The industrial sector of East Capital (Dongdu) was fully operational, producing a steady stream of weapons, industrial goods, and compressed food every day.
For a long time, East Capital's resources would be more than sufficient.
This abundance was why even the commoners would rather stay here as slaves than leave East Capital.
Because in East Capital, at least they could survive.
The situation within East Capital had now stabilized. People were beginning to walk the streets again, and even entertainment venues had started to appear.
The social hierarchy was clearly defined.
At the top were the rulers, naturally the Qin family, reigning supreme.
Beneath the Qin family were high-ranking officials like Meng Mi and Zhao Yi, who could be considered the elites of East Capital, holding exalted status.
Next were the recruited Evolvers, who enjoyed a high status and many privileges.
Below them were minor leaders like Hu Weimin, who were affiliated with the Qin family and held some degree of power.
Further down were the administrative staff of various institutions, similar to civil servants of the past. It was a respectable job, with no worries about food and drink, and even some performance points to spend.
At the very bottom were the ordinary people, those without connections or abilities.
They worked tirelessly in the factories under the Qin family, day and night, just to earn enough to fill their stomachs.
This pyramid structure was neither fair nor reasonable.
But it was... stable.
---
Over the past few days, Qin Jun had been inspecting the industrial areas within East Capital, making appearances in both the administrative and military districts.
It was announced to everyone that he had officially entered the Qin family's decision-making circle.
Although this was expected by the Qin family's subordinates, it still left them somewhat shocked and reflective.
A twenty-year-old young man, who could now decide the life and death of millions with a single thought...
Yet, no one was dissatisfied. After all, the Qin family was destined to be Qin Jun's in the future, not to mention that Qin Jun was an Evolver with an SSS-grade talent.
Though only a month had passed since the apocalypse began, people had already come to fully understand the power of Evolvers.
---
The black obelisk that had risen in the northern part of East Capital was now fully under the Qin family's control.
Qin Jun had stationed a division of troops there, along with over twenty Evolvers.
Meanwhile, scientists from various fields—biologists, linguists, and others—were conducting research around the black obelisk day and night.
No one knew how the black obelisk had appeared, but that didn't stop humanity from studying it.
The obelisk was covered with various patterns and texts, revealing the fundamental rules of the apocalypse and more profound knowledge.
Thanks to the research conducted by these scientists, the Qin family had quickly developed a cultivation method.
And they had immediately begun secret human experiments within their research institute...
---
In East Capital's Evolution Research Institute.
In a sterile, silver-white environment, Qin Jun slowly opened his eyes. The energy crystal in his hand had dimmed and lost its luster.
But in exchange, he felt his power grow even stronger.
He looked at the massive iron anvil in front of him, weighing several tons. With a slight, expressionless clench of his right hand, the anvil instantly collapsed with a screeching sound, its volume compressed by an invisible force.
In the analysis room outside the window, researchers immediately began analyzing Qin Jun's physical data and devising the next round of training methods.
Qin Jun nodded in satisfaction and walked out of the room.
Outside, a servant quickly handed him a cup of prepared black tea, while a middle-aged man in a white coat approached.
"Young Master, your Evolution level should reach Level 3 very soon."
This man, named Zhao Bo, was the head of the Evolution Research Institute and the scientist who had studied the black obelisk most deeply.
He led the team that established this research institute, specifically to study evolution, and personally guided a team to assist Qin Jun in his cultivation.
One had to admit that although the apocalypse was a catastrophe for humanity, it was also a transformative opportunity.
After the apocalypse began, not only did Evolvers appear, but the emergence of the black obelisk also accelerated the advancement of human technology!
Qin Jun's team recorded every change in Qin Jun's physical data during his cultivation.
They used the knowledge and information from the black obelisk to develop the most suitable and scientific cultivation methods for Qin Jun!
Such a luxurious cultivation team was probably unique in the entire world...
Qin Jun nodded, a smile appearing on his face.
In just one month, he was on the verge of becoming a Level 3 Evolver. Besides his innate talent, the assistance of this team was indispensable.
"Director Zhao, thank you for your hard work."
Hearing Qin Jun's praise, Zhao Bo's smile nearly reached the back of his head.
In the apocalyptic era, even scientists like him had to rely on powerful forces to maintain their prestigious positions.
Qin Jun was the future heir of East Capital(Dongdu), and becoming one of Qin Jun's trusted aides would bring benefits not only to him but also to his family!
Zhao Bo then whispered, "Young Master, the first batch of gene serums has been successfully developed and is undergoing human trials.
If there are no issues, they will be ready for use.
When the time comes, your cultivation speed will soar even higher!"
The Qin family had scoured East Capital's city center and the nearby space dungeons, acquiring not only talent seeds and energy crystals but also gene serums.
By analyzing the components of these gene serums and combining them with the knowledge and information from the black obelisk, the research institute had developed the first batch of gene serums.
Of course, for safety reasons, the gene serums were not used immediately.
Instead, they were tested.
And what better test could there be than human trials? They were precise and efficient, even if they were cruel and inhumane...
---
In the old era, conducting human experiments was very difficult.
But now, it was easy.
Every day, people who couldn't survive were willing to sell their bodies for a small price.
The Evolution Research Institute had over a hundred "volunteers" undergoing human experimentation.
The research staff then used the conclusions and feedback from these experiments to further optimize Qin Jun's cultivation methods.
It could be said that Qin Jun's cultivation was built on the pain, rejection reactions, and even deaths of these people.
But so what?
Qin Jun felt no psychological burden whatsoever...
Zhao Bo continued, "We're also preparing to start the second phase, which involves conducting brainwashing experiments. If successful, we could capture some gifted youths, bring them to the lab for training and brainwashing.
Qualified individuals will be granted talent seeds, creating Evolvers loyal only to the Qin family!"
Although many Evolvers had already chosen to submit to the Qin family, becoming their vassals and integrating into the massive pyramid of East Capital, becoming the most loyal supporters of the Qin family tree.
But this was far from enough.
The Qin family needed Evolvers who would unconditionally obey their orders, who would sacrifice their lives without hesitation.
The Qin family aspired not only to be the rulers of ordinary people.
They also wanted to be the masters of Evolvers...
---
In Donghua City, Golden Bay Residential Complex.
Donghua City was adjacent to East Capital and had inherited many industries from it in the old era, making its economy very prosperous.
Unfortunately, when the apocalypse descended and the zombie outbreak occurred, the governor's mansion in Donghua City was overrun by zombies. The governor and a group of officials were immediately taken down, causing the city's command system to collapse instantly, turning the entire city into a haven for zombies.
The survivors could only hide in their homes, relying on the remaining food to survive, waiting for a rescue that would never come.
In Building 22, Room 1502 of the Golden Bay Residential Complex.
A plain-looking, thin young man slowly woke up in bed. Beside him lay a woman.
The woman was fairly attractive, about twenty years old, her brows slightly furrowed, seemingly lacking a sense of security even in her sleep.
The young man smiled with satisfaction. He glanced out the window, where groups of zombies were still wandering.
But he wasn't the least bit worried; he had long since grown accustomed to it.
The young man got out of bed and stretched.
No wonder—last night's "exercise" had been too intense...
The woman woke up as well, dressed herself, and said, "I'll go make breakfast."
The young man nodded, smiling as he watched her back.
His name was Xu Chao. He had been orphaned at a young age, with no money, no background, and ordinary looks. After finishing high school, he didn't continue his studies.
He was just an ordinary working-class guy, employed as a security guard in a large company, earning 2,600 yuan a month.
Originally, someone like him would be at the bottom of society, likely never finding a girlfriend in his entire life.
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