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Chen Liu’s voice was steady but unyielding. “Return the crystal, and we’ll call it even.” No one’s fooling me today, he thought, eyeing the bald man’s crossbow with interest but no illusions. A weapon that formidable was a survivor’s lifeline—only a fool would trade it away. The bald man grinned, his boldness bordering on arrogance. “No crystal, but I’ve got a machete. Take it or leave it.” He’s trying to bully us. Chen Liu’s patience was thinning. A seven-star mutated beast’s white crystal, worth double a standard seven-star crystal, was no small prize, especially in a city teeming with undead hordes.
The bald man’s greed was palpable, but Chen Liu chuckled, unfazed. As an eight-star Awakened, he feared no one—not even a nine-star, thanks to his mastery of the Axe Technique. “If you won’t hand it over, I’ll take it myself,” he said, stepping forward swiftly. He seized the bald man’s wrist, twisting it behind his back with practised force. Let’s see how tough you are, Chen Liu thought. The bald man laughed, his arm bulging with muscle. “Trying to match strength with me?” He’s an ability user, Chen Liu realised, feeling the growing resistance. Summoning the Axe Technique’s force principles, he clamped down like iron, locking the man’s arm. Hrrgh! The bald man’s face reddened, straining but unable to break free. His companions, once smirking, now watched with unease. The bald man’s E-rank “Innate Might” ability amplified his strength, yet Chen Liu overpowered him. He’s no match for an eight-star, Chen Liu thought, noting their shock. The bald man, a six-star Awakened like Zhang Chong, had only recently awakened, surviving the city under a stronger team’s protection.
“Return the crystal, and this ends here,” Chen Liu said, releasing him. The bald man, now with grudging respect, handed over the warm white crystal. Strength speaks louder than words, Chen Liu thought. “You need crystals that badly?” he asked. “Yes,” the bald man admitted bluntly. “How many for the crossbow?” Chen Liu pressed. “Ten seven-star white crystals,” the bald man replied, naming a steep price. He doesn’t need the crossbow with his strength, Chen Liu thought, recognising its mismatch with “Innate Might.” “Four,” he countered. “Six. No less,” the bald man insisted. Crossbows, more practical than scarce guns in Huaxia, were valuable for their reusable bolts. “Deal,” Chen Liu agreed, handing over his last two mutated beast crystals. The bald man, grinning, passed the crossbow, not without a bit of fear.
Back at the convoy, Chen Liu handed the crossbow to Yu Na. “This is team property for now. Use it, but if you want to keep it, save up three seven-star crystals.” She’s earned it, but fairness matters, he thought, halving the price as the team leader. Yu Na beamed, clutching the crossbow. After a moment, she offered it back, her expression serious. “Captain, you should use it. It’s wasted on me.” She’s putting the team first, Zhang Chong thought, surprised alongside Yu Dachao. Her restraint, despite her obvious desire, earned their respect. “I’m not using it,” Chen Liu said, smiling. “I’m a close-combat specialist. A crossbow would hinder my growth.” The Axe Manual demands focus, he thought, knowing that splitting his skills would weaken him.
The Three Forms emphasised raw power, not ranged precision.[^4] Convinced, Yu Na began practising with the crossbow, her movements eager but careful. Zhang Chong watched thoughtfully. With the machete and crossbow, we’re stronger now, he thought, noting how Yu Na’s proficiency could make her a core member. The sanatorium’s isolation had limited them; the wider world offered growth. That night, as they ate, Chen Liu noticed other convoys stealing glances. The scuffle made us stand out, he thought, unbothered. Strength drew eyes in the apocalypse.
The next morning, the convoy reached Liao City. The roads, cleared by the military, were free of wreckage or bloodstains, almost pre-apocalyptic in their order. Steady traffic added to the surreal calm. Is this really the end of the world? Chen Liu wondered, unsettled by the normalcy. At the city entrance, a military checkpoint screened newcomers to ensure the base’s safety. Relying on others feels wrong. Chen Liu felt a flicker of unease stirring. Before awakening, he’d never questioned such systems, but his power had shifted his mindset, fostering a quiet independence.