Born realized that Angelica was no ordinary girl.
Whenever he talked to her, he couldn't help but forget that Angelica was a 21-year-old adult.
He already had a rough outline of a plan in his mind.
He needed to recruit enough members to reach ten, unlock the next level of recruitment, and see if the system would unlock new features.
The night passed without incident.
The next morning.
Born woke up to the soft humming of Sibley.
Before he was fully awake, a warm towel was gently wiping his face.
This instantly made him feel more refreshed.
Sitting on the bed, breakfast was already served on a small dining table next to him.
Two maids, one massaging his shoulders and the other feeding him, worked with clear division of labor.
Seeing this, Angelica almost fainted on the spot.
She held her forehead.
"Why did I ever ask him to help me find my sister?"
She was starting to doubt her decision internally.
While eating breakfast, Pearl stood at the foot of the bed.
"Based on my observations last night, the streetlights that should have turned on automatically did not light up. Born, your suspicion was correct: the city has lost power."
"We had gathered some supplies before, so we don't need to worry about phone battery life for now."
"However, the signal is intermittent. The authorities have issued a few statements, mainly about the weaknesses of zombies and safety regulations."
Pearl, being a manager, was tasked by Born with managing and gathering information.
She was doing an excellent job.
As for the weaknesses of zombies, they targeted the head and became sluggish at sunrise.
At night, zombies became exceptionally active, with increased strength and speed, and were more bloodthirsty.
Their other characteristics included keen hearing but weakened vision.
"What's the situation in Building Three?" Born asked.
"This morning, zombies have been gathering around Building Three. Some people tried to break out but failed and had to retreat back inside."
Born nodded slightly upon hearing this.
Previously, in the surveillance room, Born hadn't been idle. He identified some suitable candidates for recruitment.
In Building Three, there was a short-haired woman who could kill zombies with swift, trained movements.
This short-haired woman was someone Born had to recruit.
After recruiting her, the combat abilities of his team, enhanced by the maid combat outfits and synergies, would be quite formidable.
However, there were differences.
He understood that the system's recruitment could help them overcome psychological barriers to killing zombies, but it didn't enhance their inherent combat abilities.
So, he urgently needed a capable front-line commander.
The short-haired woman was the best candidate.
Born made a decision: "We're going to Building Three. We'll clear zombies along the way."
He then looked at Angelica and, after a moment of thought, said, "Finding your sister won't be possible in the short term. If you're willing, you can come with us, and I can ensure your safety."
"If..."
Before Born could finish, Angelica interrupted.
"I'll go with you."
...
Building Three, Apartment 408.
Mia leaned weakly against the wall while a girl in the living room bandaged her wound.
The three girls were roommates with a good relationship. The sudden apocalypse caught them off guard.
Mia was a black belt in Taekwondo and even an instructor, with impressive skills.
But she still couldn't break through the zombie encirclement.
"I failed. I thought I could protect you, but I still let her..."
Today, the three of them had tried to break out, but one roommate had become zombie food.
The remaining two had managed to escape back, but one of them was injured, scratched by a zombie.
Now, the girl's face was pale, but she forced a smile.
"It's not your fault. We were too useless, even though we've been learning self-defense from you..."
"I've seen the movies. If you're scratched by a zombie, you'll turn too. Promise me, you'll live on."
Mia shook her head frantically.
Having lived together for two years, she already considered her two roommates as family.
How could she abandon her family?
"I'll find a way to save you. Hang in there, I'll try to break out again!"
Mia clenched her fist slowly. As long as she could find medicine, there was hope.
Perhaps, if they reached an official shelter, there would be a chance for a cure.
She never gave up on any shred of hope.
"I can't hold on. You must live well," the girl insisted firmly.
Suddenly.
Knock, knock, knock!
The door was being knocked on, and the two inside became instantly alert.
"Hello, I'm here to help you."
A clear voice sounded, very comforting.
Mia cautiously approached the peephole and saw a handsome young man standing outside with a bright smile.
Beside him were several women in maid outfits.
At least, they weren't zombies.
Mia opened the door, her curiosity piqued.
Seven women in maid outfits and a little girl?
"It seems I came just in time. I can help you and your friend," Born said with a smile.
Seeing the injured girl in the living room, he had prepared a recruiting pitch, but now it wasn't necessary.
Before Mia could refuse, Born stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
Angelica hadn't been recruited yet, so he couldn't let her discover his secret.
Born walked into the living room and sat down.
"Was she injured by a zombie?" Born asked.
The girl nodded.
Mia, being a black belt in Taekwondo, felt confident that no man could pull any tricks in front of her.
"You said you have a way?"
Born nodded slightly and said, "But you need to join my team and have no intention of resisting me."
Mia immediately sneered, "Impossible."
Born didn't argue, instead, he watched the girl with interest.
Her face was pale, and her eyes were bloodshot.
Her breathing grew labored, and her limbs started to twitch involuntarily.
"I can save your roommate, but you don't have much time to consider. She's about to turn into a zombie."
"Of course, you can refuse. I will still save her, but she will have to come with me, and I will leave you behind."
"Additionally, if you join me, you will become stronger."
Born lifted his head, his deep eyes meeting Mia's gaze.
He didn't flinch at all.
Mia: Martial Artist, Merchant
- Martial Artist: 3 people provide a 10% combat power boost, 10% attribute boost; 5 people provide a 15% combat power boost, 15% attribute boost; 7 people, the host might get beaten up if acting lewd.
- Merchant: 3 people increase daily points growth by 1%, 5 people increase daily points growth by 2%; 7 people, the host could own mountains of gold and silver.
The martial artist synergy significantly boosts combat power, but Born currently only encountered one.
As for the merchant synergy, it seemed to work like earning interest on points.
Born thought both synergies were quite useful.
Time slowly passed.
Mia looked at her struggling roommate and slowly clenched her fist.