Duong Quang Apartments.
Even though knowing Lam Pham was very formidable, but seeing the ten crystals, Co Hang still pursed his lips, sucked in a breath, expressing admiration.
"Little Pham, you are truly awesome!" Co Hang gave a thumbs up.
If this were peacetime, and Little Pham could join the army, this would absolutely be top-tier in the entire military, no second.
Lam Pham smiled, "Being able to discover the crystal's function, Bro Hang is very careful. If it can bring help to the residential area, I am very willing to do these small things. After all, this is a kind of hope."
Co Hang really wanted to say, Little Pham, don't say that. You are truly the hope. Other things are all deceptive.
Old Mao looked at the crystal, then at the Steel Behemoth parked there.
"Lam Pham."
"Mm?"
"That thing, can you enchant my car?"
"Enchant? Ah, you mean absorb the crystal, right? Absolutely no problem. You guys patrol outside every day, searching for survivors. That is a very dangerous thing. If without a sturdy vehicle, might be very dangerous. Just happens I have this crystal; I feel it's very possible."
Lam Pham took out the crystal from the Tyrant's head.
This crystal was black.
"This crystal is..." Co Hang was extremely surprised. The crystal before was white. Crystals appearing in different colors, then it means there are grades between crystals. Different crystals might also contain different amounts of energy.
Lam Pham said, "This is what I got from killing a Tyrant."
"Tyrant?"
"Yes, just Tyrant. Extremely robust like a Strength-type zombie, has a scythe arm, very formidable. When I eliminated it, still relatively took it seriously," Lam Pham said.
Co Hang kept Lam Pham's words firmly in mind.
Another new-type zombie.
He knew evolved-form zombies, either by seeing with his own eyes, or learned from Lam Pham's mouth.
Walked before the Steel Behemoth.
Old Mao and the others looked on with expectant faces. For Old Mao, somewhat agitated, somewhat expectant. The painstakingly modified vehicle was finally going to be enchanted. My Steel Behemoth is the first enchanted vehicle in the whole world! This is a special honor!
Lam Pham pressed the black crystal against the Steel Behemoth's car body.
Crystal shattered. Energy contained within instantly absorbed by the Steel Behemoth.
Old Mao stared wide-eyed, said in surprise, "It lit up... It lit up! My car body just lit up! The light, like ripples, covered the whole car!"
He jumped up agitatedly, grabbed Tu Trach Duong's shoulder.
"See it?"
Tu Trach Duong nodded, "I saw it."
Old Mao, extremely mature, never so agitated. Saw Doggi squatting there, hurriedly went forward, ruffled Doggi's head, "Doggi! See it?! Lit up, glowed!"
Doggi stared with its dog eyes, somewhat frightened. This human definitely has problems.
Vuong Khai wanted to open his mouth to say, Still my Bro Lam is formidable! Our residential area having Bro Lam, that's truly everyone can see hope! But words not yet out of his mouth, that A Hai, brought back by Bro Lam, actually preempted.
A Hai said excitedly, "Big Brother! In my life until now, never admired anyone! But Big Brother, you are just a god-like figure in my heart! I think Duong Quang Apartments... No! Hoang city, even the whole country, because of Big Brother, hope exists!"
Lam Pham smiled. A Hai actually wasn't bad. Although knew each other for a short time, but could see from his eyes, sincerity. These words all came from the bottom of his heart.
Vuong Khai's eyes widened. Now even hugging thighs has started to get so competitive? He cast a look towards Chu Dinh. Chu Dinh, as if understanding something, nodded.
As if saying, Bro Kai, you've met your match. Bro Lam's love can no longer be entirely yours; he might have to share a lot with A Hai.
Co Hang exclaimed in admiration, "Crystal energy envelops. Old Mao's this car will be unimpeded within Hoang city! Even if encountering evolved-form zombies, can casually leave!"
Old Mao said, "I can't wait to try it!"
Han Suong and her group all expressed wanting to try once.
Lam Pham said, "If it can protect everyone's safety, doing things is all worthwhile. After all, I am the residential area's security guard, salary reaching five thousand. Bro Hang, the remaining crystals, where to use?"
Co Hang thought, just the iron gate and perimeter wall.
Nine crystals remaining.
Although the number wasn't large, but he knew for Lam Pham, truly very simple. Co Hang truly never thought, one day in the apocalypse, could meet someone like Lam Pham.
Truly...
Being able to meet Lam Pham was his good fortune, even more so the good fortune of everyone living in Duong Quang Apartments.
He was extremely friendly, kind to every survivor.
Clearly, the apocalypse was a very terrible thing. But for some reason, survivors living here had very little depression. Except occasionally remembering deceased relatives, only then would memories and sorrow emerge.
Long Cung Base.
Medical staff examined Hung Ung and Diep Hong's situation.
Hung Ung said, "Wearing the 1.0 exoskeleton indeed can fight against Strength-type zombies. But the sharpness of the crystal-absorbed straight saber still isn't enough."
Diep Hong said, "Indeed. I ambushed a zombie, swung and chopped nearly six times to sever its ankle. I think as zombies evolve, their bodies get strengthened, bones also get strengthened."
Professor Ha listened to the problems they mentioned.
Also agreed.
To obtain one crystal, the effort paid was still immense. But good thing, it indicated the combination of technology and crystals truly was a kind of hope for humanity.
Hung Ung said, "Professor Ha, I have a suggestion. Don't know what you think?"
"Speak."
"I think we all know Lam Pham's situation in Duong Quang Apartments, Hoang city. He is very formidable, surpassing our imagination formidable. Why not seek his cooperation and help?"
Hearing this.
Professor Ha said, "I also thought about this matter. But the number of crystals we need is extremely enormous. Always troubling others, wouldn't it easily create a bad impression?"
Hung Ung was silent for a moment, "I dare not be too sure, but from my brief contact, I found he is different from other survivors. Now the apocalypse has developed to this extent, I feel relying solely on our base might be like a drop in the ocean. Many things aren't something we can accomplish just by wanting. No matter what, trying once is also good."
Professor Ha nodded, "Mm, you make sense."
Thought of what Old Chu told him before. Indeed so. Just that research is somewhat crazy.
...
...
Several days later.
An armored vehicle appeared on Hoang city's street, and this armored vehicle appeared near Duong Quang Apartments.
"There are iron railings surrounding here; we can't get through."
Hung Ung looked at the situation outside, "Looks like during the period we left, Duong Quang Apartments' defensive capability became stronger. Drive the car closer, observe the surrounding situation, see the situation inside first."
As the armored vehicle approached.
Hung Ung climbed onto the armored vehicle, looked inside. Found the street extremely clean, no zombies appearing. Just as he prepared to notify everyone it was safe.
Unexpectedly saw a dog appear in sight, as if appearing from a shop.
Hung Ung waved towards Doggi.
Knew that was the dog raised by Duong Quang Apartments.
At this time.
Lam Pham, Vuong Khai, Chu Dinh, A Hai were cleaning a shop.
As numbers increased.
Income less and less.
But Lam Pham didn't feel anything wrong at all, instead very happy. After all, everyone was working, that already indicated everyone was full of hope for the future.
"Doggi, what's wrong?"
Lam Pham saw Doggi approach him, bite his trouser leg, wanting to pull him outside.
Doggi seemed to have become intelligent. When playing, would find Vuong Khai. Encountering matters, then would find Lam Pham. As if knowing who was truly the useful person.
Lam Pham followed Doggi outside.
Looked in that direction.
Saw someone waving from the other side of the railing. Looking closely, wasn't it Hung Ung, from that group he rescued that day?
Inside Duong Quang Apartments.
Hung Ung and his group looked at the iron gate, looked at the perimeter wall, found these things were already extremely extraordinary. That slightly sparkling brilliance, discerning people could see, this was definitely absorbed crystal energy.
"Why are you back? Did something happen to Professor Ha?"
Old man Vuong was very curious. These four were protecting Professor Ha. Now appearing here, yet not seeing Professor Ha, could something have happened?
Hung Ung said, "No. Professor Ha already reached the base. We came back this time to talk to Lam Pham about something."
Old man Vuong, heart like a bright mirror, said, "For crystals, right?"
Hung Ung smiled, "Old Sir truly sees through at a glance. Not wrong, precisely for crystals. After we took Professor Ha to the base, then researched out two sets of powered exoskeleton equipment, absorbed crystal energy, obtained very strong abilities. Diep Hong and I wore them, tried to kill a Strength-type zombie. Although finally killed the zombie, but process extremely difficult. With our base's current ability, wanting to obtain more crystals very hard."
Spoke very directly.
Just said what there was.
No concealment whatsoever.
He knew Lam Pham in Duong Quang Apartments was very important. Those seemingly smiling eyes, as if could see through people's souls.
Old man Vuong sighed, then looked towards Lam Pham, "Little Pham, you chat with them."
"Okay." Lam Pham smiled, "We can sit over there and chat slowly, conveniently drink some tea. You traveled all this way, should be very thirsty."
Just about to stand up.
A Hai said, "Big Brother, I'll go get it."
"Thanks," Lam Pham said.
Hung Ung said, "Originally Professor Ha wanted to come, but journey remote, feared some danger, so let him wait at the base, us four came."
Lam Pham said, "Understandable. Indeed very dangerous. Now zombies particularly numerous, many also evolved. They are irrational, like most to harm others."
Thought of that old grandpa, already that age, logically should be enjoying old age, yet unexpectedly encountered such a situation.
Old man Chu already told him, that Professor Ha is an admirable person.
Hung Ung said, "Our base location relatively remote, zombie numbers very few. Wanting to find evolved-form zombies very difficult. So thought of coming here, hope to help a bit, get some crystals to strengthen equipment, thereby deal with zombies."
"We know such a request is very excessive, but..."
His words not yet finished.
Lam Pham interrupted, "No. Your request isn't excessive at all. I can understand what you want these for, also understand the purpose of your efforts. I am willing to help you kill evolved-form zombies, obtain crystals."
Hung Ung's mouth opened wide, didn't expect the opponent would actually agree without a moment's hesitation.
"Why don't you make some demands?"
This was his thought. Cooperation between people should be based on mutual needs.
Lam Pham looked at Hung Ung, face smiling, "Why make demands? Past peace was all because of your arduous training protecting the country, only then could I sit in an office blowing air conditioning, working. Could let me very happily return home, beautifully lie on the bed, having carefree sweet dreams."
"Now apocalypse arrived, you still think of strengthening yourselves, protecting everyone. Being able to let me help, is my honor."
When he was born, missed many things.
Glanced at those past disaster relief documentaries.
Deeply shocked.
He vaguely remembered in a documentary, a very young soldier, that weather-beaten tender face, firmly saying.
Wearing this glorious military uniform, life no longer belongs to oneself, but to the country, to the people.
And he then, alone at home eating tomato-sauce-drenched rice, watching the documentary playing on the computer. At that time, also felt the rice in hand somewhat...
Instantly.
People around all looked at Lam Pham.
They knew Lam Pham was very good, but didn't expect Lam Pham would say such things.
Hung Ung suddenly stood up, the other three similarly stood up, gratefully looking at Lam Pham. Truly, they never thought it would be such a result.
Apocalypse arrived, order collapsed. How survivors live, they could imagine.
Like those petty survivors, knowing they were striving for the future, but still would mock: You go home, take a shower, and sleep. Just you few people, really think you can do what?
Can do what?
Perhaps really can't.
But they won't give up, because this is their mission and responsibility.
Lam Pham said, "You guys rest well here for a bit. Leave the next thing to me."
Hung Ung nodded. Honestly, even if he reached the base, still didn't have too great confidence in the future. Firstly, the issue of numbers; people who can fight truly too few.
But now, he looked at Lam Pham, looked at all survivors in Duong Quang Apartments.
The hope in his heart gradually magnified.
"Bro Hang, you, like them, are all from the military. You entertain them. I'll go find some evolved-form zombies," Lam Pham said.
Co Hang said, "Okay."
Watching Lam Pham's departing back.
Co Hang looked at Hung Ung, "Isn't it feeling very good?"
"Mm, really good."
"Me too. He's different from other people. Actually, survivors rescued by him here, initially all felt he was very strange, extremely... how to say, seemed to have some problems. But actually, later can understand, he doesn't have any problems whatsoever."
Hung Ung was silent, slowly said, "Yes, he doesn't have any problems whatsoever. Actually, if talking about problems, still the current survivors."
...
At this time, a figure continuously flashed on building rooftops.
Lam Pham liked walking slowly on the street, liked looking at surrounding scenery. Looking at scenery could make one think of Hoang city's past beauty.
But now there was work.
Just looking for evolved-form zombies. Ordinary strolling could no longer satisfy his needs.
He stood there, looking down at the street below. Many zombies wandered there. But now none were his target. His target was to find evolved-form zombies.
Suddenly.
He saw not far away on the street, a Strength-type zombie was raging, picking up surrounding abandoned sedans, fiercely smashing them towards buildings on both sides.
As if unable to find humans, unable to gnaw human flesh and blood, thereby annoyed.
"Just you then."
Lam Pham descended. No zombie noticed his existence. Just as about to land behind the Strength-type zombie, stretched out five fingers, grabbed the Strength-type zombie's head, fiercely pressed it to the ground. Pfft! Head instantly exploded, flesh and blood scattering in all directions.
For the Strength-type zombie, until death, didn't know who blew its head up.
Surrounding zombies surprised, moved their pale eyes, clearly hadn't reacted yet.
When charging towards Lam Pham.
Lam Pham leaped up again, already holding a crystal in hand, quickly threw it into the bag.
"One."
Waved his hand, flicked off sticky fluid, continued searching.
Inside quiet Hoang city, that figure's appearance was so unscientific. Anyone seeing it would exclaim: Superman! That's superman!
At this time.
He saw in the distance a Speed-type zombie chasing a sedan.
He changed direction, quickly headed over there.
Inside the sedan.
Three survivors.
They struggled hard to survive, finally found a chance to escape. Now just wanted to leave Hoang city, go far away to find a chance to live. But who knew actually met a four-limbed zombie that ran like a leg.
Ran very fast. Watching them tremble like leaves, speeding on the road.
If caught up by that kind of zombie, consequences absolutely extremely tragic.
"Quick! Drive faster! It's chasing too fast!" the survivor in the back seat shouted anxiously.
"I know!"
Speed-type zombie chased, pale eyes moving. That prey was its.
Pfft!
Hand reached out, descended from the sky, grabbed its head, fiercely smashed it onto the ground. Head exploded. Lam Pham directly grabbed the crystal, then quickly left.
Fleeing survivors continued to look back.
"Ah... Where's the zombie?"
He didn't see the chasing zombie, but saw a corpse lying there, looking like the zombie that was just chasing them.
"Second one."
Lam Pham placed the crystal in the bag.
Continued searching.
Today's evolved-form zombies even more tragic, much more severe than some time ago.
This was targeted saturation attack.
...
Noon.
Downstairs, a dining table set up.
Before the dining table.
Abundant food. This was Duong Quang Apartments deliberately using to entertain them.
Had fish, shrimp, crabs, also many vegetables and fruits.
People here still hadn't touched chopsticks.
But looked towards the main gate, as if waiting for someone.
Hung Ung watched, watched without blinking. Even if food very attractive, but he still waited for Lam Pham.
Old man Vuong said, "Little Pham is very formidable. Things he promised, none he can't do."
Co Hang said, "Yes. Might need some time. Evolved-form zombie numbers, say many also many, but say few also few. Finding them might be a bit troublesome."
Everyone in Duong Quang Apartments extremely trusted Lam Pham, held immense confidence in this matter.
Hung Ung and his group weren't worried, but this matter concerned them.
"Old Sir, I heard from them, doing things requires payment. Don't know how much is appropriate for us to give?"
Hung Ung also heard A Hai and his group say, tidying surrounding shops, earning hard work fees. Also said Lam Pham led them to get rich, relying on their own diligent hands to earn meager fees.
Hearing these words, Old man Vuong couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"You guys... Truly thinking too much." Old man Vuong shook his head, "You might not know. For Little Pham, paying effort indeed needs reward. But some efforts, he won't collect any fees. Everyone here was rescued by him, settled here. How much is a life worth? That's priceless. If really have to pay, then how much to give? He, ah, just a kind of persistence, a kind of wanting to lead us all to persist in a way of acting."
Hung Ung seemed to understand.
Nodded.
"I'm back."
Lam Pham appeared at the doorway, carrying a bag. Trousers, clothes all sticky bloodstains. From this, could see, the scenes he experienced outside definitely very dangerous.
Everyone stood up looking at him.
Lam Pham lifted the bag in his hand, smiled, "Harvest still okay. Just not very easy to find. But luckily, already filled the bag."
He walked before Hung Ung.
Handed the bag before him.
"Take it. Fifty-seven crystals in total."
Hung Ung looked at Lam Pham, then at the bag before him. Had many words to say, but finally... formed two words.
"Thank you."
He sincerely thanked.
Took the bag, heavy. Not that crystal weight heavy, but the things in this bag, meaning represented by value truly too heavy.
Could say this is hope.
Also could say, this is the basis for declaring war on the apocalypse.
"Such a rich lunch! Aiya! Got sticky stuff all over my body, sticky! I'll go shower first, change clothes. You guys eat first, I'll come down later."
Lam Pham smiled, spoke very casually, headed upstairs.
Hung Ung looked at Lam Pham's departing back.
Then looked at Duong Quang Apartments' survivors.
They all smiled looking at him, as if saying... See? Not as complicated as you think.