"Aliens releasing a zombie virus to evolve both humans and zombies, could it be that they see our planet as a lab and we are merely test subjects, to see who among humans and zombies will evolve into something more perfect?"
"Truth often lies amid wild speculation."
"So, when we research the zombie virus, we’re actually fighting against aliens, huh? Just thinking about it makes me feel like we’re doing something incredibly significant."
Lin Fan read the chat in the group, but didn’t chime in for a while.
Who would have thought that a group of highly educated professors and experts would start to let their imaginations run wild too.
He looked at the furiously storming weather outside, and felt the urge to jump straight up and break through the Earth’s atmosphere to see if space was filled with alien fleets surrounding their planet, observing them.
The thunderstorm continued until three or four in the morning.
Some people slept soundly despite the thunderous noise.
Others were glued to their windows, spellbound by the pouring rain.
People often find themselves gazing at the scenery outside during such extraordinary times, thinking about things and people that are both depressing and sad.
But gradually, some sleeping individuals furrowed their brows, their bodies trembling from time to time.
It was unclear whether they were having nightmares or their bodies were undergoing changes.
As for Lin Fan, he was purely enjoying the storm, listening to the dense sound of raindrops hitting the ground, finding the pitter-patter quite soothing.
There were no zombies in Huang City, so he wasn’t worried about zombies undergoing any changes there.
Lin Fan went out to the balcony and took a deep breath. The thunderstorm had seemed fierce, but after it ended, everything turned out fine. The world, having been washed clean, had air that was so fresh, it was revitalizing.
He sent messages in the management group chat.
Lin Fan, "Last night’s thunderstorm was the same as before, but it covered a wide area, spanning the entire globe. Zombies will evolve after a thunderstorm, and humans will see the emergence of Awakeners. Ask around to see if anyone has become an Awakener."
Wang Kai, "Roger that. I didn’t realize thunderstorms were so useful. Too bad, I didn’t become an Awakener."
Gu Hang, "Okay, I’ll ask in the group."
Gu Hang had always hoped to become an Awakener himself; he really wanted to be one. It was just unfortunate that he still wasn’t an Awakener, which left him feeling quite helpless.
Guan Hao, "Lin bro, I think I might have become an Awakener. When I woke up, I found I had abs, and there’s this immense strength inside me, like it’s inexhaustible."
Ahai, "Congrats to my bro Hao."
Xu Zeyang, "This isn’t scientific, my goodness."
Wen Jie, "I’m genuinely jealous."
Lin Fan saw Guan Hao’s message and, sure enough, it matched his thoughts. With so many survivors in the Sunshine Shelter, there were bound to be some who had become Awakeners.
Just as he was about to reply.
Guan Hao sent a voice message. Upon playing it, Lin Fan could hear the utmost excitement in Guan Hao’s voice.
"Hahaha... I’m an Awakener, I’ve become an Awakener! Lin bro, I’ve finally made it. Guan Hao of the Sunshine Shelter is requesting a crystal upgrade. As an Awakener, I will work even harder to protect the gates of the Sunshine Shelter."
In the various rooms of the Sunshine Shelter.
All the people in the management group opened Guan Hao’s voice message.
Anyone could hear just how thrilled Guan Hao was.
It was like everyone had bought a lottery ticket, all believing that they would surely win, but in the end, the grand prize fell to someone close by. It was such a sour feeling to even think about.
Standing up, truly standing up.
Take Wang Kai for example, he was truly numb.
Tears uncontrollably wanted to flow down, wondering why this had happened, why.
But even though he was really bitter, Wang Kai wiped away his tears and began sending messages in other groups, inquiring if there were any other Awakeners.
"Lin bro, after last night’s thunderstorm, a total of seven Awakeners have emerged in the Sunshine Shelter, they’re all here," Wang Kai said, his gaze lingering on Tingting’s father, Chen He.
Darn it, it wasn’t just Guan Hao who was an Awakener among people he knew, but even Chen He, who always played the role of an internet specialist, had damn well become an Awakener.
Lin Fan looked at them.
All seven new Awakeners appeared very excited.
They had all seen the Zombie Album, knowing what it meant to be an Awakener, which was to stand apart from ordinary people and become a strong force in this apocalyptic world.
Of course, their excitement wasn’t about wanting to rule over others. In reality, life would surely continue as usual, with no changes.
After all, this was the Sunshine Shelter.
Did they really think that becoming an Awakener meant they could do whatever they wanted?
If anyone dared cause trouble here, it wouldn’t just be Lin Fan who would take action—the other survivors would teach them a lesson in humanity.
Lin Fan said, "Report on your abilities."
Guan Hao stood tall and proud, "Big bro, my ability is strength. I’ve become a Strength Awakener."
After saying that, he held his head high again.
He even nodded confidently at Wang Kai, flashing a self-assured smile.
Wang Kai blinked, tilting his head to look up at the sky, wishing with all his might that the clear skies would darken once more, bringing another thunderstorm. He was literally begging, "Please let me become an Awakener."
He thought about how he had contributed his all for the Sunshine Shelter, dedicated everything without asking for recognition or reward. And Wang Kai was not the kind of person to dwell on hard work without credit—he wanted to earn his kudos.