"Ugh ugh..."
The Strength-type zombie roared, as if saying, See? This is the result of luring me! If not for my massive physique, slow running speed, could you have lived until now?
It was very furious.
This sedan's beep beep sound was extremely annoying. Chased all the way from afar, just wanted to give this car a taste of its color.
Then.
The Strength-type zombie rolled its pale eyes, fiercely staring at Lam Pham, roared angrily, started running, rushing towards Lam Pham. Its bulky physique, like a small mountain, exuded a terrifying aura. Any survivor confronting it would be sent flying.
Lam Pham casually swung and slashed the surrounding ordinary zombies. Felt the ground shake, low roars transmitting to his ears. Knew that slightly larger rat had already rushed over. Very casually swung and slashed, one sword strike decapitating the Strength-type zombie.
Didn't even put the opponent in his eyes.
"Ugh ugh!"
One remaining ordinary zombie growled lowly. Just as Lam Pham prepared to strike.
Co Hang, who had leaped over the iron railing, shouted, "Little Pham! Leave it to me!"
He wore powered exoskeleton equipment, held a straight saber in hand, had long wanted to clash with zombies. But the surroundings were cleaned very thoroughly by Little Pham. Going out to search, again worried about encountering a zombie horde. Even if his own ability wasn't ordinary, but when zombie numbers were considerable, he also had no way.
"Okay."
Lam Pham retreated backward, dodging the zombie's pounce and bite.
"Bro Hang, be careful of safety."
He reminded.
Co Hang nodded, stepped on the ground, instantly only felt stickiness. Looked at the savagely roaring zombie, took a deep breath, grasped the saber, preparing to fight hard with the zombie.
This was his first time directly confronting a zombie.
As the zombie charged towards him, he suddenly dodged, swung the saber, severing the zombie's arm. The armless zombie wouldn't feel pain, but twisted its body, lunging back.
This kind of momentum and reaction, even humans might not necessarily achieve.
Co Hang, calm and composed, again swung his saber. Pfft! Directly one slash decapitated the zombie.
Thump!
The zombie rumbled and fell to the ground.
"Bro Hang, formidable!" Lam Pham praised. People should often praise others.
Praise can give others motivation.
Co Hang looked at the zombie fallen to the ground, revealed a smile, nodded towards Lam Pham. Whether formidable or not, he knew. But definitely not as formidable as Little Pham.
"Was it them who attracted the zombies?"
Co Hang walked before the Strength-type zombie's head, one slash cut it open, took out a crystal. This thing now was very important. He could imagine, in the future apocalypse, crystals would surely dominate.
Lam Pham said, "Mm, that's right."
Definitely attracted by them. Clearly always strived to clean up. Even if zombies, definitely not so many. Regarding this, he could only say, some things cannot be done. Seemingly very safe, actually very dangerous matter.
Walked before the flattened sedan.
Fresh blood flowed from the gaps onto the ground.
Co Hang said, "Three survivors, also many supplies. Clearly could drive away, yet insisted on crashing the iron railing, causing this situation. Can only say they truly brought trouble upon themselves."
Lam Pham looked at the crushed, deformed corpses, shook his head. So tragic.
Perhaps this is the classic example of "if you don't do it, you won't die."
Co Hang saw a card in the pocket of the corpse in the passenger seat, felt somewhat strange, took it out to look, remembered the writing on it.
"Cruise Ship Lucky Star" (Hạnh Vận hào -> Lucky Star)
Lam Pham asked, "What's wrong?"
Co Hang said, "Found a business card on the opponent's body, also other content: shelter pass card. I think they should be survivors from the cruise ship Lucky Star."
Lam Pham said, "I know the cruise ship Lucky Star, even saw it with my own eyes. Very large, extremely luxurious. Heard can carry six thousand people, cost particularly high. With my past annual salary, might not even be enough for travel expenses."
"Little Pham, you say, could there be very many survivors on this kind of cruise ship?" Co Hang felt it might be like this. After all, these three deceased survivors carried a pass card, indicating this cruise ship Lucky Star absolutely wasn't theirs, very likely they were just some of the survivors on it.
Normally speaking.
Ordinary cruise ships' food reserves are definitely very large. After all, long journeys; without sufficient food, how to support so many tourists' consumption?
"Hope the more the better." Lam Pham truly hoped everyone could live on. The apocalypse very terrifying; for many survivors, truly a disaster. Not only have to face zombies, but also face survivors with unfathomable hearts.
If really could have a safe place, live well, truly very good.
Co Hang looked at Lam Pham.
Knew his thoughts.
However, according to Co Hang, if that cruise ship Lucky Star truly had many survivors, then a strict hierarchical system would surely appear. This is a tradition continued since ancient times.
Even if merely ten people, a hierarchical system would still appear. And those standing at the top of the hierarchy's pyramid would enjoy the labor fruits of the nine people below.
"Bro Hang, you go back first. I'll clean up the garbage here." Looking at the dirty ground, Lam Pham also couldn't stand it somewhat, had to clean the environment near the residential area thoroughly.
"Need my help?"
Lam Pham waved his hand, "No need, I'll do it. You go back."
He didn't want Co Hang to join. If encountered zombies, still had to think of taking care of Co Hang, leading him to be distracted while working. Conversely, cleaning garbage wasn't any troublesome matter, also no need to join.
After Co Hang left.
Lam Pham began to get busy. The garbage pile around was already full; could only transport to another garbage dump.
He was like Hoang city's environmental sanitation cleaner, a diligent little honeybee, wings buzzing, doing work.
Street.
Lam Pham took the zombies to the garbage dump, looked up at the sky, pretended to be sweating, wiped the sweat from his head.
Matters busy and done. Returned the trash can to its original place. Then didn't go back, but walked on the street. Seemingly casually strolling, but actually searching for zombies. If could encounter evolved-form zombies, best.
Walking, walking.
He saw a shop ahead. Three survivors in and out, busily moving supplies, stuffing them into a car.
Lam Pham, stepping lightly, walked to the shop entrance, said gently and warmly:
"Hello."
He knew now is the apocalypse. Gentle inquiry could relax the opponent's tense inner heart.
Survivors moving goods.
Hearing this voice.
Suddenly startled. Even the goods in hand scared until dropped onto the ground. Turned their heads, saw it was a mysterious sword-carrying survivor, instantly extremely dissatisfied.
"Are you sick?"
This survivor truly was frightened.
Perfectly fine, like a ghost, suddenly speaking behind someone. Who wouldn't be scared?
"Sorry, startled you."
Lam Pham apologized profusely. Clearly very gentle, okay? Yet still scared the opponent. As for opponent's dissatisfaction, just listen is fine. Not yet so narrow-minded as to get angry over this kind of thing.
Otherwise, that former client Thu Dao Tram Ngu Ha Minh Hien, cursing him like that, then wouldn't he have to fight him to the death?
This group of survivors looked puzzled.
In the car, the survivor in the driver's seat was a middle-aged man. Assessed Lam Pham: dressed very cleanly, carrying a sword, also face full of smiles. Somewhat strange.
"Stop moving! The car is f***ing almost unable to fit anymore! Hurry up and get in!" the middle-aged man said softly.
Three survivors quickly got into the car. Looked at those supplies that couldn't be moved, very reluctant. If all could be moved away, then truly struck it rich.
"Bro Trieu! Drive!" (Triệu ca -> Bro Trieu)
A survivor urged.
Bro Trieu waved, signaling them not to speak, looked at Lam Pham, "Want to go together?"
Lam Pham was just about to shake his head, refuse the opponent's kind offer. But hearing the subsequent words, he happily agreed.
The opponent mentioned the cruise ship Lucky Star.
Co Hang said those three killed by the Strength-type zombie had Lucky Star cruise ship passes on them.
He wanted to see what the cruise ship Lucky Star was like, how many survivors exactly there. If could meet suitable tenants, then push housing onto them, wouldn't that mean a stable deal?
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on his face.
Survivors in the car looked at Lam Pham strangely, always feeling this guy was somewhat abnormal. Perfectly fine, then just starts laughing. Truly like sick.
Car sped along. Lam Pham rode a free vehicle.
Bro Trieu glanced at Lam Pham in the rearview mirror.
"Alone?"
"Mm, just me alone."
Lam Pham didn't mention Duong Quang Apartments' situation. He now considered himself hiding his identity.
"What's your name?"
"Lam Pham."
Answered honestly.
A smile appeared on Bro Trieu's face, "Your luck is also good, actually met us. The place we are taking you now is the cruise ship Lucky Star. Not few survivors there, already formed a relatively stable order. However, don't think just because we take you, will take you in. When get there, you find your own way to survive."
He was willing to take Lam Pham along also because the cruise ship Lucky Star had a reward system. Bringing one survivor could earn points. Points are the most valuable thing on Lucky Star.
Can exchange for supplies currently very hard to find.
Lam Pham smiled, "Mm, I know. How many survivors on Lucky Star?"
Bro Trieu said, "Not clear. One or two thousand still should be there. Not too many rules there. The only rule is must unconditionally obey Lucky Star's manager. If violate, then trouble will occur."
Along the way, Lam Pham understood much content related to Lucky Star.
Turns out it's this situation.
Zombies encountered along the road were all crushed into meat patties.
They were very calm, evidently often did such things, already lowered terror of zombies to the extreme.
After a moment.
"Arrived."
Hearing these words.
Lam Pham looked at the water surface. A cruise ship parked there. Clearly seen before, now still so shocking.
Observed the surrounding situation, confirmed no zombies.
Four survivors hurriedly got out of the car. Three moved supplies, another went to the shore to untie a rubber dinghy's rope.
Lam Pham similarly helped them move.
After all items moved properly, they rowed the rubber dinghy towards the cruise ship side. Reaching below the cruise ship, someone on the cruise ship operated a boarding ladder, transporting them up.
As they went up, survivors on the cruise ship deck cast fiery gazes towards them, all staring intently at the supplies in their hands.
Lam Pham was like a bystander.
Watching the situation before him.
He found this group of survivors on the deck all very pathetic, clothes tattered, condition really bad. Extremely puzzled inside. Clearly already have a protection point, why still this situation?
"Understand the rules?" The burly man operating the boarding ladder said indifferently.
"Understand! All understand!" Bro Trieu smiled, dared not have the slightest dissatisfaction. Cruise ship Lucky Star's rule is, people going out to find supplies need to hand over half the supplies to Lucky Star.
Handing over half the supplies desperately found, is such a request very excessive? Actually, indeed excessive. But everyone abides by such rules.
Not handing over possible. Then just leave Lucky Star, find a protection point outside yourself and stay well.
The burly man selected, "How come all instant noodles, bread?"
"No choice, could only find these. Ah, right Bro, this is the survivor we brought back. Points should be added, ha."
"Know, know."
The burly man was somewhat dissatisfied. If had smoke and alcohol, really good. That thing, on the cruise ship Lucky Star, is hard currency. No choice, could only select half, waved hand, let them leave.
Lam Pham followed Bro Trieu and his group. Survivors on the deck all gathered around. Some women hawked themselves, also some people begged them to reward something to eat.
"Scram! All of you scram for me!"
Bro Trieu and his group roared angrily, utterly ignoring that group. Want to live well here, then go out and find supplies. As long as have supplies, live all very well.
As for whether can return, just depends on fate. Anyway, not few people died at the hands of zombies.
Lam Pham calmly looked at these things.
These faces one by one were imprinted in his heart.
Left the deck, headed towards the living quarters.
"What are you following us for?" Bro Trieu, holding supplies, turned to look at Lam Pham. "Didn't I tell you before? We are only responsible for bringing you to Lucky Star. Never said wanted to take you along. You want to live well here, then go out and find supplies. As long as have supplies, you can live very well here. If not, then go to that deck and beg. Perhaps meet some kind-hearted person to give you something to eat, also not certain."
Lam Pham smiled, "I just arrived here, still not familiar with the situation here. Just wanted to take a look."
"Don't! Don't follow us! You want to get familiar, then go find someone else!" Bro Trieu pointed at Lam Pham, warned. Even if the opponent carried a sword on his back, mm, that's Frostmourne, he never took it to heart.
A survivor beside said, "Bro Trieu! Why talk so much nonsense with him?! Hurry and give me a bag of bread! I have to go find a girl to have some fun! Hehe!"
Bro Trieu looked at him, "Don't you get sick."
"Rest assured! I secretly hid a box of balloons just now!"
Hearing them talk.
Lam Pham felt this place might be much more complicated than he imagined. Although had relative order, but this kind of order was relatively ruthless.
Wanting to live here, then must find supplies oneself. Or rely on own advantages. Also, for example, women. If you don't dare go out to find supplies, then can only sell own body in exchange for food.
Of course, also some can earn supplies from survivors' hands, for example, doctors.
Watching them leave, Lam Pham casually moved around on the ship. Survivors here formed two contrasts. One type, spirit and energy all very good. Another type were fatigued, survivors full of despair for the future.
Walking, walking.
"What are you playing at?"
Lam Pham saw a survivor lifting a small child, as if wanting to throw it into the water, hurriedly spoke up to stop.
That survivor very puzzled, "Who are you?"
"What are you doing?"
Lam Pham approached, glanced over, found this child already no breath, thin as firewood, face sunken. Clearly hadn't eaten anything for a long time, starved to death alive.
This survivor ignored Lam Pham, directly threw the dead child down. Then glanced sideways at Lam Pham. That gaze as if saying, Don't babble with me. Babble again and will throw you down too.
He looked at that child floating on the water surface, mood somewhat heavy. Life on Lucky Star more cruel than he thought.
Saw those survivors, moving like soulless shells. For them, in such an apocalypse, being alive is good. What else good to think about?
At this time, he walked in a corridor. Beside were room after room of residences. A door ajar. Through the gap, saw two survivors inside: a female, also a small child.
Child was eating something.
The woman, as if sensing someone outside the door, opened it. Saw Lam Pham standing outside, face smiled charmingly, "Little handsome bro, want to relax a bit? Just two bags of bread is enough."
Lam Pham looked at the woman's eyes. He felt the opponent seemed nonchalant, living very freely. But in her eyes, no light.
Despair, helplessness.
He understood. Such a woman wasting her body, just wanted her child to survive.
"That's your child, right?"
The woman thought the opponent worried the child beside would affect, so hurriedly said, "It's okay! He's very good! I'll let him go out to play for a while first! Absolutely won't affect your mood!"
Lam Pham said softly, "Do you believe the future has hope?"
The woman's face showed surprise. Hope? Smiled bitterly, glanced at the child eating bread, "Handsome bro, didn't you also see it? Asking me, what use is that? I just want my child to survive."
Already despairing, like darkness thoroughly enveloping the world.
Hope, for the living, belongs to a kind of extravagant hope. Don't even have the courage to say it out loud.
Cruise ship top deck, large platform. A middle-aged man sat before a dining table, enjoying steak on one side, looking at the situation below on the other. He was the leader of the cruise ship Lucky Star, Ha Khanh.(Hạ Khánh -> Ha Khanh)
He was the emperor. And this group of survivors below were his slaves. Using the cruise ship as a protection point, built a simple yet brutal order.
What business tycoons, children of powerful families, etc., here all have to work collecting supplies. Those without any use live worse than dogs.
And he was the king controlling all this.
Why survivors clearly so numerous, yet no one dared to resist?
Definitely have means. Arranged the cruise ship cabins layer by layer. Each layer has managers. Just find the most pitiful, most resentful people from that layer, appropriately release some power to them.
People sunk in despair should understand even more how pitiful desperate people are. But when they possess some power, they no longer help those people, but fiercely manage, oppress, because they extremely like the power in hand.
Bottom-tier, once possessing even very little power, they will display the evil of human nature vividly.
Bottom-tier with a little power, towards bottom-tier with even lower status than themselves, all strike with deadly hands, bullying.
He understood this point, also utilized this point.