Chapter 6 - Apocalypse 6

In the Qing base, there is an ace team, number one in the entire base—Y Team. Its leader, Gu Yichen, is a handsome man with a powerful ice ability. His body bears numerous scars, and his icy temperament matches the cold aura that surrounds him. Known for his paranoia and ruthless efficiency, Gu Yichen looks down on weakness and commands a team of four other ability users, each as fiercely loyal as they are strong.The document in Haoyu's hands detailed their powers:Luo Heng – Fire ability user. Known for his fierce temper and loyalty to Yichen.Haoli – Earth ability user, often quiet but a defensive powerhouse....Haoyu raised an eyebrow as he scanned the report. He's currently in the military vehicle, on his way to the said Qing base. 2 years has passed by and he had established his foothold firmly in the military. His influence even spread to nearby bases.In the past 2 years, although he focused on gaining foothold and power, he also pay attention to Gu Yichen's situation with Zero and his subordinates' help.Zero, floating beside him, shook in excitement.{Host! It's Gu Yichen! We should find a way to meet him!!!}Haoyu's rest his chin on his hand as he folded the document, then tucked it away. He glanced at Zero, [Yeah.]His eyes moved towards the window, enjoying the scenery outside. 2 years is enough time for humanity to adapt. Although zombies are still everywhere, each bases has moved manpower to regularly clean up the area around their base. That's why, after entering the vicinity of Qing base's influence, the zombies and mutated plants has gradually faded away, noticeably cleaner. The vehicle slowed down in front of the gate. With the approval of the gatekeeper, the vehicle resumed its way into the base unimpeded. Behind the one used by Haoyu, there's also 2 other vehicles following closely. In this visit, Haoyu brought his team and a supply for Qing base as a token of friendship.Haoyu observed the inside of Qing base. There's houses and tall buildings at the back. But there's more tents scattered around, filling the majority of the land. People with no ability, ordinary people, live in places like this. While those with abilities can live in a better place.The people he saw so far was listless with gloom. They either worked in construction area, or any mundane works that ability users don't want to do. The contrast between ability users and ordinary people is high in this base.People might riot if this keeps on. Haoyu's finger tapped on his knee rythmically. Then his eyes caught a man standing with head down. The man in front of him pushed his shoulder, yelling at the man. Haoyu noticed the man's expression hidden under his hair. Gloomy eyes and gritted teeth. Well, found one seed. These people is on the verge of exploding. With one push and a help of 'naive' user ability, it'll be a done matter.Zero also noticed this scene.[Host, from all the bases we've been to, this is the second with most chaotic and unbalanced one so far.][Second only to the R base.]Haoyu flashed a memory of that base. It was indeed a chaotic one. The base was under a tyrant, adopting a jungle-law. Those with power steps on the weak. Ordinary people there even look more like a zombie than the real one.[That one is hopeless.]Zero nodded in agreement. The vehicle then stops, indicating that Haoyu has arrived at the destination. He opened the door and stepped out, immediately welcomed by a neat middle-aged man. He looks handsome wrapped in a black suit. [Host, it's Qing Ruhuan, the leader of the Qing base and the father of the protagonist gong, Qing Yue.]Qing Ruhuan's eyes flashed with faint admiration. The man in front of him represent the word rigorous. He's tall with fit body warped in a black high collar undershirt and a black military suit. His long legs were accentuated by the cargo pants and boots. His dark brown hair was let loose, scattered on his forehead with few strands covering his eyebrows and eyes. His sharp smokey-grey eyes and intimidating aura was softened by his messy hair, giving him a lazy and casual vibe.Qing Ruhuan flashed his best smile as he welcomed Haoyu and his team."Welcome to our base. I apologize for making you came here like this.""It's okay, our base brought a few things. Please accept it."Haoyu glanced at the young man next to him. Ye Hua, the cadet before, received his order and silently took out a box from the car. He hands it over to the man of the other side and steps back to his position, behind Haoyu. His immature face has matured to become a handsome young man. His smile makes him look even more harmless."Oh my, then send my thanks to old man Li. He really didn't have to, that old man.""Alright, I'll let these guys to escort you to your room. Come to my office after you've rested, we'll talk more then."Qing Ruhuan smiled gently like a normal elder as he instructed his man to escort Haoyu and his team. Haoyu nodded slightly, then moved his attention to the man in front of him."Let's go."The man was stunned, then lead the way. He looked back from time to time and quickened his pace. Ye Hua and the others look at the back of their captain hurrying away. They know... their captain wants to go to sleep quickly.How can someone has a hobby of destroying their own character's image? Ye Hua patted the young man next to him sympathetichally, "Don't think about it. You'll stress yourself out."The young man, Feng Yun, nodded lifelessly. Old Gu laughed lightly, "You young people always has ways to have fun." Both of them is from the group of people Haoyu had saved in the supermarket before. When they arrived at the base, they immediately applied to joined Haoyu's team. After months of hardwork, they finally awakened their ability.The two other people looked at them who comforted each other with visible confusion. They looked at each other, then at the direction Haoyu disappeared."The boss looks majestic as usual, though?""Yeah... Let's just go and rest.""Alright."The five of them walked together with different thoughts. The man who escorted them sweated, these people has a few screws off. ....Night arrived and Haoyu with his team currently were having a meeting inside the Qing base's leader. Haoyu sat on the sofa with tea at hand while his team stands neatly behind him. Qing Ruhuan looked at the row of people behind Haoyu. The corner of his smiling lips twitched."Mr. Zhang... I think it'll-"His words were cut short by a sudden creak. The door was opened and a tall man walked inside. He wears a fitted black shirt and a cargo pants coupled with boots. His hair were styled neatly, complimenting his sharp features. His face were cold and serious without any expression.The moment the man entered, Haoyu who was sipping his tea lazily suddenly stunned. His eyes widened slightly as he looked at the man. His dormant heart beats irregularly for the first time.Thump-! Thump-! Thump-!They beats like a drum, fast and powerful. When the man's eyes met his eyes, his head went blank. The man noticed Haoyu's eyes, he looked at him with faint doubt. In the man's eyes, Haoyu seems shocked then returned to an almost indifferent expression. Only... his eyes seems to be locked on him. Ye Hua and Feng Yun looked at each other. They noticed Haoyu's unnatural reaction.Did he finally broke?I guess?Qing Ruhuan coughed lightly, breaking the weird atmosphere. He looked at the man, "What's wrong, Yichen?"His name is Yichen.Haoyu resumed drinking his tea as his mind raced. Zero excitedly rambling in his head.[Host, it's Gu Yichen!!! We finally met him!!!]Haoyu ignored Zero as he drowned in his thoughts. His heart still beats like a drum. He's even worried that the people around him can hear his heart beats from how fast and powerful it beats. He tried to calm down while sipping his tea.Gu Yichen glanced at the silent Haoyu, seeing him closing his eyes and drinking tea, he moved his attention back to Qing Ruhuan and begin his report."Team 1 has complete the task successfully. The goods has been transported to the warehouse. That's all."Qing Ruhuan's temple twitched.Do you really have to force your way just to say that?! Only three sentence!"Ahem, alright. I've received your report. Thank you for your hardwork. Go and take a rest for two days.""Yes."Gu Yichen saluted, then turned around. He walked out of the room without looking at Haoyu anymore.Feng Yun looked at the teacup in his boss's hand. He keeps sipping the empty teacup as if it's filled with water. He looked at Ye Hua and shook his head with a sad eyes.It's hopeless.