"Capture zombies?"
Thomas paused for a moment, then said, "But thirty portions of food is far too little. We have four hundred and twenty-seven people. We need at least three hundred portions!"
Negotiation, after all, is a process of bargaining.
However, Anthony shook his head and replied, "Impossible. Our leader has already decided. Thirty portions, and how you distribute them is none of my concern."
Luther, frustrated, shouted, "Who is your leader? Tell him to come out and speak for himself! Hiding like this—what kind of man is that?"
"Not you. You're not worthy."
Anthony dismissed the foolish young man with a glance and turned to Thomas. "Our leader said, if you want to stay here, you need to prove your worth. He doesn't take care of freeloaders."
"May I ask—what does your leader want with these zombies?"
By now, everyone was somewhat familiar with zombies. Thomas and his group had encountered several of them.
Yet, they couldn't fathom why Miles needed them.
Anthony almost answered, but he, too, was unaware of the exact reason. His face hardened. "That's none of your concern... The question is—will you fight, or will you surrender?"
"We need to discuss this first."
Thomas didn't respond immediately. Instead, he led Luther back into the crowd.
Anthony remained unhurried, pulling out a half-smoked cigarette and sneering as he watched them.
In his eyes, these military academy students might have impressive skills, but could any martial prowess protect them from a sniper rifle?
Most of them were still afraid of death, unwilling to sacrifice their lives for someone else's survival.
After waiting for over ten minutes, he called out loudly, "So, have you made up your minds?"
The sky darkened, the north wind howling, and the snow began to fall more heavily.
The cold began to bite, and people began to waver in their resolve, their desire to retreat growing stronger.
"Thomas, why not just agree to their terms? After all, those zombies are practically free, and we won't lose anything."
At last, someone spoke up.
"Charles, are you even a man?"
Luther growled angrily, "They're clearly bullying us! Thirty portions of food and they expect us to risk our lives? Dream on!"
But Charles retorted sharply, "Luther! Have you lost your mind? We're being held at gunpoint. What do you think will happen if we don't agree? Do you want to just go back?"
The apocalypse had now lasted two months.
The day's high temperature barely reached -30°C, and at night, it plummeted to nearly -60°C.
Under such conditions, returning on the same path would likely mean death for half of them.
Luther's bravado faltered.
He hesitated for a moment, then coldly suggested, "Thomas, we can agree to stay for now, bide our time, and when the moment is right, take out Anthony—and his 'leader,' too!"
Since Miles was willing to spare thirty portions of food, it was clear he had a substantial stockpile.
Thomas had long considered this option, but he had kept his thoughts to himself.
After all, with two people dead already, the students were filled with a mix of fear and anger. If he backed down now, their frustration would be directed at him.
But now that someone had spoken out, Thomas felt a little relieved.
"Luther's idea isn't bad. Let's stay and wait for an opportunity."
As expected, when the students heard this, many began to voice their displeasure.
"Luther, you're nothing but a coward!"
Some, their voices tinged with tears, cursed, "My brother's skull was crushed by them, and you're too scared to even stand up?"
"Shut the hell up! You brainless idiot! Do you think we still have the strength to fight?"
The argument quickly died down.
The four hundred students from Nanshan Military Academy were settled into the upper floors of Zone F, and as promised, Miles provided them with thirty portions of food.
At the Villa...
Lisa had prepared dinner, and the two of them ate while chatting.
"Things were chaotic outside today. It seems like there are a lot more people now."
Lisa blinked, her curiosity evident.
Miles smiled slightly. "If you want to ask something, just ask. When did you start beating around the bush?"
Lisa pouted playfully. "I just didn't want you to think I'm asking too many questions."
Though life in the villa was peaceful, it had grown somewhat dull.
With only the two of them in the sprawling villa, Miles could occasionally leave to check on things, but since Lisa had moved in, she hadn't left once.
Part of it was Miles' vigilant nature, and the other part was his concern for her safety.
Recently, Lisa had grown frustrated. Even her favorite TV shows no longer held her attention. Whenever she had a chance, she would cling to Miles, asking him endless questions.
Miles chuckled and handed her a slice of pizza. "Those people are all military academy students. If we used force, they would surely revolt, and that would break the 'rules' of the community."
"So you've been patient?"
Lisa thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "You could send them to hunt zombies. Offer them zombies in exchange for food. That way, they'll definitely tear each other apart."
Miles didn't respond immediately, instead watching her quietly.
"Why are you staring at me like that?"
Lisa instinctively touched her face, worried she had something on it.
But Miles suddenly smiled. "Go on, tell me—what happens once they're at each other's throats?"
"Of course, you take them out one by one!"
Lisa finally opened up. "Just like you did with the property owners. As long as you get one selfish person to lead them, it won't take long before they start killing each other."
"Then, when you reduce the food portions, they'll fight even harder."
"And then?"
Miles' eyes sparkled with admiration.
He felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Lisa seemed to have already become like him—so much so that even their thoughts now aligned perfectly.
Had this been before, Lisa's character wouldn't have agreed to such ruthless tactics.
But now, she spoke of it with such calmness, as if discussing something utterly mundane.
"Then…"
Lisa hesitated as she glanced toward the window before she spoke with newfound resolve. "Just like with Sini before! Even if they don't willingly infect their comrades, you make sure they do!"
Seeing the continued calm smile on Miles' face, Lisa grew nervous. "Do you think I'm too cruel?"
"No, I think you're absolutely right."
Miles leaned in suddenly, kissing her vibrant red lips, and chuckled, "Because I've already done it. I had Anthony set up a few zombies and place them around Zone F."
Lisa blinked in surprise before bursting into a soft, delighted laugh.
"You're so bad! I absolutely love it..."
Mercy towards enemies is cruelty to oneself.
Lisa never understood this principle before, but since joining Miles, she had witnessed enough of humanity's ugliness to become numb to it.
Now, she fully comprehended it.
If Miles didn't find a way to eliminate those few hundred people, once they were established, they would turn around and try to kill him.
Never test human nature with greed—doing so will only lead to your own brutal end.