progression to bronze had significantly restored his energy, leaving him in a much improved state compared to the previous night.
The origin of the objects in Lu Yu's possession was self-evident. Given the abundance of living necessities Lu Yu had prepared in the storage room, it was only logical that he would possess such items. Furthermore, carrying such items became a routine practice once he acquired a storage ring.
As for Yan Yun's threat to sue Lu Yu, it was merely a woman's final attempt at restraint.
Lu Yu chose to disregard it.
Meanwhile, in room 8007, previously occupied by Qiao Manli, Wu Qiang watched with envy as Lu Yu led Yan Yun to the warehouse. Like any typical man, Wu Qiang was attracted to women, and Yan Yun, with her stunning looks and figure, was no exception. The sight of her heading to the warehouse with Lu Yu stirred feelings within him.
At this time, Shi Lei was sitting next to him, engaged in a conversation with his girlfriend, He Li. Upon hearing Wu Qiang's words, he responded with a smile, "You're stronger than me now, isn't it easy for you to find a girlfriend?"
Wu Qiang, who was shorter and stockier than Shi Lei, had a face that was not particularly attractive and was marred by acne. In terms of looks, he was no match for Shi Lei, let alone Lu Yu, who was exceptionally handsome.
However, Shi Lei pointed out that in these times, strength mattered more than looks.
Shi Lei then shared his experience of killing Chen Fei, a gangster who had awakened the earth-type ability, under Lu Yu's orders. This revelation left Wu Qiang stunned. He had never imagined that Lu Yu would dare to kill. This realization further lowered his betrayal rate to 42%.
Shi Lei playfully suggested that if Wu Qiang wanted a girlfriend, he could ask Lu Yu for help, who might be able to capture a few for him to choose from. This suggestion seemed reasonable to Wu Qiang.
Later in the afternoon, at 3:30, Lu Yu entered the warehouse with Yan Yun.
When they emerged at six o'clock, Lu Yu was smiling, while Yan Yun, now dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, followed him with a look of resentment and a staggering gait.
Fortunately, it was Yan Yun's second time, and she was able to walk, albeit with difficulty. The stronger the youth, the more the vigor…that's the truth.
Lu Yu offered to help her, but Yan Yun declined, stating that it was his fault that they would be seen in such a state. Lu Yu shrugged and didn't argue. He simply helped her back to room 8008.
The room was empty at the time, allowing Yan Yun to recover before joining Xue Li in the next room for dinner. The meal consisted of leftovers from the previous day. Shen Bin and Li Wanning were also present at the dinner table.
Despite still feeling a bit tired, Yan Yun's walking had returned to normal. She chatted with Li Wanning as usual. Everyone knew about their trip to the warehouse in the afternoon, but no one found it strange.
After all, they were lovers, and venting in the oppressive environment of the end of the world was only natural.
However, upon seeing Lu Yu again, Li Wanning's face turned slightly unnatural. Ever since she had suspected that Lu Yu might have feelings for her, she had been feeling conflicted. However, since Lu Yu hadn't said anything, she couldn't ask him directly. She decided to just observe for the time being.
Wu Qiang was contemplating whether to tell Lu Yu about his desire for a girlfriend. But while he was still thinking, there was a sudden knock on the room door. Xue Li, who was closest to the door, got up and opened it.
A loud noise came from the door.
"You want to join our team?"
Xue Li asked, frowning at the dozen or so survivors at the door.
They pleaded, "Yeah! There are so many monsters outside, shouldn't we help each other?
Let's be united, so we can hope to survive, don't you think?
Little brother, let us join your team, we are willing to obey your arrangements.
Yes, we are all willing to listen to your arrangements!"
Lu Yu now possesses three non-attribute crystal cores and one spiritual crystal core. Although he cannot utilize these crystal cores to enhance his power, they can be used to replenish his energy. Consequently, Lu Yu decided not to distribute them. After giving one to Ding Feng, he kept the rest as reserves.
From the conversation outside the door, it was clear to Lu Yu what their intentions were. After enduring two days and one night of trials, most humans finally accepted the new reality and began seeking the protection of the strong.
At the Rhine Hotel, due to Lu Yu's influence, Manager Zhao and Liao Dong formed a team. They took in most of the survivors from the hotel and embarked on their own survival journey.
The survivors outside the door might have been rejected by Manager Zhao, or they might have been reluctant to join Manager Zhao's team. Alternatively, they might have wanted to join Lu Yu's team because of his strength. In essence, they were all trying to persuade Lu Yu to let them join his team.
Xue Li, unable to make a decision, turned to Lu Yu for guidance. Hearing this, Lu Yu rose and walked to the door of the room, surveying everyone. About fifteen or sixteen people had come. Apart from two or three young people and a boy of about eleven or twelve, the majority were elderly men and women.
Lu Yu calmly asked if they wanted to join his team, which made the survivors hesitant to cause any trouble. The two leading old men in their fifties quickly expressed their willingness to join. Lu Yu then asked if they dared to kill monsters, which left one of the old men bewildered.
Another old man, surnamed Zhou, argued that they were too old to kill monsters and suggested that Lu Yu could assign them other tasks. When asked what they could do, the survivors listed their skills. However, Lu Yu quickly interrupted them, pointing out that there was no electricity outside, rendering skills like driving and TV repair useless.
Lu Yu stated plainly that only those who dared to kill monsters could stay. If they didn't dare, they could check if they had awakened any special abilities. If they had special abilities, they could discuss it, and he would handle it accordingly.
If they didn't have any, they should leave. Lu Yu's words left everyone looking at each other, seemingly overwhelmed.
Among the crowd, a glimmer of hope appeared in the eyes of the young boy. Soon, a young man raised his hand and declared his willingness to kill monsters and join the team. Lu Yu recognized him as Xiao Wang, who had previously occupied Lu Yu's room under Manager Zhao's leadership. Seeing Xiao Wang again, Lu Yu couldn't help but smile playfully.
Xiao Wang admitted that he thought Lu Yu was very powerful and believed that following him would increase his chances of survival. After Xiao Wang joined, another young man also raised his hand and introduced himself as Li Yong and his girlfriend as Fang Juan.
Although Li Yong was willing to kill monsters, he admitted that his girlfriend might not be capable of doing so. Lu Yu mentioned that he was short of people for two cooks and hygiene, which delighted Li Yong. He thanked Lu Yu and quickly joined him with his girlfriend.
Lu Yu then pointed at two more people, a man and a woman, and told them they could stay if they wanted, and the others should leave. The two, named Liu Quan and Li Hong, were middle-aged and seemed more useful than the others. After Lu Yu named them, they were very happy and quickly joined Lu Yu's side.
The remaining survivors were unhappy with Lu Yu's decision. The leading old man, said "Miss Li, the students you teach are really disappointing!"
Zhou, turned his gaze to Li Wanning in the room. He knew Li Wanning's occupation since he was a survivor of the previous room 8046. Before he came, he knew that Li Wanning was with Lu Yu. Li Wanning had been listening to the conversation between Lu Yu and Zhou.
After hearing Zhou's words, Li Wanning felt as if she had been pricked by a needle. Even if she guessed what Lu Yu thought of her, she couldn't sit still at this moment.
"Old Zhou, hold on!"
Li Wanning quickly intercepted the elderly man and positioned herself in front of Lu Yu. She asked Lu Yu,
"Can't you find it in your heart to accommodate them?"
"Accommodate?"
Lu Yu retorted, not directly answering her question, "What do you mean by accommodate?"
"I…"
"Who will shoulder the burden of their sustenance?"
"Are you planning to house them for a specific duration?
A month, or perhaps two?"
"I…"
Lu Yu bombarded Li Wanning with a series of questions.
Indeed!
The duration of the external threat is uncertain.
At this juncture, everyone is preoccupied with their own survival, how can they be expected to look after others?
In reality, Li Wanning comprehends Lu Yu's perspective quite well, especially after yesterday's ordeal.
However, she is struggling to overcome the ethical dilemma that is plaguing her.
After all, she is a teacher, a mentor to the people!
Zhou couldn't hold back his face after hearing Lu Yu's words. , he snorted coldly and led everyone around and left. Lu Yu didn't bother to pay attention to him.
However, after the crowd left, he noticed that the young boy was still there.
The boy was about eleven or twelve years old and about 1.5 meters tall, dressed simply. Lu Yu seemed to have met him before.
Lu Yu inquired if the young lad was planning to depart. The lad, though slightly frightened, gathered his courage and expressed his desire to become a part of Lu Yu's group.
When questioned about his courage to confront monsters, the lad confessed his fear but also mentioned that he seemed to have unlocked a unique power.
This revelation caused Lu Yu to squint his eyes in contemplation. It appeared somewhat implausible for a youngster to manifest special abilities.
However, the audacity of the lad to approach him alone for team membership, post the awakening of his power, seemed quite irrational.
At this juncture, within the confines of the hotel, the young lad was indisputably the center of attention.
Could this lad be another opportunity for the protagonist to emerge?
Pondering over this possibility, Lu Yu, with a hint of amusement, requested the lad to elaborate on the special abilities he claimed to have awakened.
A/n :- Dear readers, I welcome your suggestions and feedback in the comments section below. Your support through Power stones will be greatly appreciated.