Chapter Thirty-Five: Farewell

After Wang Bing and the others divided up the weapons and food, they fixed their eyes on Qin Yu.

Seeing everyone sitting up straight and attentive before her, Qin Yu’s expression grew solemn as well. “Everyone, from today onward, we are embarking on a long and arduous struggle. I hope you are all mentally prepared…”

The group nodded resolutely.

Qin Yu continued, “Now, let me assign your respective tasks.”

“First, Wang Bing, you and your men do not possess any special abilities. However, as former soldiers, you’re stronger than the average person. At present, those with abilities are still a minority—most people in this base are ordinary. I want you to blend in with the common folk and recruit some skilled individuals who may not have special powers. If necessary, offer them support and let them follow you. Do you understand?”

Wang Bing nodded. “Understood.”

Qin Yu went on, “You must act discreetly and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Is that clear?”

Wang Bing and his men nodded again, accepting the orders.

Satisfied, Qin Yu then turned to Xia Cheng and Zhao Meng. “Xia Cheng, your ability is healing, which is invaluable in this post-apocalyptic world. But you must never reveal that you can purify as well. Xiao Meng, I know you have a strong sense of justice, but you mustn’t be so impulsive. Your fire ability is nearly at the third tier now. Remember, the most conspicuous are the first to be targeted—do not flaunt your powers.”

Zhao Meng, aware that Qin Yu was looking out for her, replied, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yu, I won’t cause any trouble.”

Xia Cheng chimed in, “Qin Yu, relax—I’ll keep a close eye on her. With me around, you have nothing to worry about.”

Qin Yu nodded at them both. “Good. Look out for each other.”

“So, what about you, boss?” Wang Bing asked curiously.

“I have other matters to attend to. Did you think those weapons and supplies came out of nowhere?” Qin Yu said with a faint smile.

“Just focus on your own tasks. Also, since many people know we arrived together, we need to put on a show to convince them we’ve had a falling out. That way, some will lower their guard against us. But this may also attract opportunists—don’t hesitate to deal with them. Stay alert at all times.”

Everyone nodded and, after organizing their belongings, left the room.

The following morning, the base was roused by the sound of an argument.

The group that had been harmonious just the day before was now loudly quarreling at the entrance.

Zhao Meng’s fiery voice rang out, “I thought you were my best friend! And yet you seduced my man! Shameless! I spit on you! From today on, you go your way, I’ll go mine!” With that, she dragged Xia Cheng away into the crowd. Only a few noticed that, before leaving, Zhao Meng subtly gestured with her fingers—her middle finger resting on her index. It was their secret sign, warning Qin Yu and Wang Bing to be cautious.

Qin Yu kept her head bowed in silence, seeming to accept the accusations.

Wang Bing, seeing the growing crowd, put on a pained expression and approached Qin Yu with a heavy heart. “Qin Yu, we’ve always respected and cared for you! Who would have thought you’d do such things? Not only did you seduce Brother Xia, but you also embezzled the supplies we risked our lives to gather! How can you live with yourself? Fine, Qin Yu, consider those supplies our last tribute to you. From now on, you go your way, and we’ll go ours. Farewell!”

With that, Wang Bing bowed deeply to Qin Yu and led his men away.

Instantly, the surrounding onlookers began to hurl even harsher accusations at Qin Yu.

At last, Qin Yu slowly raised her head, gazing at the faces around her—some mocking, some filled with disgust. The corner of her lips curled into a faint smile, and she spoke softly, “And what right do you have to judge me?”

Her words infuriated the crowd. One burly man rolled up his sleeves, declaring righteously, “People like you deserve to be shunned! Out! Get out of this base! Now!”

With someone taking the lead, the rest immediately echoed, “Get out! Out of the base!”

Qin Yu said nothing, quietly watching the farce unfold, her smile growing wider.

The crowd, thinking she was intimidated, moved to throw her out by force—until suddenly, a ball of water appeared in Qin Yu’s hand.

“An… ability user!” someone stammered. Silence fell.

People stole glances at Qin Yu, then hastily scattered. Only the occasional murmur of “She’s an ability user” lingered in the air.

Qin Yu surveyed the now-deserted area that had been buzzing with activity just moments ago, a hint of irony in her smile. So this was the apocalypse—a world where power reigned above all.

After a while, she turned and returned to her room. From her space, she retrieved a hat and a set of dark clothes. After dressing and checking her supplies (food to disguise the existence of her spatial ability), she slung her backpack over her shoulder and set out.

Within the base, the fastest way to build a reputation was undoubtedly at the mission center.

Here, all manner of tasks were available. Complete a mission, earn points, and trade them for food, weapons—even positions of authority.

If Qin Yu wanted to quickly make a name for herself and amass influence, this was the place to start.

Having already scouted the location, she headed straight there once she was ready.

Inside, she found many people at different counters, accepting various assignments. Qin Yu scanned the list of missions, considered her options, then walked over to the least crowded area.

Approaching the desk, she addressed the man engrossed in his paperwork. “Hello, I’d like to take this mission.”

The man looked up in surprise. “You want this mission?”

“Yes,” Qin Yu replied.

He craned his neck to look behind her, then, more astonished, asked, “Just you? Alone?”

“Is there a rule against that?” Qin Yu arched a brow.

“No, not exactly. Are you sure you’re on your own?” he repeated.

“I’m sure. Just me. Please give me the mission,” Qin Yu said.

“Oh, alright… Here’s the mission. Just register here,” he said, handing her a task card and pointing to a sheet of paper.

Qin Yu glanced at the details, quickly filled out the form, and made to leave.

“Be careful out there,” the man said, a hint of concern in his voice.

Qin Yu nodded, wordless, and strode out the door.

Those in the mission center were astonished to see her accept that particular assignment—especially alone. Even the Falcon Squad had failed that mission. Who was this mysterious person, daring to take it on solo? They tried to get a better look at her, but the brim of her hat was too wide, keeping her features hidden.