Chapter 461: Power Levels of Superhumans
Zhang Yi, no longer hiding the truth, explained to Bian Junwu how he had dealt with the zombie horde.
“In reality, I used flooding to handle the zombies.”
“I can’t claim to have cleared every zombie in the West Hill and Lu River Districts, but within a 50-kilometer radius, there hasn’t been any large-scale activity from zombies or mutated rats.”
After listening, Bian Junwu sipped his hot water before speaking.
“Why didn’t you tell the truth earlier? Was it to let them suffer greater losses because they attacked you before? Or are you hoping to become the king of Tianhai City?”
Zhang Yi responded calmly, neither humble nor overbearing.
“At first, I did think about getting back at them a little,” he admitted.
“Let’s be honest, you can tell the relationships between the five factions aren’t exactly friendly. If they weaken, I get stronger.”
Placing his teacup down, Zhang Yi folded his hands on his knees.
“You know how massive Tianhai City’s subway network is. I’m not capable of helping every faction.
“Besides, I don’t think my method solves the root problem. As long as the Zombie King exists, the zombies will keep coming.”
Bian Junwu didn’t refute this but instead asked, “Have you ever seen the Zombie King?”
Zhang Yi shook his head.
“No, but I’m sure it exists.
“Think about it—zombies attack places with large human populations. Yet, our shelter only has nine people, and we rarely go out. Why would a horde target us?”
A subtle, meaningful smile appeared on Zhang Yi’s face.
He fixed his gaze on Bian Junwu and said slowly, “Zombies choose their targets. Someone is deliberately targeting the five factions.”
Bian Junwu regarded him for a moment before breaking into a smile.
“You’re as clever as I thought.”
Zhang Yi shook his head.
“It’s not wisdom, just a bit of cunning—enough to keep me alive in this apocalypse.”
Bian Junwu had already formed some conclusions of his own.
While Zhang Yi’s method wasn’t a permanent solution, it could maintain stability in certain areas if used judiciously.
However, overuse could provoke the zombies into overwhelming the city, which would require extensive preparation to manage.
The key lay in uncovering the Zombie King’s location and nature to execute a decisive strike.
“You have great potential. I’d guess you’re at the Delta level. Have you considered leaving this small corner of the world and making a name for yourself in the Jiangnan District?”
Bian Junwu extended an olive branch to Zhang Yi.
Intrigued, Zhang Yi asked, “Wait a second. What’s this Delta level you mentioned?”
Bian Junwu realized Zhang Yi wasn’t familiar with professional classifications of superhumans and chuckled.
“It’s not a secret. Let me explain.”
He asked Zhang Yi, “When do you think superhumans first appeared?”
Zhang Yi didn’t hesitate. “After gamma rays swept across Blue Star, during the Ice Age.”
“Wrong!” Bian Junwu immediately corrected him.
“Human mutation has existed throughout history.
“From an evolutionary perspective, all life is constantly mutating. Beneficial mutations improve survival, leading to greater reproductive success and passing those traits to the next generation.
“Even humans today are almost an entirely different species compared to our ancestors millions of years ago.
“Throughout this process, a small fraction of the population has always exhibited special abilities—be it extraordinary strength, unusual talents, or freakish deformities. They were the original superhumans.”
Taking another sip of water, Bian Junwu’s expression turned serious.
“Superhumans have always existed. What’s different now is the sheer scale of these mutations.”
“External factors have stimulated genetic changes across entire populations, resulting in countless superhumans.”
“And yet, global research into human mutation began long before this, including the classification of superhumans into levels.”
Zhang Yi crossed his arms, nodding. “I’ve heard of the six major categories of superhumans. But how are their levels determined?”
Bian Junwu explained:
“Currently, there’s an internationally recognized standard for categorizing superhumans.
“First is Alpha level, or LV1. Their mutations are weak and lack potential for growth, showing only a fraction of extraordinary strength. These superhumans are merely stronger than ordinary people.
“Next is Beta level, LV2. Stronger than Alpha, they possess the peak capabilities of elite human warriors but still lack significant growth potential.
“Then comes Gamma level, LV3. This level marks the emergence of truly formidable powers.
“Whether it’s the ability to fight hundreds or a highly specialized auxiliary skill, Gamma-level superhumans are forces to be reckoned with.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yi thought of Uncle You and Fatty Xu. They likely belonged to the Gamma level, as their abilities could rival entire battalions.
“What’s next?” Zhang Yi asked curiously.
Bian Junwu continued, “The next tier is where things get extraordinary.
“Delta level, LV4! The hallmark of this level is the ability to absorb the energy of other superhumans to enhance oneself.”
Zhang Yi’s eyes widened in realization.
An answer to one of his long-standing questions had finally been revealed.
No wonder he, Hua Hua, and Liang Yue could absorb other abilities, while Uncle You and Fatty Xu could not.
“Delta-level superhumans may not initially display strength exceeding the previous tiers, but their potential for growth is unparalleled. They evolve continuously, reaching unimaginable heights before plateauing.
“For now, I estimate that you—and the leaders of the other factions—are at this level.”
Zhang Yi silently repeated the term “Delta” in his mind.
Receiving such a high evaluation from Bian Junwu, placing him at LV4 among superhumans, was certainly no small praise.
“And beyond that?” Zhang Yi pressed.
Bian Junwu’s tone grew somber.
“Above Delta is the pinnacle—Epsilon level, LV5.”
“Epsilon-level superhumans represent the world’s strongest. They are national treasures, capable of both absorbing other superhuman energies and wielding devastatingly powerful abilities.
“Each one is a strategic asset on a global scale.”
Zhang Yi couldn’t help but ask, “Are you an Epsilon-level superhuman?”
The memory of Bian Junwu’s single strike obliterating thousands of zombies still left him in awe.
Bian Junwu smiled faintly but shook his head.
“No, I’m only at the Delta level.”
Zhang Yi took a deep breath.
“If even you’re only at the Delta level, I can’t imagine how terrifying an Epsilon-level superhuman must be!”